The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Is waiting wearing you down?In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reminds us that God’s delays are not His denials. Drawing from Habakkuk 2:3 and the fruit-bearing seasons of biblical heroes, Megan encourages readers to trust that every season—especially the slow ones—serves a sacred purpose in God’s perfect timing. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why spiritual growth often happens in the waiting How God uses delay to develop character and deepen trust Encouragement from Scripture for the dry or uncertain seasons A fresh perspective on why “the appointed time” matters more than your timeline 💬 Join the Conversation:Are you in a waiting season right now? What’s one way you’ve seen God at work behind the scenes? Share your thoughts and encouragement using #AppointedTime and tag @LifeAudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: An Appointed Time By Megan J. Conner “This vision is for a future time.It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,for it will surely take place.It will not be delayed.” Hab. 2:3 (NLT) Have you ever longed for the arrival of something significant? Maybe it’s a vacation you have been saving and planning for, a graduation, an upcoming wedding, the birth of your first child, an employment transition, or a relocation across town or cross-country. When these impending milestones stretch out before us, it feels like they will never arrive. We are so excited to experience all that we imagine these moments will carry with them, that it feels like time slows down as we approach the anticipated dates. Creeping, crawling towards the finish line, there can be a sense that the day will never come. Waiting can be so hard for some of us. Delayed gratification is something many of us struggle with in our modern culture. We are used to getting what we want, when we want it. Though desirable to our flesh, instant fulfillment isn’t always the best thing for us. In many cases, it can be to our detriment. Think of a child who is granted all their heart's desires. What kind of character is produced in such a child? Often, words like spoiled, entitled, demanding, and thankless come to mind. The true nature of the heart cannot help but overflow for others to witness. “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matt. 7:15-20 (NIV). Our Heavenly Father understands the value of what is forged in seasons of denial and delay. There is something miraculous that occurs as we are forced to wait. The Israelites entered the desert a mixed group of disgruntled travelers, but when they crossed into the Promised Land they were a unified nation. It took forty years in the wilderness to fortify their faith and foster their maturity. It took Noah decades to build the ark. Even Jesus went into the desert for forty days after His baptism before He launched His ministry. There is something sacred and holy about waiting for the appointed time. A seed is buried in the darkness, with the weight of the soil pressing upon it. Once it has been inserted into the moist dirt, it can easily be forgotten. But come spring and summer, the evidence of life bursts forth. Eventually, those small buds grow into flowers and fruit. And when it has fully matured, and only when it has fully matured, is it ready for harvest. It is the same with the character of our own hearts. If you find yourself in a season of waiting or uncertainty, know that the Lord is doing a good work in you. Though the pruning may be painful, valuable fruit is being produced. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” (Gal. 5:22-23, NLT). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you find yourself in a season of waiting? If so, what specific emotions are you experiencing? Are you anxiously anticipating an exciting event? Or perhaps you feel a sense of impending doom as you look ahead toward undesirable circumstances? Or maybe you feel stuck, trapped, or are struggling with a lack of control? How does understanding God’s good work through denied or delayed outcomes help you hold onto hope during this time? What other biblical stories come to mind when you consider others who were called to wait? How can their testimonies encourage you that you are not alone? Take some time today to reflect on the scriptures listed for further reading and any other biblical examples you recalled, as we have looked at how faith intersects with life. How do these examples help you remember that there is a time and a season for everything, and God will reveal His plans and His way at the appointed time? Further Reading: Ecc. 3:1-8 Ps. 130 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What’s worth more than silver or gold?In this insightful devotional, Whitney Hopler explores the eternal value of a good name. Drawing on Proverbs 22:1 and examples from America’s founding fathers and mothers, she reminds us that a life of integrity is a legacy far more valuable than wealth. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why your reputation—your “good name”—matters more than riches How living with integrity reflects God’s character to the world The peaceful confidence that comes from an honorable life Why legacy built on character outlasts any financial gain 💬 Join the Conversation:How do you define a good name? Who in your life inspires you to live with integrity? Share your thoughts with @LifeaudioNetwork and tag #LegacyOfIntegrity to encourage others walking the same path. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: A Good Name Is Important By Whitney Hopler “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1, NIV I enjoy reading biographies of the people who helped start the United States – the so-called “founding fathers” and “founding mothers” of my country. One characteristic that connects them is how much they valued their good names over money. Back then, the United States wasn’t rich. The financial situation was unstable, and the people who worked hard to start this nation did so not for silver or gold, but because they believed they were serving an honorable cause. In all parts of their lives, many of the founders did their best to live with integrity. Their personal honor was very important to them. They cared more about being known for living honorable lives than about accumulating wealth. We live in a fallen, broken world that constantly tells us money is the key to our fulfillment. But Proverbs 22:1 tells us that a good name is more desirable than great riches. It also tells us that to be esteemed – to be highly respected – is better than silver or gold. What exactly is a “good name”? It’s not just the name your parents gave you. It’s your reputation and your character. Your good name is the positive way people see you and remember you, if you live an honorable life. Why is a good name so important? It reflects God’s character. God is holy, and he wants us as his children to live holy lives. When we do so, we reflect God’s character to the world and draw people to him. A good name also opens doors, because it builds trust. People are more likely to be friends with you and to do business with you if they know you’re a person who lives with integrity. Living with a good name helps you live with peace, as well. You don’t have to worry about your past catching up to you or your secrets being exposed. There’s a peaceful confidence that comes from knowing you’ve done your best to live honorably with God and other people. Valuing your good name will help you leave an important and valuable legacy behind. Wealth can disappear quickly. Any kind of crisis can hit you with big bills you didn’t expect and wipe out your savings. If you have any financial investments, market crashes can drain your wealth. There are all sorts of ways you can lose money. But if you’ve built a good name for yourself because you’ve lived an honorable life, your legacy can inspire people for many generations to come. Just like the founding fathers and mothers whose character and contributions inspire me, your own good name can be a powerful legacy of faith in action to people in the future. You don’t need to be perfect to build a good name. We all make mistakes. But if you do your best day by day to seek God’s will for your decisions and follow through on those decisions with integrity, you’ll develop a good reputation – with God, and with the people who know you. It won’t be easy. Sometimes, you’ll have to make sacrifices in order to do what’s right. But the reward of enjoying a good name is far more valuable than any amount of silver or gold. It’s a treasure that truly lasts. So, focus on living an honorable life that shows people some of the holiness of the God you serve. Let your reputation direct people’s attention to God’s goodness in your life! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how important it is to live an honorable life, reflect on these questions: What does “a good name” mean to you personally? How would you describe someone who has a good name? When was a time when someone’s good reputation influenced your decision to trust them or work with them? Have you ever witnessed someone sacrifice their integrity for money or personal gain? What happened as a result? What are some ways you can work on building or maintaining a good name in your daily life? How does knowing that “a good name is more desirable than great riches” change your perspective on wealth and success? Further Reading Ecclesiastes 7:1 Proverbs 10:9 Proverbs 22:4 1 Peter 2:12 Psalm 15:1-2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling overlooked or pushed aside?Keri Eichberger shares a powerful reminder that being passed over by people doesn’t mean you’re passed over by God. Drawing from the story of Mordecai and insights from Kelly Minter, this devotional reveals how God’s perfect plan uses even the painful, unseen moments in our lives for His ultimate glory. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why feeling overlooked isn’t God’s final word on your story How God’s timing and plan work behind the scenes—even when we don’t see it The powerful example of Mordecai waiting for his moment of honor How God redeems our pain for His greater glory 💬 Join the Conversation:Have you ever felt pushed aside, only to see God’s plan unfold later? What helped you trust His timing? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #GodsGreaterGlory and share your story of hope and patience. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pushed Aside for God’s Greater Glory By Keri Eichberger For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36) I dealt with a disappointment alongside one of my teenage kids last night. It wasn’t the first time we’d mulled over a similar circumstance. And to be honest, I don’t even need to mention which kid and what the exact situation was. Because on most days, at least one of the few is confessing a struggle with feeling overlooked by a coach, teacher, fellow student, or even a good friend. And as you may very well know, it can be painful to walk through such insecure moments with a child or someone you love. We want so much for them to be seen for the genuine potential that we see. Bottom line, we hurt deeply when our people hurt. And what makes it hit even harder is that we also know exactly how it feels to feel slighted. How much it hurts when we appear to be underappreciated and pushed aside. You know this exact feeling don’t you? You’ve walked beside someone who has endured this rough road, and you yourself have had many first hand accounts of the sting of rejection too. Maybe there’s a situation in your midst at this very moment that seems unfair and you’re not quite receiving the treatment and attention you believe your intentions and efforts deserve. I’m there. As I navigate my own sense of questioning why something I’ve poured into has been pushed aside, while others’ seeming parrelled efforts are paying off. It wasn’t until this morning that conversation opened about the disappointment with said child. Allowing time for the ache of the wound to subside. But when the confession of exclusion finally surfaced this morning, I was ready to offer consoling words of apology for the letdown that must have been. And once I’d offered space for my comforts to sink in, I knew truth needed to be spoken to truly redeem some damage done. A truth I was not so coincidentally studying that prior morning about God’s authority and good plan for the overlooked moments of our lives. A truth we all need to hold on to. While listening to a video teaching by bible teacher Kelly Minter, she stated, “Don’t mistake being passed over by a person for being passed over by God.” Kelly was working through the book of Esther and recounting the story of Mordecai being honored for saving the King’s life. But here’s the thing, Mordecai had actually saved the King’s life two years prior, without so much as a hint to his rescuer that entire duration. Can you imagine saving the literal life of a prominent person and no one noticing. I don’t know about you, but saving someone’s life doesn’t even compare to the things I’ve felt overlooked for. But eventually, after two years of probably thinking he’d take his deed to the grave—the King was divinely informed. And then celebrated and honored Mordecai in such an extravagant way that made the whole Kingdom aware. You see, what may have seemed pushed aside and passed over, was never actually passed over by God. He just had a bigger and better plan. The truth we need to take with us is this: God has ultimate authority always, and he is always interested in a redemption story that gives him the greatest glory. Intersecting Faith and Life: God’s goal of glory tells me that when you, I, or someone we love feels slighted and overlooked—when maybe it doesn’t even seem fair or deserved—there is purpose in each pain point in the process. Yes, in each less-than-ideal instance in our lives, God could have allowed a different scenario that may have been more pleasing to us in the moment. But the way whatever happened has happened, is part of a perfect plan for the best outcome. For his good and more favorable outcome. For God’s good reason, he has allowed things to go down just as they have. And I hope we can be encouraged today that this is actually a good thing. He sees what we don’t. He sees the radical redemption in the works. He sees his glory that has already come and his glory that he is orchestrating that will continue to come. And the way he is writing the beginning and middle of each and every one of our stories is preparing the greatest ending for his greatest glory. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever wonder what true faith really looks like?Kyle Norman explores how faith isn’t just something we hold—it’s something we do. Meeting the risen Jesus transforms lives radically, like it did for Saul, Ananias, and Peter. Through their stories, we see Jesus calling each of us to a new way of living marked by grace, change, and bold love. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why faith is an active, life-changing relationship, not just a belief How encounters with Jesus transform attitudes, actions, and purpose The stories of Saul, Ananias, and Peter as examples of radical change How Jesus meets us where we are—no one is beyond His grace 💬 Join the Conversation:Where has Jesus transformed your life? What change is He calling you to now? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #ChangedByJesus and share your story or favorite Scripture about transformation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Jesus changes lives. Written and read by Kyle Norman “Immediately Saul began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20) We often use the language of “having faith”, but that makes it seem like faith is a possession we hold. Or maybe faith is a tool that we keep in our spiritual utility belts, only to be used when we need to solve some spiritual problem. But faith, biblically, is a verb – it is an action, a way of life. This is why the followers of Jesus were initially called “Followers of The Way.” Meeting the risen Jesus naturally changes us. Jesus changes our habits, our behaviors, our attitudes, the very way in which we live. Here’s the thing, scripture continually tells the same story. When people meet the risen Jesus, people meet a Lord who changes their life. There are many examples of this. Take Saul for example. Acts 9 begins by stating that Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples (Acts 9:1). But if you jump just 20 verses later, we hear that he is in the synagogues proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. That’s quite the change isn’t it! Those two bookend verses highlight that something big must have happened to change this man so dramatically. Of course, there was. Saul had an encounter with the risen Jesus. The same thing happens to Ananias. As Saul is praying and fasting on Strait Street, trying to make sense of his experience on the road to Damascus, the Lord appears to Ananias. Jesus calls him to go to Saul and pray for him. But Ananias initially expresses some hesitation. He’s heard of Saul, he knows his reputation, he responds to the Lord, questioning if this is really the person he was to go see. But Jesus calls Ananias to step out in bold faith, and to witness and pray for someone he never thought he would. And then of course there is Peter. Who can forget Peter, lovable, somewhat dim-witted Peter? Not only does Peter deny knowing Jesus, not once, but three times, he does this immediately after he tells Jesus I will never do that! And not only does he deny his Lord, but he also curses himself while doing so. And yet when he meets the risen Lord, affirming his love for him, Peter is called to a new life of ministry and leadership. All these people have their lives changed because they meet the risen Jesus. Jesus calls them to embrace a different way of life. Saul to accepting the risen Jesus, preaching what he once denied. Ananias, to reach out to someone he never thought he would, and Peter to become the head of this rag-tag movement called “Followers of The Way”. In each person, in ways unique to what Jesus wanted to do in them and through them, Jesus works a transformation. So, if Jesus changed the lives of all these people, don’t you think that he might come to us and change our lives to? Intersecting Faith and Life Isn’t it great that nobody ever works theirs way out of the graceful acceptance of Jesus? There is no one who is deemed unworthy, there is no one for whom Jesus will not come and meet in his grace. At times, it may be tempting to think that Jesus doesn’t want to work in us or through us. We may even fear that a sin, or some insufficiency in our life, may cause Jesus to refuse us. But, let’s be honest, if Jesus would refuse anyone, wouldn’t he refuse the person breathing murderous threats against his followers? Or if not Saul, surely it would be Peter, right? If there is anyone who would have done something to remove themselves from the blessings of Jesus, it’s that the one who denied him so boldly. If Jesus does not reject Saul, or Peter, or any of the disciples who turned their backs and ran away, why would Jesus ever refuse us? Where do you think that Jesus wants to work a change in your life? What might Jesus want to address? Like Saul, is there an action that Jesus might want you to move away from? is there a new direction that Jesus wants you to pursue. Or, like Ananias, is there a person that Jesus wants you to embrace? Or maybe you feel more like Peter. If so, is there a sin that Jesus wants to cover in his love? Meeting the risen Jesus means meeting the one who transforms our lives. In every case, in every case, Jesus comes and calls us to embrace new life. But we must embrace the voice of Jesus. We must be open to Him and follow Him. So how might you accept the change that Jesus wants to make in you? True, it might involve a process, an about face, and maybe a time of prayer and wrestling, but on the other end of Christ’s work, is a life lived in the grace, forgiveness, and power of the Living God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Cindi McMenamin reminds us that Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him—and find rest. With wisdom from Matthew 11:28-30, she reveals how God’s “burden” isn’t about endless tasks but a call to love Him passionately, freeing us from anxiety and exhaustion. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why Jesus offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light How loving God is the greatest “task” and the source of true rest The difference between God’s invitation and the heavy burdens we place on ourselves How to replace stress and striving with peace through faith and grace 💬 Join the Conversation:When have you felt weighed down by life’s demands? How do you find rest in God’s love? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #BurdenIsLight and share your story or a favorite Scripture that helped you find peace amid the chaos. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When There’s Too Much to Do By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Are you feeling today that there is just too much to do? I remember a time in my life when I felt like I was drowning under the pressures of my job, in addition to being a pastor’s wife, mother, director of women’s ministries, friend, sister, and daughter. There was so much to do to keep up with family relationships, to keep up the house, to keep up with my job, and to keep up in my walk with God. I literally felt I was drowning in obligations, and continually coming up short. Today I know that when I begin to feel like that, I’ve taken on more than I was intended to bear. And certainly more than God wants me to bear. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus told His people to come to Him and find rest because they were carrying burdens too heavy to bear. They were frustrated and failing under the religious system of their day that put heavy burdens on them to live perfectly and obey every letter of the law. Jesus offered them His burden instead—a burden He said was light. What is the burden He offered them and the one God places on us today? What is the one thing He requires of us more than anything else? One man asked Jesus that same question. And Jesus’ response was: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message reads like this: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Intersecting Faith and Life God’s greatest requirement of us is not to do things for Him. It is to love Him. And not to just love Him, but to love Him passionately, desperately, above any other person or thing. God’s “burden” on us is not a heavy one. In fact, it isn’t a burden at all. It’s a privilege to love the God who sent His Son to die for us. The heavy burdens are the ones we place on ourselves: Trying to work out everyone else’s problems when God simply calls us to pray for others and do what we can, and leave the rest to Him. Working harder for the church, thinking we must earn His love and grace, when He has already saved us by our faith and His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) Seeking to make amends for our past when God has told us He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12) When I consider loving Him as my highest obligation and my heaviest burden, it makes all the other things I think I have to do pale in comparison. My to-do list, my project at work, my financial situation—none of those things is as important as loving my God. And therefore, I truly can take His yoke upon me and find rest. There is anxiety and stress in striving to carry my own burdens. There is peace and rest in simply loving Him. O Lord, for all the times we start to feel weary and weighted down, help us to remember Your invitation to come to You, lay our burdens at Your feet, and find true rest. Further Reading: Mark 12:28-34 For more on growing closer to the God of rest, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Keri Eichberger invites us to pause and fix our eyes on the steadfast truths of God—even when all we see is cloudiness ahead. Drawing from Psalm 23:6, she reminds us that God’s goodness and love follow us through every shadowed step, offering a future filled with hope beyond what we can imagine. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): How to respond when life feels uncertain and the path ahead is unclear Why focusing on God’s unfailing goodness helps clear the fog of doubt What it means to “set up camp” on God’s promises amid restrictions and unknowns The assurance of God’s presence and blessings no matter how dim the view ahead 💬 Join the Conversation:Have you ever faced a season where your future felt clouded or confusing? How did you hold onto God’s promises? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #PathAheadIsCloudy and share a verse or story that helped you trust God’s goodness through uncertain time. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When The Path Ahead is Cloudy By Keri Eichberger Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6) The other morning I woke with more fog in front of me than usual. I sat in my recliner, peered out the window, and stared at the heavy layer of low clouds blocking every speck of sunshine. Shielding my view of what lay in the distance. And that was exactly the sense that had been settling in my mind and heart. An obstruction of what might be happening beyond my present moments and current focus—a strange swelling sensation of cloudiness within. I couldn’t quite see what God was doing and where he might be leading me. The path ahead seemed cloudier than ever and left me with a sense of shadowed entrapment. And I couldn’t put my finger on why. All I knew is that it felt extremely uncomfortable. And I longed for God's clear vision and sight of a paved path to hope and joy. I shared my confusion with my husband and suggested to him that maybe I was feeling this way because my current circumstances were so limiting, causing my future to feel more uncertain than ever. Thus, I couldn’t even guess what tomorrow would look like, much less what next week, a few months ahead, or the year’s end might bring. Do your current surroundings look a little foggy? Is your view ahead clouded with restrictions. limitations. or tons of unknowns? You might not necessarily feel super confined in your present moments, but even if you do have freedom to plot out the points toward your next desired destination, no one really knows what’s next. All we can truly be sure of is what we see right now. That, and the steadfast truths of God. And this is precisely where I knew I needed to set up camp. Not staring at the thick layer of clouds dimming my uncertain circumstances. But at the truths of God. God’s unfailing, redeeming goodness. And it’s in that laser focus—eyes locked in on him—that we begin to see again. Staring at his perfect love, we start to see the light, gain clearer vision, and see beyond the present. And not the perfect worldly future we may have prior dreamt up—but a bright future nonetheless. Because here is what we can be sure of for our future. With the good Lord as our hearts’ and minds’ delight and desire, our future will be full of goodness. Intersecting Faith and Life: When we choose to follow Jesus, and when we fix our eyes on him, we know our Lord will show up with so much goodness and boundless blessings. We know our good God will redeem all things that are hard and hurting right now. Because the Bible promises… his goodness and love will follow us all the days of our life, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this challenging devotional, we’re invited to look beyond the familiar, graceful images of the cross and confront its raw, uncomfortable reality. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1-2, the author reveals how Jesus endured the shame, mockery, and cruelty of the cross — not as a symbol of beauty, but as a testament to His love and faithfulness. This is faith in its most extreme, honest form. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why the cross was the ugliest form of execution — and why Jesus chose it How enduring shame and derision reveals Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith Why the cross challenges us to embrace discomfort in our faith journey How Jesus meets us in our shame and brokenness, not just in our victories 💬 Join the Conversation:How has confronting the difficult truths of the cross impacted your faith? What does “enduring the cross” mean in your life today? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #UglinessOfTheCross and share your thoughts or a favorite hymn that helps you meditate on this truth. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The ugliness of the Cross. “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) How many crosses do you own? Where are they, and in what style? Writing and recording this today, I can see several crosses around me. There is the gold cross I wear on my finger and the silver one around my neck; I also have a wonderfully hand-crafted cross of nails hanging on my wall. These crosses are all artistic, and beautiful. Such majestic representations of the cross pair well with the regal language we use to describe the cross. We may speak about the victory we receive, or how the cross testifies to salvation, love, and forgiveness. We might sing about the Old Rugged Cross, and how we will cherish it deeply. A favorite hymn of my church growing up was described the cross as erected on “some green hill far away outside the city wall”; It all seems quite regal, quaint, and nostalgic, doesn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, there is truth in all of this. The cross is a moment of victory and truly love and forgiveness comes our way because of the Cross. But there is a deeper truth that we always must remember: The cross of Jesus was ugly. Jesus did not die upon some majestic religious symbol. In the ancient world, the cross was a tool of execution, reserved for those deemed unworthy of any respect or dignity. In fact, written in Roman law was the decree than no Roman citizen could be killed on the cross. The cross was reserved for the worst of the worst, declaring them less than nothing. The reason why Jesus died on the “green hill far away outside the city wall” wasn’t because this was a place of scenic beauty; no, it was a place wherein the crucified could be mocked. It was the place of the skull, signifying how cut off the crucified was from all life, love, and provision. When Jesus hung upon the cross, those standing by Jesus didn’t muse about the love of God, they mocked him. They derided him. They insulted him. “You who could save others, save yourself!” they jeer. “Come down from the cross, if you can,” they cry. And that grand sign above Jesus “This is the King of the Jews” was not written as some statement of faith. This was Pilate declaring defeat over any would be Israelite King. No. Jesus didn’t take on that which was beautiful or majestic, as if it was something easy and dignified. He endured the cross, taking on its shame. On the cross, Jesus took upon himself, everything that makes us squirm, everything that makes us recoil, everything that makes us uncomfortable. But it was this that testifies to who Jesus is. Intersecting Faith and Life Jesus shows his true nature, he reveals the fullness of himself as the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord of all, not because he escapes the cross, nor transforms it to some easy symbol. No, He proves who he is, and the salvation he brings, by hanging there, and by taking upon himself not an easy or beautiful cross, but one of derision, mockery, and shame. Jesus scorns all that the cross represents; he shows that he is the pioneer and perfector of our faith precisely because he endures the cross, because he takes it on and does not forsake it. The cross, therefore, is the symbol of faith precisely because it is ugly, because it is extreme, because it is a symbol of shame, abandonment, and derision. The cross is the symbol of faith, it represents everything that is not beautiful, or majestic, or surrounded by pleasantry and Ease. It is a symbol of faith because it is into that place that Jesus entered. So, today, as you think about the cross, dare to take a moment and be uncomfortable. Dare be affected. Dare to recognize the very scorn and derision that Jesus felt as he hung dying on the cross for you. And allow that fact to teach you that Jesus doesn’t wait for you to feel comfortable and victorious. Jesus doesn’t stand on the sidelines of life trying to avoid the mess. He comes to you in the very place where you might feel the harshest derision, the deepest guilt, and the worst shame. The ugliness of the cross means that Jesus embraces you in all the places where you feel ugly. So, look to Jesus. Embrace the cross and uncover how the love of Jesus meets us. Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this comforting and deeply personal devotional, Alexis A. Goring draws inspiration from a NOOMA teaching by Rob Bell to remind us that even when we feel forgotten or afraid, God is holding us close. Using Psalm 34:18 and a father’s love as the backdrop, she paints a powerful picture of how God shelters us—even when the thunder is loud and the way home feels far. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why your brokenness is not a barrier, but a bridge to God’s heart How Scripture shows God’s nearness in life’s hardest moments A moving analogy of God’s love through the eyes of a father carrying his son through a storm The reassurance that you’re not just seen by God—you’re held 💬 Join the Conversation:Have you ever sensed God holding you through a storm? What reminders help you trust Him as your guide? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #HeldByGod and share your story—or a worship song that brought you peace. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When God Holds You Close By: Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”—Psalm 34:18 (NIV) Have you ever felt like you were going through hard times alone? Do you ever feel like God is far away and doesn’t care about what you’re facing? Did you ever think that God abandoned you, leaving you to face the storms of life by yourself without adequate shelter and proper care? If so, then this devotional inspired by a teaching by Rob Bell, is for you. Bell, an American author, once shared a real-life story illustration for NOOMA Small Group Bible Study titled, “Rain”. The story features a father holding his young son close to shelter him as they walk through a violent rainstorm in the woods. Bell sets the scene: He was with his family as they were spending time in a cabin in the woods on the edge of a remote lake that was deep in the middle of nowhere. One morning, he and his son Trace set out to take a walk around the lake at a point of the day where there were clear blue skies, sunshine and birds chirping. At the time, Trace was a little over one year old and he seemed happy and content. Bell was carrying his son in one of those hiking backpacks strapped to Bell’s back. They set out through the woods to walk around the lake. As they reached the other side of the lake, they were the farthest possible point from the cabin. As they rounded the bend to head back to the cabin, Bell looked up and noticed clouds. Then, it started to rain. At first, only a few drops of rain fell. But soon after, the raindrops grew big and began to fall fast, leading to a downpour. Bell said it was the kind of rain that soaks you to the core, plasters your hair against your head and drenches your clothing. At first, Trace was okay but as the downpour increased and it started thundering, Trace became more agitated. Soon, he went from whimpering to shrieking as the trees and leaves are no longer provided adequate shelter. The trees started to shake. Trace began to scream loudly with terror in his voice. Bell then shares what Scripture says about our cries. God says that He listens to us when we cry out to Him. He never ignores the cries of people who feel afflicted. God even says that when you cry, He’s close to the brokenhearted. He’s close to those who cry out. He listens. God never ignores our cries. Bell continues teaching saying, “There is this false, twisted idea out there among religious people that somehow, you’ve got have it all together to have a relationship with God. Like somehow, God’s only looking for people who have no problems and have it all nailed down and can put on the happy face all the time. Yet, the Scriptures speak directly against this kind of thinking. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden.” The essence of salvation is crying out to God and admitting, “I don’t have it all together.” Bell makes it clear that a key part of our Christian faith walk is about asking God to fix things and step in and rescue us. God invites us to let Him into our problems and trust Him to take care of it. Finally, Bell challenges his students to think about the storm from Trace’s perspective. He said, “For Trace, the storm is his reality. He sees nothing else! The lightning and the thunder and the trees swaying and the raindrops and the water just dripping off him, it’s all he knows. He sees no reality beyond the storm. What Trace doesn’t realize is that as his dad, I would do anything to get him home.” Bell goes on to say that when the storm grew more intense, he took his son out of his backpack carrier and wrapped his arms around Trace, pulling him close to his chest and holding him close for the last mile of their walk through the storm. The entire time, Bell whispered into his son’s ear, “I love you, buddy. We’re going to make it. Dad knows the way home. We’re going to make it. I love you, buddy.” As I listened to this part of Bell’s story, I thought of how our Heavenly Father (God) responds to us much like Bell responded to his son in that situation. God wants us to know that no matter how fierce the storm we’re in, He is with us. The more scared we are, the closer He is to us. God loves us with all His Heart so He holds us close to His Heart and gently reminds us that He will lead us home to safety. The important part to remember is that we’re not just safe when we reach our destination; we are safe in the storm because God is with us through it all. As Bell wraps up his lesson point, he moves the timeline forward and asks his students to imagine if years later, his son is in therapy and this repressed memory of “the walk” resurfaces. Trace goes to his dad and asks, “Why did you let me go through that for? I thought you loved me. How could you expose me to that storm? Why didn’t you protect me?” Bell said he would feel crushed by this and explain to his son that the walk was one of the most intimate memories of his life with him. It was an experience that he wouldn’t trade for anything. Bell closes his teaching by reminding us that if we’re bitter or angry because of some things we’ve been through, some storms in our life that we were traumatized by, and we’re wondering that if God really loved us and is there for us then why did He let us go through that, we should know that God held us close through those tough times and assured us gently that He will help us arrive home. May we be encouraged by the fact that God holds us close to His Heart during times of trouble. May we remember that the scarier the storm, the closer God holds us. He loves us and He will help us arrive home safely because He knows the way. God is our Trusted Guide through this life. We can trust Him with all our heart. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to and be encouraged by these four songs that support my message and Bell’s story today: Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here:https://youtu.be/q5m09rqOoxE?si=_jJx1oG-GjgCmo7h Song of Reflection #2: “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/xf-LYslTJWI?si=jyyPkcg7Qw5kjxve Song of Reflection #3: “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/DWydssGbUBc?si=XHZVNqoR5NeuOMyD Song of Reflection #4: “Hold Me Still” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/atoc53QO7w4?si=4t9_JqZkLZydEUIM Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know that you have a Trusted Guide (God) who loves you and will help you survive the storms of life? Further Reading: Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 46:1 Psalm 9:9 Psalm 121 Philippians 4:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When the world feels broken and your soul is weary, how do you hold on to hope? In this moving devotional, Vivian Bricker reflects on the promise of Revelation 21:5 and shares how slowing down in the midst of personal illness opened her eyes to God’s presence—and His promise to renew all things. With raw honesty and eternal perspective, she offers encouragement for anyone walking through hard seasons. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why noticing God’s beauty in creation can shift your outlook How suffering reminds us that this world is not our forever home The biblical promise of complete restoration in the New Heaven and New Earth An invitation to trust God in the waiting, knowing He’s making all things new 💬 Join the Conversation:Where have you seen glimpses of God’s renewal in your life lately? What gives you hope when life feels heavy? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #AllThingsNewDevotional and share a moment that reminded you of God’s faithfulness. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Is Making All Things New By Vivian Bricker “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Revelation 21:5). Whenever we spend time outdoors, we are reminded of God’s beauty. This is why I enjoy spending time outdoors. The beautiful blue sky, the shining sun, and the singing birds help me to remember that there is still hope in the world. Since my days are often spent in doctor's offices and clinics, it is a nice break to step outside and enjoy God’s craftsmanship. However, if we do not pay careful attention to this beauty, we will miss it. I have noticed many times in my life that I have had a habit of rushing and missing out on these beautiful things. Rather than slowing down and fully absorbing the sky or the clouds, I'm just rushing from one place to the next. Ever since I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness, I have slowed down and started to take note of these parts of God’s creation. One of my symptoms during a flare-up is extreme lethargy. I cannot move as fast as I would like, so I must take it slowly. This has been a blessing in disguise because it helps me notice all the little things in life: the blooming of the flowers, a few storm clouds in the distance, or the happy face of a stranger as they pass by. If we slow down enough, we will be able to notice all of these things. However, you don’t have to undergo a traumatic diagnosis to start appreciating all of the things God has placed in the world. Taking time to notice these things will help us have a healthier outlook on life. Even when things are not going upward, God is still good, and He is still in control. On the other hand, sometimes we can notice all of the bad things in life. It doesn’t take much to notice this, such as seeing our loved ones in pain, being diagnosed with an incurable illness, struggling with mental health issues, or witnessing the death of someone we love. There is hate, bullying, and mass killings going on every day. When we look at these things, we see the world has come a long way from the way God created it. God created the world perfect, but sin changed everything (Genesis 3:1-24). Illness, sickness, evil, and death sprang into being. This is why terrible things happen in the world. It is not because of God, but rather, it is because of sin in the world. The world has fallen, and it is filled with all of us who are fallen sinners. We get hurt by others, and we hurt others too. Intersecting Faith & Life: In the future, God will make all things new. The Bible tells us, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Revelation 21:5). This is a wonderful promise given to us by God. The fallen world we are living in will be destroyed and created new. The evil and pain we see today won’t continue for all eternity. There will come a day when light finally reigns. No longer will we see anyone get sick or die. Instead, we will be living with the Lord in perfect harmony. He has blessed us by dying for us, and for all those who place faith in Him, we will be able to see the beautiful creation that is to come. Therefore, as you slow down and notice these things, trust in God. He is there through the good and the bad. We can appreciate the good while also being aware of sin in the world. Both the good and the bad can help us be encouraged and yearn for better days. One day, all things will be made new, and we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth with God. We can all lift our heavy hearts in praise for this truth. Regardless of what you are facing today, things will get better. Maybe they won’t get better today, but they will be healed and restored at the end of all things. Lean into the Lord, cultivate your relationship with Him, and focus on Him above anything else. Have you taken time to slow down and look at the beauty of the Lord around you? In the same way, have you noticed the sin that is so prevalent in the world? How can you appreciate the good while also acknowledging the bad things in the world? How does it feel to know God is going to make all things new? Further Reading: Isaiah 65:17-19 2 Peter 3:1-13 Revelation 21:1-27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Where do you go looking for joy? In this heartfelt devotional, Whitney Hopler shares a personal story of travel disappointment that led to a powerful revelation: true joy isn’t found in plans or places—it’s found in God’s presence. Based on Psalm 16:11, this episode dives into how joy differs from happiness and why the world can never offer the kind of lasting joy our souls crave. 💡 Key Takeaways: Happiness fades. Joy is rooted in relationship, not circumstance. Psalm 16:11 reveals three truths: God guides your path, His presence fills you with joy, and His pleasures last forever. When everything else disappoints, God remains the source of deep, soul-anchoring joy. Join The Conversation:What’s one place you’ve looked for joy that didn’t deliver? How might your week change if you prioritized simply being in God’s presence? Share your reflections and tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #FindingJoy 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Where to Find Joy By: Whitney Hopler “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11, NIV I love to travel, and it’s a blessing whenever I have an opportunity to take a new trip. But I’ll always remember the time when I discovered that I couldn’t count on finding joy from a trip. I’d planned lots of fun activities for my family in Amsterdam that didn’t work out. For many months, I’d imagined us enjoying those activities together, only to have some of them fall through. We couldn’t even enjoy the activity we had looked forward to the most – riding bikes together along Amsterdam’s famous canals – because we hadn’t made advance reservations for bikes and they were all rented out from nearby bike shops. On top of that, my phone was stolen on a busy tram. I was so upset that I left my family in our rented townhouse and wandered the streets by myself to cry and pray. As I poured out my disappointment to God, I sensed God leading me to sit down on a bench and just focus on his presence with me. It only took a short time of paying attention to God’s presence to start feeling better. Soon, my sadness evaporated and an incredible amount of joy washed over me. It was just being in God’s presence – not anything else – that brought me the joy I was searching for. Everyone I know wants to enjoy their lives. But some haven’t found joy yet, because they’re looking for it in the wrong places, like I did when I thought I could find joy by planning a dream vacation. We can chase after achievements, relationships, vacations, and more while hoping that they’ll finally give us the joy we long for. They might make us happy temporarily. But after those happy feelings fade, we’re back to chasing something else. That’s because happiness and joy are not the same. Happiness happens when our circumstances are good. Joy, however, comes from a deeper source than temporarily good circumstances. Joy is a gift that comes from being connected to God. It’s a deep sense of gladness that comes from knowing God loves us completely and unconditionally. We can experience joy in any kind of circumstances, no matter what. Psalm 16:11 describes where to find joy. It starts by reminding us that God shows us the path we should walk. Even when we feel uncertain, God promises to lead us on a path that’s full of life – not just existence, but real life, where we live to the fullest. Then it points out that God will fill us with joy in his presence. God himself is the source of our joy! When we draw near to God by communicating with him in prayer and meditation, God meets us with his joy. That joy is strong enough for us to experience in any situation. Finally, Psalm 16:11 says that God gives us “eternal pleasures at your right hand.” The joy God gives us lasts for eternity! It never runs out. We can enjoy pleasures from God forever, because they’re the pleasures of being loved by our eternally loving God. Looking for joy in this fallen world is bound to disappoint us. But searching for joy in God’s presence will reliably lead us to experiencing it. God gives us real joy, which is something that the world can’t offer and can’t take away. Even in suffering, we can rejoice, because God’s presence is with us in all circumstances. So, we don’t need to worry when we don’t find joy in other places. We can always find joy when we look for it in God’s presence! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider where to find joy, reflect on these questions: When have you recently felt happy in good circumstances, but lost that happiness when your circumstances changed? Where do you sometimes find yourself looking for joy, instead of through your relationship with God? How can you spend more time in God’s presence this week? What does it mean to you that God promises “eternal pleasures” at his right hand? Further Reading Nehemiah 8:10 John 15:11 Romans 15:13 Philippians 4:4 Isaiah 61:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.