The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Did you know that today's host, Jennifer Slattery, has a podcast of her own? Check out Faith Over Fear, where Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. In John 2:18-25, we witness a revealing moment early in Jesus’ ministry — a moment filled with admiration, opposition, belief, and rejection. While the crowds clamored for signs and the religious leaders challenged His authority, Jesus remained steady, anchored not in human praise or criticism, but in His unshakable union with the Father. Today’s devotional invites us to reflect on how often we attach our identity and worth to the opinions of others — and how Jesus models a better way. He loved deeply, yet He didn’t entrust Himself to the crowds because He knew the fickleness of human hearts. Instead, He remained secure in the Father’s constant love and presence. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Learn how Jesus responded to both praise and rejection without letting either define Him💡 Discover how our own attachment to human approval can keep us in bondage💡 Be encouraged to entrust yourself fully to God, finding your identity and security in Him alone💡 Reflect on the freedom that comes from resting in God’s unchanging love 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙️ Don’t miss a single episode of The Crosswalk Devotional!Follow our audio podcast on your favorite podcast app and join us every weekday for fresh, faith-building encouragement rooted in Scripture. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:18-25 (NIV) The more someone else’s praise can lift you up, the more their criticism can tear you down. If you grew up in a critical home, you probably know the truth of that statement from experience. Perhaps you’ve felt the emotional high of feeling like you made an often emotionally unavailable parent proud, and the grief that flooded your soul when they suddenly, without clear provocation, rejected you through harsh words or relational withdrawal. Or you’re enduring a lonely and unstable marriage where you find your longing for love and connection has caused you to grasp at the slightest display of affection. Or you frequently feel excluded in your social circle, judged in your faith community, or belittled in a toxic work environment. Those circumstances can exacerbate our unhealed wounds and the lies our enemy the devil often attaches to them. In my long-standing battle against shame and the fear of rejection it triggered, I found today’s passage intriguing. This occurred at the beginning of Jesus ministry and directly following His first recorded miracle at a wedding in Cana. Directly following, Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. At the Temple, He saw merchant and money changers clogging the one area permitted to Gentiles. In other words, they were limiting non-Jews’ access to God. In response, Jesus cleared the courts and overturned the tables. And the Jews responded to Him by demanding a sign, in essence, saying, “Who do You think You are?” And thus, opposition between Him and the religious power-players of His day began. But He also drew the admiration of the crowd. Here, we see adoration and animosity, respect and disdain, belief and rejection. And it is following this important contrast that we read, in verses 24-25, “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (NIV). Notice, Scripture doesn’t say He wouldn’t love these people. Nor is this passage speaking of relationship. He knew what was in the heart of each of His disciples, as well, and that they’d abandon Him in His darkest hour, yet He intentionally built a deep connection with them. He loved deeply, freely, and unconditionally, those who accepted His message and those who relentlessly sought to discredit Him and trip Him up. But He didn’t entrust Himself to them. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father Who He knew would never leave (John 16:32). His constant and unbreakable union with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit enabled Him to love others well, from a place of wholeness, of confidence, not insecurity or fear. Jesus recognized the brokenness people carry. He saw every wounded, prideful, selfish, and deceived heart and humanity’s tendency to choose self-preservation, or elevation, over love. However, this supernatural, soul-deep knowledge didn’t provoke Him to judgment. Instead, it initiated a mercy and compassion that, ultimately, drew Him to the cross. I’m reminded of His words to the disciples in Matthew 26:41, when He said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Consider also His prayer for His executioners and the hateful crowd who’d previously chanted for His death. As He hung on the cross, He said, ““Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Again, Jesus loved everyone, including those who proclaimed His praises on Palm Sunday and chanted for His death less than a week later. He was able to do so because of His relationship with the Father and the fact that He didn’t entrust Himself to His flawed creation. In other words, He didn’t base His worth or identity on their subjective and obviously fickle opinions. Intersecting Life and Faith That is the soul-state the Lord longs for us each to experience. He wants us to live so anchored in His love and grace, so secure in who we are to in Him and to Him, that we cease attaching our worth to the perspectives and behaviors of others. For many of us, this inner transformation and strength won’t come easily. But as we grow in our relationship with Christ and follow His lead moment by moment, day by day, and hurt by hurt, He frees us from those things, like fear of rejection, that holds us in bondage. Further reading: Ephesians 1 Romans 8:37-39 Hebrews 13:5 Jeremiah 31:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In our hectic, pressure-filled lives, it’s easy to get tangled up in worry — about finances, relationships, health, and the future. But Jesus offers a gentle, beautiful reminder: look at the wildflowers. In Luke 12:27-28, He invites us to notice how God cares for even the most fleeting parts of creation and promises that His care for us is even greater. In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on the peaceful, unhurried life of flowers — and how their effortless trust in God’s provision challenges us to release our worries and rest in His faithful care. If God so carefully clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe and care for you? Key Takeaways:🌸 Learn how observing flowers can offer practical lessons in trusting God’s provision🌸 Discover why Jesus calls us to live free from worry by His faithful care.🌸 Be encouraged to recognize the details God tends to in your life, big and small🌸 Reflect on ways to cultivate peace and gratitude through simple moments in nature 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Consider How the Flowers Grow By: Whitney Hopler “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!” – Luke 12:27-28, NIV During May, I love to visit gardens to see flowers. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax. Flowers become so beautiful just by doing what they were made to do, without any stress. When I look at them, I’m reminded that I can trust God to take care of me, too. In our busy lives, we can get overwhelmed with everything we have to do. We might even start worrying about the future. But Jesus tells us not to worry and look at the simple beauty of nature to inspire us to make a different choice. He tells us to think about how wildflowers grow, as a reminder of how God cares for everything he made – including us. These verses remind us that God loves and cares for even the smallest parts of his creation. The flowers grow naturally, depending on God for everything they need. They don’t worry about whether they’ll have enough. They just trust what God provides for them – and in the process, they become beautiful. We may catch ourselves worrying about what we need for our health, our money, our relationships, and much more. But Jesus says to just look at the flowers and learn from them. They grow well under God’s care without worrying – just by being what God made them to be. If God cares so much for these short-lived flowers, how much more will God care for us, his children? Our worries can make us forget to trust God’s provision. Jesus asks us to have more faith. He challenges us to trust that God knows what we need and will provide it at the right time. Just like the flowers rely on God for everything, Jesus invites us to rely on God for everything we need. This means really believing that God knows our needs and is working to meet them in the best way for us. Beautiful flowers also show us how amazing God’s work is in our lives. God’s care for us includes paying attention to every little detail. If God puts so much care into making flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow look beautiful, how much more does God care about the details of our lives? This should make us feel grateful and give us peace, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving God. Just as flowers grow without effort, trusting God to provide, we can rest assured that God will meet our needs. We should still work hard on what God has given us to do. But we never need to worry about our needs being met, because we can always trust our loving Heavenly Father to provide what we need. So, let’s enjoy the simple beauty of flowers and let their beauty remind us of God’s beautiful care for us. May we grow in faith, knowing that the God who clothes the flowers so well will definitely take care of us! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how flowers can inspire you to trust God more, reflect on these questions: When you feel overwhelmed by worries, how can enjoying flowers help you relieve stress and find a fresh perspective? What specific needs do you find most challenging to trust God to help you with? What steps can you take to practice trusting God more to meet those needs? How does the idea that God cares for all the details of your life give you a sense of security? Think of a time when God met a need for you in a surprising way. How can remembering that experience strengthen your faith? How can you create more moments in your daily life to appreciate the simple beauty of God’s creation, and use those moments to connect with God? Further Reading Matthew 6:33-34 Philippians 4:6-7 Psalm 23:1 1 Peter 5:7 Isaiah 40:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s devotional reminds us of a liberating truth: shame was never meant to be part of a believer’s identity. While guilt can lead us to repentance, shame clings like a heavy weight, making us believe we’re unworthy of God’s love. But the Word of God is clear — what Jesus has forgiven, He has forgiven forever. Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are not the voice of the enemy whispering old regrets into your mind. You are a new creation, loved and accepted by your Savior. As followers of Christ, we can boldly trade shame for grace, heaviness for hope, and regret for peace. Jesus has given us the freedom to move forward unburdened — we just have to hand over the weight. Join the Conversation:What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Shame Has No Place in a Christian’s Life By Vivian Bricker “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7). I have often struggled with feelings of shame because of past actions and decisions. The hurtful words I have said in the past have caused me to develop deep shame about myself. Shame causes me to feel unworthy and extremely guilty. In other words, I feel like a terrible person, and I begin hating myself. “I shouldn’t have said that. I shouldn’t have done that.” These thoughts swim around in my head and eventually drown me. Shame knocks at our door each day. However, instead of letting it in, we have the choice to turn it away. Although shame creeps into our hearts, we don’t have to feed into it. The devil has a way of bringing past sins back into our minds, which will cause us to feel shame, but we don't need to listen to him. Satan wants us to fall in any way possible, and this includes making us feel ashamed. We don’t need to feel shame for past sins, as they have already been forgiven by the Lord. What Jesus has forgiven is forgiven forever. This means that all of our sins have been forgiven on account of the Lord’s blood. We never have to fear these past sins because they are completely forgiven. Since they are forgiven, we do not need to dwell on them. The past is in the past, and we need to strive forward. Shame does not need to take up occupancy in our hearts or minds. Whether we are feeling shame over a past sin or a present sin, we can bring it before Jesus. Jesus wants us to release these feelings to Him and allow Him to carry them for us. In no way does the Lord expect us to carry this weight alone. Give all of your feelings of shame over to the Lord today. Trust Him with these feelings and allow Him to lift this shame from your shoulders. In truth, the shame can only be placed there by us. Since Jesus has forgiven us of our past sins, there is no reason to continue to feel guilty. We have been given forgiveness and freedom from our past. No longer are we defined by our past. We are defined by Jesus. Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” As this passage of Scripture tells us, we do not need to be disgraced or put to shame. Since the Lord is our help, He has caused our feet to stand on level ground. Our faces have been set like flint, and we will never be put to shame. The Bible tells us clearly in this passage that we don’t need to be disgraced or ashamed anymore. We can give all of these feelings over to Jesus. He is our sovereign help and our firm foundation of hope. As we reflect on this truth, we need to remember Jesus’ goodness and mercy. By reflecting on these things, we will slowly see the truth that since Jesus doesn’t define us by our past actions, neither should we. Since shame has been eradicated in our lives, we can move forward with our future. Jesus has given us an abundant life, and we don’t need to trade this away for a life of shame. All of us would be wise to give these feelings over to Jesus and trust them with Him. Whenever feelings of shame rise again, we can continually turn them over to the Lord. With time, Jesus will help us to fully let go of shame once and for all. “Dear Jesus, please help me to give all of my feelings of shame over to You. I don’t want to be held in the bondage of shame anymore. Shame has no place in my life. Instead, my life is meant to be lived in the forgiveness, mercy, and love of You. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me grace every day. Amen.” Intersecting Faith & Life: What is causing you to feel shame today? How can you let go of this shame today and give it to Jesus? Upon reflecting on Isaiah 50:7, does it give you a new perspective of God’s love and grace? Why or why not? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s devotional reminds us of one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: Jesus understands what it means to be human. He experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and yes — even anguish so deep that He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:44) No matter what you're facing — heartbreak, fear, anxiety, or loss — Jesus isn’t distant from your pain. He’s felt it, carried it, and overcome it. This Easter and every day, we can be assured that the One who conquered death understands every burden we bear. And just as God sent strength to Jesus in His moment of need, He promises to send help to us too — whether through His Word, His people, or His angels. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, thank You for knowing what it’s like to hurt, to grieve, and to feel overwhelmed. Help me to follow Your example of surrender and trust, and to lean on You for strength in my hardest moments.” Join the Conversation:When was a time you felt God’s strength in a season of deep distress? How do you find peace in knowing Jesus understands what you’re walking through? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a comment on Crosswalk.com. Your testimony might be the encouragement someone else is praying for today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: At Easter and Every Day, Jesus Understands By Lynette Kittle And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground--Luke 22:44 Sweat: most of us experience it repeatedly in life, whether from high temperatures in weather or during illness, recreational activities or exercise, or because of stress and anxiety; it’s a gritty, real aspect of life. Still, some of us don’t think of Jesus ever sweating like we do at times, but being fully human as well as fully God, we can be assured He sweated. As a physician, Luke added details in his writing that help us know Jesus experienced human conditions like us. Jesus Knows What It’s Like to Be Human From various biblical passages, we also know that Jesus hungered for food, like we do. How He thirsted for drink, like us. Likewise, how He grew tired and needed rest and solitude at times, away from the crowds of people who followed Him, just like many of us do, too. Most likely, though, no matter what immense pressure we’ve been under at times, most of us have not had such an intense prayer time as Jesus did, where we sweat drops of blood. Mark 14:32 describes the setting where it occurred. “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” Yet, still in this peaceful, quite beautiful place, “He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ He said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch’” (Mark 14:33-34). Jesus Felt the Pressure Sometimes we might feel embarrassed in our reactions to distress and trouble, but we can take comfort in knowing even Jesus has felt it, understanding and knowing how being under pressure can feel. “Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “’Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.’”(Mark 14:35-36). Jesus understands what it’s like to feel like something is too hard and too much for us to bear. He leads the way by showing us how to surrender and submit to our Heavenly Father’s will over our own will, even when we believe it’s too much for us to handle. Jesus Received Strength Still, a garden setting sounds lovely and peaceful, yet Jesus sweat drops of blood while praying as He faced the future and the reality of the cross to come. Luke 22:43 describes how during Jesus’ prayer, “An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.” Some of us are experiencing Easter this year while walking through distressful, sad, and life-changing events, a time where our whole world seems to be turned upside down, possibly dealing with life and death issues, facing devastating losses we didn’t anticipate in our lives. Maybe we’re not to the point of sweating drops of blood, but feeling the intensity of experiencing things we don’t feel the strength to endure going through. If so, we can follow Jesus’ example of spending time in prayer, of taking our concerns to God, and relying on Him to send help to get us through whatever we’re facing. But we may think it’s farfetched to think God will send us help, like He did for Jesus; that He doesn’t send angels to help us. However, throughout the Bible, there are stories of angels ministering to and helping people, including Elijah, Daniel, Gideon, Zechariah, Samson’s mother, and more. As well, Psalm 91:11 assures us that angels are available to help us: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” God lets us know that He doesn’t leave us alone in our troubles but sends help, as Psalm 34:7 describes, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re dealing with distressful situations and need strengthening this Easter, ask God to send help to encourage and uplift you. Be open and willing to receive His love, compassion, comfort, and more. Further Reading: A Prayer to Celebrate Your Salvation this Easter https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-celebrate-your-salvation-this-easter-sunday.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today’s devotional, Alexis A. Goring reminds us of a powerful, comforting truth: God is not a distant observer, watching humanity from afar. Instead, Scripture promises He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV). Using the classic song “From a Distance” as a launching point, Alexis explores the misconception that God simply set the world in motion and then stepped away. This worldview, known as Deism, paints God as a cosmic clockmaker who lets creation run on its own. But the Bible tells a different story — one of a God who is deeply involved in the details of our lives. From the mountaintop moments to the darkest valleys, God walks with us, comforts us, and intervenes in ways both miraculous and tender. He hasn’t abandoned His creation, and He certainly hasn’t abandoned you. His presence is a steady promise we can cling to in every season. Today’s Key Scripture:“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NIV Join the Conversation:When was a time you felt God’s presence in a powerful, undeniable way? How do you remind yourself that He is near in difficult seasons? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or send us a message. Let’s uplift one another with stories of God’s faithful presence! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below God is Here By Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 NIV A famous song titled “From a Distance” performed by Bette Midler is the focal point for this devotional message today. The song romanticizes life on Earth in poetic words, saying how beautiful our experiences here on this planet are, from a distance. The lyrics paint a hopeful and optimistic view of the good in our world and inspires the listener to dream of a better state of affairs, and human relations that are harmonious. No war, no sickness, no disease and no people who are starving to eat food. Just beautiful views of nature from the oceans to the mountains and the trees. It is the kind of harmony that most humans desire. Then the lyrics say that from a distance God is watching us. And that is the concept I want to address in this devotional today. The song has a beautiful melody but the lyrics are not theologically true because the Bible says God is with us even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). God didn’t create our world then return to Heaven to safely watch us wreck it. No! He is very involved in human affairs and pays attention to every detail of our life. This school of thought has a name: Deism. According Alyssa Roat in an article titled, “What is Deism and Is It Influencing Your Faith?” published on the website for Bible Study Tools, “Deism teaches that there is a God, and that He created the world, but created things do not need His presence and the exercise of His power in order to continue in existence and fulfill their functions. The material world is placed under immutable law; while man, the rational and moral free agent, is left to do as he wills. God sustains, according to deism, very much the same relation to the universe that the clock-maker does to his timepiece. Having made his clock, and wound it up, he does not interfere with it, and the longer it can run without the maker's intervention the greater the evidence of wisdom and skill on the part of the maker. God according to deism has never wrought a miracle nor made a supernatural revelation to man.” I’d like to challenge that belief with a note of hope: God did create this beautiful world, but He didn’t leave it to run by itself nor has He left us without any help from Heaven. God is ever-present in our world today. Just because we cannot see Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world where headlines feel heavy and darkness seems to close in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth:“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Even when chaos rages, God’s light is never extinguished. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes not on the circumstances around us—but on the One who reigns above them. It’s time to return to the heart of Scripture, to reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth in our actions, and to trust in His ultimate victory. We encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me walk in Your light when the world feels dark. Give me hope in You when my heart feels heavy.” No matter what you’re facing today—personal anxiety, political unrest, or spiritual fatigue—remember this: darkness does not win. It never has, and it never will. God is greater, and His light will reign. Join the Conversation:What’s been weighing heavy on your heart lately? How have you seen God’s light break through darkness in your life? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or email us. Let’s encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Light that never fades. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Light Will Reign Over Darkness By Vivian Bricker “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by the news. Day after day, things have been getting worse, and all we can do is watch as the world seemingly burns. Fear and anger have been present in my heart to a degree I haven’t experienced before. Knowing that we cannot control the present situations in the world today can cause us to feel hopeless. The political climate has changed, and as believers, we need to be discerning, understand the Bible, and be cautious of the present. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember that your allegiance lies with God. If you would rather follow a president or a political leader over God, then you might need to reassess your faith. Believers need to return to the Bible and truly walk as the Lord did. Rather than building our beliefs on American ideals, we must ground ourselves in the timeless truths of the Bible. As believers, we should recall that the biblical Jesus helps the sick, injured, and impoverished. He loves all people and mercifully extends His grace to all of us (Psalm 107:1, 145:9). If Christians truly desire to follow Christ, then we need to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. We need to repent, submit to God, and make the necessary changes in our lives to reflect His love and grace. As Christians, it’s our role to endorse and promote the Bible, Jesus, and a proper understanding of theology so that others may see the light that we see. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). When everything is in shambles around us, we need to remember God is still good and He is still at work. Even when it seems like evil prevails, God still reigns on the throne. Darkness will never overcome the light. Though everything feels dark right now, it will not endure forever. We should do our best to educate others, pray, and wait on the Lord. The Lord will bring deliverance for His people and restore our weary hearts. Darkness can feel bleak and daunting, yet it will never be more powerful than God. God is greater than all things, including disasters, problems, and evil. Evil will always be at work in the world until the very end, but we must stay strong. Everyone has free will, and we cannot discount the evil nature of humans (Romans 3:23). As believers, we need to be aware of this and bring our hearts back to the only one who is truly perfect and good: God. God is the antithesis of evil, as He is full of love, grace, and compassion (Psalm 116:5). His light will shine out of darkness, and we will be given relief. It might not happen overnight, but it will come. We need to continue to be patient, trust in Him, and know that He will prevail. What is causing darkness to reign over you today? How can you find hope in God despite the despair in the world today? What are some things you can do today to bring your heart peace? Further Reading: Romans 16:17-20 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 1 John 5:19-20 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions—colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting.Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life. In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live—and calls us to do the same. This Easter, we encourage you to pray:“Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith—even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.” Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who’ve gone before us in faith, God uses these “planted seeds” to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth. Join the Conversation:Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s encourage one another to plant with purpose. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Easter: A Time for Planting By Lynette Kittle “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’”--John 12:23-24 When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings. Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him. But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God. Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Still, it’s hard for countless individuals who don’t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It’s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way. Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said, “’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him” (John 12:27-28). Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father’s will, laying down His life so that others may live. Seeds Lead to Life Eternal Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die. As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they’re living, and where they will go for eternity. Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth group lost her life. It struck the hearts of our youth group deeply, and I still vividly remember sitting in the crowded, overflowing church balcony during her funeral. As heart-wrenching as it was, we knew she was with Jesus now, alive and living everlasting with Him. Her death and testimony of faith in Jesus touched many hearts that day, softening them and leading them to Salvation in Christ. Like Jesus taught, her single seed dying, as sad and tragic as it was, produced and planted many seeds in the lives of those who knew, loved, and heard of her faith in Christ. Seeds Need Watering As Jesus emphasized, seeds dying and being planted in the lives of others is vital for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we all play a part in helping those seeds to grow and flourish in the lives of those where they are planted. Like the Apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3:7-9: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Has your life or the lives of people you know been spiritually influenced by the passing away of a loved one, friend, co-worker, or neighbor? If so, you have an understanding of what Jesus was teaching, of how the faith of one person who dies can impact and bring life to countless lives. Further Reading: Patient in the Work https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/harvestdaily/greg-laurie-devotion-july-24-2021.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When anxious thoughts flood your mind and you feel like you're living in a fog—disconnected from the moment and overwhelmed by “what ifs”—you’re not alone. In today’s devotional, Kelly Balarie vulnerably shares how anxiety hijacked her thoughts even in the middle of everyday moments with her kids. But instead of staying stuck in the spiral of fear, she turned to Psalm 27:1 and found refuge in God's Word:“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me to release what I’m holding onto so tightly. Let me trust that You are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation—even when I feel like I’m falling apart.” When our grip on life feels weak, God reminds us: He’s the one holding on tight.Let this be your permission to stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and instead rest in the truth that God is your Light, your Refuge, and your Stronghold. When we move out of the way, we make way for the Way Maker. Join the Conversation:Have you ever been so anxious that you struggled to be present? What verse has helped anchor you in those moments? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story and stand with you in faith. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Your Mind is Somewhere Else By Kelly Balarie “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” – Psalm 27:1 NLT For days, I was internally screaming inside, while pretending to be there for my kids. I was internally agonizing, while trying to calmly answer questions about stop lights, and what’s for lunch and playdates with friends. Half the words they spoke would fly over my head, lest I pay attention and ignore the tight clenching pain of anxiety thumping in my chest. I tried to call myself to attention. “Mommy, what do you think we will do for Valentine’s Day?” My kids asked me. Who in the world knows?! My world is combusting! How will I handle what I am facing?! How can I disaster plan? If the worst-case scenario happens, how do I rise up? Going somewhere else, in the car, while my kids chatted away, I could see all the dominoes falling. I could see all the marbles rolling everywhere, unable to be contained. I could envision my agony as I couldn’t handle the future. Ever been there? Ever been in the place you never wanted to arrive to? Ever seen the darkness you didn’t want to see? Ever confronted a monster that you only hoped and prayed would pass you by? And what do you do when you can’t stop thinking of worst-case scenarios?! When you keep considering all the ways you’ll be hurt? When you’re already experiencing the shame that hasn’t even yet come? These are viable questions. Ones I was contending with for days. . . God knows, I didn’t want to be anxious or worried, yet I kept on confessing to God – that I was. So here I am. Distracted. And I’d be a liar to tell you I have everything all worked out at this point. I don’t. There seem to be a handful of problems I can’t fix on my own, but I can tell you, I found a couple verses that have really encouraged me. Here they are: “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid. When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise against me, (even then) in this I will be confident.” (Ps. 27:1-4) In these verses, I have safety. The Lord is my Light. Light brings clarity, it brings direction on the best paths to walk and it, like a spotlight, can even be a weapon to blind opposition. The Lord is my salvation. Salvation brings salvation. I will be saved. The Savior is faithful to save. I can rest in Him to do the saving work. I can turn to Him for salvation and trust Him. He may not only save me; He may save those who come in contact with me during this hard time. No one can come against the saving power of God. In this, there is no fear. The Lord is my refuge. In Christ, I am in the biggest, most secure, steel-reinforced refuge. No one is as safe as Jesus. I am hidden in Christ and Christ is invincible in battle. I am protected, not a sitting duck. Enemy forces have a hard time penetrating that safety. I can trust Him to protect me. The Lord is The Stronghold of My Life. When I feel like I have no hold on life, I can trust that God has a strong hold of my life. He knows everything going on. He sees every issue. He knows the way. He has a strong hold on my problem. In this, I can cast my care on the Lord and trust Him with it. Full release is the only way. If I get in His way, I block the way. If I move out of the way – by releasing worry and fear, I make way for the Way Maker. It’s that simple. Intersecting Faith & Life: What would happen if you tried to help a friend with their groceries, but they wouldn’t let go of their grip of the grocery bag? Would you effectively be able to assist them with the load they are carrying? The same happens when we don’t release our load to the Lord. Scripture encourages us to cast our cares, but if we won’t let them go, we will still carry their heavy load. What load might you need to cast on the Lord? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Taxes are temporary. God’s provision, peace, and promises are eternal. When we get tangled in financial worry or frustration, Jesus gently shifts our focus upward — reminding us that no matter what we owe the government, we owe our lives to the One who paid our ultimate debt on the cross. Join the Conversation:How do you navigate stressful seasons like tax time while keeping your focus on God? Have you seen His provision show up when you needed it most? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or by email. Let’s encourage one another to rest in God’s care — even when the numbers don’t add up. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry—especially for those who are natural caregivers, helpers, and encouragers. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring explores compassion fatigue—a very real emotional exhaustion that can happen when you’re constantly giving of yourself to help others. Drawing from Psalm 145:9, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made,” we’re reminded that while we may reach the end of our emotional strength, God never does. He never tires, never grows weary, and always has time for your burdens. We encourage you to pause and pray: “Lord, help me cast my cares on You and remind me that I don’t need to carry it all. Thank You for your limitless compassion.” Whether you're in ministry, caregiving, or just the “strong friend” who everyone leans on, today is your invitation to unplug, rest, and reconnect with the One who never sleeps. God is the only one truly capable of caring for everyone—and that includes you. Join the Conversation:When was the last time you experienced compassion fatigue? What helped you get through it? Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s support each other in remembering that it’s okay to step back—and to lean into God’s everlasting care. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Compassion Fatigue A devotional by Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” — Psalm 145:9 NIV What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? I remember when a minister friend of mine told me that when she feels overwhelmed by people’s issues, she unplugs from social media, turns off her phone and shuts down her computer to take a break from all of it. Soon after, I realized that she was describing compassion fatigue. According to Psychology Today, “People whose professions lead to prolonged exposure to other people’s trauma can be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma; they can experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk, making them wary of giving and caring.” When you are a minister or professional counselor then compassion fatigue might be a common experience for you. However, I say that anybody who cares about people and wants to help fix problems can experience this kind of fatigue. Let’s face it: There are a lot of problems in our world and many people who need help solving issues and surviving the curveballs that life throws at them. God has gifted us with healthcare professionals who we can go to when we need help. But these talented people—as wonderful and effective as they may be—are only human. So that means even the most helpful professional has their limits. As the type of person who is known to be the “strong” friend and who is often treated by people—even complete strangers—as a counselor, I know how compassion fatigue feels. I want to be there for everyone, and I do follow through on my promises to pray for people who need prayer support. But there are times when I feel stretched thin and overloaded with requests for help. So, like my minister friend, I also unplug from social media, turn off my computer, don’t touch the television or my phone, and try to take a break from the problems of the world. It is when you feel overwhelmed that you are reminded that you’re only human and cannot help everyone, every time. Compassion fatigue is real. But gratefully, we serve a God who never experiences this kind of fatigue nor will He ever because unlike us mere mortals, our Immortal God has no limits. His love for us endures forever and He always has a plan to save us. He is always available to listen to our pain and solve our problems 24/7/365 because the Bible says He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4)! Aren’t you glad we have this kind of help? Not only does God never feel fatigued, He never grows weary of hearing about our needs. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 (NLT), “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Whatever is on our hearts, God wants to hear it. Whatever is negatively affecting us, He wants to help. When the troubles of the world overwhelm us, there is a solution for that too because the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” When we feel compassion fatigue, it is time to have a heart-to-heart with Jesus Christ. Practice casting your cares on Him like He tells you to do. There have been times in my life when I didn’t cast my cares on Jesus. Instead, I worried and ruminated over all the problems and thought deeply about how I could fix everything. That approach only led to my problems being magnified and my anxiety heightened, and I felt powerless to do anything about any of it. However, in times when I remembered what the Bible says to do when you’re worried and I applied that Biblical advice to my life, it was then that I finally felt free because I learned to trust Jesus and believe He will work everything out for my good just like He promises to in Romans 8:28. Compassion fatigue is real but so is God. Let’s go to Him next time we feel overwhelmed by the problems in our world and let’s trust Him to take care of everything that concerns us. Only God can fix everything and help everyone. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to this song by Phil Wickham titled “It’s Always Been You”. The lyrics remind us that God is always with us and here to help us. Intersecting Faith and Life: What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? How does knowing you can trust God to solve your problems, help you? Further Reading: Psalm 103:13 Psalm 86:15 2 Corinthians 1:3 Isaiah 41:10 Matthew 28:20 Notes for Tiffany (editor): Would you please insert the hyperlink for the website for Psychology Today in my devotional where I talked about compassion fatigue? Here is the link to the definition of “Compassion Fatigue” on Psychology Today: Compassion Fatigue | Psychology Today Would you please insert the hyperlink for the song “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham where I’ve mentioned it in my devotional? Here is the link: https://youtu.be/58pBvQa0XSM?si=J3UglIdsRIYy4Iig Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.