The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast (The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast)
Explore every episode of The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Jan 2024 | What to Do When God Changes Your Desires | 00:04:57 | |
Jesus is the One who gives us the strength and ability to remain content no matter what we are experiencing. True contentment is knowing that Jesus alone can satisfy our souls. When we search for fulfillment in things, people, or even our circumstances, we will always come up short. - Emily Rose Massey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 29 Aug 2023 | What Does Your Righteousness Look Like? | 00:06:44 | |
The problem the Pharisees and teachers of the law had is they did not practice what they were teaching. Their righteousness was only superficial. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Are You Using the Devil as a Scapegoat? | 00:07:06 | |
If faced with temptation this week, resist. However, if you fall into it, instead of pointing fingers and blaming the devil or those around you, go to God with a repentant heart. With a humble heart, turn toward Him for forgiveness and to strengthen you to overcome it the next time you’re tempted. - Lynette Kittle SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 14 Jan 2024 | 7 Reasons to Read Your Bible | 00:07:07 | |
Are you reading God’s Word for yourself? If not, make a commitment to add it to your daily or weekly schedule. Look for and set aside times you can read it on your own. - Lynette Kittle SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 12 Jun 2024 | Feelings Are Not Lord, God Is | 00:06:41 | |
Confront the tendency to allow our feelings to dictate our lives and instead turn our focus towards the sovereignty of God. Surrender our emotions to the lordship of God, finding peace, strength, and wisdom in His unwavering presence. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 26 May 2023 | Hope Deferred and Hope Fulfilled | 00:05:45 | |
God is our hope (Romans 15:13)! He is the one we can anchor ourselves to. - Christine Perry SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | A Heavenly Citizenship | 00:06:23 | |
Does your language, dress, entertainment, etc., reflect your heavenly citizenship? What area of your life may look more like the world? If Christ has saved you, He has given you the privilege of knowing Him and anticipating His full fellowship. - Emily Rose Massey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | This Is Not All There Is | 00:08:14 | |
We all do it. We face something really difficult in our lives, and we ask, “Why?” Why is this happening now? Or why is this happening to me? It’s normal to ask this question, but the problem is, we seem to stay there. And when we are asking that question, peace alludes us. - Anne Peterson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 14 Nov 2023 | Hope for the Hopeless | 00:09:07 | |
Hopelessness may be where you are today. If so, maybe God is using your struggle to shape you into a person who is more like Christ. You want to go from Point A to Z, but B, F, and P have some valuable lessons. No matter the reason, and no matter how hopeless we may feel, there is always hope. When those doubts sink in, and your bright skies begin to fade, remember these three ways to bring hope to the hopeless. - Aaron D'Anthony Brown Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 09 Feb 2023 | How to Be Compassionate | 00:07:40 | |
Compassion is one of those words we don’t hear all that much these days. Obvious when looking at how we treat those with differing views, especially those from the opposite political party. It’s also one of those words that has a deeper meaning than what immediately comes to mind. - Aaron D'Anthony Brown SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | Seek the Lord | 00:05:41 | |
What areas of life do we struggle to adopt change? Aging, sickness, and disease bring unwanted change into our lives. Unmet expectations of a new job or relationship can leave us disappointed. Even something as simple as a home renovation project gone wrong can fill us with regrets. We can spend too much time in the land of “If only. . .” - Jessica Van Roekel Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 30 Oct 2023 | Rekindling the Fire | 00:07:10 | |
Have you ever believed that God’s presence and power were contingent on your knowledge, ability, or skill? Have you ever feared that, despite your best efforts, you will never be able to earn the fire of God’s presence? - Rev. Kyle Norman Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | Compassion Is Love in Action | 00:06:07 | |
In a world overrun with words, let’s find a different way to love each other beyond our screens and devices. The power of an in-person smile, embrace, and live listening ear oozes of compassionate love. Christ-like love is self-sacrificing, humble, and willing. - Meg Bucher SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 04 Feb 2024 | What to Do When You're Anxious | 00:10:39 | |
With everything happening in our world today, does God really expect us not to be anxious? The short answer is yes. God tells us not to be anxious about anything. And he goes on to say when he expects this of us. - Anne Peterson SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 18 Feb 2024 | The Road to Acceptance | 00:05:18 | |
Denial is a tempting alternative to painful realities, but in choosing to ignore reality we stunt our growth. Everything we endure on this earth when we place our faith in God is meant to bring about good in our lives. - Meg Bucher SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | Developing the Fruits of the Spirit | 00:07:15 | |
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to develop love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In all of these attributes, we see God and His love. By developing each of these fruits, we will be able to reflect the Lord’s love to the world. No longer will we struggle with these spiritual fruits. Instead, through our actions, others will see the Lord and be more interested in learning about Him. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Crosswalk Devotionals: Developing the Fruits of the Spirit by Vivian Bricker “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). When I first learned about the fruits of the Spirit, I was overwhelmed. Each of the fruits of the Spirit felt like a mountain to climb. While I reasoned I already had developed one or two, I actually didn’t have any. Thankfully at the time, I was in Bible college and I learned that the Holy Spirit is the One who develops the spiritual fruits in our lives. In other words, there is nothing we can do to develop these fruits by ourselves. Spiritual fruits are only developed by the work of the Spirit in our lives. However, this does not mean we are called to sit idle and do nothing. In addition to praying for the Holy Spirit to help us develop these spiritual fruits, we also need to apply what the Bible says into our lives and try our best to walk in accordance with the Lord. All of this is easier said than done, but ultimately, relying on the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work through our lives is the best way to go. Upon looking at the spiritual fruits, we are going to have to take it day-by-day. Let’s focus on one at a time and take things slowly. The fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When selecting a spiritual fruit, we need to look over which ones we are lacking the most in our lives. For example, if we are finding ourselves short on patience, we need to work on the spiritual fruit of forbearance. Once we have identified the spiritual fruit we need the most right now, we need to go to the Holy Spirit in prayer. By asking Him to help us develop this spiritual fruit, it will acknowledge our dependence on Him. We might notice there will be more opportunities to develop forbearance, such as getting stopped at a traffic light or waiting a long time in a line at the grocery store. These small acts could be placed there by the Holy Spirit in order to help us start developing forbearance. Therefore, think about which spiritual fruit you need right now. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop this fruit and acknowledge your dependence on Him. He will be able to help you develop this fruit and maintain it. Maintenance of spiritual fruits is something that is often overlooked. It is not a one time thing but rather, a continuing process. Even though we might have developed a spiritual fruit, it does not mean it will stay. Spiritual fruits can fade away if we don’t maintain them. This means we have to continue to cultivate the spiritual fruits in our lives even after we think we have achieved them. Once again, it is important to remember that spiritual fruits are only accomplished by the Holy Spirit. It is His Work in our lives—not our own. Rather than trying to take the credit ourselves, we need to give all praise and thanks to Him. The Fruits of the Spirit The Apostle Paul tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruits of the Spirit. There is no law against these things as they are each holy and honorable. God wants us to cultivate each of these fruits in our lives and continue to maintain them. As we are focusing on the spiritual fruits, we need to be open to the Spirit’s leading. He might lead us to a specific spiritual fruit or place in a situation where we will be challenged to develop a spiritual fruit. It can be difficult to develop the fruits of the Spirit, but we must remember that the Holy Spirit is the One working through us. We need to allow this information to give us comfort and hope. It can also give us peace because all the weight does not fall on us. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to develop love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In all of these attributes, we see God and His love. By developing each of these fruits, we will be able to reflect the Lord’s love to the world. No longer will we struggle with these spiritual fruits. Instead, through our actions, others will see the Lord and be more interested in learning about Him. Challenge Questions:
“Dear Holy Spirit, please help me to develop each of the spiritual fruits. I cannot develop any of these fruits without Your help. I acknowledge my dependence on You and I humbly ask for Your help today. I trust that You will help me develop each spiritual fruit. I praise You and I thank You, Amen.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 14 Dec 2022 | Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus This Christmas | 00:06:19 | |
It’s easy to get caught up in all the various holiday events that take place during the Christmas season: running from place to place, shopping for gifts, attending holiday parties, and preparing festive meals. In the rush and excitement of it all, it’s easy to get caught up in it and take our eyes off the real focal point of Christmas, Jesus, our prefect gift from our loving, heavenly Father (John 3:16). - Lynette Kittle SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 30 Jun 2023 | Beautiful in God’s Eyes | 00:06:41 | |
God offers you pure, true, enduring, and complete love. He’s the one who will adore you no matter what happens to how you look. - Alexis A. Goring SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 02 Jul 2023 | Scarcity Vs. Abundance | 00:05:46 | |
What is impossible for man is possible with God. He lives in abundance. - Christine Perry SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 22 Jun 2024 | Recognizing God's Guidance | 00:06:35 | |
Uncover the beauty and significance of recognizing God's loving guidance in every aspect of our journey and embracing God's direction in our lives. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 14 Sep 2024 | Sharing the Gospel | 00:06:20 | |
No matter what excuse we give ourselves, Jesus’ Great Commission includes His disciples today. You and I. As a pastor told me, where he sends us, He equips us. Choose to believe that. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Sharing the Gospel By Aaron D’Anthony Brown The Fear to Share I used to relish the fact that I didn’t even have to travel overseas to share the Gospel. That’s what a few different sermons taught me and I was grateful. In a way, I felt let off of the hook, but if I were to be honest about myself back then, I’d have to also admit that I didn’t want to share the Gospel at all. Not out of disrespect for my faith but because of a fear that sharing God’s Word would lead to problems. I grew up in a family who prayed together, but never talked about why we prayed. I’ve been around people who say that they are Christian but don’t read Scripture and are totally on board with non-Christian beliefs and values. In my mind, talking about what’s actually in the Gospel could only cause friction and who wants that? Perhaps knowing that Jesus may not want you to travel overseas gives you a sense of relief, too. But do you feel let off the hook entirely with sharing the Gospel? Hopefully not, but if so, know that Jesus’ Great Commission extends to all of His followers, including us. The same fears we have about going to a foreign land and talking about God are the same fears we feel right here at home. A fear of conflict. A fear of being ill-equipped. A fear of the unknown. The truth is we don’t know what will happen when we share and maybe we don’t know how best to share. Yet, what is just as true is that if we don’t share the Gospel at all, then the good that could have potentially occurred definitely will not. So, how exactly do we work through these fearful insecurities? Intersecting Faith & Life: Overcoming our fears isn’t easy, but the few steps we can take are simple. Know Why You Believe Ask yourself this question, “Why do I put my faith in God and His Word?” Chances are you have good reasons for believing. Some people come to the faith intellectually, others through family tradition, and some people simply have a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. However you got to the faith, you have chosen to continue believing. Maybe you have witnessed God’s hand at work in your life or someone else’s. Maybe you experienced a miracle. Maybe you have been convicted by God’s presence. Whatever good the Christian faith has brought you, know that the same could happen for someone else if they got to know Christ. Know What to Share Once you understand the why behind your beliefs, then comes the question of what. If you had the opportunity, what exactly would you want somebody outside of the faith to know about God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit? Maybe you would share how much God loves them, or that the void they sense in their life could be tied to them lacking a relationship with Him. However, you choose to go about it, know that you can and should pray to God for discernment. He’ll give you direction. Get Uncomfortable One way or another, when sharing the gospel, you have to get uncomfortable. There’s no sugarcoating that reality. If you don’t already have the personality, that’s what’s bound to happen, especially if the Holy Spirit moves you to share with someone you know to be resistant or with someone you’re not close to. Whatever the case may be, realize that discomfort is normal and productive. Remember in Exodus when Moses was called by God and he felt ill-equipped because of his stutter and status? Or do you remember Paul being called to become an apostle after persecuting Christians? Imagine going from persecutor to disciple. Maybe you have a speech impediment or a background that makes you feel ashamed and unworthy. No matter what excuse we give ourselves, Jesus’ Great Commission includes His disciples today. You and I. As a pastor told me, where he sends us, He equips us. Choose to believe that. Further Reading (and Listening):
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 22 Jun 2023 | Hope for the Downcast | 00:06:24 | |
If you feel downcast today, take a moment and praise God with your thoughts, attitudes, and words. - Jessica Van Roekel SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 31 Dec 2024 | A New Year Attitude | 00:06:28 | |
In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we embrace the fresh start that a new year brings and discuss how to cultivate a positive attitude grounded in faith. As believers, it’s vital to approach each day with a heart of gratitude and a mindset aligned with God's promises. We’ll explore biblical principles that encourage us to renew our minds and set our intentions for the year ahead, focusing on hope, purpose, and resilience. Join the Conversation: 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Full Transcript Below: A New Year Attitude By Aaron D’Anthony Brown Finding Your New Year Attitude After the most wonderful time of the year, comes preparation for the year to come. Needless to say, we often anticipate the new year with excitement. We see the new as an opportunity to do away with the old. We replace diets, habits, relationships. Sometimes we’re not replacing anything, but starting something for the first time. Ideally, we move toward the new year looking forward to better things. This sounds great, but the issue with the New Year attitude is that anything new eventually wears off. The new car smell fades away. We often lose our initial excitement and all the new we had previously replaced, sadly makes a comeback. There’s a reason so many people fall off of their workout regimens and start eating all the food they previously swore off. The change that we pretended to want was conditional and the results show. They always show. However, chances are you have implemented change in your life that lasted for more than a season. You wanted something badly enough that you made some critical changes and the results are still visible today. You realized the need for change and the change became permanent. The truth is, we don’t actually have to wait until next year to improve ourselves. We shouldn’t. Jesus said that our life is, but a “mist,” here today and gone tomorrow (James 4:14). That means our time is limited. Therefore, we should be asking ourselves an important question. Why wait for the new year to become better, when the chance to change is available today? Intersecting Faith & Life: The New Year attitude is one we should strive to hold every day. Scripture tells us that we are called to do away with the “old self,” that the old has been crucified with Christ, and we have been raised to new life (Romans 6:6). With that in mind, here’s how you can start your new year before the new year. Recognize the need for change. The average life expectancy for men and women in America is around 80, yet, we all know someone who sadly passed before that time. The unexpected happens everyday. We also know people advancing in age who gave up on dreams and relationships, who have lived to regret their decisions. Why assume our lives are guaranteed to be long? Why assume that tomorrow is always available when we feel the desire to change today? Don’t wait. Some opportunities only come our way once. Not only that, but we only have one life to live. Seek Wisdom After you desire change, you’ll want to know what you should change. The world has plenty to say about what is morally correct or incorrect, but as believers, the one we should turn to is God. He wants to help us grow. The Bible says that He will grant wisdom to those who seek it (James 1:5). When we grow wiser we can become more like Christ and thus, we become better people. So if you’re not actively seeking wisdom, ask yourself why not. Even if you don’t realize it, we are always learning from either the people or things in our environment. Make sure God and His kingdom are a part of that learning. Reward Yourself Some say that growing is a reward in and of itself, and that’s true. However, giving yourself incentives to continue to make positive change is not unbiblical. Positive affirmation can encourage you to continue when you lose motivation, and if you’re like most people, you will lose motivation. Reward yourself with some material thing and if that doesn’t work, accountability will push you too. When You Fail, Try Again Change might be inevitable in life, but it’s also extremely difficult to manage when you’re in charge of it. The key is to not give up. God blesses us for our righteousness and becoming more like Christ is nothing but righteousness. There is not a certain time of year to aspire to be more like Jesus. God wants us to start today, so don’t wait. Start the new year you before you enter the new year. Further Reading: Psalm 51:10-11 Jeremiah 29:11 Romans 8:28 James 4:14 Romans 6:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 16 Feb 2025 | When You Can’t Change Them: Finding Peace in Acceptance | 00:05:39 | |
In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we tackle the challenging topic of dealing with people in our lives who resist change. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we cannot alter others’ behaviors or beliefs. We’ll explore how to find peace and acceptance in these situations, drawing inspiration from scripture and personal experiences. Learn how to shift your focus from changing others to nurturing your own spiritual growth and embracing God’s purpose for your relationships. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you cope when you can’t change someone? Share your insights and stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What verses help you find peace in acceptance? Let’s encourage one another on this journey of faith! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 16 Dec 2022 | A God Who Delivers | 00:05:54 | |
What are you facing today, this week, or this coming year? Does it seem too much for you to handle? Are evil people backing you into a corner? Or maybe you have gotten yourself into a terrible situation? If so, know God is waiting, willing, and ready to answer your cries when you turn to Him for deliverance. - Lynette Kittle SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 18 Jun 2023 | Father to the Fatherless | 00:06:10 | |
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| 13 Dec 2024 | Tender Words in the Wilderness (A Christmas Devotional) | 00:05:48 | |
In the midst of life's struggles and uncertain seasons, we often find ourselves feeling lost, weary, and alone. But even in the wilderness, God speaks tenderly to our hearts. His words bring comfort, hope, and reassurance when we need them most. Just as He spoke to His people in the desert, offering encouragement and guidance, God continues to speak words of love and promise to us today. His gentle whispers remind us that we are never truly alone, and His presence is a refuge in every storm. Join the Conversation: SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Tender Words in the Wilderness by Deidre Braley Hosea 2:14: Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. In the book of Hosea, the Lord rebukes Israel for her idolatry—namely for chasing after other gods and forgetting her first love, and for forgetting that it was God who gave her every good thing she’d ever had. Her worship had been misplaced: she’d mistaken the worldly things around her as the source of goodness. God says, “She does not recognize that it is I who gave her the grain, the new wine, and the fresh oil. I lavished gold and silver on her, which they used for Baal” (Hosea 2:8). As a consequence, he proclaims that he will take these gifts away, listing them one by one to show how forsaken Israel will be without her God. “I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord” (Hosea 2:13). As the shadows grow long on this year, I can’t help but reflect on all the Baals I’ve worshiped these past months, all the worldly things I’ve wandered towards, misunderstanding them to be the source of the riches and joys that I have and that I want. And yet even as I’ve gotten my fingers around them, they’ve turnt and spoiled. Like a carton of milk that is fine one day and sour the next, I am holding something that I once thought was good, but now know will make me sick if I consume it. What a terrible and frightening thing, to be left bowing and offering sacrifices to the fickle whims of man or chance. Here in the desert place, I repent of the lovers I’ve gone after this year, panting after praise or acclaim or worth or self. I long for my first love, here where I hold what I thought I wanted, only to discover it’s worth nothing at all without my Lord. I imagine this is how Israel felt, too—and perhaps there was no other way for them or for me to realize that we don’t like to be in the hands of that which never loved us nor provided for us. We have to experience the full and crushing weight of life without God before we can know that this is our worst fear—and our greatest heartache. But, hallelujah, God doesn’t leave us here. In Hosea, we see God’s mercy toward his people when he says, “Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her” (Hosea 2:14). He allows us to come to a place without him to understand that we were always meant to be with him, but then he doesn’t shake us or yell at us or slap us back into submission—no, it’s quite the opposite. He leads us into solitary places where he can speak softly and tenderly to us, loving us as we’ve always longed to be loved until we remember that he is the Source and the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Intersecting Faith & Life In this season of Advent, as we await the coming Christ, let’s each take an honest look at the Baals which we’ve worshiped and followed after this year—whether that’s the praise of man or financial gain or inflation of ego or the comfort of any substance. Let’s acknowledge the ways we’ve placed them before the Lord and then repent, turning around and allowing ourselves to be led back into the wilderness by our first love, by the One True Living God who is waiting to speak tenderly to us, to wash us in his mercy and grace. In this season of Advent, let us return to the Source and let him press balm to our tired and wounded spirits. Let’s come to rest in the security of his hand, allowing it to cup us and protect us from this world we thought we wanted. Further Reading ● Hosea (the entire book) ● Isaiah 1 ● Acts 3:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | Change Is Good | 00:06:24 | |
With each season, there's something to appreciate and celebrate. - Liz Lampkin SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | Being Light in Dark Places | 00:06:25 | |
Explore how you can embody Christ-like compassion and grace to bring hope and healing to broken situations. Uncover practical steps to illuminate dark places with love, faith, and the unwavering light of God's truth. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Stand Confidently in Christ | 00:07:12 | |
From the moment of your conversion, you became God’s work-in-progress, and He will complete the work He began! - Emiliy Rose Massey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 12 Mar 2023 | Transforming Burnout | 00:12:24 | |
Burnout comes from false expectations of others. New life comes from a transfer of trust to Jesus. - Dr. Michael A. Milton SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 27 Sep 2023 | You Have Been Healed | 00:06:16 | |
How does thinking about Jesus’ sacrifice on a tree put you in awe of God’s redemptive plan from the Garden of Eden? In what ways is God calling you to die to your sin and live for Him? How can you celebrate the eternal healing that Jesus has given you by His wounds? - Emma Danzey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 27 Dec 2023 | 8 Scriptures to Renew Your Heart for Patient Parenting | 00:06:13 | |
Parenting is a life-time gig. One most of us are thrilled to embark on …until we’re not. Everyday does not scroll along like a perfectly filtered social media story. In the slumped over the counter and deep breathing moments, God has a supernatural supply of patience and grace to strengthen us. Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on our own bountiful mercy to parent our children. - Meg Bucher SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 02 Jun 2024 | 4 Reasons Why We Can Stand Firm in Our Faith in an Unstable World | 00:07:31 | |
These are four compelling reasons why you can remain steadfast and confident in God's promises, even when the world around you feels chaotic and unpredictable. Equipping you to navigate challenges with a firm and resilient faith. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | When God Feels Far Away | 00:05:31 | |
Those moments in my life when God seemed gone have been the worst moments of my life. Yet, when I began to embrace the possibility of God’s providence in perceived silence, I grew in ways I would never have imagined. - Adam Mabry, author of When God Seems Gone
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| 01 Apr 2024 | Choosing Your Thoughts | 00:07:25 | |
Your thoughts relate to how you feel. The more positive, the better mood you are in. God understands we are not perfect. But when you speak truth and positivity in your mind, your body and spirit follows. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 27 Sep 2024 | Becoming Strong in Our Struggles | 00:07:01 | |
When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Becoming Strong in Our Struggles by Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11) Are you struggling through some wounds right now? What if you were to think about it as a season of strengthening rather than a season of struggle? I was thinking the other day about how easily we can be wounded. Hurtful comments from others, disappointment in relationships, or a circumstance that seems unfair can make us cower in feelings of weakness and failure. In addition to these common everyday wounds, there are serious wounds that may impact us as well—deep hurts from our childhood, abuse in any form, abandonment or betrayal from someone we trusted, the sudden or premature loss of a loved one, chronic pain, rejection, and more. But those wounds don’t have to define us or dictate our character or our future. The Scriptures say our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). That passage tells me two things: 1) Satan and the powers of darkness seek to wound and debilitate us, and 2) We are empowered to be warriors...not weaklings who remain wounded. Scripture exhorts us in Ephesians 6:10-11 to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" and to "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (NIV). Then as we're given details in how to put on those pieces of armor, we're told to take the shield of faith "with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (verse 16 NIV). I started thinking about how many of us fall prey to the flaming arrows or "fiery darts" of the enemy because we believe his lies, like… No one will ever really love you, so just face it You are a pathetic example of a parent. Your spouse doesn’t really love you; they’re just going through the motions. You call yourself a child of God? Just look at the way you behave! You should be ashamed of all that is in your past. Everyone knows what a fake and phony you are. Just give it up! You can never live a life of meaning and purpose, so don't even try. Those fiery darts pierce our hearts, they stab our minds, they condition our thinking. They convince us that God's words are lies and the Satan's words (which are sometimes our own thoughts or words spoken to us through other people) are true. But Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God as a defense against these lies, accusations and fiery darts. Intersecting Faith and Life: For years, I wondered what the analogy meant and how to actually suit up in the armor of God. Then my husband, a pastor, explained it in a Bible study one evening. He pointed out that every piece of armor symbolizes Christ in some way. And therefore, putting on the armor of God is synonymous with clothing yourself in the character of Jesus Christ, or simply abiding in Him.
When the enemy starts shooting his fiery darts at your heart and mind, reminding you of wounds from your past, or arranging circumstances to make you feel that you are defeated, don’t shrink from the attack. Don’t become a wounded one, who falls prey to his lies, accusations, and schemes. Instead, be a warrior. Know the truth of who you are and the power of Christ in you. Stand firm, clothed (abiding) in the character and identity of Jesus Christ. Suit up, my friend. Wield your sword like a warrior and tell the enemy to bring it on! You have all you need to be victorious in Him. Lord, Jesus, thank You that You have already declared my victory when I fight in Your strength alone. Help me to clothe myself in Your character so I have all I need to overcome the enemy’s assault. Further Reading: Galatians 5:22-23 For more on becoming a warrior woman, rather than a wounded one, see Cindi’s book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 19 Feb 2025 | How to Stay Calm Under Verbal Attack | 00:05:26 | |
In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we address the challenge of maintaining composure in the face of verbal attacks. Whether in personal relationships or public discourse, responding with grace can be difficult yet essential. We’ll explore biblical principles and practical strategies for staying calm, protecting your peace, and reflecting Christ’s love, even in heated situations. Discover how to navigate conflict with wisdom and integrity. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you stay calm when faced with verbal challenges? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What scriptures encourage you to respond with grace? Let’s uplift each other on this journey of faith! 🎙 🎉 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 27 Apr 2024 | How to Handle Conflict at Church | 00:08:10 | |
"The life in the church isn't always what we think it will be. What do we do? Jesus gives us a way." - Kyle Norman SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 25 Dec 2023 | Silent Night | 00:06:00 | |
The song “Silent Night” stirs up pictures in our minds of a calm night, stars brightly twinkling in the sky, and a newborn baby sleeping. It talks of a mother who lovingly sits at the bedside of her newborn son and of shepherds that are watching nearby, having been led there by a star. - Gina Smith SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 15 Dec 2022 | Grateful for Christmas | 00:07:12 | |
The holiday season kicks off with a reminder to be thankful. Gratitude is a powerful mentality. When we force a smile onto our faces, it actually triggers positive thoughts in our minds! The world is a difficult place, but God is bigger. His faithfulness gives us strength. God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to save us. - Meg Bucher SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 29 Sep 2024 | When Things Get Too Busy to Connect with God | 00:06:17 | |
What is grabbing your attention? Is it distraction due to the world or are you giving attention to Jesus? Where your attention is so is your devotion? What you give your heart to, has you. Consider your day. How can you carve out time for God? Time for connection? What on your calendar might you need to remove? How can you use spare moments to carve out times of intentional prayer or connectedness with The Lord? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: When Distraction Steals Your Devotion for God By Kelly Balarie “’Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” – Matthew 11:28 NIV Scrolling is resting. That’s the lie I tell myself anyway, as I settle down with my phone for ten minutes. That’ll do the trick. Of course, we all know that ten minutes of scrolling easily turns to thirty. The more I scroll, the more I see what people are upset with, what’s going wrong in the world, what looks like a perfect life for others and whatever else is mindless. Finally, hopping off the phone, am I better for it? Hardly. Did it eat up my time? Absolutely. Do I know what is going on in the world? I think so. Am I more stressed? One-hundred percent. As the day goes on, life happens and I have to handle it all – bills, kids, a move, requests, need of others. Come evening, I seek rest again. A movie? That could do the trick. I watch the movie and head to bed. In bed, conviction hits me. What happened to my time with God today? What happened to my time with God all this week? I spent so much time scrolling on the phone and watching tv that my time with the Lord evaporated. My time in His Word was measly. My time in prayer was non-existent. In my pursuit of seeking worldly rest, I missed it entirely. In fact, before I even came to this realization, in bed, I had to repent of watching the movie I watched and all those icky parts in it. The dialogues of offense at some church scandal gripped my mind.What the world suggests is rest is not rest at all; it is time to sit down and to cultivate inner turbulence that we will have to work out later. It may feel good in the moment but we will pay for it down the road.Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’” – Matthew 11:28 NIV Only when I come to Jesus do I come to know real rest. Only when I hear His words, are the words of my mind calmed by the Prince of Peace. Only when I step away to pray can I see His best way. Distraction is a delusion that doesn’t serve us. Yet, our focus on Jesus is devotion that can’t be stolen from us. It is only godly devotion that leads to inner recuperation of spirit, body and mind. The world slimes us with sin, pressure, and problems, while Jesus heals us because He is The Way, The Life and The Truth. I had to admit that I had, inadvertently, traveled far from God. Lying in bed, I realized that God was setting up my come-back! “Come to me…” Jesus said.He is always saying that. Are we listening? Come to me, you who are weary? Come to me, you who are numbing yourself in alcohol. Come to me, you who are immersing yourself in a busy schedule because you can’t handle how you feel. Come to me, you who are hiding behind your phone. Come to me, you who are pretending you have it all together. God still wants you, dear child of God. He wants you to come. This is your come-back party too. If you hear His voice, follow Him. If you feel worldly burdens, unload them on Him. If you are under too much pressure to survive, let Him take that load. He is inviting you to come to Him. Intersecting Faith & Life: What is grabbing your attention? Is it distraction due to the world or are you giving attention to Jesus? Where your attention is so is your devotion? What you give your heart to, has you. Consider your day. How can you carve out time for God? Time for connection? What on your calendar might you need to remove? How can you use spare moments to carve out times of intentional prayer or connectedness with The Lord? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith; find encouragement by getting Kelly’s blog posts by email. Kelly, creator of the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast, is also a blogger, national speaker, and author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Kelly, a real cheerleader of faith, loves seeing the power of prayer in live action. She loves seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize –God is faithful! Kelly’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, Relevant and Today’s Christian Woman. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 19 Apr 2024 | Feeling Lonely or Rejected? Remember This Promise of God | 00:07:27 | |
Does God accept me? Deep down we want to know if we are acceptable in the eyes of God. We are not perfect, we all have battles we fight internally and questions we aways ask ourselves. Does God accept us regardless? The answer is YES. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 05 May 2024 | Step Away from the World and Into the Arms of Jesus | 00:06:01 | |
Discover the peace, comfort, and guidance that await when we turn our hearts towards Him, inviting His presence to illuminate our lives with grace and purpose. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 19 Jul 2023 | Waiting with Hope | 00:06:41 | |
God has the best time in mind to answer your prayers. Waiting for God’s answer in whatever situation you’re facing is well worth the time – not only because God will ultimately respond, but because he’ll change you in the process. - Whitney Hopler SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 18 Dec 2022 | The Cross for the Jews and the Greeks | 00:05:57 | |
Have you ever heard of the man who carried Jesus' cross? Here in Luke 23, tucked away in verse 26 is the mention of a man who could easily get lost in the text; however, when we look at the significance of this moment, we will find ourselves in awe of what God is trying to tell us - Emma Danzey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 24 Jan 2023 | Encouragement to Pass the Baton | 00:05:06 | |
May we strive to be people with arms and hearts open to receiving this great commissioning from the saints who have run their race and finished strong. And may we be faithful in looking for opportunities to pass the baton of faith when the time comes. - Laura Bailey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 11 May 2024 | Why Don't You Think Positively | 00:06:45 | |
In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, maintaining a positive outlook can feel like an uphill battle. Trust in God to help you find the way. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | How Should I Show Up on Social Media? | 00:07:34 | |
There are distractions and uncertainty within the realm of social media. Listen to a way on how to navigate it with grace, authenticity, while having a faith perspective. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 09 Oct 2023 | Never Ending Kingdom | 00:06:35 | |
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| 02 Mar 2024 | How to Trust God in Uncertain Seasons | 00:06:05 | |
Have you ever wondered if God has forgotten you? Have you been crying out to him, and all you hear is silence? Have you been desperate to know where He was leading and what He was doing? - Christine Perry SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | Walk in Wisdom | 00:10:25 | |
It is most important that we understand what God desires of His people. To walk wisely, we should recognize that time is a limited commodity. Everyone has a beginning time and an end (either by death or Christ’s second coming). God calls us to redeem that time. This means to examine the hours and days, and years the Lord has given us and ask ourselves, “Are we using time for all its worth?” - Dr. Michael A. Milton Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 05 Apr 2024 | What Are the Different Kinds of Blessings and How Do We Bless Others? | 00:05:34 | |
In society it is rare for people to bless each other. We are more known for what we are against, then what we are for. - Michelle Lazurek SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 15 Jul 2023 | Distinguishing Holy Spirit Conviction from Enemy Accusation | 00:05:49 | |
For anyone who has ever felt guilty for something, how do we know if it’s the enemy of our souls pointing fingers at us or if it’s God, convicting us of sin? How can we tell the difference between the two? - Lynette Kittle SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 19 Feb 2023 | Stop Worrying about Tomorrow | 00:06:25 | |
Situations in life don’t change because you worry about them. They change because you pray about them. When worry is present, prayer is usually absent. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 13 Dec 2022 | Understanding the Hope Restored in the Birth of Jesus | 00:06:47 | |
We often consider the birth of Jesus from the perspective of looking back. For a moment, I want you to put yourself in the hearts and minds of the people who were alive during this time. When you do this, it will help you understand the reason for the hope and excitement surrounding Jesus’ birth. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 06 Dec 2023 | Walk into the Presence of God This Christmas | 00:05:55 | |
With sincere hearts, we can boldly come right into the presence of God. His sincerity sees us long before we turn to Him, and he delights when we genuinely come to Him. - Meg Bucher SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | What to Do When Shame Sneaks In | 00:06:14 | |
The next time you are reminded of your shortcomings. Instead allowing shame to overwhelm you, use that moment as an opportunity to pause and praise the Lord for your new life in him. - Emily Rose Massey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | Jesus Has Overcome the World | 00:06:10 | |
We can overcome the world and its struggles because Jesus already has. Rather than trying to take matters into our own hands, we need to trust in Him, allow Him to direct our steps, and apply His teachings into our lives. Whenever we feel without hope in our trouble or distress, we need to remember that the Lord has overcome the world and we can take heart in this promise. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Jesus Has Overcome the World By Vivian Bricker “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). If there is one thing I’m familiar with, it’s trouble. Growing up, I often found myself in the vice principal’s office for a myriad of reasons. Due to having a speech impediment when I was younger, I would often say things incorrectly, which would then be taken the wrong way. I was also notorious for coming up with different names for teachers and people at the school because I was never good with names. For example, instead of remembering Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, or Mr. Hanks, I would make up a name for them, based on what they looked like, such as “turtle man,” “Mr. Giraffe,” and “the alien.” As one could imagine, the vice principal didn’t enjoy being called an alien. In addition to being sent to the vice principal’s office for mispronouncing words and referring to teachers by different names, I often had a hard time calming down if someone said something about my family. There was one specific girl who always tried to get me upset by saying something mean about my mom or my sister. One day, this girl made a very derogatory remark about my mother, to which I called her a few bad words that I had heard from my father. Yet again, this landed me in the vice principal’s office. “Vivian, you’re a good student. Why are you always in my office?” This is what I was asked each time I was in the vice principal’s office. I explained the situation to him and while he understood why I was upset, he told me it was never right to say bad words or to call people mean names. He validated my feelings that what she did was wrong and he would talk to her about it, but that it didn’t make it right for me to be mean back. Rather than following after anger, he cautioned me to follow after peace. I’m not sure if he knew how much his words affected me at 9-years-old, but it did change many of my future actions. When this girl would be mean to me, I would tell her that she was just mean. I didn’t go any further than that and I did my best to try to apply what the vice principal had told me. This girl was still mean to me, but I no longer fed into her cruelty. I chose to strive for peace. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Lord tells us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus tells us here that we will have trouble in this world, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world. Through the Lord, we can have peace. While we cannot fully obtain peace on our own, we can obtain peace through Jesus. Troubles will abound in our life, but we can trust in the Lord. He has already overcome the world, therefore, there is nothing for us to fear. We might cause trouble or we might be the victim of trouble, but we can take heart because of the Lord. Due to living in a fallen world, sin is ever present and we will face many difficult times. We will hurt others and they will hurt us. None of us want to hurt others, yet it is part of living in a sinful world. With this knowledge, we need to allow it to lead us to follow Jesus and strive for peace with all people. We can overcome the world and its struggles because Jesus already has. Rather than trying to take matters into our own hands, we need to trust in Him, allow Him to direct our steps, and apply His teachings into our lives. Whenever we feel without hope in our trouble or distress, we need to remember that the Lord has overcome the world and we can take heart in this promise. Challenge Questions:
“Dear Jesus, You have overcome the world! I praise You and I thank You. Please help me to remember this when trouble is at my door. I have often caused trouble for others and others have caused trouble for me. Help me to follow after Your example and to strive after peace. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | Let Him Lead | 00:05:51 | |
Life can feel akin to being strapped into a rollercoaster going 90MPH, with no way to call for help or stop the ride if something goes wrong. In those moments, we call out to our God, who is faithful to save us. - Meg Bucher Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | What to Remember When Your Life Feels Small | 00:07:00 | |
Are there moments when your life feels small? Take note of any patterns. Do you feel less than great whenever you get together with that one friend who seems to have a glamorous, exciting life? Or do you feel discontentment bubbling whenever you spend time on social media? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: What to Remember When Your Life Feels Small by Deidre Braley Matthew 18:1-4: At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying,“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Does your life ever feel small? Mine sometimes does. Just last weekend, in fact, I had the unsettling experience of smallness at a country concert that was featuring a major artist. As the sun sank below the edge of the stadium, the crowd’s anticipation mounted. When the singer finally ran onto the stage, donning his guitar and saluting the audience, the stadium erupted. Girls clutched each other and screamed. Phone flashlights turned into constellations amongst the pulsing galaxy of people. Tens of thousands of lips moved in unison to sing the opening song together. Submerged in this world of smoke and lights and adrenaline, I had the unsettling feeling of being small. A longing began to stir deep in my belly—something like an exhilarating hunger. I suddenly wondered what it would feel like to live in this alternate reality called fame. Back at home, I knew that laundry was piled on our bedroom floor, that our toddlers would be wanting pancakes in the morning, and that the dishes would be nearly toppling in the kitchen sink. My line of work, in comparison to rocking and selling out this stadium, seemed so humdrum and un-noteworthy that I could hardly stand it. As it turns out, this hunger I was feeling—this longing to know what greatness feels like—came about long before electric guitars and jumbotrons. The disciples felt it too. One day, they even asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1) Jesus didn’t name a rockstar. He didn’t list off kings, or bible heroes, or professionals revered in their fields. Instead, he beckoned for a child to come and stand among them. “‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me…’” (Matthew 18:2-5). Earthside, we perceive greatness as notoriety and wealth, power and fanfare. It involves being or having more than someone else. But in the kingdom of heaven? Greatness looks like humility, trust, and inclusion. Greatness looks like a child, turning to the Father for everything. If we align our life’s work to what the world deems ‘great,’ then our days will be filled with striving and discontentment. We’ll be ever subjected to the fickleness of humanity. But when we align ourselves with what Jesus values—when we humble our souls and trust in the only one that is truly great—we are able to bask in an eternal greatness that gives our souls rest and contentment. So when we find ourselves caught in a pattern of discontentment, wondering when our time will come, or if anyone will ever notice us, or if our lives will ever possess that magnetic essence of greatness, let’s come back to that image of Jesus, pulling the child near and saying,“This. This is what greatness looks like in my kingdom.” Intersecting Faith & Life Are there moments when your life feels small? Take note of any patterns. Do you feel less than great whenever you get together with that one friend who seems to have a glamorous, exciting life? Or do you feel discontentment bubbling whenever you spend time on social media? Once you are able to identify when, where, or what makes you feel “small,” you can develop strategies to help you fight the lie that greatness comes from what the world hails, like fame and wealth or power and position. These strategies could include:
Further Reading
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| 04 Jul 2024 | Deep Calls to Deep | 00:06:40 | |
Uncover the richness of spiritual communion and the transformative power of encountering God in the depths of our souls. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're glad to have you listening with us. Today's topic is how God's deep love washes over us with power. We'll return with the devotional after a brief message from our sponsors.
There's something deeply powerful about experiencing a waterfall. I hiked to several waterfalls recently in the waterfall capital of the world, the Hamilton Ontario Canada area where more than 100 waterfalls flow down the long Niagara Escarpment, on their way to the majestic Niagara Falls. Every single one of the waterfalls experienced overwhelmed me with the power and beauty of its fast moving water. As I watched the water flow, I thought of the powerful creator who designed our planet Sobell. Water flows abundantly through nature, just as God's love flows through our lives with overwhelming power. Near the end of my trip, I stood beside Niagara Falls, and let the incredible sound of its roar sweep over me. And then I thank God for that experience. The Bible uses the imagery of powerful moving water, waterfalls, waves and breakers. And Psalm 42:7 to describe the mighty power of God's presence with us. These overwhelming forces symbolizes God's overwhelmingly strong love that envelops us when we notice God's presence. The phrase Deep calls to deep at the beginning of this verse helps us visualize the deep connection between us and God. The depth of God's presence is so strong that it reaches the depth of our souls. Imagine standing beside a roaring waterfall. The site is mesmerizing. The sound is deafening. When you feel the incredible power of the water as it cascades down relentlessly. That's how God's love operates in our lives. It's a wild force that can't be tamed. God's loving presence sweeps over us with power, washing away our fears, our doubts and our sin. God's love is like living water. Just as water is vital for our physical health. God's love is essential for our spiritual health. God's living water is the constant refreshing presence of God, we need to survive and thrive. The pressures and demands of our lives can sometimes feel like relentless waves crashing over us, threatening to pull us under. during hard times. It's easy to feel helpless and alone, as if we're drowning in a sea of troubles. But the Libyan water of God's love is stronger than any challenges we face. God's living water cleanses and revives us. Imagine the refreshing sensation of cool water in a hot day, washing away dirt and sweat, leaving us feeling renewed and invigorated. That's what God's love does for our souls. God's love penetrates our defenses and reaches into the deepest parts of our being where our deepest fears and desires live. Because out to the depths within us that yearning for God, those hidden places where we carry our pain, our hopes and our dreams. God's love speaks to those depths, reassuring us that we aren't alone, and that we're deeply value. It gives us the strength to face our challenges, not by removing them, but by transforming us from within, giving us the strength we need to persevere. God's love is a constant powerful presence. Just like the steady flow of a mighty waterfall. It doesn't ebb and flow with the changing tides of our circumstances, but remains reliable and trustworthy. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 05 Jan 2025 | Blessed Are Those Who Need Help with Their New Year's Resolutions | 00:06:16 | |
In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we turn our attention to those who may be struggling with their New Year's resolutions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to set and achieve lofty goals, but we’ll discuss how acknowledging our need for help can be a blessing. Together, we’ll explore the significance of community support, the role of prayer in our journey, and how God’s grace empowers us to grow. Join us as we encourage one another to embrace vulnerability and seek guidance, transforming our resolutions into shared commitments that lead us closer to God’s purpose. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! How have you navigated the challenges of New Year’s resolutions? Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What support systems have you found helpful in achieving your goals? Let’s lift each other up as we pursue lasting change together!
Full Transcript Below: Blessed are Those Who Need Help With Their New-Year’s Resolutions By Deidre Braley Joshua 6:2-5: Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? I have always been pro-resolution myself; my bookshelf is littered with titles like Atomic Habits and 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. I live and die by my physical planner, in which I tend to write detailed lists and demanding deadlines. As a former teacher, I’ve held the belief that any goal can be met by a.) setting the expectation and then b.) working backwards to devise a plan. This time of year, the rhetoric that we should be more successful, more productive, and just better all around is really flying, though, and I enter the season with dragging feet and a deep sense of weariness. Having just spent the entirety of last year trying to create a better version of my life, I am not ready now—in January—to ‘get after it’ again. Maybe you feel the same way. Maybe our culture of self-sufficiency has brought you some modicum of success, even, but you’re hobbling at this point, feeling like you can only keep this up so long before you finally snap or collapse or give up entirely. If you’re at this point, then good: swipe your self-help books off your desk and listen up. During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours” (Luke 6:20). He also said, “But woe to you who are rich, because you have received your comfort” (Luke 6:24). I have always understood this as an indictment of wealth but now, with the two of them side by side, I see: Those who are poor have room to be filled up by God, but those who consider themselves rich by their own making do not. This teaching goes totally against what we’ve learned to do as pull-ourselves-up-by-our-bootstraps type of people, yes? Jesus is telling us we should be…poor? In terms of self-sufficiency—yes. See, if we spend all of our waking minutes maximizing our potential, doing everything in our power to get ahead, when we do experience goodness or success, we’ll naturally say to ourselves, “I worked hard for that, and I earned it.” But if we come from a place of need and God steps into our powerlessness and then acts, there can be no denying that God made it happen in our lives. We get to see the kingdom of God at work, and on our behalf. Just think of the Israelites at the city of Jericho. Conventional battle wisdom would have told Joshua and his men to muster all of their strength and strategy in order to take the city, and yet God commanded them to do something different: To walk in circles. To blow trumpets. To shout. Why? So God could do it for them, and so they would know that he was the One True God—and their One True God. Intersecting Faith & Life If you’ve already made New Year’s resolutions, take a prayerful look at them now. There is nothing wrong with having resolutions—it’s just important to remember that the Lord wants you to rely on him as you set goals, dream, and work. Ask yourself these questions about your resolutions: 1. Have I left room in my heart to be filled by God and see the kingdom at work in my life, or have I tried to make plans to do it all on my own? 2. Are there places where I’ve insisted on control where God has actually already asked me to surrender? Further Reading For other examples of God’s provision for the poor or completely dependant, read: ● 2 Kings 4 ● Exodus 14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 23 Oct 2024 | You Are Divinely Empowered to Love People Well | 00:06:23 | |
His divine power, unleashed through our dependence upon and yielding to Him, provides everything we need to live as His called, chosen, and redeemed children. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below Divinely Empowered to Love People Well By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV). After one particularly discouraging family reunion during which my faults appeared to have greatly outnumbered my positive qualities, my therapist helped me regain a balanced perspective. She encouraged me to journal separately on each day of the vacation, prayerfully considering what I felt I did well and what I wish I’d done differently. This activity helped me to recognize ways in which I’d allowed my inner critic’s voice to speak louder than God’s gentle and empowering grace. This was important because focusing on my flaws only kept me stuck. Whereas reflecting upon all I had in Christ inspired me to soul-deep transformation. Yes, I have many areas within that need growth, but I also possess the power of God, working in and through me. As today’s passage states, He has given me everything I need to live as He desires and love my people well. Peter, a leader in the first-century church, wrote the letter from which today’s passage comes while in Rome, knowing he would likely soon die. This was during the later years of Emperor Nero’s reign, a terrifying time for Christ-followers during which they experienced intense persecution. On top of this, the people to whom Peter wrote were also suffering from strife and dissention within their faith community—when they most needed one another’s support. Frightening and uncertain circumstances can cause us to behave in ugly ways. When our stress levels increase, our gentleness and self-control tend to decrease, when we rely solely on ourselves. But when, in the middle of chaos, we pause to connect with Christ, He fills our souls with strength, speaks words of truth, and reignites our hope. He reminds us of His precious promises, sprinkled throughout Scripture, such as His pledge to never leave us or forsake us, to work all things for our good, and to bring us a glorious future. Intersecting Life & Faith: We cannot love like Jesus apart from Jesus. No amount of human effort will enable us to overcome our sinful tendencies and fear-based responses. Self-reliance only distances us from our Savior, the One who died to free us from everything that corrupts who He created us to be. His divine power, unleashed through our dependence upon and yielding to Him, provides everything we need to live as His called, chosen, and redeemed children. But notice, this godliness comes through our knowledge of Him, as well. As Chuck Swindoll from Insight for Living wrote, “Our knowledge of God through His Word is the first line of defense against the conflicts that threaten to tear us apart.” In the New Testament, we often see two different words translated as knowledge. One, eido, refers to assenting to, or coming to realize a fact, such as that the earth is round, or that two plus two equals four. The word used in today’s passage, however, epignósis in the original Greek, has the connotation of knowledge gained through personal experience, and often, in relationship. Therefore, the more we come to know Jesus, by drawing near to Him in times of trouble, allowing His gentle whisper to calm and nourish us, and grasping the unfathomable vastness of His love, the greater our godliness. We come to know, with ever-deepening intimacy, the God who, in Exodus 33, equated His glory with His goodness. As I consider all involved in “our knowledge of him,” as today’s passage states, I’m reminded of Romans 12:2, which tells me I am transformed by the “renewing of my mind.” This involves unlearning old, unhealthy patterns of behavior and learning to live in my new reality as a loved, empowered, and victorious child of God. I love what Paul Tripp wrote: “… because of my relationship with Christ, I have been given a warrior Spirit that lives inside me.” That is far from a statement of defeat. To the contrary. Scripture assures us, in all things, our triggers and deeply-ingrained sins included, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Rom. 8:37). I’m encouraged to know, the next family reunion, I will more consistently respond to my relatives, the most challenging included, like my Savior. Further Reading: Photo Credit: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 15 Nov 2023 | God Knows Your Name | 00:06:13 | |
We matter greatly to the Lord, and so do your prayers. We can say our prayers out loud, think about them, write them, and even sing them. When we pray, we can rest in the promise that He hears us, has a plan for us, and will take care of us. - Megan Evans Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | How Faith Is the Opposite of Fear | 00:06:52 | |
What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: How Faith Is the Opposite of Fear By Sarah Frazer “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” Hebrews 11:23 (ESV) “Have courage every single day.” The plaque my mother had gifted me sat on the windowsill right in front of my kitchen sink. I looked at it every day and sometimes a tear would slide down my cheeks into the soapy water as I washed the dishes. I didn’t feel like having courage. Fear of the future and the unknown consumed my thoughts. Going through a hard year with our family taught me many things, but one of the most powerful lessons I learned was that the opposite of fear wasn’t courage, but faith. Faith is where we find the courage to keep going. When I think about my own story, which includes adoption, I also think about the story of one of the great heroes of the Bible: Moses. Moses was adopted by the pharaoh’s daughter when he was a baby. Moses is one of those men who will be always known for his amazing acts of bravery and courage. He faced the Pharaoh and miraculously led the people of Israel out of slavery from Egypt. He wrote the first five books of our Bible. Stories like the Red Sea parting, manna in the wilderness, and the Ten Commandments are accredited to Moses. Those parts of his life, although amazing, are not what resonates these days in my heart. The part of Moses’ story I see in my own story isn’t about him, but his mother. The Bible says in Exodus 2:3, “When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank.” Can you imagine how she felt when she gave her baby up? I think she felt afraid, but instead of being remembered for her fear, she is remembered for her faith. Hebrews 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” In Exodus 6:20 we find out that her name was Jochebed. There have been times in my life where I’ve prayed: “God, I don’t know what you have planned for my life. This situation feels so hard, painful, and filled with grief. But I want to trust you. So I will try and trust you.” In Exodus 2:1-10 we read her story. I can imagine, as she placed her baby in the basket, she didn’t feel brave. But she put him in there. The author of Hebrews said she was not afraid of the king’s command to kill all of the male children. Why? Because of her faith. Each day, she chose to keep her baby alive. She chose faith. When we face each day, even when we feel afraid, we can step forward. One step at a time, we can take our fear by the hand and go confidently in faith. Each day, we have a choice to give in to fear or to step forward in faith. We can choose faith, too. Maybe you are thinking that your faith is too small. You might think that the fear is too big, but it isn’t about our faith at all. It is all about Who we have our faith in. The Object of our faith is God, the all-powerful, all-loving God of the universe! Jochebed knew that God was bigger than all the fears. God was bigger than the Pharaoh. God was bigger than the river. God was bigger than the uncertain future. She had faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” When Jochebed comes to the river, she doesn’t cast away her son. Instead of tossing away her child-like garbage, she intentionally and deliberately surrenders him to it. The basket was prepared ahead of time, carefully constructed with tar and a tight weave. It would not leak or sink. Jochebed prepared a place for Moses to be safe. In a sense, she obeyed the king’s edict as she put her son in the river. Instead of throwing him away, she gave him over to God. She surrendered her plans for herself, her son, and the future. Faith allows us to give our plans to God. Choosing to have faith in God means we hand our fears over to God and He will meet us right there. The opposite of fear is not courage, but faith. Even a small faith placed in a big God allows us to move forward. Have confidence in the things that are “unseen,” knowing that God is very real and present in your life. Intersecting Faith & Life: What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold? Further Reading: Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 27:1 John 14:27 Deuteronomy 31:6 Psalm 56:3-4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 27 Nov 2024 | Avoiding Toxic Talk at Thanksgiving | 00:06:04 | |
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and reflection, but it can also bring out challenging conversations. In today’s episode, we discuss how to navigate potentially toxic or divisive discussions during the holiday season. Whether it’s family dynamics, politics, or past hurts, we share biblical wisdom on how to keep conversations uplifting, peaceful, and full of grace. We’ll explore how to set boundaries, encourage positive dialogue, and be a light in the midst of tension. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear how praising God has helped you in your own challenges. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—How might God be calling you to be a peacemaker during your holiday gatherings? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 13 Apr 2024 | What Does the Story of Dagon Tell Us about Our Idols Today? | 00:06:29 | |
"Even as believers in Christ, we are prone to fall into the temptations to make "gods" out of people places or things. But they all fail in comparison to Jesus." - Emma Danzey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 15 Feb 2023 | You Can Count on God's Faithfulness | 00:06:06 | |
If God’s faithfulness were a reward for actions, then few would ever experience it. Because his faithfulness flows from his grace, it is available to everyone. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 07 Sep 2024 | Fighting Spiritual Strongholds | 00:06:30 | |
When we are under attack, stuck in one of Satan’s strongholds, we can break free with the help of Jesus Christ! But, as we see in the following verses, it is vital that we continually guard our minds, bathing ourselves in truth to prevent and shut down spiritual strongholds before they overtake us. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Fighting Spiritual Strongholds By: Laura Bailey “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV “I think I am stuck,” wincing as the words came out of my mouth, I waited to hear my husband’s response. “I’ll be up there in a minute,” he quickly replied. As my husband pulled up in his truck, assessing the situation, I could tell by the expression on his face that it wasn’t good. After a few minutes of trying to get the car out of the mud, he said, " You are going to need a tow truck.” I knew he was trying to control his irritation, but the truth was, I deserved it. I knew I shouldn’t have gone down that road. For the last few months, my road has been under construction. The road was blocked off just a few hundred feet from my driveway, causing us to take a 10-minute detour whenever we wanted to leave the house. Countless times in the past few weeks, I have seen cars drive around the “ road closed” barriers, so I thought I could, too. Except on this particular day, I didn’t consider that it had been raining all morning, making the clay dirt turn into a thick, gooey paste. To prevent washout, the construction team placed a large pile of gravel at the end of the path, making it impossible to get through. And the thing is, as I slowly inched my way around the barriers, I knew this wasn’t a good idea. Still, ignoring the quiet voice in my thoughts that encouraged me to turn back, I trudged ahead. At first, it wasn’t that bad, my tires quickly making their way through the mud, but when I saw the gravel barrier, I knew I was in trouble. That wasn’t the first time I’d taken that path; I’d cut through the closed-off road numerous times. Time after time, I sailed smoothly through the construction zone, avoiding the long detour; I knew it wasn’t the best decision, yet I still did it. Sitting there waiting for my husband, berating myself for my poor choices, I thought about a sermon I’d once heard about sin. The preacher said, “We dabble in sin; satan dominates.” We often convince ourselves that our sin isn’t that bad, especially compared to others. If they can do it, why can’t we? We didn’t get caught last time, so it must be okay. We try to rationalize our rebellion against God, knowing in our hearts that what we are doing is wrong. And that’s the thing about sin; typically, our little rebellion becomes more significant. The white lie morphs into a whopper. The occasional overspending leads to a snowball of debt. The innocent flirtation leads to an emotional affair. We have an enemy whose sole mission is to” kill, steal and destroy” ( John 10:10). He wants nothing more than to believe that we can control our sin, but instead, it often controls us. In our key verse, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are fighting a spiritual battle. But they don’t fight with the flesh; they have divine power to demolish strongholds. A stronghold is a barrier; our enemy erects numerous strongholds to destroy biblical truth. As believers, we put on the armor of God, knowing that we don’t fight alone; we have the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are under attack, stuck in one of Satan’s strongholds, we can break free with the help of Jesus Christ! But, as we see in the following verses, it is vital that we continually guard our minds, bathing ourselves in truth to prevent and shut down spiritual strongholds before they overtake us. Graciously, a sister in Christ and her husband came to my aid that day. They worked for almost an hour and nearly got stuck themselves to free my car. The Lord taught me numerous lessons that day. Sin can quickly overtake us, but when we call on the name of Jesus Christ, we have the power to fight the devil’s schemes. Our Heavenly Father also gives us the gift of the body of believers. We are meant to support, lift, and pull our brothers and sisters out of sin if needed. The Lord granted me mercy that day; the situation could have been much worse. After a few days, I saw a car go around the barriers; as I quickly drove past, I prayed to the Lord for the lessons learned. Intersecting Faith and Life: Thinking about this quotation, “We dabble in sin; satan dominates,” is there an area in your life where your sin started small but has begun to take over completely? Ask the Lord for forgiveness and the power to fight this attack. Take it further; reach out to your local church or godly friend to help you overcome this spiritual stronghold. For Further Reading: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 23 Aug 2024 | What It Means to Not Be "Mastered By Anything" | 00:05:06 | |
Take a moment to analyze your life. Are there any areas you realize are out of control? Are there areas that you indulge in that have become idols in your life? It is easy to have these idols creep into our lives. With God, we always hope to push those idols aside and allow ourselves not to be mastered by anything. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: “Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV As a writer, I need specific technology and equipment, including my computer. One ordinary day, I was writing several article assignments, and suddenly, the computer screen went blank. Curiously clicking keys and starting and restarting the computer, I found it would only start up to shut down and restart repeatedly. The screen went blank at that moment, and I froze in fear. I had many thoughts: what if I couldn't get my files off my computer? What if I've lost everything? What if I can't get my laptop to work? I started feeling fearful, but that fear began to overtake me. Racing thoughts and overthinking situations sometimes get the best of me. I talked it over with my husband, and he tried to reassure me that everything would be OK. He took the computer to the store, hoping to restore the files off my laptop. I had an extraordinary amount of peace. I had peace because even though I felt fear over what I had lost, I didn't want the fear to overtake me. This feeling of peace was not usual for me. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I had every reason to be fearful. I was in the middle of a project when the computer screen went black. I wondered if my computer had backed up all my files. Without it, I would have lost two years' worth of articles, book proposals, and other important documents that I could never recover. I prepared myself for the worst, thinking I had lost them all. But the computer store was able to get the computer started again, and when I checked my computer, all the files were there! I was so grateful. But I was still surprised at my unexplainable feeling of peace. In this life, we will always encounter fear. Anxiety and fear are a natural part of life. But it's our reaction to it is what God honors. Even when I feel anxious, I don’t have to give in to that fear. I can do what I can to face my fears and experience life despite my fears. When I run to God rather than run to my fear, God is glorified. In the above verse, we must understand that we have freedom in this life. We can do what we want because of Jesus’ death on the cross. However, we don't want anything to overtake us in life so much that we cannot worship God. Anything that takes over our thoughts, feelings, and actions more than it should become an idol in our lives. This verse refers to gluttony and sexual immorality. We don't want to indulge in any sinful behavior that may overtake us in the end. For example, we can certainly eat and enjoy our food. In the same way, within the proper context, sex is made to be enjoyed. However, when it is distorted, with practices such as pornography, lust, or other behaviors, or if we find ourselves lusting over dessert, our flesh has taken over. We don't have God in the proper place. When God is worshipped above all else, food and sex become behaviors that we can enjoy but don't overtake us. In this life, we hope that we cannot be mastered by anything. We can choose to do whatever we please. But when those things overtake our lives, they must be put in the proper perspective. Take a moment to analyze your life. Are there any areas you realize are out of control? Are there areas that you indulge in that have become idols in your life? It is easy to have these idols creep into our lives. With God, we always hope to push those idols aside and allow ourselves not to be mastered by anything. Father, help us not let simple behaviors overtake our thoughts, behaviors, or actions. Please help us know that you are to be first in every area of our lives. We always hope that even if everything seems out of control, you are a God who can heal and deliver us from sinful behaviors. Amen. Intersecting Faith and Life Do you struggle with fear? What steps can you take to trust God? What can you do to rid yourself of idols in your life? Further reading 2 Timothy 1:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 01 Dec 2023 | A Languishing Spirit | 00:06:54 | |
If you are stuck and feel unable to move forward in your life, focus on the one right next step you can take to move forward. Don’t let overanalysis of what “could be” or what “has been” paralyze you. Just take one tiny step forward at a time and see the Lord begin to move on your behalf. - Amanda Idleman Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 19 Apr 2021 | Christianized Karma | 00:03:57 | |
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. | |||
| 20 Apr 2021 | Being Quick to Listen in a World of Talk | 00:05:00 | |
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. | |||
| 21 Apr 2021 | High Infidelity | 00:05:04 | |
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. | |||
| 22 Apr 2021 | The Corinthian Man-Creed | 00:05:36 | |
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. | |||
| 23 Apr 2021 | Jesus’ Encouragement to Our Troubled World | 00:04:15 | |
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. | |||
| 24 Apr 2021 | Enough Already | 00:04:47 | |
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. | |||
| 25 Apr 2021 | A Spirit of Power | 00:04:04 | |
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. | |||
| 09 Oct 2024 | Focus on God, Not on Fear | 00:06:10 | |
Do you tend to be seasoned with grace and salt in your words with others or do you need help in this area? How can you be prayerful and Spirit-led in your discussions with unbelievers? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you up with peace as you share the love of Jesus with those who do not know Him. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Focus on God, Not on Fear By: Whitney Hopler “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1, NIV Every October, elaborate Halloween decorations begin popping up in my neighborhood. Some of them are whimsical, but a lot of them are designed to look as scary as possible. One yard features a goblin that zips down from a tree to surprise people as they walk by on a sidewalk. One house has a battery-operated witch on the porch, constantly babbling threats in a creepy voice. Then there’s the place that features a gigantic skeleton towering over a house and glaring with red lights in its eyes at people passing by. It amazes me that so many people spend so much money on those decorations, and so much time setting them up, simply to scare people. Our world often glorifies fear during October. From haunted house decorations to scary movies, people celebrate fear in all its forms as Halloween approaches. It can seem entertaining to seek out experiences that make us feel afraid. But all the spooky darkness around us in this fallen world isn’t worth our attention. As believers, our focus should not be on fear but on God. God’s light is much more powerful than any darkness we encounter. The world may try to draw us into a mindset of fear, but Psalm 27:1 offers a powerful reminder that we don’t need to fear anything or anyone, because God is our stronghold. King David, who wrote those words while inspired by the Holy Spirit, was no stranger to scary situations. He faced real dangers from enemies who sought to harm him, yet his response was not to dwell on those fears but to declare his confidence in God’s protection. David declared: “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?” This declaration is a call to shift our focus from the things that frighten us to the One who is greater than all our fears. During October, when our fallen world encourages us to be entertained by fear, we have the opportunity to choose a different path. Instead of allowing fear to take root in our hearts, we can focus on the truth that God is our stronghold. That means we can trust our all-powerful God to give us strength in all situations and to protect us from all that scares us – including the evil that surrounds us. The darkness that casts scary shadows of doubt and worry around us can’t overpower the light of God’s presence in our lives. Fear is a powerful emotion, but it’s not stronger than the power of God. When we allow fear to dominate our thoughts, it can paralyze us and keep us from living the thriving lives God wants us to live. However, when we focus on God, we remember that God is in control, that God is with us, and that God is for us. No matter what circumstances we face, we can be confident in the assurance the Bible gives us in Psalm 27:1. God is our light, guiding us through even the darkest circumstances. God is our salvation, delivering us from all that threatens to harm us. During October – and every day of the year – consider how you can shift your focus away from fear and toward God. Instead of getting caught up in the culture of fear, spend time with God in prayer and meditation regularly. The more time you spend with God, the more God will dispel any fear that tries to take hold of your heart. Remember, the Lord is your light and your salvation, so you never need to be afraid! Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider the importance of focusing on God rather than on fear when you feel afraid, reflect on these questions:
Further Reading Isaiah 41:10 2 Timothy 1:7 Philippians 4:6-7 John 14:27 Romans 8:38-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 06 Jul 2024 | Ask for Wisdom | 00:04:56 | |
The importance of humility in asking for wisdom, knowing that God generously grants it to those who earnestly seek Him. Discover the profound impact of seeking God's wisdom in our lives. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We are so glad to have you listening on Michela Zurich. Today's topic is asked for wisdom. We'll be back after a word from our sponsor
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| 26 Apr 2021 | The Perverse Generation | 00:03:56 | |
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. | |||
| 27 Apr 2021 | Bursting the Bubble | 00:03:45 | |
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. | |||
| 28 Apr 2021 | Sharing the Good News | 00:05:00 | |
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. | |||
| 29 Apr 2021 | A Stubborn Intolerance for Joyless Christianity | 00:05:32 | |
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. | |||
| 30 Apr 2021 | Deconstructing David | 00:03:54 | |
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. | |||
| 01 May 2021 | Strangers in a Strange Land | 00:05:07 | |
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| 17 Sep 2023 | Your Kingdom Come | 00:05:56 | |
Ultimately Jesus came to earth to die on the cross to glorify God and bring salvation to humanity. - Emma Danzey SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. | |||
| 02 May 2021 | Armor 'n Enemies | 00:04:12 | |
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| 02 Jul 2024 | A Transformed Life | 00:05:38 | |
Discover how Jesus transforms lives, reshaping thoughts and lifestyles. Explore the power of mercy and grace, a journey of encountering Jesus. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Full Transcript Below: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're glad to have you listening. Today's topic is a transformed life. We'll return with the devotional after a brief message from one of our sponsors.
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| 03 May 2021 | The Day I Rolled Down the Window | 00:04:16 | |
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| 04 May 2021 | Sit Down and Be Seen by Jesus | 00:08:14 | |
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. | |||
| 05 May 2021 | Trust at High Speeds | 00:04:13 | |
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. | |||
| 06 May 2021 | Bearing With One Another | 00:04:50 | |
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| 07 May 2021 | The Wedding Day | 00:02:59 | |
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| 08 May 2021 | Only One Way to Achieve Patience | 00:04:55 | |
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| 10 May 2021 | Altar-Call Christians? | 00:03:27 | |
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| 09 May 2021 | Mother's Day: 3 Ways Mom Reminds Me of Jesus | 00:06:43 | |
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. | |||
| 11 May 2021 | Mom's the Word | 00:04:55 | |
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. | |||
| 12 May 2021 | Sweet Frog | 00:05:36 | |
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. | |||