The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Reacted instead of responded? Ignored that quiet warning in your spirit? In this episode, we talk about the universal struggle of falling short — and the overwhelming mercy of God that meets us there. Drawing from Romans 3 and Romans 7, we’re reminded that even the apostle Paul wrestled with doing what he didn’t want to do. Sin is part of our fallen human condition — but shame and distance from God don’t have to be. This conversation is about repentance, reconciliation, and the loving Father who runs toward us when we turn back to Him. What We Discuss Why we instinctively choose wrong at times Paul’s transparent struggle with sin (Romans 7:14–16) The difference between conviction and condemnation Why guilt often pushes us away from God instead of toward Him The heart of the Father in repentance This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Falling ShortBy: Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 (NKJV) Have you ever said something you wished you could take back? Or decided to go against that still small voice warning you not to make a specific choice or take a particular action? If you are anything like me, your answer to these questions is a resounding, disappointed yes. Likely, after you spoke when you should have remained silent, or conducted yourself in a manner that failed to represent Kingdom qualities, your instantaneous response was regret. Why is it that we so often choose what we shouldn’t? Because “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sometimes, it isn’t even a conscious thought-out decision, but rather an instinctive reaction. We just automatically do or say without thinking. Even the apostle Paul, whom many of us esteem as a father in the faith, transparently shared his own struggle with sin when he said: “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate” (Romans 7:14-16, NLT). It is so easy to beat ourselves up when we fall short, but as Paul shared, we are only human. This is not an excuse for us to sin, but rather an acknowledgement of our fallen state and God’s unfathomable mercy. The Lord knows we will fail again… and again… and again. He knew it from the very beginning when it was decided in the Garden that Christ would come and pay the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to the Father. Our Heavenly Father is not asking us to be perfect or to achieve some unattainable standard of Christianity. Instead, He has made a way for us to remain connected to Him despite our sin through the blood of Jesus and the gift of repentance. When our children make poor choices, what is it that we want most from them? We desire repentance and reconciliation. True, there might be consequences for their actions, but our ultimate goal is to retain the relationship and remind them of our unfailing love for them. It is the same with the Lord. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). Even if we understand this to be true, somehow, when we know we have done wrong, we end up distancing ourselves from the Lord rather than drawing nearer to Him. Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden all of those years ago, we want to cover our shame. We want to hide from an all-seeing God. While logically we know this is impossible, we still somehow think, if we remain in the shadows, it will go unnoticed. However, the awareness of our own thoughts or deeds within our hearts can only be silenced for so long. Regret will eat away at our peace until we finally surrender it to the Lord. What will we find when we reach this point of surrender? A harsh judge ready to issue punishment? No, we will find our loving Father running towards us with open arms, just as we read in the parable of the prodigal son, ready to embrace us (mud, muck, and all). He will wash away all of our sin, put a fresh robe of righteousness upon our backs, and welcome us into communion with him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you still feel the weight of guilt or remorse over a situation when you fell into sin? If so, ask yourself why you are still carrying this regret. Are you distancing yourself from the Lord because you feel unworthy? Or is there another reason you are still struggling with shame? I invite you to take a look at the scripture passages listed in the further reading section. In particular, I encourage you to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). May you find relief and reconciliation as you return to the Lord through repentance. He is there waiting for you with open arms. Further Reading:Luke 15:11-32John 3:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your job — even the one you don’t love — is actually sacred? In this episode, we unpack what it truly means to “work for the Lord.” Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:58, we explore how every task, every shift, and every responsibility can become an act of worship when done with the right heart posture. What We Discuss Why every job can glorify God Working through difficult seasons with faithfulness Serving Jesus even when serving a challenging boss The difference between working for approval vs. working from purpose Why work is a blessing — not a burden How Jesus modeled servant leadership This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Work for the LordBy: Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Like most people, I have had many different jobs. Some of these jobs I really enjoyed, but others, not so much. However, in every job, I have tried to do my best. For example, a few years ago I worked at an inn. It was extremely difficult, since I struggle with contamination-type OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). The responsibility of an assistant innkeeper means cleaning anything and everything—changing bed sheets, washing bed sheets, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, dusting, and any other housework that needs to be done. As someone with OCD, this was incredibly stressful. However, by the grace of God, I lasted the entire summer. I tried my best every day, and I know that I served the Lord through my work. Someone might say, “No, you were working for your boss.” While this is true, I was also working for Jesus. In everything we do, we need to work as though we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). We are serving Jesus in any job we put our hands to. This is why we need to work at every task with our whole heart. Rather than becoming lazy, we need to glorify God in our work. Maybe you are at a job right now that is similar to when I worked at the inn—you don’t like it, and you can’t wait to get off each day. If this is true, know that you won’t be at this job forever. For the time being, continue to do your best and strive to serve Jesus through your work. Even if your boss is not kind or the job is taxing, try your best to show Jesus’ love to everyone around you. Jesus Himself took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5–8). We need to follow His example by also taking on the nature of a servant. We should not view any job as inferior. Sometimes we have to take a job because we have no other choice. God does not call us to be idle or unproductive in our lives. Instead, He wants us to work and serve Him through our dedication to doing what is right. Many people have a distorted view of work. They think work is a bad thing. This is not true—work is a blessing from God. Working and being able to provide for ourselves is a good thing. We never need to view work in a negative light, because it can help us grow, build a strong work ethic, and produce endurance. Through our work, we can become more dependent on God. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As Paul says in this passage, we need to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as our hard work is not in vain. Working for the Lord will bring Him glory and point others to Him. Many people think the “work of the Lord” only consists of pastors, Sunday school teachers, or missionaries, but this is not true. The “work of the Lord” can be anything, as long as we are serving Jesus through our work. Therefore, even regular jobs, such as working at a hotel, a library, or a department store, can all bring glory to God if we are faithfully serving Him. As Christ followers, we must ask ourselves whether or not we will serve God in our work. If we become lazy and unproductive in our work, we are not working to the glory of the Lord. If we find ourselves in this situation, we need to bring our hearts back to Jesus. Every job deserves our full attention and productivity. Loving God and serving Him will help us to truly work for Him and not give up when times are hard. Continue to work for Him because your labor is not in vain. Jesus sees all the challenges you are going through. Even when days are tough, choose to live for Him, love Him, and serve Him faithfully in your work and in your life. What are some ways you can glorify God in your work? List a few here. Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 Colossians 3:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Where are You, God?” If you’ve ever whispered that question through tears, sleepless nights, or silent disappointment, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about the painful seasons when God feels distant — when prayers feel unanswered and discouragement makes it hard to even find the words to pray. Yet Scripture tells us something steady and unshakable: Jesus promised He would be with us always. Not sometimes.Not when we feel spiritual.Always. Even in silence. Even in valleys. Even in doubt. What We Discuss Why God can feel distant during hardship How discouragement can drain our ability to pray The truth that God hears even unspoken prayers The danger of believing the lie that God has abandoned us Drawing near to God when emotions say He’s far Finding encouragement through Scripture, worship, and Christian community This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Where Is God? By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NLT) “Where are you, God?” If there was a consistent question I asked God last year, that was it. Little did I know that by the start of this year, God would answer my question in profound ways that proved He hears my every prayer and He is always here with us. It started with simple things that were concerning me, then it snowballed into many other issues and situations that were troubling my heart and keeping me awake at night. Sleepless nights were the norm for me that year. I tried praying my way through it, but at times I was too tired to pray. Have you ever been so discouraged that you can barely talk to God about it? However, God taught me that He knows our hearts and He hears even the prayers we don’t have the energy or capacity to pray. He even considers the tears that roll down our faces when we cry as silent prayers, and He understands our pain before we have words to give voice to it. If you’re looking for someone who knows you better than you know yourself, your Maker (God) fits that bill perfectly. Because we live in a world that is negatively affected by sin, we all may face situations in life that cause us to ask, “God, where are you?” It is then that we are tempted by the enemy to believe that God has forsaken us. But in those moments, we need to believe what the Bible says: God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). When you feel far away from God, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). If you’re having trouble seeking Him, ask God to help you feel His Presence and experience His peace. Remember: He’s always been pursuing a relationship with you before you realized you needed Him and started seeking Him. Now, there’s the fact that God is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). But the truth is that He is real (Psalm 14:1). Don’t let His invisibility become a barrier to your seeking Him. Over the years, I’ve heard people debate that since we cannot see God, that must mean He doesn’t exist. Well, to that I’d say, we cannot see the air we breathe, but we know that if we don’t have air, we’d be dead. Same with God. We cannot see Him, but we need Him to live. When we are in pain so deep that we can barely get out of bed in the morning and start going about our day, it is important to remember that God is with us in our pain. Soon after the start of this year, God showed me that He had heard my prayers and questions last year. He did this by inspiring a Christian author to ask me if I wanted to read an early copy of her book that is releasing in January 2026. After seeing that the title of the book is “God, Where Are You?”, I knew this was encouragement from God for me. He recommended a whole book (in addition to the Bible) to answer my question. I agreed to read her book and was blessed by it. The author’s name is Dominique Young. The full title of her book is “God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence”. It is advertised on Amazon as “a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.” It’s for people who have been silently suffering under the heavy weight of anxiety, grief, depression, shame, and spiritual doubt. Through this book, she helps the reader discover how near God is to them through their toughest trials in life. God doesn’t abandon you in the valley lows. He’s with you through it all. And He can heal our brokenness. The author invites the reader to stop pretending they are okay when they are not, face the pain you’ve been hiding, and learn how you are seen by the Almighty God as one He deeply loves. Dominique encourages the reader to remember that even when God is silent, He is near and will not leave you. After reading the first few pages of Dominique’s book, I thanked God for answering my prayers on this topic because it was like He was speaking to me through her messages that were supported with Scripture. I am grateful He used this author’s debut book to encourage me in my faith walk. I believe this book will encourage you, too, if you read it. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to three songs (listed below) that remind us God is here with us and He’s going to stay with us until the end of the world. Song of Reflection #1: “God is with Us” by The Afters. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “I Know You’re There” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that God is right here with you and He’s not going anywhere? Further Reading:Isaiah 41:10Isaiah 43:2Deuteronomy 31:6Psalm 23:4Zephaniah 3:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever have one of those days you’d gladly return for a refund? Maybe it starts with something small — and inconvenient. Then another thing piles on. And another. Before long, you’re wondering if staying in bed would’ve been the wiser spiritual decision. In this episode, we talk about how to handle the days that hit hard — the ones filled with disappointment, frustration, or unexpected blows. Psalm 118 doesn’t give us an escape clause. It doesn’t say, “Rejoice when it’s going well.” It simply says: this is the day the Lord has made. Even this one. So what does it actually look like to rejoice when the day feels anything but joyful? What We Discuss Why bad days feel so overwhelming The difference between denial and biblical rejoicing How perspective shifts emotional response The role of humor in spiritual resilience Choosing gratitude when circumstances don’t cooperate Letting God shape us through daily frustrations This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: When It's One of Those DaysBy Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24 ESV). Do you know what it’s like to have one of those days you wish you could do over? My friend Holly recalls that her day like that started at 4:30 a.m. when she opened the door of her house to pick up the newspaper, which was usually on her welcome mat waiting for her. But as she opened the door, and before she even had a chance to look down on her welcome mat…Thunk! The newspaper delivery person, unknowingly, chucked that newspaper through the early morning still-dark air, and it pelted her right in the chest. She never even saw it coming! Stumbling over a bit, she regained her composure and just stood there. Nice aim, she thought, sarcastically, and turned around and closed the door. The rest of the day didn’t get much better. One disappointing situation after another. Until pretty soon, she wished she hadn’t even gotten out of bed that morning. Fortunately for Holly, she kept her sense of humor and laughed about it with several women in her exercise class at the end of the day. We all have days when we get pelted with something right in the chest. A stinging insult. An action by a co-worker or friend that leaves us shocked. Some news that causes us to stumble or double over. Sometimes it’s from someone, unknowingly, chucking something through the air that happens to hit us. And other times it’s a direct hit from someone with a pretty good aim! Whether it’s one incident after another that seems to be giving you a bad day or circumstances in which you are the one who is clearly messing up, there is a way to get through it. God's Word gives us simple instructions for handling the “bad days.” "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," the psalmist said. But how can we rejoice? That word creates a picture in my mind of a person jumping up in the air and shouting for joy. Are we to do that when we’re having one of those days? Evidently so. It’s interesting that God’s Word doesn’t say: “This is the day the Lord accidentally let slip through the heavens; let us tolerate it and be done with it.” Rather, God’s Word specifically states that this day—even the one in which you get plunked right in the chest—is a day that He has made and therefore it is one worth rejoicing in. Intersecting Faith & Life: I suppose God wants us to realize that even when uncomfortable or hurtful or downright disastrous things happen, it is still a day in which we live, breathe, and exist. It is still a day in which we can choose to see the brighter side of things and acknowledge that He’s in control. It’s still a day in which we can, like Holly, keep a sense of humor and laugh at the day’s events by sundown. There is still something in this day worth rejoicing about because it is a day given to us by the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Can you, my friend, find something in this day worth rejoicing about? If not, then simply rejoice. This is the day the Lord has made—for you to live it with Him and become the kind of person He desires you to be. Rejoice in it, my friend. And see if it doesn’t change your outlook—and your day. Thank You, Lord, for this day—regardless of what it brings or has already brought my way. Today is a day that I live and breathe and exist. May I do so with a song in my heart simply because You have given me life. And may You be pleased by my attitude, my gratitude, and my praise. Thank You that You can grow me, mature me, sharpen me, and shape me through whatever comes my way. I surrender it all to You, Lord Jesus. In Your name, I pray this. Amen. Further Reading:1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 For daily perspective and reasons to praise, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When was the last time you were overwhelmed with wonder? In Mark 9, the crowd didn’t hesitate when they saw Jesus. They ran toward Him — filled with awe. No overthinking. No self-conscious restraint. Just pure wonder. Somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities, and routines, it’s easy to lose that sense of awe. Life shrinks to the size of a to-do list. Faith becomes familiar. And wonder quietly fades into the background. But Jesus hasn’t stopped working. In this episode, we rediscover how slowing down, paying attention, and expecting Jesus to move can awaken a fresh sense of wonder in our everyday lives. What We Discuss How busyness dulls spiritual awareness Why wonder is not a luxury — it’s fuel for faith The difference between dramatic miracles and everyday miracles How expectation shapes what we notice Practical habits that help us stay spiritually attentive Why wonder naturally draws us closer to Jesus This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Let Jesus Overwhelm You with WonderBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” - Mark 9:15, NIV When you really look at Jesus, you see the wonder of God’s work in this world. In Mark 9:15, people caught a glimpse of Jesus, and they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. They didn’t hesitate or worry about what others might say about their enthusiastic response. They simply let themselves be inspired with awe when they encountered Jesus. It’s easy to lose a sense of wonder when you’re dealing with the stress of living in this fallen world. Responsibilities pile up and demand your attention. You get used to going through your routine, doing what needs to be done. You may be working so hard that you start to think about enjoying wonder as a luxury you can’t afford with your busy schedule. If so, your life will shrink down to the level of your to-do list. You’ll miss the greater perspective of the wonderful work Jesus is doing around you. Don’t let that happen to you! Jesus hasn’t stopped working in amazing ways, just like he did during biblical times. Jesus is still inspiring people with awe on a regular basis. The question is: are you looking for him? Wonder doesn’t always appear with dramatic miracles. Often, wonder happens through everyday miracles. You can find wonder in quiet yet powerful ways, like through a colorful sunset, someone’s act of kindness, or a sense of peace God gives you during a challenging situation. Jesus is already doing wonderful work in your life. You just have to slow down long enough to notice. When the crowd in Mark chapter 9 saw Jesus, they recognized him because they were paying attention. They had focused minds and open hearts that helped them expect the best from Jesus. The process of discovering wonder often starts with expecting Jesus to do something wonderful in your life. Imagine walking into each day with your eyes wide open, asking Jesus to show you what he wants to show you. If you start doing that, you’ll start noticing all sorts of wonder in your life that you’d previously overlooked. Then, you’ll wake up to the wonder of who Jesus really is. You’ll realize that Jesus is so amazing that you can’t help but be inspired to worship him. The more you notice Jesus and let him overwhelm you with wonder, the more you’ll want to run to him, just like the people in Mark 9:15 did. Wonder draws you close to Jesus! So, give yourself the time and attention you need to really look for the wonder of Jesus’ work in your life every day. Make your relationship with Jesus a top priority in your daily schedule. Stay connected to Jesus throughout each day by checking in with him regularly through prayer. Ask Jesus to help you notice what he’s doing in every single part of your life – including areas where you haven’t expected him to show up much before. Pray for Jesus to give you a fresh perspective, so your senses aren’t dulled by routine or weighed down by busyness. When you do see Jesus at work, let yourself enjoy it. Take the time to really reflect on it, and celebrate it! Let your encounters with Jesus’ wonder strengthen your faith. Wonder doesn’t just make you feel good; it draws you deeper into a relationship with Jesus. It reminds you that Jesus is with you right here and now, working in your life in ways that accomplish good purposes for you. This day – this ordinary day, with all of its stressful situations – is still full of opportunities to see Jesus. You just have to look. The more you look, the more you’ll realize that Jesus has been there all along. Let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder again. When you do, you’ll find yourself wanting to run toward him! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder, reflect on these questions: When was the last time you felt truly overwhelmed with wonder at what Jesus was doing in your life? What daily habits can help you slow down, pay attention more, and notice Jesus more often? Are there any areas of your life where you’ve stopped expecting Jesus to show up? If so, how can you start expecting the best instead of the worst in those areas? How would your perspective change if you started each day by asking Jesus to help you be more aware of his presence with you throughout your day? Further Reading:Psalm 65:8Psalm 77:14Psalm 145:5Job 37:14Jeremiah 29:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Winter eventually gives way to spring. The sun always returns — even if it takes longer than we’d like. Life works the same way. In this episode, we talk about walking through spiritual winters — the long seasons of hardship, disappointment, or discouragement where change feels painfully slow. What do we do when prayers seem unanswered? When circumstances don’t shift? When the valley stretches on? Psalm 23 reminds us of something powerful: even in the darkest valley, we are not alone. The sun may feel hidden — but God is not absent. What We Discuss Why difficult seasons are part of the Christian life The danger of obsessing over our problems How self-focus can unintentionally magnify hardship Practical ways to stay encouraged during long valleys Learning contentment when God says “not yet” Paul’s example of trusting grace in weakness Preparing spiritually before the next hard season arrives This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Waiting for the Sun to Shine Again By: Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading: “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, CSB) I was one of the many waiting for the sun to shine again after a long, cold winter. Eventually it does return, albeit more slowly than we might wish. Life can be like that sometimes, where tough situations are slow to change and improve. When you find yourself feeling down and out, how do you respond? Do you turn to God and patiently wait for the bad times to pass? Do you develop a bad attitude to match the circumstances? Or do you just go with the flow? As Christians, we pray to God with anticipation and hope for the good times of life. There are many of them. However, again, as Christians, we also know that God doesn’t solely promise us good times. The bad times are, in fact, a part of this miracle we call life. And they’re just as important. In effect, life is an alternating sequence of seasons in which we experience highs and lows. Those upbeat moments are much easier to handle and appreciate. The difficulties, on the other hand, can leave us scratching our heads, wondering when God will step in to rescue us. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Everyone at some point will be waiting for the sun to shine again. Don’t focus on your problems. One major mistake people often make when struggling in life is harping on their misfortunes. They pray about it, think about it, and talk about it a lot. Not only that, but our culture promotes ideas such as self-love and affirmation so often that people think good vibes will cast away their problems. Life’s not so simple. In fact, focusing on yourself often makes the problem seem bigger than it is. So, what’s the solution? Think less about yourself and more about others. Rather than dwell on the bad things happening, spend some time thinking about the good. Go out and do good in the world. What you will discover is that sometimes the problems go away, and even if they don’t, when your mind is set on other things, the problems were never as bad as you originally thought. Find ways to stay encouraged. Choosing not to focus on your problems doesn’t magically make you feel better. Hard times can still leave us feeling sad, angry, and worse, suicidal. That’s why it’s important that we know how to find encouragement. Your specific ways may look different from mine, but what’s important is that we have a reliable game plan. The bad times will come. That’s a certainty. And when they do, wisdom calls for us to be prepared. Take some time to consider where you currently find encouragement and where else you ought to go. Some helpful solutions include prayer, church, loved ones, a gratitude journal, exercise, producing art, and so much more. Learn contentment. Sometimes God says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. The latter can be difficult to understand, especially when you feel so justified in your pleas to the Lord. However, God is God. He’s not going to change a circumstance every time we ask. There could be a lesson for us to learn, or maybe we’re feeling the effects of sin, or both. As Paul learned to be satisfied with God’s grace as he struggled with a thorn in the flesh, so too must we. Based on how he lived, the formula for contentment is probably something like faith plus patience plus gratitude. Obviously, that’s contrary to our human nature and won’t come naturally. Yet, God is able to supply all of our needs and desires to see us grow. We have to do our part to seek that growth. The valleys of life will come and come again. That’s a fact. Yet, we can also be well-prepared to handle. Waiting for the sun to shine again is not easy, but you know that it’s coming. Take hope today. Further Reading (and Listening): Psalm 13 Romans 8:18 John 16:33 “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin “NO LONGER BOUND” by Forrest Frank & Hulvey Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when obedience to God feels risky? In this episode, we explore the tension between love and fear — especially when someone we care about senses a calling that could cost them comfort, security, or even safety. It’s one thing to say we trust God. It’s another to release someone we love into His hands. Looking at Paul’s final encouragement to Timothy, written from a prison cell under Emperor Nero’s brutal reign, we see something remarkable: Paul doesn’t urge caution. He doesn’t prioritize survival. Instead, he tells Timothy to fan into flame the very gift that could invite persecution. So what gave Paul that kind of courage? And how do we cultivate it today? What We Discuss The internal conflict between protection and obedience Why fear often disguises itself as wisdom Paul’s deep relationship with Timothy — and his even deeper trust in Christ The historical reality of persecution under Nero What it means to “fan into flame” your spiritual gifts How eternal perspective fuels present-day courage Why intimacy with Christ produces boldness instead of timidity This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Fanning the Flame in Our SoulsBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:5-7, NIV Years ago, my extended family experienced a period of panic after my younger brother told us that he was praying about trying to get a job in North Korea so that he could share the gospel. I don’t remember if the country was open to this at the time, but he hoped to teach English and use his role to build relationships that could allow for spiritual conversations. My mind immediately flooded with thoughts of him in a North Korean prison, tortured for his faith–if not executed. I wanted to tell him all the reasons this was a terrible idea. By God’s grace, however, I stayed silent, knowing the greater danger was in encouraging him to deny God’s voice and choose self-protection over obedience. To our relief, he ultimately sensed the Lord leading him in a different direction. But that season really challenged me to investigate the depths of my belief, trust in Christ, and commitment to His mission. I wonder if Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote the book from which today’s passage came, ever wrestled with this inner conflict. He cared for Timothy, his mentee, deeply, and appeared to be closer to this young man than anyone else with whom he worshiped or served. He even referred to him as his “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2, NASB). Therefore, there must have been a part of him, perhaps a large part, that wanted to keep Timothy safe. Keep in mind, this was during the time of Nero, one of the cruelest emperors in Roman history, responsible for the horrific death of numerous Christians. Paul understood persecution. He’d been stoned, flogged, beaten with rods, and imprisoned on numerous occasions. He’d also lost relationships with many people he’d once held dear. Plus, he wrote from a dark, damp prison cell, also known as a dungeon, awaiting a likely execution. Considering all that, reflect on Paul’s words in verse 6 again: “For this reason–” pointing back to his sincere faith, his rock-solid foundation in Christ. “For this reason,” he wrote, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV). Had I been Paul, I suspect my letter to Timothy would’ve looked quite different, likely filled with all the ways he could survive the evil invading the ancient world. Perhaps, had he come to me as my brother had, I would’ve remained silent (as I did regarding North Korea), but I’m not sure I would’ve had the courage and strength to tell him to actively feed the very thing that could, and more likely than not would, result in death. (According to tradition, he was in fact martyred in 80 AD, presumably fifteen years after Paul’s execution. Intersecting Life & Faith: Reading Paul’s possible last words to his beloved friend and spiritual son, and reflecting on my typical reactions when those I love suffer, I’m left with an important question: What enabled Paul to respond to their intensely hostile circumstances with such faith? We discover the answer when we read his other letters. He maintained a close relationship with Christ and experienced such fulfillment from that relationship that he was able to say, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NIV). His ongoing connection with the Lord and his practice of praying constantly also provided clarity and guidance for His most difficult circumstances and positioned him to receive God’s comfort. In his letter to the Philippians, he emphasized maintaining an eternal perspective, which extends beyond living missionally. This also means reading about and reflecting on all that awaits us in heaven. According to Hebrews 12:2, that was also what sustained Christ through His horrific death and all the brutality He experienced preceding it. That verse tells us to fix, as in fasten unwaveringly, our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This tells me, the more I reflect on all the blessings I have in Christ and through Christ, today and through eternity, the greater my faith and strength to endure today’s challenges and the easier it becomes to encourage those I love to prioritize obedience to Him above all, even if that means losing all. Thankfully, I’m not alone in my pursuit. Jesus, the One who died that I might live throughout eternity with Him, will grow my faith, decrease my anxiety and fear, and help me to be a source of inspiration, not hindrance, to those I care about most. He will do the same for you–if you’ll let Him. Further Reading:Matthew 16:24-26Hebrews 10:24Mark 10:43-45 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Standing firm in your faith isn’t always applauded — sometimes it costs you deeply. In this episode, we talk about the pain of facing opposition from those closest to us and the tension between defending our beliefs and guarding our hearts. When family members mock or reject our faith, the temptation is to respond with anger, silence, or distance. But the gospel calls us to something higher: compassion instead of offense, prayer instead of retaliation, and trust instead of control. The truth? No one is too far gone for God’s reach — not your skeptical friend, not your resistant sibling, not even the person who hurt you most. What We Discuss Why opposition from family hurts differently The danger of treating loved ones like arguments to win How bitterness quietly builds walls Why salvation isn’t powered by persuasion What Epistle to the Romans 5 teaches about God’s initiating love How to pray effectively for those who reject your faith This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: No One Is Too Far Gone for God’s Reach By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8, NASB My convictions were just too strong to stay silent on that Facebook post. I knew it was a controversial topic, but I didn’t think my own family would turn on me and lash out because of my beliefs. As a Christian, there are times when I need to stand up for what is right, and just like countless times before, I was left to stand alone to be ridiculed for my faith in God and His Holy Word… I just didn’t think my own brother would be the one to hurt me the most with his callous words. Often, the wounds cut deeper when it is those closest to us who wield the sword at us. In that moment, instead of finding the comfort and understanding of my family, the harsh reality that my brother was a lost soul began to set in. I wanted to become angry and lash back, but my heart was much too heavy at the thought that he would spend eternity in hell. When we meet opposition regarding sharing our faith, it is very easy to become offended at those who mock or push back; perhaps our first instinct is to turn our backs on them or set it in our heart to never discuss the Lord around them ever again. Instead of bitterness or offense towards those who might not agree with our beliefs, we should have compassion on them because, at one time, before Christ saved us, we too were enemies of God and lost. Even if our unsaved friends and family hurt us, these situations should truly drive us to our knees to pray for our lost loved ones. We have to ask the Lord to help us keep our hearts from resentment or offense that would drive a wedge between us or even tempt us to burn a bridge. The Lord is so faithful to fill us up with love for the unlovable. We, too, were the unlovable ones, but God lavished His love upon the cross. Romans 5 is a powerful chapter in the book of Romans, and in verse 8, we are reminded of God’s great love for us: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NASB) Intersecting Faith & Life: God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for sinners. Not only should this truth cause us to rejoice in the gift of our own salvation, but it should fill our hearts with so much hope that God’s mercy is available to those whom we love. We have to rest in the Lord’s sovereignty and remember that His ways are higher; No amount of persuasive, articulate words of man’s wisdom can save them - the power of salvation is found in the gospel We have to be careful not to look at our lost loved ones as an argument to win, but a soul that the Lord is more than able to save and rescue from sin and death. If we personally cannot reach them with our words of truth, we can pray that the Lord may bring someone else who could share the gospel with them. Do you long for your family and friends to know God as you do? Does it often feel impossible to get through to them regarding the things of God? Do not lose heart, and continue to pray for their eyes to be opened. Ask the Lord to begin to prepare their heart to receive His grace to believe that Jesus is the only way to true forgiveness and eternal life. God loves them so much because He created them. Let us have hope that those who seem unreachable can be reached by God Almighty. His grace draws sinners to repentance, and if you are a believer, you are living proof of that. No one is too far gone for His arm to rescue! Further Reading: 1 John 4:9-10 Ephesians 1:6-8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The most damaging words we hear are often the ones we say to ourselves. Negative self-talk—phrases like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m a failure”—can quietly shape how we see our worth. Over time, those words begin to feel like truth. But Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 15:4 that our words hold power: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” While this verse certainly applies to how we speak to others, it also applies to how we speak to ourselves. God never intended for our internal dialogue to crush our spirit. Highlights Negative self-talk often stems from comparison and unmet expectations Internal words can wound as deeply as spoken ones Awareness is the first step in silencing harmful self-criticism God’s Word offers life-giving truth to replace destructive thoughts Speaking to ourselves with kindness reflects God’s grace toward us This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Ending the Toxic Cycle of Negative Self-TalkBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). As someone who struggles with negative self-talk, it is hard not to speak badly about myself. Growing up, I could never measure up to my sisters in skill or ability, and even in the present day, I still feel that I fall short. I’m not a gifted speaker, writer, or artist like my family members, and this makes me feel insecure. My eldest sister was a pro at basketball, and my dad loved watching her play. She was also great at drawing various creatures, including Pokémon, as they were her favorite. My other older sister is a master at writing, crafting stories, creating artwork, and playing the piano. My mom used to praise her splendid piano concertos and art assignments. I tried my best at art, music, and sports, but I was never good enough. I simply couldn’t measure up. There was no praise, encouragement, or someone cheering me on from the sidelines. This left me feeling completely worthless, which led to the start of negative self-talk. A few days ago, I was sitting in my primary care doctor’s office when my doctor asked me why I was so glum. I didn’t want to go into detail with him about recent events that led me back to the same feelings of worthlessness. I chose to look at the white and blue checked floors as he went through a depression screening with me. As someone with clinical depression, I’m no stranger to these screenings; however, I had never scored so high as I did at that appointment. I left the office with a new prescription and a referral to restart therapy, but I did not feel hopeful. On the drive home, I told myself, “I’m just not good enough,” and “I’m a failure.” Anytime we are condescending, hurtful, or mean to ourselves, we are practicing negative self-talk. When I was in therapy years ago, my therapist asked me to name an adult figure in my life who had been supportive of me. My first thought was my grandma; I called her Mawmaw. My therapist asked me to think of a time when Mawmaw was proud of me. After thinking for a few minutes, my mind flashed back to when my Mawmaw told me I was good at making other people laugh and smile. Her warm smile filled my heart, and I finally felt like I was good at something. To stop negative self-talk thoughts, we are going to have to dig deep. I didn’t remember the words of my Mawmaw right away, yet after searching for them, I finally knew I could heal. Negative self-talk can eat away at us, yet we must become aware of its voice. Once we start naming negative self-talk and addressing it, we will notice the voice grow quieter. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). Whenever we are tempted to start talking badly about ourselves, we need to reflect on this passage. While many people think Proverbs 15:4 is only referring to our communication with others, it also includes the way we communicate with ourselves. By following Proverbs 15:4, we will begin to speak kindly to ourselves. It might sound cliché, but it is important to talk to ourselves as we would talk to a friend. We wouldn’t make mean or derogatory remarks to our friends; therefore, we don’t need to talk to ourselves in this manner. We need to use our words to build ourselves up rather than tearing ourselves down (Ephesians 4:29). As you navigate life more positively, remember to end the cycle of negative self-talk. Avoid comparing yourself to others or thinking negatively about yourself because of how others have treated you. Focus on what God says about you in the Bible, memorize Bible passages, and reflect upon His love when you are struggling. Stopping comparison and blotting out unhelpful comments can make a world of difference. How might you start taking Proverbs 15:4 to heart today? What would your self-talk look like if you started being kinder to yourself? Further Reading: Mark 12:30-31 Psalm 139:13-16 Ephesians 2:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all make plans. Career goals. Ministry dreams. Personal ambitions. There’s nothing wrong with vision and drive—but Proverbs 16:9 gently reminds us who truly directs the path: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” God often plants desires within us long before we see how they will unfold. The key is not striving to force the outcome, but surrendering the process to the Holy Spirit. When we move forward prayerfully, seek wise counsel, and stay attentive to God’s nudges, He positions us exactly where we need to be—sometimes in ways that exceed what we imagined. Highlights God often plants dreams in our hearts before revealing the path forward Prayer and discernment are essential before taking the next step Wise counsel helps confirm whether a desire aligns with God’s will Success is evidence of God’s guidance, not merely our effort The Holy Spirit leads faithfully when we move step by step in obedience This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Let the Spirit Guide Your StepsBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 Many years ago, I began to sense in my heart that God wanted me to become a literary agent. This was in addition to my career as an author, and I wanted to help fellow authors get their work into the hands of audiences. However, I had no clue how to get started. One day, I was talking with my husband on a long drive. He asked me what I would do with my life if I weren't an author. Immediately, I blurted out, “I want to be a literary agent.” After I realized the weight of what I had said, we talked it through. He asked me to speak with my agent regarding the steps in that regard. I had a conversation with my agent, and in a few short months, he had signed me to his agency. Although I was excited about this new venture, I was still unsure whether I was qualified or even had the business sense to do the task. Although there were no books or manuals on how to become a literary agent, I knew that if I listened to the Holy Spirit, He would guide me step by step. I have now been with the agency for eight years. Of the 130 books sold, almost 1/4 are my deals. It is shocking to think that I have made that many deals in the eight short years that I've worked for him. Yet when God has nudged me, and I have used my gift of discernment and wisdom to sign a client or shop around their deals, God has placed their work in the right hands at the right time. The prideful side of me can boast that I did all that on my own. But the humble (or rational) side of me understands that unless the Holy Spirit was guiding my steps, I never could have done any of that on my own. God was good and allowed me to use my gifts and my heart to help others receive the gospel message through different genres of books and get them into the hands of readers. People are being blessed because of my diligence in working with publishers and getting authors the right deals at the right time. As humans, we have many plans and desires. While there's nothing wrong with having goals and visions for our lives, we need to make sure those desires and dreams align with God's will. Although it is not entirely possible to know whether our desires are our own or from the Lord, it is essential to follow God's guidance step by step. Is there an area of your life that you feel you want to take the next step, but don't know how? Do you question whether this desire God has placed on your heart is from God or from yourself? The best way to know whether this is from God is to pray about it. Additionally, we need to surround ourselves with godly people who have been through life and are willing not only to pray for us and our triumphs but also to challenge us when we're down. If we're making a bad decision, we need to surround ourselves with people we can test these words on and know whether they're from God or from us. A person who goes about making decisions without carefully weighing them, with those they trust, or who would have a warning from a loved one, will only make matters worse. With God, the decision they make is not irreversible. Still, it could pose a significant danger to their future if they make haphazard decisions without first allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their steps. Father, let us be people who listen to you. Let us allow you to orient our steps. Let us take each day as an opportunity to take a baby step in faith toward what you are calling us to. Let us be people who listen to others and keep our word, so we can make all the decisions for you. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: What decision do you need to make today that you need the guidance of the Spirit? What will you do to enlist his help today? Further Reading:Philippians 1:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.