The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we invite you to join us in a heartfelt plea: "God, help me to change." Change can be daunting, but with God’s guidance, it becomes a powerful journey of transformation. We’ll explore the areas in our lives where we seek growth, the role of prayer in our process, and how to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength. Together, we’ll discuss practical steps to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and align our hearts with God’s will. Join us as we seek His help in becoming the people He created us to be. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! What changes are you asking God to help you with? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What has your journey of change looked like? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: God, Help Me to Change By Kelly Balarie “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15 NASB The first time the coffee mug fell, I didn’t think too much of it. I took some water and splashed it on the patio floor. Sure, it would have been smarter if I put the cup, initially, on the coffee table, rather than half-way propping it up on an outdoor patio couch where only a tap of my elbow or a readjustment on the couch would tumble it over, but I didn’t think of it at the time. I propped the mug, it tumbled, and broke. I got the message not to do that again. The next day, again, still feeling my cup would be too far out of reach on the table, I propped the coffee mug oddly on my lap. Then, I reached for something. Two seconds later, it oozed, burning hot down my legs. My nice pajamas were soiled. Not only that, but the stain of the coffee went all over my morning notes about fear of the Lord, specifically about how -- those who love me exhibit a changed nature that is obedient “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 NASB) Truth is, I often I say I will do something for God, and then I don’t. I promise to break a habit, then I don’t follow through. I give God my yes and then, after time, I slowly decide God’s probably ok, and it doesn’t matter much, if I don’t do it. I say I’m going to go all out for Him, then I get lazy. What I wondered on those notes was -- how do I change and follow through? Yet, now my all-important scribbles had coffee all over them. Ick. My pretty white journal was doused coffee-brown. Then, this morning, I woke up again and headed out to my back porch. I picked my all-time favorite coffee mug. I bought it on my birthday, six years ago; it’s my first pick of all the other mugs in the cabinet. I sat down. Getting comfortable on the couch, I yet again thought -- it can’t hurt to keep my coffee close. We all know how important coffee is in the morning. I set up a journal next to me on the couch and placed the mug on top of it. I didn’t think twice; this thing must be kept easily reachable. I carried on. I journaled, asking God, “Father, what is the source of all my hard times? Is it a testing? Is it normal trial and tribulation? Is it an attack? Or, is it rebellion?” No sooner did I write that, did I hear a, “BOOM! The cup I knew I shouldn’t put on the couch slammed to the ground and the handle broke right off it. My favorite birthday cup was broken! Oh no!!!!! What did I do? Immediately, a message came through loud-and-clear. The first time this happened, God made me take notice. The second time, I wondered, why this happening again? And now this? God was implying to my heart -- Kelly, pay close attention… The hard-hitting message was: You can't keep doing what is wrong and expect things to go right. In my case, I kept doing what was wrong even though I knew what was right (see Ja. 4:17). Worst of all -- this sort of wrong wasn’t limited only to coffee mug decisions. I had compromised in areas across my life. I’m sorry, God. My compromise was called to attention by the mere fact it took me 3 times to come to attention and to change course. To not heed God’s way, certainly causes us to pay a price. Throwing away the pieces of my birthday mug this morning, reminded me of that. God doesn’t adjust to us; we adjust to Him. God’s will is God’s will. As much as we may try to run from it, excuse it, rationalize it away, run from a calling – we cannot will away God’s will. He is who He is. He will have his way. He is not a man that changes his mind on our whims or because we tire Him out. He does not pick favorites because we have a special personality. I could not run from the fact that there was a right way to handle that coffee cup. I could not force God to have my way to work. Even if I tried 100,000 times, God would still have His way. I would be left with a broken cup and a calling to change my ways. God was speaking to me about my life through my circumstance: In some ways, I have a broken life because I’ve chosen to go the wrong way. I have not gone about adjusting quickly to God.The truth hurts, but it also sets free. Running against God is like running against the wind. You can think, all day long it will get you somewhere, but still, you’ll always go back home at the end of the day tired, sore, and having gotten nearly nowhere. It’s better to run with God than against Him. He cares more about us being with Him than what we own or demand.Holding that broken handle this morning, I realized, “God is okay with letting something break if it draws us back to Him.” When things break we pay attention. He has every right to resist, what He wants to. This is discipline. God disciplines those He loves. We don’t have to wait until the third time to hear our wake-up call. Much better is it to change course than to keep on a collision course. I am confident God is using this message to reach some of you, in a very powerful way. That is because – He loves you. He has the best for you. He wants you on His course. He desires you to walk in the joy of Him rather than the wages of sin and death. Take heed, by God’s grace and through your heart to change course -- you will not fall! God has you. Intersecting Faith & Life: How is God trying to grab your attention? What sin, habit or life change has He been encouraging you to change? What would it look like to do a new thing? How might that save you down the road? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the incredible grace and power of the Lord who saves. Amidst the busyness of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the awe and wonder that comes from our salvation. We’ll discuss how to cultivate a heart of gratitude, the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, and practical ways to keep our focus on His transformative love. Join us as we explore how staying in awe of our Savior can deepen our faith and inspire us to share His love with others. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What keeps you in awe of God’s saving grace? Share your thoughts and stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you cultivate a sense of wonder in your faith journey? Let’s encourage one another to remain grounded in the beauty of His salvation! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Staying in Awe of the Lord Who Saves By Keri Eichberger She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) It happened again. It was mid-December, and with the entire congregation belting out holy songs of praise in the name of the blessed baby Jesus, we prepared our hearts for, and celebrated, the coming King. And once again, I desperately longed to feel fresh awe of the birth of our Messiah. Tears brimmed at the hope of harnessing the miracle and profound impact this magnificent moment in time had had on my life. The following morning, I couldn’t help but sit a little longer and linger in my quiet time. I read and re-read my devotion, I thumbed to the scripture prompts at the end, I browsed all the surrounding verses and stories. I prayed and praised God for everything I could possibly think to be blessed by. I asked my heavenly Father to align my heart with his, to make my thoughts his thoughts. And I listened in stillness. I knew it wouldn’t be long until the sparkle of the season would fade, the dullness of winter would set it, and the sparks of the Christmas story would start to dim. But how could I keep the flame alive? When my soul had settled, I opened my eyes and glanced over at my husband—who by the way is always seated next to me during my devotion and prayer time. His stare met mine and he enchantedly asked, “Do you know what Jesus means?” Sifting through my slightly unsure memory bank of facts, I hesitantly responded, “Something about ‘Savior’...?” “Yes. It means the Lord saves.” he confirmed with a comforted smile. Combined with the fact that my husband sitting beside me with his bible in his lap is quite possibly the sweetest song to my sight, tears stung my eyes at his overt discovery. The thing is, I knew Jesus is our Savior, that this is what we were in the midst of celebrating, and also what I was hungry to sink my heart deeper into in that season. But in that moment, the Holy Spirit pricked my soul to assertively say, Keri, ‘The Lord saves’ is an active, alive, every moment, ever-present truth. Yes, he should be boldly praised now, but just as much everyday. I was receiving the reminder that the Lord saved then, now, and actively saves still today. And he’ll never stop. And in that moment I was also reminded that his saving has been and is… everything. He saved me when I was lost in darkness, sin, and sadness, and he still saves me everyday from so much. What did he save you from? What is he saving you from still today? Maybe like me, outside of Christmas time you’ve too casually considered the Lord as Savior too. But, while he saved us from the ultimate consequences of sin. From destruction and death. He also saves us and offers an escape from everyday struggles like worry, weariness, and loneliness. Temptation, discouragement, and discontentment too. And in turn gives us peace, strength, and comfort. Guidance, encouragement, and light here on earth. And ultimately eternal life with him in our forever home in heaven. Intersecting Faith and Life: Of course we should lay all things down at Christmas to celebrate our King. But now that the season has turned—the tree is down, the lights are back in storage, and most radio stations have returned to secular selections—we still have so much to celebrate. And I hope you’ll keep celebrating with me. Because there are souls being saved in the name of Jesus everyday. And he is still actively saving you and me each moment too. He always will. How wonderful is that? The lyrics of “I thank God” washed over my soul that morning as I reflected on our living Savior… He picked me upHe turned me around He placed my feet on solid groundI thank the MasterI thank the Savior. Child of God, Jesus is the Lord who saves. He is your always active and alive savior. And he is mine. Let’s stay in awe and celebrate the Savior of the world today. And every day. Praise him for all he is, and all he does, and everything he will forever do. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we turn our attention to those who may be struggling with their New Year's resolutions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to set and achieve lofty goals, but we’ll discuss how acknowledging our need for help can be a blessing. Together, we’ll explore the significance of community support, the role of prayer in our journey, and how God’s grace empowers us to grow. Join us as we encourage one another to embrace vulnerability and seek guidance, transforming our resolutions into shared commitments that lead us closer to God’s purpose. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! How have you navigated the challenges of New Year’s resolutions? Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What support systems have you found helpful in achieving your goals? Let’s lift each other up as we pursue lasting change together! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Blessed are Those Who Need Help With Their New-Year’s Resolutions By Deidre Braley Joshua 6:2-5: Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? I have always been pro-resolution myself; my bookshelf is littered with titles like Atomic Habits and 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. I live and die by my physical planner, in which I tend to write detailed lists and demanding deadlines. As a former teacher, I’ve held the belief that any goal can be met by a.) setting the expectation and then b.) working backwards to devise a plan. This time of year, the rhetoric that we should be more successful, more productive, and just better all around is really flying, though, and I enter the season with dragging feet and a deep sense of weariness. Having just spent the entirety of last year trying to create a better version of my life, I am not ready now—in January—to ‘get after it’ again. Maybe you feel the same way. Maybe our culture of self-sufficiency has brought you some modicum of success, even, but you’re hobbling at this point, feeling like you can only keep this up so long before you finally snap or collapse or give up entirely. If you’re at this point, then good: swipe your self-help books off your desk and listen up. During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours” (Luke 6:20). He also said, “But woe to you who are rich, because you have received your comfort” (Luke 6:24). I have always understood this as an indictment of wealth but now, with the two of them side by side, I see: Those who are poor have room to be filled up by God, but those who consider themselves rich by their own making do not. This teaching goes totally against what we’ve learned to do as pull-ourselves-up-by-our-bootstraps type of people, yes? Jesus is telling us we should be…poor? In terms of self-sufficiency—yes. See, if we spend all of our waking minutes maximizing our potential, doing everything in our power to get ahead, when we do experience goodness or success, we’ll naturally say to ourselves, “I worked hard for that, and I earned it.” But if we come from a place of need and God steps into our powerlessness and then acts, there can be no denying that God made it happen in our lives. We get to see the kingdom of God at work, and on our behalf. Just think of the Israelites at the city of Jericho. Conventional battle wisdom would have told Joshua and his men to muster all of their strength and strategy in order to take the city, and yet God commanded them to do something different: To walk in circles. To blow trumpets. To shout. Why? So God could do it for them, and so they would know that he was the One True God—and their One True God. Intersecting Faith & Life If you’ve already made New Year’s resolutions, take a prayerful look at them now. There is nothing wrong with having resolutions—it’s just important to remember that the Lord wants you to rely on him as you set goals, dream, and work. Ask yourself these questions about your resolutions: 1. Have I left room in my heart to be filled by God and see the kingdom at work in my life, or have I tried to make plans to do it all on my own? 2. Are there places where I’ve insisted on control where God has actually already asked me to surrender? Further Reading For other examples of God’s provision for the poor or completely dependant, read: ● 2 Kings 4 ● Exodus 14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the challenging yet transformative call to love those who are hard to love. Jesus commands us to love not just our friends but also our enemies, which can feel daunting. We’ll discuss practical ways to embody Christ-like love, even when faced with difficult relationships. Together, we’ll examine scriptural insights, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of seeing others through God’s eyes. Join us as we uncover how loving the unlovable can lead to profound spiritual growth and deeper connections with God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you navigated relationships with those who challenge your capacity to love? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What strategies have helped you cultivate love and understanding in tough situations? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:19-21. The holidays can place us at the table with some of the people we find hardest to love. Maybe we fear our mother-in-law will spend Christmas dinner criticizing our parenting, career choices, or cooking. Perhaps we’ll spend time with a sibling who hurt us deeply and with whom we experience significant, ongoing conflict. Or, we might feel stuck in a lonely marriage with a spouse who seems oblivious to our pain. We live in a relationally messy world, infiltrated by brokenness and sin. Sometimes it can feel confusing to know how to guard our hearts and love others well. For years, I assumed this meant suppressing my pain when others wounded me, but that created codependent behaviors and increased dysfunction. Discouraged and frustrated, I began to emotionally withdraw behind a self-protecting façade. Perhaps you can relate. How can we demonstrate the love of Christ to the most the unloving people in our lives? While this is an area in which I’m still learning and growing, in my wrestling with God over this question, He’s taught me a few things. Verse 19 reminds me that I cannot give what I don’t possess. In other words, the more I receive God’s love, in my most wounded places, the more it flows from me. Consider Jesus’ behavior on the night before His death. He humbly and tenderly washed His disciples’ feet, knowing they’d abandon Him and that Judas would betray Him. Notice what Scripture reveals in John 13:3-4: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist” (NIV, emphasis mine). Jesus loved His disciples from a place of wholeness. He lived secure in His identity, remained focused on His mission, and confident of His eternal destination. He didn’t allow other people to set His agenda, hijack His emotions, or affect how He viewed Himself. We see this in how He related to the masses, as well. In John 2:23-25, we read: Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person (NIV). I’m struck by the phrase: He didn’t entrust Himself to them. Jesus knew the very ones who praised Him on Palm Sunday would chant for His crucifixion come Good Friday. Yet, still He chose the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (John 23:24, NIV). He understood the pervasive effects of sin and therefore could separate the individual from their behavior. I began to experience healing when I started to do the same. I learned to shift my anger off the person who hurt me and onto the one responsible for our world’s darkness. I hated the devil for the damage he inflicted rather than a fellow victim. This helped shift my anger for the person to compassion, which in turn stirred me to prayer. As I stepped more fully into God’s illuminating light, I came to realize the bitterness that once consumed me was merely a defense mechanism shielding me from pain. My soul needed space to grieve, and to receive the comfort of the Lord who sees me, knows me, and will always love me. This didn’t mean I denied or accepted someone’s poor behavior, or that it necessitated relational closeness. There are some people in my life I must love from a distance. I’m also learning not to make their behavior about me. I see it instead as a reflection of their heart and their need for Jesus. Intersecting Life and Faith I don’t intend to imply that this has been easy or that I have complete clarity. It’s taken therapy, prayer, and listening for God’s gentle voice as I read Scripture and journaled to better understand how He is calling me to love each individual. I recognize I still have much room for growth. But I also know that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion. He will carry me to completion, to wholeness, as He gently yet consistently leads me to greater freedom. I recognize how difficult today’s passage can feel, especially for those who’ve experienced inconceivably deep wounds. Jesus never exacerbates or diminishes our pain. To the contrary. At every moment, He is leading us toward thriving life (John 10:10). When we remember that He is always focused on our ultimate good, we gain the courage to yield to His transformative, healing hand. Further Reading: Romans 13:8 Matthew 5:43-48 John 13:34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the concept of New Year’s resolutions and examine whether they truly serve us in our faith journey. Many set resolutions with good intentions, but how often do we find ourselves falling short? Together, we’ll discuss the importance of aligning our goals with God’s will, the role of grace in our efforts, and practical steps to make our resolutions more meaningful. Join us as we explore how to transform resolutions into intentional commitments that draw us closer to Christ. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on resolutions! Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—Have you found success in your resolutions, or have they felt like failing propositions? What strategies have worked for you in pursuing lasting change?🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Are Resolutions Failing Propositions? By Kelly Balarie “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 NIV I set my specific goals to improve on January 1st, however somewhere between 3 days to 3 weeks later, my resolution was done, broke, and entirely over. I can’t say I’m proud of it. My spirit was willing, but flesh proved weak. And, in a spirit of confession, before you, fellow Christian, I must admit, this wasn’t an isolated incident either. I’ve broken resolution after resolution. I commit things and don’t always follow through. I sometimes hate myself for it too. Ever been there? It’s frustrating. The new year resolution that was supposed to bless, inspire, and make me better -- defeated, discouraged, and deflated me. Grr…So, here we are again…in the midst of the new year. The time of year when people are throwing up resolution-like things, like bullets, all over social media sites. A time when they say, “I am going to ____.” “I will stop ____.” “My word of the year is ___.” Hearing all these bold declarations -- almost makes you feel like a lazy loser if you’re not participating. But, at the same time, and I think it is a valid question to ask – do resolutions even work? And are they God’s best intent for us? Research shows only 9% people keep their new year resolution. 23% give up by the first week. 43% give up by February. Even the holy and saintly disciples broke a resolution. In Jesus’ hour of intense agony and sorrow, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told them to sit nearby and to keep watch with him. I’m sure they determined, with great inner-resolution to accomplish this -- to obey and to pray, just like Jesus had said. Yet, it wasn’t too long until Jesus returned and found them -- asleep. So much for that resolution! “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt. 26:41-42 NIV) Ultimately, what it comes down to is – resolution without intercession is ineffective. Resolution without God’s accompanying grace is counterproductive. Resolution without keeping watch leads to falling into temptation. In all this, I can’t help but think -- it is better not to say, “I am going to do this ___ this year,” but, instead, to pray, “God, give me grace and show how to do __ today. Reveal to me what to watch out for…” One sets itself up for defeat; the other sets itself up to rely on God. Just as I want my kid to trust me as I teach them, verses being a know-it-all who can do it all – God wants our trust too. In this, we can be encouraged! God has all the grace we need! Like fresh bread, with fresh daily-equipping power all packed inside – we can approach him day-by-day, moment-by-moment, for all the grace we need in our hour of need, without setting ourselves up for defeat. What if, instead of declaring some massive resolution we get about daily intercession for the deep desires of our heart? Perhaps, then, we’ll see, even in the failings God is gleaning great learnings for us, as we go forward. Our life change is not by our own power or might, but it all happens by the Spirit of God. Intersecting Faith & Life: What do you want to see change in your life? What if, morning by morning, you ask God to help you, you seek His way and you keep knocking? How might God’s grace be more valuable than your own willpower? How have you seen God change you in the past? Ask Him to do it again. Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we celebrate the theme of hope as we step into the new year. As believers, we are reminded that each new beginning offers us a chance to renew our faith and trust in God’s promises. Together, we’ll explore Scripture that inspires hope, discuss how to let go of past disappointments, and embrace the future with a heart full of faith. Join us as we discover practical ways to cultivate hope in our daily lives and uplift those around us. Join the Conversation:We want to hear how you’re finding hope as you enter the new year! Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—What new hopes and dreams are you embracing this year, and how can we pray for you in that journey? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Newfound Hope for the New Year. Three Ways to Find it. By Keri Eichberger But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7) Hope isn’t something I’ve felt a whole lot of lately. Well, for a while actually. In fact, I honestly can’t remember when I last felt it, or when I seemed to lose it. Maybe it was a year ago when my first book was released, and the results didn’t quite match my efforts and initial excitement. And maybe a little more hope left me with the death of a beloved family member a few months later. Then more through the fear of Dad’s open heart surgery that followed. And some more with his sudden stroke too shortly after that. But I likely lost my final spark when we found out a huge investment crashed, leaving my family in a financial nightmare the very next season of sorrow. And I hate to highlight so much of the sad side of life, and neglect to share the good—because deep down I know there actually is always so much to be thankful for. But vulnerably speaking, sometimes our reality and human nature tend to bend a bit down in the dumps. The ugly truth is, I feel like I was on the verge of forgetting how to even feel truly hopeful altogether. But I want to be. I want to feel hope and joy and fresh, vibrant life budding and blossoming within. And I know God wants that. For all of his children. Plus, the alternative is just dark, depressing, and dreadful. Now these sentiments I am well acquainted with these days. Ugh, how horrible is that to admit? Do you feel like you are lacking some hope too? Or any hope? Are you tired of feeling this way? I sure am. I miss feeling alive with anticipation of blessings in the works. I miss excitedly expecting better days just ahead. I want to watch in joyful hope for the Lord‘s goodness and gifts, that I really do know are ever-flowing. You get it. Yes, we’ve all walked through some hard things. We’ve all cried out to God in our suffering more times than we’d like to be true. But here’s the thing. He has heard each and every cry. He has grieved and wept right with us. But he wants so much more for our lives. Because he loves us. He has better and bigger plans for our future. Because he loves us. He is pleased to share with us his glory and blessings right here on earth. Because he loves us. I want this year to be different, don’t you? Yes, we all want to be filled with hope in the Lord. Intersecting Faith and Life: Here’s what I’ve learned from God and his Word when it comes to hope. It starts with him. Hope begins by: Acknowledging him. Sitting silently in his presence. Sharing with Jesus what’s still causing you hurt and heartache. Releasing the disappointments of the past, your current season of sadness, your mistakes, mishaps, and misunderstandings. Acknowledging that he hears you and your cries. And then, Acknowledging him as savior. Accepting and professing that he is the sovereign one who loves you so much. Who wants good for you. And has all the power to bring your best to be. You can trust your life in his all-powerful hands. And because of this, you can practice, Waiting in hope for him. We wait because God is currently working out his plan. And we can do it with anticipation, patience, and hope because we know it will be nothing short of perfect. Because his love for you and me is nothing less than perfect. Like Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Friend, let this be true of you too as we walk into the new year. Watch in hope for the Lord. Wait for our good, good God. The Almighty God who loves you. He is your savior. He has heard you, he hears you, and he always will. May we both not only be hopeful, but abounding with praise and joy today for the good things he is abundantly bringing our way. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we tackle the question that often arises as the new year begins: "Now what?" After the excitement of new resolutions fades, how do we maintain our momentum and purpose? Together, we’ll explore how to set realistic goals that align with our faith, the importance of prayer in our planning, and ways to stay accountable in our spiritual journey. Let’s discover how to embrace the opportunities this new year holds while remaining anchored in God’s Word. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear about your plans and aspirations for the new year! Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—What steps are you taking to grow in your faith this year, and how can we support you in that journey? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: New Year, Now What? By Vivian Bricker “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” - Ephesians 4:22-24 Now that the New Year has arrived it is difficult to know where to go from here. The twinkling lights of Christmas have been packed up and we are sitting back at our work desk again. The dark, winter month of January has only begun and all we want to do is go back to Christmas Day. Most years I feel exactly like this, yet I know that I cannot return to the week prior. I have to move on—and so do you. When we leave the previous year behind, we need to see the new year as a new start. We are no longer bound to the events of the past year. Instead, we can start fresh. Maybe this means making New Year resolutions, but maybe this means something different this year. Personally, I don’t believe in New Year resolutions as it is impossible to uphold them throughout the year. Once we feel we have failed, we give up on them. Therefore, it is more beneficial to look at the new year in a different way. We can either choose to deem this year already a “bad year” or we can try to make the most of it. This can be hard, especially when it is cold and dreary, but there are things we can do to make the cold winter months a bit more bearable. Most of us have jobs either in person or at home, therefore, we can decorate our work desks to be a bit more cheerful. Letting in some natural light can do wonders or placing a flower vase on our desk can add a pop of color. Even these little things can make us see the new year in a different light. We don’t need to allow the darker days of January to make us think the rest of the year will be this hard. Instead, we can look forward to participating in winter activities, such as ice skating, skiing, or even staying at home under the covers reading a book. With this new year, we need to fight against the urge to automatically dismiss it as going bad. It’s only the first month of the year and many beautiful things can happen this year that we don’t even know about yet. This calls us to trust in God and not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). January is not a defining tool for the rest of the year and we need to let go of any post-Christmas sadness. Once we let go of this, we will be able to take hold of the new year. This is something that I’m learning to do, so we can do this together. Taking hold of this new year looks like letting the old year go and moving forward. We need to always be pushing forward in order not to fall back in our Christian walk with the Lord (Philippians 3:13-14). Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Our former year needs to be put away and we need to put on the new year with confidence. With this new year, we can become more dedicated followers of the Lord. By putting away the evil desires we once had, we can be made new in the attitudes of our minds. This is all part of the transforming work of God. Maybe last year wasn’t a good year for Christian growth or for life in general. See this new year as a chance to start over. This present year can be an opportunity to put on the new self, which is created to be like God in all of His righteousness and holiness. By pushing forward and continuing to fight the good fight, you will grow in your faith. Even though this new year starts with a dreary January, it might turn into your best year yet. Follow God faithfully and trust Him with the rest. Further Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Timothy 6:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we embrace the fresh start that a new year brings and discuss how to cultivate a positive attitude grounded in faith. As believers, it’s vital to approach each day with a heart of gratitude and a mindset aligned with God's promises. We’ll explore biblical principles that encourage us to renew our minds and set our intentions for the year ahead, focusing on hope, purpose, and resilience. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’re setting your intentions for the new year! Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—What new attitudes or habits are you embracing to deepen your faith in the coming year? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: A New Year Attitude By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” - Psalm 90:12, CSB Finding Your New Year Attitude After the most wonderful time of the year, comes preparation for the year to come. Needless to say, we often anticipate the new year with excitement. We see the new as an opportunity to do away with the old. We replace diets, habits, relationships. Sometimes we’re not replacing anything, but starting something for the first time. Ideally, we move toward the new year looking forward to better things. This sounds great, but the issue with the New Year attitude is that anything new eventually wears off. The new car smell fades away. We often lose our initial excitement and all the new we had previously replaced, sadly makes a comeback. There’s a reason so many people fall off of their workout regimens and start eating all the food they previously swore off. The change that we pretended to want was conditional and the results show. They always show. However, chances are you have implemented change in your life that lasted for more than a season. You wanted something badly enough that you made some critical changes and the results are still visible today. You realized the need for change and the change became permanent. The truth is, we don’t actually have to wait until next year to improve ourselves. We shouldn’t. Jesus said that our life is, but a “mist,” here today and gone tomorrow (James 4:14). That means our time is limited. Therefore, we should be asking ourselves an important question. Why wait for the new year to become better, when the chance to change is available today? Intersecting Faith & Life: The New Year attitude is one we should strive to hold every day. Scripture tells us that we are called to do away with the “old self,” that the old has been crucified with Christ, and we have been raised to new life (Romans 6:6). With that in mind, here’s how you can start your new year before the new year. Recognize the need for change. The average life expectancy for men and women in America is around 80, yet, we all know someone who sadly passed before that time. The unexpected happens everyday. We also know people advancing in age who gave up on dreams and relationships, who have lived to regret their decisions. Why assume our lives are guaranteed to be long? Why assume that tomorrow is always available when we feel the desire to change today? Don’t wait. Some opportunities only come our way once. Not only that, but we only have one life to live. Seek Wisdom After you desire change, you’ll want to know what you should change. The world has plenty to say about what is morally correct or incorrect, but as believers, the one we should turn to is God. He wants to help us grow. The Bible says that He will grant wisdom to those who seek it (James 1:5). When we grow wiser we can become more like Christ and thus, we become better people. So if you’re not actively seeking wisdom, ask yourself why not. Even if you don’t realize it, we are always learning from either the people or things in our environment. Make sure God and His kingdom are a part of that learning. Reward Yourself Some say that growing is a reward in and of itself, and that’s true. However, giving yourself incentives to continue to make positive change is not unbiblical. Positive affirmation can encourage you to continue when you lose motivation, and if you’re like most people, you will lose motivation. Reward yourself with some material thing and if that doesn’t work, accountability will push you too. When You Fail, Try Again Change might be inevitable in life, but it’s also extremely difficult to manage when you’re in charge of it. The key is to not give up. God blesses us for our righteousness and becoming more like Christ is nothing but righteousness. There is not a certain time of year to aspire to be more like Jesus. God wants us to start today, so don’t wait. Start the new year you before you enter the new year. Further Reading: Psalm 51:10-11 Jeremiah 29:11 Romans 8:28 James 4:14 Romans 6:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we dive into the theme of "What New Mercies Mean for the New Year," reflecting on the profound concept of God’s mercies being renewed each day. We’ll explore how these fresh mercies empower us to let go of past burdens and embrace new beginnings with hope and resilience. Discover practical ways to recognize and celebrate God’s faithfulness as you step into the new year. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear how you interpret the idea of new mercies in your life. What does it mean for you as you enter this new year? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How can we encourage each other to fully embrace the new mercies God offers us? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV One of my favorite times in the morning is before the sun rises. I get up while it is still dark, grab my journal and Bible and head downstairs. I turn on the coffee and go sit on the couch while I wait for it to brew. Those are the moments when the house is quiet and I get to sit and just breathe and relax. Although I am still a little sleepy, I open my journal or my Bible and start with prayer. Over the past thirty years of walking with God I have met with God in a variety of ways and times during the day. But there is something special about getting up and watching the sun rise while meditating on His Word. The sun reminds us that God is faithful. Everyday we do not doubt the the sun will rise. We believe, no matter what is going on in our world, the sun will shine. It might be cloudy and stormy, but the sun eventually comes out. Every morning we have this physical reminder of a powerful truth from God’s Word. In the book of Lamentations the author mourns and cries out to God because horror and destruction surround him on a daily basis. He wakes up each morning and hears more bad news. We can surely relate to that! In the middle of this book we see a shift in His perspective. Instead of waking up and focusing on all of the bad news, the author of Lamentations says he wakes up and thinks about the faithfulness of God. Each morning we have a reminder in the sun that God will be faithful but when I think about a New Year I am also encouraged with the thought that “new mercies” are waiting for me as well. Yes, we have God with us each day, but each year, at beginning as we feel that fresh new start we can take moment and think about what new mercies mean for the new year. First, we see that God’s compassion and mercy are linked together. The word for “compassion” can also mean tender love, like a mother has for the child growing in her womb. God loves us so deeply, so tenderly, so intimately and this should give us reason to trust Him in the coming year. Maybe this past year has been hard when it comes to love. People tend to disappoint us and cannot love us perfectly. This is not God. In this new year may we come to God freely knowing that His compassion and tender love is waiting for us. We also see God’s mercies are directly related to God’s faithfulness. Maybe you are like me and don’t make new year’s resolutions. I often have a general idea of what kind of goals I want to accomplish. As I’ve gotten older I feel more discouraged at the end of the year if I make to many goals. I’m not always faithful to do the things I set out to do in the new year. When it comes to my faithfulness I am always falling short. God is not like that. His faithfulness is never wavering. We can trust and believe that God is working. Maybe we can’t see how He is working or if it will work out, but these verses give us this hope that God is faithful, even if we are not. Because of God’s tender love and faithfulness our response should be to wait and seek Him. Although this new year might mean we will face trouble or trials, we will not be out from under the hands of God. He is our salvation and He is good. No matter what bad news might be around the corner this year, we can rejoice in our faithful, merciful, and tender-loving God. May we allow Him to work this year in bringing us closer to Him! Even though the circumstances hadn’t changed but the author of Lamentations, still declared: “It is good that one should hope…” God’s tender love, mercy, and faithfulness is reason to hope. It isn’t up to us and God will always come through. No matter the disappointments that have followed us into this new year, you and I can have hope. John Piper says,“biblical hope is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future.” Let’s enter this new year with that kind of hope - based on God’s new mercies. Each day the sun rises, hang on to the hope that we can expect good in our future! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how God’s faithfulness and mercy was a part of your life in the past year, reflect on these questions as they relate to the coming new year. In what ways did God show you His tender love in 2024? How did God reveal His faithfulness to you in 2024? What answer to prayers did you receive in 2024? What prayer(s) are you praying for 2025? Further Reading: Deuteronomy 7:9 2 Thessaliens 3:3 Hebrews 13:8 Revelation 19:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we focus on the theme of "Beginning Again This New Year," exploring the concept of renewal and the fresh opportunities that come with a new year. We’ll discuss practical steps for letting go of the past and embracing new possibilities, drawing inspiration from Scripture. Learn how to set intentions that align with your faith, cultivate a spirit of gratitude, and trust in God’s guidance as you embark on this journey of transformation. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on what it means to begin again this new year. How do you feel God is calling you to start fresh? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What steps are you taking to embrace new opportunities and experiences in the year ahead? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Beginning Again this New Year By Lynette Kittle “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”—Lamentations 3:22-23 How many of us have waited, planned, and began a new year with our hearts and minds set on a new attitude, outlook, and goal, only to lose steam a few weeks or even days or hours into the new calendar year? Still, New Year’s Day offers individuals hopes of a fresh start, a new beginning, with the incentive of moving away from past disappointments and failures, a day that seems more than any other day of the year to encourage us to start anew and begin again with a clean slate. Sadly, though, many of us, if not most, give up if we falter or slip up on this new lease on life, thinking we’ll just have to wait until the next calendar year to start over again. Everyday With God Is A New Beginning But a new beginning doesn’t have to wait for another year to begin because God understands our weaknesses and frailties and doesn’t set us up to only have one opportunity a year to start over. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 explains, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” God is all for leaving the past behind us and starting anew, urging us in Isaiah 43:18 to “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. He is all about making things new again, as stated in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Beginning Again Starts In Our Hearts But how does this happen in our lives? Exodus 36:26 describes what God wants to do for each and everyone of us, when we seek to start anew with Him. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” It’s a new life process God begins within us that is fulfilled by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. As the Apostle Paul explains, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). King David Knew How to Begin Anew Starting anew involves being open to God’s instruction. As Psalm 25:5 reveals, King David knew how to ask God for His instruction. “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” For many, looking at David’s life is a mixed bag. Although it seemed he relied heavily on God to teach him to do His will, having a tender, teachable heart, as expressed through his passionate psalms. He seemed to be constantly asking God for guidance, understanding that he couldn’t do it on his own, relying on God to lead him. Likewise, in Psalm 119:12, David understood the importance of praise in preparing him to receive God’s instruction. “Praise be to you, Lord; teach me Your decrees.” Yet we also read of David’s weaknesses: of being led into temptation by worldly passions, committing adultery, stealing another man’s wife, and committing murder, giving in and following the lusts of his heart. In no way did God condone David’s sin, and as Christians, it can be hard for us to understand how an individual who God placed in power could so easily fall into sin and yet still be . called by God a man after His own heart. Acts 13:22 describes God’s thoughts on him. “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’” David’s life reveals how God truly gives us a way to begin anew each and every day, no matter the depth of our sins and weaknesses. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re struggling today to begin anew after falling short, feeling like you don’t deserve or have a right to ask for God’s help, be like David and reach out to God, asking Him to teach you His ways and start beginning again today. And if you fall tomorrow, don’t hesitate to ask God to help you start over again because His compassions never fail and are new every morning. Further Reading: Starting Over New Each Day https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/starting-over-new-each-day-the-crosswalk-devotional.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.