The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Conflict within the church can be painful and complicated. Michelle Lazurek’s Be True Peacemakers walks believers through biblical conflict resolution using Matthew 18:14-18. This devotional emphasizes private confrontation, mediation, and, when necessary, church discipline—all with the goal of restoration and reconciliation. Highlights Address conflicts directly and privately first Bring a trusted leader as a mediator if initial attempts fail Church discipline is for restoration, not revenge Avoid gossip, triangulation, and slander Seek integrity and humility in all steps to maintain unity in the body of Christ Join the Conversation Are you currently navigating conflict with a brother or sister in Christ? Reflect on steps you can take toward reconciliation today. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TruePeacemakers #Matthew18 #FaithfulConflictResolution to share your experience and encouragement. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Be True Peacemakers By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “If your brother or sister sins,  go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:14-18 In a previous church, concerns were raised about relationships within the church. When my husband sat down with the leaders, we quickly knew this was no ordinary meeting. As each person spoke, it was clear that rumors and gossip had been flying for quite a while. While there were grains of truth to some statements and outright lies in others, one thing was clear: No one had confronted my husband directly.  Once the rumors were cleared up, and the situation went back to normal, we couldn't help but reel from the fact that people choose to gossip and spread rumors and lies, disparaging my husband's reputation, with no thought or consideration to him at all. If they had come to him, he could have cleared the air, and we could have been spared much more time and energy working to dispel rumors and working toward the Kingdom. After that, it was clear there was a lack of trust from both sides. Matthew, in his gospel, outlines a straightforward way to lovingly confront someone, point out their sin, and work toward reconciliation and purity of the church. Although many people take the above verse as the model for conflict resolution, that's not the purpose for which it was written. It was written for people to point out someone's sin so that the purity of the church can be maintained.  The above verse explains that the first step in lovingly confronting someone always begins with a one-on-one private confrontation. This spares the offender from shame or public humiliation. Those things do not belong in a church body. If the person will not listen, then it instructs that a person should bring another person along. Ideally, an elder or a pastor should be the person in that situation.  The leader or the pastor should act as a mediator to resolve the conflict. The mediator mustn't have a bias toward the person offering the complaint. In some ways, it's a way to gang up on the offender. God sees the bigger picture and knows the full intention of each person's heart. No one person has all the truth. That's why it's essential to bring a mediator along to help diffuse the situation and extract the truth from it. If the situation remains unresolved, then church discipline can be instituted. This does not mean a person is allowed to bring a person up in front of the church when leaders disagree with their complaint. If their complaint is unfounded, it does not mean the person should take the next step to fulfill what is written in the above verses.   If you are embroiled in a conflict with someone and are unsure of how to proceed, the above verse provides an excellent guide for handling conflict effectively and biblically. Here are some ways to effectively deal with your conflict: Confront Them Privately Do not triangulate other people into your situation. That means the first step in Matthew 18 has not been followed. Go to that person in love and directly confront them with gentleness and respect. Name the offense using I statements. Let them know how you feel and how the situation has affected you. Listen to what the offender has to say. Sometimes there is an explanation or reason behind the situation. Consult Another Leader  If the person will not acknowledge anything regarding the incident, meet with an elder or a leader in your church. Make them aware of the situation and explain it in the same way you described it to the offender. Listen and solicit the advice of the elder or leader. If the elder or leader will not approach the situation or feels the problem is unwarranted, do not triangulate other people into this situation. This only breeds dissension and gossip.  If you want to maintain your integrity and credibility by truly seeking reconciliation with the person, you must listen to the advice of the leadership. If you disagree with the decision, it is best to let either the situation go or leave the church. Holding on to an offense simply because you want justice or disagree with the decision is not a reason to hold on to it.  If the leader is not willing to face the situation directly, but there is something warranted, consult a leader who is above the offender. If the offender is a pastor, consult with their district regarding their model for addressing conflict and resolving issues within the church. Consult the Church If a leader advises to bring it up in front of the church, then church discipline will be instituted. Do not use manipulative tactics such as gossip or slander to get your way. Triangulating other people who don't know both sides of the situation is not only unfair but also slanderous and libelous towards someone's reputation. The Bible warns us against these types of people.  Seek church discipline only in the case of reconciliation and restoration for the person to separate themselves from their sin and turn from their ways. Do not use it as an avenue to get justice or revenge. In this case, you are no better than the offender. Conflict can be complex and can lead to hurt feelings and soul wounds that only Jesus can heal. Do your best to work through your issues before confronting a person directly. Make sure you are right with the Lord before you go and talk to someone else about their unrighteousness. Father, let us be people who resolve conflict gently. Allow us to use the model outlined in Matthew 18 as a guide for conflict resolution. Help us to be people who seek the restoration and reconciliation of the body of Christ. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you have conflict with another brother or sister in Christ? What steps can you take towards reconciliation? Further Reading: Galatians 6:1-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling distant from God? Megan J. Conner reminds us in Hide and Seek that even when we hide from Him—whether through sin, fear, or heartache—He is patiently waiting to be found. Drawing on Deuteronomy 4:29, this devotional encourages believers to seek God with their whole heart and soul, trusting that He is always near. Highlights Hiding from God is natural, but His presence is never absent Childhood hide-and-seek illustrates how we often distance ourselves from the Lord God patiently waits for us to reach toward Him, even in dark or difficult seasons Scripture reassures us of God’s unwavering presence: Deut. 31:6; Matt. 28:20; Acts 17:27 Seeking God wholeheartedly leads to restoration and intimacy with Him Join the Conversation Are you hiding from God today, or seeking Him with your whole heart? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust in God’s presence. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #SeekGod #FaithInTheWilderness #FoundInHim to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Hide and Seek By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deut. 4:29, (NKJV) Over the summer, my husband and I were blessed to host three special littles and their parents. They stayed with us for eleven days and thought Uma and Umpa’s house was THE best. Why? Because they said it was the perfect house to play hide and seek. And oh, did we play hide and seek! Round after round, we took turns hiding while the chosen seeker sought us out. Sometimes, the players concealed themselves so well, the game lasted quite a while.  One round, I was assigned the role of hiding and scrunched myself into a tiny corner of our basement laundry room, tucked underneath the ironing board. It was a pretty good hiding spot, if I do say so myself. Well, it ended up being so good that it took all three of the kids and my teenage daughter almost 30 minutes to finally discover me. Relief and a hint of frustration were on the faces of my seekers as they grabbed my hand and helped me exit my small, uncomfortable space.  “Uma!” they declared. “It was so hard to find you!” “Well, thank goodness you found me,” I replied. “I was getting lonely down here all by myself in the dark.” “We’ve got you now, Uma!” they laughed triumphantly as they rescued me with smothered hugs. What an interesting comparison between this innocent children’s game and our walk with the Lord. Perhaps you can recall moments when you have been in a similar circumstance. When heartache, disappointment, or the slippery slope of sin has drawn you intentionally or unintentionally away from God. Why is it that when we face challenges, we tend to distance ourselves from the Lord? Utilizing our own expert hiding spots, we curl ourselves inward and assume the darkness will provide a respite from the pain.  Then, before we know it, we long for the complete opposite. Where is our rescuer? Why can’t we find the Lord in the midst of all that is plaguing our hearts and minds? We remain secluded in isolation and assume God is intentionally remaining aloof and does not want to be found by us. But the truth is, He is there patiently waiting for you to reach out towards the light, to reach out to Him. The Word of God assures us, “the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you,” (Deut. 31:6, NIV), that He will be “with you always, even to the end of the age,” (Matt. 28:20, NLT). There are seasons where our Heavenly Father allows us to wander in the desert, but He has not left us there alone. “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:27 (NIV) Whether you have been called to a wilderness season or simply have separated yourself from God, He is ready and waiting for you to turn your heart towards Him. He desires to be found. If your heart feels distant from the Lord today, ask yourself who is the one who is really hiding. If you are truly longing for connection with the Lord, all you need to do is “seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul,” Deut. 4:29, (NKJV).  Intersecting Faith & Life: Where is your heart today? Are you hiding from the Lord? Or perhaps you feel that He is hiding from you? How does today’s scripture remind you that God is present and available if you are willing to seek Him out?  The scripture from Deut. 4:29 says that the Lord can be found, but only when we seek Him with all of our hearts and all of our souls. “All” is a big word here… Take some time today to evaluate the position of your heart. Perhaps make a list of the things that you value most. Are you prioritizing your time, talents, and treasures for your own purposes first? No matter where you find yourself today, know that the Lord is patiently and graciously ready to pull you out of your hiding place and into His arms. Further Reading: John 17:20-26 Heb. 13:5-6  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When fear and weakness threaten to overwhelm us, God calls us to courageous obedience. Just as He told Gideon in Judges 6:13-14 to “go in the strength you have,” the Lord invites us to trust His power, not our own. Jennifer Slattery shares how God’s presence transforms impossible situations into testimonies of His strength and victory. Highlights Gideon’s story shows God calls ordinary, fearful people to extraordinary purposes “Go in the strength you have” reminds us our weakness is the stage for God’s strength Personal story of stepping into a difficult calling with limited resources God doesn’t expect perfection—He expects obedience and trust True victory comes from God fighting our battles for us Join the Conversation What’s one area where God is calling you to step out even though you feel weak? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust God’s strength. Tag @LifeAudio and use #CourageousObedience #FaithOverFear #StrengthInChrist to join the discussion. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Courageous Obedience When We Feel Weak and Afraid  By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:13-14, NIV Have you ever sensed God asking you to do something you knew would be incredibly difficult, say yes, and find yourself in what felt like an impossible situation? One that took every ounce of strength you had, and you still felt like you were perpetually failing? That was precisely where I landed, years ago, when my husband and I opened our home to a teenager with a really rough background, and numerous behavioral challenges for which we weren’t prepared. As is often the case, this situation came in the middle of an already stressful season, and for the youth, this was an emergency. We were empty nesters at the time, I was leading an international ministry, completing my Christian ministry degree, working to meet numerous writing deadlines, and preparing for speaking engagements I’d accepted long before we answered God’s call to love on this deeply wounded, and incredibly angry teenager. To complicate matters, this was a busy time for my husband as well, as he was doing a lot of traveling for work—leaving me to parent this kid alone. Adding to the chaos was the fact that the teenager hated women and, frankly, was bigger and stronger than me. As you can imagine, I was more than overwhelmed and, sadly, often reacted to the teenager from my overwhelm rather than allowing God’s love and grace to flow through me. But, on those occasions when I paused my frantic efforts to manage it all in my wisdom and strength and sought God’s presence, I received instant peace, clarity regarding the situation, a Holy Spirit glimpse into the youth’s wounded and frightened heart, and the strength I desperately needed to overcome my fears, insecurities, and unhealthy tendencies. Reading Gideon’s story, recorded in Judges 6-9, reminded me of that difficult but enlightening season during which I needed to “go in the strength I had”—not so I could win the victory, but rather, so I could reveal Christ’s supernatural strength at work in me and through me.   You might recognize this biblical account. This occurred during a dark period in ancient Israel’s history during which they repeatedly rebelled against God, experienced oppression from other people groups, cried out to the Lord for rescue, received the divine help they so desperately sought, only to rebel against Him yet again.  When Scripture introduces us to Gideon, we find him hiding in a wine press, threshing wheat. His behavior makes sense, considering the circumstances. Judges 6 tells us that the Midianites oppressed ancient Israel for 7 years—destroying their crops and stealing their sheep, goats, cattle and donkeys. Meaning, their source of survival. Facing starvation, the people finally cry out to God. Like I said earlier, He responds by calling Gideon to fight on the nation’s behalf.  He began with these words, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” He called the man hiding in a winepress a hero—because the Lord saw past Gideon’s current position to the victorious man of God he would become. Then He added, ‘The Lord is with you!” To which Gideon responds, in essence, “Really? Then why are we in this mess?” I find it intriguing that God never answers his question. Instead, He issues this directive:  “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14, NIV, emphasis mine). He said this during a time when Gideon appeared to possess zero strength and a whole lot of weakness. Yet, as the story continues, we see that this was the point. God wasn’t expecting Gideon to fight his oppressors in his wisdom and strength. He was simply telling him to engage. To obey and allow God’s supernatural strength to flow in him and through him.  Intersecting Life & Faith: The Lord Himself won the battle. He fights our battles as well. He sees our weakness and understands why we might be figuratively hiding in a winepress. He doesn’t get frustrated by our anxiety, fear or overwhelm, but neither does He leave us stuck. Instead, He invites us to step out in faith, to go in whatever strength we possess, trusting Him for the victory. Because we aren’t destined for defeated. As Romans 8:31 states, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.  Further Reading: Romans 8:31-39 Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God still performs miracles today—and He invites us to pray big, bold prayers. In Habakkuk 3:2, the prophet asks God to repeat His wondrous deeds in their own time. Whitney Hopler shares a powerful personal story of her mother’s healing and salvation, showing how God responds when we dare to pray for something awesome. Highlights Habakkuk 3:2 reminds us to pray with awe and boldness Story of miraculous healing that led to salvation Why we often settle for small, “safe” prayers God’s power is the same yesterday, today, and forever How to expect God’s awesome work daily Join the Conversation What’s one bold prayer you’re asking God to answer? Share your story and encourage others to pray expectantly. Tag @LifeAudio and use #PrayBoldly #FaithInAction #GodStillMoves to join the community conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pray for Something Awesome By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Habakkuk 3:2, NIV  I’ll never forget the day my mother told me that she had seen an angel! After 23 years of praying for her to come to faith in God, I had grown frustrated wondering if God would ever answer my prayers. Mom eventually did come to believe in God, but she still struggled to believe that God would love her enough to save her. She still hadn’t started a relationship with God by the time she was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized – fighting both the blood cancer and pneumonia in her lungs. But one night, she saw an angel appear in heavenly form and send glowing bits of energy into her chest. The next day, tests revealed that the leukemia was in remission and the pneumonia was gone! But Mom’s physical healing wasn’t the biggest miracle. What was even more miraculous was that God had convinced Mom he loved her personally by sending her one of his heavenly messengers to minister to her. Mom was in awe of God’s deeds, and she finally placed her faith in him.  The wonderful way God helped Mom showed me that God is just as willing to do miracles today as he was in earlier times. Habakkuk 3:2 reminds us that, when we think about God’s famous miracles, we can ask God to do something awesome in our own lives right now. When we face big problems – like health struggles, broken relationships, or money worries – we pray small prayers too often. We might just ask God to help us get through the day as we deal with problems we don’t expect to be solved. But Habakkuk shows us that we can pray bigger prayers. We can look back at God’s mighty deeds and dare to believe he can do something awesome for us right now.  God is the same God now that he always has been. He’s the same God who performed all the wondrous miracles from the Bible, such as feeding thousands of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread, raising Lazarus from the dead, and opening prison doors for Paul and Silas. This same awesome God listens to your prayers today and does wonderful work in your life every day.  Even when we remind ourselves that God is still powerful and merciful, sometimes we hesitate to pray big and bold prayers because we’re afraid of being disappointed. What if God doesn’t answer the way we hope? But God can see what’s really best in any situation.  Praying like Habakkuk involves praying for God’s best and truly expecting that God will answer our prayers by doing something awesome.  What would happen if you began to pray for God to do something awesome in your own life? What if you prayed not just to survive, but to thrive? What if you looked beyond your circumstances to the God who is in control of them? God has unlimited power, and he uses that power for good in your life, because he’s good and he loves you!  Instead of dreading the stressful situations in your day, you can ask: “God, what awesome way will you work in my life today?” Then you can pay close attention, expecting that the wonder of God’s work will show up for you during every single day. Sometimes you’ll experience dramatic answers to prayer, and sometimes you’ll find quiet inspiration – but you’ll always find God’s deeds somehow when you look for them. That’s something to celebrate!  Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how you can expect God to do something awesome when he answers your prayers, reflect on these questions: What past awe-inspiring answers to prayer can you remember and thank God for today?  In what areas of your life are you tempted to pray small, safe prayers instead of big, bold prayers?  How does Habakkuk’s prayer inspire you to see your current challenges differently?  How can you live with the daily expectation that God will do something awesome in your life?  How can you encourage other people to trust God for awe-inspiring answers to prayer in their lives? Further Reading: Ephesians 3:20 Jeremiah 32:27 Mark 11:24 Psalm 77:14 Isaiah 43:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s provision and faithfulness are unshakable, even in life’s hardest seasons. Isaiah 46:4 reminds us that the Lord carries us, sustains us, and rescues us from beginning to end. In this devotional, Michelle Lazurek shares her story of church planting, financial struggles, and moments of doubt—only to discover God’s sustaining hand through every sacrifice, setback, and unexpected blessing. Highlights Isaiah 46:4: God promises to sustain us through every stage of life How financial struggles and sacrifice can test our faith Stories of unexpected provision through God’s people Why gratitude and reflection reveal God’s faithfulness in hindsight A reminder that God never forgets us and always has a plan Join the Conversation How has God sustained you during a season when you felt abandoned or overwhelmed? Share your story with the LifeAudio community and encourage others to trust God’s provision. Tag @LifeAudio and use #FaithfulGod #ChristianLiving #GodProvides to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Sustains Us By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading: “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah. 46:4 Many years ago, my husband and I planted a church. We planted it from a mother church where he originally pastored as an associate pastor. It became challenging to find people to be sent out to join us in our endeavor. We recruited 12 people from various backgrounds and areas of our lives, as well as a few from the church we were currently attending. From day one, it was a challenging experience.  We moved several times, had to take several pay cuts, and experienced frequent turnover among our congregation members. Many people who came to us had previously experienced hurt in a church and were seeking a new kind of church. However, that emotional baggage that they brought with them, they dropped right at the church's doorstep. Because of all the financial, emotional, and mental issues involved in it, it was tough for us to deal with all the issues surrounding it.  After the first pay cut, there were times when we couldn't always pay our bills. There were moments when my husband didn't eat dinner that night because there wasn't enough food.  In those moments, it felt as if God had abandoned us. We were making all these sacrifices; why did we have to make those sacrifices when everyone else got to live their lives how they wanted? The church plant had a profound impact on my spiritual life. I became angry at God for the things I thought I was entitled to or deserved.  God had called me to sacrifice, but it was clear he wasn't calling anyone else to make those same sacrifices. Because of this, I grew resentful. It deeply affected my spiritual life. I stopped praying and was going through the motions of the faith.  As I look back now, I understand more completely the distinction between the two. As I reflect in the mirror now, donning many gray hairs, I know that even through the challenging stages, God has been with us. Looking back, I remember so many times when God provided for us. He had friends bring us food when there wasn't enough to eat. He had people give generous donations to us to help us make ends meet.  Although I don't want to go through that difficult time again, I can see all the ways that God provided for us and sustained us during that difficult time. One time, we didn't have enough money to pay for a home repair. A couple from our congregation heard of our plight and surprised us with a check for the exact amount to get our roof fixed. We were elated! We were forever grateful to that couple for sacrificing and giving of themselves so that we could live another day in our home.  It is not always easy during trials to see where God is at work. However, when we successfully resolve our emotions associated with trials and look back soberly at the situation, there are always moments where we can see God at work. Being able to reflect on what God is doing amid a difficult time in our lives helps strengthen my faith. It shifts my mindset and allows me to look upon God in his character, who never forgets, always sees, always provides, always sustains. Look at your life. In what ways has God sustained you through difficult times, in areas where God performed a mini miracle, providing for you in a way that you never thought possible? Did God use people in your life to speak a word of encouragement, remind you of God's word, or provide for you in a way you never expected? In all those ways, God is to be praised because he is at work in our lives, even when we don't see it. As we reflect in our old age, we are reminded that God never forgets about us. He always has a perfect plan for our lives, until the day we return home. Father, let us be people who remember your sovereignty, provision, and goodness. Remind us of all the ways you sustain us and provide for us, even in challenging circumstances. Allow us to wake up each day grateful for your presence in our lives, knowing that you have a perfect plan for us. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Analyze your life. In what ways has God sustained you through difficult circumstances? Further Reading: Philippians 4:19 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A cheerful heart is more than a good mood—it’s God’s prescription for hope and healing. Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that joy can strengthen our spirit, while negativity can crush us from within. This devotional explores the power of perspective, gratitude, and God’s wisdom to transform how we walk through trials. Highlights Discover why Proverbs calls joy “good medicine” for the soul How your outlook impacts mental, spiritual, and physical health The danger of letting negativity spiral into despair Practical ways to cultivate gratitude and a cheerful heart in hard times Encouragement that God can shift your heart from hopeless to hopeful Join the Conversation What helps you keep a cheerful heart when life feels heavy? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Facebook @LifeAudio, and encourage someone else who may need this reminder today. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help others find biblical encouragement. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Best Medicine By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 (NIV) Proverbs is one of the most interesting books in the Bible. Often referenced for “one-off” quotes like this, but, in some cases, ignored as a work of wisdom in its entirety. It seems as if most of us aren’t really sure what to do with the Book of Proverbs, so we simply skim over the content or only digest it in small doses of daily scripture reading.  I have had the true privilege of editing and consulting for a beautiful Christian author who is incredibly passionate about the works of Solomon, specifically Ecclesiastes and his contributions to the Book of Proverbs. Her work and message have transformed my entire perspective on the value of this ancient wisdom, especially in light of the eternal nuggets of truth that it offers us. Today’s scripture is one of these prized nuggets.  “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22 (NIV) The first part of this quotable quip could be a cute bookmark or slogan on a coffee cup. Perhaps you have run across one at a bookstore or boutique. However, the latter part of the passage hits hard. The contrast of these two paradigms is so stark that it is actually startling. They are extremes at opposite ends, but I sense that is exactly what the author was aiming for.  Why? Because that is how strongly the position of our hearts can influence our overall mental, spiritual, and even physical states.  When you face challenges, disappointments, or hardships of any kind, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by negativity. Especially if the struggles you are facing are serious or life-altering. There is a strong pull beckoning you to crawl back under the covers and hide away from it all. Anxious and depressing thoughts start to convince you that all is lost, things will never change, or the pain will never go away. If you are not careful, you can be drawn into a dark, downward spiral that will begin, a little at a time, to fully crush your spirit and dry up your bones. How do I know this? Because I have lived it. Not once or twice, but repeatedly throughout my own twenty-year journey through trials. It has taken me years, literally years, to learn the power of a cheerful disposition in the midst of heartache. On this side of my shift in perspective, I can assure you the truth of this proverb is valid.   Does this mean I am suggesting we placate and pretend that all is well when it is not? No, not at all. I am a firm believer in recognizing and validating the reality of our emotions. But that does not mean there is no way to control them.  Feelings help us recognize there is something that needs our attention.  And we need that.  Sometimes, we don’t comprehend how much an experience or circumstance has impacted us until those emotions start rising up and drawing attention to it. However, while they are helpful tools, they do not have to dictate our overall outlook. No matter what is going on in your life right now, EVERTHING is not bad. Good still remains; you just have to look up and out to discover it. You also have to be intentional about your search for the existing blessings. They really are there, but it is the disposition of your heart, a desire to even discover these treasures, that compels you to be cheerful. And while this practice may not alter your circumstances at the moment, it will drastically transform how you are walking through your disappointments or struggles.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you believe it is possible for your outlook to be different when faced with difficulties? Even if you aren’t sure you believe your dark thoughts and deep disappointments can be changed, sometimes we have to choose to begin and trust that God will prove Himself faithful along the way. If we wait until we think we are ready, or we finally have enough “faith,” we will remain stuck indefinitely. Decide today to choose a cheerful disposition. This does not mean you force yourself to “be happy,” but it is a conscious decision to recognize and celebrate at least one small blessing each and every day. Many call this the practice of gratitude. During one of my darkest seasons, I employed this practice every day for an entire year, and the alteration was truly effective. Did it happen overnight? Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, it took a while for me to even consciously recognize the change. But the change did occur, and my heart moved from disgruntled to grateful, from disillusioned to hopeful, and from negative to cheerful.  What God is faithful to do for one, He will do for another. May you also discover that a cheerful heart is the best medicine for whatever you are facing today. Further Reading: Proverbs 15:13 Psalm 51:12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God’s love is relentless, personal, and healing—even when we run, rebel, or reject Him. In Hosea 2:14–16, we see a God who pursues His people with grace, redemption, and restoration, offering hope when we least deserve it. Just like Israel’s story of betrayal and reconciliation, we are pursued in love by a Savior who refuses to let us go. Highlights Discover the depth of God’s faithful love in Hosea 2:14–16 Why God compared His relationship with Israel to a broken marriage The powerful picture of grace in the face of betrayal and rejection How God turns judgment into restoration and hope What it means to be pursued by God in your own faith journey Join the Conversation How has God pursued you in moments of failure or rebellion? Share your story with us on Instagram and Facebook @LifeAudio and connect with others walking this journey of grace. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more people discover encouragement from God’s Word. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: You Are Pursued in Love By Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: “Therefore I am now going to allure her;    I will lead her into the wilderness    and speak tenderly to her.15 There I will give her back her vineyards,    and will make the Valley of Achor[b] a door of hope.There she will respond[c] as in the days of her youth,    as in the day she came up out of Egypt. 16 “In that day,” declares the Lord,    “you will call me ‘my husband’;    you will no longer call me ‘my master.’ Hosea 2:14-16, NIV We’ve all experienced the pain of shattered relationships, of betrayal and rejection. Sometimes, these experiences shock us and leave us battling indignation. Other times, we expected the relationship to fracture and the other person to withdraw—because of how we behaved. But oh, what healing when we encounter someone who sees us at worst and chooses to not only stay, but reaches for us, bridging the canyon our hurtful actions created and meets our ugliest deeds with grace. The Lord’s ever-present, never-ending, oh-go-gracious love has, and is, bringing healing to the wounded places in my soul and is helping to shatter the shame from some of my, relationship-harming behaviors—including those things that I know grieved the Lord’s heart and abused His grace. A grace He lavishes, in abundance, upon each of us. He pursues us when we regularly read our Bibles, pray, give and serve. He also pursues us—in love—when we choose His gifts over His presence, turn our backs on Him, and rebel. As we see again and again and again in His response to ancient Israel. For thousands of years, they treated His faithful kindness with contempt, disdained His life-giving commands, and only pursued Him when they landed in an insurmountable crisis.   Hosea, the Old Testament prophet who wrote the book from which today’s passage comes, stepped into ministry during a challenging season in ancient Israel’s history. Delivering God’s message when his contemporaries Micah and Isaiah did the same, he conveyed similar warnings of judgment and promises of restoration and reconciliation with the Lord, but in a unique and powerful way. God told him to marry a “harlot”, which some commentators believe meant she worked as a prostitute, while others suggest the name points to a promiscuous lifestyle. The shocking and scandalous marriage revealed the depth of relationship God desired with His people and the intense grief He experienced from their betrayal.  The text invites the reader to pause and consider their most intimate human relationship, and how they’d feel with an unfaithful spouse. If you’ve ever experienced this type of rupture, you know the intense pain this causes. Infidelity shatters trust and any sense of emotional safety once held, often leading to divorce or a long, arduous road of repair.  God wanted His people to understand the damage they’d caused when they not only enjoyed all the blessings He provided—rain and sunshine for their crops, wheat and grapes for their bellies, and warm homes to sleep in each night—while attributing them to idols.  Having read Judges, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and 1 and 2 Kings in chronological order, page by page, I was stunned and touched by the Lord’s continual grace. Generation after generation, His people rejected Him and His love and behaved in horrific ways. They oppressed the weak, committed violent acts against one another, engaged in temple prostitution and even child sacrifice. Those sins alone demand quick justice. But what made them even more atrocious was the fact that the ancient Israelites were the only people, on the planet, whom the Lord chose to live out His mission and reveal Him, His heart and His ways to the watching world. This would be like your church sending missionaries to another country, paying for all their living expenses, only to find out they’d used their home to throw wild parties and their salaries for drugs and alcohol.  One wouldn’t expect someone engaging in such a manner to keep their position, let alone receive a second, or third, fourth, or twenty-first opportunity to try again.  Yet, that is precisely what God offered His people. Yes, judgment would come, but like I said, so would redemption, restoration and, most importantly, reconciliation with their heavenly Father and faithful husband.  Pause to read today’s passage again, reflecting on what it reveals regarding our Savior’s heart: “Therefore I am now going to allure her;    I will lead her into the wilderness    and speak tenderly to her.15 There I will give her back her vineyards,    and will make the Valley of Achor[b] a door of hope.There she will respond[c] as in the days of her youth,    as in the day she came up out of Egypt. 16 “In that day,” declares the Lord,    “you will call me ‘my husband’;    you will no longer call me ‘my master.’ In mentioning the wilderness, the Lord was reminding them of how He’d freed them from slavery and oppression in Egypt—through a series of unforgettable miracles that became cemented in the nation’s history. Then, after liberating his helpless and oppressed children, He led them personally, faithfully, and tangibly, making His presence known in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. And while in the wilderness, He met their every need. He wasn’t just ensuring their survival. He was also teaching them to trust in and rely on Him. Intersecting Life & Faith: That was the depth of relationship He’d always wanted. That was the type of relationship our Father grieved and longed to restore. Most importantly, that’s the depth of relationship He wants with us—one built on trust, dependence, and the emotional intimacy enjoyed in the healthiest and holiest marriages.   Reflecting upon this, and the Lord’s unchanging character revealed throughout history, encourages me to turn to Him when I mess up, to rest in Him when I’m overburdened, to trust in Him when I’m afraid, and to celebrate His presence in difficult and joyous seasons.  Further Reading: Luke 19:10 Matthew 23:37 Psalm 23:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Worry doesn't have to rule your life. Transform anxious thoughts into prayers and discover the freedom found in communication with God. Learn how to shift your focus from problems to divine strength and find courage in challenging times. Whitney shares practical tips for quick prayer responses and emphasizes that while circumstances may remain unchanged, God can strengthen us. Reflect on your fears and turn them over to Him for a deeper trust and peace. It's all about making prayer a daily habit!

Tragedies can be sudden, shocking, and heartbreaking—but they also remind us of life’s eternal reality. In Why Tragedies Lead Us to Eternity, Lynette Kittle reflects on 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 and explores how witnessing or experiencing loss can point us to the hope we have in Christ. Listeners will be encouraged to consider their eternal destination, understand the gift of salvation, and trust that Jesus has conquered death, offering everlasting life to all who believe. This episode is essential for anyone seeking clarity, comfort, and assurance in the face of life’s fragility. ✨ Highlights 2 Corinthians 2:15-16: Christians are the aroma of Christ to the saved and unsaved 1 Thessalonians 4:13: Comfort for those grieving with hope in Christ Hebrews 2:9: Jesus’ death and resurrection bring eternal life to believers Eternal choices: Daniel 12:2 and Matthew 25:46 explain the reality of judgment The futility of trying to cheat death vs. the promise of resurrection through Jesus John 5:24, John 8:51, John 11:25-26: Belief in Christ ensures victory over death Reflection: Do you know where you will spend eternity? 💬 Join the Conversation Have you considered how sudden tragedies point to the hope we have in Jesus? How does trusting Him change the way you live today? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #EternalLife #TrustInJesus #ChristianHope #SalvationInChrist to encourage others to embrace the gift of eternal life. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Why Tragedies Lead Us to Eternity  By Lynette Kittle  “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”--2 Corinthians 2:15-16  Our nation has witnessed some horrific tragedies including fiery plane crashes, destructive fires, devastating floods, explosive tornadoes, and more. In all of these, we’ve witnessed individuals’ lives end in an instant, with no prior warning, leaving this world in a moment’s notice and headed for eternity. Christians whose loved ones pass away have the hope of seeing them again, in eternity. But to those who don’t believe and haven’t accepted Christ as their Savior, there is no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, explains, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” The Good News is that Jesus has tasted death for us, so we don’t have to, and those who perish knowing Christ, move from life to life, walking into their new forever lives in a second. Hebrews 2:9 explains, “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Bystanders to Tragedies Can Still Choose Being witnesses and bystanders to these tragedies leads us to eternity. Even if we don’t know those who are leaving this earth, their passing lives remind us that we need to be ready for it.  Some individuals aren’t worried about dying, believing that their lives will just cease to exist at death, an eternal oblivion. But life continues after physical death, whether we accept Christ or not, our life will continue eternally. It’s just a matter of where we choose to live it. Daniel 12:2 describes what is to come: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” In Matthew 25:46, Jesus describes what happens, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Cheaters Never Win Others believe they can cheat death and live forever, hard at work trying to stop it from happening to them. But Hebrews 9:27 says it’s appointed unto each man to die once, so humans on earth are wasting their resources, time, and efforts trying to escape death.   As the Scripture explains, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” But Jesus gives us a free pass from death and all we have to do is to accept His gift of eternal life, but if we reject it, then we’re on our own.  As 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 explains, “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Scripture makes it very clear, explaining over-and-over again how it works. Jesus said in John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” Again, in John 8:51, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys My word will never see death.” How much more clear could He make it, saying yet again in John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” So the question for us to answer today is, “Do we believe?” If so, then we don’t have to worry or be concerned about sudden danger, tragedy, and death because our eternity is already settled. We are ready for eternity without a moment’s notice. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you should die today, or tomorrow, or next week, do you know where you will spend eternity? If not, you can settle your eternal destination right now, by receiving Jesus’ gift of Salvation, received through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. Further Reading: How Do We Tell Others About Christ? https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/how-do-we-tell-others-about-christ.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Obeying God rather than man is one of the most vital choices in the Christian life. Acts 5:29 reminds us, “We must obey God rather than human beings!”—a truth that calls believers to stand firm in faith, walk in obedience, and trust God’s authority above cultural pressures or human approval. In It Is Better to Obey God Than to Obey Man by Vivian Bricker, we explore why obedience flows from love, how fear is replaced by faith, and why following God leads to freedom, joy, and spiritual growth. This episode is perfect for listeners seeking encouragement in Christian living, strength to resist temptation, and clarity on what it means to obey God daily. ✨ Highlights Acts 5:29: Peter and the apostles boldly declare obedience to God over people Why fear of man fades when we trust in God’s love and protection (Psalm 118:6) Obedience rooted in love, not fear—John 14:15 and God’s heart for His children Practical encouragement for standing firm when pressured by others The dangers of obeying man over God and drifting away spiritually How submitting to God brings true joy, freedom, and a stronger relationship with Him 💬 Join the Conversation Who are you obeying—God or man? How can you live out obedience to God in your daily choices with courage and joy? Share your reflections with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ObeyGodNotMan #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction to encourage others to walk boldly in obedience to the Lord. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: It Is Better to Obey God Than to Obey Man By: Vivian Bricker “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29).  Each day, we have the choice of whether we will obey God or obey man. Many of us are fearful of other humans, but in truth, we shouldn’t be afraid of them. May we all echo the words of the psalmist, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). Rather than being afraid, we can live freely in obedience to God.   Many believe this means we should be afraid of God, but this isn’t what God wants. He doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him. He wants us to respect Him, obey Him, and love Him.  Fear doesn’t last, but love always does. If we genuinely love God, we will obey Him (John 14:15). Our hearts will be devoted to God alone, and we won’t have a desire to obey man over God’s commands. Living in obedience to Him will bring about our greatest good. Walking in obedience to God is based on love and His work in our lives. It can take some time to walk in obedience with the Lord fully; however, as long as we are trying to walk according to Him, we are going in the right direction. We will never be perfect, so we will all still continue to sin throughout our lives; however, our lives will change when we actively choose to obey God rather than man. Whenever we are faced with the decision of obeying God or going along with whatever a person tells us to do, we need to stand our ground. While we don’t need to be angry or hostile to others, we need to stand up for the Lord and remain faithful to Him. If we choose to obey mankind over God, we will fall into many temptations and sins. Submitting to them and treating them as our ultimate authority will only lead us further away from God. This alone can drastically affect our relationship with the Lord. Rather than growing in our relationship with Him, we will drift away with the world. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29). As believers, we need to follow what Peter and the apostles say here: first and foremost, we must obey God. There is no reason for us to obey humans if they are not in agreement with the Bible. Obeying God is not a chore or something to dread. Everything He has taught us in the Bible is to help us. God isn’t a killjoy or a malevolent ruler who wants to control us. Instead, He is our loving, caring, and kind Father who wants the best for us. Submitting to Him and obeying Him will help us have more joyful lives. Who are you obeying: God or man? How might you start obeying God rather than man? How can you keep yourself accountable for walking in obedience with God rather than the world?  Further Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22 Proverbs 3:5-6 Luke 6:46-49 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.