The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

There are times when joy feels like a distant memory—when your soul is sluggish and your spirit flat. The truth? Praise isn’t just a feeling; it’s a decision. A powerful, soul-shifting act of spiritual discipline. And it might be exactly what your heart needs right now. Key Takeaways Praise Breaks the Fog – When life feels heavy or your spirit seems dim, praising God shifts your perspective. It realigns your soul with His joy. Joy Follows Focus – When you focus on God’s unchanging nature instead of your fluctuating circumstances, you create space for joy to return. (Psalm 21:6) Praise Clears the Clutter – When life feels crowded with confusion, praise acts like a clearing wind. It sweeps out the fog and ushers in clarity, hope, and peace. Start Where You Are – No need to fake it—just start with a simple truth: “God, You are good.” Let the Holy Spirit build from there. Join the Conversation What if we treated praise as our go-to move in every circumstance? This week, let’s flip the script. Don’t wait for your heart to catch up—lead it with praise. Share what you're praising God for with #LifeaudioNetwork, and let’s turn ordinary moments into altars of gratitude. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Blessing of Praise By Keri Eichberger Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. (Psalm 21:6) It wasn't too long ago. I was approaching Easter weekend, and my attitude and the posture of my heart didn’t match the praise I knew should be filling my soul—considering I was preparing to honor the most honorable moment in history. The most honorable man in history. And truth be told, the more I became aware of the dimness of my spirit, the more it became shadowed by self-disappointment for not feeling more uplifted in light of such a praiseworthy celebration. Have you ever felt something similar? Can you remember a time you weren’t feeling as joyful as you felt you should’ve been? Or found yourself sad for no reason? Or maybe you did have a good reason to be down, but knew you really had even more reason to smile and be thankful. I get it. Some days I’m a bit blue and can’t quite put my finger on why. Sometimes it seems to stem from something silly. And then there are moments, like I felt leading up to Easter, when I was getting ready to have a big surgery and had been struggling through lots of disappointment, but still knew in my heart that God was immensely good and deserving of so much praise. Praise. That is the key. I’ve been down dark roads before, and it has been offering up praise to my good God that was always the way out. I just needed that reminder. I needed it then, I need it now, and I’m guessing you might need this reminder too—time and again. There really is so much blessing wrapped up in our praise of the one who deserves it all. Life is hard, no doubt. Some seasons don’t make sense. Certain situations find us sad and sorrowful. But there is something constant that we constantly forget. God is still good. And God’s goodness abounds everywhere and every moment. Even when things don’t feel good, God is good. And we will see it when we open our eyes and mouths of praise. Intersecting Faith and Life: I made a decision that weekend, I’m making it now again, and I’d like to ask you to join me. Think of something to praise God for. There truly is so incredibly much. You can praise him for the details of his beautifully-creative creation, you can pour out praise for the promise of eternity, you can offer up praise for his word that reveals his ever-present love, comfort, and care. And you extend your unending praise for his perfectly sufficient provision over your life. We can all praise him for all of that today and every day. And I believe, as we return to a heart of praise, and continue to pour out words and reflections of thanks and gratitude, the shadows will lift from our souls, and we will find more and more songs to sing. We will continue to receive boundless blessings as we continue to offer our praise… to him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever had a spiritual faceplant you wish you could undo? You’re not alone. Abraham—yep, the father of our faith—blew it in a big way. But grace didn’t give up on him, and it won’t give up on you either. Key Takeaways Grace Offers Do-Overs – Even when we fail, God’s mercy meets us with a fresh start (Lamentations 3:22-23). Abraham Messed Up Too – He let fear rule and threw his wife under the proverbial camel. Still, God didn’t cancel him—He called him back. Return to the Altar – After failing in Egypt, Abraham went back to where he first encountered God (Genesis 13:4). Returning to God is always the right next step. Failure Isn’t Final – Your spiritual missteps don’t have to define your story. In Christ, shame doesn’t stick—redemption does. Join the Conversation What “altar” do you need to return to? What would it look like for you to start over today with God's grace in view? Share your thoughts with us using #LifeaudioNetwork and let others be encouraged by your journey. You’re not too far gone. God’s mercy says, “Let’s try again—together.” 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Starting Over After a Spiritual Fail By Jennifer Slattery So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. 2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. 3 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier 4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the Lord. - Genesis 13:1-4 NIV Sometimes, I struggle to live anchored in grace. I’ve done a lot of things I regret and, sadly, wounded those I love. While I’ve confessed and apologized for those things, sadly, I can’t unspeak words spoken or go back in time to handle situations differently. But, thanks to God’s grace, each day, I do receive a do over—a chance to stop in the middle of an argument, selfish act, or whatever dysfunctional behavior I’ve slipped back into to live more consistently aligned with Jesus. When I’m battling fear of failure or shame related to my past, I’m encouraged by biblical accounts of godly men and women who messed up big time, but then, turned around, got back on track, and began again. Abraham, called Abram in today’s passage, the patriarch of our faith, messed up big time. When we first meet him in Genesis 11 and 12, he obediently leaves his pagan homeland in Ur, taking his wife and nephew with him, to embark on a journey to an unknown land. As a woman who’s followed her husband from one state to another, and who, at times, was a reluctant (and, on occasion, anxious and tearful) participant, I can’t help but wonder what his wife felt or thought regarding this major life transition. She left her home, her biological family, her neighbors and friends, and whatever sense of security those support systems provided. Did she even have a say in the matter? Based on the culture in which she lived, I suspect she might not have. While Scripture doesn’t tell us how long she and her husband had been married at this point, the depth or strength of their relationship, or how safe she felt in it, it does record an instance that must’ve shattered any trust they’d built. To paraphrase, when he and Sarai, later called Sarah, arrived in Canaan, they hit two significant challenges. First, other people occupied the land, and, second, they soon found themselves in a famine, which would’ve been life threating. Then, instead of seeking God’s guidance regarding how to navigate this crisis, Abraham decided to head, with his clan, to Egypt. In Genesis 12:11-13, we read: 11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (NIV). In other words, “This isn’t a safe place. We’re going to encounter men so consumed with lust, they’ll kill me to get to you.” His plan? To abandon his wife to protect himself. When we allow our fear, rather than God, to lead us, we tend to behave in hurtful ways, as Abraham did. Because of his “brilliant” solution, Sarah soon found herself taken to the palace by the most powerful man in the nation. Pause to consider how you might feel, in a similar situation. Would you feel betrayed and afraid? I would. Keep in mind, the Pharaoh wasn’t inviting her over for conversation and tea. Genesis 12:19 tells us he took her “to be his wife.” Thankfully, God came to her rescue before she was violated. What relief she must’ve felt when Pharaoh released her, untouched, and told her and Abraham—called Abram at this point in the story—to take their belongings and leave. But, oh, the pain they both must’ve carried with them. For Sarah, the sting of betrayal, and for Abraham the sting of regret. Intersecting Life and Faith Do you see the beautiful truth tucked within today’s passage? Scripture tells us, after Abraham’s colossal failure as a husband and man of God, he returned to where he first built an altar to commemorate his encounter with the Creator, and there “he called on the name of the Lord.” This is a biblical idiom denoting faith and connection. Abraham returned to the Lord and His ways. Thanks to Jesus, and the price He paid for our salvation, we always have the opportunity to do the same. Regardless of how far we’ve wondered, or the mistakes we’ve made along the way, each day we can begin again and again, and again. As Scripture promises, God’s mercies are new every morning. So long as we continually turn to Him, He will teach us to break free from our shame to live more consistently in His grace, and more fully aligned with His will. Further reading: Psalm 32:1-5 Romans 5:15-20 John 3:16-21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever felt like you were called… but stuck in a season of “not yet”? You’re not alone. Whether it’s King David or King Jesus, even God’s greatest waited between their anointing and appointing. But take heart—your “in-between” is never wasted. Key Takeaways You’re Sealed and Claimed – God put His Spirit in you as a guarantee of what’s to come (2 Cor 1:21-22). Anointed ≠ Immediately Appointed – David waited decades; Jesus waited years. Waiting doesn’t mean forgotten. God Doesn’t Rush – He moves in perfect timing (Isaiah 60:22). You’re not behind schedule—you’re being prepared. Your Wait Has a Purpose – David gathered strength and support; Jesus discipled and taught. Your delay is part of your development. Join the Conversation How are you holding onto faith in your waiting season? What has God been refining in you while you wait? Share your reflections using #LifeaudioNetwork. And remember: if He’s anointed you, He will appoint you—right on time. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Signed, Sealed, and Delivered by Deidre Braley 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Have you ever experienced the tension of knowing that God has set you apart for a certain role, calling, or assignment in your life—only to have to wait for an extended period of time for it to happen? It can be confusing, frustrating, and even maddening to stand by while you wait for the moment when God will finally say, “Now!” But if you’re currently in an in-between season such as this, know that you’re in good company. In Scripture, we see multiple examples of people who were anointed by God for a specific purpose long before they were actually appointed to that role. Two that immediately come to mind are King David and King Jesus. David was first anointed to become king of Israel when he was just a teenager; the prophet Samuel set him apart for this work in private (1 Samuel 16:1-13) long before he would be publicly appointed king by the people of Israel in his thirties (2 Samuel 5:3). And though Jesus was anointed by God when he was baptized by John (Matthew 3:17), it would be another 2-3 years before he was crucified and then resurrected from the dead—accomplishing the mission that he’d been set apart by God to complete. The truth is that sometimes the anointing comes longs before the appointment. While we wait, it can be easy to become restless and even to despair. We might begin to wonder whether God has forgotten about his promise, worry that he’s changed his mind, or doubt that we ever even heard him in the first place. But when we look back at the way God has moved in Scripture and also examine what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about God’s actions and character, we can find solid footing to reassure our restless hearts while we stand in the interlude. Intersecting Faith & Life The stories of David’s and Jesus’ own periods of interlude (along with so many other biblical giants) supports the 3 following truths about God’s character and providence: God does not rush. Isaiah 60:22 says, “I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.” David experienced incredible tumult in the years between his anointing and public appointing as the king of Israel. There were likely times when he thought, “When will God make me king, already?” But God orchestrates the timing of events outside of our human demands. And though he often does not move as quickly as we would like him to move, when he does decide it’s time, he puts it into action with perfect precision. God has had a plan from the beginning. God sees how everything will play out. While our purview is limited to what we can see, experience, and imagine of our own lives, God is able to see how all things work together—a complex system within a single organism. We see a hint of this when Jesus says to his pleading mother at the wedding in Cana, “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). Although it was well within his power to turn water to wine, Jesus’ words imply that once this miracle occurred, a new string of interconnected events would be set into motion. In the time between anointing and appointing, God is still at work. The in-between time is never wasted; while David waited to become publicly acknowledged as king, Saul’s power and influence began to crumble and David gathered more supporters. This had to happen before he sat on the throne of Israel. And between the time of Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion/resurrection, he taught the disciples, the Jews, and the Gentiles about himself, establishing leaders and acting as a catalyst for what would become the early church. This period of time was essential. As we meditate on God’s character in our own in-between seasons, we can also return to Paul’s words to the Corinthians, which remind us that God has not left us alone in the time between our anointing and what is to come. Rather, he says that God has “set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit…” (2 Corinthians 1:22). In other words, he has claimed us as his own, and he has put his own Spirit inside us as a down payment; this is our assurance that he has set us aside for good and that he intends to use us for good purposes, as well. He has linked himself to us in ways that cannot be revoked as a sign that he is good for his word. Knowing this, we can surrender ourselves to his work even in the interludes of our lives; though we may not understand the purpose of every season nor the length of time we’ll be asked to remain there, we can trust that he’s using these moments to prepare the appropriate circumstances for us to be able to fulfill whatever it is that he’s set apart for us since the beginning of time. Further Reading Genesis 12-21 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Acts 7:23-8:1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Still labeling yourself by past mistakes or family baggage? In Christ, “the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). You are not “just that way” anymore—God rewrote your story the moment you trusted Him. Key Reflections New Creation, New Identity – Gal 2:20 says your old self was crucified; Christ now lives in you. Let God Define You – Scripture, not your past, assigns your worth. (See Eph 1.) Capture Toxic Thoughts – Take every thought captive (2 Cor 10:5) and replace lies with truth. Progress Requires Renewal – Daily renew your mind (Rom 12:2) to walk in who you already are. Join the Conversation What negative label do you need to lock up today? How are you choosing to see yourself through God’s Word instead of past mistakes? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram using #LifeaudioNetwork—let’s encourage one another to live as new creations! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stop Believing You Can’t Change by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB) Are you letting your past mistakes define you? And are you believing that you will always be a certain way? I will admit it that I’ve found myself saying, at times, “That’s just the way I am.” But I realize now how pathetic that sounds. It’s another way I let this culture’s message to “Do you” and “Express your individuality” excuse my failure to grow spiritually. Maybe, like me, you’ve found yourself saying things like: "I have control issues. That's just the way I am." "I am an adult child of an alcoholic and I struggle with certain dysfunctional behavior. That’s just the way I am." "Because of what I’ve been through in my past, I’ll always be insecure. I'm just that way." "I will never trust another person. That’s just the way I am.” “Sorry I got so defensive. You should know I’m just that way.” A sure sign that we are stuck from pain in our past is when we excuse our behavior by saying “That’s just the way I am.” Or, when we continue to believe that we can never grow beyond a certain place, emotionally or spiritually. A crucial step to healing and wholeness is to renew your mind to think differently. If you have a relationship with God, the old you that was “just that way” is gone. And the new you is now “just like Him.” In Galatians 2:20, the apostle Paul gave us a goal, perspective, and motto for our old selves. He wrote: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” And the song of our new identity is found in Second Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Intersecting Faith and Life So why are we not living like new, regenerated creatures? In my experience, I've found that it's easy to go back to the old way of thinking if I'm not making a conscious effort to remember who I really am (because of my regeneration in Christ), and to redirect my thoughts. You can renew your mind and receive your new identity—the one that is just like Him—when you do these two things: Let God define who you are. This happens when you read and begin to understand the Scriptures. Let God define who you are—not your parents, your past, a teacher from long ago, a friend who used to criticize you, a boyfriend or husband who walked out on you, a therapist’s diagnosis, or a boss who thought you weren’t capable of much. The more you read in the Bible of God's heart for you, the more you will begin to see yourself as a regenerated, transformed child of His and act like it. Discover in God’s Word not only how He sees you, but how to start living like His child. Lock up the negative thoughts. In order to let God—and not the voices in your head—define you, you must learn to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). When you hear negative thoughts from your head defining you, capture them instead of letting them run loose. Be determined to only hear the thoughts that are obedient to God, the thoughts that are consistent with His Word’s description of you. Tune your ear to hear the thoughts of God's that say “I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3); “I have called you friends” (John 15:15); and "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). Who are you really when you are in Christ? Renew your mind—and receive your new identity—with the beautiful descriptions of you found in God’s Word. And walk with your head higher, focused on the fact that you are not just that way. You are, instead, just like your Heavenly Father. Lord, my own labels–and those that others have given me—are much harsher and critical than the loving labels You have given me in Your trustworthy Word. Help me to see myself as You see me—redeemed and renewed. Further Reading: Ephesians 1 For more on living according to your true identity, see Cindi’s book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of “I know better, but I still mess up”? You’re not alone. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled with doing the very things he didn’t want to do. This devotional reminds us that the Christian walk isn’t about flawless performance—it’s about daily surrender and steady growth. 📖 “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”– Romans 7:14-15 (NLT) Key Reflections: You’re not alone in your struggle—Paul felt the exact same way. Being in Christ frees us from sin’s penalty, but not its presence. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. God’s grace isn’t an excuse to stay stuck, it’s the fuel to keep going. Each new day is a fresh opportunity to start again—His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s one area where you feel stuck right now? Instead of focusing on failure, write down one small step you can take today to grow in that area. And remember: You’re not defined by one moment of weakness. You’re being refined by a lifetime of grace. Let us know what “progress over perfection” looks like in your life today. Use the hashtag #LifeaudioNetwork to share your story. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Progress Over Perfection By: Laura Bailey “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:14-15 NLT Reluctantly, I stepped on the scale. I already knew the number would be higher than I’d hoped. Sighing, I shuffled towards the kitchen, poured my coffee, and scanned the pantry. Last week, I failed miserably at making good food choices. Does it matter what I choose now? Even if I make the right choice now, I will likely slip up later and have to start over again. A few weeks prior, my doctor suggested that I try a low-inflammation diet since I was experiencing a great deal of joint pain. If you aren’t familiar with this diet, it means avoiding sugar. And while I don’t have an overly sweet tooth, I enjoy ice cream after a long day, a bowl of cereal as a midnight snack, or a freshly baked pastry with my morning cup of Joe. For the most part, after the first few days, I found that it wasn’t challenging for me to avoid sugar, especially since my cravings were almost non-existent. It had been almost a month without anything sweet when I saw my daughter munching on my favorite candy. I thought, “It wouldn't hurt just to have one; you deserve it; you’ve done so well.” Reaching for the bag, I knew it wasn’t a good idea, yet I proceeded, and before I knew it, I’d polished off the remaining candy. I immediately felt physically and mentally sick. “ Why did I do that? Why didn’t I just stop after one? I am failing at so many things,” I chided myself. If only the battle with sugar was the only one I fight regularly. I want to read my Bible more, so I set my alarm 30 minutes earlier every day. However, I more often than not hit the snooze button, choosing sleep over time with the Lord. I want to spend more quality time with my girls, but I gravitate towards unanswered emails and text messages, prioritizing things that could wait over them. I want to give more money to missions and be more generous, but I often buy things I don’t need because “it was on sale.” Yes, I struggle to do the things I do not want to do daily, yet I still do them! Have you ever felt that way? The Apostel Paul most certainly did. Paul shares in the letter to the Romans that he is frustrated that he continues doing the things he doesn’t want to do. Why does this keep happening? For those of Christ, we are freed from the penalty of sin but still live in the presence of sin. He openly shares his ongoing struggle with sin, the internal battle within him. The same battle that we all fight. Many believe that once they accept Christ, all their problems and struggles will disappear. The reality is that the battle has just begun. Later in Ephesians, Paul describes how we prepare for the spiritual battle that wages war against our hearts and minds by putting on the whole armor of God ( Ephesians 6: 13-17). We must suit up as we fight sin, but there will be times when we lose that battle. That’s where God’s grace and mercy meet us. While we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are still humans. Our fleshly desires, spiritual attacks, and longing for Godly obedience coexist. God’s grace is not a license to sin but a reminder of how much we need a savior. Our goal is not perfection but progress, looking more like Jesus today than yesterday. Back to my earlier story: I couldn’t erase the consequences of the last few days of poor care, but I did have an opportunity to hit the refresh button and start again. Today was new; therefore, my choice to do the right thing for my body mattered. The same for us as believers. God’s mercies are new every morning ( Lamentations 3:22-23). Let’s celebrate the good news of the Gospel; we aren’t just redeemed and restored for salvation, but every day. Amen Intersecting Faith and Life: Can you think of an area where you are experiencing a sin struggle? Instead of feeling defeated, write down some goals and focus on your progress, not perfection. For Further Reading: Romans 7 Why Do I Do What I Hate? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Let’s be honest—most of us have questions we’re holding close to the chest. Why am I struggling? Why didn’t God intervene? Why now? The beauty of faith isn’t in pretending we don’t have questions—it’s in knowing exactly where to take them. 📖 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt...”– James 1:5-6 (NIV) Key Reflections: God welcomes your questions—none are too big, too messy, or too complicated. Asking God for wisdom acknowledges that we need His help, not our own understanding. Doubt can toss us like waves in the sea—but faith anchors us. You may not get your answers today, but they will come—if not here, then in Heaven. Trusting God means giving Him your why’s just as much as your worship. 💬 Join the Conversation: What questions have you been holding back from God? Then let us know what helps you turn your questions into deeper trust?Drop a comment or tag us with #LifeaudioNetwork. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Turning to God with Questions By Vivian Bricker “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6). Similar to many people, I have many questions for God. Questions such as “Why did this have to happen?” and “Why do I have to struggle so much?” are always scratching at my heart. Maybe you also have many questions for God. All of these questions are valid and will be answered one day. Although you might not have these questions answered right away, they will be answered in the future. When we are troubled with questions, we do not need to keep silent. Instead of remaining quiet, we need to speak up and bring these questions to God. Think about the questions you have in your heart today. Ask God these questions today. Don’t hesitate to ask God whatever is on your mind. No question is too hard for God. Often, we feel as though asking questions of God is not right. This is not true, as God wants us to bring all of our questions to His feet. As you are thinking over your questions, remember the truth that no question is off-limits. God already knows what is on your mind, including the questions upon your heart. Acknowledge your dependence on God by asking these questions. You might be surprised as to how fast God will give you an answer. Even if your question is not answered right away, it will be answered in time. If it is never answered during your earthly life, know that all answers will be given in Heaven. We might not understand the pain right now, but one day, we will understand and see God’s work through our situation. Finding Answers in God James 1:5-6 instructs us to turn to God. The half-brother of the Lord tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). If we are not having our questions answered, we can turn to God for wisdom. As James tells us, we need to ask God for wisdom. Once we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us generously. James also tells us, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). The second half of this passage shows that it is vital for us to believe and not doubt when we go to God in prayer. Whether we are praying for deliverance, healing, or bringing our questions before God, we need to believe and not doubt. The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, always being blown and tossed by the wind. If we doubt God and His ability to answer our prayers, our doubt will drown out our faith. This is why we need to have faith, truly believe, and not doubt God. Once we truly believe that God will answer our prayers and answer our questions, we will receive our answers, both for prayer and for our questions. Bring all of your questions, concerns, and thoughts to God today. Give Him all of these worries and trust Him with the outcome. God will answer your questions and bring relief to your troubles. For the time being, have faith and believe. Don’t doubt—choose to believe in God. Just as you trust God with your salvation, trust Him with your questions and concerns. “Dear God, I have many questions for you. I was once afraid to ask questions, but now I know it is good to bring my questions to You. I give you all my questions today and I trust You with their answers. I have faith in You, and I believe. I do not doubt You at all. Thank You for always hearing my prayers and my questions. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.” Intersecting Faith & Life: What is causing you to hold your questions back from God today? Are you willing to let go of these causes in order to give these questions over to God? It is impossible to present our prayers and questions before God without believing in Him and His abilities. How can you overcome doubt today? What questions will you bring to God today? Further Reading: Philippians 4:6-7 1 Corinthians 2:16 Habakkuk 1:2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Psalms have this unique way of speaking directly to the soul. Whether we’re celebrating or stumbling, they give us language for every spiritual season. Psalm 139, in particular, reminds us just how intimately God knows us—especially when anxiety threatens to take over our thoughts. 📖 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Key Reflections: God knows us better than we know ourselves—every thought, fear, and worry. Anxiety doesn't surprise God. He’s already aware of what’s weighing you down. Like David, we can invite God to search our hearts and bring peace to our anxious places. We’re not hiding from God—we’re hiding in plain sight. He sees and loves us anyway. Trusting God with our burdens is an act of faith—and freedom. Releasing our worries back “on the vine” (John 15) is a powerful daily habit of surrender. 💬 Join the Conversation: What anxious thoughts are you carrying today?Try writing them down, just like Megan does, and releasing them to God with the words:“Lord, I place this back on the vine.” Let us know what that process feels like for you. You’re not alone—and your heart is safe in His hands. 💙Use the hashtag #LifeaudioNetwork or share in the comments. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Know Me and My Anxious Heart By Megan J. Conner “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24 (NIV) There really is something so special about the Book of Psalms. They offer balm to a blistered heart or a chorus of celebration when joy overflows. No matter what you are encountering today, there is likely a psalm that speaks directly to your current state. Are you feeling burdened and afraid? You will find great comfort in the famous Psalm 23. Feeling overwhelmed, possibly even attacked by voices of accusation? Take a look at Psalm 27. What about when you clearly see the fingerprints of God offering miraculous provision? Psalm 100 will help you offer thanks. What about when you long for connection and intimacy with the Lord? Allow David, a man after God’s own heart, to remind you how there is nowhere you can go where God is not with you, through the words he penned in Psalm 139. In this beautiful passage, David recalls how the Lord knows our thoughts and our ways. There is no place where we can go from His Spirit or flee His presence. Also included in this psalm is the often-referenced scripture, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Ps. 139:13-14, NIV). That is how intimately the Lord is acquainted with us. He literally knit each one of us together in our mothers’ wombs. Like an artist creating a masterpiece, He thread each fiber of your being into existence. With this understanding, we can not only trust our anxious hearts to the Lord, we can be assured He is already aware of our struggle. Jesus reminded the disciples in Matt. 6:8 that “…your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him,” (NKJV). The Word also says, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be,” (Ps. 139:16, NIV). God is aware of all of your yesterdays, He discerns what will happen today, and sees what the future holds. He knows you – truly KNOWS you in a manner far beyond our human comprehension. You are His treasure. His precious child. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to pay the penalty for your sin (John 3:16). You can trust Him with your deepest cares and your darkest secrets. Though He knows every facet of our beings, our Lord does not barge in and force His way into our hearts. Instead, He awaits our invitation. David understood this when he invited the Lord to search his will and his ways. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23-24 (NIV) Could we, like David, vulnerably and transparently open ourselves up to the Lord? Even if you feel like you are hiding those wounds, worries, or shame from the Heavenly Father, the truth is you are hiding in plain sight. If there is nowhere we can wander from His presence, and He knows what we need before we even bring our cares to Him, how can we not entrust our anxious hearts and thoughts to the Lord? He already knows our concerns, because he so intimately KNOWS us. Intersecting Faith & Life: What worries are bombarding your mind and stealing your peace today? Can you trust Him with your concerns? Why or why not? One of the practices that has brought me immense freedom from anxiety has been “releasing” my cares to the Lord. I do this by writing down my worry over a particular situation, my fear of an unknown outcome, or a wound I feel is still unhealed, and I “place it back on the vine.” The Bible says, He is the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, He will abide in us (John 15:5-7). Every morning, I look over my catalog of concerns (or add new ones to the list). As I share them with God, I declare, “Lord, I place this back on the vine. I trust You will do with it what You know is best. I trust in You, and I release it to You.” What cares can you place back on the vine today? Further Reading: Psalm 139 John 15:1-8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes we walk through seasons that feel like barren wilderness—dry, uncertain, and painful. When a close friend was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease, I found myself struggling with the very question faithful believers often hesitate to ask: “Why, Lord?” But in the middle of it all, God showed up—not just with provision, but with peace. The kind that doesn’t always make sense but anchors us in the chaos. The kind wrapped up in the powerful words of Numbers 6:24-26. Key Reflections: God’s peace isn’t the absence of pain—it’s His presence in the middle of it. The blessing in Numbers 6 is more than poetic—it’s a promise of God’s grace, protection, and peace. “Shalom” means wholeness, contentment, and joy—even in the wilderness. Faith doesn’t always mean clarity—but it does mean confidence in God’s character. Just like with the Israelites, God doesn’t abandon us in hard seasons—He walks with us through them. Even unanswered prayers can strengthen shaky faith. 📖 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 💬 Join the Conversation: Are you in a wilderness season? Have you seen God’s peace show up when life didn’t make sense?We’d love to hear how He’s meeting you in the middle of your story. Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us online with #LifeAudioNetwork. God’s blessing isn’t just a benediction—it’s a declaration of His unshakable presence. Even when we’re asking “Why?”, He’s already walking with us. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Peace in the Wilderness By: Laura Bailey “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 A dear friend recently discovered that she had an auto-immune disease and soon would need to have a liver transplant. As she shared the news with our group of friends over coffee and croissants, we struggled to hold back tears. We were a group of firm believers, prayer warriors, and seasoned saints. We wholeheartedly trusted that God was faithful and in control of the situation, but we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, Lord?” Why choose this young mother active in her church and community to endure this painful experience? She is a woman of tremendous faith, a loyal friend, and a faithful servant. We knew that God had a plan and would ultimately use this situation for His glory, but we felt the weight of sadness and uncertainty. As our friend’s health declined and it became abundantly clear she would not be able to live without a liver transplant, we began to pray that God would deliver a miracle. Walking alongside my friend in the past six months, I have seen God work in ways I have never experienced. To be honest, I struggle with my faith. I want to see God clearly at work. As I watched all the ways the Lord stepped in and provided, answered prayers–maybe not as expected, but still answered nonetheless– and gave my friend a sense of peace and calm amid chaos, it strengthened my often shaky faith. The week before her surgery, we gathered together; I was asked to give a devotion before our prayer time. I prayed and asked God to guide me toward a piece of Scripture that expressed what I knew I would struggle to communicate. A few days passed, and I was still unsure of the verse I would speak on, but riding around in my car, the song “The Blessing” played through the speakers. The song comes from Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace.” I knew immediately this was what I should share. God tells Moses to give this blessing to his brother, Aaron, Isreael’s high priest. Aaron, in return, was to share the blessing with the Israelites. The lines in this poem remind us that God’s provision extends to our physical and spiritual needs. The heart of this blessing is the reminder that God’s presence was with the Israelites and us today. The Lord pursues His people; He desires to bless them and pour out his grace and mercy. The word peace comes from the Hebrew word, Shalom, which means an overall sense of joy and contentment. The last line reminds us that as God's Children, we represent Him in the world, and we can find comfort in knowing that we belong to Him; nothing can separate us from His love. This blessing serves as a covenant reminder that God is faithful and can be trusted in all things. Remember, the Israelites were enslaved for over 400 years in Egypt and were currently wandering around in the wilderness. I am sure they asked God on more than one occasion, “Why?” But, just like the Israelites, God is still with us, giving us His grace and peace even in our darkest moments. We don’t know yet how my friend’s story will end; we are still crying out to God for complete healing as she recovers over the next few weeks. But what we do know is that God never left her. He has been with her through the diagnosis, surgery, and recovery process, and He will be with her till the end. Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you currently experiencing a difficult season that has you tempted to ask God, “Why?” How does knowing God's desire to give His children grace and peace comfort you? For Further Reading: Leviticus 9:22-24 5 Truths about God’s Blessing Over You Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nature isn’t just pretty scenery—it’s a living sermon. In the rustle of leaves, the rhythm of seasons, and the chirping of birds, God reveals His love, creativity, and sovereignty. Luke 12:24 reminds us that if God feeds the ravens, how much more will He care for us? We often miss these lessons because our eyes are glued to screens. But if we just look up and around, creation starts to preach a powerful truth: God is near, involved, and intentional. Key Reflections: Nature reminds us God is Provider—He feeds the birds and cares for squirrels. You matter even more. His love is written into creation—each flower, sunset, and animal speaks of His intentional design. God’s creativity is unmatched—from platypuses to parrots, His imagination knows no bounds. Even in the wild, He’s sovereign—animals adapt, migrate, survive—none of it escapes His plan. Getting outside resets our faith—walk, pause, breathe. Creation points our hearts back to the Creator. Peace is possible—when we step away from noise and into God’s natural world, we find clarity. 📖 “Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?” – Luke 12:24 🌱 Join the Conversation: When’s the last time you saw God in nature? How has a walk outside, a sunset, or a quiet moment reminded you of His presence?We’d love to hear your story—leave a comment on today’s episode, or share with us on Instagram using #LifeAudioNetwork. Let’s open our eyes to God’s handiwork and be reminded: if He cares for creation, He surely cares for us. Drop a comment on today’s episode or tag your thoughts on Instagram with #LifeAudioNetwork.Let’s grow together in grace—lifting our heads as children of a holy and loving God. Full Transcript Below: What Nature Tells Us about God By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds?” (Luke 12:24) If someone were to tell you nature says a lot about God, you probably wouldn’t disagree. At face value, the claim seems true. Though, if someone were to ask you what exactly nature says about the Creator, that answer would require greater reflection. We spend so much of our days with our eyes embedded in our phones or some other device. We often neglect the beauty of all that is around us. The verdant trees, soft dirt, gentle breeze, and pretty animals. If we were to take notice of those things we would start to see God in a different light. Not just as our Creator, but the Creator. Not just as our Provider, but the Provider. There are times in a believer’s life when God appears to be far away. Meanwhile, our troubles feel so near. In those moments, we need to remind ourselves of who God is. Studying God’s Word is one way, but observing His creations is another. We don’t always see Him at work in our own lives, but when we look at nature, not seeing Him is much harder. How do the birds find sustenance day to day? How does the grass survive? Why does the Earth continue to live on? There are a few different lessons we can learn from nature. Nature reflects God’s love. Psalm 139 makes clear that God took intricate care to craft us in our mother’s womb. He knows the length of our days and the number of hairs on our heads. Every moment of our lives has been planned out before we live a single day. While we can find those truths in Scripture, they don’t always seem believable. God’s provision and care don’t always feel real, but if He can take care of the neighborhood squirrel, why would he not take care of us? Bad things certainly happen from time to time, and animals are not exempt from that. However, if we look closely, God’s love can be seen even in the worst of times. Nature reveals God’s creativity. No matter where you fall on the evolution vs creationism debate, we can all agree that nature exemplifies God’s creativity. There is a mammal that lays eggs, animals that shed their skin, and primates that can imitate the actions of humans. Wherever you look, there are many different biomes that feature many different types of creatures. High and low we can witness the creative genius of the Lord. Nature proves God’s sovereignty. Animals are born and die every day. There are beasts who work to survive by migrating, hunting, and living in groups. Their lives are much more eventful in terms of life or death than ours. Nonetheless, God has programmed each and every one of them for survival. He has equipped them for their environment, and made some adaptable to new environments. He oversees their populations and the weather. God is in charge of it all. Why would that not apply also to us? Intersecting Faith & Life: Now that we better understand what nature says about God, we should figure out how to incorporate that knowledge into our daily lives. Here are a few ways to get outside and see more of God. Go for walks outside. The best way to see nature is to be in nature. Go for a walk in the woods, a local park, or even just in your neighborhood. You’re bound to come across an animal or some shape or size. Think about how God provides for that creature. Then remind yourself that He loves you so much more. Draw inspiration from nature. The trees, the rocks, the animals, everything outside has the capacity to serve as a muse. Not just artistic inspiration, but spiritual inspiration too. Let God’s love for creation remind you of His love for humanity. He sent His son to die for people just like you. Find peace. You may not know this yet, but there’s much peace of mind to find when we ditch the screens, even temporarily. If you want to connect with God, spend time with him in solitude, and with that solitude, in nature. Think of how Adam and Eve could walk so effortlessly in the presence of God while in the garden. You can imagine how much peace they found walking in creation with the Creator. Further Reading: Psalm 139:13-14 Genesis 1:27 Colossians 1:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Humility isn’t thinking less of ourselves—it’s thinking of ourselves rightly in light of who God is.As James 4:10 says:“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV) We’re not called to grovel or shrink—we’re called to come confidently, as children of the King, with hearts shaped by grace. Key Reflections: Humility isn’t self-deprecation—it’s seeing ourselves as God sees us. God is holy and personal—King on the throne, yet close like a Shepherd. Pride pushes God away, but humility invites His grace (James 4:6). We’re not just forgiven—we’re family: co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Humility draws us near—we approach God confidently, not fearfully (Hebrews 4:16). A balanced view of self honors God more than false modesty ever could. Join the Conversation: How do you practice humility without falling into false modesty?Has your view of God’s grace helped you stand tall in His presence? Drop a comment on today’s episode or tag your thoughts on Instagram with #LifeAudioNetwork.Let’s grow together in grace—lifting our heads as children of a holy and loving God. Full Transcript Below: Humility Is the Way to God By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:10 (ESV) When I think about a humble person I sometimes imagine a great king on his throne. One of the king’s subjects comes into the room. He bows before the king and voices his request. Is this humility? According to the dictionary a person who is humble doesn’t think too highly of themselves. Humility is not weakness or self deprecation. Although some definitions have taken humility to mean that we lower ourselves, humility really means we have a honest view of ourselves and of God. One of the things I love about God is He is both all-powerful and holy. We have a God who sits on the throne of Heaven, orchestrating the entire universe. Colossians says He keeps everything going by the power of His hands. Nothing escapes God’s notice, control, and wisdom. God is perfect in all His ways and only those who are also holy are allowed to enter into His presence. Another aspect of God’s character that is evidence throughout the entire Bible is God’s closeness to us. Our God has also made himself known to us in a way we can understand and find Him. God is described as our Shepherd, Father, and Teacher. Having a relationship with us is a priority for our all-powerful God. God demonstrated through Jesus and He willingness to humble Himself for our sakes. As we we approach God we tend to fall on one side or the other. Either we think we need to only see ourselves as disgraced, unlovable beings before a holy, perfect God. We call ourselves “worms” or “enemies” of God, even after we become Christians. Sometimes we don’t speak up, or speak out because we have a false sense of humility. Thinking low of ourselves is not humility. We do this because we are afraid of the other side of the coin: pride. The Bible warns us over and over again about pride, which is thinking too highly of ourselves. It was pride that caused Satan to fall and sin to enter the world. In our attempts to avoid pride, as we should, we have a false sense of humility. A correct, Biblical view of humility, actually falls in the middle of both of these views. Although we recognize that we came to God from a state of utter helplessness and God is beyond our ability to reach on our own, God humbled Himself so that we now stand with Jesus as co-heirs and children of God. As Christians, we come to God through a humble heart. Proverbs 3:34 says, “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” (ESV) And Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (ESV) In the book of James we also see humility mentioned several times. James is said to be the proverbs of the New Testament. James 4:6-10 says: But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (ESV) Notice that God invites us to draw near to Him, but we do so with pure hearts and this is found through grace. If we are to receive grace from God in order to be able to draw near to God, we must have a balanced view of ourselves. Yes, we are sinners in need of grace. But as Christians, we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and understand that we are now no longer enemies, but friends of God. Our standing before God changes the instant we accept Christ as our Savior. Because our standing before God changes we now can humbly come before God in the proper way. We do not exalt ourselves above God, but we do not degrade ourselves either. Humility means we let God lift us up and no matter what our standing is before the world, we are one of God’s children. God is the King on the throne and we are His. We enter this throne room with confidence, bowing before Him, but then lifting our head to look Him in the face because we are not just a subject, but a child. Intersecting Faith & Life: Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV) How does knowing Jesus stands beside God, advocating for you, give you confidence to come to God with a humble, but also confident heart? Further Reading: Micah 6:8 Philippians 2:3 Colossians 3:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.