The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

we learn to approach the Bible with a fresh question: “What does this story reveal about God?” Rather than simply asking how Scripture applies to us personally, this lens helps us see God’s character shining through even in stories of human failure. From Adam and Eve’s exile to Cain’s punishment, God’s consistent compassion and provision stand out—clothing, protecting, and covering His people despite their sin. This understanding invites us to trust God’s faithful, loving nature and approach Him with confidence, even when we’ve messed up. ✨ Highlights The transformative question: “What does this reveal about God?” changes how we read Scripture Examples of God’s love and provision despite sin: Clothing Adam and Eve after their exile (Genesis 3:21) Marking Cain for protection after killing Abel (Genesis 4:15) God’s justice balanced with compassion—He allows consequences but continues to care and cover Encouragement to bring this understanding into your personal faith journey—God’s character hasn’t changed 💬 Join the Conversation How has shifting your focus to God’s character in Scripture changed your reading or faith? Can you recall a time when you felt covered by God’s compassion despite your mistakes? Share your insights and experiences with the hashtag #WindowIntoGodsHeart or tag @LifeAudioNetwork so others can be encouraged by your story. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: How to Read Scripture as a Window Into God’s Heart: Ask, “What Does This Story Reveal About God?” 2 Timothy 2:13: …if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself. As my professor Dr. Dan Lowery often says, “Remember—the Scriptures were written for you, but they were not written to you.” In other words, it is not always helpful to read a passage from the Bible and think, “Oh, this is about me.” Perhaps a better approach is to ask the question, “What does this reveal about God?” Since learning to ask this question, I haven’t been able to read the Bible in the same way again. It has helped me to notice how God’s actions consistently reveal the essence of his character to be Love. A beautiful example of this can be found in the stories of the first humans on Earth, each of whose sins we can likely recall with ease. First, we read about Adam and Eve, who disobeyed God and ate fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and then there is the story of Cain, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy. But when we look away from their sin and zero in on God’s role in these stories, we notice something remarkable: in both instances, the characters do experience consequences as a result of their sins—but God also provides for them in unconditionally loving, and even surprising, ways. This is a moment when it makes sense to ask that good question we talked about: “What does this reveal about who God is?” When Adam and Eve are sent from Eden after eating from the tree, the author of Genesis makes sure to point out an important detail. Though they had become aware of their nakedness only after eating the fruit—the shame a direct result of their sin—God didn’t send them out of the Garden that way. Genesis tells us that “...the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them” (3:21). And in the next chapter, when Cain kills his brother Abel and tells God that his punishment of being a fugitive and wanderer on the Earth is too great, God once again offers a covering of protection; Genesis says that “...the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him” (4:15). What does this reveal about God? That even when his people sin against him and consequences are necessary and just, he does not stop providing for them. He does not stop caring about them. He is compassionate and covers them even still. Intersecting Faith & Life Once we learn to approach Scripture through the lens of this question, “What does this reveal about God?” we can then ask another good and important question: “How does this understanding about God impact how I relate with him?” In these cases, we see that even after humans royally mess up, God is good, and loving, and faithful. Even when their sins have consequences (all actions do!), God makes sure to cover them with his provision. Knowing this, we can begin to work this understanding into the fabric of our own faith, because God never changes. Who he was then, he still is today. That means that when we mess up—even when we are consumed with shame—God still loves us, and wants to cover us in that love. We can be confident as we approach him in repentance, knowing that he cares for us, even now. Isn’t it such a relief to have these stories as evidences of God’s good character? Further Reading Here are other stories of God’s faithfulness despite his people’s sins: When he provides for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16-17) When he restores relationship with David after he commits adultery/murder and allows Bathsheba to bear a son (2 Samuel 12) The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Megan J. Conner reminds us of the incredible truth that the Creator of the universe calls us His own. Through Scripture like 1 John 3:1 and Romans 8:17, we’re invited to embrace our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. This devotional explores God’s intentional design for relationship, His relentless pursuit to reconcile us through Christ, and His promise of an eternal inheritance. Whether you’ve struggled with feelings of unworthiness or wrestled with viewing God as a loving Father, this message will help you rest in His unconditional, everlasting love. ✨ Highlights The biblical foundation for belonging in God’s family (1 John 3:1, Gen. 2:18) How God’s love restores intimacy broken by sin through Jesus’ sacrifice Our inheritance as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) Encouragement for those whose earthly relationships make trusting God difficult Key verses affirming God’s faithfulness and unconditional love (Jer. 31:3, Rom. 5:8, 1 John 4:16, John 3:16) 💬 Join the Conversation Do you believe you are a child of God? What helps you rest in that truth when doubt creeps in? Share your story or a Scripture that reminds you of your place in His family. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChildOfGodFaith to encourage others to embrace their God-given identity. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Children of God By Megan J. Conner “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) It can be so easy to feel lost, isolated, or even abandoned in today’s world. The pressures of life, the unrealistic expectations we place upon ourselves, the burdens placed upon us by others, and the challenges and brokenness often present in our relationships can cause us to retreat inward, feeling like the only way forward is to go it alone. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. While all relationships will be imperfect as they are composed of fallible human beings, the need for companionship and belonging in a family unit is part of God’s divine design. From the very beginning, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone. “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him,” (Gen. 2:18, NIV). God intentionally placed us in relationships with others for our good. However, He didn’t stop there. He intended for us to be His children. The Creator of the universe desired to be our Heavenly Father. How unfathomable is that? However, similar to our human relationships, which can often be filled with distance or turmoil, intimacy with our Heavenly Father was separated by sin. This occurred originally in the Garden of Eden through Adam and Eve, but remains present in each one of our tainted hearts. Again, unwilling to settle for separation from those He loves, God lavished love upon us by sending His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our transgressions so that we might be reconciled to God. Taking it even one step further, our Good Father didn’t just want reconnection with us, He invites us into His affections and inheritance as children of God. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,” (Rom. 8:17, NIV). We have been brought into the fold, redeemed, and are treasured as children of the Living God. We will inherit His Kingdom just like a prince or princess would through their royal lineage. That is how valuable you personally are to Him. Sometimes, our earthly relationships with parents or caretakers affect our ability to open our hearts to our Heavenly Father. Again, human relationships are messy and can be fraught with difficulty or disappointment. But, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num 23:19, NIV). He assures us over and over again in His Word of His faithfulness and unending affection towards us. The Bible states: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jer. 31:3 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 (NIV) “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) These scriptures and more assure us of our Heavenly Father’s patient and everlasting love for each one of us. We truly are children of God. What a Good Father He is to us. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you believe you are a child of God? Why or why not? If you struggle with accepting this reality, are you able to pinpoint a specific cause of your mistrust? Even those of us who are able to comprehend God’s fathership, can still struggle to feel worthy enough to be called a child of God. If that is you today, may I remind you that His love for you is not conditional. It is not based on performance. You do not need to earn it. You don’t have to be good enough. So today, wherever you find yourself, I pray you open your heart to your Heavenly Father and receive the abundant love that He is pouring out over you. Further Reading: 1 John 4:7-21 Rom. 5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In All Things Take Time to Grow, we’re reminded that God’s timing is always perfect—even when it feels slow to us. Drawing lessons from the towering California redwoods and the patience of farmers, this devotional encourages believers to trust the Master Gardener as He works in our lives. Using Scripture from Habakkuk 2:3, 1 Corinthians 3:6, and Galatians 6:9, it challenges us to remain faithful, patient, and confident that the harvest will come in His appointed time. ✨ Highlights Why growth in God’s timing is never truly slow, even when it feels delayed Lessons from California redwoods and the patience required for deep spiritual roots The danger of prematurely harvesting blessings before God’s appointed season Encouragement from Habakkuk 2:3 and Galatians 6:9 to persevere in faith Remembering that God gives the growth, not our own striving 💬 Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God asked you to wait? Share how trusting His timing changed your perspective. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TrustGodsTiming to encourage others who are learning to wait patiently for His perfect plan. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: All Things Take Time To Grow Trusting God When Growth Seems Slow Have you ever seen a California redwood, proudly standing hundreds of feet tall? I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing one in person myself, but I’ve had friends who’ve visited California tell me of their magnificence and share pictures with me. Admittedly, I don’t know much about redwoods—or any kind of tree for that matter—but I know enough to know that those trees didn’t just grow overnight. Some of the tallest redwoods in the world have been around for hundreds or thousands of years, and while they’re beautiful and unrivaled in their magnificence, they didn’t just appear that way. They had to grow, and their growth took time. If there’s one thing the Lord has been cultivating in me lately, it’s the idea that all things—not just redwoods—take time. I can naturally be an impatient person and want to see growth or the fruit of my labor now. But as the Lord said in Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV), “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” God, being sovereign, no doubt knew that His people would struggle and yearn to rush His timing. But notice Scripture says, “if it seems slow” not “if it is slow”. God’s plans for growth in our lives are never slow even if they seem so. Like a tree that grows so tall after years of growth, so all things take time in our lives. When we plant vegetables or flowers, we don’t expect to reap the fruits of our labor the next day. Why? Because we know growth takes time. We must nurture the plant and patiently wait for change to occur. Why then do we not trust the Master Gardener, knowing His work in our lives will grow in due time? As vegetables or flowers in a summer garden take time, it also takes the right environment for them to grow. You can’t plant a pumpkin patch in the middle of winter and expect anything to grow. You also can’t prematurely harvest something that’s not ready to be picked. Farmers know the right time to harvest the fruits of their labor, and so does God. As Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV). When it comes to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others or growing a ministry or business, the only thing we can do is be faithful with what has been entrusted to us and trust God will give the growth as He sees fit. And if growth comes, it’s vital for us to remember Who gave the growth. Intersecting Faith & Life I’ll be the first to admit that waiting isn’t easy. I would rather see growth now than wait patiently, but prematurely harvesting in our timing will only lead to unripe produce. As difficult as it is to wait, we must trust the Gardener and believe the harvest, when it comes in His timing, will be better than if we were to “pick the produce” prematurely. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV). Do you believe this promise? At the right time, we shall reap the rewards and blessings of obedience if we remain faithful and do not give up. With reassurance like that, I’m encouraged to trust, wait, and be patient knowing growth in God’s timing is better than growth in my own timing. Are you? Pray With Me: Dear Father, thank You for this reminder that all things take time to grow. I know I can get impatient often, wanting what I want when I want it. Please help me to trust You, knowing You have my best interests at heart. Even when it’s hard to believe sometimes, help me to remember that growth is never slow even if it seems so. I don’t have to fear falling behind because if I’m following You, there is no such thing. I know I’m right where I’m meant to be. Thank You. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a culture overloaded with noise and distraction, The Crosswalk Devotional: Being Silent with Jesus invites you into the sacred practice of stillness. Kyle Norman reflects on Jesus' habit of withdrawing to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16) and challenges us to do the same. Drawing from personal insight, biblical examples, and modern parallels like the show Alone, this devotional explores how spiritual silence opens us to hear God's voice and deepen our relationship with Him. If even Jesus needed time away from the crowds to reconnect with the Father, shouldn’t we also make space for solitude and spiritual renewal? ✨ Highlights Why silence and solitude are vital for spiritual growth How Jesus modeled a life of intentional quiet time with God The emotional and spiritual transformation that comes through being still Practical ways to cultivate a quiet heart in a noisy world Encouragement to stop striving for answers and start simply being with Jesus 💬 Join the Conversation What does silence with Jesus look like in your life? How have you created moments of stillness to hear from God? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and share your story using #SilentWithJesus to encourage others to pursue quiet time with Him. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Being silent with Jesus Written and Read by Kyle Norman. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray” (Luke 5:16) There is a popular television show that my family enjoys watching. It is titled “Alone.” The premise is simple. Several survivalists and outdoorsy types are dropped off in the middle of the wilderness, alone. With no resources beyond what is on their backs, they must build a shelter, establish a supply of food, and get ready for the upcoming winter. There is no camera crew or support staff, they record their own journey. The one who lasts longest wins a pile of money. What I find fascinating about this program is the emotional and spiritual journey that each contestant goes on. The utter silence of their surroundings eventually moves inward, and many begin to wrestle with issues such as identity, purpose, or value. Many people end up leaving early, on their own volition, concluding that deep satisfaction in their lives can’t be found in prize money or competition wins. The bible talks a lot about silence. Elijah stands at the mouth of Horeb and hears the Lord in the sound of silence (1Kings 19:12) the Psalmist calls God’s people to be silent before him; (Psalm 62) Jesus invited the weary disciples to “come away to lonely place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31) Silence is a way to quiet the clamour of the frenetic world so that we can inwardly turn to that which is most important, most life giving. In silence, we meet the presence of the Lord who surrounds us each day, but for whom the frenzy of the world too often distracts us. Cultivating this silent fellowship with the Lord is vitally important for a healthy spiritual life. Even Jesus himself cultivate this practice. Scripture tells us that Jesus would often withdraw to lonely places to pray. He did this frequently, often to the dismay of the disciples who were too concerned with what next might be on the agenda. Jesus, however, was never driven by the list of tasks or demands before him; he followed not societal pressures of fame or prestige; Jesus walked with the heavenly Father, and he walked with the Spirit. And even though he was God incarnate, he still needed to step away from the noise of the world to listen to the voice of the Father, and to breath in the Spirit deeply. If this is something that Jesus felt the need to do for his human life, shouldn’t this be something that we cultivate as well? When is the last time that you cultivated a time of silent communion with the Lord? When is the last time that you turned off all the electronic devices in your midst, stepped away from the computer or television, and simply sat with Jesus. Ultimately, silence is more an internal quality than an outward reality. It is defined by what we are invited into, what we receive from the Lord, not about what we abstain from. Turning off the television, putting down the phone, and sitting in the absence of noise isn’t enough. We must actively open ourselves to the presence of Jesus in our midst. We seek him more than anything else. See, the purpose of silence is not to get anything out of the Lord; we seek not the answers to our questions – although that may come. We do not seek a particular mystical experience, although we may find ourselves enwrapped in one. The direction of our heart and our soul is simply to be with the one who is the lover of our soul, and our heart’s delight. Silence is about being with Jesus. Intersecting faith and life Exterior silence is rare today. Noise occurs all around us. Music is played in elevators and waiting rooms. We hear it in the background of malls and restaurants. Television and radios are played form the moment we wake to the second before we sleep. And in those moments when we do approach silence, too often we reach for earbuds or cellphones to fill up the space with noise. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can follow the example of our Lord, take up his invitation, and lean into time of silence. What is more, it really is not that difficult. All it takes is the willing desire to turn to Jesus instead of other things. Instead of reaching for our phone the first moment we awake, we might allow ourselves to sit with Jesus over our morning coffee. No newspaper, no morning program, just the Lord. Or we might do as Jesus did and physically walk away from that which was distracting. Might we take some this weekend to get away from others, so that we might be with the Lord in a deeper way? Cultivating silence doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does have to be intentional. And while it may be uncomfortable at first, if we stick with it, it will transform our lives. For further reading: Luke 10: 38-42 Psalm 62 How to seek God in silence and Solitude on crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Vivian Bricker challenges us to take inventory of the things we may have unknowingly placed above God. Drawing from Exodus 32, she explores how even good things—like careers, relationships, or personal goals—can become modern-day idols if they consume our attention and affection. With personal reflection and biblical truth, this devotional reminds us that true worship belongs to God alone, and that letting go of false gods leads us back into alignment with His purpose. ✨ Highlights How modern-day idols aren’t golden calves, but often good things misprioritized Why worry and anxiety can subtly become false gods in our lives The spiritual cost of putting anything above God, even unintentionally A biblical reflection on Exodus 32 and God’s response to Israel’s disobedience Encouragement to surrender idols and return to wholehearted devotion 💬 Join the Conversation What false gods have you had to surrender? Whether it’s success, control, or even anxiety—your story could help someone else find freedom. Share how God led you back to Him and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ReturnToTruth to join the conversation and encourage others to keep God first. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Forgetting Any False “Gods” By Vivian Bricker “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt’” (Exodus 32:7-8). There are many false gods in this world today. While we often think of false gods as golden calves, shrines, or other created objects, they can also be in the form of our career, relationships, or appearance. Anything can become an idol if we place it above God. This also includes good things like a spouse, children, or parents. The moment we put something or someone above God, it becomes the “god” in our lives and can cause us to turn away from Christ. As one can imagine, this is not our purpose in life. Our purpose in life is to know the Lord, love the Lord, and make Him known. We won’t be able to do this if we have put other things above the Lord. For example, if we have made our career the god of our lives, we will make it our priority and focus above all else, placing God on the back burner. Rather than serving the Lord and equipping other believers to know Him, we will become obsessed with our job, deadlines, and how to keep climbing the company ladder. While nothing is wrong with wanting to be successful or enjoy our jobs, we don’t need to place them as more important than God. God is greater than our careers because He is the One who has created us, saved us, and loves us. Our career or any other “god” we have created in our life does not do these things. Something that I have struggled with is making worry and anxiety the gods of my life. We might not think of these things as false gods; however, when we establish them as our sole focus, they have become our “gods.” You see, I tend to get overwhelmed, stressed, and worried whenever anything goes wrong, and I lose sight of God. I hyper-fixate on the problem, and all I can do is worry and be anxious. God has shown me many times that this is wrong, yet it is something that I still struggle with. Whenever worry or anxiety starts raising its head as the false gods in my life, I turn to God in prayer, ask Him to give me peace, and to calm my anxious heart. Something about simply asking the Lord to do this brings peace to my heart and gives me the relief that I need. Therefore, whatever has taken the place above God in your life, choose to give it over to Him and rest in His forgiveness. Intersecting Faith & Life: Exodus 32:7-8 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” The broader context of this passage is that Moses had ascended to the top of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments written on stone and had left Aaron and the Israelites to wait for him. He wasn’t gone for very long when the Israelites engaged in pagan revelry and created a golden calf, which they worshipped and presented offerings to in the form of praise (Exodus 32:1-35). God knew what was happening, and His anger burned against them. Moses descended the Mountain, addressed the people, and soon his anger also burned. The false god they created in the form of a golden calf showed Israel’s disobedient heart. They had turned away from God and made their own “god.” Israel was punished severely for this as the Levites who spoke allegiance to God were commanded by Moses to strike down their own brothers, sisters, and families (Exodus 32:27-29). God also strikes the remaining Israelites with a plague (Exodus 32:35). This shows the severity of following other gods. It will not end well, as it will only cause separation between us and God. As believers, we need to surrender any false gods we have created and return to the true God of the Bible. What false gods have you created? How have false gods led you further away from the true God? How do you think God feels when we create false gods? Further Reading: Exodus 20:3-6 Isaiah 44:9-20 Malachi 3:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? In Half Empty or Half Full?, Megan J. Conner reflects on how our perspective shapes our faith. Through the story of Adam and Eve and the subtle lies of the enemy, she reveals how focusing on what we lack leads to spiritual discontent—and how gratitude and truth can shift our mindset back to the goodness of God. This episode is a powerful reminder that contentment starts with choosing to see abundance, even when circumstances tempt us to focus on what’s missing. ✨ Highlights How the enemy uses subtle deception to shift our focus from abundance to lack Why gratitude is key to spiritual peace and emotional resilience The ripple effects of perspective on our faith, speech, and actions A look at Genesis 3 and Proverbs 18:21 to explore the power of words and choices Practical challenge to build a daily habit of thankfulness and see your cup overflow 💬 Join the Conversation Where have you seen God’s abundance in a place you once saw as lack? Share a moment of gratitude or a shift in perspective and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #GratitudeOverflow to encourage others to keep their glasses full! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Half Empty or Half Full? By Megan J. Conner “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden...? For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:1-5 (NIV) Do you classify yourself as an optimist or a pessimist? Do you see your glass as half-empty or half-full? While we may dismiss these characteristics as simple designations, there is tremendous power in what we think and even greater in what we speak. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (NIV). What we recite over ourselves or rehearse with others has the ability to influence our thoughts, propel our actions, and even dictate our overall mental and spiritual states. We all know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We look at their account and can easily cast judgment on their erroneous ways. We can be tempted to think there is no way we would have disobeyed God like they did. They walked with God and talked directly with Him all the time. How in the world could they just turn their backs on Him like that? We flippantly assume that if it had been us in that garden, we would have made a very different decision. Perhaps, before we cast the first stone, we should take a closer look at what might have caused them to boldly sin against God in such a manner. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Gen. 3:1-6 (NIV) What tactic did Satan use to convince Eve that she should disobey God? If Satan had challenged her directly to defy God’s edicts, she likely would have refused. However, his enticement was subtle, not direct. Satan artfully got Eve to see what she lacked rather than what she had. Where there was abundance, she suddenly saw deficiency. On the outside, it seems like such a small shift, yet it produced immense repercussions. It is no different for us today. Our perspectives really do change everything. Unfortunately, we are very familiar with the long-term effects of Adam and Eve’s poor choice as generation after generation endures the consequences of this sin. However, God did not forsake us (or Adam and Eve). He chose right then and there to pay the penalty for our sins through the death and ultimate resurrection of His one and only Son so that we might be reconciled back to the Father. Yet even in this, we still have a choice. Do we recognize the gift we have been given? Or do we still see the glass as half-empty? Gratitude is THE key to the peace and contentment we all seek in life. Perspective dictates our daily direction, and it takes intentional effort to look for the good instead of the bad. We all have a choice. No matter how difficult or disappointing our circumstances may seem, there is always something to be thankful for. May I encourage and challenge you today? Look for the good, seek out the blessings that are right there in front of you. I promise, if you go treasure hunting, you will discover riches far beyond your imagination. Your glass really can be full to overflowing. Intersecting Faith & Life: Let’s take a moment and conduct a quick survey of our lives. Set a timer for one minute and, without thinking, write down every single thing you can think of to be grateful for. Once completed, take a look at how many treasures you were able to unearth. Then, I challenge you to take five minutes each day for the next week and see how many more blessings you can add to your list. Let’s commit together to see abundance and not perceived lack. Let’s keep our glasses full! Further Reading: Phil 4:10-13 1 Thes. 5:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does “home” really mean when nothing on earth feels permanent? In Looking Forward to Home, Lynette Kittle shares a heartfelt devotional exploring how our sense of home shifts as we grow in faith. Through personal stories and Scripture, she invites us to stop anchoring ourselves to physical places and instead long for the eternal home Jesus is preparing for us. If you've ever felt displaced or like you don’t quite belong here, this episode is a beautiful reminder: our true home is with Christ. ✨ Highlights Why a Christian perspective on home goes beyond physical places How moving often can actually deepen your eternal perspective The connection between loss and longing for Heaven Encouragement from Jesus' promise in John 14:3—He’s preparing a place for us Reflection on how Heaven becomes more real as our loved ones go before us 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like this world isn’t your true home? How has your view of Heaven changed over time? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and share your thoughts using #HeavenIsHome to inspire and encourage others who are longing for eternity with Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Looking Forward to Home By Lynette Kittle “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come”--Hebrews 13:14 When we think of home, what do we think of? What comes to mind, a particular house, or city, or an area of the country or world? Some might quote the popular saying, “Home is where your heart is.” Growing up, my family moved around a lot, so I decided as a teenager that when I grew up and became an adult, I would reside in one place for the rest of my life and never move again. That was my plan. But God had different plans and knew my moving from place to place growing up was preparing me for married life, one where He has kept us on the move, relocating over 30 times and still counting, moving from East to West, South to North, from one end of the United States to the other. Needless to say, my dream of living in one place for the rest of my life didn’t pan out as we waved goodbye to the place chosen to be my “forever home”, as some might call it. Not until years later, after my parents both passed away, did I start to realize that a specific place isn’t what makes a home, but rather the people we love who live there. While my parents were still living, I loved visiting them in the town I had planned to live out my life, not ever wanting to leave the place and area that felt like home to me. But once they passed away and were no longer living there, my desire to live there passed away, too, where even the draw and appeal of it no longer called to me, not even for a visit. Still, it was the same place I thought was where I wanted to live out my days. So what has changed my desire so completely? The Apostle Paul explains how, “The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:47), so as His followers, we are changed from residents of the earth to residents of Heaven. In thinking about how my feelings changed drastically after my parents left this world, I considered how Jesus’ disciples and followers may have experienced similar types of feelings with His leaving and absence, like it just didn’t feel like home any longer. Maybe why Jesus assured His followers before His leaving, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). How reassuring Jesus’ words must have been to them, after experiencing His death, resurrection, and ascension, to remember His telling them beforehand that He was preparing a place for them and would come back to take them with Him. What a comfort for His followers, then and now, to hear and know, because our real home is where He is, not a place, but with Him, so to go with Him, is to go home. As Jesus prayed in John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.” Likewise, Revelation 21:3 describes our future home, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Home really is where our hearts are, where we feel most connected and loved by people rather than a particular physical location. Since my parents left this world, Heaven does seem more like home than it did before. Knowing they are already there with Jesus draws me home. Intersecting Faith & Life: Where is home for you? Do you feel at home and comfortable here on earth, or are you looking forward to living with Jesus in His home? If the thought of heaven seems too far off, or out-of-reach, ask God to draw you closer to Him. Further Reading: A Prayer to Look Towards Heaven https://www.crosswalk.com/video/a-prayer-to-look-towards-heaven-your-daily-prayer.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this moving devotional, Angela Anderson shares a real-life story of watching a woman struggle in deep waters—until she surrendered and was rescued. Through this gripping analogy, Angela unpacks the meaning of "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) and how spiritual surrender opens the door to God’s kingdom. When we recognize our deep need for God's grace, we stop striving and allow Him to rescue us. This devotional is a reminder that salvation isn’t about striving harder—it’s about admitting we can’t do it on our own. When we surrender, we experience the richness of God's love, peace, and hope. ✨ Highlights What it truly means to be "poor in spirit" Why surrender—not self-reliance—is the key to spiritual rescue A powerful real-life metaphor for how God saves us when we stop fighting Encouragement for those who feel like they’re drowning in life’s circumstances The immediate promise of kingdom living for those who fully depend on God 💬 Join the Conversation Have you had a moment when surrendering to God brought breakthrough? We’d love to hear your story. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #PoorInSpiritRichInFaith to share how God met you when you let go. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let the Poor Say I Am Rich By Angela Anderson Bible Reading: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (ESV) I stood there in awe with the rest of the crowd. I wanted to scream for help, but I was speechless. I could not believe what I was witnessing, and I was terrified at the thought of a tragic outcome. There was a woman drowning in the middle of the ocean, and no one was coming to her rescue. She accidentally fell off the pier and she was too far out for even an experienced swimmer to reach her. Her arms were flailing, water was splashing, her head was bobbing up and down, and the crowd just stood there watching it happen. There was a lifeguard nearby, and he was also a silent bystander. I was perplexed. I thought it was the responsibility of the lifeguard to save people from drowning. Why wasn’t this lifeguard jumping in the water to save this woman? A few more minutes went by. It felt like everything was happening in slow motion. I saw the woman begin to get tired. Her arms were no longer moving wildly in the air and the water around her seemed to calm down. Then the worst possible scenario occurred. The woman went under. The crowd gasped in unison. Immediately, the lifeguard dove into the water and within seconds he appeared with the woman in his arms. He swam back to the pier while pulling the woman who was serenely floating alongside the lifeguard. Once they reached the bottom of the pier, they were pulled to safety by a team of rescuers who had just arrived on the scene. Occasionally, I think about that incident and my mind goes back to the moment when the lifeguard saw the woman drowning, but he did not instantly act. It was later explained to me that the lifeguard was waiting for the woman to stop struggling in the water. If the lifeguard jumped in to save the woman while she was still fighting for her life, he might have been pulled down in the chaos, and both may have drowned. The lifeguard could not force or coerce the woman to be saved. Instead, the lifeguard had to wait until the woman surrendered and allowed herself to be saved. It is the same way with God and His continuous desire to save us. The verse for today found in Matthew 5:3 indicates that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? The word poor in this context does not refer to the lack of material wealth. On the contrary, to be poor in spirit is to recognize your spiritual poverty and your deep need to be saved. There is an awareness that salvation is not something that can be earned. There is an understanding that God’s favor is a gift. There is an acknowledgement that you must depend on God’s grace, rather than rely on your own righteousness, accomplishments, or strength. For those who are poor in spirit, there is spiritual humility which is the opposite of pride or self-sufficiency. You can freely admit your need for God and His mercy. For example, the tax collector in Luke 18:13 had a heart of repentance when he prayed the words, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This is an outward sign of dependence on God and submission to His will. Once you reach this point in your life, there is an openness to God. You are receptive to the gospel. Only those who realize their need will fervently seek and receive the promise of God’s kingdom. This promise is not a future event. Instead, it is referring to belonging to God’s kingdom in the present. Those who are poor in spirit are reaping the reward of living under God’s rule which is characterized by His grace, peace, and hope. Moreover, it is the foundation of a faithful, grace-filled life. You will experience the richness of His love. To be poor in spirit is to fully surrender. Just like the woman who was drowning, once you accept that you cannot save yourself, you stop struggling and you give God permission to act. Just like the lifeguard, God is patiently waiting for you to be still so that He can jump in and rescue you from the deep waters of your life. Intersecting Faith & Life: Are there areas of your life that you have not surrendered to God? What will it take for you to relinquish control? Further Reading: 2 Peter 3:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is singleness a gift or a flaw to be fixed? In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker invites us to rethink cultural and even church-based assumptions about being single. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7:7 and Colossians 2:10, she reminds us that single Christians are not lacking—they are complete in Christ. Whether by choice, circumstance, or calling, singleness offers a unique opportunity to deepen our devotion to God and grow spiritually without distraction. Vivian speaks candidly from personal experience, addressing the pain, pressure, and purpose of singleness in a culture that often misunderstands it. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or “less than” because of your relationship status, this reflection will affirm your value and remind you that you are fully known and fully loved. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why singleness is not a flaw—but a God-given gift (1 Corinthians 7:7) The emotional challenges of being a single Christian in a relationship-centered world How Colossians 2:10 affirms that we are already complete through Christ Common misconceptions about single believers—and why they need to change Encouragement to embrace this season (or life calling) with purpose, dignity, and joy 💬 Join the Conversation Have you struggled to see singleness as a gift? Or have you found freedom and growth in this season of life? Share your thoughts by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SingleAndSecure to encourage others walking a similar path. Let’s start a real conversation about what it means to be whole, chosen, and complete in Christ—no matter our relationship status. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Acceptance for the Single Christian By Vivian Bricker “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7). As a single Christian, I have often been ridiculed. Many Christians view me as something that needs to be “fixed.” What these individuals don’t know is that singleness does not mean you are broken or lacking in any way. Through faith in Jesus, we have been brought to fullness (Colossians 2:10). This means we are not lacking anything in our lives. Since we are given fullness in Christ, there is no reason to be ashamed as a single Christian. It is true that single life can get lonely, and we often feel a lack of love, but it does not mean we are not complete. Many people stay single for various reasons. Some simply choose to stay single in order to be devoted to the Lord, others have bad experiences with dating, and others have never been pursued by someone. It is best not to look down on singles or to make any comments on their singleness because you don’t know why a person is single. People who are single have different feelings concerning singleness. For some, it might be painful; for others, it is a sense of Christian growth and grace. In either case, Christian singles need to be respected and treated equally with other believers. There have been too many occasions where I have been looked down upon because I am a single Christian. These individuals think that if a person is single, they are immature or incomplete. As mentioned, single Christians are complete because we know Jesus and have been given fullness in Him. All Christians, regardless of their relationship status, are worthy, valued, and enough. To say otherwise would be to call Jesus’ love and grace insufficient. As it is, Jesus’ love and grace are more than sufficient, and we are all complete in Him. Intersecting Faith & Life: Rather than believing lies about singles, it is time to listen to what God says in His Word. While marriage is a beautiful blessing and a gift, singleness is also a gift (1 Corinthians 7:1-40). This is what Paul is saying when he makes the statement, “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7). In saying this, Paul tells us that each of us has our own gift from God. This would tell us that singleness is a gift and it is a great blessing. By being single Christians, we have much more time to devote to the Lord, go to Him in prayer, and read the Bible (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Our top priority is God, and He always will be. Rather than seeing singleness as a lesser state, it is important to embrace our singleness. For some, this might only be a season of life, and for others, it might be for the rest of their lives. If you are young and think you are “doomed” to be single, know that singleness is not a curse. As stated, it is a gift. Jesus tells us that we should accept singleness if we can (Matthew 19:12). The Lord is never wrong, and we need to embrace the life He has called us to. The life He has for each of us is amazing, whether that includes marriage or not. “Dear Jesus, I often struggle with my singleness, and it makes me feel as though nobody will ever love me. Help me to know that I am complete in You and I’m not lacking anything. Please help me to also see singleness as a gift rather than a curse. My life is meant to serve You, regardless of my relationship status. Help me to remember this every day. Amen.” Have you held any distorted views of singleness in the past? The Bible tells us singleness is a gift. In what ways do you see it as a gift in your own life? Singleness can be hard for many Christians to accept. How can you work on accepting singleness in your own life this week? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do we do when we’re walking through spiritual wilderness—those dry, difficult seasons that test our faith and strip us of comfort? In this moving devotional, Megan J. Conner invites us to consider what it means to build altars in the wilderness—not as monuments to our victories, but as places of sacrifice, surrender, and transformation. Drawing from Genesis 22 and the powerful story of Abraham and Isaac, this episode explores the sacred difference between memorials and altars, and how God uses wilderness moments to draw us deeper into trust, humility, and full dependence on Him. If you’re feeling lost, weary, or stretched beyond your limits, this is a tender reminder that God meets us in the wilderness, and often calls us to lay down what’s most precious so that new life can rise. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) The distinction between biblical monuments and altars, and why it matters for your faith What Abraham’s altar moment teaches us about deep surrender and costly obedience How spiritual “wilderness” seasons are often invitations to intimacy and transformation Why humility and sacrifice are central themes of the Christian journey Encouragement that what you lay down in obedience, God often raises up in new life 💬 Join the Conversation What has God asked you to surrender in a season of wilderness? How has He met you in that place? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #AltarInMyWilderness and share a moment when laying something down led to growth, renewal, or unexpected blessing. Your story may be the encouragement someone else needs today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Altars in the Wilderness By Megan J. Conner The phrase “altars in the wilderness” has become somewhat of a Christian catchphrase that has gained popularity over the last several years. The expression sounds deep, compelling, romantic, even. It alludes to a sense of profound destiny, as if connected to some measure of achievement or victory. While marker stones were often set up in the Old Testament to memorialize an act of God’s deliverance or miraculous provision during wilderness wanderings, there is a significant difference between a monument and an altar. Throughout the Old Testament, we see monuments resurrected through marker stones. Similar to our modern-day statues, granite walls, or marble towers, these memorials were built as a lasting reminder of God’s triumph over an obstacle or enemy, and His divine deliverance of His people. We see examples of this in Joshua chapter four when the twelve tribes stack stones to memorialize the crossing of the Jordan river, and again in 1 Samuel chapter seven when God delivers the Israelites from the Philistines and Samuel erects a memorial called “ebenezer,” meaning stone of help. In both of these references, God miraculously demonstrated love in action as He cared for those who belonged to Him. While faith was required to follow the Lord in each of these scenarios, it was God who was responsible for the work, not man. How different in comparison when we look at the term altar. Again, the word stirs in us visions of majesty and the divine, but an altar at its core is not a place of glory, but of humility. The word altar, when used as a noun in Hebrew, means “place of sacrifice,” and is derived from a verb meaning “to slaughter, to offer, or to sacrifice.” There is no grandeur here; rather, there is messy, raw surrender. A total and complete resignation of one’s self. One of the most famous biblical examples of this can be found in the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham waited decades for his promised son, Isaac. Abraham was assured he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. Yet, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son upon the altar of the Lord. Abraham did not fully understand the outcome of this command, but his assurance in the Lord was so unshakeable, he obeyed and trusted God would provide a solution he simply could not see. “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.” Gen. 22:6-9 (NIV) Take a look at the last sentence. Why do you think Abraham bound his own son? Because he was about to be slaughtered, and a struggle might ensue. Because to lay down one’s life is HARD, even when the heart is willing and there is confidence in the Lord. Ultimately, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Isaac’s life was spared. However, the intense, guttural surrender of both Abraham and Isaac upon that altar is almost incomprehensible. Yet… it was through this sincere act of sacrificial death that God birthed a nation. Just as the crucifixion of Christ continues to offer us resurrection and redemption today. The altar is a sacred place of transformation. As reflected in scripture, these opportunities to lay open our hearts upon the holy ground of self-sacrifice often arise during seasons of wilderness wanderings. Times when the world falls away, during moments of isolation and hardship, when water and sustenance seem scarce. If you find yourself in a moment such as this, look up and look out. Likely, there is an altar ready and waiting for you in that wilderness. Will you, like Abraham, offer what is most precious to you in surrender to the Lord? If so, what may appear as death WILL spring forth new life. “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it,” Matt. 10:39 (NIV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Deep humility can be difficult. We long to feel validated in our own selves, our own efforts. We pride ourselves on what we can achieve or accomplish. We long to be in control of our own destinies. However, the Kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom. Those who long to be first will be last, and the last will be first (Matt. 20:16). If you find yourself wandering in a wilderness today, know that God is doing a good work in you. He is not punishing or abandoning you, He is calling you into deeper surrender and relationship with Him. Will you heed that call? What can you lay down upon the altar today? Further Reading: Gen. 22 Matt. 10:34-42 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.