The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Examine your attitude towards government and politics through the lens of Scripture, striving to honor God in all aspects of life. Seeking to live out our calling as ambassadors of Christ in a world where God's sovereignty transcends all human authority. 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Let us journey together towards a deeper understanding and experience of the rest that Jesus promises—a rest that refreshes, renews, and restores our weary hearts. In Jesus, we find not only forgiveness and salvation but also the rest our souls desperately need. 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The timeless truth of God is his unshakeable character. Discover the peace and strength that come from anchoring our lives in Him, the Rock of our salvation. 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The symbolism behind the "cord of three strands," which traditionally represents the strength of relationships. By embracing the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:12-15, we are inspired to cultivate stronger, more resilient connections that honor God and reflect His love in our lives. 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us as we reflect on how trusting in God during our suffering can ultimately lead to greater spiritual growth, strengthened faith, and a deeper understanding of His unfailing love. 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Monuments are often built to commemorate great acts or significant milestones, standing as visible signs of remembrance and honor. They are meant to remind us of the past and to inspire us in the future. We become living monuments to God's greatness. 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: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're glad to have you listening with us. Today's topic is how our lives can become monuments to God's redemptive work. We'll return with the devotional after a brief message from our sponsors. "Monuments To The Lord" written and read by Whitney Hopler. Evergreens will grow in place of thorn bushes first will grow in place of nettles. They will be a monument to the Lord a permanent reminder that will remain Amos 5:24 and E T. While walking through the Royal Botanical Garden, one of the world's largest gardens, I often stopped to stand in front of especially large trees that inspired me with all. The evergreen trees in particular filled my entire field of vision with green branches that spread out in all directions. Some of those evergreen trees were for trees, which also gave off refreshing sense, it was mesmerizing to experience the strength and beauty of those trees in the middle of a fallen world filled with challenges  Amos 5:24 points as to hope this verse reminds us that God's power to make powerful positive changes happen in our lives. The imagery of evergreens ensures replacing thorn bushes and nettles symbolizes a renewal that goes beyond just surface changes. It describes a deep, enduring transformation that God promises to his people. evergreen trees which stay green all year round, represent life that endures through all season. They're constant and unchanging. Just like God's faithful love for us. Fur trees, which are known for their strength and ability to withstand harsh conditions remind us of the resilience and strength we gain when we root our faith in God and trust God's promises. The Bible describes these trees as a monument to the Lord, serving as a lasting testament to God's grace and transformative power. Just as physical monuments stand as reminders of significant events or people, our lives can become living monuments to God's work within us. monuments are often built to commemorate great acts or significant milestones, standing as visible signs of remembrance and honor. They are meant to remind us of the past and to inspire us in the future. We become living monuments to God's greatness. When God works in our lives transforming us from within. Our lives become renewed by God's power so they can serve as enduring testimonies of God's mercy and love. The transformation from thorn bushes to evergreens and from nettles to furs reflects those dramatic changes God brings to us thorn bushes and nettles, which cause pain and symbolizes difficulty, are replaced by evergreens and furs, which are strong and beautiful.  When we allow God to replace the thorn bushes and nettles of our lives, our struggles, sins and pain with His Holiness, we become monuments of God's redemptive power. We add to the living monument of our lives every time we trust God, to help us overcome a challenge and experience God's peace. And every time we seek God's forgiveness and experience God's mercy and grace. This transformation is not just for our own benefit, it's also a powerful witness to others. People around us can see the changes God has made possible in our lives, and living monuments. We shine a powerful light in this dark world, inviting others to experience the wonder of God's work in their own lives. We become part of God's ongoing story of redemption, reflecting God's glory and drawing others to him. Our renewed lives become living monuments that point the people who know us toward God's powerful love.  So let's invite God to replace the thorn bushes and nettles in our lives with evergreens and first, let's trust in God's ability to bring about lasting positive change. When we do, we become monuments to the Lord, living testimonies of God's redemptive work inspiring others to seek God and experience His love themselves. Intersecting faith in life as you consider how your life can become monument to God's redemptive work. reflect on these questions. What are the thorn bushes and nettles in your life that need God's transformative touch? How have you experienced God's renewal and transformation in the past? In what ways can your life serve as a monument to the Lord reflecting powerful positive change from God? How can you encourage others to seek God's transformative power in their lives? Further reading Isaiah 43:19 Second Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 3626, Romans 12:2  Revelation 21:5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The importance of humility in asking for wisdom, knowing that God generously grants it to those who earnestly seek Him. Discover the profound impact of seeking God's wisdom in our lives. 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: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We are so glad to have you listening on Michela Zurich. Today's topic is asked for wisdom. We'll be back after a word from our sponsor Ask For Wisdom, written and read by Michelle Lazurek If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5.  I prepared for my leadership presentation, for instance, my material, practice it well and got ready for the meetings that would happen before the presentation to go over the transitions. However, when I hopped on the Zoom, call this lesson organized, I found myself confused as to what I was looking at where the information was stored for the presentation. It was clear from the beginning that I was not on the same page as the rest of the team. I left the meeting embarrassed and not wanting to return to any future meetings, for fear of further embarrassment or shame. However, I didn't know how to express this feeling of confusion or even where to begin to get help. I had a friend who had been on the leadership team for longer than I had. She was more technologically savvy than I was, who would know the ins and outs to that technology and how it all worked. The new apps being introduced etc. As well my pride, picked up my phone and sent off to my friend and embarrassing texted said I need help. I explained her the situation told her I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing and what she'd be willing to give me a brief orientation to get me up to speed. I didn't know how she would react, and feared her judgment since as part of the team, I needed to know the basics of the technology to present information to the audience. She greeted me with a quick response. Of course, she replied, happy to help. I didn't know what I was doing. The next day she went through it all with me. She made it look so easy. Instead of having to navigate it by myself, learning how things worked, and having new concepts and ideas thrown at me. My friend helped me navigate through situation of what you needed clarity and navigated it with these. We all need wisdom in life. No isolated world, it's easy for us to believe that asking for help, instead of moving through situation in isolation will cause embarrassment. Everyone needs someone to help them from time to time. There's no shame in asking God or others for help. Same way I needed help with the orientation and all the technology. I had to humble myself and ask for wisdom. God gives us wisdom when we need it. God is an all knowing God who wants to guide and direct us. His Holy Spirit lives within us for a reason. Holy Spirit knows things we do not know. He wants to speak to us and reveal all things to us. That is part of God's yearning to be intimate with us. Who must be humbled to hear what he has to say and to follow that wisdom and ask for help when needed. And is so grateful to have a friend who knew more about the technology than I did. Because of her wisdom and a willingness to share that wisdom with me. I arrived at the next meeting way more prepared, more organized, and most importantly, abundantly at peace. Is there an area in life in which you need wisdom. So someone in your life you can ask to help with that wisdom, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a person that can help you in this area. We're always better together. God does not want us to be alone. We can seek the help of other brothers and sisters in Christ who are more knowledgeable on a subject than us. And not only is our situation better because we ask for help. We're also better people because we humbled ourselves and asked for help in the first place. Father, help us ask for wisdom. Thank you that you are not a wrathful God withholding help. Thank you we can go to any time we need you. Thank you, you are a God who's willing to be our help in ever present trouble. Allow us to pass on the same wisdom to others. You give us human intersecting faith in life. In what areas of your life do you need to seek the wisdom of God or others? What is your biggest challenge in asking for this help? Further reading? Proverbs 3:5-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Whether you're facing decisions, challenges, or simply wrestling with the unknown, this episode invites you to embrace faith over doubt and find peace in trusting God's sovereignty and wisdom. 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: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're glad to have you listening with us. Today's topic is about our tendency to second guess God, as if we know better than he does. We'll return with the devotional after a brief message from our sponsors. Are you second guessing God? written and read by Cindy McMenamin. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 Have you ever second guessed God by wondering if he really knew what he was doing? I remember when my husband applied for what seemed like the perfect job, at the perfect time with a perfect salary. But when my husband didn't get the job, we thought was so perfect in every way. I became discouraged and began to question God, I prayed. Why not? God, this was so perfect for us. We prayed about it, and we trusted you. Why did you not bless us with this? Yet God apparently knew what he was doing, even though we didn't. And now when we look back at what we thought was the perfect job at the perfect time, we can see that it wasn't perfect for him after all, and it wasn't the perfect time either. God knew what was coming and he had something better in mind. In Isaiah 55:5-8 God told his people that his thoughts were not like their thoughts. And neither were their ways like his. That's because he knows all things and we don't. But that passage also says his ways and thoughts are higher than ours, meaning better and encompassing eternal purposes. While we tend to look at just the temporary, in the next two verses, God told his people as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it produce and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So Will his word be which goes out of his mouth, it will not return to Him empty, without accomplishing what He desires, and without succeeding in the purpose for which he sent it.  That passage assures us that God not only knows what's best for us, but he has his eternal purposes at work, and what he allows, as well as what he presents. How often do you and I ask God, why now, it couldn't have come at a worse time? How often do we wonder why this? We were faithful? And we were hoping for the best? How many times do we say why me? As if I haven't been through enough already. We even sometimes offer God our list of reasons why we believe His timing, and his choice, are not in our best interest. And yet God continues to know what he's doing. We cannot second guess him. Sometimes he's protecting us from something we can't yet or might not ever see. Other times he is preparing something even better for us that we have yet to discover. And I believe at all times as long as we stay surrendered to Him. He is shaping our character and refining us through our circumstances, intersecting faith and life.  God has reasons far above our own because He is God and we are not. And we are asked to simply trust that there is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1 And that means he didn't get the timing wrong in the slightest. We're also asked to trust that his work is perfect. And all His ways are just Deuteronomy 32:4, and that he's a God who never makes mistakes. And were to simply trust that he's a God who does not slumber or sleep according to Psalm 121:3-4 meaning nothing takes him by surprise. Can you trust God today instead of second guessing him? Can you live with the assurance that he loves you beyond comprehension? And that nothing takes him by surprise, and he won't let anything touch you that hasn't first pass through his loving hands. Make that your goal today in every circumstance that comes your way. Lord, God help us to trust you with disappointments, missed opportunities, and even when it seems like our world is turning upside down. You are in control and because you are loving and good, you wouldn't have things any other way. For further reading. See Isaiah 55:10-13 And Matthew 7:11. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Uncover the richness of spiritual communion and the transformative power of encountering God in the depths of our souls. 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: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're glad to have you listening with us. Today's topic is how God's deep love washes over us with power. We'll return with the devotional after a brief message from our sponsors. "Deep calls to deep" written and read by Whitney Hopler. "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls. All your waves and breakers have swept over me." Psalm 42:7 NIV  There's something deeply powerful about experiencing a waterfall. I hiked to several waterfalls recently in the waterfall capital of the world, the Hamilton Ontario Canada area where more than 100 waterfalls flow down the long Niagara Escarpment, on their way to the majestic Niagara Falls. Every single one of the waterfalls experienced overwhelmed me with the power and beauty of its fast moving water. As I watched the water flow, I thought of the powerful creator who designed our planet Sobell. Water flows abundantly through nature, just as God's love flows through our lives with overwhelming power. Near the end of my trip, I stood beside Niagara Falls, and let the incredible sound of its roar sweep over me. And then I thank God for that experience. The Bible uses the imagery of powerful moving water, waterfalls, waves and breakers. And Psalm 42:7 to describe the mighty power of God's presence with us. These overwhelming forces symbolizes God's overwhelmingly strong love that envelops us when we notice God's presence. The phrase Deep calls to deep at the beginning of this verse helps us visualize the deep connection between us and God. The depth of God's presence is so strong that it reaches the depth of our souls. Imagine standing beside a roaring waterfall. The site is mesmerizing. The sound is deafening. When you feel the incredible power of the water as it cascades down relentlessly. That's how God's love operates in our lives. It's a wild force that can't be tamed. God's loving presence sweeps over us with power, washing away our fears, our doubts and our sin. God's love is like living water. Just as water is vital for our physical health. God's love is essential for our spiritual health. God's living water is the constant refreshing presence of God, we need to survive and thrive. The pressures and demands of our lives can sometimes feel like relentless waves crashing over us, threatening to pull us under. during hard times. It's easy to feel helpless and alone, as if we're drowning in a sea of troubles. But the Libyan water of God's love is stronger than any challenges we face. God's living water cleanses and revives us. Imagine the refreshing sensation of cool water in a hot day, washing away dirt and sweat, leaving us feeling renewed and invigorated. That's what God's love does for our souls. God's love penetrates our defenses and reaches into the deepest parts of our being where our deepest fears and desires live. Because out to the depths within us that yearning for God, those hidden places where we carry our pain, our hopes and our dreams. God's love speaks to those depths, reassuring us that we aren't alone, and that we're deeply value. It gives us the strength to face our challenges, not by removing them, but by transforming us from within, giving us the strength we need to persevere. God's love is a constant powerful presence. Just like the steady flow of a mighty waterfall. It doesn't ebb and flow with the changing tides of our circumstances, but remains reliable and trustworthy.As we surrender to God's love, we aren't overcome by the weights. Instead, we're lifted above them by all as we experience God's wonder. That all helps us transcend our circumstances by directing our attention to God. We're cleansed of our burdens and fears and we're revived with purpose and peace. This deep love caused us to a deeper relationship with God, where we allow God's love to flow through every aspect of our lives. Whenever we enjoy waterfalls and waves and God's creation Let's remember that God's deep loving presence calls out to the depths of our souls, inviting us into powerful relationships with our Creator. Intersecting safe and life. As you consider how God's deep and powerful love washes over you, reflect on these questions. And what ways have you experienced God's love as a powerful, overwhelming force in your life? How does the imagery of waterfalls waves and breakers help you understand the depth and strength of God's love? What areas of your life feel dry or barren? And how can you invite God's living water to refresh those places? What new habit can you develop to help you allow more of God's love to flow through your life? What steps can you take to trust God's love more fully, especially in challenging situation? Further reading John 4:14. Isaiah 43:2 Psalm 46:4 Revelation 22:1 , Ezekiel 47:9. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Explore the profound ways the Holy Spirit guides us believers in their faith journey. Delve into 5 transformative aspects of how the Spirit leads us, 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: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're so glad to have you listening. I'm Lynette Kittle. And today's topic is five ways the Holy Spirit leads us. We'll be right back after a brief message from our sponsor. "Five ways the Holy Spirit Leads Us" written and read by Lynette Kittle. "He tells them and I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever." John 14:16.  How do we hear from God? For many we aren't expecting or waiting to hear from him, because we don't believe he will, or even wants to communicate directly with us. But Jesus who walked this world and personally spoke to the masses, tells us repeatedly that he is not leaving us alone, but sending us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will continue to lead us like he did with those who walked with him on earth. Jesus explained in John 14:26, "but the advocate the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Following are five ways the Holy Spirit leads us.  #1: God's Word. Foremost, the Holy Spirit talks to us through God's word, get it off and seems like it's the last place. Many Christians turn to hear his voice. Although the look for him to talk to them through a song or a passing billboard. Turning to his word seems like a last resort for them. Still, not only does the Holy Spirit speak through it, but he inspired it every word. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains how "all scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" as well. The Holy Spirit actively speaks to us now. Through it Hebrews 4:12 describes, "for the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing a soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  #2: His Voice, Hebrews 3:7 teaches that we can hear His voice, leading us saying "so as the Holy Spirit says, Today, if you hear His voice," for most, this is an inward hearing of the Holy Spirit's voice, speaking to our hearts, but nevertheless he is speaking to us, teaching us and reminding us of everything Jesus told us. In John 16:13-14, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit speaks to us. "But when he the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own, he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me, because it is from me, that he will receive what he will make known to you." As Romans 8:16 assures "the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." #3: Through Prayer. Prayer is not just praying to God, but also about letting the Holy Spirit lead us in how to pray. Romans 8:26 explains how,"in the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for. but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us to wordless groans." as well. Ephesians 6:18 urges us "and pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and request. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."  #4: Godly Counsel. The Holy Spirit leads us through Godly counsel, whether through trusted godly individuals we talked to who are led by Him, or by directly leading us. Psalm 16:7 describes how "I will praise the Lord who counsels me even at night, my hearts instructs me." Sometimes he speaks to us to other Christians. is an even at times through dreams while we're sleeping when he has our full and uninterrupted attention. #5 Nature. Many individuals have been led to God through observing and experiencing nature, seeing his handiwork in gaining understanding that there is a Creator who designed and formed at all. Romans 1:20 describes how, "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Still, it's confusing to many believers, how and which person of the Triune God is leading them? The answer is all three in one. They're all three distinct person's yet unified in speaking to us. On Earth Jesus spoke with the father was speaking to him, John 14:31. And the Holy Spirit comes from the Father, speaking to us what Jesus said in John 15:26 Jesus explains, "when the advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me," intersecting faith and life. Ask God to help you see how the Holy Spirit is leading you to impress upon your heart when he is speaking to you, and to open your ears to hear his voice. Further reading a God who doesn't ever leave us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.