The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Proverbs 3:5, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. Kelly Balarie shares her personal journey of prayer and the challenges that arise when we feel overwhelmed or confused during spiritual moments. We discuss the powerful truth that God’s ways surpass our comprehension, emphasizing that His goodness remains unchanged, even when we struggle to understand our circumstances. Kelly reflects on a transformative prayer experience with friends that revealed how often we misattribute our struggles to God, instead of recognizing the enemy's schemes. Through the story of Job, we learn that God allows trials not as punishment but as opportunities for growth and strength. In every situation, God’s plans are ultimately for our good. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What have you blamed on God that may have been a scheme of the devil? How has this affected your faith? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other as we navigate our faith journeys! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: God is GoodBy Kelly Balarie “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT) My friends were praying for me... And here’s the funny thing: as they were praying, I couldn’t quite figure out how to be. In times of deep prayer, I aim to open my heart and believe with my soul, as if I have something to do with what’s happening. So, that’s what I did in this instance. However, I couldn’t help but notice all the gold-weighted words in this prayer; they were substantial. Would I remember everything? Was I grasping it all? I wasn’t so sure; they were speaking fast. I tried to command myself to remember. I wanted to process their words. I wanted to write it down. Could I tell them to slow down? Have you ever experienced pressure amid powerful prayers? Now, in retrospect, and with some distance between that prayer-time and this moment, I see things more clearly. I realize that prayer led by the Holy Spirit sometimes absolutely will surpass our natural mind. The truth is — we don’t have to conceive everything to receive everything. God’s ways are not our ways. Neither should we expect to lean on our own understanding. God’s Spirit is good and effective even if our mind feels confused or out of order. It doesn’t matter so much if we understand or not; God is still God and God is still good! God is good to work, even when our mind doesn’t work. God is good and faithful, even when we can’t perfectly dissect or understand all His work. God is good to help us, even when we can’t help ourselves. God is good to provide grace even when we can’t figure out how we are remotely worthy of receiving it. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5 NLT) So, in that moment with my friends, I abandoned my understanding and opened my heart to receive what God was doing via the Holy Spirit. “Kelly,” my friends addressed me during this prayer time, “The devil had a plan to attack and devour you all throughout your life, but God had a plan to save you and keep you!” God won. Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head. Oh. My! Something hit me: I have been blaming God for what were premeditated attacks of the enemy on my life. As if God was the punisher. As if God was doing all this to me. As if God set up hit jobs and sinkholes for me to fall into. God is good. Just because I can’t understand those things, doesn’t mean that negates God’s goodness. In the book of Job, the devil goes to the throne of God and God suggests His son Job for trial. Does this mean that God isn’t good? No. It means that God believes in Job to stand firm and to stand strong even under attack. In the end, God more than blessed Job. God’s plans are not for evil; they are always for good. Even when we can’t understand. Intersecting Faith & Life: What have you blamed on God that may have been a scheme of the devil? How has it created bitterness or anger at God? How has it prevented you from believing that God really loves you? Perhaps, ask God to forgive you for the bitter root that you have allowed to form in your heart. Further Reading:Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant, and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Luke 11:8, where Jesus teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and the importance of approaching God with shameless audacity. Reflecting on personal experiences, we discuss how our early prayer lives can sometimes feel transactional—like using God as a vending machine. As we grow in faith, we learn that God desires a deeper relationship with us, encouraging us to ask not only for our needs but also for the big desires hidden in our hearts. We share a testimony of how boldly asking God for a writing opportunity led to unexpected blessings, illustrating His goodness and generosity. We’ll also touch on the balance between desire and contentment, reminding ourselves that while God wants us to ask for good gifts, we must trust in His sovereign will, even when the answer is no. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What is one thing you want to ask God for but are too afraid to? How can you take a step to increase your faith in asking? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we grow in our prayer lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: Shameless Audacity “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:8) “God, help me get a good grade on my test.” When I was young, I prayed very little. I often only talked to the Lord when I needed something. I would sometimes test God, not study for a test, and then see if he would help me pull through. Sometimes he did; sometimes he didn't. I used God like a genie in a bottle. Like a vending machine, I put in my 2 quarters of prayer, pulled the lever, and hoped to get a prize. Once I became a born-again Christian and yielded to the Lord, I quickly realized that my prayer life was shallow. If I wanted to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, I couldn't pray only for what I wanted. In my early years of Christianity, I avoided asking God for anything. I lived in fear that I would treat him again like I had when I was a little kid. I only prayed for other people and their needs, neglecting my own. In my quiet time, God whispered to my heart. He challenged me to stop putting him in a box. He reminded me of the above verse, where the person who asked his friend for a loaf of bread kept knocking and asking until the man got out of bed and gave him what he wanted. God does not intentionally withdraw his good gifts from his children. But he does want us to ask. Not only does God want us to ask for little things, but he also wants us to ask for the big things. Recently, I asked God to move in my writing career. I asked him to allow his favor to grant me a contract with a publisher. It was a long shot. Because I had no working relationship with this publisher, the chances were not in my favor that they would grant me a contract. Then I asked anyway. I've seen God work in my life too often to ignore that He is a miracle worker. Just when I had given up hope that this would come to pass, I received an email with an offer from that publisher. I was elated. No longer had I treated God like a genie in a bottle. I asked him for big things, but I was also content if he chose not to give them to me. Because it was a selfish desire, I was afraid to ask because I didn't want to only use God for selfish desires. However, God, in his goodness, still gives us good gifts even if we've become distant from him or have sin that blocks us from knowing Him intimately. God wants to give good gifts to his children. But he wants us to pray earnestly, balancing desire and contentment. It's normal to have desires and enjoy things in life. We must also be content and trust that God's will is sovereign. If God wants us to have it, he will grant it. But there are times when we ask for things where God says no. In these moments, we must remain content that God's will is sufficient for us even when we don't understand. He chose not to grant that selfish desire. Reflect on your prayer life. Do you come to God only when you need him? Do you take time to praise him for who he is? Do you have time to thank him for all the wonderful blessings in your life? Do you bask in God’s presence and sovereignty? Do you see your relationship with God as a gift, or do you see him as a vending machine? Take a bold risk. Ask God faithfully for his provision. In faith, ask him for the big things in life that lie hidden in your heart. Let the Lord decide if your desire is one he wants to grant. You may be surprised that he grants more in your life than you realize. Father, let us approach you with shameless audacity. Let us ask not only about the small things but also about the big things in life. When we get what we ask for, let us bask in your glory. Let us also remain content when you choose not to grant our request. Let our prayer life not be predicated upon needs but rather upon relationships. Amen. Further Reading: James 1:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Proverbs 9:10, emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We discuss the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, highlighting how true understanding comes from applying our knowledge through godly choices. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of a passionate young believer eager to deepen his biblical knowledge for the sake of evangelism. We’ll explore why wisdom matters in our daily lives and how it enables us to make choices that honor God, leading to fulfillment and purpose. By soaking our minds in Scripture and our hearts in prayer, we can trust our instincts as they align with God’s guidance. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you differentiate between knowledge and wisdom in your life? What practices help you cultivate wisdom? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live wisely! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Knowing the Wise Choice and Living Wisely By Keri Eichberger The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. (Proverbs 9:10 AMP) I’ve been undeservingly blessed with a Jesus loving son. And I’ll gratefully admit, this is the greatest gift a parent could ask for. In fact, all five of my kids claim to truly love the Lord. But my son specifically has been going on and on lately about his passion to gain biblical knowledge. Claiming he wants to know more, so he can share more. To disciple the lost. To evangelize and save souls. And what an admirable desire no doubt. But something started to strike me along his mission for knowledge, that I couldn’t help but ever so tenderly approach him with my observation. It was this: knowledge is necessary, but it is wisdom that gives understanding and life to the information we consume. Wisdom means so much more. Wisdom helps us make choices with what we know. Knowledge without wise choice and action may get us nowhere. Not so coincidentally, our church began a sermon series on wisdom at the introduction of Will’s newfound passion. Of course he was beyond excited, under the assumption that wisdom equals knowledge, while I was excited for his opportunity to begin understanding the difference allowing him to better live out his calling. I was also looking forward to growing in my own understanding, so before the series took off, a quick Google search landed me on a helpful perspective of differences. Crossway.com shared: “‘knowledge’ tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while ‘wisdom’ is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, or ‘skill in the art of godly living’.” I found this very insightful. And considering I’ve valued wisdom more and more as I’ve grown in faith, and the Bible devotes an entire book to the subject in the book of Proverbs, I suppose we should probably all have our ears perked and eager to dive into the importance of wisdom. But why should wisdom really matter so much? In general, I believe as christians we want to gain wisdom, apply “godly” knowledge rightly, and make wise “godly” choices, because this is how we honor and glorify God. But on a personal level I’ve noticed, making wise godly choices, choices in line with God’s plan for our lives, opens the door to fruitfulness and fulfillment. And don’t we all deeply desire the purpose that comes from fruitfulness and fulfillment in our lives? I sure do. Well, how exactly do we walk in wisdom? How can we be confident we are making wise choices that lead to glorifying God, to fruitfulness, and fulfillment? I bet you’ve wondered what choice to make or path to take at some point. Yes? We might be all filled up on facts and knowledge, but sometimes we question how to apply it to our specific seasons or situations. In between the two sermons on wisdom, our pastor released a podcast to dive into some specifics of what wisdom looks like when lived out. And there was something said in regards to our ability to make wise choices that sat with me. It was along these lines: “You should know the wise choice to make when your mind is soaked in scripture and your heart is soaked in prayer. In which case, follow your gut, because it is God who has formed your gut.” I absolutely love this. Keep in mind this is not just a worldly instruction to follow your gut. But, when God’s word is filling our head, and when we have connection and communion with him in our hearts, we can trust the choices the spirit lays on us. Psalm 16:11 says, “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.” Mind soaked in scripture. Heart soaked in prayer and the presence of Jesus. And we will know the path of life—know the wise choices. And it will bring joy, purpose, fruitfulness, fulfillment, and eternal pleasures. Intersecting Faith and Life: Let’s remember that growing in wisdom matters. And let’s remember today to stay close to God’s word and his presence, which enables us to live wise godly lives. Which allows us to make wise choices that align with God’s plan for our life. And in this wise living we will fulfill our purpose to glorify and honor God. We will find a path to increases of fruitfulness, an even greater sense of joy and purpose, and a more fulfilling future. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we explore Hebrews 13:5, which reminds us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to find contentment in God's unwavering presence. We discuss how challenging it can be to feel secure and content during turbulent times, especially when unexpected financial pressures arise. Drawing from the experiences of early Christians facing persecution, we reflect on the importance of trusting in God's promises and how His presence brings power, provision, and peace. We'll also look at Old Testament examples that illustrate God’s faithfulness, and share practical steps for deepening our relationship with Him during difficult seasons. Learn how to overcome feelings of doubt and anxiety by focusing on the truths of God’s character and past faithfulness. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you cultivate contentment in your life? What strategies help you remember God’s faithfulness during tough times? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we navigate our faith journeys together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Transcript: Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (NIV) For me, it’s easiest to feel content when I’m in a financially secure place. I find this much more challenging when my life feels topsy-turvy, upside down, and unexpected bills flood my mailbox. That’s when I most need to remember, and hold tight to, the second half of today’s verse. God Almighty, my ever-present help in times of need and victorious Savior, remains with me, always. This was an important truth the author of Hebrews knew first-century Christ followers needed to read. Scholars believe this letter was written sometime between 64-69 AD, during the reign of Emperor Nero, a horrifically cruel and insane leader who used a fire in Rome to launch a violent, government-led persecution against Christians. Meaning, these men and women weren’t just losing jobs and property, and therefore experiencing intense financial insecurity, but also feared imprisonment and death. Those are not circumstances in which one expects to experience contentment—especially if they feel abandoned and alone. It’s easy to feel that way when we land in a crisis, and those seasons are also when the devil, the enemy of our souls, attacks us with his lies. We fend off his attacks by turning to God, recognizing and resting in His presence, and thinking deeply on His truth. For me, this means reading passages that have strengthened my soul, journaling on them, and reflecting upon what those passages reveal regarding God’s heart, power, unchanging character, and past faithfulness—in Scripture and my life personally. The men and women reading the letter our Bibles call Hebrews had a thorough knowledge of Old Testament history. They knew how the Lord had rescued their people from 400 years of slavery and oppression in Egypt. They remembered how He’d led their ancestors through the wilderness for forty years, and how He’d revealed His presence through a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. They also knew about all the miraculous ways He’d provided for them during that time, by raining sweet wafers called manna from the sky, sending them enough quail to feed all 2 million-plus of them, and causing water to gush from a rock—again, enough for all of them and their animals. Granted, their overwhelming circumstances might have caused them to temporarily lose sight of these events. Even so, I’m certain the words in today’s verse would’ve immediately turned their thoughts to that pivotal period in their nation’s history. You see, the person writing the letter quoted from Deuteronomy 31, which recorded the time when Moses, the man God used to liberate His people and lead them from Egypt to the land He promised, handed off leadership to his prodigy, Joshua. At that point, the emerging nation had spent 40 years wandering through the near eastern desert due to their parents’ stubborn lack of faith, and the children, now adults, were about to enter the land first promised to a patriarch named Abraham. Moses, who’d long functioned as the mediator between God and the people, would soon die. They had reached the very place in the journey where their parents became paralyzed in fear and refused the abundant gift God planned for them. This would’ve been an exciting, anxiety-producing, and hope-igniting time for the ancient Hebrews. Listen to how the Lord prepared them for the massive step of faith ahead of them. In Deuteronomy 31:6, He said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” In the original Hebrew, one could read this as, “He will never relax His grip on your life, stop caring for you, or turn His back on you.” Intersecting Life and FaithAccording to Hebrews 13:5, it is our understanding of Almighty God’s presence, and all that entails, that leads to contentment. Did you catch that? Listen to the verse again: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (NIV, emphasis mine). To which I’d add, with God’s presence comes power, provision, and peace. This suggests the depth of our contentment, whatever the circumstance, reflects the depth of our trust. The solution, then, is to focus on building our relationship with Christ, asking Him to help us see and remember His faithful care, and to help us receive His love, which coexists with all of His other qualities, like His power, wisdom, and sovereignty. Here’s what I find beautiful and inspiring. A big way we strengthen our relationship with God is by turning to Him in times of uncertainty and fear, seeing how He comes through for us in our times of need, which helps us anticipate His care in the future. Further Reading Philippians 4:11-13 1 Timothy 6:6-18 Matthew 6:25-34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. Using the biblical story of Jeroboam from 1 Kings 13, we explore how God offers restoration even when we stray from His path. It's natural to question and seek understanding during difficult times. We'll discuss practical steps for navigating these feelings, how to find hope and reassurance in God's promises, and the incredible truth that He desires to heal and restore us, no matter our past. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Transcript: The God Who Restores Withered Thingsby Deidre Braley 1 Kings 13:6: “Then the king responded to the man of God, ‘Plead for the favor of the Lord your God and pray for me so that my hand may be restored to me.’ So the man of God pleaded for the favor of the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it had been at first.” On the day that the prophet Ahijah anointed a man named Jeroboam as the future king of Israel, he gave him this promise from the Lord: “...if you obey all I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight in order to keep my statutes and commands as my servant David did, I will be with you. I will build you a lasting dynasty just as I built for David, and I will give you Israel” (1 Kings 11:38). But Jeroboam—much like most of Israel’s poorly behaved and ill-fated monarchy—did not walk in God’s ways. He committed idolatry by setting up new places to worship aside from the temple in Jerusalem, and he appointed people who were not Levites (God’s chosen priesthood) to be priests over the high places, instead (1 Kings 12:25-31). One day, another prophet came to Jeroboam while he was burning incense at one of his altars. The man said, “Altar, altar, this is what the Lord says, ‘A son will be born to the house of David, named Josiah, and he will sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who are burning incense on you” (1 Kings 13:1-2). Incensed by this judgment, Jeroboam reached out his hand and cried, “Arrest him” (1 Kings 13:4)! But when he did, his hand became withered, and he couldn’t move it (1 Kings 13:4). Horrified, he asked the prophet to plead with God for his hand to be restored. The prophet did, and Jeroboam’s hand was immediately restored to its former state (1 Kings 13:6). This narrative is so much more than a simple Bible story stating the facts. No—what happened with Jeroboam’s hand was an intentional message from the Lord himself. By restoring Jeroboam’s withered hand immediately upon his turning to him, it was as though God was extending an amazing invitation: Turn back to me, and I will restore things back to wholeness. Though you’ve messed everything up, I will fix it all. Intersecting Faith & LifeHow often do we mess things up and then—either because we think God is angry with us or because we think we’re too far gone—we don’t turn back for God to heal us? God had promised Jeroboam everything that a king could desire: his presence, a kingdom, and a lasting dynasty. All that he asked in return was for Jeroboam’s obedience. And while Jeroboam couldn’t even give him that, God sent him a message through the healing of his withered hand that said, There’s still time for you to obey. I still want to heal you—just come back. See, our God isn’t a God who just tosses us out after we’ve made a mistake. Rather, he’s a God who pursues us, again and again, and urges us to come home, obey his good directions, and be healed and whole. So today, if you’re feeling as though you’ve wandered away from God—either intentionally or unintentionally—and you want to be healed and whole, don’t turn away from him in shame. Rather, turn towards his arms and run—and watch how he’ll heal you. Further Reading Luke 15:11-32 Isaiah 57:14-19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we explore the urgency of fulfilling God’s mission for your life, reflecting on Job 14:5 and the call to live each day to its fullest. Lynette Kittle emphasizes how our time is limited, urging us to share the Gospel with those around us. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' example and the film The Blues Brothers, we discuss what it means to be on a divine mission. Discover how to recognize and embrace your calling as a fragrant aroma of Christ in the world. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! Have you considered that God has a mission for your life? How can you be a light to those around you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another to live purposefully! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Fulfilling God’s Mission for Your Life By Lynette Kittle “A person’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed”-- Job 14:5 How many messages do we receive each day through the media, texts, online, and in emails telling us that “Time is running out” on the latest offer or opportunity? There’s an urgency attached to it, along with the fear of it being too late to receive. Immediately upon taking office, the United States’ 47th President, Donald Trump, hit the floor running in his presidency, signing executive orders and working to right wrongs as he saw it, at a very fast pace. After surviving an assassination attempt, he doesn’t seem to be wasting any time, seemingly understanding like never before that every day and every minute count. It seems like he is on a mission, trying to right as many wrongs as he can and accomplish it as quickly as possible before time runs out. As well, with our country recently witnessing the sudden, horrific aircraft crashes, we see the reality of how quickly lives can be lost bringing the reality that today is the time for each of us, and God calls us to live each day, each moment, to the fullest, whether it’s caring for our families, serving in a ministry, or being a light in our workplace or community. Like the President’s rush to action, along with the tragic air crashes, it’s a reminder to Christians to reevaluate how we look at the immediacy of presenting the Gospel to those around us. None of us know how much time anyone has left on earth and how long we’ll have the opportunity to share the love of God before leaving this earth. Because we don’t know, 2 Timothy 4:2 urges, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Daily Fulfilling His Calling Jesus demonstrated what it means to live each day to the fullest knowing His death on the cross was imminent. He knew His days would end in walking the earth and that He needed to accomplish all that God had called Him to do within the time He had given. In John 17:4, Jesus said, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” Unlike Jesus, there is often a lack of urgency on Christians’ behalf, thinking there is plenty of time to tell others up the road when they have more time, but do they consider, do we consider, how all our missions on earth have time limits? Jesus knew His did and we are wise to consider ours do, too. No Time to Waste In the classic musical action film, “The Blues Brothers,” the lead characters, brothers Elwood and Jake, believed they were on a mission for God. Because they believed God had called them to save the orphanage they grew up in, and time was short, nothing could deter them from accomplishing their goal. What would happen if each of us, as a believer in Jesus Christ, believed as sincerely as they did, that we, too, are each on a mission for God? Although we don’t want to follow their example in breaking the law to accomplish it, their commitment and determination to not be stopped is inspiring; of not letting the roadblocks in life and the opposition keep us from fulfilling God’s call in our lives. Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth, and whether we realize it or not, we have been given a mission, too: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). What Is Our Mission? How do we know what our mission is and how to accomplish it? Jesus explained in Mark 16:15, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” Whether we travel across the oceans to a foreign land or stay in our hometown, God calls us to be a fragrant reminder of Him wherever we go. As 2 Corinthians 2:14 describes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place." If we think we’re just surviving or routinely going through our daily schedule, we need to remember, “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?” (2 Corinthians 15-16) Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you ever considered that God has a mission for your life? If not, ask God to show you ways you can be a light and fragrant aroma to those around you. Further Reading: How Do We Tell Others About Christ? https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/how-do-we-tell-others-about-christ.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we dive into John 20:11-16, where Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus. Overwhelmed by grief and confusion, she initially fails to recognize Him. We reflect on our own struggles with loss and the longing for answers, and how Jesus gently calls us by name, transforming our sorrow into joy and despair into hope. Discover the profound truth that Jesus knows you personally and is always present, waiting for you to recognize Him. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! When have you felt like Mary, overwhelmed and searching for answers? Have you ever missed God's presence in your life? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek to recognize Jesus in our lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Jesus Calls Your NameBy Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” — John 20:11-16, NIV This scene after Jesus’ resurrection shows Mary Magdalene overwhelmed by sadness, confused by circumstances, and searching for answers. How often have you found yourself feeling the same way in a painful situation? You pour out your heart to God, and maybe even direct your frustration at Him. Just like Mary, you can also feel lost and abandoned, wondering where God is in the middle of your suffering. Mary is focused on her loss. She’s looking for a body – a tangible reminder of someone she loved. She’s so consumed by her grief that she misses the most extraordinary truth standing right in front of her. She sees Jesus, but fails to recognize Him. She mistakes Him for the gardener of the area near His tomb. When have you looked for God but not found Him in the way you expected? When have you been surprised to find God’s presence close to you, in a way you didn’t expect? Jesus doesn’t reveal His identity in a dramatic flash of glory. He doesn’t rebuke Mary for her lack of recognition, either. Jesus simply speaks her name: “Mary.” When Jesus says that single word, everything changes. It’s the voice Mary knows – the voice that spoke life into her soul, the voice that called her out of darkness into light. It’s the voice of hope! That single word has tremendous power. It cuts through the fog of grief and misunderstanding as it reminds Mary that her Creator knows her personally and loves her completely. She turns with this new perspective and cries out, “Rabboni!” Mary’s cry of recognition is full of love and joy. As she hears Jesus call her, and as she calls back to Him, the reality of the resurrection crashes over her. Jesus is alive, and He is right there with her, personally! This passage isn’t just about Mary. It’s about each of us – including you. Jesus knows your name. He knows your hopes, your dreams, and your joys. He also knows your struggles, your sorrows, and your fears. He sees you in all of life’s ups and downs. He knows every detail of your life at all times. He knows what you’re thinking and feeling – and He cares. Jesus constantly calls you by name, speaking words of loving hope over your life. He calls you to turn to Him, to recognize Him, and to experience the wonder of connecting with Him. Just as Mary’s perception was changed by the sound of Jesus’ voice, yours can be, as well. When you hear Jesus call your name – when you recognize that Jesus is right there with you in all circumstances – your confusion can turn into understanding, your sadness can change into joy, and your despair can be replaced by hope. Jesus calls you to move away from the tomb of your distance from Him and embrace the reality that He is right there with you personally, ready to give you hope! Intersecting Faith and Life: When have you felt like Mary, overwhelmed by grief and searching for answers? Have you ever missed noticing God’s presence in your life because you were looking for Him in the wrong places? How does the knowledge that Jesus knows your name personally affect your relationship with Him? What are some ways you can pay more attention to hear Jesus calling your name in your daily life? Further Reading: Isaiah 43:1 John 10:3 Galatians 4:6 Revelation 3:20 Romans 8:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today’s devotional, we explore Matthew 7:11, which reminds us of God’s incredible generosity. We reflect on personal experiences of growing up with a mindset of earning everything and how that can shape our understanding of God’s gifts. We discuss the importance of accepting God’s good gifts without feeling the need to earn them, recognizing that He delights in blessing us simply because we are His children. Learn to increase your faith and trust that God wants to shower you with blessings! Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! Do you try to earn good gifts from God? How can you accept God’s good gifts without feeling like you need to work for them? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in embracing God’s generosity! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Ask for Good Gifts Bible Reading:“If you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” — Matthew 7:11 Growing up, I worked for everything I had. Rarely did my parents give me something for free. When I reached my teen years and was old enough to get a job, I'd pay for anything I wanted out of pocket. My parents didn't just give me luxuries in life; I had to earn them. I paid out of pocket for every prom dress and every Driver's Ed course. When I became a born-again Christian at 18, this affected how I saw God and His generosity. Because I didn't have parents who just handed me money, I often felt I had to work to gain God's approval and good gifts. In one of our first churches, we led a small group. One day, before the holidays, we discussed some of our childhood gifts that we never received but wanted. I remarked that I always wanted an Easy Bake Oven. Although my parents were generous during Christmas, there were some gifts I never received. The Easy Bake Oven was one of them. After we resumed the group after the holidays, the group handed me a gift. When I unwrapped it, it was the Easy Bake Oven! It made me feel incredibly loved, and I was glad my group went out of its way to present me with a gift I had always wanted. In that moment, I understood God's generosity a little better. Although I work for luxuries in life, this is something I still struggle with today. I still hesitate to ask Him for the big requests in life. One day, in my quiet time, God whispered to my heart: “You wait for the other shoe to drop.” That convicted me deep down in my soul. It was true. When I received something good, I always waited for the subsequent lousy thing to happen. I never realized how much this skewed my worldview of God, but it did. I was trying to earn those good gifts in life yet again. The above verse speaks to God's generosity. As a parent, I love watching my kids open gifts on Christmas, or the look on their faces when we give them a gift simply because of who they are. My heart leaps with joy when I watch my children enjoy a good gift. It’s the same with the Lord. He delights in giving His children good gifts. He does not expect us to earn them, as there's nothing we can do to earn God's love, approval, or salvation. God delights in watching us get something we always wanted. God’s generosity knows no bounds. We cannot outgive God. What we give out of obedience to others, God can triple, quadruple, or even provide a hundredfold more than we can ever give. Furthermore, He already gave His ultimate sacrifice: His life for our sins. I'll never be able to match that level of generosity. Do you try to work for the good gifts in life as well? Do you tend to minimize your prayer requests simply because you fear the other shoe dropping? Increase your faith today and trust that God wants to give you good gifts simply because you are His child. There's nothing you can do to earn those good gifts. Accept God's good gifts (including salvation), knowing that God delights in giving these good gifts to you. God delights in giving good gifts to His children. Because you are His child, you are one of His greatest gifts. God delights in you, too. Prayer:Father, allow us to accept Your good gifts every day. Let us not try to earn our way to Your good gifts. Let us instead accept those good gifts, knowing that You delight in giving them. Let us pay forward Your generosity as we give sacrificially to others. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life: Do you try to earn good gifts from God? How can you accept God’s good gifts without earning them? Further Reading: James 1:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this uplifting devotional, we explore the powerful truth that when people walk out of our lives, God walks in. Using Deuteronomy 31:8 as a foundation, we reflect on how God is always present, offering support, love, and healing even in our darkest moments. We discuss how Jesus empathizes with our struggles and invites us to maintain an open line of communication with Him. Experience the transformative power of God’s presence in your life, and discover how He can turn your brokenness into beauty. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How does it feel to know that when people walk out of your life, God walks in and rescues you? Will you trust Jesus Christ to be your light in the darkness? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we grow in faith! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: When God Walks into Your LifeA devotional by Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV Years ago, I heard someone say, “When people walk out, God walks in!” I have found that statement to be true because I’ve seen how sometimes, you may be too much for people, but you’re never too much for God! He never tires of hearing from you and is always willing to help. The song “God You Are” by We Are Messengers speaks about how God steps into our dark places in life to help us. He’s not afraid of what intimidates and devastates us and repels others. Not at all! The Bible says Jesus Christ is always with us (Matthew 28:20) and He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This means that absolutely nothing, human-made or supernatural, frightens our Savior. He’s fearless! And He’s able to save us from anything and everything. Jesus understands the human condition. That’s why He left the perfection of Heaven and stepped into our imperfect world darkened by sin (John 3:16-17). The Bible says He’s acquainted with our grief and pain (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus knows and empathizes deeply with everything we go through because He became human and walked on this Earth for 33 years. The last three years of His life were spent in public ministry to the masses. People sought Him out for healing and hope. And Jesus faithfully, compassionately, and effectively met their every need. Our Savior is living forever, serving as our High Priest in Heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16), and He still heals us on Earth today! We can go to Jesus in prayer and ask Him for anything and everything we need. He’s also here to listen to our heartache. He loves it when we keep an open line of communication with Him, day-in and day-out, talking to Him like our Best Friend about everything on our hearts. Nothing is too big or too small to bring to God in prayer. He loves you with all His heart and wants to hear from you and be there for you. I learned this Biblical truth firsthand because God was with me in one of the darkest seasons of my life. When I experienced a major health crisis that pushed people away because they were afraid of what I was going through, God stepped into my dark time and shone the Light of Jesus Christ into my soul. Just like the Bible says in Psalm 40:1-2 (NIRV), God heard my cry for help. I was sliding down into the pit of death, and He pulled me out. He brought me up out of mud and dirt and set my feet on a rock, giving me a firm place to stand. God didn’t just rescue and restore me; He secured my position in His Kingdom and gave me strength to make it through my trials. When people walked out of my life, God walked in, transforming me from the inside out and renewing Christ’s place in my heart. Now the light of Jesus Christ that shines through me draws people, replacing the darkness that once repelled them. That’s the beauty of what happens when you give your life to Christ and let Him into your heart. He transforms you and reaches the people around you with the good news that He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). When people can see Jesus in you, it makes them want to know Him for themselves. God can take the broken pieces that Satan left behind when he tried to destroy you and make masterpieces out of your brokenness. Fern Bernstein, an author, said, “Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into a victor.” I have found that saying to be completely true because that’s what God did for me, and I see how He’s done it for so many others—people who I don’t know who are famous and those who I do know personally in everyday life away from the spotlight and world stage. I hope today’s message has encouraged your heart and reminded you that no matter how dark the night, you can invite Jesus in to be your light that dispels darkness. In closing, I would like for you to listen to these two songs below (“God You Are” and “You’re Gonna Be Okay”) then pause to reflect. Remember, God loves you and He’ll always be there for you. Song of Reflection #1: “God You Are” by We Are Messengers (feat. Josh Baldwin). Listen to it here. Song of Reflection #2: “You're Gonna Be Okay” (Lyric Video) - Brian & Jenn Johnson. Listen to it here. Intersecting Faith & Life:How does it feel to know that when people walk out of your life, God walks in and rescues you? Will you trust Jesus Christ to be your light in the darkness? Further Reading: Psalm 16:8 Psalm 27:1 Psalm 118:6 Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 52:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:In this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. It’s natural to question and seek understanding, especially during difficult times. We’ll explore biblical examples of doubt, practical steps for navigating these feelings, and how to find hope and reassurance in God’s promises even when our faith feels shaky. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith? What helps you regain confidence in God? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we seek answers and strengthen our faith together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Believing, Even When We Are AfflictedBy Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:"I believed, even when I said, 'I am severely afflicted.'" — Psalm 116:10 (HCSB) One day, when my son was only eight years old, he was walking our dog down the street. Usually, the dog is pretty calm and doesn’t pull the leash. That day, my son wasn’t even gone for five minutes before I heard a scream. When I looked out the window, I saw him running back toward the house. The dog was pulling frantically on the leash to go back down the street. After my son entered the house, I bent down and examined him. He was bleeding on his knee and his t-shirt was ripped. He was crying and holding his arm as well. As I cared for his cuts and bruises, he told me that the normally calm dog had seen a squirrel. I knew then what had caused the fall. Although a quiet and sweet dog, she had made it her life mission to rid the world of squirrels. That day we decided that he might be too young to walk the dog until she either calmed down or he was stronger. Through all of the confusion, I realized something. My son had come to me right away after falling. He wasn’t angry with me; in fact, after taking that horrible spill, he ran directly to me. As I thought about that simple act from my son, I couldn’t help but think about God. Throughout scripture, we see God reference Himself as “father” to us. In Psalm 116 today, we see the psalmist run to God, even when he is afflicted. Psalm 116 starts out with, “I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy.” God’s ear is turned toward us. Just as my ears heard right away the scream from outside, I knew the sound of my son’s cries and immediately went toward him. You and I face devastating trials and afflictions year after year. Maybe you are in a season right now where one affliction after another seems to be piling up. It would be easy to avoid God during these times or even be angry with Him. What if, instead, we ran to God? Over the years, I’ve learned that running to God is actually the best thing I can do. Why? Because His ears are listening for our prayers and cries to Him. The next verses in Psalm 116 detail how the psalmist suffered, even facing death, but God was his helper. I love verse ten because it seems to be the pinnacle of the psalm. He says, “I believed, even when I said, ‘I am severely afflicted.’” What the psalmist is saying is that he did not shy away from telling God all about his afflictions. The pain did not keep him from crying out to God. And the heartache didn’t keep him from believing in God either. There are truths here that the psalmist hung onto, even when he was afflicted. The truths we see here are God’s grace, righteousness, and compassion (Psalm 116:5). Where do we see those characteristics of God in our lives today? Jesus! Jesus was God’s righteousness for us. He lived a perfect life because we could not. He allowed His life to take our place so that when God sees you and me, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus is also God’s grace to us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Jesus brought grace because He died on the cross, taking our place and punishment for us. Now, we are saved and brought into God’s family through grace once we accept Him as Savior. God’s compassion is also evident in Jesus’ life. Jesus healed the sick, cured the lame, and even raised people from the dead. It says in Matthew 20:34, “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed Him.” Even today, Jesus sits on the throne beside God interceding for us. Romans 8:34 says, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” What compassion to think that Christ is always praying and speaking to God the Father about you and me! The troubles and hardships we all face can sometimes cause us to doubt these truths about God. Does He love me? Does He care? Is He really in control? Those questions can lead us to look to the Bible. This psalm is a great comfort to us because it does not deny that hard things happen. But Psalm 116 points us to the truth that God is loving, righteous, compassionate, and full of grace. In prayer, we can come to God and remember these things. Intersecting Faith & Life:After reading some verses about Jesus, how does this give you confidence to go to God with your cries for help? Knowing God listens to you and hears your prayers, does this cause you to pray more or less? Psalm 116 also talks about death. As Christians, what hope do we have that death is not our enemy anymore? Further Reading: Psalm 116 Matthew 20:29-34 Romans 8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.