The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overwhelmed by life’s crashing waves?In “God’s Power is Stronger than Your Challenges,” Whitney Hopler shares the inspiring faith of a small island community literally disappearing beneath rising tides—and how their trust in God’s power sustains them. Psalm 93 reminds us that even when the storm surges, “the Lord on high is mighty.” When problems rise like pounding waves, God’s strength stands firm. 📌 Key Takeaways: Why God’s power is greater than even the fiercest storms How to find peace when your future feels uncertain Encouragement to focus on God’s might—not the magnitude of your problems A reminder that God’s power is limitless, even when we feel weak 📖 “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters… the LORD on high is mighty.” – Psalm 93:4 💬 Join the Conversation:What wave are you trusting God to carry you through? Share your story with us using #God'sTrust and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God’s Power is Stronger than Your Challenges By: Whitney Hopler “The seas have lifted up, LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the LORD on high is mighty.” – Psalm 93:3-4, NIV Tangier Island, which sits in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, may not exist in a few decades. Rising sea water is eroding Tangier Island so quickly that two-thirds of it has already been lost since people started keeping track of the erosion in the mid-1800s. Scientists estimate that now, about 9 acres of the small island are disappearing under the waters of the Chesapeake Bay every single year. Despite lots of interest from people – including U.S. Congress members – to try to help, no one has raised the money so far to pay for the massive engineering project it would take to stop the erosion. So, the approximately 300 Tangier residents don’t know if they’ll lose their homes and need to move to the mainland. Some homes and yards are already being flooded, I noticed while visiting. Despite the fact that the sea water has lifted up pounding waves and the people of Tangier face a challenging future, their faith is strong. Many of the islanders are active in one of the two church congregations there. The people I talked with on my visit said they were at peace that, no matter what ends up happening to Tangier, they had hope for the future because God’s power would be there to help them. Either God would make a way for the engineering project to be funded and let them stay on the island they love, or God would help them adjust to life in a new place if they have to move. They knew that, somehow, God’s power would be stronger than the challenges they face from the rising sea. Life often feels like a raging ocean, with waves of challenges crashing over us. Our problems can hit us with such force that they wash away our peace. But Psalm 93 describes God’s mighty power as “mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea”. Think of the force of crashing waves that are so powerful they reshape coastlines. God’s power is much greater than waves like that. It’s so much greater, in fact, that it doesn’t have any limits at all. Even our hardest challenges are limited. But there is absolutely no limit to God’s power! The same God who created the universe and can calm any kind of storm is the God you can call on to help you with any kind of challenge. So, when your challenges feel like overwhelming waves crashing over you, look beyond the powerful waves to the greater power of God. Choose to trust that God’s power is really available to you whenever you need it. Remind yourself that God’s power can help you even when waves are still crashing around you and you don’t know how your problems will be solved. Don’t hesitate to confess your weakness to God and ask him to empower you through the Holy Spirit to overcome the challenges you face. Remind yourself of the truth Psalm 93 describes, that while waves of problems are washing over you, you can count on God’s mighty power to help you. God’s power can be like an anchor you rely on to stay strong and calm during the sea of challenges you go through in life. Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how God’s mighty power is so strong that it’s strong enough to help you with any kind of challenge, reflect on these questions: What specific challenges are you currently facing that feel overwhelming? How does thinking about God’s power being mightier than the sea encourage you right now? How can you change your focus from the size of your problems to the greatness of God’s power? Remember a time God helped you through a past challenge. How does that memory strengthen your faith for dealing with a challenge you’re facing today? What will help you trust God’s unlimited power more in the future? Further Reading Psalm 46:1 Isaiah 41:10 2 Corinthians 12:9 Matthew 19:26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling overwhelmed by the battles you’re facing?In “God’s Protection for Times of Crisis,” Jennifer Slattery shares a powerful reminder that we’re never alone in the fight. Drawing from Deuteronomy 3:21–22 and her family’s personal story of workplace adversity, she shows how God not only walks with us—but fights for us. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we can anchor our faith in the truth that our God is trustworthy, present, and powerful in times of trouble. Key Takeaways: Why hardship often grows our faith more than comfort How God uses crisis seasons to build deeper trust and freedom Encouragement to move forward even when fear creeps in The importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness to fuel present courage 📖 “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” —Deuteronomy 3:22 Listen now on LifeAudio.com or your favorite podcast app. 💬 Join the Conversation:Where have you seen God fight on your behalf? Share your story using #CrosswalkDevotional and tag @LifeaudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God’s Protection for Times of Crisis By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:21-22, NIV This was the message God gave our family years ago when my husband transferred into toxic work environment where certain individuals made it their mission to get him fired. Two years prior, he’d left the company to work for their competitors and had returned with a demotion that quickly turned into a promotion when railroad police escorted the former shop director off the property on numerous counts of fraud. Unfortunately, this left my husband with the difficult task of leading numerous workers who’d benefited from their previous boss’s corruption. They weren’t pleased with the necessary changes Steve implemented, nor the faith that drove him to do so. The union rep even went so far as to email the company president with a list of grievances, which he then tacked to the community board in the break room. But while this was a stressful time, we chose to believe that God would bring good from it. And He did. The Lord protected my husband, provided for our family, and allowed those watching to catch a glimpse of Himself and His ways. This has long been God’s pattern. Whereas we might prefer a trouble-free life, it’s often in seasons of hardship that our trust in Him grows the most. He’ll often remove those things that increase our self-reliance while allowing those things that deepen our dependence because He knows that is the only way we can thrive. That always is, and always has been, His heart—to see His children living completely free; thriving. We see this in His interaction with the ancient Hebrews. The early books of the Old Testament record their story. To paraphrase, God used a man named Moses to liberate His people from 400 years of slavery in Egypt and to bring them into an intimate relationship with Himself. He wasn’t only breaking their physical chains; He was also seeking to free them from the shackles around their souls. The men, women, and children who lived through the Exodus had experienced years, and for some, decades, of significant, chronic trauma. This hindered their ability to trust the Lord and Moses, their leader and their capacity to envision a hope-filled future. Add to this the fact that they’d spent their lives prior absorbing the influences of growing up in a pagan culture where people worshiped “gods” thought to be selfish, vindictive, fickle, and prone to jealousy. Considering their background, their tendency to respond to frightening circumstances with a panicked and pathological fight for survival makes sense. As I’ve discussed numerous times on the Faith Over Fear podcast, throughout their wilderness journey, the Lord was teaching them that He was their Provider who they could trust. For forty years, He’d remained tangibly present, faithfully led them each day, satisfied their hunger and thirst in miraculous ways, and protected and defended them in times of danger. By the time we get to today’s verse, those who left Egypt as adults have died, their children, now grown, have not only witnessed four decades of God’s faithfulness, but they also witnessed and experienced the painful results of their parents’ perpetual lack of faith. (Moses reminded them of this in his “end of life” address.) Now, the people were about to enter a land the Lord had long promised to give them—under a new leader. Moses, the man who courageously confronted Pharaoh, demonstrated an intimate relationship with God, and performed numerous life-saving miracles—by the Lord’s power, of course, wouldn’t be joining them. Therefore, they had ample reason to feel afraid, but even more reasons to trust in God’s goodness and steady care. Moses reminded them of this in the passage surrounding today’s verse. When confronted with an approaching army, Moses told Joshua, his mentee: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you” (Deut. 3:21-22, NIV). You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done … The people could anchor their faith in experience and in truth. Moses assured them that they could trust the God who had faithfully cared for them for the past 40 years would continue to do so, reiterating His promise to protect, defend, and provide for His children. Intersecting Life & Faith: Although they no doubt felt afraid, they didn’t have to allow their fear to consume them or halt their steps, because God was bigger and more powerful than any threat they might encounter. Almighty God Himself would fight for them, and He did. He’ll do the same for us. He sees the battles we face, and how overwhelming they feel. He understands our fight-or-flight responses and those things that challenge our trust. And He speaks to our frightened hearts, saying, “Do not be afraid. I love you. I’m with you, and I’ll fight for you, today and always.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling the weight of change?In “To Everything There Is a Season,” Michelle Lazurek reflects on the bittersweet beauty of life’s transitions—whether you're letting go of childhood moments, entering a new stage of parenting, or simply learning to navigate life’s ever-changing rhythms. Based on Ecclesiastes 3:1, this devotional reminds us that God doesn’t waste a single season—even the hard ones. Key Takeaways: How to grieve and grow through life’s transitions Why every season (even the painful ones) has divine purpose What farmers, parents, and the Bible can teach us about spiritual seasons How to embrace where you are and trust God for what’s ahead 📖 “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1 💬 Join the Conversation:What season are you currently in—and what is God teaching you through it? Share using #LifeAudioDevos and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: To Everything There Is a Season By Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Tears welled up in my eyes as I waved goodbye to my daughter, who got on the big yellow school bus, and with its red flashing lights drove off into the distance for the last time. For ten years, I had stayed with my daughter at the bus stop to ensure she got on the bus to start her school day. But today was the last time she would ever get on a school bus. She had just gotten her license and was excited to drive to school. My mind recalled the many years I watched her run to the bus, sit by her friends, and giggle wildly as the bus took off. But there would be no more of that today. That season of her life—and ours—was over. While it was exciting to watch her grow up and bask in the woman she was becoming, it was difficult not to grieve the loss of that season of life. The innocence of childhood was long past, giving way to the challenges of making new friends, attending high school, adjusting to classes, and navigating relationships. Just as we had always done, we stood by her and ensured that we saw her through every transition she would make. In life, everything has a season. We are promised that there will be good days and bad days. Those endless days of changing diapers, folding laundry, and staying up for nighttime feedings give way to more exciting experiences, such as attending school, earning good grades, and eventually transitioning into adulthood. Farmers understand the idea of seasons all too well. There are seasons throughout the year when they must plant the seed, moderate the growth, fertilize the soil, and then dig up the harvest. No farmer expects to remain in the harvesting season for the rest of their lives. They understand that to reach the harvest, there must be planting, weeding, and watering. If they skip a step in this process, their harvest will not be plentiful. It can impact their well-being and ultimately their ability to earn a living. Farmers understand that each season has its purpose, to prepare for the harvest that's to come. In the same way, the difficulties you may be facing now will give way to better seasons in the future. Today will not always be difficult. There will be seasons in life that you love, and seasons in life that you simply endure. Don't skip through the seasons that are refining you and making you into the Christ-like person God wants you to be. Embrace those seasons and look back to reflect on all that God has done. What season in life are you in now? Are you in a season of raising children? Are you in the prime of your life, preparing to travel and explore the world? Are you going to work every day, saving up for the eventual season of retirement? Seasons come and seasons go. To have a spring, there must be a winter. Dead leaves that fall to the ground in autumn must happen to allow new life and buds to sprout flowers for the spring. But remember this: every season has its purpose. God does not waste our pain. Even in seasons of great trial and tribulation, they must happen so that we can get closer to Jesus. Those difficult seasons allow for new birth in our lives. The old self must die to give way to the new self. And it's essential to embrace each season of life as it comes, knowing that even in the worst seasons, there will always be room for better ones in the future. Father, help us to remember that every season has its purpose. If we are currently experiencing a difficult season of life, let us hold onto the hope that this will not last forever. Please help us to remember that you are using this difficult season to create new growth and new life. To experience new life, we must undergo old, dead growth. Please help us to embrace each season of life as it comes. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life Are you currently in a good season or a bad season? How can you embrace and accept this current season? Further Reading John 16:33 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.