The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Latest Episodes:

God's Protection for Times of Crisis Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by the battles you’re facing?
In “God’s Protection for Times of Crisis,” Jennifer Slattery shares a powerful reminder that we’re never alone in the fight. Drawing from Deuteronomy 3:21–22 and her family’s personal story of workplace adversity, she shows how God not only walks with us—but fights for us. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we can anchor our faith in the truth that our God is trustworthy, present, and powerful in times of trouble.

Key Takeaways:

Why hardship often grows our faith more than comfort
How God uses crisis seasons to build deeper trust and freedom
Encouragement to move forward even when fear creeps in
The importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness to fuel present courage

📖 “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” —Deuteronomy 3:22

Listen now on LifeAudio.com or your favorite podcast app.

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Where have you seen God fight on your behalf? Share your story using #CrosswalkDevotional and tag @LifeaudioNetwork.

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Full Transcript Below:

God’s Protection for Times of Crisis

By Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:

At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:21-22, NIV

This was the message God gave our family years ago when my husband transferred into toxic work environment where certain individuals made it their mission to get him fired. Two years prior, he’d left the company to work for their competitors and had returned with a demotion that quickly turned into a promotion when railroad police escorted the former shop director off the property on numerous counts of fraud.

Unfortunately, this left my husband with the difficult task of leading numerous workers who’d benefited from their previous boss’s corruption. They weren’t pleased with the necessary changes Steve implemented, nor the faith that drove him to do so. The union rep even went so far as to email the company president with a list of grievances, which he then tacked to the community board in the break room.

But while this was a stressful time, we chose to believe that God would bring good from it. And He did. The Lord protected my husband, provided for our family, and allowed those watching to catch a glimpse of Himself and His ways.

This has long been God’s pattern. Whereas we might prefer a trouble-free life, it’s often in seasons of hardship that our trust in Him grows the most. He’ll often remove those things that increase our self-reliance while allowing those things that deepen our dependence because He knows that is the only way we can thrive.

That always is, and always has been, His heart—to see His children living completely free; thriving. We see this in His interaction with the ancient Hebrews. The early books of the Old Testament record their story. To paraphrase, God used a man named Moses to liberate His people from 400 years of slavery in Egypt and to bring them into an intimate relationship with Himself. He wasn’t only breaking their physical chains; He was also seeking to free them from the shackles around their souls.

The men, women, and children who lived through the Exodus had experienced years, and for some, decades, of significant, chronic trauma. This hindered their ability to trust the Lord and Moses, their leader and their capacity to envision a hope-filled future. Add to this the fact that they’d spent their lives prior absorbing the influences of growing up in a pagan culture where people worshiped “gods” thought to be selfish, vindictive, fickle, and prone to jealousy.

Considering their background, their tendency to respond to frightening circumstances with a panicked and pathological fight for survival makes sense. As I’ve discussed numerous times on the Faith Over Fear podcast, throughout their wilderness journey, the Lord was teaching them that He was their Provider who they could trust. For forty years, He’d remained tangibly present, faithfully led them each day, satisfied their hunger and thirst in miraculous ways, and protected and defended them in times of danger.

By the time we get to today’s verse, those who left Egypt as adults have died, their children, now grown, have not only witnessed four decades of God’s faithfulness, but they also witnessed and experienced the painful results of their parents’ perpetual lack of faith. (Moses reminded them of this in his “end of life” address.) Now, the people were about to enter a land the Lord had long promised to give them—under a new leader. Moses, the man who courageously confronted Pharaoh, demonstrated an intimate relationship with God, and performed numerous life-saving miracles—by the Lord’s power, of course, wouldn’t be joining them.

Therefore, they had ample reason to feel afraid, but even more reasons to trust in God’s goodness and steady care. Moses reminded them of this in the passage surrounding today’s verse. When confronted with an approaching army, Moses told Joshua, his mentee:

“You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you” (Deut. 3:21-22, NIV).

You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done …

The people could anchor their faith in experience and in truth. Moses assured them that they could trust the God who had faithfully cared for them for the past 40 years would continue to do so, reiterating His promise to protect, defend, and provide for His children.

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Although they no doubt felt afraid, they didn’t have to allow their fear to consume them or halt their steps, because God was bigger and more powerful than any threat they might encounter. Almighty God Himself would fight for them, and He did.

He’ll do the same for us. He sees the battles we face, and how overwhelming they feel. He understands our fight-or-flight responses and those things that challenge our trust. And He speaks to our frightened hearts, saying, “Do not be afraid. I love you. I’m with you, and I’ll fight for you, today and always.”

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To Everything There Is a Season Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

Feeling the weight of change?
In “To Everything There Is a Season,” Michelle Lazurek reflects on the bittersweet beauty of life’s transitions—whether you're letting go of childhood moments, entering a new stage of parenting, or simply learning to navigate life’s ever-changing rhythms. Based on Ecclesiastes 3:1, this devotional reminds us that God doesn’t waste a single season—even the hard ones.

Key Takeaways:

How to grieve and grow through life’s transitions
Why every season (even the painful ones) has divine purpose
What farmers, parents, and the Bible can teach us about spiritual seasons
How to embrace where you are and trust God for what’s ahead

📖 “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1

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What season are you currently in—and what is God teaching you through it? Share using #LifeAudioDevos and tag @LifeAudioNetwork.

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Full Transcript Below:

To Everything There Is a Season

By Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Tears welled up in my eyes as I waved goodbye to my daughter, who got on the big yellow school bus, and with its red flashing lights drove off into the distance for the last time. For ten years, I had stayed with my daughter at the bus stop to ensure she got on the bus to start her school day. But today was the last time she would ever get on a school bus. She had just gotten her license and was excited to drive to school. My mind recalled the many years I watched her run to the bus, sit by her friends, and giggle wildly as the bus took off. But there would be no more of that today. That season of her life—and ours—was over.

While it was exciting to watch her grow up and bask in the woman she was becoming, it was difficult not to grieve the loss of that season of life. The innocence of childhood was long past, giving way to the challenges of making new friends, attending high school, adjusting to classes, and navigating relationships. Just as we had always done, we stood by her and ensured that we saw her through every transition she would make.

In life, everything has a season. We are promised that there will be good days and bad days. Those endless days of changing diapers, folding laundry, and staying up for nighttime feedings give way to more exciting experiences, such as attending school, earning good grades, and eventually transitioning into adulthood.

Farmers understand the idea of seasons all too well. There are seasons throughout the year when they must plant the seed, moderate the growth, fertilize the soil, and then dig up the harvest. No farmer expects to remain in the harvesting season for the rest of their lives. They understand that to reach the harvest, there must be planting, weeding, and watering. If they skip a step in this process, their harvest will not be plentiful. It can impact their well-being and ultimately their ability to earn a living. Farmers understand that each season has its purpose, to prepare for the harvest that's to come.

In the same way, the difficulties you may be facing now will give way to better seasons in the future. Today will not always be difficult. There will be seasons in life that you love, and seasons in life that you simply endure. Don't skip through the seasons that are refining you and making you into the Christ-like person God wants you to be. Embrace those seasons and look back to reflect on all that God has done.

What season in life are you in now? Are you in a season of raising children? Are you in the prime of your life, preparing to travel and explore the world? Are you going to work every day, saving up for the eventual season of retirement? Seasons come and seasons go. To have a spring, there must be a winter. Dead leaves that fall to the ground in autumn must happen to allow new life and buds to sprout flowers for the spring.

But remember this: every season has its purpose. God does not waste our pain. Even in seasons of great trial and tribulation, they must happen so that we can get closer to Jesus. Those difficult seasons allow for new birth in our lives. The old self must die to give way to the new self. And it's essential to embrace each season of life as it comes, knowing that even in the worst seasons, there will always be room for better ones in the future.

Father, help us to remember that every season has its purpose. If we are currently experiencing a difficult season of life, let us hold onto the hope that this will not last forever. Please help us to remember that you are using this difficult season to create new growth and new life. To experience new life, we must undergo old, dead growth. Please help us to embrace each season of life as it comes. Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Are you currently in a good season or a bad season? How can you embrace and accept this current season?

Further Reading

John 16:33

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An Appointed Time Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Is waiting wearing you down?
In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reminds us that God’s delays are not His denials. Drawing from Habakkuk 2:3 and the fruit-bearing seasons of biblical heroes, Megan encourages readers to trust that every season—especially the slow ones—serves a sacred purpose in God’s perfect timing.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why spiritual growth often happens in the waiting
How God uses delay to develop character and deepen trust
Encouragement from Scripture for the dry or uncertain seasons
A fresh perspective on why “the appointed time” matters more than your timeline

💬 Join the Conversation:
Are you in a waiting season right now? What’s one way you’ve seen God at work behind the scenes? Share your thoughts and encouragement using #AppointedTime and tag @LifeAudioNetwork.

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Full Transcript Below:

An Appointed Time

By Megan J. Conner

“This vision is for a future time.
It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
for it will surely take place.
It will not be delayed.”

Hab. 2:3 (NLT)

Have you ever longed for the arrival of something significant? Maybe it’s a vacation you have been saving and planning for, a graduation, an upcoming wedding, the birth of your first child, an employment transition, or a relocation across town or cross-country. When these impending milestones stretch out before us, it feels like they will never arrive. We are so excited to experience all that we imagine these moments will carry with them, that it feels like time slows down as we approach the anticipated dates. Creeping, crawling towards the finish line, there can be a sense that the day will never come.

Waiting can be so hard for some of us. Delayed gratification is something many of us struggle with in our modern culture. We are used to getting what we want, when we want it. Though desirable to our flesh, instant fulfillment isn’t always the best thing for us. In many cases, it can be to our detriment. Think of a child who is granted all their heart's desires. What kind of character is produced in such a child? Often, words like spoiled, entitled, demanding, and thankless come to mind. The true nature of the heart cannot help but overflow for others to witness.

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matt. 7:15-20 (NIV).

Our Heavenly Father understands the value of what is forged in seasons of denial and delay. There is something miraculous that occurs as we are forced to wait. The Israelites entered the desert a mixed group of disgruntled travelers, but when they crossed into the Promised Land they were a unified nation. It took forty years in the wilderness to fortify their faith and foster their maturity. It took Noah decades to build the ark. Even Jesus went into the desert for forty days after His baptism before He launched His ministry. There is something sacred and holy about waiting for the appointed time.

A seed is buried in the darkness, with the weight of the soil pressing upon it. Once it has been inserted into the moist dirt, it can easily be forgotten. But come spring and summer, the evidence of life bursts forth. Eventually, those small buds grow into flowers and fruit. And when it has fully matured, and only when it has fully matured, is it ready for harvest.

It is the same with the character of our own hearts. If you find yourself in a season of waiting or uncertainty, know that the Lord is doing a good work in you. Though the pruning may be painful, valuable fruit is being produced.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” (Gal. 5:22-23, NLT).

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you find yourself in a season of waiting? If so, what specific emotions are you experiencing? Are you anxiously anticipating an exciting event? Or perhaps you feel a sense of impending doom as you look ahead toward undesirable circumstances? Or maybe you feel stuck, trapped, or are struggling with a lack of control?

How does understanding God’s good work through denied or delayed outcomes help you hold onto hope during this time? What other biblical stories come to mind when you consider others who were called to wait? How can their testimonies encourage you that you are not alone?

Take some time today to reflect on the scriptures listed for further reading and any other biblical examples you recalled, as we have looked at how faith intersects with life. How do these examples help you remember that there is a time and a season for everything, and God will reveal His plans and His way at the appointed time?

Further Reading:

Ecc. 3:1-8

Ps. 130

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A Good Name Is Important Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

What’s worth more than silver or gold?
In this insightful devotional, Whitney Hopler explores the eternal value of a good name. Drawing on Proverbs 22:1 and examples from America’s founding fathers and mothers, she reminds us that a life of integrity is a legacy far more valuable than wealth.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why your reputation—your “good name”—matters more than riches
How living with integrity reflects God’s character to the world
The peaceful confidence that comes from an honorable life
Why legacy built on character outlasts any financial gain

💬 Join the Conversation:
How do you define a good name? Who in your life inspires you to live with integrity? Share your thoughts with @LifeaudioNetwork and tag #LegacyOfIntegrity to encourage others walking the same path.

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Full Transcript Below:

A Good Name Is Important

By Whitney Hopler

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1, NIV

I enjoy reading biographies of the people who helped start the United States – the so-called “founding fathers” and “founding mothers” of my country. One characteristic that connects them is how much they valued their good names over money. Back then, the United States wasn’t rich. The financial situation was unstable, and the people who worked hard to start this nation did so not for silver or gold, but because they believed they were serving an honorable cause. In all parts of their lives, many of the founders did their best to live with integrity. Their personal honor was very important to them. They cared more about being known for living honorable lives than about accumulating wealth.

We live in a fallen, broken world that constantly tells us money is the key to our fulfillment. But Proverbs 22:1 tells us that a good name is more desirable than great riches. It also tells us that to be esteemed – to be highly respected – is better than silver or gold.

What exactly is a “good name”? It’s not just the name your parents gave you. It’s your reputation and your character. Your good name is the positive way people see you and remember you, if you live an honorable life.

Why is a good name so important? It reflects God’s character. God is holy, and he wants us as his children to live holy lives. When we do so, we reflect God’s character to the world and draw people to him. A good name also opens doors, because it builds trust. People are more likely to be friends with you and to do business with you if they know you’re a person who lives with integrity. Living with a good name helps you live with peace, as well. You don’t have to worry about your past catching up to you or your secrets being exposed. There’s a peaceful confidence that comes from knowing you’ve done your best to live honorably with God and other people.

Valuing your good name will help you leave an important and valuable legacy behind. Wealth can disappear quickly. Any kind of crisis can hit you with big bills you didn’t expect and wipe out your savings. If you have any financial investments, market crashes can drain your wealth. There are all sorts of ways you can lose money. But if you’ve built a good name for yourself because you’ve lived an honorable life, your legacy can inspire people for many generations to come. Just like the founding fathers and mothers whose character and contributions inspire me, your own good name can be a powerful legacy of faith in action to people in the future.

You don’t need to be perfect to build a good name. We all make mistakes. But if you do your best day by day to seek God’s will for your decisions and follow through on those decisions with integrity, you’ll develop a good reputation – with God, and with the people who know you. It won’t be easy. Sometimes, you’ll have to make sacrifices in order to do what’s right. But the reward of enjoying a good name is far more valuable than any amount of silver or gold. It’s a treasure that truly lasts.

So, focus on living an honorable life that shows people some of the holiness of the God you serve. Let your reputation direct people’s attention to God’s goodness in your life!

Intersecting Faith and Life

As you consider how important it is to live an honorable life, reflect on these questions:

What does “a good name” mean to you personally? How would you describe someone who has a good name?
When was a time when someone’s good reputation influenced your decision to trust them or work with them?
Have you ever witnessed someone sacrifice their integrity for money or personal gain? What happened as a result?
What are some ways you can work on building or maintaining a good name in your daily life?
How does knowing that “a good name is more desirable than great riches” change your perspective on wealth and success?

Further Reading

Ecclesiastes 7:1

Proverbs 10:9

Proverbs 22:4

1 Peter 2:12

Psalm 15:1-2

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Pushed Aside for God’s Greater Glory Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Feeling overlooked or pushed aside?
Keri Eichberger shares a powerful reminder that being passed over by people doesn’t mean you’re passed over by God. Drawing from the story of Mordecai and insights from Kelly Minter, this devotional reveals how God’s perfect plan uses even the painful, unseen moments in our lives for His ultimate glory.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why feeling overlooked isn’t God’s final word on your story
How God’s timing and plan work behind the scenes—even when we don’t see it
The powerful example of Mordecai waiting for his moment of honor
How God redeems our pain for His greater glory

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you ever felt pushed aside, only to see God’s plan unfold later? What helped you trust His timing? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #GodsGreaterGlory and share your story of hope and patience.

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Full Transcript Below:

Pushed Aside for God’s Greater Glory

By Keri Eichberger

For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)

I dealt with a disappointment alongside one of my teenage kids last night. It wasn’t the first time we’d mulled over a similar circumstance. And to be honest, I don’t even need to mention which kid and what the exact situation was. Because on most days, at least one of the few is confessing a struggle with feeling overlooked by a coach, teacher, fellow student, or even a good friend. And as you may very well know, it can be painful to walk through such insecure moments with a child or someone you love. We want so much for them to be seen for the genuine potential that we see. Bottom line, we hurt deeply when our people hurt. And what makes it hit even harder is that we also know exactly how it feels to feel slighted. How much it hurts when we appear to be underappreciated and pushed aside.

You know this exact feeling don’t you? You’ve walked beside someone who has endured this rough road, and you yourself have had many first hand accounts of the sting of rejection too. Maybe there’s a situation in your midst at this very moment that seems unfair and you’re not quite receiving the treatment and attention you believe your intentions and efforts deserve. I’m there. As I navigate my own sense of questioning why something I’ve poured into has been pushed aside, while others’ seeming parrelled efforts are paying off.

It wasn’t until this morning that conversation opened about the disappointment with said child. Allowing time for the ache of the wound to subside. But when the confession of exclusion finally surfaced this morning, I was ready to offer consoling words of apology for the letdown that must have been. And once I’d offered space for my comforts to sink in, I knew truth needed to be spoken to truly redeem some damage done. A truth I was not so coincidentally studying that prior morning about God’s authority and good plan for the overlooked moments of our lives. A truth we all need to hold on to.

While listening to a video teaching by bible teacher Kelly Minter, she stated, “Don’t mistake being passed over by a person for being passed over by God.” Kelly was working through the book of Esther and recounting the story of Mordecai being honored for saving the King’s life. But here’s the thing, Mordecai had actually saved the King’s life two years prior, without so much as a hint to his rescuer that entire duration. Can you imagine saving the literal life of a prominent person and no one noticing. I don’t know about you, but saving someone’s life doesn’t even compare to the things I’ve felt overlooked for. But eventually, after two years of probably thinking he’d take his deed to the grave—the King was divinely informed. And then celebrated and honored Mordecai in such an extravagant way that made the whole Kingdom aware. You see, what may have seemed pushed aside and passed over, was never actually passed over by God. He just had a bigger and better plan. The truth we need to take with us is this: God has ultimate authority always, and he is always interested in a redemption story that gives him the greatest glory.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

God’s goal of glory tells me that when you, I, or someone we love feels slighted and overlooked—when maybe it doesn’t even seem fair or deserved—there is purpose in each pain point in the process. Yes, in each less-than-ideal instance in our lives, God could have allowed a different scenario that may have been more pleasing to us in the moment. But the way whatever happened has happened, is part of a perfect plan for the best outcome. For his good and more favorable outcome.

For God’s good reason, he has allowed things to go down just as they have. And I hope we can be encouraged today that this is actually a good thing. He sees what we don’t. He sees the radical redemption in the works. He sees his glory that has already come and his glory that he is orchestrating that will continue to come. And the way he is writing the beginning and middle of each and every one of our stories is preparing the greatest ending for his greatest glory.

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When Jesus Changes Lives Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Ever wonder what true faith really looks like?
Kyle Norman explores how faith isn’t just something we hold—it’s something we do. Meeting the risen Jesus transforms lives radically, like it did for Saul, Ananias, and Peter. Through their stories, we see Jesus calling each of us to a new way of living marked by grace, change, and bold love.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why faith is an active, life-changing relationship, not just a belief
How encounters with Jesus transform attitudes, actions, and purpose
The stories of Saul, Ananias, and Peter as examples of radical change
How Jesus meets us where we are—no one is beyond His grace

💬 Join the Conversation:
Where has Jesus transformed your life? What change is He calling you to now? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #ChangedByJesus and share your story or favorite Scripture about transformation.

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Full Transcript Below:

When Jesus changes lives.

Written and read by Kyle Norman

“Immediately Saul began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20)

We often use the language of “having faith”, but that makes it seem like faith is a possession we hold. Or maybe faith is a tool that we keep in our spiritual utility belts, only to be used when we need to solve some spiritual problem. But faith, biblically, is a verb – it is an action, a way of life. This is why the followers of Jesus were initially called “Followers of The Way.” Meeting the risen Jesus naturally changes us. Jesus changes our habits, our behaviors, our attitudes, the very way in which we live.

Here’s the thing, scripture continually tells the same story. When people meet the risen Jesus, people meet a Lord who changes their life. There are many examples of this. Take Saul for example. Acts 9 begins by stating that Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples (Acts 9:1). But if you jump just 20 verses later, we hear that he is in the synagogues proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. That’s quite the change isn’t it! Those two bookend verses highlight that something big must have happened to change this man so dramatically. Of course, there was. Saul had an encounter with the risen Jesus.

The same thing happens to Ananias. As Saul is praying and fasting on Strait Street, trying to make sense of his experience on the road to Damascus, the Lord appears to Ananias. Jesus calls him to go to Saul and pray for him. But Ananias initially expresses some hesitation. He’s heard of Saul, he knows his reputation, he responds to the Lord, questioning if this is really the person he was to go see. But Jesus calls Ananias to step out in bold faith, and to witness and pray for someone he never thought he would.

And then of course there is Peter. Who can forget Peter, lovable, somewhat dim-witted Peter? Not only does Peter deny knowing Jesus, not once, but three times, he does this immediately after he tells Jesus I will never do that! And not only does he deny his Lord, but he also curses himself while doing so. And yet when he meets the risen Lord, affirming his love for him, Peter is called to a new life of ministry and leadership.

All these people have their lives changed because they meet the risen Jesus. Jesus calls them to embrace a different way of life. Saul to accepting the risen Jesus, preaching what he once denied. Ananias, to reach out to someone he never thought he would, and Peter to become the head of this rag-tag movement called “Followers of The Way”. In each person, in ways unique to what Jesus wanted to do in them and through them, Jesus works a transformation.

So, if Jesus changed the lives of all these people, don’t you think that he might come to us and change our lives to?

Intersecting Faith and Life

Isn’t it great that nobody ever works theirs way out of the graceful acceptance of Jesus? There is no one who is deemed unworthy, there is no one for whom Jesus will not come and meet in his grace. At times, it may be tempting to think that Jesus doesn’t want to work in us or through us. We may even fear that a sin, or some insufficiency in our life, may cause Jesus to refuse us.

But, let’s be honest, if Jesus would refuse anyone, wouldn’t he refuse the person breathing murderous threats against his followers? Or if not Saul, surely it would be Peter, right? If there is anyone who would have done something to remove themselves from the blessings of Jesus, it’s that the one who denied him so boldly.

If Jesus does not reject Saul, or Peter, or any of the disciples who turned their backs and ran away, why would Jesus ever refuse us?

Where do you think that Jesus wants to work a change in your life? What might Jesus want to address? Like Saul, is there an action that Jesus might want you to move away from? is there a new direction that Jesus wants you to pursue. Or, like Ananias, is there a person that Jesus wants you to embrace? Or maybe you feel more like Peter. If so, is there a sin that Jesus wants to cover in his love?

Meeting the risen Jesus means meeting the one who transforms our lives. In every case, in every case, Jesus comes and calls us to embrace new life. But we must embrace the voice of Jesus. We must be open to Him and follow Him. So how might you accept the change that Jesus wants to make in you? True, it might involve a process, an about face, and maybe a time of prayer and wrestling, but on the other end of Christ’s work, is a life lived in the grace, forgiveness, and power of the Living God.

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When There’s Too Much to Do Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

Cindi McMenamin reminds us that Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him—and find rest. With wisdom from Matthew 11:28-30, she reveals how God’s “burden” isn’t about endless tasks but a call to love Him passionately, freeing us from anxiety and exhaustion.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why Jesus offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light
How loving God is the greatest “task” and the source of true rest
The difference between God’s invitation and the heavy burdens we place on ourselves
How to replace stress and striving with peace through faith and grace

💬 Join the Conversation:
When have you felt weighed down by life’s demands? How do you find rest in God’s love? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #BurdenIsLight and share your story or a favorite Scripture that helped you find peace amid the chaos.

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Full Transcript Below:

When There’s Too Much to Do

By Cindi McMenamin, Crosswalk Contributing Writer

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Are you feeling today that there is just too much to do?

I remember a time in my life when I felt like I was drowning under the pressures of my job, in addition to being a pastor’s wife, mother, director of women’s ministries, friend, sister, and daughter. There was so much to do to keep up with family relationships, to keep up the house, to keep up with my job, and to keep up in my walk with God. I literally felt I was drowning in obligations, and continually coming up short.

Today I know that when I begin to feel like that, I’ve taken on more than I was intended to bear. And certainly more than God wants me to bear.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus told His people to come to Him and find rest because they were carrying burdens too heavy to bear. They were frustrated and failing under the religious system of their day that put heavy burdens on them to live perfectly and obey every letter of the law. Jesus offered them His burden instead—a burden He said was light. What is the burden He offered them and the one God places on us today? What is the one thing He requires of us more than anything else?

One man asked Jesus that same question. And Jesus’ response was: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).

Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message reads like this:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Intersecting Faith and Life

God’s greatest requirement of us is not to do things for Him. It is to love Him. And not to just love Him, but to love Him passionately, desperately, above any other person or thing.

God’s “burden” on us is not a heavy one. In fact, it isn’t a burden at all. It’s a privilege to love the God who sent His Son to die for us. The heavy burdens are the ones we place on ourselves:

Trying to work out everyone else’s problems when God simply calls us to pray for others and do what we can, and leave the rest to Him.
Working harder for the church, thinking we must earn His love and grace, when He has already saved us by our faith and His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Seeking to make amends for our past when God has told us He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)

When I consider loving Him as my highest obligation and my heaviest burden, it makes all the other things I think I have to do pale in comparison. My to-do list, my project at work, my financial situation—none of those things is as important as loving my God. And therefore, I truly can take His yoke upon me and find rest. There is anxiety and stress in striving to carry my own burdens. There is peace and rest in simply loving Him.

O Lord, for all the times we start to feel weary and weighted down, help us to remember Your invitation to come to You, lay our burdens at Your feet, and find true rest.

Further Reading: Mark 12:28-34

For more on growing closer to the God of rest, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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When the Path Ahead Is Cloudy Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

Keri Eichberger invites us to pause and fix our eyes on the steadfast truths of God—even when all we see is cloudiness ahead. Drawing from Psalm 23:6, she reminds us that God’s goodness and love follow us through every shadowed step, offering a future filled with hope beyond what we can imagine.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

How to respond when life feels uncertain and the path ahead is unclear
Why focusing on God’s unfailing goodness helps clear the fog of doubt
What it means to “set up camp” on God’s promises amid restrictions and unknowns
The assurance of God’s presence and blessings no matter how dim the view ahead

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you ever faced a season where your future felt clouded or confusing? How did you hold onto God’s promises? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #PathAheadIsCloudy and share a verse or story that helped you trust God’s goodness through uncertain time.

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Full Transcript Below:

When The Path Ahead is Cloudy

By Keri Eichberger

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6)

The other morning I woke with more fog in front of me than usual. I sat in my recliner, peered out the window, and stared at the heavy layer of low clouds blocking every speck of sunshine. Shielding my view of what lay in the distance. And that was exactly the sense that had been settling in my mind and heart. An obstruction of what might be happening beyond my present moments and current focus—a strange swelling sensation of cloudiness within. I couldn’t quite see what God was doing and where he might be leading me. The path ahead seemed cloudier than ever and left me with a sense of shadowed entrapment. And I couldn’t put my finger on why. All I knew is that it felt extremely uncomfortable. And I longed for God's clear vision and sight of a paved path to hope and joy.

I shared my confusion with my husband and suggested to him that maybe I was feeling this way because my current circumstances were so limiting, causing my future to feel more uncertain than ever. Thus, I couldn’t even guess what tomorrow would look like, much less what next week, a few months ahead, or the year’s end might bring.

Do your current surroundings look a little foggy? Is your view ahead clouded with restrictions. limitations. or tons of unknowns? You might not necessarily feel super confined in your present moments, but even if you do have freedom to plot out the points toward your next desired destination, no one really knows what’s next. All we can truly be sure of is what we see right now. That, and the steadfast truths of God.

And this is precisely where I knew I needed to set up camp. Not staring at the thick layer of clouds dimming my uncertain circumstances. But at the truths of God. God’s unfailing, redeeming goodness. And it’s in that laser focus—eyes locked in on him—that we begin to see again. Staring at his perfect love, we start to see the light, gain clearer vision, and see beyond the present. And not the perfect worldly future we may have prior dreamt up—but a bright future nonetheless. Because here is what we can be sure of for our future. With the good Lord as our hearts’ and minds’ delight and desire, our future will be full of goodness.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

When we choose to follow Jesus, and when we fix our eyes on him, we know our Lord will show up with so much goodness and boundless blessings. We know our good God will redeem all things that are hard and hurting right now. Because the Bible promises… his goodness and love will follow us all the days of our life, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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The Ugliness of the Cross Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

In this challenging devotional, we’re invited to look beyond the familiar, graceful images of the cross and confront its raw, uncomfortable reality. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1-2, the author reveals how Jesus endured the shame, mockery, and cruelty of the cross — not as a symbol of beauty, but as a testament to His love and faithfulness. This is faith in its most extreme, honest form.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why the cross was the ugliest form of execution — and why Jesus chose it
How enduring shame and derision reveals Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith
Why the cross challenges us to embrace discomfort in our faith journey
How Jesus meets us in our shame and brokenness, not just in our victories

💬 Join the Conversation:
How has confronting the difficult truths of the cross impacted your faith? What does “enduring the cross” mean in your life today? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #UglinessOfTheCross and share your thoughts or a favorite hymn that helps you meditate on this truth.

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Full Transcript Below:

The ugliness of the Cross.

“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

How many crosses do you own? Where are they, and in what style? Writing and recording this today, I can see several crosses around me. There is the gold cross I wear on my finger and the silver one around my neck; I also have a wonderfully hand-crafted cross of nails hanging on my wall. These crosses are all artistic, and beautiful.

Such majestic representations of the cross pair well with the regal language we use to describe the cross. We may speak about the victory we receive, or how the cross testifies to salvation, love, and forgiveness. We might sing about the Old Rugged Cross, and how we will cherish it deeply. A favorite hymn of my church growing up was described the cross as erected on “some green hill far away outside the city wall”; It all seems quite regal, quaint, and nostalgic, doesn’t it?

Don’t get me wrong, there is truth in all of this. The cross is a moment of victory and truly love and forgiveness comes our way because of the Cross. But there is a deeper truth that we always must remember: The cross of Jesus was ugly.

Jesus did not die upon some majestic religious symbol. In the ancient world, the cross was a tool of execution, reserved for those deemed unworthy of any respect or dignity. In fact, written in Roman law was the decree than no Roman citizen could be killed on the cross. The cross was reserved for the worst of the worst, declaring them less than nothing. The reason why Jesus died on the “green hill far away outside the city wall” wasn’t because this was a place of scenic beauty; no, it was a place wherein the crucified could be mocked. It was the place of the skull, signifying how cut off the crucified was from all life, love, and provision.

When Jesus hung upon the cross, those standing by Jesus didn’t muse about the love of God, they mocked him. They derided him. They insulted him. “You who could save others, save yourself!” they jeer. “Come down from the cross, if you can,” they cry. And that grand sign above Jesus “This is the King of the Jews” was not written as some statement of faith. This was Pilate declaring defeat over any would be Israelite King.

No. Jesus didn’t take on that which was beautiful or majestic, as if it was something easy and dignified. He endured the cross, taking on its shame. On the cross, Jesus took upon himself, everything that makes us squirm, everything that makes us recoil, everything that makes us uncomfortable.

But it was this that testifies to who Jesus is.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Jesus shows his true nature, he reveals the fullness of himself as the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord of all, not because he escapes the cross, nor transforms it to some easy symbol. No, He proves who he is, and the salvation he brings, by hanging there, and by taking upon himself not an easy or beautiful cross, but one of derision, mockery, and shame. Jesus scorns all that the cross represents; he shows that he is the pioneer and perfector of our faith precisely because he endures the cross, because he takes it on and does not forsake it.

The cross, therefore, is the symbol of faith precisely because it is ugly, because it is extreme, because it is a symbol of shame, abandonment, and derision. The cross is the symbol of faith, it represents everything that is not beautiful, or majestic, or surrounded by pleasantry and Ease. It is a symbol of faith because it is into that place that Jesus entered.

So, today, as you think about the cross, dare to take a moment and be uncomfortable. Dare be affected. Dare to recognize the very scorn and derision that Jesus felt as he hung dying on the cross for you. And allow that fact to teach you that Jesus doesn’t wait for you to feel comfortable and victorious. Jesus doesn’t stand on the sidelines of life trying to avoid the mess. He comes to you in the very place where you might feel the harshest derision, the deepest guilt, and the worst shame. The ugliness of the cross means that Jesus embraces you in all the places where you feel ugly.

So, look to Jesus. Embrace the cross and uncover how the love of Jesus meets us. Amen.

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When God Holds You Close Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

In this comforting and deeply personal devotional, Alexis A. Goring draws inspiration from a NOOMA teaching by Rob Bell to remind us that even when we feel forgotten or afraid, God is holding us close. Using Psalm 34:18 and a father’s love as the backdrop, she paints a powerful picture of how God shelters us—even when the thunder is loud and the way home feels far.

📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways):

Why your brokenness is not a barrier, but a bridge to God’s heart
How Scripture shows God’s nearness in life’s hardest moments
A moving analogy of God’s love through the eyes of a father carrying his son through a storm
The reassurance that you’re not just seen by God—you’re held

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you ever sensed God holding you through a storm? What reminders help you trust Him as your guide? Tag @LifeaudioNetwork with #HeldByGod and share your story—or a worship song that brought you peace.

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Full Transcript Below:

When God Holds You Close

By: Alexis A. Goring

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Have you ever felt like you were going through hard times alone? Do you ever feel like God is far away and doesn’t care about what you’re facing? Did you ever think that God abandoned you, leaving you to face the storms of life by yourself without adequate shelter and proper care?

If so, then this devotional inspired by a teaching by Rob Bell, is for you. Bell, an American author, once shared a real-life story illustration for NOOMA Small Group Bible Study titled, “Rain”. The story features a father holding his young son close to shelter him as they walk through a violent rainstorm in the woods.

Bell sets the scene: Hewas with his family as they were spending time in a cabin in the woods on the edge of a remote lake that was deep in the middle of nowhere. One morning, he and his son Trace set out to take a walk around the lake at a point of the day where there were clear blue skies, sunshine and birds chirping. At the time, Trace was a little over one year old and he seemed happy and content. Bell was carrying his son in one of those hiking backpacks strapped to Bell’s back.

They set out through the woods to walk around the lake. As they reached the other side of the lake, they were the farthest possible point from the cabin. As they rounded the bend to head back to the cabin, Bell looked up and noticed clouds. Then, it started to rain. At first, only a few drops of rain fell. But soon after, the raindrops grew big and began to fall fast, leading to a downpour. Bell said it was the kind of rain that soaks you to the core, plasters your hair against your head and drenches your clothing.

At first, Trace was okay but as the downpour increased and it started thundering, Trace became more agitated. Soon, he went from whimpering to shrieking as the trees and leaves are no longer provided adequate shelter. The trees started to shake. Trace began to scream loudly with terror in his voice.

Bell then shares what Scripture says about our cries. God says that He listens to us when we cry out to Him. He never ignores the cries of people who feel afflicted. God even says that when you cry, He’s close to the brokenhearted. He’s close to those who cry out. He listens. God never ignores our cries.

Bell continues teaching saying, “There is this false, twisted idea out there among religious people that somehow, you’ve got have it all together to have a relationship with God. Like somehow, God’s only looking for people who have no problems and have it all nailed down and can put on the happy face all the time. Yet, the Scriptures speak directly against this kind of thinking. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden.” The essence of salvation is crying out to God and admitting, “I don’t have it all together.” Bell makes it clear that a key part of our Christian faith walk is about asking God to fix things and step in and rescue us. God invites us to let Him into our problems and trust Him to take care of it.

Finally, Bell challenges his students to think about the storm from Trace’s perspective. He said, “For Trace, the storm is his reality. He sees nothing else! The lightning and the thunder and the trees swaying and the raindrops and the water just dripping off him, it’s all he knows. He sees no reality beyond the storm. What Trace doesn’t realize is that as his dad, I would do anything to get him home.”

Bell goes on to say that when the storm grew more intense, he took his son out of his backpack carrier and wrapped his arms around Trace, pulling him close to his chest and holding him close for the last mile of their walk through the storm. The entire time, Bell whispered into his son’s ear, “I love you, buddy. We’re going to make it. Dad knows the way home. We’re going to make it. I love you, buddy.”

As I listened to this part of Bell’s story, I thought of how our Heavenly Father (God) responds to us much like Bell responded to his son in that situation. God wants us to know that no matter how fierce the storm we’re in, He is with us. The more scared we are, the closer He is to us. God loves us with all His Heart so He holds us close to His Heart and gently reminds us that He will lead us home to safety. The important part to remember is that we’re not just safe when we reach our destination; we are safe in the storm because God is with us through it all.

As Bell wraps up his lesson point, he moves the timeline forward and asks his students to imagine if years later, his son is in therapy and this repressed memory of “the walk” resurfaces. Trace goes to his dad and asks, “Why did you let me go through that for? I thought you loved me. How could you expose me to that storm? Why didn’t you protect me?” Bell said he would feel crushed by this and explain to his son that the walk was one of the most intimate memories of his life with him. It was an experience that he wouldn’t trade for anything.

Bell closes his teaching by reminding us that if we’re bitter or angry because of some things we’ve been through, some storms in our life that we were traumatized by, and we’re wondering that if God really loved us and is there for us then why did He let us go through that, we should know that God held us close through those tough times and assured us gently that He will help us arrive home.

May we be encouraged by the fact that God holds us close to His Heart during times of trouble. May we remember that the scarier the storm, the closer God holds us. He loves us and He will help us arrive home safely because He knows the way. God is our Trusted Guide through this life. We can trust Him with all our heart.

In closing, I’d like for you to listen to and be encouraged by these four songs that support my message and Bell’s story today:

Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here:https://youtu.be/q5m09rqOoxE?si=_jJx1oG-GjgCmo7h

Song of Reflection #2: “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/xf-LYslTJWI?si=jyyPkcg7Qw5kjxve

Song of Reflection #3: “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/DWydssGbUBc?si=XHZVNqoR5NeuOMyD

Song of Reflection #4: “Hold Me Still” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here:

https://youtu.be/atoc53QO7w4?si=4t9_JqZkLZydEUIM

Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know that you have a Trusted Guide (God) who loves you and will help you survive the storms of life?

Further Reading:

Isaiah 41:10

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 9:9

Psalm 121

Philippians 4:6-7

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