The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

God’s timing is always better than our own, even when delays feel frustrating or confusing. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin shares a powerful real-life story about wanting new flooring and home upgrades, only to discover later that God’s “wait” protected her family from unnecessary expense and prepared the way for something far better. Rooted in Bible teaching from Gospel of Matthew 7:11, this message reminds believers that God lovingly gives good gifts to His children—often in ways we never expect. Through water damage, construction messes, and an unexpected remodel, God revealed His wisdom, provision, and perfect timing. This devotional encourages Christians to surrender their own timelines, trust God in the waiting, and believe He can bring beauty out of chaos when we choose obedience over impatience. Highlights Why waiting on God can protect us from unnecessary hardship The importance of listening to godly counsel and spiritual leadership How delays can become unexpected blessings God’s ability to restore beauty from life’s messes and disruptions Trusting God’s timing instead of forcing our own plans A reminder that God’s “no” or “wait” often leads to something better Finding peace through obedience, patience, and prayer Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Always Knows BestBy Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) How many times do you and I have something on our minds, or on our wish lists, that we fail to ask God for, and we just rush ahead and try to get it for ourselves? I remember when my daughter and I got in our heads that we wanted to replace our carpet downstairs with wood laminate flooring. We believed it would be better for my husband, who suffered allergies now and then from our beloved cat, Mowgli. And we so wanted the upgrade to get rid of our old, smelly carpet. We also wanted to update the overall look of our condo, so we went to a home improvement store and admired granite and marble countertops that could replace the old tile and grungy grout in our kitchen. The cost of the countertops was so high, though, that we figured we didn’t truly need them. So, my daughter and I decided to just push hard for the new flooring. Yet, my husband insisted that we wait. “We don’t know if we might end up paying taxes this year,” he said, “so let’s wait until after April.” “But we have the money in savings,” I countered. “And you’d love it, Dad,” my daughter chimed in. Yet my husband was insistent. "I'm just not feeling at peace about it,” he said. “Please wait and trust me on this.” I was so convinced we should have that flooring, I whined about it to God in prayer the next morning. It was very clear what God was saying to my heart during my prayer time: Listen to your husband. Follow his lead. I didn’t bother arguing with God. He usually won’t budge on things. So, I waited it out and forgot about the flooring. Until a few months later, when we discovered wet carpet from a slab leak underneath our kitchen floor and entryway! The insurance company was called. Dryers were put in our living room to dry out the floors and help mitigate what they hoped wouldn’t turn into mold. Then, contractors came and rerouted our water lines from the ground into the walls of our condo. The place was an absolute mess. But part of the remodel included not only replacing the carpet in the living room and entry way and up the stairs, but the option to include flooring instead at less of a cost than the carpet, leaving excess funds to replace our countertops, which had to be redone after a tile broke when the contractors were repairing the lower cupboards underneath the countertops. Over the next few months, we ended up with all-new wood flooring downstairs, beautiful new granite countertops, and a kitchen repaint at practically no expense to us. Had I rushed ahead and not waited on my husband and God for that wood flooring, we would’ve paid a few thousand dollars for it, only to have it all ripped up a month later and reinstalled again after the leak. By waiting when my husband said, “Let’s wait,” and by listening to God when He said, “Listen to your husband,” we didn’t pay anything except a small deductible for what turned out to be a $15,000 remodel of the downstairs in our home. Intersecting Faith & Life: How many times might God have something far better for us than what was on our own wish list and timeline? Trust Him for what He wants to do in your life in His way and in His time. Trust Him in the messes, like slab leaks, reconstruction, and water damage repair. He has a way of restoring and bringing beauty out of the chaos. And as Matthew 7:11 says, He loves to give gifts to His children who not only ask Him, but wait upon Him. Thank You, Lord, that You can accomplish far more when I pray about a situation and wait upon You than I can when I argue or try to work things out for myself. Lord, You always know best, and I truly want Your best, not my idea of what’s best. Teach me to wait upon Your plan and Your timing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Further Reading: Psalm 84:11 For daily help and inspiration to wait upon God, see Cindi McMenamin’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Holy Spirit still speaks, guides, comforts, and anchors believers in truth today. In this devotional on listening to the Holy Spirit, Michelle Lazurek reflects on a frightening health scare that led her into fear, anxiety, and catastrophic thinking—until God’s gentle voice broke through the lies. Rooted in Psalms 37:23, this message reminds us that God establishes the steps of those who delight in Him and that the Holy Spirit helps believers discern truth in difficult seasons. Through personal testimony and biblical encouragement, this devotional explores spiritual discernment, obedience, and learning to recognize God’s voice amid fear and uncertainty. It highlights how Scripture, prayer, and Christian community help believers test what they hear and grow more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. As we mature spiritually, the Holy Spirit becomes not only our Comforter but also the One who silences lies and strengthens our identity in Christ. Highlights The Holy Spirit often speaks peace into moments filled with fear and confusion. God’s voice will always align with Scripture and His character. Spiritual maturity grows through consistent prayer, obedience, and time in God’s Word. Fear and negative thinking lose power when replaced with biblical truth. Christian community helps believers discern and confirm God’s leading. God—not circumstances or diagnoses—holds authority over our lives and future. Listening to the Holy Spirit requires intentional stillness and spiritual attentiveness. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Listen to the Holy SpiritBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” - Psalm 37:23 A couple of years ago, I started a new medication. This medication had side effects, one of which was nausea, and I had a lot of it. In addition, I felt it was affecting my throat, as I kept feeling a lump there. Because I have had hypothyroidism for many years, my doctor wanted to check to see if it was causing harm to my thyroid, and she wanted to see if it was cancer. She ordered an ultrasound to check it. No cancer! But the test results revealed I probably had an autoimmune disease that had gone undiagnosed for some time. This was difficult news to hear, to say the least. After I visited with the doctor, I got into my car and drove to the grocery store. Just as I was getting into the car after getting some groceries, I hit my head on the rearview mirror. I bawled my eyes out for the next half hour in my car. A myriad of thoughts ran through my head: I won’t live long enough to see my kids grow up or their grandkids. God didn’t care about my health. God didn’t care about me. All I had done was for nothing. After I had my emotional meltdown, I went back into the store. Walking down the aisle, I sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart: “I tell you when you’re done. Doctors don’t tell you when you are done, I tell you when you are done.” Immediately, all those lies that filled my head were gone. Because I regularly practice listening for the Holy Spirit, I was in tune and aware enough of how God speaks to me that when He spoke, I knew it was Him. I not only knew from my previous encounters with the Spirit, but also being anchored in God’s word, that when I tested the words I heard, they aligned with Scripture. Those words inspired me not to give up. I changed my diet and tweaked my exercise routine. I started taking supplements, upped my water intake—anything I could do to live as healthily as possible. If you are unsure whether you are hearing from the Holy Spirit, ask yourself these questions: As you read Scripture, does a verse speak to your soul in a way it hasn’t before (especially if you’ve read the scripture before)? Do you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you during your prayer time? If he does, write down what you believe he is saying. If you have experienced either of these things, test what you are hearing with others you trust (they can be in your church or not). Community is key to sharpening your ability to hear from the Holy Spirit. When we mature in our spiritual walks, we rely more on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's voice becomes clearer to us the more we listen to it and obey what it says. Not only is it important to listen to the Holy Spirit, but it also helps to dispel the lies that Satan plants in our minds. Just as I believed the lie that my life was over simply because of a doctor's diagnosis, the Holy Spirit had more to say to me on that subject. The minute I heard those words in the spirit, all those lies disappeared. I was able to replace the truth of the above verse with the lies that my life would be cut short. Are you someone who hears from the Holy Spirit? Have you had encounters like this where the words you hear from him align with Scripture, changing not only your life but the lives of those who hear them? Vow to be more attuned to the spirit. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you in ways that only you will understand. When you hear those words, be obedient to do as they say. When we align our minds and hearts with the Holy Spirit, we solidify our identity in Christ and can respond to the still, small voice in our lives. Father, let us listen to you. Make your voice unmistakable in our lives. Let us be people who are known to obey you rather than the lies in our minds. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you heard from the Holy Spirit? What did he say? Were you obedient to what you heard? Further Reading: John 14:26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 78:2 reminds believers of the importance of remembering and recounting God’s faithfulness through every generation. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how seasons of chaos, uncertainty, fear, and hardship can tempt Christians to lose sight of God’s power, provision, and promises. When life feels overwhelming, believers often try to regain control on their own, yet Scripture continually points back to the faithfulness of God as the true foundation for peace and stability. This devotional highlights how the Israelites repeatedly witnessed God’s miraculous provision and deliverance, yet often forgot His faithfulness when new challenges arose. Through intentional reflection and remembrance, Christians can strengthen their faith, overcome fear, and build deeper trust in God’s character. Remembering God’s past faithfulness becomes a powerful way to steady the heart, encourage future generations, and remain anchored in hope during uncertain times. Highlights Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens faith during difficult seasons. Fear and anxiety often grow when believers forget God’s past provision. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to reflect on His works and promises. The Israelites struggled because they continually forgot God’s deliverance. God remains faithful even when His people are fearful or weak in faith. Reflecting on God’s past provision helps believers trust Him in present trials. Intentional remembrance builds peace, hope, and spiritual endurance. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How Remembering God’s Faithfulness Rebuilds Your FaithBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I will open my mouth with a parable;I will utter hidden things, things from of old. —Psalm 78:2 Lately, life has felt heavy and chaotic, hasn’t it? Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning backward, upside down, and inside out, and frankly, there’s not much I can do about it. I can’t fix our economy or prevent the next recession. I can’t undo the division and polarization plaguing our nation. I can’t solve my loved one’s problems or prevent their pain. And when everything hits simultaneously, or my hardship continues for any length of time, I temporarily lose sight of the power, promises, and love of Christ. Such forgetfulness is dangerous in times of crisis, because it tempts me to rely on myself and seek control. But I’ve created enough messes to know the foolishness of any so-called solutions not provided by Christ. Thankfully, He never leaves me to navigate life’s challenges alone. I watched Him resurrect my marriage when it seemed dead. He’s provided for us in miraculous ways and guided us through confusion and uncertainty. My life has become a living testimony of His grace. A grace that, when remembered and reflected upon, deepens my faith, strengthens my obedience, and purifies my love for the One who never leaves my side. I see this strategic interaction all throughout Scripture. We humans excel at falling into messes; the Lord excels at pulling us out and setting us on a new, brighter, freer path. This is the message Asaph, the prophet and royal musician who penned Psalm 78, conveyed. He wanted the Israelites to consider God’s faithfulness to His often faithless and rebellious people. He asked them to listen, and then to repeat the lessons he taught, as a way to encourage their souls, yes. But also to build faith into the next generation. To help insulate them from falling into the same self-defeating traps as the older generation (vs 6-8). Scripture records some of the most shocking examples in Exodus, a historical narrative recounting the people’s liberation from slavery and oppression and journey to the Promised Land. They should’ve completed this 200 to 400-mile trek within ten days, a few weeks max. But when it came time to enter their new, God-given land, they refused, out of fear. This, after having witnessed the Lord’s miraculous intervention numerous times. Consider how their story began—an entire population, held captive, powerless, for centuries. They had no recourse, no voice, and likely assumed things would never get better. How could they, a weak and beaten-down people group, possibly break free from the most powerful ruler in the ancient world at that time? That’s also why God’s rescue would’ve made such an impact. He infused hope into a seemingly hopeless situation, proving His power over the most oppressive and established systems and history’s most vicious tyrants. But then, soon after their liberation, they found themselves trapped again, this time with a large body of water on one side and a skilled, armed, and trained military advancing on the other. Understandably, the people panicked. They deemed their circumstances hopeless. But again, God came through, parted the water so they could pass across on dry ground, then swept their cruel abusers into the sea. Again and again, God’s people found themselves in dire situations. And again and again, God came through, proving His love. Demonstrating His attentive care. In each instance, He presented them with an opportunity to deepen their faith, build greater trust in their Maker, and establish a more secure connection with Him. Sadly, they never seemed to accept His beautiful invitation—because they refused to learn from their past. Instead, they remained reactive, fearful, anxious, and in repeated chaos with themselves, one another, and their Lord. Asaph challenged the later generations to consider their ancestors’ self-defeating patterns so that they could learn to live differently, with more faith and less fear. And he did so by highlighting God’s faithfulness, often displayed when His people behaved most faithlessly. Intersecting Life & Faith: Each day, God offers us the same lesson. He invites us to engage in intentional reflection, where we periodically pause to recall evidence of His love and examples of His care. This remembering strengthens our faith and our attachment to our Savior. As we consistently draw closer to Him, listen for His life parables, and fortify our souls with truth, He steadies us. He enables us to stand firm, immovable, regardless of how shaky the ground beneath us feels. How might intentionally remembering God’s power, promises, presence, and provision increase your faith and peace and decrease your anxiety for whatever difficulties you might face? Perhaps journal on one instance each day. In a year’s time, you’ll have 365 accounts of His faithful care for you and those you love. Further Reading:Joshua 4:6-7Psalm 105:1-5Psalm 145:4-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 reminds believers that true fulfillment is not found in possessions, status, or comparison, but in godliness with contentment. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how social media comparison can quietly stir envy, dissatisfaction, and restlessness in the heart. Constant exposure to curated lifestyles and picture-perfect moments can tempt Christians to believe they are lacking something God has withheld from them. This devotional encourages believers to guard their hearts against comparison and refocus their attention on Christ rather than worldly standards. Scripture reminds Christians that God faithfully provides what they truly need, and lasting peace comes from trusting His provision and sovereignty. Through gratitude, repentance, and renewing the mind with God’s Word, believers can experience the joy and freedom of godly contentment instead of chasing temporary fulfillment through comparison and materialism. Highlights Godliness with contentment brings lasting spiritual gain. Social media comparison can fuel envy, jealousy, and dissatisfaction. Comparison often reveals deeper struggles with trust and gratitude. True fulfillment is found in Christ, not worldly success or appearances. God faithfully provides what His children truly need. Renewing the mind with Scripture helps guard the heart from discontentment. Gratitude and faith lead to greater peace, joy, and contentment. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Great Gain of Godly Contentment By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). Has interaction on social media ever created a heaviness in your heart, perhaps leading you to compare yourself to others? In my life, I seem to get this cloud that forms over me when I scroll certain social media influencers' profiles. You know, the ones from somewhere in the Midwest with a thriving business, beautiful children, Magnolia-inspired farmhouse decor covering the pristine photos of their adorable home...and the lighting! Perfect lighting in these pictures… every single one of them! Absolutely stunning natural light in these posts! And I want to imitate it, but not because I am inspired, but because, quite frankly, I am jealous of these strangers on the internet! The cloud that looms over my head is this heaviness that I need to make my life look like this. I start to think I need what they have, and a feeling of "not enough" starts to creep up in my heart. Recently, the Lord has been showing me through this restlessness how discontented I have become through social media, and that is something I am working through with the Holy Spirit on how I can guard my heart from these types of entanglements that bring distraction and discontentment. My eyes have drifted upon lesser things, and it has affected my heart in a great way. Comparison that leads to envy and jealousy has been a trap of the enemy since creation. The motive behind Adam and Eve’s disobedience was comparison, which led to covetousness, which led to pride, which led to selfishness, which led to ungratefulness for what God had already provided (all rooted in fear). Are you in fear? Then you are not in faith, believing God at His Word and fully trusting Him that He has given you exactly what you need. Anything that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). When we compare ourselves with another, we are saying we would do a better job planning out our lives than our Creator, the sovereign Most High, acting like Satan who fell and caused Adam and Eve to fall. Whoa, that is a dangerous place to be! When we are wrestling with these heart issues and sin, we often need a perspective shift, and this won’t come from social media, but the Word of God is what will bring clarity when our minds and hearts become clouded with worldliness that causes us to become jealous of others. The Apostle Paul reminds his spiritual son Timothy in his first letter to him to keep his mind on eternal and spiritual matters: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Our Heavenly Father ensures that birds are fed, surely, He will take care of us! If we have food and clothing, we truly don’t need anything else; All else is comfort and gifts from our Father. Any material blessing beyond food and clothing that the Lord graces us with should cause us to worship and rejoice in thankfulness for His rich mercy and love towards us as His children. We are all guilty of comparing our lives to someone else’s at some point and allowing it to spark jealousy. Where have your eyes wandered that may be creating jealousy? The only way out is to repent and renew your mind with the Word of God. Instead of fixating on others’ lives, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and His Word. If you cling to Him and abide in Him, you will remain full of His love, joy, and peace- the only things that will bring true fulfillment and contentment. You won’t want anything other than what He has given you; His perfect, eternal promises and tender, Fatherly care for you will be more than enough. Let’s lift our gaze and thank Him for what He has already so richly provided for us in Christ Jesus. Further Reading: Philippians 4:11-13 Matthew 6:25-34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Romans 7:18-19 highlights the inner struggle every believer faces between sinful desires and the desire to honor God. In this devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown challenges Christians to honestly evaluate whether they may be sabotaging their own spiritual growth, relationships, or progress in life. Rather than always blaming circumstances or other people, believers are encouraged to practice self-awareness, humility, and accountability as they confront patterns of unhealthy thinking and behavior. This devotional reminds readers that spiritual maturity begins with honest reflection and repentance. The Apostle Paul openly acknowledged his battle with sin, showing believers the importance of recognizing personal weaknesses instead of excusing them. Through humility, accountability, and dependence on God, Christians can stop getting in their own way and begin pursuing the righteous life God calls them to live. Highlights Romans 7 reveals the ongoing battle between flesh and spirit. Self-awareness is the first step toward personal and spiritual growth. Pride can prevent believers from recognizing harmful behaviors. Accountability helps sharpen and strengthen Christian character. Excusing sinful habits leads to self-sabotage and spiritual stagnation. Humility allows believers to receive correction and grow in wisdom. God calls Christians to actively confront and reject sinful patterns. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Are You Getting in Your Own Way? By Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading:“For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do.” (Romans 7:18-19, CSB) There’s a certain question we should ask ourselves every now and again: Am I getting in my own way? When we don’t get the outcomes we want in life, blaming our circumstances and other people comes naturally enough. What doesn’t happen as frequently as it should is looking at the man in the mirror. Recently, I remember talking to a fellow young man about our desire for marriage. Well, we went out to lunch with women from our church. Something we both wanted. For one reason or another, this getting-to-know-you experience led him to talk about an extremely embarrassing incident. Now, who in their right mind would share that on a first date? Or take, for instance, a buddy of mine who is encountering deep financial strain. The more anyone tries to encourage him, the more he pushes back with a 'woe-is-me' attitude. He seems to want more negativity to fuel what he already exhibits. These guys are not alone. I’ve battled with my own negative thinking and dwelling. Perhaps you, too, are sabotaging your own success. So, ask yourself, “Am I getting in my own way?” Intersecting Faith & Life: After you ask yourself this important question, the answer should be yes. If not, the following steps are especially for you. Build self-awareness. The reason Paul was able to write those particular verses in Romans is that he developed some measure of self-awareness. He may not have completely understood why he behaved the way he did, aside from citing his sinful nature, but he understood something was wrong and wrote about it. He acknowledged the problem, and acknowledgment is the first step to finding a solution. If you want to build self-awareness in your own life, spend some time pausing and reflecting. Yes, this does mean sitting with your thoughts and not your phone. Question yourself about why you do certain things and not others. The better you know yourself, the more you’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Develop humility. Humility is underrated and uncommon. So many of us think we have it, yet fail to recognize just how prideful we are. A good way to measure this virtue is to observe how you handle people who disagree with you. Not just the non-believers, but those people you perceive as less (or more) Christian than you. Have they ever proven you wrong about something? When did that last happen? Is it good that you haven’t been wrong since? Have people around you to call you out. Having agreement is nice, but if iron is to sharpen iron, then disagreement is essential. Encouraging one another is nice, but we can do so at the expense of others. Instead of seeking to appease those around us, let’s hold each other accountable and do our best to help others reflect Christ. If you know you’re a sinner, act like it. Some of us will openly call ourselves sinners in the abstract on any given Sunday, but on other days of the week, we justify our sinful behavior. People know that they practice poor communication, but don’t change it. Overeat but don’t change it. Say that they’re lazy, but don’t change it. Does God take sin seriously? If you say yes, don’t say, "He made you that way." Recognize that He hates sin, and try your best to hate it as well. Hate the self-sabotage and do something righteous instead. Further Reading (and Listening): “Wanna Be Happy?” by Kirk Franklin Galatians 5:17 James 1:14-15 Matthew 26:41 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week we are featuring an episode from "On The Ground with Samaritan's Purse". Guest Marina Nobiling, director of national programs at the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office, sheds light on the current cultural and spiritual climate of Germany and talked about the ongoing Samaritan’s Purse projects in the country. There is an immense need for the Gospel to be preached in Germany and for Bible-believing churches to step up and lead. Resources: • Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness. https://ontheground.samaritanspurse.org/podcast/fighting-spiritual-battles-human-trafficking-in-berlin “We want to stand for the Gospel. We want to stand for Jesus … And we want to show in our programs and projects what it's like to be with Him; to be living with Jesus.” –Marina Nobiling Before coming to Christ, Marina said she was not merely neutral towards God, she was an enemy. Marina was in bondage—she battled an eating disorder and anxiety for years to the point of planning to take her own life. But when Marina had an encounter with the Lord, everything changed. “And I had a voice in my head: ‘I want you to live. And you can do it with my help’ … Itwas beyond any doubt clear. That's Jesus. My whole life I had the wrong thinking. That's not true. God exists.” – Marina Nobiling Marina went from believing that the Gospel was an old superstition to knocking on the door of the nearest church, asking to be baptized. She was on fire for God. Marina now takes this compassion to the streets of Berlin, ministering to women who are trapped in prostitution. She remembers what it was like to be in bondage and desires for others like her to be free; to be transformed by the love of Christ. Life can be hard, and Marina still struggles, but she has something to turn to that cannot be shaken: God’s Word. Marina created a “first aid kit” with Psalms and Scriptures that speak to her when she is fighting lies or feeling weighed down by fears. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:1, reminds her that she belongs to the Lord—nothing can take that away. “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.’” – Isaiah 43:1, ESV If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visitSamaritansPurse.org. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nehemiah 8:9-10 reveals a powerful truth for believers struggling with regret, guilt, and shame: God’s grace is stronger than our failures. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how shame often traps Christians in cycles of self-condemnation, replaying past mistakes and fearing they will never truly change. Yet God does not call His children to remain crushed beneath shame. Instead, He invites them to receive His forgiveness, walk in restoration, and find strength through His joy. Using the story of Israel’s return from exile, this devotional highlights how the people grieved over the consequences of their sin while also experiencing the overwhelming grace and provision of God. Though the rubble of brokenness remained, God wanted His people to rebuild from a place of hope rather than condemnation. In the same way, believers today can trust that God is patiently healing, transforming, and restoring them through His grace. Highlights Shame often keeps believers trapped in cycles of fear and self-condemnation. Self-awareness is an important step toward healing and spiritual growth. God’s grace meets believers in the middle of their brokenness and failures. Nehemiah 8 reminds us that “the joy of the Lord” is our strength. Biblical joy comes from knowing God is present, forgiving, and restoring. God does not want His children rebuilding their lives from shame. Healing and transformation often happen gradually through God’s grace. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How God’s Grace Breaks the Cycle of ShameBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:9-10 Do you ever lie in bed, replaying your every unkind word or hurtful deed from the day? Do memories of past sins and regrets seize your mind and steal your peace? Do you find yourself looking back with sorrow at the damage your unfiltered words, angry outbursts, or triggered responses caused, longing for a do-over, but also fearful that you’ll forever fall into these unhelpful patterns? You’re not alone. People often state that the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. There’s truth to that, likely because we so long to live and love like Jesus. Yet, we often fall short, and not for lack of trying. The other day, I sat with a friend broken by a relational conflict she feared would irrevocably fracture the connection she’d been working to build. Her voice quivered as she said, “I don’t know why I act this way. In the moment, my perspective feels valid, and all I can see is how the other person hurt me. And suddenly, I question their character and intent. Self-isolating thoughts start playing through my mind, like, “She doesn’t really care about you.” “She wants something from you.” “He thinks you’re too much.” “You’re annoying him.” “She’s judging you.” “Why work through this when she’s just going to bail on the relationship anyway?” My friend’s hunched shoulders and the dark shadows beneath her eyes gave evidence to her sleepless night and the heavy weight of shame she carried. A tear slid down her cheek. With a deep breath, she brushed it away. “But then, later,” she said, “I see that I overreacted and made things worse. I see the pattern, but I don’t know how to break it.” Have you been there? The journey toward wholeness and holiness is rarely comfortable or quick. Yes, God holds the power to transform us with a whisper or glance. In my experience, however, He molds my soul gradually, alerting me to an issue, allowing me to see the fallout of my choices, to grieve my brokenness and sin, before He reveals the steps toward victory. Speaking from experience, I shared a statement that encouraged me when I was just beginning my healing journey. “Self-awareness is the first step to change. You can’t heal what you don’t see or won’t acknowledge.” Listening, my friend gave a slight nod and offered a half-laugh, half-huff. “Ignorance is bliss?” she asked. To which I replied, “Temporarily, perhaps. But it’s often when we’re staring at the rubble we’ve helped create that we’re most able to see, and rest in, God’s all-encompassing grace. To gain strength from His grace.” That’s the message today’s passage conveys. Seventy years after what scholars call the Babylonian exile, an event caused by ancient Israel’s long-standing spiritual rebellion, the Lord brought them back to their homeland to rebuild what their sin had destroyed. He sent them with His abundant provision—gold, silver, animals, priests to lead their faith, and numerous workers to repair Jerusalem’s walls and their sacred temple. Scripture tells us that: “The whole company numbered 42,360, besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 245 men and women singers. There were 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys” (Ezra 2:66, NIV). In short, the Lord showered them with blessings and tangible evidence of His favor. And they celebrated. They celebrated the work He enabled them to do, the provisions He provided, and the forgiveness He granted. But this didn’t erase the grief they felt at all that had been lost. The Scripture their religious leaders read brought praise… and a deep awareness of their sin and all it had cost. Seeing their weeping, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Lord’s priests spoke today’s passage, encouraging them to receive and find joy in God’s grace. Biblical joy goes much deeper than a temporary emotion based on our circumstances. It’s the deep awareness of God’s grace—knowing He’s with us, transforming us, rewriting our story, and working all things, our greatest failures included, for our good and His glory. This might not fix the damage we’ve caused. The ancient Israelites still had to clear away the rubble that once formed their homeland, to rebuild the fractured walls and restore the destroyed temple. But God wanted them to do so as His beloved, empowered, and absolved children, not from a place of shame. Shame is exhausting, heavy, and defeating. Grace brings hope, joy, and strength. It lifts the burdens we carry and plants us more firmly in God’s firm yet gentle embrace. Intersecting Life & Faith: I sometimes wonder if shame functions as a defense mechanism or a subconscious fail-safe. Is there a part of us that believes our inner critic protects us from future harm by keeping our unwanted behaviors in check? It’s also a powerful tool of the enemy strategically lobbed to hold us captive. Regardless, through Christ, we always have a way out. Our sins don’t repel Him; instead, He draws close, with arms open wide—nailed to the cross. We honor the sacrifice He made by learning to receive, in our innermost wounded places, the forgiveness for which He paid such a high price. That takes time, healing, prayer, and regularly connecting with Him; sitting in His presence. But the more we do so, take in His truth, and rest in His love, the weaker our shame, the greater our joy, and the more enduring our strength. If you battle shame over a present struggle or past sins, express this to God, and ask Him to break your shame. Then, keep your soul oriented to Him, your spiritual ears attuned to His voice, and your figurative feet ready to follow, trusting Him to lead you step by step, in His perfect timing. Further Reading:2 Corinthians 7:910Isaiah 57:14-15Habakkuk 3:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Galatians 6:7-8 reminds believers that every word, action, and habit plants seeds that will eventually produce a harvest. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler uses a personal gardening story to illustrate the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping. Just as planting the wrong cucumber seeds led to an unexpected bitter harvest, the choices Christians make each day shape the direction and outcome of their lives and relationships. This devotional encourages believers to carefully examine the seeds they are planting through their speech, attitudes, priorities, and daily decisions. Seeds of selfishness, bitterness, and careless behavior eventually produce painful consequences, while seeds planted through the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead to peace, kindness, spiritual growth, and life-giving relationships. God calls His people to intentionally plant seeds that reflect His character and trust Him for a fruitful harvest in His perfect timing. Highlights Every word and action plants seeds that will eventually grow. Galatians 6 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. Careless words can produce bitterness and damaged relationships. Habits and priorities shape the future harvest of our lives. Planting for selfish gain leads to regret and devastation. Planting through the Holy Spirit produces peace, kindness, and self-control. Spiritual growth often happens slowly before visible fruit appears. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Kind of Seeds Will You Plant?By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit.” – Galatians 6:7-8, CEB When I first started gardening, the first seed packets I bought were for cucumbers. Our family enjoyed eating cucumbers, and I’d heard that cucumbers were easy to grow. Buying a bunch of cucumber seeds and planting them seemed to be a “no-brainer” decision in the spring. But in the summer, when our cucumbers appeared, I was shocked to see that they didn’t look – or taste – like anything I expected. Instead of the smooth and sweet cucumbers I’d hoped to slice up for our salads, I’d grown what seemed to be cucumber monsters. They were huge, covered in sharp spikes. Biting into their thick, spiky skin was challenging, and when we did, we got a bitter taste that was quite simply gross! It turned out that I’d planted a variety of cucumbers that were usually made into pickles before being eaten – not even close to the variety I usually bought from the grocery store to eat fresh. I wish I had paid more attention to exactly what kind of seeds I planted. Seeds always grow into something. That’s exactly what the Bible points out in Galatians 6:7-8, which compares people’s words and actions to seeds. The choices we all make every day are planting something that will grow to become something that we – and God – either like or don’t like. You plant seeds with your words. The way you speak to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, or even yourself matters. Harsh, careless words plant seeds of pain that can distance you from people. Gentle, encouraging words plant seeds of trust that can lead to closer relationships. You may think a careless comment is small and unimportant, but seeds don’t look impressive at first either. Over time, though, they grow into something much bigger. You also plant seeds with your actions. The priorities you set and the habits you practice day by day will all grow into results you’ll eventually see. If you consistently choose whatever works best for you without considering the other people in your life, you’re planting seeds for your own benefit, just like this Bible passage describes. Those seeds may promise you easy results, but they often grow into situations that leave you feeling bitterness and regret. On the other hand, if you seek God’s guidance for your decisions, you’re planting for the benefit of the Spirit. Those choices may not be easy. In fact, they can be challenging to make. But God promises that the choices you make along with him will lead to good results. There’s often a gap between planting and harvesting. That gap can fool you. During that time, you might start to think that it doesn’t matter what you say or do, because you can’t yet see anything bad happening from your choices. But growth is happening under the surface. Roots are forming, and a direction is being set. So, pay attention now to the words and actions you’re choosing. Just like with the cucumbers, it’s much easier to choose the right seeds at the beginning than to deal with a bitter harvest later. Before you speak, you can pause and think about what might grow from your words. Before you act, you can consider what might grow from what you decide to do. When you “plant for the benefit of the Spirit,” you line yourself up with God’s life-giving work. You can then start to see fruit like peace, patience, kindness, and self-control growing in you and around you. As a result, your life will taste less bitter, and you can taste the goodness God wants you to enjoy. Today – and every day – you have a choice. You’re holding seed packets in your hands that will grow into something, depending on the words and actions you choose. So, choose carefully. Ask God to help you plant what leads to life. Then trust that, in time, the harvest will come and you’ll see that your decisions were worth making. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider what you want to grow in your life, reflect on these questions: What kinds of seeds have you been planting recently with your words and actions? Are there any habits in your life that might lead to a bitter harvest if they continue? Where do you sense God inviting you to plant for the benefit of the Spirit instead of yourself? What’s a conversation or situation coming up where you can choose to plant better seeds now than you have in the past? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to plant the best seeds now for a good future harvest in a relationship with someone you love? Further Reading:Hosea 10:12James 3:18Galatians 5:22-23Matthew 12:34Proverbs 18:21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Genesis 2:18 reveals an important truth about God’s design for humanity: we were created for community. In this devotional, Laura Bailey explores the beauty and difficulty of relationships, especially within Christian friendships and church communities. While human relationships can be messy, painful, and disappointing, God never intended believers to walk through life alone. From the very beginning, God established companionship and community as part of His good design for His people. This devotional reminds Christians that although conflict, hurt, and misunderstanding are inevitable in relationships, isolation is not the answer. Throughout Scripture, from Adam and Eve to the early church in Acts, God consistently calls His people to worship, grow, encourage, and persevere together. Community strengthens faith, provides accountability, and reflects the love of Christ as believers extend grace and forgiveness to one another despite imperfections. Highlights God created people to live in relationship and community. Genesis 2:18 shows that isolation was never part of God’s design. Christian friendships and church relationships can sometimes be painful and messy. Believers are called to extend grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Community provides encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. The early church thrived through worship and life together. Walking away from Christian community is not God’s solution to hurt. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Created for Community By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” - Genesis 2:18 NIVI could tell by the slump in my daughter’s shoulders as she walked towards the car that something was wrong. The slamming of the vehicle door, accompanied by an aggressive sigh, confirmed my suspicions. While it is not unusual for my middle school daughter to offer little to our conversation on our ride home, today, it was radio silent. As I turned into the driveway, I told her we weren't going inside until we talked about what was going on. “I am done with friends! I am better off alone!” she exclaimed. My momma’s heart immediately dropped. For many years, we avoided friendship drama, but I knew sooner or later it would weasel its way into our lives. As she regaled the events of the day, I nodded my head in solidarity, held her in my arms, and tried to offer ( to no avail, raising a middle school daughter is tough!) words of comfort. Holding back tears, she asked, “Mom, why would they act this way? They are supposed to be my friends, my Christian friends.” Whew – while the surface-level answer is not complicated to diagnose, the root cause of conflict is a bit harder to digest. I think we’ve all been there. I am 40 years old, and I still ask the same question. Relationships are complicated, no matter what stage of life you're in. The reality is that our relationships with other believers are, unfortunately, some of the most difficult. And, if I am honest, I’ve had the same sentiment as my daughter, “I don’t need these people, I am better off alone.” Especially when it comes to the church. Likely, you don’t need to be convinced of the messiness of worshiping with saints who act more like sinners. Like most things, it is easier for us to focus on the negative aspects of our churches than on the positives. During the season I mentioned above, while there were people in the church walls who caused me affliction, there were also members who brought me great joy, comfort, and encouragement. While I don’t excuse the harm caused by fellow Christians, I must also acknowledge that I’ve intentionally and unintentionally inflicted hurt on my church family, too. And just as I hoped they’d give me the opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation, I need to do the same. As we say in the south, “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Simply put, mess and all, life is better together.We see in Genesis 1 that God declares His creation “good” (Genesis 1:25). However, when He created man, He proclaims humanity is “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Humans are the climax of the creation story, the most cherished possession of the Lord. Created in God’s image, we are the reflection of our Creator, and it’s not just good, but very good. However, God looks at Adam's singleness and declares, “it is not good for man to be alone ( Genesis 2:18). What was God’s solution: a companion, an Ezer in the original Hebrew, a helpmate for Adam. With Adam and Eve’s union, we see the first example of human community; however, the idea of living in a group is prevalent throughout Scripture, as exemplified by the Jewish Nation, a people set apart by God. (Exodus 19:3-6) While they had an individual responsibility to keep these commands, God is addressing the collective body of the Israelites. Think of it as a built-in accountability. God wanted the Israelites to understand that they needed each other, not just to meet their physical needs, or make life easier, but to strengthen and encourage one another in the faith. Then, in the New Testament, we see examples of early Christians gathered in community in Acts 2:1-4 and Acts 2:42-47. Christians gathered while the Spirit rested on them individually; corporately, they worshiped and praised the Lord. And the early church grew because of its strong ties to living in community and corporate worship.As tempting as it might be to abandon corporate worship, walking away from community worship is not the answer. God created humans for community; we need each other. Let’s embrace the imperfect body of believers as we stand united in the perfectness of Christ.Intersecting Faith & Life:Have you experienced the messiness of human relationships? How does knowing God created you for community help you to forgive offenses and embrace imperfect people with grace and love?Further Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25 What Does the Bible Say About Love in Action? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Romans 8:33-35 offers powerful reassurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God through Jesus Christ. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on how struggles, suffering, illness, anxiety, and difficult seasons can sometimes make Christians question God’s love and presence. Yet Romans 8 reminds believers that God’s love is not dependent on circumstances. Even in hardship, Jesus is interceding for His people, and no trial, fear, or challenge can remove them from His care. This devotional encourages Christians to remain grounded in Scripture and to continually return to God’s Word for truth and hope. While life in a fallen world includes pain and suffering, believers can trust that God has not abandoned them. His love remains constant through every battle, and His promises provide strength, comfort, and peace in seasons of uncertainty and struggle. Highlights Romans 8 declares that nothing can separate believers from God’s love. Jesus Christ continually intercedes for His people. Difficult seasons do not mean God has abandoned us. Suffering and hardship are part of living in a fallen world. Daily time in Scripture strengthens faith and renews perspective. God’s love remains constant through illness, anxiety, and hardship. Believers can find hope and security in God’s unchanging promises. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Nothing Can Separate Us from GodBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35). Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible because it speaks to God’s love for us. Whenever I'm struggling to know my worth, I turn to Romans 8, and it helps me feel more optimistic. There is power in the Word of God, and it can change our entire lives. However, these changes will not occur unless we read the Bible every day. This is why it is important for us to spend time in the Word daily. It is not enough to only listen to the Bible on Sunday mornings. Having a relationship with Jesus means we study the Bible each day, talk with Him in prayer, and apply His teachings in our lives. By doing these things, Christ will disciple us, and we will grow in our relationship with Him. Over the past year, I have often wondered whether God truly loves me. I see everyone else living joyful lives while I am struggling every day. My brain reasons that if God did love and care about me, I would be in a better situation than I am right now. I wouldn't have numerous medical health issues, mental health struggles, financial issues, or constant worries about the future. Once I sat down and surrendered everything to the Lord, I was led once again back to Romans 8. This chapter brought me back to a true understanding of God and who He is, rather than what my brain had created Him to be. God is not picking on me, nor is He causing these terrible things to happen. Instead, all the issues I'm having are just part of living in a fallen world. Rather than believing the lie that life will always be full of pain, grief, and sorrow, God has helped me to see that better things are coming. Even if these things don't happen overnight, they will come in the future. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35). Paul tells us plainly in this passage that God is the One who justifies, and nobody can condemn us because we belong to Him. Jesus died for us to live, and He is constantly interceding for us. Nothing in all creation or any trouble can separate us from the love of Christ. Paul mentions that hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword will not separate us from the love of Christ. This tells us that our present season of suffering does not separate us from the love of Christ. Our physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and life challenges are nothing compared to the love of God. God knows these struggles exist in this world, but He will never leave us to face them alone. We are always on God’s mind, and He is always surrounding us with His love, care, and protection. Try to start noticing the little ways His love is shining through in your life. Have you ever felt your troubles have separated you from God? Why did you think this? How does it feel to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God? What are some ways you remind yourself of God’s love when times are hard? Further Reading: Romans 8:36-39 Psalm 23:1-6 Psalm 86:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.