The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

we dive into the powerful call that Christians have to live differently from the world around them. In a culture that often prioritizes materialism, individualism, and fleeting pleasures, how do we as believers remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word and live with purpose, peace, and eternal perspective? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. There is power in a gentle invitation. Listen here to find out why. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:43-46 Early in my faith journey, I created a lot of conflict in my desire to see loved ones develop a relationship with Christ. My pride also pulled me into numerous unproductive conversations where I attempted to debate people into belief. Inevitably, this pushed the other person further away and left me with regret and shame. Sadly, in the years that followed, I erred in the opposite direction in which I largely remained silent. I told myself others would see Christ in the love and grace I displayed, but I failed to share the truth necessary for people to draw that connection. I’ve since learned the value of Philip’s approach, recorded in John 1. Upon encountering Jesus, he immediately sought out his brother, excited to share the news of the Messiah.  Nathanael responded as many people do today, with mocking disbelief. “Nazareth,” he said, “Can anything good come from there?”  Had Philip been me, in my early years, he probably would’ve tried to convince his brother of his discovery. Had he been me in my silent period that followed, he might’ve shrugged and simply walked away. Instead, Philip invited Nathanael to investigate Jesus for himself.  “Come and see,” he said.  Curiosity evoked, Nathanael got up and followed. The Lord took care of the rest. Verse 47 states, “When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit’” (NIV). “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked, to which Jesus replied, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree, before Philip called you.”  These words, ignited by the Holy Spirit, birthed within Nathanael life-changing faith. In verses 49-51, we read, 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” Did you catch the progression? Philip encouraged his brother to check out Jesus for himself. When he did, he encountered the Lord, who spoke a nugget of truth. Again, Nathanael responded, this time with faith, after which the Lord revealed deeper truth.  Intersecting Life and Faith The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. Our attempts to do so will likely only push them further away.  But while God commands us to love others and live as radiant reflections of Him, kind actions alone don’t often lead to spiritual conversations. People need to see how we are different and understand why. They need for us to draw the connection and then invite them to experience the truth for themselves.  A missionary friend with Cru refers to believers as cojourners. We’re travelers who gently invite people to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery. Then we walk beside them, first as an explorer, then a guide, builder, and finally, mentor. This is what it looks like to, “meet people where they’re at,” while, through active listening and remaining compassionately present, lovingly nudging them forward.  In doing so, we are imitating our Savior who invited people to come closer and evoked their curiosity through questions and stories. When people, like Nathanael, responded positively, Jesus revealed more of Himself and His truth. When they rejected Him, He didn’t try to argue them into belief. Instead, He let them go, remaining available should they decide to return. We honor Him and experience the best results when we do our part to invite and walk beside and trust God to create life change.  Further Reading: 1 Peter 3:15 John 4:28-42 John 1:38-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today. Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza.  Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components.  Can you recognize the richness of these phrases? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Praying His Way By Megan Conner “Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”  Matt. 6:9-13 (NKJV) Have you ever found yourself struggling to pray?  We are told communing with God is the key to having a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Yet, at times, this concept of entreaty can trigger confusion or even doubt as it can appear as an intangible, one-sided conversation.  Or, the recitation of memorized prayers can feel monotonous or even robotic – something we “force” ourselves to do.  While many of us may wrestle with this spiritual discipline, the Lord continues to remind us, through the Word of God, of its immeasurable value and patiently prompts us through the Holy Spirit to draw closer to him through this conversation we call prayer.  Prayer truly is how we communicate and grow in relationship with the Lord. In our human relationships, intimacy of any kind can only be established through proximity and shared hearts through conversation.  It is the same with God.  When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he taught them one of the most memorized passages in history, The Lord’s Prayer. Many of us may have recited it since our youth, but have we ever really meditated on the meaning behind the words we pronounce? Sadly, this prayer has become so common, so renowned, that without intentional focus on the words recited, we miss the richness embedded in the simplicity. First, the verses of this supplication came directly from the mouth of Jesus. He, who was the forerunner of our faith; who demonstrated not only how to pray, but exemplified the Father through his very life. If Jesus and the Father are one (John 14:11), then what we say when offer this petition is from the Father himself.  Additionally, there is a generational legacy in The Lord’s Prayer. Believers across the entire world have been reciting this same poetic expression for over 2,000 years! When we appeal to our Heavenly Father with this specific supplication, we are not only joining with the heart of the Lord, we are unifying with millions and millions of other saints; those who have gone before us, and fellow pilgrims journeying towards Heaven, our eternal home, even now. Finally, this lyrical language addresses every component of our spiritual relationship with the Creator of the universe. First, it acknowledges the deity and omnipotence of God and ascribes the worship due his name. It also acknowledges submission to his will and kingdom, in our lives and upon the earth. A promise of divine provision for every need is offered to all who call upon his promises. As we continue on, we are allowed the opportunity to receive forgiveness for our misgivings and extend that same mercy towards others who have harmed us. Then, we recognize our need for his supernatural protection against our own sinful temptations as well as the ploys of the enemy seeking to beguile and overcome us. Finally, as we began, we end – in worship to the Alpha and Omega, he “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8, ESV). My greater understanding and appreciation of this timeless entreaty, has impacted me so much that I literally offer up The Lord’s Prayer every morning before I begin my day. Though these verses have a sense of formality, as stated earlier, prayer, in its most basic sense, is just a conversation. We are simply communicating with our Heavenly Father – thanking him for all he has done and laying before him our requests. The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today. Intersecting Faith & Life: Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza.  Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components.  Can you recognize the richness of these phrases?  When combined together, can you see how this single prayer offers us everything we need to walk through whatever the day brings?  Prayerfully consider adding The Lord’s Prayer into your daily quiet time with the Lord.  Further Reading: Ex. 16 John 14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God.  As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions:  When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment? How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective? Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you? In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations?  SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Praise Welcomes God’s Power into Your Life By: Whitney Hopler “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” – Acts 16:25-26 I was struggling to sleep because of persistent pain from an injury. No matter how hard I tried to find a comfortable position to go to sleep, I couldn’t find any way to escape the pain or relax enough to sleep. Frustrated, I glanced at a nearby clock. It was already close to midnight, and I still didn’t know how much longer it would take me to go to sleep. Rather than ruminate on my problem any longer, I got up out of bed and did something I knew would always help me somehow – I sang a worship song to God. Even though I was singing softly (to avoid waking up my husband), it didn’t take long to feel a powerful sense of peace wash over me. God was with me even in my pain. I kept singing, and by the time I was done, my pain didn’t seem as distracting as before. Finally, I was able to drift off to sleep. There’s something powerful about praise. It lifts our perspective beyond our problems and to the all-powerful God who can help us solve them. When Paul and Silas found themselves in prison, they could have chosen to give in to despair, or to question why God allowed them to endure such suffering. Instead, they lifted their voices in prayer and praise to God. Their decision to worship in the middle of suffering may seem surprising. But the miracle that happened when they did shows us that praise opens the door to God’s power.  In their darkest hour, at midnight, Paul and Silas began to sing hymns to God. The prison, which was often a place of defeat and silence, became a place of worship. As their praises rose, God’s power descended. The Bible passage tells us that suddenly there was an earthquake so violent that even the foundations of the prison were shaken. The result was that not only were Paul and Silas freed, but every prisoner in that place was unshackled. Praise brought liberation to everyone around them!  When we praise, we shift our focus from ourselves and our problems to God. Praise acknowledges God’s greatness and faithfulness, no matter what challenges we’re facing. By praising God in difficult times, we invite God into our circumstances. That is when transformation happens.  The prison couldn’t contain Paul and Silas because the power of God was greater than their chains. When we choose to praise God – despite how impossible or painful our circumstances may seem – we’re acknowledging that God’s power is greater than anything we face. We’re inviting God to step into our situation, trusting that God is more than able to deliver us.  Praise also acts as a weapon of faith in spiritual warfare. Just as it broke open the prison doors for Paul and Silas, praise has the power to break down spiritual strongholds. Evil wants to keep us imprisoned in fear, doubt, and despair. But when we lift up praise, we declare that God is in control, no matter how hopeless our situation may appear. Praise declares victory before it’s even visible. That welcomes God’s light into the darkness, dispelling it.  When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God.  So, whatever you’re facing today, choose to praise. Trust that as you lift your voice to God, God will work powerfully in your life. The same power that set Paul and Silas free is available to you. Praise welcomes God’s power into your life, and nothing can stand against it. Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions:  When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment? How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective? Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you? In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations?  Further Reading Psalm 22:3 2 Chronicles 20:22 Psalm 34:1 Isaiah 61:3 Hebrews 13:15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God reveals Himself in ways we can understand, and He wants us to know His will even more than we do. When we seek Him, His wisdom, and His truth, we can trust Him to provide the answers we need to move forward in our faith, like He did with Nicodemus. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born! Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:1-5 Growing up, I watched a close caregiver get swept into one spiritual falsehood after another. At three separate points, this led to this individual joining cults. Their behavior felt particularly confusing because they claimed to know Jesus. Over time, I developed a strong fear of spiritual deception that hindered my confidence to accurately hear God’s voice.  Perhaps you’ve struggled with something similar and worry that you’ll miss, or misinterpret, God’s will and land outside of it. Reading some of Jesus’ conversations with people, like the one recorded in John 3, we might find His words cryptic and wonder why He didn’t speak more plainly. Was He using a theological puzzle to evoke Nicodemus’s curiosity, or was He, perhaps, pointing the scholar to truths he already knew? As I consider this interaction, I’m intrigued by Nicodemus’s statement in verse two. He said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with Him” (NIV, emphasis mine).  While Scripture doesn’t state this specifically, I assume his use of “we” indicated other Pharisees. At this point in Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders believed He was aligned with God. But as time progressed and Jesus called people, these men included, to a new way of life, they quickly discounted Him and His teaching.  This seems to indicate that they deliberately chose to deny the truth. I’m reminded of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11-12a. Speaking to the Israelites when they were actively rejecting Him, He said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” Jesus made a similar promise in John 10 when He said, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  These Scriptures indicate that God never withholds Himself from us. He makes His ways clear, and protects us from lies designed to lure us away. What’s more, Jesus’ words to Nicodemus demonstrate God’s ability to speak to us in ways we understand. In John 3:6-8, Jesus said, Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”   A precursory reading might lead us to view Jesus’ words as a confusing, almost poetic expression of truth. But consider Nicodemus’ background, and his in-depth knowledge of the Old Testament. Jesus was reminding the highly educated leader to prophesies of His coming. In other words, He was helping Nicodemus connect dots that would clarify Christ’s identity as the Messiah.  While some have equated His mention of water in John 3:5 with baptism, John Piper from Desiring God suggests He was pointing Nicodemus to Ezekiel 36, a section of Scripture he would’ve known well. In verses 25-28 God stated, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”      When Nicodemus responded with confusion, Jesus said, “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?” (John 3:7, NIV). In other words, a man with such knowledge of the Old Testament should grasp what Jesus meant.  Intersecting Life and Faith God reveals Himself in ways we can understand, and He wants us to know His will even more than we do. When we seek Him, His wisdom, and His truth, we can trust Him to provide the answers we need to move forward in our faith, like He did with Nicodemus. He is an attentive shepherd who assumes full responsibility to lead us to greater freedom and deeper intimacy with Him. We can also trust that the One who laid down His life that we might live will protect us from those things threatening to rob us of His most costly gift. Further Reading: John 10:3-5 John 16:13-14 Psalm 25:5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you find yourself condemning yourself, remember that battle has already been won. Mercy triumphs over judgement because the judgement of God has already been executed upon all sin and unrighteousness. There is no more payment or retribution to be received. On the cross, Jesus took the Judgement of the Father. What is more, flowing out of the sacrifice is nothing but divine mercy. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: The Good word about Mercy “Mercy triumphs over judgement” (James 2:13) I once had a parishioner of mine who lived under the watchful eye of a condemning aunt. Whenever he stepped out of line, or caused some mishap, the aunt would glare in his direction and say, “God will get you for that.”  It didn’t matter about the severity of action, or the intent (or non-intent) of the accident. Suffice it to say, this man grew up with deep-seeded picture of God as an angry enforcer.  God was that being in the sky who longed to catch him his spiritual infractions. Thus, despite all the verses pertaining to God’s love, he could not shake the belief that God was out to get him. He lived with the agonizing thought that it was just a matter of time before he would be crushed under some act of divine judgement. Do you ever feel like God is angry with you? Do you struggle with the assumption that, while God works in love and grace to everyone else, you receive nothing but wrath and vengeance? Why do you think that way? Many of us find ourselves continually gripped with such a fear. We fear that God’s mercy will not be directed to us, and so we put upon ourselves the demands of ‘be better’ do more’ or ‘work harder’ in a vain attempt to placate an angry God. After all, this ethic of earning undergirds the world around us. The more we work the more we earn, the world tells us.  But this locks us into and endless cycle of condemnation. What we do is always (or earn) is always betrayed by what we do not, and no matter how hard we try, we can always judge ourselves insufficient by the metric of our neighbors.  Yes, God is just and righteous, and scripture holds true that there will be a day where God will call all evil to account.  A God who is not just is one who is not good. And yet, throughout the gamut of scripture, we also hear the truth of mercy. God continually speaks words of comfort and peace to each of us.  In James 2, we read that mercy triumphs over judgement. This good news hearkens back to the promise God makes in Exodus 20, to show mercy to a thousand generations to those who love him. The truth is the Lord’s declaration of mercy speaks louder than any voice within us that speaks a word of judgement.  In the battle of judgment versus mercy, mercy always wins. Mercy beats in the heart of God.  God is abundant in mercy and endless in love. In Christ, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can be assured of this reality for our lives.  John writes that whenever our hearts condemn us, we can be assured that God is bigger than our hearts.  When we struggle to hold faithfully to the promises of mercy, Jesus lovingly reaches out for us. And the Holy Spirit in our lives is an ongoing testimony of his loving hold over us.  Because mercy triumphs over judgement, we live in the assurance of everlasting favor.  Intersecting faith and life. Let me ask you again, do you feel that God is angry with you? Is there a voice that speaks condemnation over you?  What might it look like for you to listen, instead, to the voice of Jesus. Can you dare to believe the promise that mercy triumphs over judgement, and hear that as a declaration about your life?  It does not matter what is in our past, what defines our present, or what mistakes we will inevitably make in the future, we can trust that the Lord’s presence over us is both merciful and loving.  This blessed assurance is whispered into our hearts whenever we draw nearer in faith. This is the divine promise so eloquently displayed in the cross. Just think of it, as Jesus hung on the cross, he could have easily released a deluge of divine retribution upon those who crucified him.  But instead, he chose to speak words of forgiveness and mercy. The cross beckons us to receive the divine love that overtakes all sin and shame.  If you find yourself condemning yourself, remember that battle has already been won. Mercy triumphs over judgement because the judgement of God has already been executed upon all sin and unrighteousness. There is no more payment or retribution to be received. On the cross, Jesus took the Judgement of the Father. What is more, flowing out of the sacrifice is nothing but divine mercy. For Further Reading: 2nd Peter 3:9 What Christians need to understand about Mercy on Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

David knew how to stay in the seat and allow the Lord to meet his spiritual and physical needs.  Could we learn this same dependence? With these eternal truths in mind, the next time you are faced with unexpected adversity, remember you can stay in the seat.  Your Divine Protector will provide you everything you need. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Learning to Stay in the Seat By Megan Conner “The LORD is my shepherd;I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LORDForever.” Ps. 23 (NKJV) How many of us have heard this famous passage read aloud at funerals or observed it printed over a picturesque scene illustrating green pastures and still waters?  The imagery conveyed, channels what we consider the anticipated likeness of heaven.  However, despite its common reference as soothing biblical poetry, this psalm was not written during a moment of serenity.  It is believed David penned this poem while avoiding the pursuit of King Saul who was attempting to capture and kill the warrior who once slayed Goliath.  It is here, where David had left everything behind, when he had zero assurance of safety, and had no idea where his next meal would come from that he inscribed these timeless truths.  When faced with our own seasons of adversity could we make these same bold declarations?  Would we hammer our stake of faith in the ground and assert “I shall not want?” There have been countless times in my own life when I have stared down apparent want and responded with the complete opposite.  Pain and fear can stimulate such strong feelings of doubt, and even resentment, when we are faced with undesirable dilemmas.  However, our gracious God understands human frailty and weakness.  Rather than abandon us for our faithlessness, he takes our hand and guides us to places of gentle rest and teaches us how we can trust in him. If we study the Hebrew translation of Psalm 23, we can discover the entire passage is filled with action verbs.  Everyone remember those early grammar lessons during our years of primary education?  These parts of speech are often referred to as dynamic verbs and describe the action being performed in the sentence.  This tranquil psalm does not outline a sedentary, passive response.  Rather, our Lord actively leads us to places of much needed sustenance and reprieve.  He makes us lie down in green pastures.  He leads us by still waters.  Like a parent making their child go to bed because it is what is best for them, our Heavenly Father sometimes allows circumstances in our lives that drive us into quieter, restricted places of separation.  While unwanted, it is here, in these spaces of solitude, we learn how to receive from God. Even further, the Lord invites us to remain seated at the table he prepares for us in the presence of our enemies.  I don’t know about you, but when I am faced with deep worry or sadness I struggle to eat.  My nerves turn my stomach into knots.  I lose my appetite.  Not to mention my inability to sit still.  Whether I am physically running around or spinning in circles mentally, when I feel threatened, I plot, plan, devise, and fight for my own provision and deliverance.  I know I need to trust the Lord but waiting patiently for it all to work out, especially when the results appear extremely delayed, is HARD.  Have you ever found yourself feeling the same? David comprehended God’s provision in a way I have misunderstood.  He had absolute confidence that God would not only provide salvation but also sustenance.  Even with the battle raging around him, and uncertainty before him, David knew how to stay in the seat and allow the Lord to meet his spiritual and physical needs.  Could we learn this same dependence?  While I am certainly not perfect, I have made significant progress surrendering my attempts to control outcomes.  When the storms of this life start to swirl around, instead of rising up and striving for my own salvation, I remind myself to remain seated.  The battle is not mine; it’s God’s (2 Chron. 20:15).  I can follow the instructions of the psalmist. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14, NIV).   With these eternal truths in mind, the next time you are faced with unexpected adversity, remember you can stay in the seat.  Your Divine Protector will provide you everything you need. Intersecting Faith & Life: Reread Psalm 23 with the fresh perspective gained from today’s devotional.  How has your understanding of this famous passage changed?  Have you experienced times when you fought to control outcomes instead of resting and receiving from the Lord?  Are you able to look back upon your life and discover moments when you could sense the Heavenly Father’s nearness in the restricted and quieter places of grief or hardship?  How can you apply what we learned today the next time you are faced with an unwanted dilemma?  How will you remind yourself to stay in the seat? Further Reading: 2 Chron. Chapter 20 Psalm 27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We are in a season where political tensions are high, yes. Our brains are in super-categorization mode, which is made all the easier by the signs on our lawns and the flags that fly in front of our homes. We are quick to put ourselves into categories—and even quicker to do the same for others. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Our Brains Like it Simple: Being Aware of the Way We Categorize  By Deidre Braley  Acts 9: 1-5 “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”  The bell jingled as I stepped inside; my little dog Pablo leapt up to greet me, all shorn and shivering and desperate to leave. “How’d he do today?” I sighed as I scooped him into my arms. We had our usual exchange, the groomer and me: he’d been a nervous wreck (per usual), she’d done the oatmeal bath, we’d be coming back in six weeks. Pablo licked my face and begged me to go, but as the groomer handed me his next appointment card, she hesitated.  “There’s uh…well, um…could I get your professional opinion on something?” And from under the cushions on her couch, she extracted a notebook: this secret prize, this shimmering of possibility. Amidst the shampoos and shears and flea treatments, this woman held out a collection of poems she’d been working on in private. “Would you read one and tell me what you think?”  She began to ask me how you know when a poem is done, and how you know when it’s done well. We talked about the trickery of metaphor and the possibility of publication. Did we tear up at this recognition of kindred-ness—this realization that we were a little less alone in the world than we’d been before my dog’s haircut? It’s possible.  I share this with you because, before this interaction, I never would have known that our dog’s groomer was also a poet. Our exchanges until that point had been limited to conversations around sensitive skin, clipper settings, and Venmo payments. But when she pulled out that notebook filled with poetry, I realized she’d been kindred all along—I just hadn’t imagined or known it yet.  I’m afraid that I do this all the time, this designating of spaces and titles for other people. Apparently there’s a name for this—it’s called social identity theory. See, our brains like to make things as simple as possible, and for that reason, we subconsciously engage in this act of categorizing. We put people into groups so we can understand them better.1  While we can’t fault our brains for trying to make things easier, there are spiritual implications that we need to be aware of, here. Because if we aren’t aware of the categories we’re putting people into, we may begin to make assumptions about the state of their souls that simply aren’t true.  1 Saul McLeod, “Social Identity Theory in Psychology (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), Simply Psychology, October 5, 2023, https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-identity-theory.html Think of Saul, for example. As someone who was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1), the disciples easily categorized him as an enemy. It’s probably safe to say that none of them imagined that the Lord would ever be able to reach him—let alone use him—for the glory of the Kingdom. In fact, even after the Lord struck Saul blind and ordered the disciple Ananias to visit him and lay hands on him so he could regain his sight, Ananias said, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14). In Ananias’ mind, Saul was firmly in the ‘enemy’ category.  But God did not relent, instead telling Ananias, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).  Intersecting Faith & Life  We are in a season where political tensions are high, yes. Our brains are in super-categorization mode, which is made all the easier by the signs on our lawns and the flags that fly in front of our homes. We are quick to put ourselves into categories—and even quicker to do the same for others. We may even be tempted to make assumptions about what God thinks about people based on the categories we’ve put them in.  But even outside of politics, we may tend to hang back from certain people, never looking them in the eyes and considering that they, too, are children of the Living God. Never considering telling them about Jesus or the hope we have because we don’t believe it will matter or make any difference to them.  If God could soften Saul’s heart and then totally revolutionize his actions, perspective, spirit, and life, though, what makes us think he can’t do the same for any single person he puts in our midst?  Today, let’s look up and around, and let’s catch ourselves in the act of categorizing the people we meet. Instead of putting them into neat and tidy boxes, let’s remember that groomers can be poets, that Pharisees can be chosen instruments of God, and that the very people before us can be hungry for and receptive to the same hope we’ve been given.  Further Reading:  Here are some stories of other people whose categories made them ‘unlikely’ to follow God—but they did. Be encouraged.  ● Rahab: Joshua 2  ● The woman at the well: John 4:1-42 ● Zaccheus: Luke 19:1-10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you’re human, then you’re a sinner, and if a sinner, there are undoubtedly multiple ways in which your value system can be realigned to better fit God’s. Allow the Lord to reveal Himself to us, teaching us what we don’t know, and reaffirming what we do. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How Strong Are Your Values? By Aaron D’Anthony BrownBible Reading “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27, CSB) Building a House You can tell how strong a house is based on its foundation. Even if the top crumbles and the walls come down, a strong house remains where it started. Firmly planted in place. Yet, while a strong foundation is able to resist the elements, a weak foundation succumbs. The walls and the roof collapse, and the foundation, too, breaks apart. Much like a house, you can tell how strong someone’s values are based on how those values hold up under pressure. I remember entering college as a Christian who professed faith but couldn’t explain to you why I believed. Anytime someone asked me, even gently, why I didn’t attend church or read Scripture, I scrambled. My value was really in complacency, not in a chapel or reading. There was nervousness, sweat, and plenty of avoidance. If you challenged me, which a few Christians did, I’d be offended. I wanted to do my own thing, not be admonished. And though I was not combative, I was most certainly defensive. Today, I see similar behavior from moral relativists who struggle to explain their ever-changing positions, the perpetually single who never want to self-examine, and even the woke who want everybody to think like them. They all believe the problem is everyone else and never themselves.   What we value and what we don’t reveal much about our hearts. In the same way, you can spot a weak value system, you can also pinpoint someone with well-thought-out beliefs. Their ideals stand up to pressure and are unwavering with time.  As believers, we want to be able to answer, as best we can, anyone who has a question about the faith. That’s especially true if they are trying to push us to be better. When we allow ourselves to grow, not only are our values strengthened, but we become people better equipped to encourage others, and lead people to Christ. If then, like me, you want to know and continue to strengthen your values, then today presents the perfect opportunity. Intersecting Faith & Life: Know God If you want to know what you ought to value, then you have to know God. We do that through prayer and reading. Both allow the Lord to reveal Himself to us, teaching us what we don’t know, and reaffirming what we do. Know the Word Reading the Bible is especially relevant because it takes away the confusion we may experience through prayer. Sometimes we ask questions of God and don’t quite understand Him. However, if we read then we can potentially clear up that confusion right away. Don’t Be Defensive The Bible talks repeatedly about being humble. Humble people acknowledge when they don’t know when they mess up and how they can grow. If God calls on us to practice this virtue, then be open to having your values challenged. If you’re human, then you’re a sinner, and if a sinner, there are undoubtedly multiple ways in which your value system can be realigned to better fit God’s. Keep Reading The only way to know, without any doubt, what to value as a Christian is to read. Reading too helps you strengthen your values because you educate yourself on why you believe in the first place. Back in the day for me, reading the Bible was intimidating because I was so unfamiliar with it. I didn’t want to look dumb, but we all have to start of dumb before we become smart. More importantly, we have to know what to value if we want to live lives centered on God. Don’t be fooled into thinking everything we value, He values too. Or that everything He values we naturally want for ourselves. Instead, pursue God through reading and watch as your values fall into place, much like that house with a strong foundation. Further Reading: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Matthew 4:4 Matthew 6:33 1 Timothy 6:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Take some time to see how God works. Can you recall a time where an unanswered prayer was actually a blessing? His light shines through intentionally and His work is always good.  SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.