The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In this heartfelt devotional, look back on life’s milestones—not as random moments, but as powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Inspired by Joshua 4, where stones were stacked as a memorial to God’s miraculous provision, the message encourages us to establish “stones of remembrance” in our own lives. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or a moment of personal breakthrough, every celebration becomes a spiritual marker of what God has done. Highlights: Biblical Encouragement: Reflects on Joshua 4:7 and how God called His people to remember His faithfulness. Personal Application: Through a 25th wedding anniversary celebration, we’re reminded to use joyful occasions as public testimony of God’s goodness. Spiritual Challenge: Encourages believers to boldly celebrate God’s faithfulness, not just in quiet reflection, but in community celebration and witness. Cultural Connection: Highlights how even in modern Christian living, we can reclaim the practice of pausing to praise. “Jesus’ ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at a wedding!” Join the Conversation:What are the “stones of remembrance” in your life? How have you seen God's faithfulness over the years?Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CelebrateGodsFaithfulness. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Celebrate the Lord “These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7 As the DJ played our wedding song, we marched into the banquet hall to the sounds of our friends and family erupting in applause. After celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June, we decided to throw a party to celebrate all that God had done through that time. After we entered the room, I grabbed the microphone from the DJ. I thanked everyone for coming and told them how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family who took time out of their busy schedule to celebrate with us. I then said to them that at the bottom of their favor box, they would find a small stone.  The theme of the party was around Joshua 4, where the Israelites stacked twelve stones together at the place where the Lord had done something significant for their people: “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever,” Joshua 4:5-7. I ended by telling them that this was a celebration of all that God had done in and through us over the past twenty-five years. We wanted to use the party as a stone of remembrance for everyone in attendance. I wanted them not only to rejoice with us and all that God had done through us, but I also wanted to rejoice with them and what God had been doing through them. As I spoke with many of our guests, they shared stories of the things God has been doing over the past twenty-five years.  We all go through periods of great trial and grief. The church is a beacon of light that can be a source of comfort and hope to those who are truly grieving. However, the local church does not always celebrate the milestones and memories of the significant things God has done that deserve celebration. After all, Jesus' ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at wedding feasts!  Jesus wants us to celebrate all the things that God does in and through us. He wants to use it as a testimony to who God is and how God works amid difficult circumstances. Our wedding is a testimony to God's faithfulness. As we chose to be obedient and could feel fulfilled in our commitment to our wedding vows, God was faithful and provided for us in every way during our marriage. Many people shared our triumph, commenting that it was a beautiful tribute to the Lord and a testament to what God had done. Above all, it was an example of love and faithfulness not only to one another but also to the Lord.  God deserves all our praise, honor, and glory. Even in times of celebration, such as a birthday party or wedding, we can attribute all our triumphs to the Lord. We can hold feasts and festivals in his honor. In all these things, God is glorified.  As you look back on your life, are there things to which you can testify to God's goodness? Are there ways in which you can celebrate his faithfulness to you in your life? God deserves all our praise and honor at every moment of our lives, including those of great joy and triumph. The next time you have a birthday party or a special celebration in your family, be sure to attribute it to the Lord. Give your testimony of how God has been faithful to you throughout your life or in your marriage, and you will find that it will be an example to those who have doubts or do not believe. One of the most incredible testimonies we can ever give is to God's faithfulness amid a trial, and that is enough reason to celebrate. Father, let us be people who celebrate often. Let us remember who you are and how you have loved us amid great trials and difficult circumstances. Let us celebrate you, whether it's through your testimony, party, or celebration. Amen.  Intersecting Faith and Life What special events or milestones can you celebrate in your life? What is one thing you can do to celebrate?  Further Reading Psalm 118:24 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a culture that often silences or shames believers, staying bold in your faith can feel exhausting. But Hebrews 12:3 gives us a lifeline: “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” This devotional challenges Christians to stop hiding and start standing—especially when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you’ve faced ridicule, workplace pushback, or quiet pressure to compromise your beliefs, this message reminds you that you’re not alone—and that your strength comes from Christ, who faced opposition and never backed down. Stay firm. Stay faithful. Stay grounded in the One who understands your suffering. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why spiritual endurance is essential when facing rejection for your beliefs How Jesus models faithful perseverance through persecution Encouragement for believers navigating criticism or exclusion for their faith Ways to embrace religious freedom with courage and gospel-centered boldness How to find emotional and spiritual strength in Jesus when you feel weary 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever been criticized or left out because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond—and what did God teach you through it? Share your story to encourage someone else. Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #StandFirmInFaith to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Don’t Grow Weary or Lose Heart By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).  About a year ago, my family and I watched a series called “Torchlighters.” For each episode, they would tell the story of someone who died for their faith in Christ. Most of the time, these individuals were missionaries; however, some were persecuted in their own hometowns. After each episode, I was convicted by their amazing faith. They knew they were going to be persecuted for their faith and even killed, yet they continued serving the Lord. Not many of us are physically persecuted for our faith if we live in America; however, many of us are looked down upon or made fun of because of our faith in Jesus. Sometimes these individuals can take it further and cause problems for us at school or in the workplace. Sadly, this is to be expected. As Christians, the world will hate us. The Lord already warned us of this truth (John 15:18). It can be hard to face this reality, yet it is something we have to do. Being opposed by the world will continue throughout our lives, but we must be strong in the Lord. If we are blessed enough to live somewhere we have religious freedom, we need to take advantage of this opportunity and share our faith freely. Even though schools and the workforce might oppose us, we still have the freedom to share what we believe.  Similar to how a Muslim or a Buddhist could share his or her faith with others, we can share our faith too. As Christians, we need to take hold of this opportunity and truly start living out our faith. There are Christians throughout the world who are dying for their faith in Jesus. They are not tap dancing around whether someone would like them or not after they share the Gospel. Instead, they are boldly sharing the Gospel because of their love for the Lord.  Rather than continuing to be afraid of someone making fun of us or belittling us, we need to start being bold in sharing the Gospel. Jesus knows what it feels like to be mistreated and hurt, yet we often don't turn to Him when we are suffering for our faith. Sometimes, we even blame Him for our pain or hurt. Jesus is not the one to blame, and we don't need to accuse Him of doing wrong.  Jesus is our Savior and Lord. He surrounds us with His comfort, protection, and hope. Whenever others persecute us in any form, we need to run to Him instead of running away from Him.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Hebrews 12:3 tells us, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” As the writer of Hebrews says, we need to consider the Lord, who ensured much opposition from sinners in order for us not to grow weary or lose heart. Being persecuted for our faith can wear us out, but we don't need to lose heart. We can look to Jesus and rest in the comfort that He has experienced the same things as us.  Jesus knows our pain. He knows exactly how we are feeling, and He wants to surround us with His love, peace, and comfort. Whenever we are faced with mean words or comments about our faith, we need to look to Him. Similar to how Jesus remains calm and peaceful, so do we. By thinking of Him during these times, we will not grow weary or lose heart.  “Dear Jesus, whenever people are mean to me for my faith, I feel weary and I lose heart. Please help me to be strong in You. I'm choosing today to look at You when things are hard and to remember that You endured much hardship from people too. I give You all the praise, Amen.” Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? What did this look like? How can you stand confidently in the face of opposition? How can you find comfort in Jesus, knowing that He understands your pain?   Further Reading:  Hebrews 4:15 Matthew 11:28-30 Galatians 6:9-10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When God calls us to something new, our first instinct is often to focus on what we lack—our insecurities, fear of rejection, or the possibility of failure. But Matthew 10 reminds us that confidence in God's calling is rooted not in our abilities but in His presence, power, and purpose. Jesus sent His disciples out with authority, without micromanaging their flaws. His instruction? Be wise, stay pure, and keep moving forward—even in the face of rejection. If you’ve ever felt unqualified or hesitant to pursue a new opportunity, this devotional reminds you that godly confidence is less about perfection and more about obedience. Shake off the dust, trust your calling, and walk boldly into your next assignment. Highlights ✨ God doesn’t wait for perfection—He works through our obedience.✨ The disciples were imperfect but sent anyway. So are we.✨ Jesus’ instruction to "shake off the dust" is a bold reminder: don’t carry rejection into your next opportunity.✨ Confidence in God’s call means focusing more on His power than our past mistakes.✨ Like the disciples, we are chosen, equipped, and sent to make an impact. Join the Conversation Have you ever shaken the dust off and stepped out in faith, even when you felt unqualified? Share your story with us and encourage someone else! Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #CalledWithConfidence to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pursuing Opportunities with Godly Confidence  by Jennifer Slattery As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:12-16 When God invites you to something new, what usually comes to mind first—His empowering and guiding presence within you, or your weaknesses and potential inability to meet the challenges ahead? I’ve shared in other episodes how, when I first sensed the call to speak and write, I felt incredibly anxious, for numerous reasons. Fear of failure, of rejection, or responding to potential rejection in unhealthy ways … In short, I overly focused on myself and under focused on the power and presence of the One calling me.  Perhaps that’s why I find Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in Matthew 10 so thought-provoking and encouraging. To paraphrase, about a year into His ministry, the Lord officially chose the 12 disciples to, according to Mark 3:13-15, spend time with Him, to preach, and to cast out demons. He then demonstrated how to do the very things He’d soon assign to them. They listened to His teaching on the beatitudes, forgiveness, and prayer. They watched Him heal the masses and set the demonized free.  Then, what seems like months later, if that long, He gathered these previously untrained men together, gave them the power and authority to advance God’s kingdom, then sent them out to talk to strangers. About religion, and to find someone, again, a stranger, with whom to stay, for as long as the person allowed.  How’s that for a job assignment?  That would’ve taken significant courage. Granted, they lived in a culture in which people were accustomed to hosting travelers, but still.  I admire their gumption in obeying, seemingly without protest—although based on Mark 3, they knew what they were getting into when they accepted Jesus’ invite. Then again, we probably did, as well. Following Jesus means learning to live as He did, while on earth.  Yet, that’s not what most strikes me about this event. I’m intrigued by the instructions Jesus didn’t give. We don’t see Him pulling Simon Peter, the Foot-in-Mouth guy aside to encourage him to listen more and talk less. Nor does the Bible show Him addressing James’s and John’s temper. If you’re familiar with Scripture, you might remember their nickname, sons of thunder, and the time they wanted to send fire from heaven to destroy a Samarian village.  Instead, He focused on the possible reactions displayed by those they encountered. He called those who responded positively to His message “worthy”, or, as the NIV states, “deserving” and therefore, allies. Those who rejected it, on the other hand, He termed “unworthy.”      Then, as if emphasizing this, He said, in Matthew 10:14, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (NIV). This held cultural relevance well-understood by first century Jews. To quote Bible scholar Craig Keener, “Pious Jewish people returning to holy ground would not want even the dust of pagan territory clinging to their sandals.” This indicates that Jesus wanted the disciples to consider those who spurned their message as Gentiles, and to, in essence, shake off the experience.  He didn’t want them to ruminate on any rejection they experienced or all the ways they’d “failed.” That doesn’t mean the disciples fulfilled their mission perfectly. Nothing in Scripture indicates that was even a remote possibility. The Bible demonstrates, in numerous places, that they were often faithless, at times prideful and focused on elevating themselves rather than Almighty God.  They were about as perfect, or rather, imperfect, as me and you. Yet, again, He told them to “shake off the dust”. To not let the reactions of equally imperfect humans hinder their confidence or mission. Instead, they were to embrace every encounter as chosen, called and empowered children of God who carried the authority of Christ.    Intersecting Life and Faith Imagine what our lives, ministries and impact might look like if we lived anchored in those same truths. When God presents us with a new assignment, we experience setbacks, or people don’t respond to us and our efforts as we’d hoped, what if we honestly acknowledged our errors, but did so with our souls filled with the Lord’s grace.  In other words, what if we gave God’s power and presence at work within us more emphasis than our weaknesses and mistakes? That’s not to say we shouldn’t address and learn from our blunders and flaws, but that we view them from a growth mindset and refused to carry the figurative “dust” of yesterday to thwart our obedience and calling.  Further Reading: Romans 12:6-8 Mark 16:15 Ephesians 2:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler draws a powerful parallel between environmental cleanup and spiritual renewal. Just like small pieces of litter accumulate to cause environmental damage, “little sins”—like gossip, white lies, or procrastination—can add up to serious spiritual harm. This episode reminds us that the seemingly small compromises in our faith walk can spread through our hearts like yeast in dough, impacting our thoughts, actions, and relationship with God. But the good news? Jesus, our Passover Lamb, has already made a way for us to be cleansed and renewed. If you’re wondering how to deal with those “no big deal” moments in your spiritual life—this one’s for you. Highlights ✨ Small sins can have big spiritual consequences – just like yeast spreads through dough (1 Cor. 5:6).✨ Sin left unchecked can damage your relationship with God and others—even if it seems minor.✨ Cleaning out sin is not about legalism—it’s about living in the freedom Jesus offers.✨ Confession, repentance, and grace are the steps to remove “old yeast” from your life.✨ We need the Holy Spirit’s help to see where sin may be subtly growing. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s a small but powerful step you’re taking this week to guard your spiritual health? 📲 Share your reflections and tag us @lifeaudionetwork using #CleanHeartChallenge. We’d love to hear how God is guiding you to clear out the “old yeast” and walk in truth. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Little Sins Can Lead to Big Problems By: Whitney Hopler  “… Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, NIV  Recently, I joined other volunteers to clean up trash in an area near a stream that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Our goal was to reduce the amount of toxic runoff and pollution entering the bay. As I walked along, I picked up little bits of trash like cigarette butts, plastic straws, and discarded pieces of broken toys. Individually, each piece of trash seemed too little to cause much harm. But when I filled a huge trash bag with all those little pieces of trash – and when I saw all the bags that other volunteers were filling with trash – it became clear to me that all those little bits of trash added up to a big problem. They polluted the watershed, harmed wildlife, and contributed to a larger environmental crisis.  Just like a little bit of trash can add up to a big physical problem, little sins can add up to big spiritual problems in our lives.  The Bible makes that point in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 when it describes yeast in bread. We only need a little pinch of yeast when we’re baking. The yeast will steadily work its way through the entire dough, making it rise. The sins we may consider to be little – such as a few words of gossip, a so-called white lie, a quick burst of anger, or procrastinating when God is calling to act on something – might feel minor. We might think those sins are no big deal. But just like a little bit of yeast, even a little bit of sin can spread. If we don’t clean up our little sins, they can affect our entire spiritual well-being by corrupting our thoughts and damaging our relationships with God and other people.  So, how can we “get rid of the old yeast” and live with “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”? We need to first be honest about the reality of sin, no matter how small it seems. We often downplay our mistakes by making excuses or comparing ourselves to others who are sinning more. But God’s standard is holiness. God wants us to be holy by doing our best to live in ways that honor him and reflect his holiness. We also need to regularly confess our sins to God in prayer and repent by turning away from our sins and back toward God. Finally, we need to embrace God’s grace to purify and refresh us. We don’t clean up our lives in our own strength. Jesus is the Lamb of God who has already paid the price for our sins – the big ones and the “little” ones alike. His grace is a powerful force that works within us to transform us.  Just like we have to remove trash from our homes and neighborhoods on a regular basis, we have to regularly clean up the sins in our lives. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to show us the areas of our lives where the “yeast” of sin might be spreading. Then we need to confess, repent, and rely on God’s Spirit to help us change.  When we clean up little sins, we prevent them from becoming big problems, which protects our spiritual health.  Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how little sins can lead to big problems, reflect on these questions: Can you think of a “little” sin in your life that, if left unchecked, could grow into a larger problem? How does the analogy of yeast in dough help you understand the impact of sin? What is one specific “old yeast” (a sinful attitude or habit) that you sense God might be leading you to get rid of this week? How does remembering that “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” encourage you when you think about pursuing holiness? What can you do today to embrace God’s grace and help to clean up and refresh an area of your life? Further Reading 1 John 1:9 Romans 6:1-2 Proverbs 28:13 James 1:14-15 Hebrews 12:1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What would happen if we responded to the Holy Spirit immediately, without delay or second-guessing? In Running Toward the Holy Spirit, Deidre Braley shares a personal story about missing a divine prompting and contrasts it with Philip’s quick obedience in Acts 8. This powerful devotional reminds us that when the Spirit nudges us—whether it's to speak to a neighbor or extend an act of kindness—we are called not just to go, but to run. This devotional encourages believers to practice spiritual attentiveness and cultivate a “yes” mentality toward God’s promptings. If you’ve ever ignored a gentle nudge or wondered if it was really God speaking, this message is for you. Highlights ✅ Obedience to the Spirit: Philip didn’t wait for more context—he ran in obedience (Acts 8:29-30).✅ God's purpose unfolds in motion: Philip’s mission became clear only after he responded.✅ Every nudge matters: Even small promptings—like saying hello to a neighbor—can have eternal impact.✅ We often hesitate: Like Deidre’s real-life example, we can miss Spirit-led moments by overthinking.✅ Practice spiritual sensitivity: Learn to ask, listen, and act when the Spirit leads.✅ Scripture shows us the pattern: Throughout Acts, believers are used mightily when they respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever responded (or missed a chance to respond) to a Holy Spirit nudge? What happened? How did it impact you? 📲 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #RunWithTheSpirit. Let’s encourage one another to listen and move when the Spirit leads. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Running Toward the Holy Spirit: A Lesson from Philip and the Ethiopian Official by Deidre Braley  Acts 8:26-31: Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,“Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.  I live on a small, private lane with only two other houses, and today, I missed an opportunity to love my neighbor well.  Here’s how it happened: It was lunchtime, so I took a break from my desk, pulled on my sneakers, and stepped outside to take our dog for a walk. We took a stroll down the lane, and when we walked by our neighbor’s house, I noticed he was outside on his deck, grilling his lunch.  The Spirit nudged me, saying, “Go up and say hello.” Now, I wish I could say I zipped right up his driveway and popped in for a friendly chat, but do you know what I did instead? I said, “Lord, I don’t think that was you, right? I don’t have much time. I don’t want to bother him. He probably doesn’t even want to talk to me.” And then I walked right past his driveway and continued on with my day.  But as I walked, I could feel the Spirit continue to nudge me. I knew he had spoken to me—and that he had wanted to use me—but I had refused. I didn’t know why he had wanted me to say hello to my neighbor, but I had a sense that it was important. I resolved that if he was still outside when we got back from our walk, I’d go up and say hi. But when we returned, he was already gone.  How should we respond when we feel the Spirit prompting us? The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in the book of Acts may lead us to believe that the answer is…immediately!  In this story, the apostle Philip—following the leading of the Lord—went down into the desert. While he was there, a chariot passed by, carrying a court official of the Ethiopian queen. In this moment, the Spirit nudged Philip, saying, “Go over and join this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Now, did Philip hem and haw and say, “Lord, I don’t know this man, so may I please just go on with my day?” Of course not. Rather, Scripture says that “Philip ran to him” (Acts 8:30, emphasis mine).  Even before he knew what God would have him say to this man—or why he was asking him to interact with him in the first place—Philip responded in immediate obedience. He heard the word “go,” and so he ran.  When he got to the chariot, he found that the Ethiopian was reading the book of Isaiah and—lo and behold—could not understand it because he’d had no one to explain it to him (Acts 8:30-31). Philip’s purpose immediately became clear, but it was only after he followed the prompting of the Spirit to approach the man in the first place.  Intersecting Faith & Life  So what does this teaching mean for us?  It’s simple, really. When we feel the prompting of the Spirit to talk to someone, to smile, to pay for a stranger’s coffee, to drop off a meal, we needn’t hem and haw and wonder whether he’s really asked us to do it. These are all opportunities to love our neighbors well, and so we can respond in the same way Philip did: we can run. The Spirit will give us the information we need as we go along; our job is only to listen and follow.  If you are truly conflicted about whether the Spirit has asked you to move, it’s okay to ask. You can say a simple prayer, like, “God, was that you? Are you asking me to [insert what you felt the Spirit nudging you to do]?” Then, wait and listen. The Spirit is faithful to respond.  Further Reading  Today, consider reading other stories from the book of Acts when God’s people listened and responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 10 Acts 13:1-12 Acts 27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever tried to distance yourself from someone you’ve wronged—dodging interactions, avoiding gatherings, or putting on a smile while hiding the discomfort inside? “Are You Hiding?” explores the spiritual tendency we all share: hiding from God when we know we've fallen short. Through the lens of Adam and Eve’s story in Genesis, this devotional reminds us that God doesn’t abandon us in our shame—He comes looking for us with love, not condemnation. This message is for anyone who has drifted from God, avoided spiritual disciplines, or felt too ashamed to draw near again. God is not hiding from you—He’s calling your name. Highlights Hiding from God is a deeply human response to sin, rooted in fear and shame (Genesis 3:10). We may avoid Scripture, church, or prayer, thinking we can escape conviction—but God always sees us and still desires relationship. Even when we distance ourselves, God pursues us, calling out just as He did in the Garden: “Where are you?” Like the prodigal son (Luke 15), restoration comes not through hiding, but in returning with a surrendered heart. Fig leaves of distraction—our modern ways of covering sin—can’t replace the healing power of repentance and grace. When we stop running and respond to God, He covers our shame with love, mercy, and forgiveness. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt distant from God because of guilt or shame? What helped you find your way back? 📲 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story using #NoMoreFigLeaves. You never know who might find healing through your honesty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Are You Hiding? By Megan J. Conner “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees. Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” Gen. 3:8-10 (NLT) Can you recall a time when you purposely evaded someone because you had wronged or harmed them in some way? You decline invitations to events because you know they will be in attendance, or if being present together is unavoidable, you walk to the other side of the room when they arrive, pretending to be busy with an important task. Perhaps this individual is completely unaware of the offense you carry in your heart, so they continue to pursue relationship with you and are clearly confounded by your distance. It would be better in the long run to have the much-needed hard conversation and make amends, but fear holds you captive.  At the moment, it feels easier to hide. But is it really?  Because we are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27) each and every one of us knows the difference between right and wrong. A measure of the Holy Spirit resides in every soul. Secular views coin this internal conviction as a conscience that measures and judges the motives of our hearts. Regardless of title or worldview, it is evident that humanity carries within them an organic sense of morality.  Think of a child at a very young age who desires a toy or an object they have been told they cannot have. Even though they know they aren’t supposed to have it, they will plot and plan a way to obtain it.  And once they have it in their possession, what is the first thing they do? They run away and hide.  Child or adult, none of us is any different. For thousands of years, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, when we willfully choose to sin, we separate ourselves from our Creator. We retreat; we go into hiding. Perhaps we stop reading our Bibles, stray away from godly relationships with others, or maybe even avoid attending church or other faith-based gatherings. Somehow, we deceive ourselves into believing this distance shields us from the knowing eyes of the Lord. But the truth is, we are only covering ourselves with fig leaves.  “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.” Gen. 3:6-7 (NLT) The allure of sin, paired with the deception of the enemy, convinces us that we should not only give in to the desires of our flesh, but that when we do, God is not aware of misgivings. Even further, we should run away from Him rather than towards Him. Similar to our relationships with others, if we avoid reconciliation, we will continue on in a state of unsettledness – of discomfort. Relief will only come once we repent and return to right relationship with the Lord and others.   God knew exactly where Adam and Eve were in the garden that day.  He did not need to call out to them to learn of their mistake. Though they distanced themselves, He went in search of them. Like the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to recover the one who has wandered away, so too does the Lord pursue us when we hide away from Him. And when He approaches, all we have to do is humbly surrender, and He will cover our shame and draw us once again into His loving arms.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel distant from the Lord today? Are there areas of your heart you are hiding from Him? I encourage you to take a look at the passages provided for further reading and see how God not only pursues us when we run away from Him, but also how He clothes and heals us when we return.  There is no need to hide. Return to Him. He is ready and waiting to embrace you today. Further Reading: Gen. 3 Matt 18:10-14 Luke 15:11-32 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Grief can be blinding. When sorrow settles over our hearts like a heavy fog, even the truth can be hard to see. In this heartfelt devotional, Sarah Frazer shares how grief can cloud our belief—just like it did for the disciples when they couldn’t accept Jesus’ resurrection. This message gently reminds us that even when we feel spiritually numb, God’s presence is near. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, lasting comfort and faith are still available to us—even when we feel broken. Highlights Grief can cloud faith, just as it did for Jesus’ disciples after the crucifixion. When loss or sorrow overwhelms us, we may struggle to believe God is still good—or still near. Mark 16 shows how even those closest to Jesus had moments of unbelief in their grief. God's presence—through the Holy Spirit—is our source of strength when belief is hard to muster. Jesus blesses those who have not seen, yet still believe (John 20:29). That’s us today. We are not alone in our sorrow. The Holy Spirit comforts, assures, and strengthens us through seasons of suffering. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever experienced a time when sorrow made belief difficult? What helped you feel God’s presence again? 👉 Share your story by tagging @lifeaudionetwork and using the hashtag #BeliefInTheStorm. Let’s encourage one another to keep believing, even when it’s hard. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Sorrow Clouds Belief By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: “But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.” Mark 16:11 (ESV) Devotional My heart dropped at the news. Again!? That word echoed in my head as I read through the social media post. In just two years two young men had passed away who attended the same church. Again a family grieved the sudden loss of a son and brother. Again a church mourned the pain of a life cut too short.  Sorrow seemed to follow them and my heart ached to help in some way. It seemed all I could do was pray, but I knew that prayers were also powerful. At first I prayed that the people would be comforted. But then I began to pray that the people would believe. Yes, I prayed for the comfort of these families who were suffering, but also for church’s belief to remain strong.  Over the years I’ve faced many sorrowful events in my own life. Death, illness, broken dreams, and struggles not fit for social media. In the midst of the hardest days, belief is hard to come by. During one hard season I read this verse in Mark 16 about the disciples. “But when they [the disciples] heard that he [Jesus] was alive and had been seen by her [Mary Magdalene], they would not believe it.” Mark 16:11 On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, the women came to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty. At first the disciples and the women didn’t know what this meant. They were still grieving. When I read that verse in Mark 16:11 I realized that maybe the disciples couldn’t believe the truth about Jesus’ resurrection because they were still grieving.  Have you ever experienced such a sorrow, so deep and wide, that you doubted the faith you’ve held for so long? I know that the enemy likes to prowl and pounce on us when we are at our weakest, and during times of sorrow we are often clouded by grief and we struggle to believe.  Maybe you are in a season right now that feels too overwhelming, too hard, and filled with too much grief. I pray that you will not be like the disciples and harden your heart to unbelief. Jesus’ death was fresh on their hearts and minds. I think we can all identify with the followers of Jesus in those first few days. They struggled to believe and understand and sometimes grief can’t be explained.  The women had seen Jesus’ tomb, Mary Magdalene had seen Jesus alive, but the disciples, hiding in a room, struggled to make sense of the death of Jesus. In our grief we try so hard to make sense of it. We want to know why. But so often, in the middle of my my grief, it is less about why, and more about Who. Who is with me?  It says in Mark 16:12-13, “After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.” Again eye-witnesses told the disciples that Jesus was alive! How many times do people come to us, in the middle of our grief, and try to comfort us with truth.  Sometimes truth is hard to believe when we are sorrowing, and that is ok. What changed for the disciples? Jesus appeared to them. It was His presence that they believed. How I wish we could all experience the physical presence of Jesus here on earth, but we live in a different time.  Jesus referred to this time, in the Gospel of John, as actually a time of something better. We do not have Jesus’ physical presence today, but we have God’s spiritual presence available to us always! The Holy Spirit lives in each believer. Once we give our lives to Jesus and become a child of God, God’s spirit resides in us - God’s very presence.  It might feel like we are all alone, but we are not. We can choose to believe, even in the middle of our sorrow, that God has not left us. What fuels our belief is choosing to trust God’s presence is with us in the Holy Spirit. The disciples had Jesus’ physical presence, and that was when their belief rose up.  We have the presence of the Spirit of God always with us, and it has the power to give us all of the comfort and belief we need for today.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Thomas is known as the doubting disciple. Only until he physically saw Jesus did he believe. Listen to Jesus’ words: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” That is you and me! Use one of the verses below to read and meditate on today, choosing to believe that God is with you, even in the midst of sorrow.  Further Reading: John 16:22 Psalm 30 2 Corinthians 4:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a culture obsessed with fixing weaknesses, Whitney Hopler invites us to shift our focus to our God-given strengths. Drawing from Romans 12:6-8, this devotional encourages believers to identify, celebrate, and use their unique spiritual gifts and talents instead of dwelling on flaws. Embracing your natural strengths not only aligns you with God’s design but also empowers you to serve more confidently and effectively in your personal and professional life. Highlights Many people spend too much time trying to fix weaknesses, losing sight of the powerful strengths God has given them. Formal strength assessments or simple reflection can help you discover your unique spiritual gifts and natural abilities. Romans 12:6-8 encourages using your strengths faithfully rather than obsessing over weaknesses. God’s purpose for you is best fulfilled when you lean into what you’re naturally good at, making a greater impact for His kingdom. Focusing on your strengths leads to greater confidence, wise decisions, and freedom to be your true self in Christ. Strengths-based living helps overcome weaknesses without becoming paralyzed by them. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you discovered your God-given strengths? How has focusing on your strengths changed your outlook or actions? 👉 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and use #StrengthInFaith to share your story or insights. Let’s inspire each other to live boldly in our unique gifts! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Focus on What’s Strong, Not Wrong By: Whitney Hopler  “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:6-8, NIV  The well-being center where I work at George Mason University manages a popular program where students and employees take free assessments to learn what their personal strengths are and how to use those strengths well. We’re currently training students to be “strengths counselors”, as well, so their fellow students can get help from their peers to use their strengths to the fullest, both personally and professionally. Often, we hear from the people we serve that they had focused mostly on their personal weaknesses before they learned to focus on their strengths instead. They had worried about their weaknesses and limited their plans because they lacked confidence. But the more they paid attention to their strengths, the less their weaknesses limited them, and the more they were able to accomplish in every part of their lives.  Many people are taught from a young age to identify their weaknesses and to work on them, to fix what’s supposedly wrong with them. Maybe that happened to you. While it’s true that you can always grow and improve, focusing on your flaws can prevent you from seeing and using the unique strengths God has given you.  But what if you changed your focus? What if, instead of dwelling on what you perceive as “wrong” with you, you started celebrating and developing what’s strong with you? God has given you a unique mix of strengths for a purpose, and he wants you to use them!  Romans 12:6-8 urges you to identify your God-given personal strengths and put them into action. It doesn’t advise you to work on your weaknesses. Instead, it says to figure out what you’re naturally good at doing, and then do it!  God, your Heavenly Father, has designed you uniquely. When you spend too much time and energy trying to fix something that isn’t your natural strength, you might miss out on the incredible impact you could be making by using your God-given talents. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t pursue lifelong learning or overcome challenges. Of course, you should! But it’s important to have the confidence, and positive impact, that God wants you to have.  You can start to put your strengths into action by identifying them first – either through a formal assessment like people at my university do, or just by reflecting on what comes naturally to you, what you enjoy, and what others often say you’re good at doing. Then, you can embrace your uniqueness by letting go of comparisons and celebrating the distinctively wonderful way God has designed you. Finally, ask God to help you live into your purpose by giving you opportunities to use your strengths in every part of your life – your relationships, your work, and more.  As you use the strengths God gave you, he will help you overcome your weaknesses, so you won’t have to worry about them. When you focus on what’s strong, not wrong, you line yourself up with God’s design for your life. You can enjoy the freedom of being who you’re meant to be, and you can make wise decisions with confidence.  So, stop worrying about what you think is wrong with you, and start celebrating what’s strong with you!  Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how it’s important to focus on your God-given strengths, reflect on these questions:  What are some of your natural strengths that you often overlook or take for granted? How has focusing on your weaknesses held you back in the past? When was the last time that you put one of your strengths into action? What happened as a result? What can you do this week to use one of your God-given strengths? How can embracing your strengths more fully help you to serve God and others in new ways?  Further Reading 1 Peter 4:10 Ephesians 2:10 Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 12:9 Proverbs 18:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you searching for lasting peace amid life’s storms? Stress, anxiety, and uncertainty are common struggles, but the peace Jesus offers is unlike anything the world can give. In this devotional, Vivian Bricker shares how the peace of Christ surpasses temporary fixes and brings lasting transformation. Through trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord, we can experience a profound peace that calms our hearts even in difficult times. Highlights The world offers fleeting relief through self-help tips and distractions, but Jesus offers lasting peace that truly satisfies (Philippians 4:7). Accepting Jesus as your Savior—believing in His death and resurrection—is the key to receiving His peace (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 3:1). Jesus’ peace does not fade or get taken away, even when life feels chaotic (John 14:27). You can surrender your worries, anxieties, and fears to Jesus and find rest at His feet (John 16:33). Lasting peace often grows gradually; remain open-hearted and patient as Jesus works in your life. Counseling and therapy can coexist with faith, complementing the peace Jesus provides. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced the peace of Christ in your life? How do you handle anxiety and stress with your faith? 👉 Share your story with us on Instagram and tag @lifeaudionetwork using #PeaceInChrist.Tell us: What does lasting peace look like in your life? How has trusting Jesus helped you overcome anxious moments? What advice would you give to someone seeking peace today? 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Can Jesus Give Lasting Peace? By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Have you ever felt so stressed out that you were at your breaking point? Maybe you were going through a divorce, you failed a test at college, or you simply felt anxious about the future. Did you know that it doesn’t have to be this way? If somebody told you today that you could have lasting peace, would you accept it? The truth is that you can have lasting peace, but the only way is through Jesus Christ. The world today tries to give us temporary highs or self-help tricks to keep our minds off our stress and anxiety, but these quick fixes never last. While some of these techniques and tips can benefit us and we should utilize them, we have to know that they are not the same as Jesus’ peace. However, therapy should be continued and endorsed within the Christian community. We don’t need to believe that counseling and Jesus cannot co-exist, because they can.  Nonetheless, Jesus wants you to have the peace that only He can offer you. When you truly have the peace of Jesus, your life will be transformed, and you will feel a peace that you have never experienced before (Philippians 4:7). This peace will wash over you and provide your weary heart with what it needs.  We can obtain Jesus's peace by trusting in Him and giving all control to Him. We do this when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord. Accepting Him as your Savior and Lord consists of believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). After you believe that He is God and that He died and rose again, you become a child of God, and this is where peace begins (1 John 3:1). Everyone is looking for peace, but often in the wrong places. Jesus gives the peace that surpasses understanding. He wants you to come to Him and have peace. He never wants you to feel weighed down by the anxieties of life. Jesus gives lasting peace, and His peace begins as soon as you accept Him. This peace isn’t something that is hard to obtain, as it is freely given by the Lord Himself.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus has given us will never fade away nor can it be taken away. Even if everything around us is falling apart, His peace still remains. While it might take some time before you fully embrace His peace, it is already waiting for you. Go to Him today and tell Him about your feelings. All of your anxieties, worries, and fears, lay them at His feet. Jesus knows this world is full of hardships and troubles, and He is always more than happy to help us. As Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  Even amidst the troubles, Jesus still reigns, and His peace is still shining bright. This is the beauty of His peace. We will feel more at ease by knowing the Lord, fully trusting in Him, and patiently waiting on Him. This doesn’t mean that we will never be anxious again, but it does mean that Jesus can calm any storm, even the storms of our minds and hearts. Submit yourself to Him today and rest at His feet.  With time, you will see His peace wash over you. It may come in small increments or right when you need it. Keep an eye out for His peace and fully embrace it. It is possible to resist Jesus’ peace; therefore, make sure you are keeping an open heart and open mind to Him.  Do you believe that obtaining lasting peace is possible? Why or why not? Will you make the decision today to have lasting peace by accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Is there something holding you back from accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Further Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 1 Peter 5:7 Romans 5:1-2 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deidre Braley, a passionate writer of a transformative devotional, discusses Peter's journey from confidence to denial. She highlights how Jesus uniquely understands our hearts and potential, often seeing what we cannot. The conversation emphasizes the importance of divine timing and the significance of patience in our faith journeys. Braley encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences of feeling overlooked and the growth that can arise from waiting on God. Her insights provide a comforting reminder that God's plans for us are rooted in mercy and foresight.