The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Vivian Bricker challenges us to take inventory of the things we may have unknowingly placed above God. Drawing from Exodus 32, she explores how even good things—like careers, relationships, or personal goals—can become modern-day idols if they consume our attention and affection. With personal reflection and biblical truth, this devotional reminds us that true worship belongs to God alone, and that letting go of false gods leads us back into alignment with His purpose. ✨ Highlights How modern-day idols aren’t golden calves, but often good things misprioritized Why worry and anxiety can subtly become false gods in our lives The spiritual cost of putting anything above God, even unintentionally A biblical reflection on Exodus 32 and God’s response to Israel’s disobedience Encouragement to surrender idols and return to wholehearted devotion 💬 Join the Conversation What false gods have you had to surrender? Whether it’s success, control, or even anxiety—your story could help someone else find freedom. Share how God led you back to Him and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ReturnToTruth to join the conversation and encourage others to keep God first. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Forgetting Any False “Gods” By Vivian Bricker  “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt’” (Exodus 32:7-8).  There are many false gods in this world today. While we often think of false gods as golden calves, shrines, or other created objects, they can also be in the form of our career, relationships, or appearance. Anything can become an idol if we place it above God. This also includes good things like a spouse, children, or parents. The moment we put something or someone above God, it becomes the “god” in our lives and can cause us to turn away from Christ. As one can imagine, this is not our purpose in life. Our purpose in life is to know the Lord, love the Lord, and make Him known. We won’t be able to do this if we have put other things above the Lord. For example, if we have made our career the god of our lives, we will make it our priority and focus above all else, placing God on the back burner.  Rather than serving the Lord and equipping other believers to know Him, we will become obsessed with our job, deadlines, and how to keep climbing the company ladder. While nothing is wrong with wanting to be successful or enjoy our jobs, we don’t need to place them as more important than God. God is greater than our careers because He is the One who has created us, saved us, and loves us. Our career or any other “god” we have created in our life does not do these things.  Something that I have struggled with is making worry and anxiety the gods of my life. We might not think of these things as false gods; however, when we establish them as our sole focus, they have become our “gods.” You see, I tend to get overwhelmed, stressed, and worried whenever anything goes wrong, and I lose sight of God. I hyper-fixate on the problem, and all I can do is worry and be anxious.  God has shown me many times that this is wrong, yet it is something that I still struggle with. Whenever worry or anxiety starts raising its head as the false gods in my life, I turn to God in prayer, ask Him to give me peace, and to calm my anxious heart. Something about simply asking the Lord to do this brings peace to my heart and gives me the relief that I need. Therefore, whatever has taken the place above God in your life, choose to give it over to Him and rest in His forgiveness.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Exodus 32:7-8 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” The broader context of this passage is that Moses had ascended to the top of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments written on stone and had left Aaron and the Israelites to wait for him. He wasn’t gone for very long when the Israelites engaged in pagan revelry and created a golden calf, which they worshipped and presented offerings to in the form of praise (Exodus 32:1-35). God knew what was happening, and His anger burned against them. Moses descended the Mountain, addressed the people, and soon his anger also burned. The false god they created in the form of a golden calf showed Israel’s disobedient heart. They had turned away from God and made their own “god.” Israel was punished severely for this as the Levites who spoke allegiance to God were commanded by Moses to strike down their own brothers, sisters, and families (Exodus 32:27-29). God also strikes the remaining Israelites with a plague (Exodus 32:35). This shows the severity of following other gods. It will not end well, as it will only cause separation between us and God. As believers, we need to surrender any false gods we have created and return to the true God of the Bible. What false gods have you created? How have false gods led you further away from the true God? How do you think God feels when we create false gods? Further Reading: Exodus 20:3-6 Isaiah 44:9-20 Malachi 3:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? In Half Empty or Half Full?, Megan J. Conner reflects on how our perspective shapes our faith. Through the story of Adam and Eve and the subtle lies of the enemy, she reveals how focusing on what we lack leads to spiritual discontent—and how gratitude and truth can shift our mindset back to the goodness of God. This episode is a powerful reminder that contentment starts with choosing to see abundance, even when circumstances tempt us to focus on what’s missing. ✨ Highlights How the enemy uses subtle deception to shift our focus from abundance to lack Why gratitude is key to spiritual peace and emotional resilience The ripple effects of perspective on our faith, speech, and actions A look at Genesis 3 and Proverbs 18:21 to explore the power of words and choices Practical challenge to build a daily habit of thankfulness and see your cup overflow 💬 Join the Conversation Where have you seen God’s abundance in a place you once saw as lack? Share a moment of gratitude or a shift in perspective and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #GratitudeOverflow to encourage others to keep their glasses full! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Half Empty or Half Full? By Megan J. Conner “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden...? For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:1-5 (NIV) Do you classify yourself as an optimist or a pessimist? Do you see your glass as half-empty or half-full? While we may dismiss these characteristics as simple designations, there is tremendous power in what we think and even greater in what we speak. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (NIV). What we recite over ourselves or rehearse with others has the ability to influence our thoughts, propel our actions, and even dictate our overall mental and spiritual states.  We all know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  We look at their account and can easily cast judgment on their erroneous ways. We can be tempted to think there is no way we would have disobeyed God like they did. They walked with God and talked directly with Him all the time. How in the world could they just turn their backs on Him like that? We flippantly assume that if it had been us in that garden, we would have made a very different decision. Perhaps, before we cast the first stone, we should take a closer look at what might have caused them to boldly sin against God in such a manner. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Gen. 3:1-6 (NIV) What tactic did Satan use to convince Eve that she should disobey God? If Satan had challenged her directly to defy God’s edicts, she likely would have refused. However, his enticement was subtle, not direct. Satan artfully got Eve to see what she lacked rather than what she had. Where there was abundance, she suddenly saw deficiency. On the outside, it seems like such a small shift, yet it produced immense repercussions. It is no different for us today. Our perspectives really do change everything.  Unfortunately, we are very familiar with the long-term effects of Adam and Eve’s poor choice as generation after generation endures the consequences of this sin. However, God did not forsake us (or Adam and Eve). He chose right then and there to pay the penalty for our sins through the death and ultimate resurrection of His one and only Son so that we might be reconciled back to the Father. Yet even in this, we still have a choice. Do we recognize the gift we have been given? Or do we still see the glass as half-empty?  Gratitude is THE key to the peace and contentment we all seek in life. Perspective dictates our daily direction, and it takes intentional effort to look for the good instead of the bad. We all have a choice. No matter how difficult or disappointing our circumstances may seem, there is always something to be thankful for. May I encourage and challenge you today? Look for the good, seek out the blessings that are right there in front of you. I promise, if you go treasure hunting, you will discover riches far beyond your imagination. Your glass really can be full to overflowing. Intersecting Faith & Life: Let’s take a moment and conduct a quick survey of our lives. Set a timer for one minute and, without thinking, write down every single thing you can think of to be grateful for. Once completed, take a look at how many treasures you were able to unearth. Then, I challenge you to take five minutes each day for the next week and see how many more blessings you can add to your list. Let’s commit together to see abundance and not perceived lack. Let’s keep our glasses full! Further Reading: Phil 4:10-13 1 Thes. 5:18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does “home” really mean when nothing on earth feels permanent? In Looking Forward to Home, Lynette Kittle shares a heartfelt devotional exploring how our sense of home shifts as we grow in faith. Through personal stories and Scripture, she invites us to stop anchoring ourselves to physical places and instead long for the eternal home Jesus is preparing for us. If you've ever felt displaced or like you don’t quite belong here, this episode is a beautiful reminder: our true home is with Christ. ✨ Highlights Why a Christian perspective on home goes beyond physical places How moving often can actually deepen your eternal perspective The connection between loss and longing for Heaven Encouragement from Jesus' promise in John 14:3—He’s preparing a place for us Reflection on how Heaven becomes more real as our loved ones go before us 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt like this world isn’t your true home? How has your view of Heaven changed over time? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and share your thoughts using #HeavenIsHome to inspire and encourage others who are longing for eternity with Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Looking Forward to Home By Lynette Kittle “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come”--Hebrews 13:14 When we think of home, what do we think of? What comes to mind, a particular house, or city, or an area of the country or world? Some might quote the popular saying, “Home is where your heart is.” Growing up, my family moved around a lot, so I decided as a teenager that when I grew up and became an adult, I would reside in one place for the rest of my life and never move again. That was my plan. But God had different plans and knew my moving from place to place growing up was preparing me for married life, one where He has kept us on the move, relocating over 30 times and still counting, moving from East to West, South to North, from one end of the United States to the other. Needless to say, my dream of living in one place for the rest of my life didn’t pan out as we waved goodbye to the place chosen to be my “forever home”, as some might call it. Not until years later, after my parents both passed away, did I start to realize that a specific place isn’t what makes a home, but rather the people we love who live there.  While my parents were still living, I loved visiting them in the town I had planned to live out my life, not ever wanting to leave the place and area that felt like home to me. But once they passed away and were no longer living there, my desire to live there passed away, too, where even the draw and appeal of it no longer called to me, not even for a visit.  Still, it was the same place I thought was where I wanted to live out my days. So what has changed my desire so completely? The Apostle Paul explains how, “The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:47), so as His followers, we are changed from residents of the earth to residents of Heaven. In thinking about how my feelings changed drastically after my parents left this world, I considered how Jesus’ disciples and followers may have experienced similar types of feelings with His leaving and absence, like it just didn’t feel like home any longer. Maybe why Jesus assured His followers before His leaving, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). How reassuring Jesus’ words must have been to them, after experiencing His death, resurrection, and ascension, to remember His telling them beforehand that He was preparing a place for them and would come back to take them with Him. What a comfort for His followers, then and now, to hear and know, because our real home is where He is, not a place, but with Him, so to go with Him, is to go home.  As Jesus prayed in John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.” Likewise, Revelation 21:3 describes our future home, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Home really is where our hearts are, where we feel most connected and loved by people rather than a particular physical location. Since my parents left this world, Heaven does seem more like home than it did before. Knowing they are already there with Jesus draws me home. Intersecting Faith & Life:  Where is home for you? Do you feel at home and comfortable here on earth, or are you looking forward to living with Jesus in His home? If the thought of heaven seems too far off, or out-of-reach, ask God to draw you closer to Him.   Further Reading: A Prayer to Look Towards Heaven https://www.crosswalk.com/video/a-prayer-to-look-towards-heaven-your-daily-prayer.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this moving devotional, Angela Anderson shares a real-life story of watching a woman struggle in deep waters—until she surrendered and was rescued. Through this gripping analogy, Angela unpacks the meaning of "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) and how spiritual surrender opens the door to God’s kingdom. When we recognize our deep need for God's grace, we stop striving and allow Him to rescue us. This devotional is a reminder that salvation isn’t about striving harder—it’s about admitting we can’t do it on our own. When we surrender, we experience the richness of God's love, peace, and hope. ✨ Highlights What it truly means to be "poor in spirit" Why surrender—not self-reliance—is the key to spiritual rescue A powerful real-life metaphor for how God saves us when we stop fighting Encouragement for those who feel like they’re drowning in life’s circumstances The immediate promise of kingdom living for those who fully depend on God 💬 Join the Conversation Have you had a moment when surrendering to God brought breakthrough? We’d love to hear your story. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #PoorInSpiritRichInFaith to share how God met you when you let go. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let the Poor Say I Am Rich By Angela Anderson Bible Reading: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (ESV) I stood there in awe with the rest of the crowd. I wanted to scream for help, but I was speechless. I could not believe what I was witnessing, and I was terrified at the thought of a tragic outcome.  There was a woman drowning in the middle of the ocean, and no one was coming to her rescue. She accidentally fell off the pier and she was too far out for even an experienced swimmer to reach her. Her arms were flailing, water was splashing, her head was bobbing up and down, and the crowd just stood there watching it happen. There was a lifeguard nearby, and he was also a silent bystander. I was perplexed. I thought it was the responsibility of the lifeguard to save people from drowning. Why wasn’t this lifeguard jumping in the water to save this woman? A few more minutes went by. It felt like everything was happening in slow motion. I saw the woman begin to get tired. Her arms were no longer moving wildly in the air and the water around her seemed to calm down. Then the worst possible scenario occurred. The woman went under. The crowd gasped in unison. Immediately, the lifeguard dove into the water and within seconds he appeared with the woman in his arms. He swam back to the pier while pulling the woman who was serenely floating alongside the lifeguard. Once they reached the bottom of the pier, they were pulled to safety by a team of rescuers who had just arrived on the scene. Occasionally, I think about that incident and my mind goes back to the moment when the lifeguard saw the woman drowning, but he did not instantly act. It was later explained to me that the lifeguard was waiting for the woman to stop struggling in the water. If the lifeguard jumped in to save the woman while she was still fighting for her life, he might have been pulled down in the chaos, and both may have drowned. The lifeguard could not force or coerce the woman to be saved. Instead, the lifeguard had to wait until the woman surrendered and allowed herself to be saved.  It is the same way with God and His continuous desire to save us. The verse for today found in Matthew 5:3 indicates that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? The word poor in this context does not refer to the lack of material wealth. On the contrary, to be poor in spirit is to recognize your spiritual poverty and your deep need to be saved. There is an awareness that salvation is not something that can be earned. There is an understanding that God’s favor is a gift. There is an acknowledgement that you must depend on God’s grace, rather than rely on your own righteousness, accomplishments, or strength.  For those who are poor in spirit, there is spiritual humility which is the opposite of pride or self-sufficiency. You can freely admit your need for God and His mercy. For example, the tax collector in Luke 18:13 had a heart of repentance when he prayed the words, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This is an outward sign of dependence on God and submission to His will. Once you reach this point in your life, there is an openness to God. You are receptive to the gospel. Only those who realize their need will fervently seek and receive the promise of God’s kingdom. This promise is not a future event. Instead, it is referring to belonging to God’s kingdom in the present. Those who are poor in spirit are reaping the reward of living under God’s rule which is characterized by His grace, peace, and hope. Moreover, it is the foundation of a faithful, grace-filled life. You will experience the richness of His love. To be poor in spirit is to fully surrender. Just like the woman who was drowning, once you accept that you cannot save yourself, you stop struggling and you give God permission to act. Just like the lifeguard, God is patiently waiting for you to be still so that He can jump in and rescue you from the deep waters of your life. Intersecting Faith & Life: Are there areas of your life that you have not surrendered to God? What will it take for you to relinquish control? Further Reading: 2 Peter 3:9                                                                                                                              Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is singleness a gift or a flaw to be fixed? In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker invites us to rethink cultural and even church-based assumptions about being single. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7:7 and Colossians 2:10, she reminds us that single Christians are not lacking—they are complete in Christ. Whether by choice, circumstance, or calling, singleness offers a unique opportunity to deepen our devotion to God and grow spiritually without distraction. Vivian speaks candidly from personal experience, addressing the pain, pressure, and purpose of singleness in a culture that often misunderstands it. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or “less than” because of your relationship status, this reflection will affirm your value and remind you that you are fully known and fully loved. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why singleness is not a flaw—but a God-given gift (1 Corinthians 7:7) The emotional challenges of being a single Christian in a relationship-centered world How Colossians 2:10 affirms that we are already complete through Christ Common misconceptions about single believers—and why they need to change Encouragement to embrace this season (or life calling) with purpose, dignity, and joy 💬 Join the Conversation Have you struggled to see singleness as a gift? Or have you found freedom and growth in this season of life? Share your thoughts by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SingleAndSecure to encourage others walking a similar path. Let’s start a real conversation about what it means to be whole, chosen, and complete in Christ—no matter our relationship status. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Acceptance for the Single Christian By Vivian Bricker “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7).  As a single Christian, I have often been ridiculed. Many Christians view me as something that needs to be “fixed.” What these individuals don’t know is that singleness does not mean you are broken or lacking in any way. Through faith in Jesus, we have been brought to fullness (Colossians 2:10). This means we are not lacking anything in our lives. Since we are given fullness in Christ, there is no reason to be ashamed as a single Christian. It is true that single life can get lonely, and we often feel a lack of love, but it does not mean we are not complete. Many people stay single for various reasons. Some simply choose to stay single in order to be devoted to the Lord, others have bad experiences with dating, and others have never been pursued by someone. It is best not to look down on singles or to make any comments on their singleness because you don’t know why a person is single. People who are single have different feelings concerning singleness. For some, it might be painful; for others, it is a sense of Christian growth and grace. In either case, Christian singles need to be respected and treated equally with other believers. There have been too many occasions where I have been looked down upon because I am a single Christian. These individuals think that if a person is single, they are immature or incomplete. As mentioned, single Christians are complete because we know Jesus and have been given fullness in Him. All Christians, regardless of their relationship status, are worthy, valued, and enough. To say otherwise would be to call Jesus’ love and grace insufficient. As it is, Jesus’ love and grace are more than sufficient, and we are all complete in Him. Intersecting Faith & Life:  Rather than believing lies about singles, it is time to listen to what God says in His Word. While marriage is a beautiful blessing and a gift, singleness is also a gift (1 Corinthians 7:1-40). This is what Paul is saying when he makes the statement, “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7).  In saying this, Paul tells us that each of us has our own gift from God. This would tell us that singleness is a gift and it is a great blessing. By being single Christians, we have much more time to devote to the Lord, go to Him in prayer, and read the Bible (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Our top priority is God, and He always will be.   Rather than seeing singleness as a lesser state, it is important to embrace our singleness. For some, this might only be a season of life, and for others, it might be for the rest of their lives. If you are young and think you are “doomed” to be single, know that singleness is not a curse. As stated, it is a gift. Jesus tells us that we should accept singleness if we can (Matthew 19:12). The Lord is never wrong, and we need to embrace the life He has called us to. The life He has for each of us is amazing, whether that includes marriage or not.  “Dear Jesus, I often struggle with my singleness, and it makes me feel as though nobody will ever love me. Help me to know that I am complete in You and I’m not lacking anything. Please help me to also see singleness as a gift rather than a curse. My life is meant to serve You, regardless of my relationship status. Help me to remember this every day. Amen.” Have you held any distorted views of singleness in the past? The Bible tells us singleness is a gift. In what ways do you see it as a gift in your own life? Singleness can be hard for many Christians to accept. How can you work on accepting singleness in your own life this week?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do we do when we’re walking through spiritual wilderness—those dry, difficult seasons that test our faith and strip us of comfort? In this moving devotional, Megan J. Conner invites us to consider what it means to build altars in the wilderness—not as monuments to our victories, but as places of sacrifice, surrender, and transformation. Drawing from Genesis 22 and the powerful story of Abraham and Isaac, this episode explores the sacred difference between memorials and altars, and how God uses wilderness moments to draw us deeper into trust, humility, and full dependence on Him. If you’re feeling lost, weary, or stretched beyond your limits, this is a tender reminder that God meets us in the wilderness, and often calls us to lay down what’s most precious so that new life can rise. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) The distinction between biblical monuments and altars, and why it matters for your faith What Abraham’s altar moment teaches us about deep surrender and costly obedience How spiritual “wilderness” seasons are often invitations to intimacy and transformation Why humility and sacrifice are central themes of the Christian journey Encouragement that what you lay down in obedience, God often raises up in new life 💬 Join the Conversation What has God asked you to surrender in a season of wilderness? How has He met you in that place? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #AltarInMyWilderness and share a moment when laying something down led to growth, renewal, or unexpected blessing. Your story may be the encouragement someone else needs today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Altars in the Wilderness By Megan J. Conner The phrase “altars in the wilderness” has become somewhat of a Christian catchphrase that has gained popularity over the last several years. The expression sounds deep, compelling, romantic, even. It alludes to a sense of profound destiny, as if connected to some measure of achievement or victory. While marker stones were often set up in the Old Testament to memorialize an act of God’s deliverance or miraculous provision during wilderness wanderings, there is a significant difference between a monument and an altar.  Throughout the Old Testament, we see monuments resurrected through marker stones. Similar to our modern-day statues, granite walls, or marble towers, these memorials were built as a lasting reminder of God’s triumph over an obstacle or enemy, and His divine deliverance of His people. We see examples of this in Joshua chapter four when the twelve tribes stack stones to memorialize the crossing of the Jordan river, and again in 1 Samuel chapter seven when God delivers the Israelites from the Philistines and Samuel erects a memorial called “ebenezer,” meaning stone of help. In both of these references, God miraculously demonstrated love in action as He cared for those who belonged to Him. While faith was required to follow the Lord in each of these scenarios, it was God who was responsible for the work, not man. How different in comparison when we look at the term altar.  Again, the word stirs in us visions of majesty and the divine, but an altar at its core is not a place of glory, but of humility. The word altar, when used as a noun in Hebrew, means “place of sacrifice,” and is derived from a verb meaning “to slaughter, to offer, or to sacrifice.” There is no grandeur here; rather, there is messy, raw surrender. A total and complete resignation of one’s self.  One of the most famous biblical examples of this can be found in the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham waited decades for his promised son, Isaac. Abraham was assured he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. Yet, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son upon the altar of the Lord. Abraham did not fully understand the outcome of this command, but his assurance in the Lord was so unshakeable, he obeyed and trusted God would provide a solution he simply could not see. “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.”  Gen. 22:6-9 (NIV) Take a look at the last sentence. Why do you think Abraham bound his own son? Because he was about to be slaughtered, and a struggle might ensue. Because to lay down one’s life is HARD, even when the heart is willing and there is confidence in the Lord. Ultimately, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Isaac’s life was spared. However, the intense, guttural surrender of both Abraham and Isaac upon that altar is almost incomprehensible. Yet… it was through this sincere act of sacrificial death that God birthed a nation. Just as the crucifixion of Christ continues to offer us resurrection and redemption today. The altar is a sacred place of transformation. As reflected in scripture, these opportunities to lay open our hearts upon the holy ground of self-sacrifice often arise during seasons of wilderness wanderings. Times when the world falls away, during moments of isolation and hardship, when water and sustenance seem scarce.  If you find yourself in a moment such as this, look up and look out. Likely, there is an altar ready and waiting for you in that wilderness.  Will you, like Abraham, offer what is most precious to you in surrender to the Lord? If so, what may appear as death WILL spring forth new life.  “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it,”  Matt. 10:39 (NIV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Deep humility can be difficult. We long to feel validated in our own selves, our own efforts. We pride ourselves on what we can achieve or accomplish. We long to be in control of our own destinies. However, the Kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom. Those who long to be first will be last, and the last will be first (Matt. 20:16). If you find yourself wandering in a wilderness today, know that God is doing a good work in you. He is not punishing or abandoning you, He is calling you into deeper surrender and relationship with Him. Will you heed that call? What can you lay down upon the altar today? Further Reading: Gen. 22 Matt. 10:34-42 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life unravels—through loss, illness, or uncertainty—can we really believe that God works all things together for our good? In this honest and hope-filled devotional, Lynette Kittle wrestles with Romans 8:28 and what it means to trust God when life doesn’t make sense. From unexpected hospital visits to life-threatening moments turned miraculous, this episode reminds listeners that God’s plans are always good, even when our circumstances aren’t. Whether you're facing job loss, grief, or simply feeling crushed under life’s weight, this devotional encourages you to cling to God’s promises and believe that He’s working behind the scenes for your good and His glory. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) What it really means to believe Romans 8:28 in the middle of suffering Why God’s goodness isn’t limited by our understanding of “good” A real-life story of how an unexpected illness led to a life-saving intervention Encouragement to shift from fear and worry to trust and peace How to lean into God’s promises during personal trials and heartache 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever seen God bring good from something painful or confusing? We’d love to hear your story. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #GodWorksItOut and share a moment when God showed up unexpectedly in a hard season—you might just encourage someone else today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Tough Times Come: Believe God By Lynette Kittle “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”—Romans 8:28 It’s easy to say, but when it comes down to it, do we really believe God works all things together for our good, including job losses, broken relationships, natural disasters, accidents, car and appliance breakdowns, bumps, bruises, sicknesses, and more? To think God works horrible and awful things for our good is hard for us to digest and comprehend. It doesn’t make sense to us, or seem possible, and seems to go against the loving, sacrificial God we know. Yet, lately, doesn’t it seem like the Lord is nudging us to take Him at His word and truly believe that He really will work all things together for our good? Remarkably, what we’ll find when we choose to believe His promise, is freedom and relief from fear, worry, regret, and so much more. For most of us, it seems we know the Scripture verse and want to believe it when hard things happen, yet it’s difficult for us to grasp and hold onto it during challenging times, where we’re experiencing loss and pain, and it’s easy for us to fall into fear and worry about how we are going to get through it and what might be coming next. As well, we deal with the pain and grief that accompanies situations, causing many of us, to feel defeated, without hope, vulnerable, and helpless to fix our situations. Even during major events, including natural disaster, loss of loved ones, job lay-offs, and more, we can experience the peace that comes with the Holy Spirit, reminding us of God’s promise to work it for our good, even the things that aren’t at all good in themselves. High Fever Leads to Lifesaving Care Recently, a close friend visited the hospital emergency room with a very high fever of unknown origin. Unable to pinpoint its cause, the physician admitted her to the hospital. Two days later, she passed out, nearly going into a dangerous cardiac arrest with what’s termed “the Widow-maker,” because of its high mortality rate. Had she not been admitted to the hospital, but at home or out and about at the time, the blockage of the largest artery to her heart would most likely have taken her life that day.  Yet, rather, God had her right where she needed to be to receive immediate lifesaving care. Although the high fever wasn’t good, how God worked it for her good was good. God’s Plans for Us Are Good As Jeremiah 29:11 proclaims, God has good plans for our lives. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” God loves us more than we love ourselves, and although we would do almost anything to keep from experiencing hard things in life, He knows that some things are only worked out and developed in us through tough stuff, a truth we don’t want to accept or believe. In this life, many of us have had times when we may ask God “why is this happening?” and “what good could possibly come out of this?”, not understanding why God would allow us to go through such hardships, losses, disappointments, and more. Yet, God loves us, through it all, even when we don’t understand, and as hard as it may seem during those times to do, we can choose to trust Him, remembering God promises that “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you or your family currently going through tough times? If so, believe God has good plans, despite your current circumstances. Ask Him to help you believe that He will somehow, someway, bring good from your losses, sorrows, and difficulties. Further Reading: Will God Really Work All Things Together for Our Good? https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/will-god-really-work-all-things-together-for-our-good-the-crosswalk-devotional.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does divine protection really look like? In this moving devotional, Alexis A. Goring reflects on Psalm 121:7 and explores how God, like a loving parent, shields us from dangers—both seen and unseen. Using relatable stories and Scripture, she reminds us that God's boundaries are not restrictions, but rescue. If you’ve ever struggled with trusting God’s direction or wondered why certain paths are blocked, this episode will reassure you of His loving guidance and constant care. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) Why trusting God’s wisdom protects us from spiritual harm (Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 46:10) How God acts as our ultimate protector—even when we ignore His warnings (Psalm 91, 1 Corinthians 10:13) What it means to follow a “Good Good Father” who disciplines out of love (Hebrews 12:6) The difference between spiritual restrictions and divine rescue Practical encouragement to seek God’s guidance before making life decisions (Philippians 4:7, Psalm 139:16) 💬 Join the Conversation Has there been a time when God protected you—even when you didn’t realize it? Share your story or your favorite “God protected me” verse by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork with #HeavenlyProtector. Let’s celebrate the safety we have in our Good Father together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: A God Who Protects Us By: Alexis A. Goring “The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers.” —Psalm 121:7 (CEV) Did you know there is a God who will protect us and keep us safe from danger? I was reflecting on this Biblical truth one day while observing a professional actress watch over her baby girl as she filmed their day together on social media. Her toddler was acting cute in front of a mirror as she played with a rubber band in her hands. But as soon as her daughter put the rubber band into her mouth, Mom said in a high alert tone of voice, “That’s dangerous!” She put her phone down and went to rescue her daughter, taking the band out of her baby’s mouth before she could choke and die. Just like any good parent would drop everything to save their child from danger, we have a God who will protect us at all costs.  The Bible shows us that God is a good Father who cares about our well-being and safety. He will always be there for us if we let Him. God warns us about danger but sometimes we’re too stubborn and shortsighted to listen. However, God still covers us and protects us.  Another example about how God protects us is a cartoon I saw in a Christian publication many years ago. There was a big fence bordering a plateau on spacious land. A man ran toward the fence shouting that he’s tired of all these restrictions around him. His friend chased after him saying, “Stop! The fence is there to protect you!” But the man proceeded to jump over the fence and fall to his death because he didn’t realize that the fence was protecting people from falling off the steep cliff behind it. I think that illustration rings true for us as mere mortals today. This cartoon reminded me of our human condition. As humans, our wisdom is limited. We can only see so far ahead of us. We can only be wise to an extent. This is yet another reason why we need God. Sometimes, we feel like God is restricting us or keeping us from having fun. When we’re wanting to gratify our fleshly desires and do what feels good or enjoy what looks good in the sinful moments, we cannot see the consequences behind it. So just like the shortsighted man in that cartoon, we rush toward the restrictions, determined to either bulldoze through it or jump over it. But we don’t realize that such a brazen act could end our life. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12 (NLT), “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” This is why it’s so important to trust God and seek His infinitely wise counsel before we make our plans and proceed down any path in life. God wants to protect us but we have to be willing to listen to Him and obey Him. It’s so easy to forge ahead in whatever direction we believe we should go. When we do this, I imagine God as our Heavenly Father shaking His head and perhaps letting out a heavy sigh thinking, “There they go again.” However the good news is, nothing we do ever surprises God. The Bible says He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and He has planned all our days (Psalm 139:16). God knows when we’ll mess up and He’s made provision for our mistakes. He’s also provided a way out of every temptation every time we’re tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13).  God gives us His grace when we make mistakes because He knows we’re not perfect. He forgives us for our trespasses when we repent and ask forgiveness. However, this is not a reason to continue sinning and disobeying God because we still will reap the consequences of our sins. The Bible says God disciplines those who He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Just like our earthly parents discipline us when we’re growing up so that we can become responsible, moral and kind adults, God as our Heavenly Father has our best interest at heart and wants us to become more like His Son (Jesus Christ). There have been times in my life when I thought I knew what was best and pursued that path only to have it hurt me or be a dead end. There have also been times in my life when I prayed to God for wise counsel and was led down the right path. Such as when I was trying to figure out my path in life concerning my career. I sought God’s counsel, and He helped me major in the right field at that time when I was a college student. As I started that journey with God, I felt a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace wasn’t limited to career-related pursuits; God gave me peace every time I chose His plan over mine. He helped me see the wisdom in seeking Him first and asking Him to align my desires with His so I can want what He wants for me.  We all face challenges in this life but when we trust Christ to be our Savior and Guide, we can survive everything we go through. Ultimately, we know that no matter how our earthly existence ends, we who have followed Christ faithfully have an eternal home in Heaven. And in Heaven we will be safe forever. But while we’re here on Earth, we need to remember that our Heavenly Father puts parameters in place to protect us and when we stay within those boundaries and obey His will then we will be safe (Psalm 91). It doesn’t mean that we still won’t have to go through storms in this life, but it does mean that God will stay with us in the storm and protect us as He helps us to arrive safely to our destination.  I hope this message has encouraged your heart. In closing, I’d like for you to listen and reflect on two songs. Song of Reflection #1: “God of All My Days” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/ZYkZE8AogDE?si=zU0jqBy4cE3tf0N5 Song of Reflection #2: “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/CqybaIesbuA?si=WLyvj81JjDp2YiZm Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know God is a Good Father who will always protect us and keep us safe? Have you asked God to guide you? Further Reading: Psalm 27:14 Psalm 32:7 Psalm 46:1 Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 54:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this heartfelt devotional, Vivian Bricker explores the biblical command to care for others—especially the weak, lonely, or overlooked. Drawing on Psalm 41:1-3 and her personal upbringing, she shares how compassion is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of Christ at work within us. If you’ve ever wondered how to serve God more deeply, start by noticing those who need a friend. Highlights (What You’ll Learn): Why caring for the weak reflects the heart of God (Psalm 41:1-3) How compassion flows from a Spirit-led life (John 13:34-35) What Scripture teaches about loving the forgotten (James 1:27, Ephesians 4:32) Practical encouragement to live with empathy, kindness, and a pure heart God’s promise to sustain and bless those who extend love to the vulnerable 💬 Join the Conversation: How have you seen God work through your care for others? Who in your life needs a little extra compassion this week? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #CaringWithChrist and share your story or a favorite verse that reminds you to love like Jesus. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Importance of Caring for Others By Vivian Bricker “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness” (Psalm 41:1-3).  From a young age, my mom taught me the importance of caring for others. If someone was sick, crying, or in pain, I was supposed to help them. If a kid was sitting alone at lunch or playing by themselves on the playground, my mom taught me to be their friend. I actually met my best friend in elementary school by following my mom’s advice, and I have continued to do this without thinking about it. Whenever someone seems hurt, brokenhearted, or struggling, I tend to migrate to them and I’m quickly able to build a friendship with them. I give the credit for this skill to my mother because she wanted to ensure I was a friend to the people who didn’t have any friends. As someone who has often been on the other side of this scenario in my adult years, I have often wished there was someone who would come sit with me when I was alone at the lunch table or silently looking out the window at group events. Sadly, not everyone is taught this same teaching in their childhood. However, there is much that is said in the Bible about caring for others.  The Bible tells us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus tells us we are to love others as He has loved us (John 13:34-35). We are also told to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27). From these teachings, we can see how important it is to God that we care for others. How can we do this if we are turning a deaf ear to their cries for help? As Christians, we are called to love and care for others. Anything short of this is ignoring the Lord’s commands. The love, kindness, and care we extend to others are a natural overflow of our faith. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us bring glory to the Father and the Son by loving others as they have loved us.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Psalm 41:1-3 says, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” As this psalm tells us, we are blessed if we have regard for the weak. This means we will extend care, concern, and compassion to them. Love, kindness, and support will be our priorities toward others.  For those who have regard for the weak, the Lord will deliver them in their time of trouble. Jesus will protect, preserve, and bless them. They won’t be given over to their foes. Instead, the Lord will sustain them on their sickbed and restore their health. All of these are promises made to us when we have regard for the weak. We shouldn’t do these things simply for the promises; rather, we should genuinely want to care for the weak because of the love we have for God.  How wonderful it is to know that Jesus pays attention to our care and concern for others. With the same kindness we have extended to those struggling, the Lord will surround us with protection, preservation, and health. We can take solace in these blessings because the Lord appreciates the love we extend toward others. Doing these things out of a pure heart brings Jesus much joy.  How can you start extending care, concern, and compassion to the weak today? Extending love to others is a natural outpouring of God’s work in our lives. Have you seen this love at work in your own life? How can you have a pure heart when it comes to caring for the weak?  “Dear Lord, please help me to always have regard for the weak. Help me have a pure heart as I help those in need, and allow me to extend the love of You in my actions. My heart is fully devoted to You, and I want to help all people, no matter what they are struggling with or the cause of their weakness. I praise You, Lord. Amen.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Follow the Wind by Megan J. Conner explores how the Holy Spirit often moves like the wind—subtle, powerful, and unseen. Through a vivid moment on a quiet balcony overlooking the ocean, Megan reflects on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:8 and encourages us to embrace the evidence of God’s presence, even when we can’t physically see it. This devotional invites listeners to deepen their faith walk, embrace spiritual discernment, and trust God’s guidance—even when the path isn’t clear. Highlights Reflecting on the invisible but undeniable movement of the Holy Spirit A faith-building reminder that God leads us even when we can’t see the full picture Encouragement to take a personal inventory of areas where faith feels strong versus where doubt creeps in Scripture focus: “The wind blows where it wishes…” – John 3:8 Practical prayer prompt and journaling activity to strengthen your trust in God Join the Conversation Have you ever felt the quiet nudge of the Spirit or seen God’s hand guiding you when the road ahead was unclear? Share your experience and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInTheUnseen. We’d love to hear how you’re following the wind. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Follow the Wind By Megan J. Conner “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV) Warm cup of coffee in hand, Bible and journal in my lap, I greet another new day.  However, today’s view is a bit different.  Rather than my usual wooded scenery, I sit on a warm balcony overlooking the gulf. The ocean and the stunning white shores appear endless from my picturesque perch. Wave after wave crashes, and I am in awe of the sheer power. Who is this God who created such infinite beauty?  I cannot help feeling overcome by the majesty before me. But beneath the grand landscapes, something subtle speaks. There is a whisper of the Spirit that gently beckons within the wind. Have you ever truly considered the wind? It can be a gentle and leading breeze or a forceful and powerful gale. However, because it is an unseen force, it is often overlooked and sometimes even misunderstood. It can be the same with our awareness and understanding of our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. When Jesus explains to Nicodemus, the Pharisee, the mystery of how we must be born again of the Spirit when we come into faith, He uses the natural force of wind as an illustration.  “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV) We accept that the wind exists because we can sense it. We cannot grasp the wind, but we can feel its gentle brush against our skin. We cannot see or taste it, yet fragrance is often a travel companion to a breeze. Though intangible, there is evidence that affirms the existence of the wind. And we readily accept this truth without questioning its validity. The same should be true about the Lord, yet we struggle to believe in what is unseen when it comes to our Heavenly Father. Just like the wind, the reality of a living and active God in our lives is evident, if only we would have the eyes to see. Every day, we journey through our lives in an artistic masterpiece.  Stunning vistas, impressive geological sculptures, complex beings in all of their animate and inanimate forms, nurture our bodies and souls with their beauty and provisions, allowing us to survive and thrive here on this earth. Though visible, these earthly attributes remain hidden by the busyness and noise of all that demands our attention, and the worries that consume our hearts.  It is my prayer today that we quiet our souls, lean in, and listen for that gentle whisper, that fragrant breeze. Our Heavenly Father is here, leading and guiding us down the paths He has for us.  “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Ps. 23:1-2 (NIV) Though He may be unseen and the future foggy and uncertain, it does not mean God is absent or your steps are unplanned. May we, like Nicodemus, hear what the Spirit is saying to us.  May each of us open our eyes and hearts and follow the wind today. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you struggle with putting your faith in the intangible, in things unseen? If so, can you identify what areas in particular you wrestle with? Are there other areas of faith that come more easily to you?  I would like to encourage you today to complete a simple activity.  Spend some time in prayer and ask the Lord to reveal to you which areas you feel secure in faith and which areas of your heart feel mistrusting. Write your two lists down in two separate columns. Once completed, note next to each item the evidence (or lack thereof) that affects your beliefs in that area.  Then, take a step back and look at your comparisons. Do you recognize any trends, or were you able to gain any insights?  How can you utilize the evidence or strategies in your confidence column to help you bolster the areas where you feel weak? I pray that you would have the ears to hear how the Lord is speaking to you through this exercise, and you can take one single step forward in faith as you follow the wind today. Further Reading: Heb. 11:1-3 2 Cor. 5:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.