The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Tragedies can be sudden, shocking, and heartbreaking—but they also remind us of life’s eternal reality. In Why Tragedies Lead Us to Eternity, Lynette Kittle reflects on 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 and explores how witnessing or experiencing loss can point us to the hope we have in Christ. Listeners will be encouraged to consider their eternal destination, understand the gift of salvation, and trust that Jesus has conquered death, offering everlasting life to all who believe. This episode is essential for anyone seeking clarity, comfort, and assurance in the face of life’s fragility. ✨ Highlights 2 Corinthians 2:15-16: Christians are the aroma of Christ to the saved and unsaved 1 Thessalonians 4:13: Comfort for those grieving with hope in Christ Hebrews 2:9: Jesus’ death and resurrection bring eternal life to believers Eternal choices: Daniel 12:2 and Matthew 25:46 explain the reality of judgment The futility of trying to cheat death vs. the promise of resurrection through Jesus John 5:24, John 8:51, John 11:25-26: Belief in Christ ensures victory over death Reflection: Do you know where you will spend eternity? 💬 Join the Conversation Have you considered how sudden tragedies point to the hope we have in Jesus? How does trusting Him change the way you live today? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #EternalLife #TrustInJesus #ChristianHope #SalvationInChrist to encourage others to embrace the gift of eternal life. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Why Tragedies Lead Us to Eternity  By Lynette Kittle  “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”--2 Corinthians 2:15-16  Our nation has witnessed some horrific tragedies including fiery plane crashes, destructive fires, devastating floods, explosive tornadoes, and more. In all of these, we’ve witnessed individuals’ lives end in an instant, with no prior warning, leaving this world in a moment’s notice and headed for eternity. Christians whose loved ones pass away have the hope of seeing them again, in eternity. But to those who don’t believe and haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior, there is no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, explains, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” The Good News is that Jesus has tasted death for us, so we don’t have to, and those who perish knowing Christ, move from life to life, walking into their new forever lives in a second. Hebrews 2:9 explains, “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Bystanders to Tragedies Can Still Choose Being witnesses and bystanders to these tragedies leads us to eternity. Even if we don’t know those who are leaving this earth, their passing lives remind us that we need to be ready for it.  Some individuals aren’t worried about dying, believing that their lives will just cease to exist at death, an eternal oblivion. But life continues after physical death, whether we accept Christ or not, our life will continue eternally. It’s just a matter of where we choose to live it. Daniel 12:2 describes what is to come: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” In Matthew 25:46, Jesus describes what happens, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Cheaters Never Win Others believe they can cheat death and live forever, hard at work trying to stop it from happening to them. But Hebrews 9:27 says it’s appointed unto each man to die once, so humans on earth are wasting their resources, time, and efforts trying to escape death.   As the Scripture explains, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” But Jesus gives us a free pass from death and all we have to do is to accept His gift of eternal life, but if we reject it, then we’re on our own.  As 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 explains, “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Scripture makes it very clear, explaining over-and-over again how it works. Jesus said in John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” Again, in John 8:51, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys My word will never see death.” How much more clear could He make it, saying yet again in John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” So the question for us to answer today is, “Do we believe?” If so, then we don’t have to worry or be concerned about sudden danger, tragedy, and death because our eternity is already settled. We are ready for eternity without a moment’s notice. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you should die today, or tomorrow, or next week, do you know where you will spend eternity? If not, you can settle your eternal destination right now, by receiving Jesus’ gift of Salvation, received through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. Further Reading: How Do We Tell Others About Christ? https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/how-do-we-tell-others-about-christ.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Obeying God rather than man is one of the most vital choices in the Christian life. Acts 5:29 reminds us, “We must obey God rather than human beings!”—a truth that calls believers to stand firm in faith, walk in obedience, and trust God’s authority above cultural pressures or human approval. In It Is Better to Obey God Than to Obey Man by Vivian Bricker, we explore why obedience flows from love, how fear is replaced by faith, and why following God leads to freedom, joy, and spiritual growth. This episode is perfect for listeners seeking encouragement in Christian living, strength to resist temptation, and clarity on what it means to obey God daily. ✨ Highlights Acts 5:29: Peter and the apostles boldly declare obedience to God over people Why fear of man fades when we trust in God’s love and protection (Psalm 118:6) Obedience rooted in love, not fear—John 14:15 and God’s heart for His children Practical encouragement for standing firm when pressured by others The dangers of obeying man over God and drifting away spiritually How submitting to God brings true joy, freedom, and a stronger relationship with Him 💬 Join the Conversation Who are you obeying—God or man? How can you live out obedience to God in your daily choices with courage and joy? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ObeyGodNotMan #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction to encourage others to walk boldly in obedience to the Lord. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: It Is Better to Obey God Than to Obey Man By: Vivian Bricker “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29).  Each day, we have the choice of whether we will obey God or obey man. Many of us are fearful of other humans, but in truth, we shouldn’t be afraid of them. May we all echo the words of the psalmist, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). Rather than being afraid, we can live freely in obedience to God.   Many believe this means we should be afraid of God, but this isn’t what God wants. He doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him. He wants us to respect Him, obey Him, and love Him.  Fear doesn’t last, but love always does. If we genuinely love God, we will obey Him (John 14:15). Our hearts will be devoted to God alone, and we won’t have a desire to obey man over God’s commands. Living in obedience to Him will bring about our greatest good. Walking in obedience to God is based on love and His work in our lives. It can take some time to walk in obedience with the Lord fully; however, as long as we are trying to walk according to Him, we are going in the right direction. We will never be perfect, so we will all still continue to sin throughout our lives; however, our lives will change when we actively choose to obey God rather than man. Whenever we are faced with the decision of obeying God or going along with whatever a person tells us to do, we need to stand our ground. While we don’t need to be angry or hostile to others, we need to stand up for the Lord and remain faithful to Him. If we choose to obey mankind over God, we will fall into many temptations and sins. Submitting to them and treating them as our ultimate authority will only lead us further away from God. This alone can drastically affect our relationship with the Lord. Rather than growing in our relationship with Him, we will drift away with the world. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29). As believers, we need to follow what Peter and the apostles say here: first and foremost, we must obey God. There is no reason for us to obey humans if they are not in agreement with the Bible. Obeying God is not a chore or something to dread. Everything He has taught us in the Bible is to help us. God isn’t a killjoy or a malevolent ruler who wants to control us. Instead, He is our loving, caring, and kind Father who wants the best for us. Submitting to Him and obeying Him will help us have more joyful lives. Who are you obeying: God or man? How might you start obeying God rather than man? How can you keep yourself accountable for walking in obedience with God rather than the world?  Further Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22 Proverbs 3:5-6 Luke 6:46-49 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you ready for the return of Christ? The Book of Revelation reminds us that Jesus will come again, and every thought, word, and deed—both public and private—will be revealed before Him. In Are You Ready for the Lord?, we reflect on Revelation 1:3 and explore how God’s warnings to the seven churches still call us today to live faithfully, repent of sin, and prepare for eternity with Him. Perfect for listeners seeking hope, guidance, and clarity about the end times, Christian accountability, and walking in readiness for the Lord’s return. ✨ Highlights Revelation 1:3: a blessing for those who read, hear, and take to heart God’s prophecy Why Revelation reveals both encouragement and warnings for the church How God’s omniscience uncovers both our good works and our hidden sins The promise of Christ’s return and the hope of eternity in heaven What the seven churches teach us about living faithfully today Reflection: Are your deeds pleasing to God, or in need of repentance? 💬 Join the Conversation Are you living ready for Christ’s return? What does preparing for eternity look like in your daily life? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithAndEndTimes #ChristianLiving #ReadyForTheLord to encourage others to stay watchful and walk in faith until the day He returns. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Are You Ready for the Lord? “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3. “Ready or not, here I come!” I would shout these words with my friends as we played the classic game of hide and seek as kids. Whenever I went over my friend's house or got to choose what we played at recess, hide and seek was one of my favorites. Because I was so small, I could hide in various places around the playground or around my friend's house. With great anticipation, I waited as I heard my friend's footsteps coming frantically, trying to find me.  Once, I hid in my friend’s pantry and ducked under the high shelves filled with canned goods. When they couldn't see me, I hollered, “Here I am!” I ran to my friends, grinning from ear to ear at the realization I had tricked them into not finding me.  Although I would love to hide from God, regarding my deepest secrets and sins, God's omniscience and sovereignty always reveal them to me. He always knows exactly where I'm hiding: my thoughts, words, and deeds, both publicly and privately. The book of Revelation is a retelling of just that. God, seeing the church's deeds done both openly and privately, knows the places where they're strong, but also where they are weak.  The Apostle John writes the Book of Revelation as the prophetic uncovering of the church’s most extraordinary deeds. In a sense, the Book of Revelation is like John repeating those fateful words the person tasked with finding their hidden friends in the game of hide and seek must utter aloud: “Ready or not, here I come!” But the Lord, in his sovereignty and grace, gives us ample time to get prepared. The book of Revelation is to prepare the body of Christ with the understanding that Christ will come back again someday. Although no one is sure exactly when he will return, Revelation is clear that the Lord will come down on the clouds and you will rise with him to spend eternity with him in heaven.  Although this will be a joyous day when we get to unite with our savior, we will also become accountable for all our deeds, both public and private. The worst sins are covered under the blood of Christ’s atonement; we will receive rewards in heaven based on how we choose to live our lives.  God gives John these visions of the seven churches because all of us can relate to and see ourselves in both the good and bad deeds that John reveals. The Book of Revelation is not meant to scare us or make us afraid of God. Rather, it is a warning to make sure we're living lives worthy of Christ both in thought and deed.  Take a moment and analyze the words John uses to both encourage and admonish each of the seven churches. First, John always tells them what they are doing well. Then, he lets them know the places where they are falling short. Then, he ends with other things that they are doing well that the Lord most enjoys.  It will be the same with us in the last days. The Lord will point out all the things that we did well. However, he will also hold us accountable for the reasons behind our actions. Whether we committed a particular act or refrained from standing up for doing what is right, all our deeds will be exposed and judged accordingly.  Although the Book of Revelation is targeted toward specific churches, take a moment and think about your own deeds. Would your thoughts be something that pleases him, or something for which he must admonish?  In Revelation, one thing is clear: Regardless of whether we understand fully the symbolism outline, God will one day return to be united with his children. Are you ready? Father, let us be people whose deeds are pleasing to you. Let us analyze our deeds, done both publicly and privately. Let my words and deeds be things that you would find attractive, and not ones that would prompt a letter of rebuke.   Intersecting Faith and Life Are there deeds in your life for which you need to repent? What can you do to do that? Further reading 1 Thessalonians 4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christian emptiness can feel overwhelming, but in Christ, our emptiness becomes the very space He fills with His presence and peace. In How Emptiness Fills Our Souls, Peyton Garland shares her journey through OCD, therapy, and discovering how God uses our broken places to reveal His love and healing. If you’ve struggled with loneliness, anxiety, or spiritual dryness, this episode offers encouragement to see emptiness not as the end, but as the beginning of God’s work of restoration in your life. ✨ Highlights Ephesians 3:16–19: God strengthens and fills us through His Spirit How emptiness creates space for healing, hope, and God’s fullness Breaking free from cultural lies about independence and fulfillment Personal testimony of finding help through Christian counseling Why vulnerability opens doors to truth, peace, and lasting joy Emptiness as an opportunity to encounter God’s resurrection power 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt spiritually or emotionally empty? How has God met you in that space? Share your story with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithAndHealing #ChristianCounseling #HopeInChrist to connect and encourage others who may be walking through emptiness toward God’s fullness. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: How Emptiness Fills Our Souls By Peyton Garland “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) An American woman born to a well-to-do middle-class family, my basic needs were met, and my superficial childhood wishes almost always came true. My life wasn’t perfect, though, as my father struggled with PTSD for most of my childhood, and I battled undiagnosed OCD. Those were the hidden pieces of my easy life that weren’t simple to fix. No toy or vacation can heal the mind, and when it’s left unsettled for so many years, it learns to operate out of fear.  My family isn’t one to volunteer for therapy or mental health counseling. Our old southern roots dig deep in the dirt, and my relatives often see those roots as the laces by which we should all pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.  But at 25, this boot-strap philosophy still wasn’t working. I felt hollow and lonely, as though no one could understand my obsessive mind and the intrusive thoughts I could never shake. I opened up to a friend who recommended a therapist in my area, and attending her sessions was life-changing.  I came to her office at the end of my rope, empty of answers and hope, and because of this emptiness, I was able to be filled. And because I was making my emptiness known to a trusted source, I could be filled with goodness and truth. I could find healing that would never have happened had I been left to my own devices.  My therapist granted me a fresh perspective concerning my OCD. She offered conversations that allowed me to discover core issues that my heart continued to carry. She also shared hard truths concerning my diagnosis and my relationships with others that I needed to hear. Therapy wasn’t easy work. I often left feeling physically depleted, but my heart was settled. Hope had a brighter face, one I could look at and believe in.  I share my story to remind you that feeling empty, whether in relationships, job fulfillment, spiritual searching, etc., doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It doesn’t have to define who you are or keep hope out of reach. Emptiness is an opportunity to be filled, but we must only open ourselves up to be filled with what is good, lovely, and true. Anything else will not only reinforce the weight of emptiness but span the gap between you and joy that lasts. Emptiness isn’t meant to be a badge of honor, either. In a culture that tells women they are better off alone, without children, and most fulfilled at a desk, it’s easy to believe the lie that remaining devoid of relationships with people and God is the route to safety and success. But I encourage you to rebuke culture’s destructive lie. Don’t allow emptiness to become a companion. It’s a lousy friend, I promise.  Just as an empty tomb gave way to the resurrected Savior, who has set the world free, may your empty heart give way to God’s glory and vision for your life. May your emptiness prompt your hands to open, and may your hunger be filled with everlasting peace.  “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 (NIV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Take some time to list any/all ways you feel empty. If it’s relationally, consider opening yourself up to healthy friendships through a church small group, moms’ group, book club, etc. If you feel spiritually empty, find a trusted Christian leader to confide in. If your mental health feels hollow, I encourage you to seek Christian counseling, like I did. Further Reading: When You Feel Spiritually Dry Psalm 107 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christian joy isn’t something to feel guilty about—it’s a gift from God. In Go Ahead and Enjoy Your Life, Whitney Hopler reflects on Ecclesiastes 9:7 and reminds us that God has already approved the simple pleasures that bring gladness to our hearts. From meals with friends to family adventures, enjoying life is part of our spiritual walk. Discover how embracing joy in everyday moments deepens your faith, relieves stress, and opens your eyes to the wonder of God’s work around you. ✨ Highlights Ecclesiastes 9:7: God’s approval for us to enjoy life’s blessings Why Christians often feel guilty about rest, leisure, or enjoyment—and how to let go of that guilt Joy as a spiritual practice: how savoring meals, nature, and meaningful connections can draw us closer to God The difference between God-honoring enjoyment and reckless indulgence Practical ways to recognize God’s presence in joyful experiences How gratitude and delight strengthen your relationship with Him 💬 Join the Conversation Do you struggle with feeling guilty for enjoying life’s simple pleasures? How has God reminded you that joy is part of His plan for you? Share your story with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChristianJoy #EnjoyLife #FaithAndHappiness to encourage others to embrace God’s approval to live with gladness. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Go Ahead and Enjoy Your Life By: Whitney Hopler  “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” - Ecclesiastes 9:7, NIV  My favorite way to get together with my friends is to enjoy lunch together. I regularly make reservations at various restaurants to meet each friend one-on-one. There’s something about eating a good meal that helps us especially enjoy our time together. At lunch, we can relax and be fully present with each other, rather than getting distracted by the items on our to-do lists. We can savor our food by eating mindfully and savor our conversations by listening well to each other. As we do, we’re free from stress and able to fully embrace the joy God offers in that experience. We could eat shorter and less expensive lunches if we just ate at home while talking on the phone together. But we don’t feel guilty about our restaurant lunches, because we know that eating our food with gladness together is always a good choice. Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying something when you could have made a more practical choice? Maybe you went to see a sports game or a theater show in person, even though the tickets were expensive and you could have just watched TV instead. Maybe you took a day trip to a place you’ve wanted to visit for a while, instead of spending the day getting caught up on chores or errands. When you’re busy, it’s easy to feel like you always need to be practical and productive. But finding joy in life is also important, because God wants you to live life to the fullest.  This verse from Ecclesiastes can remind you that God is a loving Father who loves to see you enjoy life. God has already approved of the happiness you get from a delicious dinner, a fun concert, or a trip to a museum with your family. Experiences like those aren’t distractions from your spiritual life; they’re a part of it.  God is at work all around you, all the time. You can discover the wonder of God’s work every day – in nature, in the love that flows between you and your family and friends, and in many other experiences. You just need to make time to look for it. Paying attention to God’s wonderful work around you is easier when you’re not rushed and stressed. When you choose to go ahead and enjoy life day by day, you’ll naturally start to notice more of what God is doing in your life.  So, go ahead. Enjoy your food with gladness. Drink your wine (or your water, or your tea) with a joyful heart. Embrace all the fun and adventure you can – and don’t feel guilty for it. God has already approved what you do! He wants you to find joy in your life, to see how that joy comes from the wonder of his work, and to be grateful for every single blessing he gives you.  Enjoying your life on a regular basis is just as important spiritually as your regular spiritual practices, like prayer, reading the Bible, and going to church. Give yourself permission to enjoy your life. God has already given you his approval to enjoy the life he has so graciously given you!  Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how important it is to enjoy life, reflect on these questions: How often do you feel guilty for simply enjoying something? Why do you think that is?  What’s one action you can take today to look for the wonder of God’s work in your life?  Think of a time recently when you felt a sense of pure joy. What was happening, and how can you see God working through that experience?  What’s the difference between simple enjoyment and reckless indulgence?  In what ways does finding joy in everyday life strengthen your relationship with God? Further Reading  1 Timothy 6:17 Psalm 16:11 Proverbs 17:22 Psalm 34:8 James 1:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christian community and biblical fellowship are essential for spiritual growth and protection from the enemy. In Our Need for Each Other, Cindi McMenamin explores Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 and Proverbs 18:1 to show why God created us for connection, not isolation. Drawing wisdom from Scripture and even from caterpillars in North Africa, this episode highlights how linking with other believers strengthens our faith, shields us from spiritual attack, and helps us live out the “one another” commands of the Bible. ✨ Highlights Why “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10) is vital for Christian living The dangers of isolation—how loneliness can open the door to shame, fear, and destructive thoughts Biblical wisdom from Proverbs 18:1 and the importance of community Lessons from creation: caterpillars traveling in unity as a model of spiritual defense Practical encouragement to link arms with other believers for spiritual survival and growth God’s design for fellowship, accountability, and interdependence in the body of Christ 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever experienced God’s protection and encouragement through Christian community? How do you stay connected when life gets busy? Share your story with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #OurNeedForEachOther #ChristianCommunity #FaithAndFellowship to encourage others to link up and walk this journey of faith together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Our Need for Each Other   By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer   “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) King Solomon, whom Scripture calls the wisest man who ever lived, told us there is strength in numbers when we are surrounding ourselves with at least one other believer.  But it’s just so easy these days to shoot a text or respond to someone via email instead of actually being with one another.  Life can get busy and we can too easily find ourselves isolating from one another. We may not intend to do it, but when our to-do list screams at us to be more productive, the needs from our family become too insistent, and the internal cry of ours is to get away from everyone and get some rest, we can end up on an island, feeling isolated and alone. But linking up with other believers in the body of Christ, is not just an option. It’s essential for our survival.  Intersecting Faith and Life:  While I was in North Africa visiting my brother, we were on a walk through a rural park when he pointed out to me something I had never seen or noticed in the States. The caterpillars—dark grey and black in color—travel single file one after another, linked so closely that they look like one long snake on the ground to any predator above them like a bird or animal that might otherwise swoop down and eat a single caterpillar or two.  “When they link up with one another, they are protected,” my brother pointed out. “That is their defense.”  I watched them closely. They weren’t independent, doing their own thing and only coming together when they needed something to do or something to eat. They traveled this way. They walked this way. It was their lifestyle, their mode of operation.  In Scripture, we are given more than thirty “one-another” commands, instructing us how to live with and relate to other believers. We are not to just link up when it’s time for a church potluck or an entertaining event. We are to live linked, travel that way, walk that way. It’s our defense.  The enemy of your soul knows the potential of a like-minded believer to strengthen your faith. Therefore, he wants you to believe you’re fine on your own, you’re strong independently, and that no one really has time to hear of your struggles anyway. But God created us to be dependent on Him and interdependent on one another so He can be glorified in our celebrations as well as our sufferings. Satan wants nothing more than for you to detach from the train of believers and move increasingly further from the body of Christ, and to believe God’s church is no longer relevant to your life.  But like the defenseless caterpillars, when you and I are alone, we are prey to the enemy. If he can get us alone in our thoughts, he can bring in shame about our past, doubt about our present, and fear about our future. He will also try to lure us toward destructive thoughts about ourselves and others. When people are alone they get depressed. When people are alone they damage their bodies. When people are alone they take their lives. Those aren’t group activities. Satan strikes the believer when he or she is alone.  King Solomon, who told us two are better than one, also wrote: “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1).  In other words, by seeking our own desires, we are not considering the wisdom of others. In another translation, that verse reads: “Whoever pulls away from others to focus solely on his own desires disregards any sense of sound judgment” (The Voice).  In Proverbs 6:6-8, Solomon instructs us to look at the ant and gain wisdom from her work ethic. We also ought to look to the caterpillars to gain wisdom from their survival skills. When we link up with one another, we’re less of a target to our enemy. We are protected as we are among each other and cooperating together. We are not renegade, off by ourselves, doing what is right in our own eyes. Once we separate and go our own way, we become fodder for the enemy. God never intended for us to isolate ourselves. He created us for community with one another. Don’t try to go it alone, my friend. Link up with those who are on this journey with you. You need them for your spiritual and emotional survival, as much as they need you.  Lord, thank You for the way you designed the North African caterpillars to operate in Your intended fashion for their survival. Help me to be wise and link up with those you have surrounded me with so I will stay strong in you and never walk alone.  Further Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:11-12; Philippians 2:1-3 For more on growing closer to God and others, see my books: The New Loneliness: Nurturing Meaningful Connections When You Feel Isolated, and The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Struggling with darkness, depression, or discouragement? In The Lord Is My Light, Vivian Bricker unpacks Micah 7:8 to remind us that even when we fall, God’s light breaks through. This episode offers hope for Christians battling spiritual darkness, emotional struggles, and seasons of despair—pointing to the Lord’s protection, grace, and peace that bring light out of shadows. Perfect for those seeking encouragement, Christian hope, and biblical truth about overcoming darkness with God’s presence. ✨ Highlights Micah 7:8 and the promise: “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” How depression and spiritual darkness can affect our walk with God Why physical and emotional darkness can give a false sense of security The Lord’s power to protect, restore, and bring peace even in life’s darkest seasons Encouragement to rise again after falling, trusting in God’s light and salvation 💬 Join the Conversation Do you ever find the darkness more comfortable than the light? How has Jesus brought you out of seasons of despair into His peace and presence? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TheLordIsMyLight #ChristianEncouragement #FaithAndHope to encourage others with your story of God’s light breaking through. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Lord Is My Light By: Vivian Bricker “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8).  As someone who struggles with depression, I often find myself in the darkness. This might surprise some, but I tend to be more comfortable in the darkness. Rainy days and nights bring me comfort, while the brilliance of the sun brings my heart grief. Sad music brings my heart comfort rather than upbeat, happy tunes. Even though some of us may be comfortable in the darkness, it does not mean it is the healthiest place to be, either physically or spiritually. Always being in physical darkness can worsen our feelings of depression as well as our deep sorrow. In the same way, being in spiritual or emotional darkness can cause us to suffer in our walk with the Lord.  As we turn more to the Lord, we will see His light shine into our lives. He calls us out of the darkness and into His Kingdom. Even though it might be scary at times to go into the light, we can trust the Lord. The darkness is not our forever home, as it only gives us a false sense of security. By turning to the Lord, we will have His protection, grace, and peace. Intersecting Faith & Life: Through the Book of Micah, we see Micah calling the Lord his light: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8). As Micah says in this passage, although he sits in darkness, the Lord will be his light. Jesus will also be our light; even if we sit in the darkness for years, we can still find hope in the Lord. While some periods of darkness can feel comfortable to us, there are also other periods of darkness that cause us to feel worried, scared, and alone. During these times of darkness, we can also find comfort in knowing the Lord is our light. He will illuminate the darkness and make His peace, comfort, and love known to us. We are never without hope because we are never without God. Upon further reflection on Micah 7:8, we also see the prophet saying, “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.” Like Micah, we can also tell our enemies that they cannot gloat over us. Although we may have fallen, we will rise again. The Lord will establish our feet on level ground and strengthen us.  He is our light and our salvation (Psalm 27:1). We never need to doubt Him or be worried. The Lord brings light out of darkness, and where He stands, the dark shadows flee away. There is nothing in all creation that can thwart Jesus’ protection or His power. Rather than remaining in the darkness, we can step out into the light today.  Do you find the darkness to be more comfortable? Why or why not? What would it look like to have Jesus bring you out of this darkness? Would it give you a sense of hope or uncertainty? Jesus is the light of our lives and will help us rise again. How can you find peace in this truth today?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover how God’s mysterious ways are revealed in nature and in our lives in Discovering God’s Mysterious Ways this Fall. Lynette Kittle explores the spiritual lessons of autumn, including God’s promises of resurrection, renewal, and hidden growth, perfect for listeners seeking Christian insight, reflection, and spiritual growth during the fall season. This episode helps believers connect the beauty and change of fall with God’s transformative power and eternal plan. ✨ Highlights How fall reveals the mystery of resurrection and Jesus’ promise of new life Understanding how dying leads to new life, spiritually and naturally The hidden work of God in secret, unseen growth during seasons of dormancy God’s creation of newness in our hearts and lives through the Holy Spirit Practical reflection on embracing God’s transformative work during autumn 💬 Join the Conversation How does fall remind you of God’s mysterious ways in your life? In what ways do you see God working in hidden or unexpected ways during times of change? Share your insights and reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #GodsMystery #AutumnReflections #SpiritualGrowth to connect and encourage others to see God’s work in every season. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Discovering God’s Mysterious Ways this Fall By Lynette Kittle “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed”-- 1 Corinthians 4:1 What’s so beautiful about fall? The answer is, “Almost everything!” Beautiful fall colors lead the way with their bright and varied intensity. The changing hues are bright and magnificent, glorious and breath-taking, until they fade away to become the brown, and brittle. Once the splendor of vibrant colors diminishes, it causes us to look forward to what lies ahead. Fall Reveals Some of God’s Mysterious Ways Fall paints a picture that reveals some of the mysterious ways God works in nature and in our lives. The following are four ways. Fall reveals the mystery of resurrection’s promise. Although at fall’s ending, the earth seems stark and barren, it carries the promise of the resurrection to come, as lived out in the life of Jesus on earth.  His death brought great sorrow and loss to His followers who, during His death process on the cross, didn’t fully understand what would happen next, even though He told them. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus explains, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Jesus’ death was followed by His glorious resurrection from the grave, bringing great joy and the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, so that we, too, can live on earth filled with the power Jesus exuded.  Fall reveals the mystery of dying leading to new life. Fall is literally the dying off of spring and summer’s growth. Although, for most, death seems like the end, God reveals to us that dying can lead to new life.  Jesus’ death led the way to our receiving new life. As the Apostle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 5:15 “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” Paul teaches, too, how we then die to sin and become alive in God: “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:1). Fall reveals the mystery of God’s secrets. Fall reveals to us that God does things in secret. After fall, when nature looks naked and stripped, God is stirring new life within the trees and plants, things we can’t see in their barrenness. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains how, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” After fall, most outdoor trees and plants go into a survival state termed dormancy, where their outer appearances seem lifeless, but they are still very much alive on the inside, deep within, hidden from human eyes.  During the winter cold, they may look dead, but they are dramatically slowing and conserving their internal biological processes as protection from the frigid temperatures. Although hidden inside from sight, new life is forming buds and seeds, carefully preparing and preserving them to burst forth in springtime. Fall reveals the mystery of God creating newness. Fall paves the way for God to create newness on the earth, ridding the land of the past and bringing forth new life, just like He does in us. The way God transforms the hearts of sinners is truly a mystery, of how His Holy Spirit works deep within us, making us new, cleansing us within.  “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”(Hebrews 9:14). God removes old things from inside of us, and creates a new us, from the inside out. 2 Corinthians 5:17 explains it further: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Intersecting Faith & Life: If fall stirs up a mixed bag of feelings and emotions for you, ask God to show you how its fading beauty leads to something even more beautiful, new life. Ask Him to stir His life and new creation within you, as you look forward to the earth’s newness to emerge. Further Reading: A Prayer to Deepen Your Prayer Life this Fall crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-deepen-your-prayer-life-this-fall.html  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Loving others well, growing in discernment, and navigating challenging relationships are explored in Abounding in Love and Discernment, based on Philippians 1:9-11. In this episode, listeners learn how to cultivate Christ-centered love that overflows with knowledge, insight, and spiritual discernment—essential for handling difficult family members, friends, or coworkers. Perfect for those seeking guidance on Christian love, relational wisdom, and spiritual growth. ✨ Highlights Understanding Paul’s prayer for love to “abound more and more” in knowledge, insight, and discernment Practical guidance for showing Christ-like love in difficult or challenging relationships Using experience, empathy, and Spirit-led wisdom to love well under pressure Balancing grace and truth when navigating boundaries, dysfunction, and relational pain Encouragement to grow continually in godly love, insight, and spiritual maturity 💬 Join the Conversation How do you apply Christ’s principles of love in challenging relationships? In what ways do knowledge, insight, and discernment help you navigate relational difficulties? Share your experiences with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChristianLove #DiscernmentInFaith #RelationalWisdom to encourage and connect with others seeking to grow in God-centered love. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV). Am I the only one who, at times, lands in situations where loving others feels challenging and confusing? And I’m not referring to those instances when we’re hurt, or distrustful, or selfish and simply don’t want to love like Jesus. I mean, that in and of itself is perhaps the most difficult assignment the Lord gave us.  But how do we apply Christ’s directives to, say, a drug addicted child or alcoholic spouse? How should we respond to that friend struggling with debilitating depression or working through unhealed trauma from their past? What about that family member that consistently blows through our boundaries and threatens to infect us with their dysfunction?  Loving people well, honorably, with equal parts grace and truth, feels anything but simple. Maybe that’s why I felt so drawn to today’s passage in Phillipians. This letter from Paul, a first century evangelist and God-ordained apostle who wrote much of the New Testament, encourages us to love others, those who are prickly, hurting, joyous and fun, and everyone in between, with our thinking brains engaged.  First, I’m struck by the fact that he prayed for the Philippians to grow in love. I’m intrigued by many of his prayers in Scripture. We rarely see him praying for relief, for himself or the men and women he led. They experienced persecution, job loss, health issues, and all the other challenges and hardships we do. But Paul remained fixated on his mission, representing Christ well, and teaching those he influenced to follow his example.  I once heard a sermon that the experience he relayed in 2 Corinthians 12, where he, according to verse 4, “was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell” enabled him to persevere through intense suffering—because he’d caught a glimpse of the amazing blessings that lay ahead. I suspect that’s true. He was able to love well, sacrificially, because he knew Christ had already won, and that God had preserved a glorious inheritance for all His children.  Such understanding might help with our motivation, but that doesn’t speak to the confusion we often feel when trying to live this out in our day-to-day lives. That’s why we need to continually grow in knowledge, insight, and discernment.  Paul prayed that our love might abound more and more in those qualities. If one were writing this today, they’d likely end their sentence with numerous exclamation points. Let’s break this down. In the original Greek, the word our Bibles translate as abound has the connotation of something that exceeds what is necessary and overflows all around. I’m thinking of when someone uses a hose to fill a bucket with water and keeps it flowing so that it gushes over the rim and onto the concrete. But that wasn’t enough. Paul expanded on this abundance with the phrase, “more and more.” Therefore, an increase in what already existed in abundance.  This reminds me that we never reach a place of complete maturity, complete godliness, this side of heaven. We can always grow in our ability to love others, again, with the perfect blend of grace and truth.  Paul prayed that the Philippians’ love, and by extension, ours, would abound in knowledge. In the original Greek, this is the understanding that comes through personal experience. It’s one thing to recite the qualities of love described in 1 Corinthians 13, to know, in our head, that love is patient, kind, and gentle. It’s another matter entirely to know how to display those characteristics when we’re hurt, irritated, sleep deprived or triggered. That takes experience and practice.    Notice, also, Scripture encourages us to love with insight and discernment. Insight implies understanding the needs, challenges, perceptions and hurts of those to whom we are showing love. It’s taking time to really see people, and to respond from a place of empathy, understanding, and Spirit-led wisdom.  And finally, God wants us to love with discernment. This reminds me of when Jesus told us to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. We’re to remain alert to manipulation tactics, dishonesty, dysfunction, and behaviors that, if encouraged, could lead someone to self-destruct.  This also takes practice, prayer, ongoing connection with Christ, and maintaining a pure and pliable heart that learns to follow His lead, and only His lead, trusting that He knows best how we can love the souls He created.   Further Reading: John 13:34-35 Ephesians 4:25-32 Romans 12:9-13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Autumn reflections, Christian faith, and spiritual patience come together in Getting Ready for Autumn by Vivian Bricker, offering guidance for navigating the changing seasons of life. Drawing on James 5:7-8, this episode explores how God’s presence, patience, and comfort help believers process grief, embrace beauty, and remain steadfast in faith. Perfect for listeners seeking Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, seasonal reflection, and coping with loss during fall. ✨ Highlights Embracing the beauty and pain of the Autumn season through a Christ-centered perspective Learning patience from the farmer’s example in James 5:7-8 Recognizing God’s constant presence through all seasons of life, including grief and hardship Practical encouragement for coping with memories, loss, and emotional challenges in fall Reflecting on personal spiritual growth and trust in God during times of waiting 💬 Join the Conversation Does Autumn bring happy or sad memories for you? How do you embrace both the beauty and challenges of the season while trusting God? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #AutumnFaith #ChristianReflection #PatienceInGod to connect with others navigating the season of faith, grief, and hope 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Getting Ready for Autumn By Vivian Bricker “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8).  Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The colorful fall leaves, the changing of the seasons, and the cooler weather are its hallmarks. However, the fall season can also bring many sad memories. My mom passed away in the fall, which changed the Autumn season for me. I still think Autumn is a beautiful season, but now there is pain that coexists with beauty.  Maybe fall brings you the same feelings. There is pain, but there is also beauty. As we prepare for Autumn, we need to reflect on all these feelings. We need to accept the pain and the beauty. This is something that I have had to do for many years. Autumn was once filled with joy, and now it is a reminder of tears and pain. I have learned that accepting the pain is part of the journey of moving forward.  God has been present with me through every struggle and hardship. He was beside me when my mom passed, and He continues to be beside me every day. This is one of God’s many promises to us: He will be with us through every step of our lives (Psalm 23). Rather than giving way to pain and fear, we need to turn to God. He will help us cope with anything that the world throws at us.  Sadly, none of us is promised an easy life on this earth. We will have hard times and intense struggles. Health problems will come, friends will leave our lives, and loved ones will pass on. The only person who stays with us always is God. He will never leave our side, whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter. No matter what season brings pain into our lives, God will be with us.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Getting ready for Autumn also requires patience. Patience for the season ahead and patience to endure any troubles. The half-brother of the Lord says, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8). As James tells us, we need to be patient until the Lord’s coming. Similar to how the farmer waits for autumn and spring rains, we need to be patient and stand firm, because Jesus’ coming is near. As we walk through this Autumn season, we must patiently wait just as the farmer waits for his land to yield its crop. Jesus’ coming will arrive in its proper time, but we must wait until it’s time. Waiting can be hard, but we can weather any storm with the Lord’s strength.  We can choose to be patient as we are approaching this season by staying focused on God. He will equip us with comfort, peace, and guidance. During the fall months, we can begin to experience intense sadness because of the darker days and the memories of the past. However, God can help us accept this pain while also enjoying the beauty of the crisp, colorful days.  As you walk through this season, be patient with yourself. It is okay to cry and express your emotions. There is nothing wrong with releasing your pain in tears. Crying out to God is not weak or problematic. In fact, it is actually a great thing because it acknowledges our dependence on God and our need for His deliverance. Give all of these feelings over to Him today, equip yourself with patience, and step into Autumn with a heart of hope.  Does Autumn bring happy or sad memories for you? How might you allow the beauty and pain of Autumn to coexist? What are some ways you can trust God in the waiting period?  “Dear God, I will wait patiently for Your deliverance just as the farmer waits for the spring and Autumn rains. Autumn can be a challenging time for me, but I’m waiting on You. Please fill my life with your love, hope, and protection. Help me to also see the beauty even amidst the pain. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.