The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Ever find yourself sensing a nudge from God to do something that feels… well, a little off-the-wall? Maybe you’ve prayed, waited, and still felt unsure. In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger shares a personal story of unexpected promptings, hesitant obedience, and the comforting truth found in Psalm 33:10-11 — that God’s good plan for us is firm, unshaken by our uncertainty or decisions. If you’re facing a big decision, wrestling with mixed emotions, or waiting for a clear answer, this message will meet you right where you are. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 God’s plans stand firm — no matter our uncertainty 💡 When we genuinely seek God’s will, we can move forward in faith knowing He’ll direct or redirect our steps 💡 Psalm 33:10-11 reminds us that God can foil or thwart any plan not aligned with His purposes — and that’s a good thing 💡 We can live with peace, taking faithful steps, because God’s ultimate plan for our good will always prevail 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever wrestled with a decision and sensed God nudging you forward in faith? Or maybe you’ve watched Him thwart a plan that wasn’t His best for you. We’d love to hear your story! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with how God’s faithful hand has guided us through life’s twists and turns. 🎙️ Be sure to follow The Crosswalk Devotional podcast on your favorite app — new episodes every Monday through Friday. Don’t miss a single word of encouragement and truth rooted in God’s Word. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Your Choice Won’t Change God’s Good Plan By Keri Eichberger The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:10-11) I wasn't necessarily even looking for a job. But for some odd reason the opportunity kept randomly bursting into my thoughts. It seemed so bizarre that I never spoke a word of it to anyone. My husband would have been my first friend to share the strange promptings, but I was certain he would simply look at me sideways, laugh it off, and say how super off the wall the notion was. But nonetheless, about an hour after my regular morning prayer time of seeking God's will for my day and life, it popped up again. And I had to let it spill. I told Mike I almost didn't say a word about this absurd idea, except that in some strange way this crazy thought reminded me of my initial series of promptings before God called me to have my last baby-turned-twins. And considering the divine way that worked out, it was the resemblance of stirrings and signals that got my attention. The crazier part was what followed my confession. Mike didn't think I’d lost my mind—like he may have when I first announced God's call to a baby—but he was intrigued instead. And before I knew it, he was encouraging me to inquire. I knew the drill from here—lots of prayer would have to follow. But in the end, though the promptings were still strong, I just wasn't sure. Determining whether or not to have a baby I had as much time as I wanted to discern and decide. But in this case, the job opening would close in a couple of days, so I had to apply ASAP. I begged God to be clear with what to do. On one hand, this undertaking didn't seem to fit in my plans and current conditions. But on the other hand, the desire to do it anyway remained. Have you ever noticed a nudge or strong desire to do something that in many ways made no sense? Or have you asked God to be clear if you should or shouldn't, and the desire neither deepened nor dimmed? And maybe like me, you felt you didn't have time to sit and wait for more cues and clues. I have to say, it's in these difficult decisions that I am so thankful for God's word. My...

Did you know that today's host, Jennifer Slattery, has a podcast of her own? Check out Faith Over Fear, where Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. In John 2:18-25, we witness a revealing moment early in Jesus’ ministry — a moment filled with admiration, opposition, belief, and rejection. While the crowds clamored for signs and the religious leaders challenged His authority, Jesus remained steady, anchored not in human praise or criticism, but in His unshakable union with the Father. Today’s devotional invites us to reflect on how often we attach our identity and worth to the opinions of others — and how Jesus models a better way. He loved deeply, yet He didn’t entrust Himself to the crowds because He knew the fickleness of human hearts. Instead, He remained secure in the Father’s constant love and presence. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Learn how Jesus responded to both praise and rejection without letting either define Him 💡 Discover how our own attachment to human approval can keep us in bondage 💡 Be encouraged to entrust yourself fully to God, finding your identity and security in Him alone 💡 Reflect on the freedom that comes from resting in God’s unchanging love 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙️ Don’t miss a single episode of The Crosswalk Devotional! Follow our audio podcast on your favorite podcast app and join us every weekday for fresh, faith-building encouragement rooted in Scripture. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. 23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. John 2:18-25 (NIV) The more someone else’s praise can lift you up, the more their criticism can tear you down. If you grew up in a critical home, you probably know the truth of that statement from experience. Perhaps you’ve felt the emotional high of feeling like you made an often emotionally unavailable parent proud, and the grief that flooded your soul when they suddenly, without clear provocation, rejected you through harsh words or relational withdrawal. Or you’re enduring a lonely and unstable marriage where you find your longing for love and connection has caused you to grasp at the slightest display of affection. Or you frequently feel excluded in your social circle, judged in your faith community, or belittled in a toxic work environment. Those circumstances can exacerbate our unhealed wounds and the lies our enemy the devil often attaches to them. In my long-standing battle against shame and the fear of rejection it triggered, I found today’s passage intriguing. This occurred at the beginning of Jesus ministry and directly following His first recorded miracle at a wedding in Cana. Directly following, Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. At...

In our hectic, pressure-filled lives, it’s easy to get tangled up in worry — about finances, relationships, health, and the future. But Jesus offers a gentle, beautiful reminder: look at the wildflowers. In Luke 12:27-28, He invites us to notice how God cares for even the most fleeting parts of creation and promises that His care for us is even greater. In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on the peaceful, unhurried life of flowers — and how their effortless trust in God’s provision challenges us to release our worries and rest in His faithful care. If God so carefully clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe and care for you? Key Takeaways: 🌸 Learn how observing flowers can offer practical lessons in trusting God’s provision 🌸 Discover why Jesus calls us to live free from worry by His faithful care. 🌸 Be encouraged to recognize the details God tends to in your life, big and small 🌸 Reflect on ways to cultivate peace and gratitude through simple moments in nature 💬 Join the Conversation What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Consider How the Flowers Grow By: Whitney Hopler “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!” – Luke 12:27-28, NIV During May, I love to visit gardens to see flowers. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax. Flowers become so beautiful just by doing what they were made to do, without any stress. When I look at them, I’m reminded that I can trust God to take care of me, too. In our busy lives, we can get overwhelmed with everything we have to do. We might even start worrying about the future. But Jesus tells us not to worry and look at the simple beauty of nature to inspire us to make a different choice. He tells us to think about how wildflowers grow, as a reminder of how God cares for everything he made – including us. These verses remind us that God loves and cares for even the smallest parts of his creation. The flowers grow naturally, depending on God for everything they need. They don’t worry about whether they’ll have enough. They just trust what God provides for them – and in the process, they become beautiful. We may catch ourselves worrying about what we need for our health, our money, our relationships, and much more. But Jesus says to just look at the flowers and learn from them. They grow well under God’s care without worrying – just by being what God made them to be. If God cares so much for these short-lived flowers, how much more will God care for us, his children? Our worries can make us forget to trust God’s provision. Jesus asks us to have more faith. He challenges us to trust that God knows what we need and will provide it at the right time. Just like the flowers rely on God for everything, Jesus invites us to rely on God for everything we need. This means really believing that God knows our needs and is working to meet them in the best way for us. Beautiful flowers also show us how amazing God’s work is in our lives. God’s care for us includes paying attention to every little detail. If God puts so much care into making flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow look beautiful, how much more does God care about the details of our lives? This should make us feel grateful and give us peace, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a...

Today’s devotional reminds us of a liberating truth: shame was never meant to be part of a believer’s identity. While guilt can lead us to repentance, shame clings like a heavy weight, making us believe we’re unworthy of God’s love. But the Word of God is clear — what Jesus has forgiven, He has forgiven forever. Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. You are not the voice of the enemy whispering old regrets into your mind. You are a new creation, loved and accepted by your Savior. As followers of Christ, we can boldly trade shame for grace, heaviness for hope, and regret for peace. Jesus has given us the freedom to move forward unburdened — we just have to hand over the weight. Join the Conversation: What is one burden of shame you’ve surrendered to Jesus? How has God reminded you of His grace and freedom? Share your story — we’d love to hear from you. Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with the hope and mercy we’ve found in Christ. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Shame Has No Place in a Christian’s Life By Vivian Bricker “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7). I have often struggled with feelings of shame because of past actions and decisions. The hurtful words I have said in the past have caused me to develop deep shame about myself. Shame causes me to feel unworthy and extremely guilty. In other words, I feel like a terrible person, and I begin hating myself. “I shouldn’t have said that. I shouldn’t have done that.” These thoughts swim around in my head and eventually drown me. Shame knocks at our door each day. However, instead of letting it in, we have the choice to turn it away. Although shame creeps into our hearts, we don’t have to feed into it. The devil has a way of bringing past sins back into our minds, which will cause us to feel shame, but we don't need to listen to him. Satan wants us to fall in any way possible, and this includes making us feel ashamed. We don’t need to feel shame for past sins, as they have already been forgiven by the Lord. What Jesus has forgiven is forgiven forever. This means that all of our sins have been forgiven on account of the Lord’s blood. We never have to fear these past sins because they are completely forgiven. Since they are forgiven, we do not need to dwell on them. The past is in the past, and we need to strive forward. Shame does not need to take up occupancy in our hearts or minds. Whether we are feeling shame over a past sin or a present sin, we can bring it before Jesus. Jesus wants us to release these feelings to Him and allow Him to carry them for us. In no way does the Lord expect us to carry this weight alone. Give all of your feelings of shame over to the Lord today. Trust Him with these feelings and allow Him to lift this shame from your shoulders. In truth, the shame can only be placed there by us. Since Jesus has forgiven us of our past sins, there is no reason to continue to feel guilty. We have been given forgiveness and freedom from our past. No longer are we defined by our past. We are defined by Jesus. Isaiah 50:7 says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” As this passage of Scripture tells us, we do not need to be disgraced or put to shame. Since the Lord is our help, He has caused our feet to stand on level ground. Our faces have been set like flint, and we will never be put to shame. The Bible tells us clearly in this passage that we don’t...

Today’s devotional reminds us of one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: Jesus understands what it means to be human. He experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and yes — even anguish so deep that He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:44) No matter what you're facing — heartbreak, fear, anxiety, or loss — Jesus isn’t distant from your pain. He’s felt it, carried it, and overcome it. This Easter and every day, we can be assured that the One who conquered death understands every burden we bear. And just as God sent strength to Jesus in His moment of need, He promises to send help to us too — whether through His Word, His people, or His angels. We encourage you to pray: “Lord, thank You for knowing what it’s like to hurt, to grieve, and to feel overwhelmed. Help me to follow Your example of surrender and trust, and to lean on You for strength in my hardest moments.” Join the Conversation: When was a time you felt God’s strength in a season of deep distress? How do you find peace in knowing Jesus understands what you’re walking through? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a comment on Crosswalk.com. Your testimony might be the encouragement someone else is praying for today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: At Easter and Every Day, Jesus Understands By Lynette Kittle And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground--Luke 22:44 Sweat: most of us experience it repeatedly in life, whether from high temperatures in weather or during illness, recreational activities or exercise, or because of stress and anxiety; it’s a gritty, real aspect of life. Still, some of us don’t think of Jesus ever sweating like we do at times, but being fully human as well as fully God, we can be assured He sweated. As a physician, Luke added details in his writing that help us know Jesus experienced human conditions like us. Jesus Knows What It’s Like to Be Human From various biblical passages, we also know that Jesus hungered for food, like we do. How He thirsted for drink, like us. Likewise, how He grew tired and needed rest and solitude at times, away from the crowds of people who followed Him, just like many of us do, too. Most likely, though, no matter what immense pressure we’ve been under at times, most of us have not had such an intense prayer time as Jesus did, where we sweat drops of blood. Mark 14:32 describes the setting where it occurred. “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” Yet, still in this peaceful, quite beautiful place, “He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ He said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch’” (Mark 14:33-34). Jesus Felt the Pressure Sometimes we might feel embarrassed in our reactions to distress and trouble, but we can take comfort in knowing even Jesus has felt it, understanding and knowing how being under pressure can feel. “Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. “’Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.’”(Mark 14:35-36). Jesus understands what it’s like to feel like something is too hard and too much for us to bear. He leads the way by showing us how to surrender and submit to our Heavenly Father’s will over our own will, even when we believe it’s too much for us to handle. Jesus Received Strength Still, a garden setting sounds lovely and peaceful, yet Jesus sweat drops of blood while praying as He faced the future and the reality of the cross to come. Luke 22:43 describes how during Jesus’ prayer, “An angel...

In today’s devotional, Alexis A. Goring reminds us of a powerful, comforting truth: God is not a distant observer, watching humanity from afar. Instead, Scripture promises He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV). Using the classic song “From a Distance” as a launching point, Alexis explores the misconception that God simply set the world in motion and then stepped away. This worldview, known as Deism, paints God as a cosmic clockmaker who lets creation run on its own. But the Bible tells a different story — one of a God who is deeply involved in the details of our lives. From the mountaintop moments to the darkest valleys, God walks with us, comforts us, and intervenes in ways both miraculous and tender. He hasn’t abandoned His creation, and He certainly hasn’t abandoned you. His presence is a steady promise we can cling to in every season. Today’s Key Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NIV Join the Conversation: When was a time you felt God’s presence in a powerful, undeniable way? How do you remind yourself that He is near in difficult seasons? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or send us a message. Let’s uplift one another with stories of God’s faithful presence! 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below God is Here By Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 NIV A famous song titled “From a Distance” performed by Bette Midler is the focal point for this devotional message today. The song romanticizes life on Earth in poetic words, saying how beautiful our experiences here on this planet are, from a distance. The lyrics paint a hopeful and optimistic view of the good in our world and inspires the listener to dream of a better state of affairs, and human relations that are harmonious. No war, no sickness, no disease and no people who are starving to eat food. Just beautiful views of nature from the oceans to the mountains and the trees. It is the kind of harmony that most humans desire. Then the lyrics say that from a distance God is watching us. And that is the concept I want to address in this devotional today. The song has a beautiful melody but the lyrics are not theologically true because the Bible says God is with us even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). God didn’t create our world then return to Heaven to safely watch us wreck it. No! He is very involved in human affairs and pays attention to every detail of our life. This school of thought has a name: Deism. According Alyssa Roat in an article titled, “What is Deism and Is It Influencing Your Faith?” published on the website for Bible Study Tools, “Deism teaches that there is a God, and that He created the world, but created things do not need His presence and the exercise of His power in order to continue in existence and fulfill their functions. The material world is placed under immutable law; while man, the rational and moral free agent, is left to do as he wills. God sustains, according to deism, very much the same relation to the universe that the clock-maker does to his timepiece. Having made his clock, and wound it up, he does not interfere with it, and the longer it can run without the maker's intervention the greater the evidence of wisdom and skill on the part of the maker. God according to deism has never wrought a miracle nor made a supernatural revelation to man.” I’d like to challenge that belief with a note of hope: God did create this beautiful world, but He didn’t leave it to run by itself nor has He left us without any help from Heaven. God is ever-present in our world today. Just because we cannot see Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and...

In a world where headlines feel heavy and darkness seems to close in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Even when chaos rages, God’s light is never extinguished. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes not on the circumstances around us—but on the One who reigns above them. It’s time to return to the heart of Scripture, to reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth in our actions, and to trust in His ultimate victory. We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me walk in Your light when the world feels dark. Give me hope in You when my heart feels heavy.” No matter what you’re facing today—personal anxiety, political unrest, or spiritual fatigue—remember this: darkness does not win. It never has, and it never will. God is greater, and His light will reign. Join the Conversation: What’s been weighing heavy on your heart lately? How have you seen God’s light break through darkness in your life? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or email us. Let’s encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Light that never fades. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Light Will Reign Over Darkness By Vivian Bricker “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by the news. Day after day, things have been getting worse, and all we can do is watch as the world seemingly burns. Fear and anger have been present in my heart to a degree I haven’t experienced before. Knowing that we cannot control the present situations in the world today can cause us to feel hopeless. The political climate has changed, and as believers, we need to be discerning, understand the Bible, and be cautious of the present. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember that your allegiance lies with God. If you would rather follow a president or a political leader over God, then you might need to reassess your faith. Believers need to return to the Bible and truly walk as the Lord did. Rather than building our beliefs on American ideals, we must ground ourselves in the timeless truths of the Bible. As believers, we should recall that the biblical Jesus helps the sick, injured, and impoverished. He loves all people and mercifully extends His grace to all of us (Psalm 107:1, 145:9). If Christians truly desire to follow Christ, then we need to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. We need to repent, submit to God, and make the necessary changes in our lives to reflect His love and grace. As Christians, it’s our role to endorse and promote the Bible, Jesus, and a proper understanding of theology so that others may see the light that we see. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). When everything is in shambles around us, we need to remember God is still good and He is still at work. Even when it seems like evil prevails, God still reigns on the throne. Darkness will never overcome the light. Though everything feels dark right now, it will not endure forever. We should do our best to educate others, pray, and wait on the Lord. The Lord will bring deliverance for His people and restore our weary hearts. Darkness can feel bleak and daunting, yet it will never be more powerful than God. God is greater than all things, including disasters, problems, and evil. Evil will always be at work in the world until the very end, but we must stay strong. Everyone has free will, and we cannot discount the evil nature of humans (Romans 3:23). As believers, we need to be aware of this and bring our hearts back to the only one who is truly perfect and good: God. God is the antithesis of evil, as He is full of love, grace, and compassion (Psalm...

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions—colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting. Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life. In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live—and calls us to do the same. This Easter, we encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith—even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.” Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who’ve gone before us in faith, God uses these “planted seeds” to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth. Join the Conversation: Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s encourage one another to plant with purpose. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Easter: A Time for Planting By Lynette Kittle “Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’”--John 12:23-24 When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings. Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him. But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God. Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Still, it’s hard for countless individuals who don’t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It’s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way. Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said, “’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him” (John 12:27-28). Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father’s will, laying down His life so that others may live. Seeds Lead to Life Eternal Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die. As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they’re living, and where they will go for eternity. Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth group lost her life....

When anxious thoughts flood your mind and you feel like you're living in a fog—disconnected from the moment and overwhelmed by “what ifs”—you’re not alone. In today’s devotional, Kelly Balarie vulnerably shares how anxiety hijacked her thoughts even in the middle of everyday moments with her kids. But instead of staying stuck in the spiral of fear, she turned to Psalm 27:1 and found refuge in God's Word: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” We encourage you to pray: “Lord, help me to release what I’m holding onto so tightly. Let me trust that You are my stronghold, my refuge, and my salvation—even when I feel like I’m falling apart.” When our grip on life feels weak, God reminds us: He’s the one holding on tight. Let this be your permission to stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and instead rest in the truth that God is your Light, your Refuge, and your Stronghold. When we move out of the way, we make way for the Way Maker. Join the Conversation: Have you ever been so anxious that you struggled to be present? What verse has helped anchor you in those moments? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story and stand with you in faith. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Your Mind is Somewhere Else By Kelly Balarie “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid.” – Psalm 27:1 NLT For days, I was internally screaming inside, while pretending to be there for my kids. I was internally agonizing, while trying to calmly answer questions about stop lights, and what’s for lunch and playdates with friends. Half the words they spoke would fly over my head, lest I pay attention and ignore the tight clenching pain of anxiety thumping in my chest. I tried to call myself to attention. “Mommy, what do you think we will do for Valentine’s Day?” My kids asked me. Who in the world knows?! My world is combusting! How will I handle what I am facing?! How can I disaster plan? If the worst-case scenario happens, how do I rise up? Going somewhere else, in the car, while my kids chatted away, I could see all the dominoes falling. I could see all the marbles rolling everywhere, unable to be contained. I could envision my agony as I couldn’t handle the future. Ever been there? Ever been in the place you never wanted to arrive to? Ever seen the darkness you didn’t want to see? Ever confronted a monster that you only hoped and prayed would pass you by? And what do you do when you can’t stop thinking of worst-case scenarios?! When you keep considering all the ways you’ll be hurt? When you’re already experiencing the shame that hasn’t even yet come? These are viable questions. Ones I was contending with for days. . . God knows, I didn’t want to be anxious or worried, yet I kept on confessing to God – that I was. So here I am. Distracted. And I’d be a liar to tell you I have everything all worked out at this point. I don’t. There seem to be a handful of problems I can’t fix on my own, but I can tell you, I found a couple verses that have really encouraged me. Here they are: “The Lord is my Light and My Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid. When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise against me, (even then) in this I will be confident.” (Ps. 27:1-4) In these verses, I have safety. The Lord is my Light. Light brings clarity, it brings direction on the best paths to walk and it, like a spotlight, can even be a weapon to blind opposition. The Lord is my salvation. Salvation brings salvation. I will be saved. The Savior is faithful to save. I can...

Taxes are temporary. God’s provision, peace, and promises are eternal. When we get tangled in financial worry or frustration, Jesus gently shifts our focus upward — reminding us that no matter what we owe the government, we owe our lives to the One who paid our ultimate debt on the cross. Join the Conversation: How do you navigate stressful seasons like tax time while keeping your focus on God? Have you seen His provision show up when you needed it most? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or by email. Let’s encourage one another to rest in God’s care — even when the numbers don’t add up. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are moments when the weight of the world feels too heavy to carry—especially for those who are natural caregivers, helpers, and encouragers. In today's devotional, Alexis A. Goring explores compassion fatigue—a very real emotional exhaustion that can happen when you’re constantly giving of yourself to help others. Drawing from Psalm 145:9, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made,” we’re reminded that while we may reach the end of our emotional strength, God never does. He never tires, never grows weary, and always has time for your burdens. We encourage you to pause and pray: “Lord, help me cast my cares on You and remind me that I don’t need to carry it all. Thank You for your limitless compassion.” Whether you're in ministry, caregiving, or just the “strong friend” who everyone leans on, today is your invitation to unplug, rest, and reconnect with the One who never sleeps. God is the only one truly capable of caring for everyone—and that includes you. Join the Conversation: When was the last time you experienced compassion fatigue? What helped you get through it? Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s support each other in remembering that it’s okay to step back—and to lean into God’s everlasting care. 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Compassion Fatigue A devotional by Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” — Psalm 145:9 NIV What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? I remember when a minister friend of mine told me that when she feels overwhelmed by people’s issues, she unplugs from social media, turns off her phone and shuts down her computer to take a break from all of it. Soon after, I realized that she was describing compassion fatigue. According to Psychology Today, “People whose professions lead to prolonged exposure to other people’s trauma can be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma; they can experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk, making them wary of giving and caring.” When you are a minister or professional counselor then compassion fatigue might be a common experience for you. However, I say that anybody who cares about people and wants to help fix problems can experience this kind of fatigue. Let’s face it: There are a lot of problems in our world and many people who need help solving issues and surviving the curveballs that life throws at them. God has gifted us with healthcare professionals who we can go to when we need help. But these talented people—as wonderful and effective as they may be—are only human. So that means even the most helpful professional has their limits. As the type of person who is known to be the “strong” friend and who is often treated by people—even complete strangers—as a counselor, I know how compassion fatigue feels. I want to be there for everyone, and I do follow through on my promises to pray for people who need prayer support. But there are times when I feel stretched thin and overloaded with requests for help. So, like my minister friend, I also unplug from social media, turn off my computer, don’t touch the television or my phone, and try to take a break from the problems of the world. It is when you feel overwhelmed that you are reminded that you’re only human and cannot help everyone, every time. Compassion fatigue is real. But gratefully, we serve a God who never experiences this kind of fatigue nor will He ever because unlike us mere mortals, our Immortal God has no limits. His love for us endures forever and He always has a plan to save us. He is always available to listen to our pain and solve our problems 24/7/365 because the Bible says He never sleeps (Psalm 121:4)! Aren’t you glad we have this kind of help? Not only does God never...

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6 When faced with a health scare, the author Michelle Lazurek found themselves in a place many of us know too well: praying out of desperation, but doubting deep down. Even though the words were spoken, the heart quietly assumed the worst. And yet, God still moved. This powerful reflection reminds us that God welcomes our prayers, even when our faith feels fragile. He wants us to ask—not just for small things, but for everything—and to ask with belief, not hesitation. God is not a genie to grant our wishes, but a loving Father who listens and responds in His perfect timing, for our ultimate good. When we choose to ask boldly and trust deeply, even in uncertain outcomes, our faith grows. And through that faith, we learn to see God not just as a helper in times of crisis, but as our true source of strength, peace, and satisfaction. 🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me come to You with every need—big or small. Teach me to ask without doubting and to trust Your plan, even when the outcome isn't what I expected. Grow my faith and make me confident in Your goodness.” 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you take everything to God in prayer? What holds you back from asking Him for your deepest needs? Share with us on social @LifeAudioNetwork or email us—we’d love to hear from you and encourage you! 🎙 SUBSCRIBE to Our New Show – YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Don’t Miss Other Crosswalk Favorites – Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews 📜 Full Transcript Below: Ask God for Everything “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6 “Lord, please heal my body from this illness.” Because of some health issues that had required me to get blood drawn every month and see a doctor regularly, I was concerned about the state of my health. Because I took supplements, didn't smoke, didn't drink alcohol, and generally took care of myself, I believed the lie that I would live for a long time. After all, since I'd cared for my body so well, isn't that what I deserved? It wasn't until the doctor asked me to go for an ultrasound to screen for possible cancer that my whole world came to a screeching halt. I made the drive to the hospital to have the scan, and a myriad of thoughts flooded my mind. I began to picture my life with only limited time left. I started to think about everything I still wanted to do during my time on earth. As I drove to the hospital, I uttered the above prayer. It was my Hail Mary prayer to ask God to turn things around. In my mind, I went to God for his help. But deep down in my heart, I doubted God could turn this around. I had already expected the worst test result. In my mind, I already expected the worst. Even though I didn't voice this to anyone, my doubts spoke extensively about my lack of faith in God. I trusted God for many things in life, but for my health, that was something else. Because I had just encountered several godly people who were struggling with their cancer journeys, I expected to be the next one in line. After all, if these godly people were struggling with cancer, what would make me think I would be off the hook? The test results came back negative. I was elated. For the next few weeks, I spent every day praising the Lord. In my prayer time, I thanked him for allowing me not to have to deal with the trial of cancer. But I also praised him for moving on my behalf despite my lack of faith. Because in my mind, I prayed that prayer. But in my heart, I already assumed the worst. The above verse guides us on how to pray genuinely. Not only should we ask God for the big and the small things in life, but we must ask without any doubt. We must pray and believe that God will deliver on what he promised. We also must declare and believe that God’s plan...

We all have days where we feel like we’ve hit a wall—emotionally, physically, or spiritually. In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger opens up about those moments of exhaustion and inner conflict: when your soul wants to move, but your body and heart just can’t keep up. Is God calling us to push forward? Or is He inviting us to rest? The good news is—either way, He’s with us. Whether you’re taking a break on the bench or stepping back onto the field, God isn’t disappointed in your weakness. In fact, His power is made perfect in it. So let go of the guilt. Lay down the pressure. And lean into the truth that God loves you just the same, no matter what pace you’re moving at today. 🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me recognize your grace in my weakness. Whether I need rest or motivation today, let me move forward in peace knowing You are with me—always.” 💬 Join the Conversation: When have you felt the weight of weakness—and how did God show up in that moment? Share with us on social @LifeAudioNetwork or email us—we’d love to walk alongside you! 🎙 SUBSCRIBE to our New Show – YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Explore More Crosswalk Podcasts – Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews 📜 Full Transcript Below This is the first one: Feeling the Weight of Weakness By Keri Eichberger But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I feel so weak today. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve journaled those exact words. I hate it though. There’s so much in my mind and heart to be done. But lately my body can’t seem to measure up to the expectations of my soul. Which has instigated a spiral of exhaustion and defeat. I want to move, and need to move—I think. But my lack of motivation and the dwindling of my energy is almost nauseating at times. A swelling sadness from disappointment that I can’t seem to rise to the occasion. I wonder how often you feel weak? Or if you’re feeling it today too? If you’re burned out from working too hard, exhausted from emotional overload, or worn down from stress or waiting for a change of circumstances. Whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual, an array of elements can drain us to debilitation. And what do you suppose God thinks about this? About the weakness we feel or are consumed by? I was wondering that this morning in contemplation of my struggle for strength. Questioning if he is looking down on me like a coach from the sidelines when a player falls down. Yelling, “Get up, you can do it! I’ve trained you for this. You can rest when the game is over. There’s help all around you.” Or on the flipside he could be saying, “You need to come out of the game. It’s time to rest. I’ve got this.” Honestly, sometimes I don’t know which it is, or what I should do. If I need to lay down, or gather myself and go. Well, what if either way, it’s okay? What if the coach would love and adore you no matter what? What if you fell, and he said, “Listen, you can stand up and get back in the game, or, you can sit on the bench as long as you need. Either way, I’m right beside you. Either way I’m always cheering you on, always your biggest fan, and always here to help you. Regardless, we will get the win. The outcome will be good.” It occurred to me that this is exactly what God thinks about my lack of motivation and energy. And yours, too. If we think we need to rest, we probably should. If we have the prompting to take certain steps forward, we probably should do that. No matter what we do or choose, God is with us, still loving us just the same, still loving us just as much. Regardless. Personally, this truth offers me so much relief in itself, and I desperately need to remember it. Especially when I feel the weight of weakness or even worry about my weakness. And if that’s you too, if you feel weak and then more weighed...

Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to be anxious for nothing and to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. We discuss the significance of choosing peace over worry, emphasizing that true tranquility comes from trusting God with our circumstances. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on how life's challenges can trigger anxiety, but through prayer and gratitude, we can access a peace that surpasses understanding. We’ll explore the practical steps to combat worry and how embracing God's promises can lead to a more fulfilling life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you manage anxiety in your life? What role does prayer play in your journey toward peace? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage one another as we seek to live in God’s peace! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: An Alternative to Worry By Kelly Balarie “Be anxious for nothing. But, in everything, with prayer and petition, and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then, perfect peace which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV As I pulled into the airport, a sign caught my eye: “Terminal.” My heart sank. I was on my way to confront a challenging situation that felt overwhelmingly daunting—one of my greatest fears. That moment made me think, “Oh no, my situation is terminal.” I wondered if others felt the same way. Perhaps someone facing cancer treatment saw that sign and felt their heart drop. Or a parent visiting a child in rehab felt the weight of despair. Did they think, "This is it; everything is going wrong"? The sign seemed to herald panic and worry. Suddenly, I shifted into planning mode: how I would tackle the problem, what steps I would take to gain control. But I realized that my meticulous planning didn’t change the situation. God was reminding me that even when I think I’m in control, I truly am not. We often believe we can manage our lives, but sometimes life manages us. As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until life punches them in the face.” Are you facing a terminal situation in your life—financially, emotionally, or professionally? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? I’ve thought a lot about this, and I’ve come to see that God offers us a clear action plan: Choose Not to Be Anxious: Make a decisive choice to let go of worry. Repent and change your course the moment anxiety arises. Pray and Ask God: Bring your needs to Him. He invites us to share our requests. Express Gratitude: Thank God for hearing you, for knowing the best path, and for guiding you toward hope. When we do this, God steps in. He offers us perfect peace that transcends understanding. This peace shows us that we don’t need to grasp every detail of our problems. Worry is rooted in our limited understanding, while peace is a divine assurance that God is in control. We have a choice: we can worry and fret without Him, or we can pray and petition Him. One path leads to anxiety; the other leads to peace. Which will you choose? Intersecting Faith & Life: Peace is not something we have to fight for; it’s a gift from Jesus. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) How can you release the world's pressures and embrace the peace that Jesus offers? Kelly uplifts believers with boosts of faith and encouragement. You can follow her blog and discover more about her work on the “Hear God’s Voice” podcast. Kelly is also the author of Take Every Thought Captive, Rest Now, Battle Ready, and Fear Fighting. Her insights have been featured on The Today Show, CBN’s 700 Club, and more. Discover more Christian podcasts at...

The powerful story from 2 Kings 6:15-17, where Elisha’s servant feels overwhelmed and vulnerable, surrounded by an enemy army. Elisha reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” When Elisha prays for the servant’s eyes to be opened, he sees God’s army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. We encourage you to pray, “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see,” asking God to reveal the ways He is providing for and protecting you. By recognizing this spiritual truth, we can find comfort and strength in our daily lives. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When have you felt God’s protection in your life? How can you remind yourself of His presence during difficult times? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other in recognizing God’s unwavering protection! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Reality of Invisible Protection by Deidre Braley 2 Kings 6:15-17: When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. There are times when I feel terribly vulnerable in this world, as though I’m walking about like a turtle without her shell. I feel alone and unprotected—and it feels like I could succumb to any number of bad circumstances. Perhaps you sometimes feel this way too. It doesn’t take much to inspire a sense of total panic these days; all we have to do is turn on the news and feel as though all of society is tailspinning. The servant of Elisha felt exactly this way when he woke up one morning only to find that the city where he and his master were staying—Dothan—was surrounded by horses, chariots, and a massive army. Elisha responded, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” I’m sure the servant thought Elisha was crazy—they were visibly outnumbered. But his perspective changed the moment Elisha prayed. “Lord, please open his eyes and let him see,” he said, and in that moment, the servant looked around to discover that their surroundings were filled with horses and chariots of fire (presumably from God’s army). This story is a stunning reminder that the spiritual world is an active reality—just as real as the floor at our feet or the mug in our hands. Much like Elisha’s servant, we often go about our days without seeing this spiritual world at play, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Today—and whenever we feel particularly afraid or alone—may we remember to pray Elisha’s bold prayer over ourselves: “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see.” And then, may we discover all the ways in which God’s protection and provision are surrounding us now—and always have been. Further Reading: Daniel 10 Ephesians 6:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ephesians 4:1-2, which urges us to live a life worthy of our calling. We discuss the importance of humility, patience, and love, as well as the necessity of shedding bitterness and anger. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of healing from anxiety and the transformative power of aligning our lives with biblical principles. We’ll delve into the process of understanding our emotions and reactions in light of Christ’s love and redemption. By recognizing our identity as chosen daughters and sons of God, we learn to respond to challenges with grace and strength rather than succumbing to negative feelings. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you process your emotions in a way that aligns with your faith? What practices help you maintain peace and joy in difficult situations? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live in the freedom Christ offers! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." — Ephesians 4:1-2, 31 After decades of living with frequent and intense anxiety, I’ve embarked on an equally intense healing journey that has deepened my appreciation for passages like today’s. I’ve long understood the spiritual importance of aligning my life with biblical principles like those listed in Ephesians 4. But I’ve only recently focused on the impact my obedience, or lack thereof, has on my peace and joy. In the past, when I read passages like today’s and compared them to my typical responses, I realized how short I fell from God’s desire. I’d then determine how I’d behave differently the next day, only to find myself pulled into anger or bitterness over some offense. I still recognize my need for growth. However, I now approach that growth differently. I’m learning to resist surface-level behavior modification and to seek Christ’s insights regarding why I reacted a certain way. What in my soul doesn’t align with His heart? More specifically, I’m learning how to process my emotions, thoughts, and experiences with God. I usually begin by reflecting upon the calling I’ve received—not just in terms of my role as a Christ-follower, but also as His chosen and empowered daughter. This inevitably leads my thoughts to the price Jesus paid for my redemption, which assures me of His inconceivable love for me despite my weaknesses and sin. While I sit in His presence, He reminds me who I am, soothing the lies and insecurities aggravated by the “offense” I received. This was often how Paul, the first-century church planter who wrote today’s passage, approached sin. He’d begin by reminding whomever he was addressing of who they were to Christ and in Christ. Through faith, Christ had broken every chain that previously held them bound. In his letter, Paul was teaching them how to live free. I’m learning that same lesson. The more I yield my soul to Christ, the less power others have over me and my emotions. When hurt, slighted, or mistreated, before we respond in kind, may we turn to Christ and sit in His presence, receive His comfort, seek His perspective, and draw from His strength. Further Reading: Psalm 119:143 Philippians 4:5-9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 33:8, which calls us to fear the Lord and stand in awe of Him. Whitney Hopler shares insights on the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts who see Earth from space, highlighting how it deepens their appreciation for God’s creation. This shift in perspective reminds us of the interconnectedness of humanity and the beauty of our planet. Whitney emphasizes that awe can shrink our worries and grow our faith. By intentionally seeking out experiences in nature—like watching a sunrise or hiking with friends—we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Sharing these experiences and stories of God’s work in our lives with others enriches our faith community and enhances our sense of awe. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! When was the last time you felt awe toward God? How do you seek out experiences that highlight His wonder? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s celebrate and worship our wonderful God together! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Stand in Awe of God By Whitney Hopler “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” (Psalm 33:8, ESV) Many astronauts who have spent time aboard the International Space Station describe a profound change in perspective when they look down on the earth. Suspended in the vastness of space, they see our planet as a stunning, interconnected home – a place where all of humanity lives together, sharing the same air, water, and sky. From that vantage point, national borders disappear, conflicts seem small, and the beauty of God’s creation takes center stage. What they describe is something that scientists call the “overview effect.” It’s a shift in focus that happens when someone sees the earth from space. They can see the awe-inspiring beauty of this world God has created. They notice how the vast stretches of land and water are connected. This feeling of awe has led some astronauts to spiritual experiences that have helped them connect with God. Even though most of us will never travel to space, we can experience a similar sense of awe. The same God who made the stars and galaxies also designed the intricate details of our daily surroundings. When we take the time to recognize this, we naturally feel a sense of awe. Psalm 33:8 encourages everyone to fear God and to stand in awe of Him. God has filled this world with glimpses of His glory, from the night sky to the delicate details of a butterfly’s wings. God invites us to slow down and be amazed by who He is. Awe is a powerful emotion. It reminds us that we’re small yet deeply loved by a big God who is infinitely greater than we can understand. When we stand in awe of God, we can notice His wonderful presence, which shrinks our worries and grows our faith. We can feel more awe by intentionally pursuing God’s wonder in our daily lives. One way is to step outside and immerse ourselves in His creation. Go for a walk at sunrise, marvel at a towering tree, or stargaze with family. Sharing these experiences with others enhances our sense of wonder and helps us reflect on God’s work in our lives. God is always revealing His wonder. Let’s pause, notice, and respond with awe that motivates us to celebrate and worship our wonderful God! Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you felt a deep sense of awe toward God? What experience led you to feel that? How can you intentionally seek out experiences that help you recognize God’s wonder around you? Who in your life can you invite to join you in experiencing and talking about God’s wonder? What stories of God’s wonder have you experienced recently that you can share with others? How does standing in awe of God affect your perspective on your life each day? Further Reading: Habakkuk 3:2 Proverbs 9:10 Psalm 65:8 Psalm...

Proverbs 3:5, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not rely on our own understanding. Kelly Balarie shares her personal journey of prayer and the challenges that arise when we feel overwhelmed or confused during spiritual moments. We discuss the powerful truth that God’s ways surpass our comprehension, emphasizing that His goodness remains unchanged, even when we struggle to understand our circumstances. Kelly reflects on a transformative prayer experience with friends that revealed how often we misattribute our struggles to God, instead of recognizing the enemy's schemes. Through the story of Job, we learn that God allows trials not as punishment but as opportunities for growth and strength. In every situation, God’s plans are ultimately for our good. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What have you blamed on God that may have been a scheme of the devil? How has this affected your faith? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support each other as we navigate our faith journeys! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: God is Good By Kelly Balarie “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT) My friends were praying for me... And here’s the funny thing: as they were praying, I couldn’t quite figure out how to be. In times of deep prayer, I aim to open my heart and believe with my soul, as if I have something to do with what’s happening. So, that’s what I did in this instance. However, I couldn’t help but notice all the gold-weighted words in this prayer; they were substantial. Would I remember everything? Was I grasping it all? I wasn’t so sure; they were speaking fast. I tried to command myself to remember. I wanted to process their words. I wanted to write it down. Could I tell them to slow down? Have you ever experienced pressure amid powerful prayers? Now, in retrospect, and with some distance between that prayer-time and this moment, I see things more clearly. I realize that prayer led by the Holy Spirit sometimes absolutely will surpass our natural mind. The truth is — we don’t have to conceive everything to receive everything. God’s ways are not our ways. Neither should we expect to lean on our own understanding. God’s Spirit is good and effective even if our mind feels confused or out of order. It doesn’t matter so much if we understand or not; God is still God and God is still good! God is good to work, even when our mind doesn’t work. God is good and faithful, even when we can’t perfectly dissect or understand all His work. God is good to help us, even when we can’t help ourselves. God is good to provide grace even when we can’t figure out how we are remotely worthy of receiving it. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5 NLT) So, in that moment with my friends, I abandoned my understanding and opened my heart to receive what God was doing via the Holy Spirit. “Kelly,” my friends addressed me during this prayer time, “The devil had a plan to attack and devour you all throughout your life, but God had a plan to save you and keep you!” God won. Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head. Oh. My! Something hit me: I have been blaming God for what were premeditated attacks of the enemy on my life. As if God was the punisher. As if God was doing all this to me. As if God set up hit jobs and sinkholes for me to fall into. God is good. Just because I can’t understand those things, doesn’t mean that negates God’s goodness. In the book of Job, the devil goes to the throne of God and God suggests His son Job for trial. Does this mean that God isn’t good? No. It means that God believes in Job to stand firm and to stand strong even under attack. In the end, God more than blessed Job. God’s plans are not for evil; they are always for good. Even when we can’t...

Luke 11:8, where Jesus teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and the importance of approaching God with shameless audacity. Reflecting on personal experiences, we discuss how our early prayer lives can sometimes feel transactional—like using God as a vending machine. As we grow in faith, we learn that God desires a deeper relationship with us, encouraging us to ask not only for our needs but also for the big desires hidden in our hearts. We share a testimony of how boldly asking God for a writing opportunity led to unexpected blessings, illustrating His goodness and generosity. We’ll also touch on the balance between desire and contentment, reminding ourselves that while God wants us to ask for good gifts, we must trust in His sovereign will, even when the answer is no. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What is one thing you want to ask God for but are too afraid to? How can you take a step to increase your faith in asking? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we grow in our prayer lives! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Full Transcript Below: Shameless Audacity “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity, he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” (Luke 11:8) “God, help me get a good grade on my test.” When I was young, I prayed very little. I often only talked to the Lord when I needed something. I would sometimes test God, not study for a test, and then see if he would help me pull through. Sometimes he did; sometimes he didn't. I used God like a genie in a bottle. Like a vending machine, I put in my 2 quarters of prayer, pulled the lever, and hoped to get a prize. Once I became a born-again Christian and yielded to the Lord, I quickly realized that my prayer life was shallow. If I wanted to have a deeper relationship with the Lord, I couldn't pray only for what I wanted. In my early years of Christianity, I avoided asking God for anything. I lived in fear that I would treat him again like I had when I was a little kid. I only prayed for other people and their needs, neglecting my own. In my quiet time, God whispered to my heart. He challenged me to stop putting him in a box. He reminded me of the above verse, where the person who asked his friend for a loaf of bread kept knocking and asking until the man got out of bed and gave him what he wanted. God does not intentionally withdraw his good gifts from his children. But he does want us to ask. Not only does God want us to ask for little things, but he also wants us to ask for the big things. Recently, I asked God to move in my writing career. I asked him to allow his favor to grant me a contract with a publisher. It was a long shot. Because I had no working relationship with this publisher, the chances were not in my favor that they would grant me a contract. Then I asked anyway. I've seen God work in my life too often to ignore that He is a miracle worker. Just when I had given up hope that this would come to pass, I received an email with an offer from that publisher. I was elated. No longer had I treated God like a genie in a bottle. I asked him for big things, but I was also content if he chose not to give them to me. Because it was a selfish desire, I was afraid to ask because I didn't want to only use God for selfish desires. However, God, in his goodness, still gives us good gifts even if we've become distant from him or have sin that blocks us from knowing Him intimately. God wants to give good gifts to his children. But he wants us to pray earnestly, balancing desire and contentment. It's normal to have desires and enjoy things in life. We must also be content and trust that God's will is sovereign. If God wants us to have it, he will grant it. But there are times when we ask for things where God says no. In these moments, we must remain...

Proverbs 9:10, emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We discuss the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, highlighting how true understanding comes from applying our knowledge through godly choices. Drawing from personal experiences, we reflect on the journey of a passionate young believer eager to deepen his biblical knowledge for the sake of evangelism. We’ll explore why wisdom matters in our daily lives and how it enables us to make choices that honor God, leading to fulfillment and purpose. By soaking our minds in Scripture and our hearts in prayer, we can trust our instincts as they align with God’s guidance. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! How do you differentiate between knowledge and wisdom in your life? What practices help you cultivate wisdom? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another as we strive to live wisely! 🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: Listen Here Full Transcript Below: Knowing the Wise Choice and Living Wisely By Keri Eichberger The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. (Proverbs 9:10 AMP) I’ve been undeservingly blessed with a Jesus loving son. And I’ll gratefully admit, this is the greatest gift a parent could ask for. In fact, all five of my kids claim to truly love the Lord. But my son specifically has been going on and on lately about his passion to gain biblical knowledge. Claiming he wants to know more, so he can share more. To disciple the lost. To evangelize and save souls. And what an admirable desire no doubt. But something started to strike me along his mission for knowledge, that I couldn’t help but ever so tenderly approach him with my observation. It was this: knowledge is necessary, but it is wisdom that gives understanding and life to the information we consume. Wisdom means so much more. Wisdom helps us make choices with what we know. Knowledge without wise choice and action may get us nowhere. Not so coincidentally, our church began a sermon series on wisdom at the introduction of Will’s newfound passion. Of course he was beyond excited, under the assumption that wisdom equals knowledge, while I was excited for his opportunity to begin understanding the difference allowing him to better live out his calling. I was also looking forward to growing in my own understanding, so before the series took off, a quick Google search landed me on a helpful perspective of differences. Crossway.com shared: “‘knowledge’ tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while ‘wisdom’ is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, or ‘skill in the art of godly living’.” I found this very insightful. And considering I’ve valued wisdom more and more as I’ve grown in faith, and the Bible devotes an entire book to the subject in the book of Proverbs, I suppose we should probably all have our ears perked and eager to dive into the importance of wisdom. But why should wisdom really matter so much? In general, I believe as christians we want to gain wisdom, apply “godly” knowledge rightly, and make wise “godly” choices, because this is how we honor and glorify God. But on a personal level I’ve noticed, making wise godly choices, choices in line with God’s plan for our lives, opens the door to fruitfulness and fulfillment. And don’t we all deeply desire the purpose that comes from fruitfulness and fulfillment in our lives? I sure do. Well, how exactly do we walk in wisdom? How can we be confident we are making wise choices that lead to glorifying God, to fruitfulness, and fulfillment? I bet you’ve wondered what choice to make or path to take at some point. Yes? We might be all filled up...