The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Why You’re Exactly Where God Wants YouIn Acts 17:26–27, Scripture reveals that God has intentionally placed you in this exact time and place in history. Your location, your generation, your circumstances—none of it is random. God designed your life with purpose so you would seek Him, grow in faith, and reflect His love to others. This devotional encourages you to stop wishing you were elsewhere and start recognizing the divine appointments in your everyday life. ✨ Highlights ✅ God’s divine timing is perfect—you were born for this generation. ✅ Your location matters—God placed you exactly where He wants to use you. ✅ Every opportunity and relationship is part of God’s bigger plan to draw you closer. ✅ Spiritual growth happens when we seek God in our current season, not a future one. ✅ You reflect God's light best right where you are. 💬 Join the Conversation How has God shown up in your here and now?Share your story on social and use #DivinelyPlaced to inspire others to trust God’s timing. Don’t forget to tag @LifeAudioNetwork so we can share how God is working through everyday lives! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God’s Appointments for You By: Whitney Hopler “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” – Acts 17:26-27, NIV I sometimes fantasize for fun about what it would be like to live in other times in history and places in the world. If I had access to a time and space travel machine, I would love to use it to visit all sorts of eras and locations. I would visit my grandfather Jim, who died before I was born, at one of the general stores he operated in the 1930s and 1940s here in Virginia. Then I’d travel over to California to visit some of the classic movie stars whose movies I’ve enjoyed. Dialing back farther in history, I’d travel to meet a variety of world leaders and inventors I admire. Of course, I’d also visit Jesus during his earthly life. Beyond the past, I’d also enjoy traveling to the future – maybe to meet each of my great grandchildren in the places where they’ll be living then. But there’s one important factor in all that: the ability to return to my own time and place. I’d cancel all my trips back into history or forward into the future if they wouldn’t be round trips back to my life here and now. That’s because I want to fulfill God’s purposes for my life as he planned it. Acts 17:26-27 reveals that God has intentionally placed every one of us exactly where we are, at this specific time in history. He has good purposes for the times and places he appoints for each of us. God, in his unlimited wisdom and power, determined the exact time you would be born and the specific place where you would live. God has made divine appointments for your life! Why? The passage says it’s because God wants you to seek him and find him when you reach out. Every situation you face, every person you encounter, and every opportunity that comes to you in your life here and now is part of God’s plan to draw you closer to him by helping you grow spiritually. God knows the spiritual environment of your time and place. He understands the unique temptations and opportunities that exist when and where he’s appointed you to live. God has also given you everything you need to shine a light in the darkness of our fallen world here and now. The people around you – your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more – are also there by God’s design. God has placed you among them for reasons that relate to his good purposes for all of your souls together. Your unique experiences and perspectives are shaped by your “appointed time and boundaries”. That helps you connect with the people you know in ways that someone from a different era or place couldn’t connect. Beyond giving you these specific appointments, God is present with you each day as you live them out. As this Bible passage says, God is not far from you. You can experience the wonder of God’s work in your life every day as you pay attention to it and let it inspire you with awe. So, the next time you find yourself fantasizing about living in another time and place, take a break to pray. Ask God what he wants to accomplish through you right here and right now. Embrace the reality that you are exactly where you’re meant to be, at exactly the right time in history. God has appointed you to live your life in this time and place, and he wants you to make the most of this opportunity by reaching out, growing spiritually, and enjoying a closer relationship with him. Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider God’s appointments for your life, reflect on these questions: What are some of the unique aspects of this time in history and this place in the world where you currently live? How has God blessed you in ways that relate to living in this exact time and place? How do you think your specific circumstances may be helping you draw closer to God? How can you actively “seek him and reach out for him and find him” in your life today? What is one way you can embrace God’s appointments for your life and live out God’s purposes for you this week? Further Reading Jeremiah 29:11 Ephesians 2:10 Psalm 139:13-16 Romans 8:28 Philippians 1:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A deep, personal devotional from Vivian Bricker. When life unraveled after the death of her mother, Vivian found herself standing at a spiritual crossroads. Her story is honest, raw, and deeply relatable. She trusted Jesus for salvation—but everyday faith? That was harder. Like many of us, she knew the truth in her head before it reached her heart. She believed God could heal and redeem, but wrestled with why He hadn’t stopped the pain in the first place. Yet through grief, studying Scripture, and time in His presence, her fragile faith grew into deep trust—one small act of belief at a time. ✨ Highlights: We often trust God with eternity but struggle to trust Him with tomorrow. True faith isn’t blind; it’s based on knowing God’s heart and seeing His faithfulness. Jesus still turns toward us, sees us, and says, “Take heart, daughter.” Faith grows when we take our pain to Jesus instead of pushing Him away. 💬 Join the Conversation:How has Jesus strengthened your faith through hardship? Share your story with us using #FaithThatHeals and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. Let’s encourage each other to trust Him—one faithful step at a time. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: A Story of Great Faith By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment” (Matthew 9:22). When I turned eighteen years old, my entire life changed. What was once a life filled with routine and reliable schedules quickly unfolded into a confusing spiral of chaos. After my mom passed away, I didn’t know what to do, and I couldn’t find hope in anything or anyone. However, the one person I knew I could trust was Jesus. I placed faith in Jesus shortly after my mom passed away, and He brought hope into my heart. While accepting Jesus didn’t fix all my problems right away, He gave me comfort. I was already enrolled at a Christian Bible college, so I was able to start learning about Him more. I soaked up all the knowledge about the Lord, yet I still struggled with one vital piece: faith. I had faith in Jesus to save me from my sins, but I struggled to have faith in Him for the normal parts of everyday life. A part of me was still holding onto the argument that He could have prevented my mom from passing away, and the other part of me just wanted comfort from His love. As I started to grow in my relationship with Jesus, I began to trust Him more. My faith started to grow, and I began having faith in Him for all things. No matter how big or how small the concern was, I trusted that Jesus could fix it. And He has and I have faith in Him to continue to be by my side. The same is true for you, as Jesus is always by your side and He is worthy of your faith. When we have faith in the Lord, we are not blindly trusting in Him. Rather, we have faith in Him because we know Him and we have seen His amazing work in our lives. While it is true that Jesus could have prevented my mom from passing, it was her time to go. She was young, but she is no longer in pain. I miss my mom very much, yet I’m glad she doesn’t have to be in pain anymore, and she is with the Lord. It took me years to finally accept my mom’s death and to see any good that came from it, yet faith helps us to see these things. The more we trust in Jesus, the greater our faith will become. He can work all things out for His good, even bad things (Romans 8:28). Intersecting Faith & Life: Matthew 9:22 records, “Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.” In broader context, the woman Jesus is speaking to was struggling with an issue of blood. She had been in pain and suffering for 12 years with no help from doctors (Luke 8:43-48). She thought if she could just touch Jesus’ cloak, she would be healed (Matthew 9:21). The Lord saw her great faith and told her to take heart; her faith had healed her. From that very moment, the woman was cured. Just because of her faith in the Lord, she was cured from her long 12 years of suffering. Through this example, we see the importance of having great faith. We all need to strive to have the same faith as this woman. We can start applying this type of faith in our lives by trusting the Lord. Rather than only trusting Him with our salvation, we need to have faith that He will provide, care, and protect us from all things. He is completely worthy of our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, read about Him in the Bible, and go to Him in prayer, the greater our faith will grow. With time, our faith can be as strong as the faith of the woman with the issue of blood. “Dear Lord, please help me to have great faith in You. I have often struggled at times, but I know You are completely worthy of my trust. Help my faith to be just as strong as the woman You healed with the issue of blood. I praise You and I thank You. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.” How strong is your faith? Is it as strong as the woman with the issue of blood? What ways can you increase your faith in Jesus this week? What is holding you back from trusting the Lord with every part of your life? Further Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 John 14:1 Romans 1:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Don’t Let Anger Win: Reconciliation Over RetaliationMatthew 5:23-24 reminds us of something radical: God values restored relationships even more than religious rituals. In this heartfelt reflection, the author shares how God transformed her marriage—not through dramatic breakthroughs, but through a thousand quiet nudges toward humility, grace, and emotional honesty. Worship didn’t erase the tension overnight, but as she sat in God’s presence week after week, He slowly softened her heart. He gave her eyes to see her husband’s pain, not just her own. And in that holy space, she learned that bitterness may feel justified—but it will never satisfy. 🔥 Key Themes: Relationships matter deeply to God—so deeply He tells us to press pause on worship until we pursue peace. Anger escalates when left unchecked. Jesus knew that unchecked resentment often leads to destruction. Reconciliation doesn’t guarantee perfect resolution, but it keeps your heart soft, open, and aligned with God’s mercy. Emotional maturity means choosing connection over being right. 🕊️ “We experience the most peace, in our souls and relationships, when we learn to deal with our emotions before we begin to devalue the other person.” 💬 Join the Conversation:Where is God calling you to make the first move toward peace? Let’s talk about the beauty (and the bravery) of reconciliation using #FightForPeace and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24, NIV). As someone navigating through some challenging and confusing relationships, this passage brings me comfort. While it doesn’t guarantee reconciliation, or a life filled with deep, safe, and fulfilling connections—even when I actively pursue such things—it does assure me that my relationships matter to God. In fact, they matter more to Him than my Sunday morning worship and my most generous and sacrificial tithe. This was a message He often conveyed to me, back when I was a relatively new and extremely immature wife and Christ-follower who’d spent years learning to hold grudges rather than choosing to forgive. Back then, it seemed like my husband and I were always fighting about something. Sadly, in our selfishness and pride, we often cared more about winning an argument than investing in the health of our marriage. If not for God’s gentle, but steady, intervention, we probably would’ve divorced before our daughter’s fifth birthday. Instead, the Lord nudged me to abandon my childish desire to prove myself right—getting my husband to admit to this, of course, with ample apology—and to choose gentle, gracious love instead. In short, to fight for our marriage, rather than against it. This often occurred during church. I’d walk into the sanctuary frustrated, ruminating on some perceived injustice, expecting my husband to bridge the gap our anger had created between us. But then, inevitably, once the music started and I began to sing God’s praises, I’d sense Him softening my heart by allowing me to see my husband’s. As I sat in the Lord’s presence, He slowly replaced my bitterness and resentment with compassion and grace. In short, He brought a holy perspective to my otherwise selfish and deceived mind, while reminding me of times when I’d behaved in a similar fashion. I find it challenging to remain upset with someone for hurting me in the same way I have them or someone else. Not only does this holy realization remind me of God’s mercy toward me, for a lifetime of thoughtless acts. But in that space, I’m also more apt to recall the reasons behind my past behaviors, which helps me view theirs with more curiosity and understanding and less contempt. The Lord’s love, for me and my husband, and our relationship—elevates my view, helping me to respond to conflict less like a wounded toddler prone to lashing out and more like the mature, Spirit-led adult I am, by God’s grace, becoming. While this might feel like “losing” in the moment, it positions me to win in the ways that matter most. Living this way also helps me avoid the sting of regret that comes when we feed and unleash, rather than prayerfully process, our anger and make the situation worse, potentially irreparably so. This seems to be Christ’s warning in His words that follow. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court,” He said in verse 25. Otherwise, we might find ourselves hit with a heavy ruling, a verdict, we didn’t anticipate. Like relationships shattered over matters we could have, by God’s grace, resolved. This is where I find His instructions in verses 21-22, where He equated hateful thoughts with murder, helpful. In this, He let us know that one doesn’t typically jump from offense to homicide. Most often, murder comes after someone’s hurt turns to a settled anger where they’ve rehashed the emotional blow, attaching other violations to it until they’ve amassed a long list of wrongs that vilify the “offender” while, typically, minimizing the ways they’ve caused the other person pain. Intersecting Life and Faith We experience the most peace, in our souls and relationships, when we learn to deal with our emotions before we begin to devalue the other person. That was the message Jesus conveyed when He warned us against calling others worthless (raca in the original Greek), or a fool. May we, God’s beloved, redeemed and empowered children never allow our anger to become so strong and unmitigated that we become unable to see the other person’s value as a human being created in the image of God. I don’t mean to suggest this is easy. In fact, there are times when doing so will feel excruciatingly hard, if not impossible. But that’s when Jesus’s words at the beginning of the chapter can prove so helpful. When we remember that He sees our pain, every injustice we experience, and promises to reward our every obedient act, we feel less compelled to vindicate ourselves. We’re better able to trust Him to work all things for our good and His glory, and often, He does His most beautiful work in those very relationships we otherwise might have destroyed. Because our God is for us—for our joy, peace and relational fulfilment. Further Reading: Matthew 7:1-5 Colossians 7:1-5 Psalm 34:12-14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your Light Matters More Than You Know: May Patterson paints a vivid picture of the firefly—tiny, unaware, yet radiant. It doesn't overthink or second-guess. It just shines. And that’s exactly what we’re called to do as believers. You don’t have to be flashy or famous. You don’t even need to feel impactful. You just need to let the light of Christ overflow in your everyday life—through kindness, faithfulness, sacrifice, and praise. When you do, you’re fulfilling a God-given purpose that makes this dark world just a little brighter. 💡 Key Takeaways: You don’t have to create the light—just reflect the One who is Light Small acts of love and faithfulness are sparks that push back the dark You may never see the full effect of your light—but it still matters deeply When we all shine together, the result is stunning 📖 “Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16 (TLB) 🕯️ So go ahead—shine on. The world needs your spark. 💬 Join the Conversation:How are you letting your light shine this week? Share your glow with us using #ShineAnyway and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Don’t Hide Your Light Today, Let It Shine! By May Patterson Bible Reading:“Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” Matt. 5:16 TLB The firefly’s only purpose (that I know of) is to shine its light in the dark. But does it know how beautiful its light is? No. The firefly doesn’t know how shining its one little light produces a wondrous spark in the inky darkness. It can’t see how its light combines with the lights of its pals to make a summer night beautiful. No, the firefly has no concept of any of these things. It simply shines. And when it does, it fulfills its God-given role. Maybe we’re like that. As Christians, we also have a light to shine. It may not seem grand, or important, or impactful—and maybe, it’s not. But when you do what God calls you to do, when you take on an opportunity He places in your path, it provides light, beauty and even a bit of wonder to our dark world. If we all let our lights shine, it would be quite a show. Intersecting Faith & Life: So, what does it mean to “shine your light?” Here’s a few ideas: Recognize that you don’t have to produce the light, you simply have to reflect it. So, spend some time with the Lord today. Ask Him to make His face shine upon you and to fill you with His beautiful light. Then go out today and shine! Simply let the Lord’s light overflow from your heart. You can do this by reflecting God’s character in all that you do. Shine brightly today: By valuing your children. By respecting your neighbor. By helping a tired mother carry her load. By upholding your marriage vows. By being kind. By expressing gratitude to God and to others. By striving for purity in your speech and thoughts. By sacrificing for your family without complaining. By forgiving someone who has wronged you. By praising the Lord throughout your day. As you reflect God’s character, you will shine out like a star against the utter darkness of the world. Shining your light brings light, beauty and love into places that desperately need it. The Bible says: “. . . Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Phil. 2:14 NLT Like the firefly, you may never realize how beautiful your light is. You may never see how it impacts others. You may never grasp how it fulfills God’s purpose. But that doesn’t matter. Simply let your light shine, today. And if we all do that, it will be quite a show. Further Reading: Daniel 12:2-4 Phil 2:14-16 1 John 1:5-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Silence the Storm WithinMegan J. Conner writes and speaks with raw honesty about the inner chaos that often begins before our feet even hit the floor. With candid vulnerability, she describes anxious thoughts that arrive uninvited and swirl like storms. But through Scripture—especially Psalm 131 and the calming of the storm in Luke 8—she reminds us of the One who speaks “Peace, be still” to our restless minds. Even in our spiraling thoughts, God is present. He doesn’t condemn us for the clamor; instead, He invites us into quiet, into trust, and into peace. Like a weaned child resting in safety, our souls can find calm in His embrace. 🕊️ Key Takeaways: Like the disciples in the boat, we panic, but Jesus invites us to rest in faith The Lord speaks peace into our loudest, most anxious moments Identifying when and where anxious thoughts arise helps us proactively respond Time in God’s presence—through prayer, Scripture, and worship—brings soul-level quiet God is not overwhelmed by your worries; He’s already in the boat with you 📖 “I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.” – Psalm 131:2 (NLT) 💬 Join the Conversation:When does the “noise” hit you hardest—and how do you seek God’s peace in the middle of it? Share your quieting practices using #StillMySoul and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Quieting the Noise By Megan J. Conner “Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Ps. 131: 2 (NLT) “And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!” I greet the day with clamoring, incessant thoughts. From the moment I open my eyes, I am bombarded with swirling shouts. Though silent to others around me, the projected worries and cares forecast every worst-case scenario I can imagine. Perhaps you can relate… Like a runaway train, your racing thoughts propel you far down the tracks of anxiety, where you feel the need to grasp for control of something… anything. My heart feels battle-weary, and my feet have yet to even hit the floor. I grab my cup of coffee and my Bible, sit in my favorite chair, and begin to ask the Lord to calm the seas raging within me. “One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25 (NIV). Like the disciples in the gospel of Luke, I have a tendency to look at the wind and the waves and panic rather than rest in Him. Why is it that our fears and unwieldy thoughts can so easily overshadow that which we know to be true? Despite my anxious state, I know that the Lord holds all things in His hands. That He is working for my good and not my demise (Rom. 8:28). I know that His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts (Isa. 55:8-9). Yet, when the noise arises, it demands attention. Often it creeps in unnoticed, one thought enters in, then another, until the volume is turned up so loud it starts to drown out my sanity. And then I hear that still small voice whisper, “Where is your faith?” Though convicted, I repent with gratitude. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, I wouldn’t recognize my downward spiraling thoughts. My mind was wandering towards the darkness, but He beckoned me back into the light. There, I intentionally quiet my soul. I remind myself to be still, and know He is God (Ps. 46:10). And one incessant thought at a time, I surrender each care to the One who walks on water and calms the seas. He says, “peace be still.” He can be trusted. He, and He alone, is in control of all things. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you struggle with clamoring thoughts that steal your peace? Do you feel like it is impossible to quiet your mind? If so, are you able to identify when and/or where you feel most plagued by doubts and concerns? I have noticed I struggle the most early in the mornings, or when driving in the car. It is so easy to let my mind wander during both of these situations. Can you identify a similar pattern in your life? If so, how does recognizing how or when you are likely to fall victim to runaway thoughts help you to proactively combat them? Take some time today to pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you when you are most vulnerable to the storms of anxious thoughts. Are there specific moments or situations that trigger such thinking? Once identified, come up with one to two proactive efforts that can help stay the winds of worry. For me, my morning time with the Lord helps quiet the noise that greets me each sunrise, and listening to worship music in the car can help combat the wandering thoughts that so easily creep in while I am driving. I encourage you to seek out your own ways to help quiet your soul. Further Reading: Rom. 8 Isa. 55:8-9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Faith Lit the Fire of Freedom. Lynette Kittle reminds us that the fight for liberty wasn’t just political—it was deeply spiritual. John Adams and other Founding Fathers understood that freedom begins with God. Influenced by the Great Awakening, their pursuit of independence was undergirded by prayer, Scripture, and a firm belief in God’s providence. From James Madison’s defense of religious liberty to Benjamin Franklin’s reflections on virtue and morality, America’s foundations were built on the understanding that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 🎇 Key Takeaways: The Declaration of Independence was born not just of revolution, but of revival John Adams envisioned July 4 as a day of “solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty” The Great Awakening helped prepare hearts for liberty Founders like Madison and Franklin saw virtue and faith as pillars of civil society Our freedom today rests on a foundation of spiritual conviction 📖 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13 💬 Join the Conversation:How does your faith inspire you to steward your freedom well? Share your reflections with us using #FaithAndFreedom and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: America’s Founders’ Faith behind the Declaration of Independence By Lynette Kittle “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love”--Galatians 5:13 On July 3, 1776, Founding Father and First Vice President and Second President of the United States John Adams wrote to his beloved wife, Abigail, about the high price of freedom paid to construct the Declaration of Independence. “You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.” Adams is also noted as saying that the American Revolution was preceded a generation or so by the spiritual revival in the hearts and minds of the people. America’s Spiritual Awakening Led to Freedom As Christian historians believe, the spread of “The Great Awakening” across the colonies greatly influenced and strengthened Patriot leaders leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, where prayer and fasting played a critical role in helping America to establish its freedom. “The Great Awakening absolutely helped the cause of independence,” writes author, historian, and Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombe. “Even before the Great Awakening, the ministers, especially the ones from New England, helped shape the thinking of the Colonists as to their God-given rights. Meanwhile, a lot of Bible-based views were circulating long before the Great Awakening. That movement helped re-awaken people’s commitment to God and the Church.” Adams supported the spiritual awakening in our country, seeming to recognize and make the connection to where true freedom originates. As 2 Corinthians 3:17, explains, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” As well, in regard to the Declaration of Independence, Adams wrote to his wife, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other, from this Time forward forever more.” Faith of Our Founding Fathers Along with Adams, our Founding Fathers included men who believed in God and His providence in establishing the United States of America. Called the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison, who became our nation’s 4th President, was pivotal in the drafting of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. Beginning as a state legislator in 1776, Madison worked heartedly to ensure there would be no federal religion imposed on citizens. He argued tirelessly for freedom of religion rights during the making of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, demanding the wording be changed from citizens having their religion fully tolerated to having the “free exercise of religion.” Madison firmly stood his ground and strongly believed the government had no right to direct an individual’s religion because it is a matter of conscience, which he spelled out in his influential petition called “Memorial and Remonstrance,” containing 15 arguments against government support of churches. Likewise, Benjamin Franklin’s writings recognize and reveal his respect for Christians and how they were influential in lowering crime and raising interest in self-government. During the Great Awakening, it’s estimated that three out of every four colonists became Christians. Franklin is noted for saying, “A Bible and a newspaper in every house, a good school in every district, all studied and appreciated as they merit, are the principal supports of virtue, morality, and civil liberty.” Miracles in American History author, historian, and speaker, William J. Federer, writes, “In defending the Declaration, Adams told the Continental Congress, July 1, 1776: ‘Live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence forever!’” Intersecting Faith & Life: As you celebrate July 4th and the Declaration of Independence, consider the faith of our Founding Fathers behind its creation. Thank God for their fortitude, bravery, and boldness in paving the way for the freedom we in our nation enjoy each and every day. Further Reading: How the Church Paved the Way for America’s Freedom https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/america/how-the-church-paved-the-way-for-americas-freedom.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You were made to shine.In “Shine Your Light,” Whitney Hopler invites us to reflect on the purpose of our spiritual glow. Just as fireflies light up the night without effort, we’re called to radiate the hope, peace, and goodness of God. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 5: your light isn’t for hiding—it’s for helping others see Him. When we live in kindness, walk in integrity, and reflect His love, people notice. And that’s the point—not to spotlight ourselves, but to glorify our Father in heaven. Key Takeaways: Your light is a gift from God—meant to shine Good deeds rooted in love and faith point people back to God Fireflies don’t strain to shine; they glow because it’s what they were created to do You were made to shine in the same way—naturally and boldly Don’t let the world’s darkness convince you to dim your light 📖 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16, NIV. 💬 Join the Conversation:What does letting your light shine look like in your everyday life? Share your story with us using #ShineWithoutFear and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Shine Your Light By: Whitney Hopler “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16, NIV Every summer, I search for fireflies on my evening walks. I get excited every time I see the lawns in my neighborhood come alive with their tiny, dancing lights. Depending on the species, some fireflies shine white, and others shine yellow, as they illuminate the darkness. They don’t try to hide their glow. They simply shine, by instinct, as God designed them to do. For a few wondrous hours on summer nights, fireflies inspire us to think about how light is greater than darkness. We often find ourselves facing spiritual darkness in this fallen and broken world. It can feel overwhelming, but we can always find light when we’re surrounded by darkness. That’s because Jesus is the Light of the World who offers everyone hope, and he tells us in this Bible passage that we have spiritual light in our souls that we’re meant to shine brightly. When you invite Jesus into your life, his loving light begins to shine through you. Your life reflects the reality of God’s hope in a world that desperately needs it – as long as you let your light shine by living out your faith. Jesus uses two powerful images to illustrate his point. He speaks of a town built on a hill, where it’s visible to everyone. Your God-given light isn’t meant to be hidden; it’s meant to be seen. Jesus also mentions lighting a lamp. No one lights a lamp only to hide it under a bowl. The point of lighting a lamp is to dispel the darkness to help people see. As Jesus says, people place a lamp on a stand, where its glow can reach everyone around it. Your light isn’t just for you. It’s meant to benefit others. What does it mean to “let your light shine before others”? It means living out your faith in ways that show people God’s light shining through your life. If you do your best to live a holy life, people will see God’s light shining through you. Spend time in prayer, read God’s Word, and seek to understand how God wants you to live. As you do, God’s Holy Spirit will empower you to live in a way that naturally reflects God’s light. You can ask Jesus to help you choose kind words and actions every day, make decisions with honesty and integrity, help people in need generously, forgive people instead of holding onto grudges, and everything else Jesus leads you to do, day by day. The more you do what Jesus inspires you to do, the brighter your light will shine to the people around you. Jesus says that your good deeds are meant to point people to God. When people see the love, peace, and joy that radiate from you, they should be able to connect it back to the source of that spiritual light – God. Then, they’ll be inspired to glorify God. Don’t let this world’s darkness dim your unique glow. God has called you to shine the light he has given you as brightly as you can, to show people the way to hope. Just as a town on a hill can’t be hidden and a lamp’s light is supposed to be seen well, your life is designed to reveal God’s love to people who need it. So, shine on, because the world needs your light! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to shine your God-given light, reflect on these questions: When have you experienced someone else’s light pointing you toward God’s hope during a dark time? In what ways do you feel you are currently shining your light? Are there any areas in your life where you feel like you’ve been “hiding your lamp under a bowl”? What is one small step you can take this week to intentionally “let your light shine” for God? How can seeing your good deeds cause others to “glorify your Father in heaven” rather than drawing attention to yourself? Further Reading John 8:12 Ephesians 5:8-9 1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 60:1 Philippians 2:14-16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What matters most when we show up to worship?In “Relationships Matter to God,” we’re reminded that unresolved conflict—especially in our closest relationships—matters deeply to God. In fact, Jesus said we should press pause on worship if we know someone has something against us. Why? Because our hearts, our humility, and our willingness to seek reconciliation are acts of worship too. One woman shares how God softened her heart during years of marriage struggles, leading her from resentment to grace—and from pride to peace. Key Takeaways: God prioritizes reconciliation over religious ritual We can’t truly worship when bitterness is brewing Conflict often becomes destructive when left unprocessed Christ calls us to deal with our emotions before they harden into contempt Forgiveness is a gift we give to others and ourselves 📖 “First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:24, NIV 💬 Join the Conversation:When has God led you to reconcile before continuing with worship? How did that change your heart—or your relationship? Share your story using #GraceBeforeTheGift and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24, NIV). As someone navigating through some challenging and confusing relationships, this passage brings me comfort. While it doesn’t guarantee reconciliation, or a life filled with deep, safe, and fulfilling connections—even when I actively pursue such things—it does assure me that my relationships matter to God. In fact, they matter more to Him than my Sunday morning worship and my most generous and sacrificial tithe. This was a message He often conveyed to me, back when I was a relatively new and extremely immature wife and Christ-follower who’d spent years learning to hold grudges rather than choosing to forgive. Back then, it seemed like my husband and I were always fighting about something. Sadly, in our selfishness and pride, we often cared more about winning an argument than investing in the health of our marriage. If not for God’s gentle, but steady, intervention, we probably would’ve divorced before our daughter’s fifth birthday. Instead, the Lord nudged me to abandon my childish desire to prove myself right—getting my husband to admit to this, of course, with ample apology—and to choose gentle, gracious love instead. In short, to fight for our marriage, rather than against it. This often occurred during church. I’d walk into the sanctuary frustrated, ruminating on some perceived injustice, expecting my husband to bridge the gap our anger had created between us. But then, inevitably, once the music started and I began to sing God’s praises, I’d sense Him softening my heart by allowing me to see my husband’s. As I sat in the Lord’s presence, He slowly replaced my bitterness and resentment with compassion and grace. In short, He brought a holy perspective to my otherwise selfish and deceived mind, while reminding me of times when I’d behaved in a similar fashion. I find it challenging to remain upset with someone for hurting me in the same way I have them or someone else. Not only does this holy realization remind me of God’s mercy toward me, for a lifetime of thoughtless acts. But in that space, I’m also more apt to recall the reasons behind my past behaviors, which helps me view theirs with more curiosity and understanding and less contempt. The Lord’s love, for me and my husband, and our relationship—elevates my view, helping me to respond to conflict less like a wounded toddler prone to lashing out and more like the mature, Spirit-led adult I am, by God’s grace, becoming. While this might feel like “losing” in the moment, it positions me to win in the ways that matter most. Living this way also helps me avoid the sting of regret that comes when we feed and unleash, rather than prayerfully process, our anger and make the situation worse, potentially irreparably so. This seems to be Christ’s warning in His words that follow. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court,” He said in verse 25. Otherwise, we might find ourselves hit with a heavy ruling, a verdict, we didn’t anticipate. Like relationships shattered over matters we could have, by God’s grace, resolved. This is where I find His instructions in verses 21-22, where He equated hateful thoughts with murder, helpful. In this, He let us know that one doesn’t typically jump from offense to homicide. Most often, murder comes after someone’s hurt turns to a settled anger where they’ve rehashed the emotional blow, attaching other violations to it until they’ve amassed a long list of wrongs that vilify the “offender” while, typically, minimizing the ways they’ve caused the other person pain. Intersecting Life and Faith We experience the most peace, in our souls and relationships, when we learn to deal with our emotions before we begin to devalue the other person. That was the message Jesus conveyed when He warned us against calling others worthless (raca in the original Greek), or a fool. May we, God’s beloved, redeemed and empowered children never allow our anger to become so strong and unmitigated that we become unable to see the other person’s value as a human being created in the image of God. I don’t mean to suggest this is easy. In fact, there are times when doing so will feel excruciatingly hard, if not impossible. But that’s when Jesus’s words at the beginning of the chapter can prove so helpful. When we remember that He sees our pain, every injustice we experience, and promises to reward our every obedient act, we feel less compelled to vindicate ourselves. We’re better able to trust Him to work all things for our good and His glory, and often, He does His most beautiful work in those very relationships we otherwise might have destroyed. Because our God is for us—for our joy, peace and relational fulfilment. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do we respond when someone disappoints or offends us?In “Kindness and Compassion When Dealing with Others,” we’re reminded that while our instincts may push us toward harshness or confrontation, Scripture calls us to something higher—compassion, forgiveness, and restoration. One mom shares how she chose grace over anger after a trusted friend made a poor choice. The result? A restored relationship and a glimpse of God’s heart in action. Key Takeaways: God calls us to handle correction with grace (Eph. 4:32) Following Matthew 18 means addressing issues directly—and kindly Extending forgiveness models the grace we’ve received Gentleness can repair what harshness might destroy 📖 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 💬 Join the Conversation:Have you ever had to confront someone in love? How did compassion change the outcome? Use #Love&Compassion and tag @LifeAudioNetwork to share your story. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Kindness and Compassion When Dealing with Others “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 My nineteen-year-old daughter came up to me during a wedding reception. “A friend tried to get me to drink alcohol,” she said. She assured me that she had not drunk it, but told me the offer made her feel uncomfortable. Not only that, but the friend told her she would block our view so that her father and I couldn't see what was going on. I was surprised and upset to hear this. I thanked her for telling me this and told her she was right to stand up for what she believed in and refuse the alcohol. Not only was this situation wrong, but the person who offered her the alcohol was someone who claimed to be Christian. She had just been baptized a few months prior and was a hard-working, intelligent individual. Although we had never had issues with this person before, it upset me that not only would she offer an underage person alcohol, but that she would go so far as to be deceitful about it. A few days later, I was still upset about this. I was tempted to go to her mother and let her know what had happened. I wanted her to apologize and assure me that it would never happen again. But as I prayed, I felt the Lord impressing upon my heart the need to deal with her in gentleness. Instead of going to her mother, I sent this person a text. I let her know that I loved her, but I also told her that the situation had been brought to my attention. I asked her to respectfully refrain from ever doing that again. I also let her know that I would never think differently of her, and that all was forgiven. But I did want to let her know that the situation was unacceptable and should never happen again. A little while later, I received an apologetic response from this person. She told me she was wrong for doing it and let me know she would never do it again. In my flesh, I wanted to deal harshly with her, but as the above verse suggests, I needed to deal with her with kindness and compassion. I also needed to extend forgiveness freely to her, especially since we had never had to deal with this issue before. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and let her know that I still loved her despite the difficult situation, and also assured her I would not speak to her mother about it. Similar to the above verse, Matthew 18 commands us to go to a person and let them know when they are at fault. It is essential that in the first step of Matthew 18, we approach the person privately and discuss the matter with them alone. This gives them a chance to repent and express godly sorrow for what they've done. We also show them kindness in the wake of their sin. If they do so, we have won them over, and there's no need for future corrective action. However, if someone is unwilling to repent or unable to do so, the next step in Matthew 18 should be taken. The person should then bring one or two witnesses with them and confront them again. If it remains an issue, it should be brought before the church. However, being brought before the church should be the last step in the process. The Bible does not want us to deal harshly with people. Many verses emphasize the need to restore people gently to the fellowship. We must never forget that we need forgiveness, just as everyone else does. My flesh wanted to deal harshly with this person, but the Holy Spirit led me to choose the latter option. As a result, our relationship was repaired and restored. She was able to express her feelings and ask for forgiveness, and I was more than willing to give it. Because of all this, God is glorified. Father, let us be people who treat others with kindness and compassion. Let's remind ourselves that we are all in need of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to deal with people in love just as God deals with us. Help us to repair broken relationships and deal with people in gentleness, so that the situation can be rectified, justice can be served, and God can be glorified through it all. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life Do you treat others with kindness and compassion, or with harshness? What can you do to change that? Further Reading Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you doing all the right things—but missing the heart of it all?In “The Greatest Commandment,” Megan J. Conner reflects on Jesus’ simple but powerful call: Love God with everything, and love others as yourself. It’s easy to get swept up in serving, ministry, and spiritual performance—yet forget our First Love. If our actions aren’t rooted in love, we’ve missed the mark. Megan shares her personal story of learning this the hard way and invites us back to the source of it all: Jesus. Key Takeaways: Love is the foundation of every meaningful Christian action Our motivations matter as much as our service Ministry without love can drift into self-reliance or legalism Returning to Jesus renews both purpose and peace 📖 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37 💬 Join the Conversation:Where have you seen love make the difference in your walk with Christ? Use #Walkwithchrist and tag @LifeAudioNetwork to share your story. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.