The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the call to "look for the ancient paths" as we seek guidance and wisdom in our faith journey. Drawing from scripture, we’ll discuss the importance of returning to foundational truths and practices that have shaped believers throughout history. We’ll delve into how these ancient paths can provide direction, peace, and a deeper understanding of God’s character. Join us as we encourage one another to seek out these timeless practices in our modern lives. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! What ancient paths have you found meaningful in your spiritual walk? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How have these practices enriched your relationship with God? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Look for the Ancient Paths By Megan Conner “Thus says the LORD:‘Stand by the roads, and look,and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it,and find rest for your souls.”  Jer. 6:16 (ESV) Where should I live?  Who should I marry? Should I change careers? Am I making the right choices for my kids?  Should I put more effort into a particular friendship?  Am I overly committed?  Have I said yes to more than I should?  Are we prioritizing enough family time or time with others? Should we plan a vacation?  Can I justify the cost of these purchases?  Is my life meaningful?  Am I content? These questions and more, plague our minds and inundate us with doubts.  While some of these queries may appear inconsequential, every choice or action triggers some measure of reaction.  Like a small stone tossed into a pond, ripple effects may gain momentum and expand farther than anticipated.  In addition to these minor deliberations, there are also times when we encounter a true crossroads.  Moments when we are faced with significant decisions that are guaranteed to redirect our lives and, possibly, those around us.  Understanding there will always be consequences (either good or bad) connected to our choices, how then do we determine the best path forward when we face decisions, whether modest or vast? Thankfully, our Good Father offers us guidance through the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit and through biblical truths outlined for us in the Word of God.  Through scripture, we are repeatedly reminded of his divine care for us and the plans he has for our time here on earth.   “Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,the days that were formed for me,when as yet there was none of them.” Ps. 139:16 (ESV) Before we were even born, God foresaw every day of our lives from the moment we took our first breath until the unknown day ahead of us when we will breathe our last.  He is fully aware of all we will do and be.  His plans for us are good (Jer. 29:11).  While he is aware of the plans he has for us, we are not always certain which direction to head. However, we have been given a roadmap through scripture. When we are not sure where to turn or what path to take, we can look for the ancient paths.   From Genesis to Revelation, God’s people looked to HIM as the roadmap. The Israelites followed the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21).  Jesus reminded his followers, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” (John 14:6, NIV).  If we long to follow his will and his way, we need only to open our eyes and search for the evidence of God’s design before us. The Bible promises us that his word is a lamp to unto our feet and a light unto our path (Ps. 119:105).  It is not our Heavenly Father’s desire to keep us in the dark.  If we truly long to follow him and his ways, we can turn to scripture for guidance. Additionally, if we quiet our minds and soften our hearts, we can also hear the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit guiding and directing us in the way we should go. “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left,” (Isa. 30:21, ESV).  If we allow our spirits to surrender to his plans over our own, we can sense the leading of the Lord.  I have seen evidence of this in my own life.  Perhaps, you have as well.  Doors open that you would have never considered, opportunities or provision arise that seem impossible, and most significantly – there is PEACE.  Your actions are not forced; your soul does not feel unsettled.  When we walk along the paths he has designed for us, there is no angst.  There is instead a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). The next time you find yourself faced with a decision whether big or small: “Stand by the roads, and look,and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it,and find rest for your souls.”  Jer. 6:16 (ESV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Have you found yourself struggling with decision making?  Perhaps, you find yourself at a crossroads. How can you turn to scripture to help shed light on the path you are to take? Have you ever been in a situation where you were able to sense the leading of the Lord through peace or provision from the Holy Spirit?  How does that give you confidence that you can step out in faith again in the future? Think about these questions today and how you can apply them for the future. Further Reading: Ex. 13:17-22 Phil. 4:6-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the profound calling of being "managers of the mysteries of God." As believers, we are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of sharing and living out the truths of our faith. We’ll explore what it means to steward God’s gifts, the importance of spiritual discernment, and how to remain faithful in our mission. Join us as we discuss practical ways to embrace this calling, encouraging one another to live authentically and boldly in the light of His mysteries. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you approach the responsibility of managing the mysteries of God in your life? Share your thoughts and stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What challenges and joys have you experienced in this journey? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Managers of the Mysteries of God  by Deidre Braley  1 Corinthians 4:1: A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God.  This morning, as I sat in the darkness of dawn before anyone else arose, the railroad that runs across from our house began to rumble and—though still a way off—I heard a train blow its low, eerie sound, cutting through the black morning like a single loon calling across a midnight lake.  And there in the darkness, in response to that call, I felt a longing emerge. The child in me wanted to run right out in my stocking feet and grab a hold of one of the train’s cold iron sides and allow it to take me in, to whisk me away. I had an almost unbearable urge to surrender to the adventure—and maybe even experience a dose of magic along the way.  But the dog was sitting warm in my lap, and the oven had twelve minutes to go on a dish of baked oatmeal. The children would be up soon, and they’d be wanting their mother; who else could know where their favorite t-shirts would be hiding?  As adults, I fear that so many of us begin to believe that enchantment and adventure are naiveties, luxurious little flippancies that we can no longer afford, given the sobering stack of responsibilities that comes with being a grown-up. We can’t possibly give in to wonder and mystery with so many dishes still in the sink (and so many bills on the counter)!  But belief in the Living God is a supernatural one in itself: for those of us who believe in such miracles as the resurrected Son and a Holy Spirit who inhabits us so we can dwell with God in the shower, or the traffic jam, or that insufferable meeting after work, well—we can fall headlong into adventure and wonder whenever we please.  And we must. Our spirits leap at the prospect of magical fantasy worlds because we were made for them: Eden. Heaven. Zion. We are attuned and attracted to the otherworldly because we catch a whiff of home there. But so many people have grown up and moved on, thinking that these impulses to chase the unknown are childish, silly, and pointless. As followers of Christ, we have the phenomenal opportunity to point others toward eternity, to grab them by their hands and say, “Come, I have something to show you, and it’s nearly too wonderful to believe. It’s better than what you’ve ever dreamed.”  The apostle Paul wrote, “A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). This is a marvelous job description, and a delightful one. It should make our inner children perk up their ears and say, “Well, this should be fun!”  Intersecting Faith and Life  Perhaps one of the greatest indicators of our intimacy with Christ is not how well we behave or even how well we can quote Scripture (those these both have value), but rather how attuned we are to the mysteries of God—and how open-handedly we share these with others.  Today, spend a little time getting in touch with your sense of wonder, of delight, of mystery and adventure. It’s not childish—it’s your natural inclination to tilt towards God. A posture of awe allows for us to experience connection with God in more intimate ways, because awe leads to worship.  Then, share that awe with someone else. Invite them into the mystery. Help them indulge their inner desire for something beyond this flesh-and-blood world. What fun and joyful work.  Further Reading  For reading that will inspire you to re-engage with your sense of wonder, I highly recommend these books:  ● Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World by Mike Cosper  ● Miracle on 10th St. and Other Christmas Writings by Madeline L’Engle Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we focus on the vital practice of addressing others out of love. Communication is a powerful tool, and how we speak to one another can reflect Christ’s love or create division. We’ll discuss the importance of empathy, the role of kindness in our words, and how to approach difficult conversations with grace. Join us as we explore biblical principles for communicating effectively and lovingly, fostering relationships that build up rather than tear down. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your insights! How do you strive to address others with love in your life? Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What strategies have helped you communicate more compassionately? Let’s learn from each other as we seek to reflect Christ in our conversations! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Addressing Others out of Love By: Laura Bailey  “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5 NIV My stomach was in knots, and my legs shook under the table as I anxiously waited for my friend to join me for coffee. For the last few weeks, I’d been putting off talking with her about something I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to address. The thought of her being offended or hurt had been the source of my delaying this conversation, yet I knew I needed to say something. Unable to sleep the night before our meeting, I woke up early and began praying for God to confirm that I was doing what He desired, not just what I thought was best.  “Lord, did I hear you wrong? Should I just let this go? I am imperfect; what if she starts calling out my sin?” Maybe I should tell the pastor and let him deal with it?” In hopes of preparing my heart and better equipping myself for the conversation that awaited me, I searched for verses that speak to judging others, delivering hard truths, and addressing sin in others' lives. The familiar text of Matthew 7:3-5 was one of the first Scriptures that appeared among the results. Growing up in church, I was familiar with this text; I’d heard numerous sermons, Sunday School lessons, and small group devotions on being careful not to judge others.  However, as I read over this familiar passage,  the line, “First take the plank  out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye,” stood out. Countless times, I’d read these verses and missed the overall message of what Jesus was trying to say to his followers and us today. Jesus is not prohibiting all types of judging. Instead, He is encouraging us to take a look at our hearts' motives before we cast judgment on others.  Righteous judgment is beneficial to believers and a necessary tool to help expose sin, encourage confession, and draw God’s children closer to Him. Unfortunately, like most things, humans take good things and distort them. That’s why we must humbly submit our motives to the Lord before addressing sin in other people’s lives.  First, we must confess our shortcomings and waywardness, and second, we must ask that He expose any pridefulness, arrogance, or malice in our desire to correct others. After we ask the Lord to check our motives, aligning our will with His, we can approach our brothers and sisters in Christ. Taking these steps doesn’t ensure our message will be well received, but it gives us confidence in knowing that we acted out of pure intentions, not ill will.  The conversation with my friend that day started tense, with a bit of back and forth followed by a healthy amount of tears. Graciously, the Lord had already been working on her heart, and while my message was unpleasant to receive, she knew she needed to hear it. As we parted that day, I let her know that I loved her; I hoped she could put this behind her and flourish in the way God desired.  Many years have passed since that day, and I am happy to report our friendship withstood the confrontation. I know, through experience, that not all tough conversations have the same outcome. There are broken relationships resulting from sharing something we felt the Holy Spirit lay on our hearts. Like the prophets of the Old Testament who often shared hard-to-hear truth, the message may not always be accepted, but we cling to the hope that it could be the reason someone turns to God. Intersecting Faith and Life:Is there someone you feel God has placed on your heart to deliver a “hard truth?” Pray today that the Lord will guide you as you examine your heart’s motives and give you the strength to speak truth into their life. For Further Reading: Matthew 18:15-20 Galatians 6:1   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we invite you to join us in a heartfelt plea: "God, help me to change." Change can be daunting, but with God’s guidance, it becomes a powerful journey of transformation. We’ll explore the areas in our lives where we seek growth, the role of prayer in our process, and how to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength. Together, we’ll discuss practical steps to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and align our hearts with God’s will. Join us as we seek His help in becoming the people He created us to be. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! What changes are you asking God to help you with? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What has your journey of change looked like? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: God, Help Me to Change By Kelly Balarie “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15 NASB The first time the coffee mug fell, I didn’t think too much of it. I took some water and splashed it on the patio floor. Sure, it would have been smarter if I put the cup, initially, on the coffee table, rather than half-way propping it up on an outdoor patio couch where only a tap of my elbow or a readjustment on the couch would tumble it over, but I didn’t think of it at the time. I propped the mug, it tumbled, and broke. I got the message not to do that again. The next day, again, still feeling my cup would be too far out of reach on the table, I propped the coffee mug oddly on my lap. Then, I reached for something. Two seconds later, it oozed, burning hot down my legs. My nice pajamas were soiled.  Not only that, but the stain of the coffee went all over my morning notes about fear of the Lord, specifically about how -- those who love me exhibit a changed nature that is obedient “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 NASB) Truth is, I often I say I will do something for God, and then I don’t. I promise to break a habit, then I don’t follow through. I give God my yes and then, after time, I slowly decide God’s probably ok, and it doesn’t matter much, if I don’t do it. I say I’m going to go all out for Him, then I get lazy. What I wondered on those notes was -- how do I change and follow through? Yet, now my all-important scribbles had coffee all over them. Ick. My pretty white journal was doused coffee-brown.  Then, this morning, I woke up again and headed out to my back porch. I picked my all-time favorite coffee mug. I bought it on my birthday, six years ago; it’s my first pick of all the other mugs in the cabinet. I sat down. Getting comfortable on the couch, I yet again thought -- it can’t hurt to keep my coffee close. We all know how important coffee is in the morning. I set up a journal next to me on the couch and placed the mug on top of it. I didn’t think twice; this thing must be kept easily reachable. I carried on. I journaled, asking God, “Father, what is the source of all my hard times? Is it a testing? Is it normal trial and tribulation? Is it an attack? Or, is it rebellion?” No sooner did I write that, did I hear a, “BOOM! The cup I knew I shouldn’t put on the couch slammed to the ground and the handle broke right off it. My favorite birthday cup was broken! Oh no!!!!! What did I do? Immediately, a message came through loud-and-clear. The first time this happened, God made me take notice. The second time, I wondered, why this happening again? And now this? God was implying to my heart -- Kelly, pay close attention… The hard-hitting message was: You can't keep doing what is wrong and expect things to go right. In my case, I kept doing what was wrong even though I knew what was right (see Ja. 4:17). Worst of all -- this sort of wrong wasn’t limited only to coffee mug decisions. I had compromised in areas across my life. I’m sorry, God. My compromise was called to attention by the mere fact it took me 3 times to come to attention and to change course.    To not heed God’s way, certainly causes us to pay a price. Throwing away the pieces of my birthday mug this morning, reminded me of that. God doesn’t adjust to us; we adjust to Him. God’s will is God’s will. As much as we may try to run from it, excuse it, rationalize it away, run from a calling – we cannot will away God’s will. He is who He is. He will have his way. He is not a man that changes his mind on our whims or because we tire Him out. He does not pick favorites because we have a special personality. I could not run from the fact that there was a right way to handle that coffee cup. I could not force God to have my way to work. Even if I tried 100,000 times, God would still have His way. I would be left with a broken cup and a calling to change my ways. God was speaking to me about my life through my circumstance: In some ways, I have a broken life because I’ve chosen to go the wrong way. I have not gone about adjusting quickly to God.The truth hurts, but it also sets free. Running against God is like running against the wind. You can think, all day long it will get you somewhere, but still, you’ll always go back home at the end of the day tired, sore, and having gotten nearly nowhere. It’s better to run with God than against Him. He cares more about us being with Him than what we own or demand.Holding that broken handle this morning, I realized, “God is okay with letting something break if it draws us back to Him.” When things break we pay attention.  He has every right to resist, what He wants to. This is discipline. God disciplines those He loves. We don’t have to wait until the third time to hear our wake-up call. Much better is it to change course than to keep on a collision course. I am confident God is using this message to reach some of you, in a very powerful way. That is because – He loves you. He has the best for you. He wants you on His course. He desires you to walk in the joy of Him rather than the wages of sin and death. Take heed, by God’s grace and through your heart to change course -- you will not fall! God has you.  Intersecting Faith & Life: How is God trying to grab your attention? What sin, habit or life change has He been encouraging you to change? What would it look like to do a new thing? How might that save you down the road?   Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the incredible grace and power of the Lord who saves. Amidst the busyness of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the awe and wonder that comes from our salvation. We’ll discuss how to cultivate a heart of gratitude, the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, and practical ways to keep our focus on His transformative love. Join us as we explore how staying in awe of our Savior can deepen our faith and inspire us to share His love with others. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What keeps you in awe of God’s saving grace? Share your thoughts and stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you cultivate a sense of wonder in your faith journey? Let’s encourage one another to remain grounded in the beauty of His salvation! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Staying in Awe of the Lord Who Saves By Keri Eichberger She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)  It happened again. It was mid-December, and with the entire congregation belting out holy songs of praise in the name of the blessed baby Jesus, we prepared our hearts for, and celebrated, the coming King. And once again, I desperately longed to feel fresh awe of the birth of our Messiah. Tears brimmed at the hope of harnessing the miracle and profound impact this magnificent moment in time had had on my life. The following morning, I couldn’t help but sit a little longer and linger in my quiet time. I read and re-read my devotion, I thumbed to the scripture prompts at the end, I browsed all the surrounding verses and stories. I prayed and praised God for everything I could possibly think to be blessed by. I asked my heavenly Father to align my heart with his, to make my thoughts his thoughts. And I listened in stillness.   I knew it wouldn’t be long until the sparkle of the season would fade, the dullness of winter would set it, and the sparks of the Christmas story would start to dim. But how could I keep the flame alive? When my soul had settled, I opened my eyes and glanced over at my husband—who by the way is always seated next to me during my devotion and prayer time. His stare met mine and he enchantedly asked, “Do you know what Jesus means?”  Sifting through my slightly unsure memory bank of facts, I hesitantly responded, “Something about ‘Savior’...?”  “Yes. It means the Lord saves.” he confirmed with a comforted smile. Combined with the fact that my husband sitting beside me with his bible in his lap is quite possibly the sweetest song to my sight, tears stung my eyes at his overt discovery. The thing is, I knew Jesus is our Savior, that this is what we were in the midst of celebrating, and also what I was hungry to sink my heart deeper into in that season. But in that moment, the Holy Spirit pricked my soul to assertively say, Keri, ‘The Lord saves’ is an active, alive, every moment, ever-present truth. Yes, he should be boldly praised now, but just as much everyday. I was receiving the reminder that the Lord saved then, now, and actively saves still today. And he’ll never stop. And in that moment I was also reminded that his saving has been and is… everything. He saved me when I was lost in darkness, sin, and sadness, and he still saves me everyday from so much.  What did he save you from? What is he saving you from still today?  Maybe like me, outside of Christmas time you’ve too casually considered the Lord as Savior too. But, while he saved us from the ultimate consequences of sin. From destruction and death. He also saves us and offers an escape from everyday struggles like worry, weariness, and loneliness. Temptation, discouragement, and discontentment too. And in turn gives us peace, strength, and comfort. Guidance, encouragement, and light here on earth. And ultimately eternal life with him in our forever home in heaven. Intersecting Faith and Life: Of course we should lay all things down at Christmas to celebrate our King. But now that the season has turned—the tree is down, the lights are back in storage, and most radio stations have returned to secular selections—we still have so much to celebrate. And I hope you’ll keep celebrating with me. Because there are souls being saved in the name of Jesus everyday. And he is still actively saving you and me each moment too. He always will. How wonderful is that?  The lyrics of “I thank God” washed over my soul that morning as I reflected on our living Savior…  He picked me upHe turned me around He placed my feet on solid groundI thank the MasterI thank the Savior. Child of God, Jesus is the Lord who saves. He is your always active and alive savior. And he is mine. Let’s stay in awe and celebrate the Savior of the world today. And every day. Praise him for all he is, and all he does, and everything he will forever do.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we turn our attention to those who may be struggling with their New Year's resolutions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to set and achieve lofty goals, but we’ll discuss how acknowledging our need for help can be a blessing. Together, we’ll explore the significance of community support, the role of prayer in our journey, and how God’s grace empowers us to grow. Join us as we encourage one another to embrace vulnerability and seek guidance, transforming our resolutions into shared commitments that lead us closer to God’s purpose. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! How have you navigated the challenges of New Year’s resolutions? Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What support systems have you found helpful in achieving your goals? Let’s lift each other up as we pursue lasting change together! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Blessed are Those Who Need Help With Their New-Year’s Resolutions By Deidre Braley  Joshua 6:2-5: Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”  How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? I have always been pro-resolution myself; my bookshelf is littered with titles like Atomic Habits and 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. I live and die by my physical planner, in which I tend to write detailed lists and demanding deadlines. As a former teacher, I’ve held the belief that any goal can be met by a.) setting the expectation and then b.) working backwards to devise a plan.  This time of year, the rhetoric that we should be more successful, more productive, and just better all around is really flying, though, and I enter the season with dragging feet and a deep sense of weariness. Having just spent the entirety of last year trying to create a better version of my life, I am not ready now—in January—to ‘get after it’ again.  Maybe you feel the same way. Maybe our culture of self-sufficiency has brought you some modicum of success, even, but you’re hobbling at this point, feeling like you can only keep this up so long before you finally snap or collapse or give up entirely. If you’re at this point, then good: swipe your self-help books off your desk and listen up.  During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours” (Luke 6:20). He also said, “But woe to you who are rich, because you have received your comfort” (Luke 6:24). I have always understood this as an indictment of wealth but now, with the two of them side by side, I see: Those who are poor have room to be filled up by God, but those who consider themselves rich by their own making do not.  This teaching goes totally against what we’ve learned to do as  pull-ourselves-up-by-our-bootstraps type of people, yes? Jesus is telling us we should be…poor?  In terms of self-sufficiency—yes. See, if we spend all of our waking minutes maximizing our potential, doing everything in our power to get ahead, when we do experience goodness or success, we’ll naturally say to ourselves, “I worked hard for that, and I earned it.” But if we come from a place of need and God steps into our powerlessness and then acts, there can be no denying that God made it happen in our lives. We get to see the kingdom of God at work, and on our behalf.  Just think of the Israelites at the city of Jericho. Conventional battle wisdom would have told Joshua and his men to muster all of their strength and strategy in order to take the city, and yet God commanded them to do something different: To walk in circles. To blow trumpets. To shout. Why? So God could do it for them, and so they would know that he was the One True God—and their One True God.  Intersecting Faith & Life  If you’ve already made New Year’s resolutions, take a prayerful look at them now. There is nothing wrong with having resolutions—it’s just important to remember that the Lord wants you to rely on him as you set goals, dream, and work. Ask yourself these questions about your resolutions:  1. Have I left room in my heart to be filled by God and see the kingdom at work in my life, or have I tried to make plans to do it all on my own?  2. Are there places where I’ve insisted on control where God has actually already asked me to surrender?  Further Reading  For other examples of God’s provision for the poor or completely dependant, read:  ● 2 Kings 4  ● Exodus 14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the challenging yet transformative call to love those who are hard to love. Jesus commands us to love not just our friends but also our enemies, which can feel daunting. We’ll discuss practical ways to embody Christ-like love, even when faced with difficult relationships. Together, we’ll examine scriptural insights, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of seeing others through God’s eyes. Join us as we uncover how loving the unlovable can lead to profound spiritual growth and deeper connections with God. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How have you navigated relationships with those who challenge your capacity to love? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What strategies have helped you cultivate love and understanding in tough situations? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:19-21. The holidays can place us at the table with some of the people we find hardest to love. Maybe we fear our mother-in-law will spend Christmas dinner criticizing our parenting, career choices, or cooking. Perhaps we’ll spend time with a sibling who hurt us deeply and with whom we experience significant, ongoing conflict. Or, we might feel stuck in a lonely marriage with a spouse who seems oblivious to our pain.  We live in a relationally messy world, infiltrated by brokenness and sin. Sometimes it can feel confusing to know how to guard our hearts and love others well. For years, I assumed this meant suppressing my pain when others wounded me, but that created codependent behaviors and increased dysfunction. Discouraged and frustrated, I began to emotionally withdraw behind a self-protecting façade.  Perhaps you can relate. How can we demonstrate the love of Christ to the most the unloving people in our lives? While this is an area in which I’m still learning and growing, in my wrestling with God over this question, He’s taught me a few things. Verse 19 reminds me that I cannot give what I don’t possess. In other words, the more I receive God’s love, in my most wounded places, the more it flows from me. Consider Jesus’ behavior on the night before His death. He humbly and tenderly washed His disciples’ feet, knowing they’d abandon Him and that Judas would betray Him.  Notice what Scripture reveals in John 13:3-4: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist” (NIV, emphasis mine). Jesus loved His disciples from a place of wholeness. He lived secure in His identity, remained focused on His mission, and confident of His eternal destination. He didn’t allow other people to set His agenda, hijack His emotions, or affect how He viewed Himself.  We see this in how He related to the masses, as well. In John 2:23-25, we read: Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person (NIV). I’m struck by the phrase: He didn’t entrust Himself to them. Jesus knew the very ones who praised Him on Palm Sunday would chant for His crucifixion come Good Friday. Yet, still He chose the cross, praying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (John 23:24, NIV).  He understood the pervasive effects of sin and therefore could separate the individual from their behavior. I began to experience healing when I started to do the same. I learned to shift my anger off the person who hurt me and onto the one responsible for our world’s darkness.  I hated the devil for the damage he inflicted rather than a fellow victim. This helped shift my anger for the person to compassion, which in turn stirred me to prayer. As I stepped more fully into God’s illuminating light, I came to realize the bitterness that once consumed me was merely a defense mechanism shielding me from pain. My soul needed space to grieve, and to receive the comfort of the Lord who sees me, knows me, and will always love me.  This didn’t mean I denied or accepted someone’s poor behavior, or that it necessitated relational closeness. There are some people in my life I must love from a distance. I’m also learning not to make their behavior about me. I see it instead as a reflection of their heart and their need for Jesus.  Intersecting Life and Faith I don’t intend to imply that this has been easy or that I have complete clarity. It’s taken therapy, prayer, and listening for God’s gentle voice as I read Scripture and journaled to better understand how He is calling me to love each individual. I recognize I still have much room for growth. But I also know that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion. He will carry me to completion, to wholeness, as He gently yet consistently leads me to greater freedom.  I recognize how difficult today’s passage can feel, especially for those who’ve experienced inconceivably deep wounds. Jesus never exacerbates or diminishes our pain. To the contrary. At every moment, He is leading us toward thriving life (John 10:10). When we remember that He is always focused on our ultimate good, we gain the courage to yield to His transformative, healing hand.  Further Reading: Romans 13:8 Matthew 5:43-48 John 13:34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the concept of New Year’s resolutions and examine whether they truly serve us in our faith journey. Many set resolutions with good intentions, but how often do we find ourselves falling short? Together, we’ll discuss the importance of aligning our goals with God’s will, the role of grace in our efforts, and practical steps to make our resolutions more meaningful. Join us as we explore how to transform resolutions into intentional commitments that draw us closer to Christ. Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on resolutions! Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—Have you found success in your resolutions, or have they felt like failing propositions? What strategies have worked for you in pursuing lasting change?🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Full Transcript Below: Are Resolutions Failing Propositions? By Kelly Balarie “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 NIV  I set my specific goals to improve on January 1st, however somewhere between 3 days to 3 weeks later, my resolution was done, broke, and entirely over. I can’t say I’m proud of it. My spirit was willing, but flesh proved weak. And, in a spirit of confession, before you, fellow Christian, I must admit, this wasn’t an isolated incident either. I’ve broken resolution after resolution. I commit things and don’t always follow through. I sometimes hate myself for it too. Ever been there? It’s frustrating. The new year resolution that was supposed to bless, inspire, and make me better -- defeated, discouraged, and deflated me. Grr…So, here we are again…in the midst of the new year. The time of year when people are throwing up resolution-like things, like bullets, all over social media sites. A time when they say, “I am going to ____.” “I will stop ____.” “My word of the year is ___.” Hearing all these bold declarations -- almost makes you feel like a lazy loser if you’re not participating.  But, at the same time, and I think it is a valid question to ask – do resolutions even work? And are they God’s best intent for us?  Research shows only 9% people keep their new year resolution. 23% give up by the first week. 43% give up by February.  Even the holy and saintly disciples broke a resolution.  In Jesus’ hour of intense agony and sorrow, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told them to sit nearby and to keep watch with him. I’m sure they determined, with great inner-resolution to accomplish this -- to obey and to pray, just like Jesus had said. Yet, it wasn’t too long until Jesus returned and found them -- asleep. So much for that resolution! “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt. 26:41-42 NIV) Ultimately, what it comes down to is – resolution without intercession is ineffective. Resolution without God’s accompanying grace is counterproductive. Resolution without keeping watch leads to falling into temptation. In all this, I can’t help but think -- it is better not to say, “I am going to do this ___ this year,” but, instead, to pray, “God, give me grace and show how to do __ today. Reveal to me what to watch out for…”  One sets itself up for defeat; the other sets itself up to rely on God. Just as I want my kid to trust me as I teach them, verses being a know-it-all who can do it all – God wants our trust too. In this, we can be encouraged! God has all the grace we need! Like fresh bread, with fresh daily-equipping power all packed inside – we can approach him day-by-day, moment-by-moment, for all the grace we need in our hour of need, without setting ourselves up for defeat.  What if, instead of declaring some massive resolution we get about daily intercession for the deep desires of our heart? Perhaps, then, we’ll see, even in the failings God is gleaning great learnings for us, as we go forward. Our life change is not by our own power or might, but it all happens by the Spirit of God.  Intersecting Faith & Life: What do you want to see change in your life? What if, morning by morning, you ask God to help you, you seek His way and you keep knocking? How might God’s grace be more valuable than your own willpower? How have you seen God change you in the past? Ask Him to do it again. Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we celebrate the theme of hope as we step into the new year. As believers, we are reminded that each new beginning offers us a chance to renew our faith and trust in God’s promises. Together, we’ll explore Scripture that inspires hope, discuss how to let go of past disappointments, and embrace the future with a heart full of faith. Join us as we discover practical ways to cultivate hope in our daily lives and uplift those around us. Join the Conversation:We want to hear how you’re finding hope as you enter the new year! Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email—What new hopes and dreams are you embracing this year, and how can we pray for you in that journey? 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/  Full Transcript Below: Newfound Hope for the New Year. Three Ways to Find it. By Keri Eichberger But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)  Hope isn’t something I’ve felt a whole lot of lately. Well, for a while actually. In fact, I honestly can’t remember when I last felt it, or when I seemed to lose it. Maybe it was a year ago when my first book was released, and the results didn’t quite match my efforts and initial excitement. And maybe a little more hope left me with the death of a beloved family member a few months later. Then more through the fear of Dad’s open heart surgery that followed. And some more with his sudden stroke too shortly after that. But I likely lost my final spark when we found out a huge investment crashed, leaving my family in a financial nightmare the very next season of sorrow. And I hate to highlight so much of the sad side of life, and neglect to share the good—because deep down I know there actually is always so much to be thankful for. But vulnerably speaking, sometimes our reality and human nature tend to bend a bit down in the dumps. The ugly truth is, I feel like I was on the verge of forgetting how to even feel truly hopeful altogether. But I want to be. I want to feel hope and joy and fresh, vibrant life budding and blossoming within. And I know God wants that. For all of his children. Plus, the alternative is just dark, depressing, and dreadful. Now these sentiments I am well acquainted with these days. Ugh, how horrible is that to admit? Do you feel like you are lacking some hope too? Or any hope? Are you tired of feeling this way? I sure am. I miss feeling alive with anticipation of blessings in the works. I miss excitedly expecting better days just ahead. I want to watch in joyful hope for the Lord‘s goodness and gifts, that I really do know are ever-flowing.  You get it. Yes, we’ve all walked through some hard things. We’ve all cried out to God in our suffering more times than we’d like to be true. But here’s the thing. He has heard each and every cry. He has grieved and wept right with us. But he wants so much more for our lives. Because he loves us. He has better and bigger plans for our future. Because he loves us. He is pleased to share with us his glory and blessings right here on earth. Because he loves us. I want this year to be different, don’t you? Yes, we all want to be filled with hope in the Lord. Intersecting Faith and Life: Here’s what I’ve learned from God and his Word when it comes to hope. It starts with him. Hope begins by: Acknowledging him. Sitting silently in his presence. Sharing with Jesus what’s still causing you hurt and heartache. Releasing the disappointments of the past, your current season of sadness, your mistakes, mishaps, and misunderstandings. Acknowledging that he hears you and your cries. And then, Acknowledging him as savior. Accepting and professing that he is the sovereign one who loves you so much. Who wants good for you. And has all the power to bring your best to be. You can trust your life in his all-powerful hands. And because of this, you can practice, Waiting in hope for him. We wait because God is currently working out his plan. And we can do it with anticipation, patience, and hope because we know it will be nothing short of perfect. Because his love for you and me is nothing less than perfect. Like Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Friend, let this be true of you too as we walk into the new year. Watch in hope for the Lord. Wait for our good, good God. The Almighty God who loves you. He is your savior. He has heard you, he hears you, and he always will. May we both not only be hopeful, but abounding with praise and joy today for the good things he is abundantly bringing our way. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kickstart your new year with purpose! Learn how to maintain momentum after the thrill of resolutions fades. Discover the art of setting realistic goals aligned with your faith. Delve into the power of prayer in planning your year. Stay accountable in your spiritual journey while embracing new opportunities. Let go of past struggles and decorate your life with hope and renewal, trusting in God's plan for a brighter future!