

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast
The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast
Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 10, 2025 • 8min
Rest in God
When life feels overwhelming and your heart is troubled, Psalm 4:8 reminds us of God’s promise: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” In this devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares a personal story of how God used the song “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez to bring peace in the middle of anxiety. Through Scripture, prayer, and resting in God’s presence, we are reminded that we can lay our burdens down and trust that He never abandons us. ✨ Highlights God never leaves us — He promises to be with us always (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20) Honesty in prayer matters — God invites us to bring our deepest pain and struggles to Him (Psalm 62:8, Hebrews 4:13) God is our safe place — No matter how uncertain life feels, His presence offers protection and peace (Romans 8:35-39) Resting in Him — By casting our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7), we can release our anxiety and sleep in peace, knowing He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4) Practical encouragement — Share your heart with God, meditate on His promises, and trust Him to handle what you cannot 💬 Join the Conversation How do you find rest in God when life feels overwhelming? Do you pray, listen to worship music, or meditate on Scripture? Share your thoughts and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #RestInGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Song Mentioned: “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez Full Transcript Below: Rest in God By: Alexis A. Goring “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” — Psalm 4:8 NLTOne night as I was preparing to go to bed, my mind was too troubled to sleep. So, I turned to prayer. I asked God to remind me how real He is and within seconds of that prayer request spoken directly to God, He brought a song to my mind with lyrics I hadn’t listened to in years. “I Will Rest in You” sung by Jaci Velasquez ministered to me and gave me great hope. The song lyrics begin by painting the picture of a person feeling like they are surrounded by darkness and deep in despair. They feel like their world is caving in. The person begins to seek God by being honest about what they are experiencing. They tell God that their mind is playing games yet again but deep inside they know that God is right there in the dark with them and He’s never abandoned them. Realizing the hope in this, they ask God to bring them back to the safe place they remember having with Him when they were growing up in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. A place where they knew God’s personal care intimately. They desire to return to the safe haven that they knew so well in their childhood. In those days, it felt like they could free fall into God’s open arms and be covered by His all-surrounding protection. They want to rest in God. There are so many takeaways that one can glean from this song. Let’s focus on a few: Takeaway #1: God has never and will never abandon you (Hebrews 13:5). Sometimes, we may feel like God has left us to face life alone but that is not true because the Bible says He will be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Takeaway #2: God encourages us to be honest with Him. He can handle the depths of our pain, especially when we are feeling despair. Nothing is hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13). He knows our thoughts before they form in our mind. Given this truth, we may as well tell Him everything that’s weighing heavy on our heart (Psalm 62:8). He waits patiently for us to come to Him just as we are and cast our burdens on Him (Matthew 11:28-29). Takeaway #3: God is our safe place. Period. No matter how unsafe our world may feel and no matter where we live on this Earth, we can go to God for safety. His Presence is fully accessible to us everywhere on this planet. He knows all and sees all (Proverbs 5:21). The Bible says nothing can separate us from His Love (Romans 8:35-39). When we feel scared and hopeless and like the sky is falling, we should seek God. And we don’t have to look far to find Him. He’s closer than we think and always just a prayer away. Takeaway #4: God wants us to rest in Him. How do we rest in God? Good question. I believe we can rest in God by first letting our guard down and opening up to Him about how we’re feeling and sharing our heavy load with Him. Then we can ask Him to ease our anxiety and lift us up out of the pit of despair. The Bible says to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7) and trust Him because His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Finally, as He soothes us, we can rest in His care and go to sleep in peace every night knowing that He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4). This means He’s effectively handling everything we’re stressing out over. The Bible says God works everything out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). My personal experience has been that when I need God, He always shows up. He either draws me close to Him through my Bible study and prayer time (James 4:8) or He sends someone who loves Him to help me through whatever is troubling me. Oftentimes that comes in the form of another Christian who prays for me. Earlier this year when I was going through something difficult, a Christian friend of mine prayed over me in a way that sounded like she was very close to God and that she was praying from the depths of her heart for me. It was a gift that reminded me how much God cares about everything we care about and how He sends His people to cover us in prayer. I am grateful. If you don’t know God and haven’t accepted His Son (Jesus Christ) to be your Lord and Savior, it’s not too late because you can do that today. And when you do then you can rest in Him, trusting that He’ll always cover you and be there for you even when nobody else can. Go to God before you go to people. Ask Him for what you need then trust Him to provide it. God loves you with all His Heart. He wants you to trust Him just like a child trusts Him as their Heavenly Father. Intersecting Faith and Life: Next time you feel like the sky is falling, will you turn to God and rest in Him? Further Reading: John 14:27 Isaiah 26:3 Psalm 23:1-3 Psalm 56:3-4 Psalm 62:1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 9, 2025 • 7min
Start Your Day with God’s Help
Mornings can feel overwhelming when to-do lists, responsibilities, and worries start piling up the moment you wake up. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler reminds us that Psalm 46:5 offers a powerful promise: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” When we start our mornings with prayer, invite God into our schedules, and trust His guidance, we can face even the busiest days with peace and confidence. God’s presence is constant, His help is timely, and His strength is enough for whatever comes our way. Highlights Why mornings matter — how starting your day with God’s help sets the tone for peace and focus The promise of Psalm 46:5: God’s presence keeps us steady and secure Practical tips for beginning your morning with God: Pray first — surrender your worries and ask for His strength Read Scripture — meditate on God’s promises for the day ahead Declare truth — speak God’s Word aloud and align your mindset with His promises How trusting God at the start of the day shapes your response to challenges Why September’s busy seasons are an opportunity to rely more on God’s help 💬 Join the Conversation How do you start your mornings with God’s help? Do you pray, journal, meditate on Scripture, or declare a favorite verse? Share your morning routine and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #StartWithGod. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Start Your Day with God’s Help By: Whitney Hopler “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” – Psalm 46:5, NIV Shortly after I wake up each day, all the items on my schedule and to-do list for that day start swirling around in my mind. I can feel overwhelmed if I wait too long to do that one thing that prevents unnecessary stress for me each morning: pray. However, if I start my prayer devotional time within the first few minutes of waking up, I can direct my attention beyond my responsibilities to the One who will help me manage them. It only takes a brief time of connecting with God intentionally to start to notice God’s presence with me. As soon as I focus on enjoying God’s presence, I receive his peace. That gives me the confidence that I won’t fall – no matter how much I have to do during the day ahead – because God will be walking through the day with me. God will be there to give me whatever I need, for whatever situations I face, so I can’t fall as long as I’m relying on God’s help. September mornings can be especially busy, since many people move into a faster pace at work, school, and church after the slower summer season. The new responsibilities can feel heavy. Psalm 46:5 assures you that no matter how crowded your calendar becomes, you don’t have to handle it alone. When you invite God into your mornings, you can begin your busy days with the reassurance that God will be there to help you with all you have to do. Each morning is a fresh opportunity to walk in faith by trusting God to help you with whatever you need. You may wake up feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, burdened by yesterday’s struggles, or anxious about what your new day may hold. But God promises to be right there with you, to keep you from falling. God’s help is available at the break of every new day! The way you start each morning affects your ability to handle whatever comes your way. When it says “God is within her,” Psalm 46:5 reminds you that God is within you through his Holy Spirit, and because of God’s presence right there with you, you won’t fall, no matter what happens during your day. The promise “she will not fall” reminds you of God’s unlimited power. You may stumble, but you won’t fall down into despair. You’ll face challenges during your day, but with God at your side, you’ll be able to overcome them. God will hold you steady and give you the grace you need for every situation in your day. You may sometimes feel like God’s help is slow to come. You may wonder why certain prayers seem unanswered or why some burdens feel heavier than others. But Psalm 46:5 reassures you that God’s help comes at the perfect time – at the break of every day. Just as the sun rises every day reliably, God shows up for you every day, as well. So, start each day by communicating with God before doing anything else. Thank God for the opportunity to be part of the new day, and pray about everything that concerns you so you can let go of your worries and start relying on God to help you with what you need for your day. Then choose a Bible verse or passage to read, and let it shape your mindset for the day by meditating on it and asking the Holy Spirit to help you apply it to your life. Finally, declare God’s truths over your day by speaking them out loud. You may want to personalize a Bible verse and say it, or just say a sentence or phrase that boosts your faith, such as: “God is with me and God will help me throughout this day.” As you start each new morning, remember that God is already there, waiting to help you at the break of day. Let God help you walk through your day in peace and confidence! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to start your day with God’s help, reflect on these questions: What distractions do you usually have when you wake up, and what would help you focus on God instead when your day first starts? How can starting your day with prayer and meditation change the way you handle your responsibilities during the day? In what areas of your life do you most need to remember that “God is within you” today? How do busy seasons, like September, affect how much you rely on God? What’s one change you can make now to start every single morning with God and rely more on God’s help throughout your day? Further Reading Lamentations 3:22-23 Psalm 5:3 Matthew 6:33 Isaiah 41:10 Proverbs 16:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 8, 2025 • 6min
As Close as Your Breath
In Psalm 34:18, we’re reminded that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” But in seasons of heartbreak, unanswered prayers, or overwhelming busyness, God can sometimes feel distant. Cindi McMenamin shares how we can quiet the noise, draw near to God, and experience His presence as close and real as the air we breathe. ✨ Highlights Why God sometimes feels distant and how to reconnect with Him Four practical ways to experience God’s presence: Take a Divine Pause — slow down, breathe deeply, and be still (Psalm 46:10) Whisper His Name — use simple “breath prayers” like “Jesus, I need You” (Acts 4:12) Read His Word Aloud — Scripture is “living and active” and draws us closer (Hebrews 4:12) Start Praising Him — worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God’s goodness The promise of Jeremiah 29:13: when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you felt God’s presence as close as your next breath? Share your story and inspire others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #AsCloseAsYourBreath. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: As Close as Your Breath By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NASB) Does it sometimes feel like God is far away? Heartbreak, struggles, hurts from the past, unanswered prayer, or just filling your schedule with everything but Him can make you believe God is distant. But Scripture abounds with evidence that He is as close to you as the air you breathe. Psalm 139 assures us that God knows every detail of our lives and in verses 7-12, we read there’s nowhere we can go outside of His presence and away from His watchful eye. Hebrews 13:5 also tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. But maybe you know all that and you still long to know He’s there. When we feel like God is far away it’s often because we are the ones who have distanced ourselves. Perhaps other loves have stolen our heart away. That feeling that He’s distant can be an indicator that we need to put ourselves in the position where we can sense His presence, hear His voice, notice His work around us, and invite Him closer to our hearts. Intersecting Faith and Life: How can you be assured God is right next to you? Take a Divine Pause—Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much of everything else going on. Too much noise. Too much confusion. Too much anxiety. Too many apps or windows open. Too many voices and thoughts running through our minds. Center your mind on Him (Colossians 3:1-2) and start to breathe deeply. Try it. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. Exhale your pre-occupation with self. Inhale a desire to know Him more completely. Exhale the worries of the moment. Inhale His peace. Now, don't you feel closer to His heart already? There's a reason His Word says "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 ESV). Whisper His Name—There are times we need Him but we just don't know what to say or where to begin. Start by saying His name aloud and then speak your heart's cry. Scripture says there is power in the name of Jesus, not only because "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12), but because Jesus responds to His name when His loved ones call to Him. The writers of the classics called this type of whispering cry “breath prayers.” My breath prayers to sense His presence are "Jesus, I need You" or "Jesus, give me a heart for You." Calling His name just as often as we breathe is one of the simplest ways to sense His presence. And I believe the simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart—and ours—the quickest. Read His Word Aloud—God speaks to us through His Word. And one of the best ways to sense His presence is to get into His Word and ask His Holy Spirit to guide you into a better under-standing of it. When you read God’s Word, and even speak it audibly, you will sense its power and His presence. The Bible says God's Word is "living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). That sharp sword will prick your heart through conviction, inspiration, enlightenment, or determination. A pricked heart is better than a numb, dull, or complacent heart any day, so get into His Word and find Him there. Start Praising Him—God inhabits the praises of His people. Ever wondered why you sometimes feel closer to God when you're in a church service, singing hymns or praise songs? It’s possibly because that’s where worship tends to take place. But you don’t have to only be in a church building among other believers in order to worship Him. Worship is praise and acknowledgment of His worthiness wherever you are and in whatever situation you are in. Worship is surrender. Worship is giving Him your time, talents, and treasure. When you start praising Him, regardless of where you are, you'll sense His presence, probably because you're no longer focused on yourself, but on Him. When we open the door of our hearts to love Him, He will meet us there. Every time. Lord, Thank You for never hiding from me. Your Word says I will find You when I search for You with all my heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Make Your presence known as close and real as the air I breathe. Further Reading: Psalm 139:7-12; Colossians 3:1-2 For more on experiencing God’s presence, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 7, 2025 • 7min
Set Apart for the Gospel
In Romans 1:1, Paul reminds us what it means to be set apart for the gospel — living fully surrendered to Christ and committed to sharing the good news with others. Laura Bailey reflects on Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and challenges us to examine our own willingness to share the gospel, even when it feels uncomfortable. Like Paul, we are called to let our lives reflect God’s grace and boldly carry the message of salvation to those who need to hear it. ✨ Highlights What Romans 1:1 teaches about living a life set apart for Christ Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle and its powerful testimony Why sharing the gospel message requires faith, courage, and obedience How our stories can point others to God’s grace and salvation A reminder that we’re responsible for sharing the message, not controlling the response 💬 Join the Conversation Who in your life might need to hear the gospel message today? Has God been nudging you to start that conversation or send that note? Share your experience and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #SetApartForTheGospel. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Set Apart for the Gospel By: Laura Bailey “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—”Romans 1:1 NIV I love getting mail, don’t you? Who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter from a friend or family member, especially one filled with encouragement, love, and words of affirmation? Better known as “snail mail,” letters are considered an outdated form of communication by most. Now, we converse through 280-word text limits and a series of emojis. A champion for the written word, I still pen letters, dotting my “i’s” with a heart, underlining important words, and using way too many exclamation marks! I am convinced that holding a handwritten letter from a loved one is one of the best feelings in the world. It’s an instant morale booster, and often, the sender’s words feel like they were delivered straight from the Lord. They were just what my heart needed to hear. Letters remind the recipient that someone cared enough about them to write a message they needed to hear. And that’s precisely the heart behind Paul’s letter to the new believers in the church of Rome, encouraging them in their faith. Romans is a letter to early Christians in Rome, following the historical custom of greeting, identification of the author, identification of the recipient, and the reason for writing. Paul shares that he is a servant, or slave, to the gospel. In the original Greek text, the word "servant" implies someone who sold themselves into servanthood for some time. By describing himself in this way, Paul is telling his audience that he doesn’t consider his life his own—Christ owns him. And for what purpose? To share the gospel message! Paul has given up everything to fully commit his life to sharing the gospel and encouraging other believers. Why was it so important for Paul to list out his qualifications? We read in Acts 9 that Paul, formerly called Saul, was the chief persecutor of Christians. While on the road to Damascus, the Lord called him to repent and then go and share the gospel with the Gentiles. Paul’s life was a living testimony to the power of the gospel to change lives. Paul was the perfect person to share the message of salvation and how God uses our stories for His glory. Paul was persecuting and killing the very people he was now ministering to and encouraging in their faith. These people were a little wary of this man, and rightly so. Paul understood his words could be received with some apprehension, so he explained to the Romans how his life had been changed, not because of what he had done but because of what Christ had done and was continuing to do in his life. In faithful obedience, Paul made it his mission to share the good news with everyone everywhere (Romans 1:5). And that’s what the book of Romans is all about: sharing the good news of the Gospel for both salvation and encouragement. Paul will spend the rest of his letter presenting the message of the gospel and explaining why it is essential, not just for salvation, but for every day of believers' lives. The compassion and concern that Paul has for this early church is palpable; he has made it his life’s mission to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word. He understands the sense of urgency; souls are at stake, there is no time to waste, and every day is an opportunity to share that God loves them and has made a way for them to be saved from eternal damnation. When I was in seminary, one of our assignments was to write a letter to someone whom we knew was not saved. The person I knew God wanted me to reach out to was a dear friend; yet, I procrastinated, almost forgoing the assignment altogether. I was so worried that she would be offended or wouldn’t speak to me again, which would cause a significant rift in our relationship. I deeply loved her friendship and cared about the state of her soul, yet I struggled to send the letter. Guilt-ridden, I shared my reluctance with my pastor, to which he assured me, I am not the only person who has felt apprehension in sharing the gospel with friends and loved ones. As I reflect on these words from Paul, it wasn’t always easy for him to share the gospel, but he cared more about people’s eternal state than his comfort. I eventually sent the letter, but she never responded, and that was okay. Like Paul, I wasn’t responsible for her response to the gospel; only God can convict and open hearts to receiving His truth. However, we can be His servant, as we set ourselves apart for the gospel. Intersecting Faith and Life:Is there someone today who needs to hear the gospel message? Ask God to help you discern the best way to share the good news with them. For Further Reading:Romans 1:16 Romans 10:14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 6, 2025 • 6min
Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak
Have you ever struggled to be quick to listen and slow to speak? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reflects on James 1:19 and how challenging it can be to practice patience, humility, and gentleness in our everyday interactions. From stressful situations to family conversations, James reminds us that our reactions reflect Christ’s character to those around us. God calls us to represent His nature by choosing compassion over anger and listening over rushing to respond. ✨ Highlights What James 1:19 teaches about patience, listening, and responding with grace How our reactions reflect God’s character to those around us Why slowing down and practicing gentleness leads to healthier relationships The connection between our faith, accountability, and emotional responses A prayerful reminder to welcome God’s correction and grow in humility 💬 Join the Conversation Do you find it hard to be slow to speak and quick to listen? How has God helped you practice patience and gentleness in your relationships? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #FaithInAction. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak By Megan J. Conner “Brothers and sisters, let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”James 1:19 (NIV) – CHECK How many of us have heard this scripture and felt immediate conviction? I know I have – absolutely, 100%! I long to embody these humble sentiments, but I find myself more often than not falling short – very short. Perhaps you feel the same. Why is it that many of us struggle with quiet spirits, closed mouths, and open ears? The Book of James is one that challenges me and cuts straight to the heart in several passages (James 1:1, anyone?). Not one to mince words, James just comes right out and boldly declares we should all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. He goes on to say that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. In other words, our actions outside of this mandate counteract the work of the gospel in the lives of those around us. Ouch! So, my lack of patience with the airport personnel who just announced my flight was delayed again, thus producing the loss of my luggage again, is not pleasing to the Lord no matter how justified I feel? When I take a breath and calm down, my logical brain can clearly analyze the disconnect. However, because my reaction to a frustrating situation is immediate, my analytical brain is overrun by my heightened emotional state. What about when someone in my family comes to me to share a question or concern and I not only fail to listen, but I jump in with a quick solution completely bypassing their feelings so I can check off the next box on my list? I love my family and it is never my desire to harm them in any way, yet how easy it is to instantly react in such a manner and miss out on a possible opportunity to show them my love and the love of Christ? Right before our focus scripture today is an explanation from James on how and why we should be held accountable for our actions and reactions. “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures,” (James 1:16-18, ESV). Our loving, benevolent Father gave us every perfect and good gift so that we might represent Him to those around us. He brought us forth by the word of truth so that we would produce fruit that bears His image. If we are His image-bearers here on earth then how we act and react is directly connected to how others view His nature and character. If you are anything like me, then the reflection of this scripture against our hearts looks marred and messy at best. However, our Heavenly Father knows we have fallen short and will fall short again and again. Thank you, Jesus, for the grace and mercy of the gospel. Jesus paid the full price for our sins and covers our failings with His sacrifice. But this grace does not excuse us from accountability to His commands. The Word of God is called a double-edged sword that cuts bone and marrow (find quote). Direct declarations, like this one, cut straight to our hearts purposefully so that we might recognize areas where we are not walking well with the Lord. If that is you today (it certainly is me), then let us receive the compassionate correction from Him who loves us. Let us heed His word and value the lessons He is teaching us through the words of James. Lord, would you help each of us today to welcome a quietness of spirit, to be SLOW to react and QUICK to listen? Would you help us grow in gentleness so that we can properly reflect Your goodness to those closest to us? Intersecting Faith & Life: Take some time today for reflection. Quiet your mind and your body. Then, ask the Lord to reveal to you instances when you have struggled to really listen to those around you, or when a lack of patience produced an angry response (well passive or active). Consider adding the simple pray above to your daily time with the Lord. Let’s believe together, that He will hear the cry of our hearts and foster a spirit of gentleness in each of us. Further Reading: Eph. 4:26-32 James 3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 5, 2025 • 6min
When You Wonder if You’re Missing Out
Do you ever struggle with FOMO—the fear of missing out? In this devotional, Hannah Benson reflects on Psalm 16:6 and reminds us that God has set boundaries for our lives with purpose and intention. While it’s tempting to compare our blessings with others, God calls us to trust His unique plan and timing. Instead of chasing every opportunity or envying someone else’s path, we can rest in the truth that we will never miss out on what God has for us when we walk in His will. ✨ Highlights How Psalm 16:6 teaches us to embrace the “pleasant places” God has chosen for us Why comparison and jealousy steal joy and distract us from God’s plan Trusting that God’s timing and blessings are uniquely tailored for your life A reminder to celebrate answered prayers instead of chasing what’s next Encouragement to surrender control and find contentment where God has placed you 💬 Join the Conversation Do you ever wrestle with FOMO or comparison? How has God reminded you that His plans are better than your own? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #TrustHisTiming. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When You Wonder if You’re Missing Out A devotional by Hannah Benson “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6 (ESV) Do you ever struggle with FOMO (or fear of missing out, as it’s often called)? I wrestle with this fear all the time. The fact is, we can’t be everywhere all at once even if we wish we could. As much as we don’t want to hear this, we are not meant to be everywhere. Certainly not everywhere all at once and sometimes not ever. I know this is painful to hear (it is for me, too), but we need to realize that not every space is ours to fill. Read that again. Not every space is ours to fill. As Psalm 16:6 puts it, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” This means not every opportunity is ours to have. I know it’s hard to watch someone else win the award, receive a promotion, or “move forward” (according to our definition) in life. What about when we want to be everywhere all at once? When we’re uninvited or simply can’t do everything or we’re forced to choose between two amazing opportunities? Is it possible to “miss out” on God’s will for our lives? Or what if the space we find ourselves in isn’t the space we want to be? Because of our human nature, sometimes, we are going to be envious of the blessings God has chosen to shower upon someone else. We are going to wonder why we weren’t invited. Why we aren’t as popular. Why we didn’t get the scholarship, the award, or the leading role in the school play. This is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. A mixture of prideful arrogance often led me to believe I “deserve” whatever it is I want. Selfish, isn’t it? And when God in His mercy sees fit to bless someone else with the very thing I wanted, I became angry. Why didn’t He bless me the same? This was a struggle for a long time until the Lord gently pried my hands open and urged me to stop clinging to what I wanted as if it were an idol. And He reminded me that He knew best. Just because He didn’t bless me with the exact same blessings as someone else didn’t mean He was withholding good things from me. Humans are not meant to be copycats of each other. Even identical twins, siblings, best friends, and spouses. We may have a lot in common with those closest to us, but we won’t have all the exact same experiences and blessings even if we try. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us. He has a calling for you and me. Intersecting Faith & Life In case you need this reminder today, if you are following the Lord, you will not miss out on anything He has for you. Look around you. Look at where you find yourself right now. Perhaps life isn’t perfect. It never is. But are you living an answered prayer? Do you remember a time when you got on your knees, maybe folded your hands, and begged God for a miracle and He came through? I am guilty of praying for something, begging God for a miracle, and forgetting to thank Him when He provides a breakthrough. When I think back on my life, I’m honestly overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed when I think of where I started versus where I am. Last summer, I told God, if He wanted me in the film industry, He was going to have to push me in there. This summer, I’m involved in at least 4 film projects working with wonderful mentors I’d never even dreamed possible. I told God I needed a job. Two years later? I’m working remotely in marketing, including film marketing, which was exactly what God knew I needed in this season. Even writing for Crosswalk is an answer to prayer. I’d been asking God for another place to consistently write devotionals when He provided Crosswalk. And that’s only a few examples. Of course, God doesn’t always answer our prayers with what we want. He certainly doesn’t always answer mine with what I want! And sometimes, like I had to for the right job, we must wait two (or more) years. But the truth is, I think all of us have an answered prayer we are living right now. Perhaps it’s a prayer you whispered as a child that is now finally coming to fruition. Perhaps it’s a prayer for good health. Or knowing God is holding you close in this difficult season. Perhaps it’s an answered prayer knowing God has never left your side. What answered prayer might you be living right now? Perhaps you are still waiting for something. Fighting jealousy because of the blessings showered upon someone else. But have you ever considered God has you right where He will use you? Maybe you’re not meant to stay there forever. After all, seasons change. But perhaps at this very moment, you are right where you are supposed to be. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 4, 2025 • 7min
His Calming Presence
In a world filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelming stress, how can we truly experience God’s peace? Drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, reminds us that God offers an unshakable calm when we choose prayer over panic and trust over control. Through Scripture, practical steps, and personal reflection, this devotional invites us to trade our worries for God’s peace and refocus our minds on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy. ✨ Highlights Why anxiety, fear, and worry are at an all-time high—and how God meets us there How praying with an open Bible deepens trust and strengthens your faith Philippians 4:6-9’s step-by-step antidote to anxiety: pray, thank, focus, and rest Why fixing your thoughts on God’s goodness brings peace that surpasses understanding A simple, powerful prayer to surrender your concerns and experience God’s presence 💬 Join the Conversation What verses bring you peace when worry takes over? Have you seen God replace your anxiety with His calm? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CalmInChrist. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: His Calming Presence By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). It’s been said we are living in the most anxious times on earth. Post pandemic loneliness and a sense of isolation still impact many people, young and old alike. Countless people suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Mental and emotional health issues are off the charts. Stress is triggering cancer cells in our bodies and adding to our health problems. Many struggle with a sense of identity. Financially, it’s one of the most difficult times to make ends meet. And the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health crisis with devastating results. Where is God in all of this? If you’re like most believers today, you’ll say you know in your head that God is in control, but you have a hard time relying on Him in your day-to-day life. And, what I’ve observed after decades of ministry is that those who can’t bring it from their head to their hearts—from the pages of God’s Word to their daily lives—are also those who admit they need to be in the Word of God and know it much more. To know God is to know His Word. To know His Word is to know Him. I once heard my mentor author, Elisabeth Elliot, say: “Pray with an open Bible. How can we know what to pray if we aren’t reading God’s Word? And how can we understand God’s Word if we aren’t praying?” The more you open up His Word (whether it’s in book form or an app on your device), the more He will open your eyes and heart to know who He is and how He can calm your anxious heart. Intersecting Faith and Life: Philippians 4:6-7 has been a lifeline for me through the years—especially because there is much to worry about… when you’re contemplating decisions that will impact your future when you’re seeking a man to marry—or struggling in your marriage when you’re pregnant—or trying to get pregnant when you’re caring for a child, parent, or grandparent when you’re trying to stay afloat financially when your health—or the health of someone you love—causes fear or frustration Life is often accompanied by concerns that quickly turn into worries that can develop into fear or anxiety. Yet God’s Word gives us a simple, yet practical, antidote to the type of worry that breeds fear. Philippians 4:6-7 instruct: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT). The following verse tells us what exactly to focus on. Our worries of what hasn’t yet happened? The things we are anxious to control? The worst possible scenario? No. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (verse 8, NLT). We are to focus on what is true—or real, not on what we fear will happen. We are to focus on what is “pure, and lovely, and admirable.” Those descriptions sound like God’s characteristics, not our circumstances. As we focus on the here and now, the true and real, and all that God is, “Then the God of peace will be with you” (verse 9 NLT). Do you really believe that? As you focus on what is true and real and all that is good about God and what He does for His children, peace will replace that worry. I can honestly tell you that every time I pray for something that bothers me or has the potential to, that concern never develops into fear, but instantly dissolves, as I realize God has heard me and He has taken that worrisome burden from me and replaced it with His indescribable peace. He will do that for you too. You have only to ask. Are you wishing you were closer to God than you are right now? Do you long to feel less anxious and more at peace as you trust this capable God with your concerns? Then start now. Open your Bible to Philippians 4:6-9. Pray through it (which means reading it aloud to God as a prayer, inserting your name and situation into the passage), and He will answer. It is a promise. It is a guarantee. And it is your route to rest, freedom, and peace. Lord, help me not to worry about anything, but to instead pray about everything. You know exactly what I need and I thank You for working through this situation on my behalf. I trust Your promise to give me indescribable peace as I lay my concerns at Your feet and focus on what is real, pure, and admirable, like You. Further Reading: Matthew 6:25-33 For more on experiencing God’s calming presence, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 3, 2025 • 7min
What Does It Mean to Rejoice?
In Philippians 4:4, Paul encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” But what does that really mean when life is full of stress, setbacks, and struggles? Whitney Hopler explores the difference between happiness and true joy, showing us that rejoicing in the Lord is possible even in life’s hardest moments. Drawing from Paul’s prison writings and personal reflections, this devotional reminds us that joy is not based on circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s unchanging presence and love. ✨ Highlights Why joy and happiness are not the same—and why joy lasts How to rejoice in the Lord even during trials and stress Paul’s example of choosing joy while imprisoned for his faith Practical ways to cultivate daily joy, like gratitude and noticing God’s wonder A reminder that joy isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of God 💬 Join the Conversation What helps you choose joy when life feels overwhelming? Have you experienced God’s presence carrying you through a difficult season? Share your story and encourage others by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #ChoosingJoy. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: What Does It Mean to Rejoice? By: Whitney Hopler “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4, NIV When I visited the Happiness Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, I read some of the thousands of individual sticky notes left by visitors who each wrote down something that makes them feel happy. People listed pets, friends, travel, cooking, sports, reading, walking in nature, listening to music, and much more. The note I left read: “Discovering and experiencing God’s wonder” and I was pleased to see that many other people mentioned God in their own notes. While many things can give us temporary feelings of happiness, only relationships with God can give us joy. Joy is greater than happiness, and unlike happiness, joy is possible to experience in any kind of circumstances. In Philippians 4:4, the Bible encourages us to rejoice all the time. Honestly, this verse can sometimes feel unrealistic. How can we rejoice always when we have to deal with so many challenges in this fallen world? How can we do so even when we’re stressed, exhausted, frustrated, sad, anxious, or angry? If rejoicing meant forcing ourselves to try to feel happy, there would be plenty of situations where we couldn’t do so. Thankfully, though, the rejoicing this verse describes happens “in the Lord”. We can rejoice because of our relationships with Jesus, who connects us in saving relationships to God, the source of all joy. The Apostle Paul wrote this verse through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration from a prison cell in chains, as he was possibly facing being killed for his faith. His joy wasn’t tied to any circumstances that made him happy. Instead, Paul found joy in his relationship with God, who was present with him and faithfully loving him even in the worst circumstances. As your own circumstances change, your feelings will naturally change. Sometimes you’ll feel happy, but sometimes you’ll go through challenging circumstances that will knock happy feelings right out of you. No matter what, though, you can always experience joy by connecting with God. Whenever you notice God’s presence with you, you can focus on God and enjoy the joy that God will send you in the process. You can be struggling emotionally as you deal with an especially hard challenge, and still experience joy. That’s because joy is much more than just an emotion, like happiness is. Joy is a deep confidence that your loving God is with you and will help you! In this verse, Paul repeats himself by writing: “I will say it again: Rejoice!” That repetition emphasizes how important it is to not let your joy be hijacked by any kind of challenging situation. Being joyful is a choice. When you find yourself struggling in a stressful situation, you need to make that choice as many times as it takes to keep your focus on God instead of on your circumstances. One practice that can help you choose joy is expressing gratitude. The more you thank God for the blessings he pours into your life, the more you can turn your focus away from what’s missing in your life. Having an attitude of gratitude is a choice, as well. You can always make that choice – even during the worst circumstances of your life – because you’ll always have the ultimate blessing of a relationship with God. It’s also helpful to pay attention to the wonder of God’s work in your life every day, which you can discover and enjoy even in the middle of challenging circumstances. God is always answering your prayers and showing you signs of his work around you, such as in nature and through the kindness of other people. The more you look, the more you can find God’s wonder. That’s a reason to rejoice! Unlike happiness, joy doesn’t depend on good circumstances. You can rejoice anytime and anywhere, because joy comes from trusting God in the middle of any situation you face. Even in the worst circumstances you go through, you can still rejoice in the Lord. Joy isn’t the absence of trouble; it’s the presence of God! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to rejoice in any circumstances, reflect on these questions: What does “rejoice in the Lord” mean to you personally? In what situations do you find it hardest to rejoice? Why? When have you chosen to rejoice lately despite facing challenging circumstances? What helped you do so? What’s something about who God is, or what God is doing in your life, that’s bringing you joy today? How can you build the habit of rejoicing into your daily routine? Further Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Psalm 118:24 Nehemiah 8:10 Romans 12:12 John 16:22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 2, 2025 • 7min
Stopping the Argument Before It Starts
Arguments can spiral quickly—but God’s Word offers a better way forward. In this devotional, Laura Bailey reflects on Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 and shares practical, biblical wisdom on managing conflict, practicing patience, and choosing peace over pride. Through personal stories and Solomon’s timeless counsel, Laura reminds us that unresolved anger leads to broken relationships—but a heart submitted to God leads to reconciliation. If you’ve ever struggled with wanting the “last word,” this devotional encourages you to pause, pray, and pursue God’s wisdom when emotions run high. ✨ Highlights How Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 teaches us to choose patience over pride Practical, biblical strategies for handling conflict and avoiding unnecessary arguments Why delaying your response can lead to better understanding and restored relationships The dangers of letting anger control us instead of surrendering it to God Encouragement to prioritize people and peace over proving you’re right 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you paused instead of reacting in anger? How did God guide you through it? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ChoosePatience to encourage others who are seeking God’s wisdom in moments of conflict. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stopping the Argument Before It Starts By: Laura Bailey “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV I’ll admit it. I am a “get the last word” kind of gal. I could blame my fiery red hair, my explosive personality, or the fact that I received the argumentative gene from both my parents. However, the truth is that I am a proud person. Not only do I desire to have the final say, but I am also reluctant to admit that I was wrong and delay seeking forgiveness. Fully aware that this runs counter to the admonishment to “ love your neighbor as yourself, ( Matthew 22:39), I’ve spent a significant amount of time in both prayer and Bible study in the hopes that the Lord will tame my tongue and soften my heart. I discovered these verses from Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:8-9, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Whew, talk about a gut punch. The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with sage advice and practical, godly wisdom on how to live in a way that pleases the Lord. Solomon succeeded his father, David, to the throne at a young age. Yet, God promised that he would be the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12). Shortly after taking over the throne, his wisdom is on full display when he pacifies an argument between two mothers (3:16-28). Solomon knew the benefit of resolving conflicts quickly, while staying calm and in control of his emotions. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was to wait a day before acting or responding to something that upset me. If I was still upset after a day, they encouraged me to wait a week. If I was still upset after a week, give it one more week. If, at the end of two weeks, it continued to bother me, then I should reach out. By delaying my response, the hope was, in the words of my late grandmother, “everything eventually works itself out,” or I would be clear-headed enough to have the conversation without letting my emotions prompt me to say something I would later regret. Solomon’s words echo this same sentiment, but he takes it a step further. He tells us, just let it go, don’t stew on it, don’t bring it back up, lay it rest. While I understand that there are things we should address, offenses that we should not overlook, and grievances that are suitable for airing, but, in my experience, the majority of things that “steal our joy” are not significant; they are petty and rooted in our personal pride and selfish desires. I love how The Message translates Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.” I am sure, if I ever shaved my head, there would be a copious amount of scars pocking my cranium. God gave us feelings; anger is not only normal but natural. The Lord knew that there would be things in this life that cause us strife and lead us to frustration, and as a result, our anger would be stirred. However, while anger is an appropriate response to injustice, wickedness, evil, and the widespread hurt and harm that pervade our lives, we must not let our anger control us; instead, we learn to control our anger. We take a step back, we humbly submit our feelings to the Lord, and weigh our response in light of God’s Word. We ask ourselves, are we acting in godly wisdom or human foolishness? Our words have lasting consequences. Our outward actions tell our inward hearts’ motivations. May we prioritize caring for people and relationships over our pride and desire to be right as we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves, because we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mark 12:30). Intersecting Faith and Life Next time you find yourself on the brink of conflict, try taking a day or a week to respond. During this time, journal your feelings and thoughts about the situation. Pray that the Lord will give you clear direction on whether to let it go or address it with biblical wisdom. Further Reading: Speak Life-Giving Words Philippians 2:1-11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sep 1, 2025 • 7min
How to Engage With Social Media in a No-Win Situation
Navigating social media today can feel like a no-win situation—say too much and you're criticized, say too little and you're ignored. In this devotional, Deidre Braley reflects on Matthew 11:16-19, where even Jesus and John the Baptist faced relentless judgment from their generation. Just like in biblical times, our world is filled with strong opinions, constant debates, and digital noise. But Jesus offers us a better way forward: to repent, draw near to God, and find rest in Him as we engage the online world with grace and truth. 📖 Read more devotionals here: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse Highlights Social media struggles are nothing new — Even Jesus faced criticism no matter what He did. Repentance brings clarity — Turning toward God helps us see people as He does: beloved and worthy of grace. Resting in Christ — True peace comes when we lay down our anxieties and follow His gentle way. Living differently online — With a Christ-centered mindset, we can engage in the digital world without losing our grounding in faith. Join the Conversation Have you ever felt caught in the social media no-win cycle? How do you stay rooted in Christ when digital debates get overwhelming? Share your thoughts with us and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #FaithInFocus — we’d love to hear your story! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Catch 22: How to Engage With Social Media in a No-Win Situation by Deidre Braley Matthew 11:16-19: “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” The other day I fell down the rabbit hole of social media and, before I knew it, I was like Alice in Wonderland: disoriented, and suddenly feeling uncertain about reality. I had meant to just hop on and respond to a message from a client, but I got distracted by a “recommended post,” and when I clicked on it, it took me to another social media platform altogether. After I’d been carried over there, I was a goner. I began to scroll through these all-new-to-me people, each with their own strong opinions, loud crowds, and unwavering certainty. By the time I surfaced for air, I was completely dejected. I felt a sense of whiplash from the digital back-and-forth I had just witnessed, and felt a sort of ethereal confusion I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I thought, There’s just no getting it right! It doesn’t matter what you say or think; someone will always completely disagree with you—and they won’t be afraid to malign you for it either. I often hear people say that we live in unprecedented times, and while it might be true that our technology is evolving across new frontiers, reading passages like the one above leads me to believe there is actually nothing unprecedented about the human heart. In Matthew 11, Jesus voices the same frustration—the same no-win situation—that I felt that day on social media. People had something critical to say about everyone and everything—no matter what they did or did not do. John the Baptist didn’t eat and drink, and people claimed he had a demon (v.18). Jesus did eat and drink, and people called him a glutton, a drunkard, and—gasp!—a friend of tax collectors and sinners (v.19). In the meantime, the people were so busy speculating about John and Jesus and judging their every move that they missed the point: that the kingdom of Heaven was in their very midst, and that God had drawn near enough for them to actually touch. I find it interesting that in the following section of Scripture, Jesus begins to denounce the cities where he had done his most powerful works, because the people within them had still not repented—that is, turned back toward him (Matthew 11:20-24). They had encountered the Living God and missed the point entirely. I wonder if they too were too busy squabbling over his dinner habits to recognize who was even standing in front of them. Intersecting Faith & Life How are we meant to conduct ourselves in this current digital landscape, then? Looking at this passage of Scripture, Jesus seems to address the fickle, critical, and discontented heart in two phases. By giving our hearts the same treatment, we will not necessarily change the current reality of social media, but we will be able to maintain hold of reality while engaging with it: Repent (Matthew 11:20-24) Repentance requires a posture of humility and openness to the works of God in our lives. It requires us to draw near to God and to admit that all the power and glory goes to him. In this posture, we cannot claim to know everything or to control everything. Rather, we must say, “God’s will be done.” That’s when we see Love pouring through every crevice of our souls. That’s when we are transformed by his goodness. This allows us to see the people we encounter as God does: as beloved children, often in need of heaping amounts of grace. Rest (Matthew 11:25-30) In the passage that follows Jesus’s lament over the cities that did not repent, he famously says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (v. 28). In other words, he invites us to put down our worldly concerns, to rest in him, and to learn his ways of gentleness and humility. He wants to be our Comforter—and our Teacher. When we take the time to turn toward Jesus (and away from our own self-righteousness) and then allow him to comfort and teach us, we can enter the digital world grounded in the reality of his love and presence—and then are able to extend it toward others. It frees us from the no-win cycle of bickering, blaming, judging, and pandering so we can do what really matters: bring the presence of Christ to everyone we encounter. Further Reading Jesus often addressed the religious leaders, who spent so much time speculating over Jesus’s authority that they missed the opportunity to experience him as Savior in their own lives. Look at how Jesus responds to them in Matthew 12. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.