The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

In this devotional, Hannah Benson reminds us of a timeless truth: God sees you. Even when prayers seem unanswered, and our hearts feel weary, the Lord’s eyes are always on us. Through personal testimony and Scripture, Hannah shares how God gently reminded her of His presence in a moment of deep discouragement. Just as He revealed Himself to Hagar in the wilderness and heard Hannah’s cries in the temple, God is attentive to your life, your struggles, and your desires. Highlights God Sees You: Encouragement from Genesis 16:13 and the story of Hagar’s encounter with “El Roi.” When Prayers Feel Unanswered: Why God’s timing and responses—whether yes, no, or not yet—can still be trusted. Hannah’s Story: Biblical assurance that God hears and knows the desires of your heart. The Power of Obedience: How a simple note from a friend became a divine reminder of God’s care. Practical Encouragement: Be willing to follow the Spirit’s prompting—your act of obedience could be someone else’s answered prayer. Join the Conversation Have you ever had a moment where God reminded you that He sees you—maybe through Scripture, prayer, or even a word from a friend? Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #GodSeesYou. Your testimony could encourage someone else who is wondering the same question today: “Lord, do You see me?” 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Sees You A devotional by Hannah Benson ““So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Genesis 16:13 (ESV) Have you ever wondered if God sees you? Scripture clearly tells us He does, but being a fallible human, sometimes, we may struggle to know this truth deep within our hearts. Recently, I’ve wrestled with this question. I’ve been praying the same prayer for months and not yet seen a breakthrough. To this day, I don’t know how the Lord will answer. Perhaps it will be a yes. Perhaps it is a no. Perhaps He is speaking and saying not yet. Even if the answer is different than I hope, I trust that His plan is good. As a result, I’ve found myself spiritually on my knees. Crying out to God. “Do You hear me?” “Do You see me?” “Why won’t You bless me with what I want?” Later that week, I was at a rehearsal for a show I’m in. For years, I’ve been part of a biblical theater ministry that often feels more like church than a regular drama troupe. Prayer, worship, fellowship, and exercises in hearing the Holy Spirit often occupy our gatherings, especially in the weeks leading up to the performances. That night, several of us gathered in a room with pencils and strips of paper, listening to worship music and spending time with the Lord. We were encouraged to write notes as the Holy Spirit led, to write words of encouragement to our fellow cast members if God whispered something to our hearts. I received a note with a message that spoke directly into what I was going through and was exactly what I needed to hear. “God sees you. He knows.” Inside, I wept. The person who wrote the note had never heard the deepest prayers of my heart—those were between God and I. But God had impressed on her heart exactly what I needed to hear. Instantly, God reminded me of Hagar’s story in the Bible. When she’d been exiled from her home and she wandered in the wilderness, God revealed Himself to her. With joy, she exclaimed: “You are a God of seeing!” aptly calling Him “El Roi,” “the God Who sees me.” I also remembered Hannah’s story. When she cried out to God, her heart and arms empty and barren, her prayers weren’t in vain. He heard her, and He knew the desires of her heart. No matter what happens, I am reminded that God sees me, and He knows the desires of my heart. INTERSECTING FAITH & LIFE God speaks in the whispers, in the wind, sometimes in the quiet subtle moments in life that we may not even realize it’s the Lord speaking. In this particular case, He used a friend of mine who followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and may not have even realized the significance of her obedience in that moment. She didn’t “need” to write that note. What if she’d said “No”? What if she’d thought the prompting crazy and ignored the nudge? God is sovereign and certainly could’ve spoken to me in other ways, yes. After all, the most important way we hear from God is through His Word. But I for one am so thankful my friend followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Let this be an encouragement to you today: obey the voice of the Lord. If God calls you to encourage someone, do it because you never know the impact your obedience may have on their life. It might even sound crazy. Maybe it doesn’t make sense, but honestly, if it’s a word of encouragement, you can hardly go wrong. How might God want you to encourage someone today? Please note: Any word we receive should be tested against Scripture to ensure it aligns with God’s truth. Promptings should never contradict God’s Word, and wise counsel can help us discern them. PRAY WITH ME Dear Father God, thank You for these reminders that You see me. You know me, and You know the desires of my heart. Please help me to be brave and share the love of Jesus with others around me. Please help me to make it a daily habit of encouraging others, even if it sounds crazy or strange to me at times. Thank You for Your love, for Your Word, and the way You also use others in my life to speak to me as well. Please help me to be that person for someone else. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Megan J. Conner reminds us that even in our deepest trials, God is at work revealing Himself to us. Drawing from the story of Job, she explores how suffering—though painful and bewildering—can lead to a greater understanding of God’s majesty, faithfulness, and love. True blessing isn’t always the resolution we hope for, but the unveiling of God’s presence in our lives. ✨ Highlights How suffering can draw us closer to God and fortify our faith Job’s story as a model for lament, honesty, and perseverance in hardship The “unveiled blessing”: seeing God more fully through trials Biblical encouragement to trust God even when life seems unendurable Scriptures for reflection: Job 42:1-6, Rom. 5:3-5, Jer. 29:11 💬 Join the ConversationAre you navigating a season of trials or uncertainty? How has God revealed Himself to you in those moments? Share your story and encouragement with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #UnveiledBlessings. Your insight could give hope to someone walking through their own season of hardship. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Unveiled Blessings By Megan J. Conner “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you,” Job 42:5 (NIV) Have you ever found yourself in a season of deep despair? Perhaps you are there now. Where sorrow seems ceaseless and you feel as if you are learning the true meaning of “longsuffering.”  Often, when people are entrenched in hardships, the Book of Job is inevitably brought up. As someone who has spent the better part of twenty years walking through one unwelcome trial after another, I can confidently attest that while many want to reference Job as the biblical character synonymous with suffering, few have actually read the full account.  In our current generation, Job has become more of a cultural reference than a sage testimony of the deity, wisdom, and provision of God extended to those immersed in tragedy.  It is hard to read the Book of Job – I get it, I really do. Some of the dialogue can feel a bit archaic, even mystical. But the reality is, we avoid this book of the Bible because we don’t want to intimately witness that level of misery. As human’s we have an innate desire to avoid pain at all costs, even if the sufferer is someone other than ourselves. It makes us uncomfortable. We desire life, not death, joy rather than sorrow, and if we aren’t forced to face such circumstances, who would voluntarily look to enter into them?  While undesirable to our humanity, it is abundantly clear throughout the Bible that God employs hardships to fortify our faith and draw us closer to Him. Joseph did not inherit his prophesied role until after he endured over a decade of slavery and imprisonment, the claim to the Promised Land was only achieved on the other side of the battle, and freedom from sin and death was only accomplished by our Lord, Jesus Christ, on the other side of the cross. Despite the clear pattern, we think our lives should be filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness. Job struggled with similar sentiments. After losing his property, his livelihood, and all of his children, Job sat in a heap of ashes, scraping pus off sores covering his whole body, and crying out to God that he wished he had never been born. Though he was known as a man of faith, Job struggled to comprehend God’s good plan in any of this. And rightfully so… How many of us would have responded any differently? Pride and a desire for justice rose up in Job, and he even challenged God to defend His actions. Job’s declarations may seem bold (who is he to demand the God of the universe justify His actions), but when unimaginable tragedies ravage our lives and hearts, there is little we can do but wail, lament, and look for something… anything to blame for our heartache. Thankfully, God doesn’t turn away from us (or Job) when our pain screams louder than our logic. As a Good Father, God patiently allows Job to vent until there is nothing left to say. When Job finally stops talking, a full 38 chapters later, God does something completely unexpected. He reveals His majesty, omnipotence, and power to Job. When face-to-face with such glory, there is nothing left to refute. Job bows in humility; his entire outlook and heart forever changed. “Then Job replied to the LORD: ‘I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”  Job 42:1-6 (NIV). The story jumps ahead with an epilogue describing how the latter part of Job’s life was greater than the former. Many think this was Job’s reward for remaining true to the Lord in the midst of such misfortune. While those are all wonderful gifts bestowed upon Job, that was not the greatest blessing.  The greatest blessing was the unveiling. Like Saul as he is transformed into the Apostle Paul, the scales came off of Job’s eyes, and he was able to SEE God. Fully see Him, and know Him in a way that would not have been possible without enduring the unendurable.  If you find yourself in your own season of Job, may I encourage you to hold on. There is another side to the trial you are facing. And though it may not feel like it all at this moment, God IS working for your good and not your harm. May you like Job, be able to boldly declare, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you,” Job 42:5 (NIV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you struggling through unwelcome hardships? Are you besieged by doubts, maybe even desperation? If so, take a fresh look at the Book of Job and the additional scriptures provided today. I pray God opens your eyes to the true gift of suffering – the gift of Him.  Further Reading: Rom. 5:3-5 Jer. 29:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Alexis A. Goring reminds us that when we mess up, God meets us with compassion, grace, and mercy—not condemnation. Reflecting on a personal story from her time at Williams-Sonoma, Alexis draws a beautiful parallel to how God gently asks, “Are you okay?” before addressing our mistakes. Through Scripture and the inspiring song “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts, she highlights God’s enduring love and His desire to restore what feels broken. ✨ Highlights The power of compassion over condemnation when we make mistakes How God’s heart is like a caring friend who checks on us first (“Are you okay?”) Biblical assurance of God’s mercy and grace that renews every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) The hope found in Jesus Christ, the Savior who understands our pain and restores us A reminder that God can heal what we thought was permanently broken 💬 Join the ConversationHave you experienced God’s mercy in a moment when you felt broken or afraid? How has His grace helped you rebuild? Share your story and encouragement with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #MercyAndGrace. Your testimony might be the hope someone else needs today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts? Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/lgcjC9DEzTs?si=uYfH3MkQRxZqlfUL Full Transcript Below: Are You Okay? By: Alexis A. Goring “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy.”— Psalm 103:8 NASB Have you ever needed mercy, grace and compassion after making a mess?  When I worked for Williams-Sonoma—one of my favorite stores that sells kitchenware and home furnishings—I always treaded lightly and carefully around the store displays because most of the products for the kitchen and dining room areas were fragile. I didn’t want to accidentally bump into a display or drop anything while I cleaned it or arranged the products neatly on the shelf. Therefore, every moment on the sales floor was a guarded experience for me.  For the first few months as a sales associate at this store, I didn’t drop anything nor topple over a display of delicate items…until one day. I accidentally bumped into one of the wine glass displays and half of those fragile items crashed down to the floor and shattered into what looked like a million pieces. I was mortified and worried about losing my job. However, one of my colleagues who worked in the stockroom calmed me down when she came alongside me. Instead of being mad at me for making a big mess of expensive items that now had no value because they were permanently broken, she made eye contact with me and with a concerned expression on her face, she asked, “Are you okay?” In that moment, my mortification turned to relief because I felt like I was given grace despite feeling like a bull in a china shop who caused a catastrophe. Reflecting on that experience years later, I realized my colleague’s compassionate response was similar to the response God has for us when we mess up. He knows we’re going to make mistakes at least once in our lifetime because we’re flawed humans, mere mortals who are sinners by nature and always in need of a savior. And when Jesus Christ who is the Savior we all need, steps into our mess—even if it’s of our own making—He doesn’t immediately scold us, chastise us, blame us, condemn us or shame us. He looks us in the eye and says with a heart full of compassion, “Are you okay?” What a wonderful God we serve! He is willing to make sure we are okay before He deals with us according to our actions. He is a fair judge (Psalm 7:11) who gives us grace and mercy when needed (Psalm 86:13). Praise the Lord! This reminds me of the song “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts. The lyrics talk about how God knew everything about our world before He created it. His Presence hovered over the darkness as He spoke light and life into this world. He created mankind with great care all the while knowing that we would hurt His heart when we choose to disobey Him and sin. God also knew that living in a sin-sick world and being affected by the pain of it all would break our hearts. So, He put a plan in place to save our souls. God sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to save our lives (John 3:16-17). Thanks to Him, if we accept His free gift of salvation offered through Christ then have the hope of Heaven after the end of our life on Earth. I appreciate how Roberts sings about how good God is—He’s not just true but His heart for humankind is filled with a love that endures through the ages. He is powerful yet gentle. He is a Good Father to all of us. Roberts says how we need to realize that we are not the owners of our life, God is, and He paid a price to save us when He let His Son Jesus Christ die and experience separation from God for a few days before He was resurrected. Our Savior is alive and will never die again! We who follow Jesus Christ have this hope of knowing we serve a Risen Savior who understands our pain and empathizes with the plight of humans on this planet. When we make mistakes and ask Him to forgive us, He covers us with His grace. The Bible says His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Therefore, when we make a mess—and God knows that as humans, we will—we don’t need to panic or be afraid of facing unjust punishment. Instead, we need to turn to our merciful Savior and let Him help us make things right. God loves us with all His Heart. He’ll always check our hearts to see if we are okay before He deals with our mistakes. This is not an excuse to take advantage of His kindness; it is an opportunity to allow God’s love to transform our heart, overflow in our life so that people see Him in us, and to let His grace cover our mistakes.  God can restore anyone and anything if we let Him—including what we thought was permanently broken.  Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know that we have access to the Savior of the world who can help us piece our life back together when we make a mess or fall apart? How does it feel to know God’s love for you endures forever? Further Reading: Psalm 136 John 14:23 1 Peter 5:10 Romans 15:13 Psalm 103:11-12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deidre Braley, an insightful author and speaker, explores the intersection of faith and learning. She emphasizes how expanding our knowledge of God can be a powerful act of worship. Deidre shares personal anecdotes, highlighting the fear of new perspectives among Christians. She encourages asking tough questions to deepen faith, reassured by scripture's guidance. Practical tips for engaging with scripture and valuable resources like The Bible Project are discussed, making the pursuit of understanding both enriching and rewarding.

Megan J. Conner invites us to confront the fears and anxieties we often harbor around money and control. Drawing from her personal journey and key scriptures like Hebrews 13:5 and Philippians 4:19, she challenges us to shift our trust from financial security to God’s faithful provision. This devotional gently reminds us that money itself isn’t evil—our hearts and priorities matter most. Through surrender and faith, Megan shows how we can find peace and contentment even amid economic uncertainty. ✨ Highlights Why money is a tool, not the enemy, when used with the right heart How financial fear often signals a deeper trust issue with God Megan’s personal struggle with anxiety and the breakthrough found in surrender Scriptural promises to anchor your faith in God’s provision and care Practical step: physically “surrender” your financial worries through journaling and prayer 💬 Join the Conversation Are financial fears stealing your peace? How have you learned to trust God over your bank account? Share your story or a scripture that helped you surrender control. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithInFinances to encourage others wrestling with the same challenges. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Faith in Finances By Megan J. Conner “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 (NIV) Faith in finances is a tough topic to tackle, but is one I have felt the Lord revealing and refining in my own life for the last several years. While it is not always the most comfortable subject, I pray you hang in with me as we both take a deeper dive into what scripture says about our faith, our hearts, and our relationship with the almighty dollar bill. First, I would like to dispel the myth that money is bad, especially for Christians. The truth is, money is part of our worldly systems and even Jesus understood its role in the earthly realm (see Matt. 22:15-21). We exchange our labor for finances that provide us the means to put a roof over our heads, clothes upon our bodies, and food in our bellies. Money in and of itself is not evil. On the contrary, it can be a powerful tool for the Kingdom of God when used properly. The issue with money is not its existence; it is our hearts. I never was one who thought I had an unhealthy relationship with finances. My family made much out of the little both of my educator parents brought in growing up, and my husband and I have seen various seasons of plenty and seasons of want, yet we have maintained gratitude and even generosity towards others regardless of how much surplus (or lack thereof) there was in the pocket book. However, all of that changed for me after 2020.  Our family owns a business that employs a significant number of people.  People who represent families, ours included. We aren’t big, but we aren’t small either. We work hard day in and day out in a challenging industry and have always found a way to persevere through any obstacle. Despite our track record of God always making a way when there seemed to be no way, the economic challenges that arose in 2021 and beyond shook me to my core, literally. I had never experienced fear over finances the way I did these last few years. I struggled with anxiety. I was consumed by fear. In an attempt to “fix” it all, I worked more hours, dug deeper, and clenched my fists tighter around any and every attempt to control fiscal outcomes.  Realizing I was completely off balance, I repented before the Lord and humbly asked Him to set me free from this fear that had begun to control my whole life. The key to my freedom was TRUST.  Without my even realizing, I had stopped believing that my Heavenly Father was a trustworthy caretaker.  The issue wasn’t the economic challenges.  I simply had stopped trusting the Lord. At the root of all fear is a lack of trust in the Lord, in His goodness, and in His assured provision. God promises He will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). He is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things at all times, we have all that we need (2 Cor. 9:8). He also reminds us that He clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air. How much more will He then provide for us (Matt 6:25-34)? If you, like me, find yourself struggling for control over your financial situation, may I encourage you to step out in faith, to let go and let God? For the last two years, I have been on a journey of surrendering this burden each and every day. As I have recited scripture, prayed, and literally laid each monetary care at His feet one by one, I have discovered immense freedom and peace. The same is possible for you. We can keep our “… lives free from the love of money and be content with what we [you] have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 (NIV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you fearful of your financial situation? Are you losing sleep, hustling hard, or grasping for control to ensure you have what you think you need? If that is you, I encourage you to start a daily activity where you physically “surrender” your cares to the Lord as they arise in your heart and mind. Each time you feel that twinge of fear over a financial circumstance, write it in your journal or on a notecard. Then, put it away. Each time that same worry re-emerges, remind yourself that you gave that one to the Lord. It is in His hands and is not yours to pick up again. Further Reading: Phil. 4:19 Matt 6:25-34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful testimony, Michelle shares a journey through anxiety and panic attacks, highlighting God’s healing, sovereignty, and grace. Despite the struggle and moments of doubt, God’s goodness prevailed—restoring not only health but also a flourishing writing ministry. The piece challenges us to focus on God’s blessings rather than our hardships and encourages sharing our stories as living proof of hope found in Him. ✨ Highlights Battling anxiety and panic attacks, and the impact on ministry and career God’s healing power and the unexpected blessing of restored purpose Choosing to focus on God’s goodness instead of pain or rejection Using personal testimony as a platform to normalize mental health and share hope The importance of being prepared to give a reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) Practical encouragement: journal your blessings and practice sharing your testimony 💬 Join the Conversation When was the last time you shared your story of God’s goodness? What part of your testimony shines the brightest with hope? Join the conversation by sharing your story with #GodsGloryStory or tag @LifeAudioNetwork to encourage others to see God’s work in their lives. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let Your Story Be God’s Glory “Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 In the year 2020, I battled anxiety. These experiences with anxiety turned into rounds of panic attacks I couldn’t control. After getting help from psychiatrists and being prescribed medication, I was officially diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. After the diagnosis, I was distraught. I felt as if I would never be able to function normally again. Not only this, but I felt like my writing career was over. Because I couldn't function normally due to those waves of panic attacks, I felt as if I would never write again. However, God, in His sovereignty and goodness, allowed me not only to write again but also to become very successful in my career. As a guest on various podcasts, I always attest to God's goodness during this time in my life. Although many people understood my situation and either struggled with it themselves or had loved ones who struggled with mental disorders, there were a few who were not so understanding. They tried to leverage their knowledge of this disorder as an opportunity to get me out of ministry. Instead of focusing on the tremendous pain and trauma these people put me through, I chose to focus on the positive.  There are so many ways in which God has not only healed me emotionally from this disorder, but he has also allowed me to use it as a platform to normalize mental health. A Christian’s obligation is to be supportive and compassionate to sufferers of this disorder. Whenever people ask me how I can continue in my writing and ministry, I simply answer that God is good.  My ability to look on the positives and focus on God's goodness is a reminder that the above verse is crucial for us to live out in our lives. When life looks bleak, it is easy for unbelievers to look on the painful side of things. It's easier for them to become full of despair and hopeless that anything will ever work out.  However, they are looking to Christians for hope and understanding. They want to know that God is not only real but also sovereign and can turn even the most difficult situations around, providing hope and encouragement for us.  In this way, I believe I am giving people a reason for the hope I have. I have hope because I have God. I've seen him open doors and work so many wonderful things out in my life. Not only do I understand this, but I also feel that my blessings are from Him, knowing that I'm a completely different person than I was five years ago. That is all thanks to God's mercy and grace in my life.  Is there a situation in your life where you have hope, even though it wasn't something you thought you should have any? When you testify to God's goodness, what do you say? Do you choose to focus on the ways God has let you down or disappointed you? Do you choose to instead focus on the ways God has bestowed his grace and mercy on your life?  The way we testify to God's goodness is an example of our testimony. The more we focus on God's blessings and our ability to work despite our weaknesses, the more light is shed on God's character of using our weaknesses to turn negative situations into positive ones through his strength. People need to hear about God and who he is. There is no better way to do that than through our testimonies. Think about the ways God has been good to you. Get a journal and write these things down. When we choose to focus on the positives and count our blessings, we will find that journal pages fill up quickly with all the ways God has been good. Take a couple of those and practice telling your testimony to others. Allow it to be a stepping stone to sharing the gospel with those who do not know him. Father, let us be people who focus on how you have blessed us rather than on our losses or grief. Help us to use our stories as a testimony to who you are and your presence in our lives. Help us to give a reason for the hope we have, and help us to know that the reason we have hope is because of you. Amen.  Intersecting Faith and Life When is the last time you shared your story with someone? What did you say about God’s role in that story? Further Reading Psalm 75:1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

we learn to approach the Bible with a fresh question: “What does this story reveal about God?” Rather than simply asking how Scripture applies to us personally, this lens helps us see God’s character shining through even in stories of human failure. From Adam and Eve’s exile to Cain’s punishment, God’s consistent compassion and provision stand out—clothing, protecting, and covering His people despite their sin. This understanding invites us to trust God’s faithful, loving nature and approach Him with confidence, even when we’ve messed up. ✨ Highlights The transformative question: “What does this reveal about God?” changes how we read Scripture Examples of God’s love and provision despite sin: Clothing Adam and Eve after their exile (Genesis 3:21) Marking Cain for protection after killing Abel (Genesis 4:15) God’s justice balanced with compassion—He allows consequences but continues to care and cover Encouragement to bring this understanding into your personal faith journey—God’s character hasn’t changed 💬 Join the Conversation How has shifting your focus to God’s character in Scripture changed your reading or faith? Can you recall a time when you felt covered by God’s compassion despite your mistakes? Share your insights and experiences with the hashtag #WindowIntoGodsHeart or tag @LifeAudioNetwork so others can be encouraged by your story. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: How to Read Scripture as a Window Into God’s Heart: Ask, “What Does This Story Reveal About God?”  2 Timothy 2:13: …if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.  As my professor Dr. Dan Lowery often says, “Remember—the Scriptures were written for you, but they were not written to you.” In other words, it is not always helpful to read a passage from the Bible and think, “Oh, this is about me.” Perhaps a better approach is to ask the question, “What does this reveal about God?”  Since learning to ask this question, I haven’t been able to read the Bible in the same way again. It has helped me to notice how God’s actions consistently reveal the essence of his character to be Love.  A beautiful example of this can be found in the stories of the first humans on Earth, each of whose sins we can likely recall with ease. First, we read about Adam and Eve, who disobeyed God and ate fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and then there is the story of Cain, who killed his brother Abel out of jealousy.  But when we look away from their sin and zero in on God’s role in these stories, we notice something remarkable: in both instances, the characters do experience consequences as a result of their sins—but God also provides for them in unconditionally loving, and even surprising, ways. This is a moment when it makes sense to ask that good question we talked about: “What does this reveal about who God is?”  When Adam and Eve are sent from Eden after eating from the tree, the author of Genesis makes sure to point out an important detail. Though they had become aware of their nakedness only after eating the fruit—the shame a direct result of their sin—God didn’t send them out of the Garden that way. Genesis tells us that “...the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them” (3:21).  And in the next chapter, when Cain kills his brother Abel and tells God that his punishment of being a fugitive and wanderer on the Earth is too great, God once again offers a covering of protection; Genesis says that “...the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him” (4:15).  What does this reveal about God? That even when his people sin against him and consequences are necessary and just, he does not stop providing for them. He does not stop caring about them. He is compassionate and covers them even still. Intersecting Faith & Life  Once we learn to approach Scripture through the lens of this question, “What does this reveal about God?” we can then ask another good and important question: “How does this understanding about God impact how I relate with him?”  In these cases, we see that even after humans royally mess up, God is good, and loving, and faithful. Even when their sins have consequences (all actions do!), God makes sure to cover them with his provision. Knowing this, we can begin to work this understanding into the fabric of our own faith, because God never changes. Who he was then, he still is today. That means that when we mess up—even when we are consumed with shame—God still loves us, and wants to cover us in that love. We can be confident as we approach him in repentance, knowing that he cares for us, even now. Isn’t it such a relief to have these stories as evidences of God’s good character?  Further Reading  Here are other stories of God’s faithfulness despite his people’s sins:  When he provides for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16-17)  When he restores relationship with David after he commits adultery/murder and allows Bathsheba to bear a son (2 Samuel 12)  The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Megan J. Conner reminds us of the incredible truth that the Creator of the universe calls us His own. Through Scripture like 1 John 3:1 and Romans 8:17, we’re invited to embrace our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. This devotional explores God’s intentional design for relationship, His relentless pursuit to reconcile us through Christ, and His promise of an eternal inheritance. Whether you’ve struggled with feelings of unworthiness or wrestled with viewing God as a loving Father, this message will help you rest in His unconditional, everlasting love. ✨ Highlights The biblical foundation for belonging in God’s family (1 John 3:1, Gen. 2:18) How God’s love restores intimacy broken by sin through Jesus’ sacrifice Our inheritance as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) Encouragement for those whose earthly relationships make trusting God difficult Key verses affirming God’s faithfulness and unconditional love (Jer. 31:3, Rom. 5:8, 1 John 4:16, John 3:16) 💬 Join the Conversation Do you believe you are a child of God? What helps you rest in that truth when doubt creeps in? Share your story or a Scripture that reminds you of your place in His family. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChildOfGodFaith to encourage others to embrace their God-given identity. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Children of God By Megan J. Conner “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) It can be so easy to feel lost, isolated, or even abandoned in today’s world. The pressures of life, the unrealistic expectations we place upon ourselves, the burdens placed upon us by others, and the challenges and brokenness often present in our relationships can cause us to retreat inward, feeling like the only way forward is to go it alone. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. While all relationships will be imperfect as they are composed of fallible human beings, the need for companionship and belonging in a family unit is part of God’s divine design.  From the very beginning, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone.  “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him,” (Gen. 2:18, NIV). God intentionally placed us in relationships with others for our good. However, He didn’t stop there. He intended for us to be His children. The Creator of the universe desired to be our Heavenly Father. How unfathomable is that? However, similar to our human relationships, which can often be filled with distance or turmoil, intimacy with our Heavenly Father was separated by sin. This occurred originally in the Garden of Eden through Adam and Eve, but remains present in each one of our tainted hearts.  Again, unwilling to settle for separation from those He loves, God lavished love upon us by sending His one and only Son to pay the penalty for our transgressions so that we might be reconciled to God. Taking it even one step further, our Good Father didn’t just want reconnection with us, He invites us into His affections and inheritance as children of God.  “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,” (Rom. 8:17, NIV). We have been brought into the fold, redeemed, and are treasured as children of the Living God. We will inherit His Kingdom just like a prince or princess would through their royal lineage. That is how valuable you personally are to Him. Sometimes, our earthly relationships with parents or caretakers affect our ability to open our hearts to our Heavenly Father. Again, human relationships are messy and can be fraught with difficulty or disappointment. But, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num 23:19, NIV). He assures us over and over again in His Word of His faithfulness and unending affection towards us. The Bible states: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  Jer. 31:3 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8 (NIV) “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) These scriptures and more assure us of our Heavenly Father’s patient and everlasting love for each one of us. We truly are children of God. What a Good Father He is to us.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you believe you are a child of God? Why or why not? If you struggle with accepting this reality, are you able to pinpoint a specific cause of your mistrust? Even those of us who are able to comprehend God’s fathership, can still struggle to feel worthy enough to be called a child of God. If that is you today, may I remind you that His love for you is not conditional. It is not based on performance. You do not need to earn it. You don’t have to be good enough.  So today, wherever you find yourself, I pray you open your heart to your Heavenly Father and receive the abundant love that He is pouring out over you. Further Reading: 1 John 4:7-21 Rom. 5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In All Things Take Time to Grow, we’re reminded that God’s timing is always perfect—even when it feels slow to us. Drawing lessons from the towering California redwoods and the patience of farmers, this devotional encourages believers to trust the Master Gardener as He works in our lives. Using Scripture from Habakkuk 2:3, 1 Corinthians 3:6, and Galatians 6:9, it challenges us to remain faithful, patient, and confident that the harvest will come in His appointed time. ✨ Highlights Why growth in God’s timing is never truly slow, even when it feels delayed Lessons from California redwoods and the patience required for deep spiritual roots The danger of prematurely harvesting blessings before God’s appointed season Encouragement from Habakkuk 2:3 and Galatians 6:9 to persevere in faith Remembering that God gives the growth, not our own striving 💬 Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God asked you to wait? Share how trusting His timing changed your perspective. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #TrustGodsTiming to encourage others who are learning to wait patiently for His perfect plan. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: All Things Take Time To Grow Trusting God When Growth Seems Slow Have you ever seen a California redwood, proudly standing hundreds of feet tall? I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing one in person myself, but I’ve had friends who’ve visited California tell me of their magnificence and share pictures with me. Admittedly, I don’t know much about redwoods—or any kind of tree for that matter—but I know enough to know that those trees didn’t just grow overnight. Some of the tallest redwoods in the world have been around for hundreds or thousands of years, and while they’re beautiful and unrivaled in their magnificence, they didn’t just appear that way. They had to grow, and their growth took time. If there’s one thing the Lord has been cultivating in me lately, it’s the idea that all things—not just redwoods—take time. I can naturally be an impatient person and want to see growth or the fruit of my labor now. But as the Lord said in Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV), “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” God, being sovereign, no doubt knew that His people would struggle and yearn to rush His timing. But notice Scripture says, “if it seems slow” not “if it is slow”. God’s plans for growth in our lives are never slow even if they seem so. Like a tree that grows so tall after years of growth, so all things take time in our lives. When we plant vegetables or flowers, we don’t expect to reap the fruits of our labor the next day. Why? Because we know growth takes time. We must nurture the plant and patiently wait for change to occur. Why then do we not trust the Master Gardener, knowing His work in our lives will grow in due time? As vegetables or flowers in a summer garden take time, it also takes the right environment for them to grow. You can’t plant a pumpkin patch in the middle of winter and expect anything to grow. You also can’t prematurely harvest something that’s not ready to be picked. Farmers know the right time to harvest the fruits of their labor, and so does God. As Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV). When it comes to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others or growing a ministry or business, the only thing we can do is be faithful with what has been entrusted to us and trust God will give the growth as He sees fit. And if growth comes, it’s vital for us to remember Who gave the growth. Intersecting Faith & Life I’ll be the first to admit that waiting isn’t easy. I would rather see growth now than wait patiently, but prematurely harvesting in our timing will only lead to unripe produce. As difficult as it is to wait, we must trust the Gardener and believe the harvest, when it comes in His timing, will be better than if we were to “pick the produce” prematurely. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV). Do you believe this promise? At the right time, we shall reap the rewards and blessings of obedience if we remain faithful and do not give up. With reassurance like that, I’m encouraged to trust, wait, and be patient knowing growth in God’s timing is better than growth in my own timing. Are you? Pray With Me: Dear Father, thank You for this reminder that all things take time to grow. I know I can get impatient often, wanting what I want when I want it. Please help me to trust You, knowing You have my best interests at heart. Even when it’s hard to believe sometimes, help me to remember that growth is never slow even if it seems so. I don’t have to fear falling behind because if I’m following You, there is no such thing. I know I’m right where I’m meant to be. Thank You. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a culture overloaded with noise and distraction, The Crosswalk Devotional: Being Silent with Jesus invites you into the sacred practice of stillness. Kyle Norman reflects on Jesus' habit of withdrawing to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16) and challenges us to do the same. Drawing from personal insight, biblical examples, and modern parallels like the show Alone, this devotional explores how spiritual silence opens us to hear God's voice and deepen our relationship with Him. If even Jesus needed time away from the crowds to reconnect with the Father, shouldn’t we also make space for solitude and spiritual renewal? ✨ Highlights Why silence and solitude are vital for spiritual growth How Jesus modeled a life of intentional quiet time with God The emotional and spiritual transformation that comes through being still Practical ways to cultivate a quiet heart in a noisy world Encouragement to stop striving for answers and start simply being with Jesus 💬 Join the Conversation What does silence with Jesus look like in your life? How have you created moments of stillness to hear from God? Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and share your story using #SilentWithJesus to encourage others to pursue quiet time with Him. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Being silent with Jesus Written and Read by Kyle Norman. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray” (Luke 5:16) There is a popular television show that my family enjoys watching. It is titled “Alone.” The premise is simple.  Several survivalists and outdoorsy types are dropped off in the middle of the wilderness, alone.  With no resources beyond what is on their backs, they must build a shelter, establish a supply of food, and get ready for the upcoming winter. There is no camera crew or support staff, they record their own journey.  The one who lasts longest wins a pile of money. What I find fascinating about this program is the emotional and spiritual journey that each contestant goes on. The utter silence of their surroundings eventually moves inward, and many begin to wrestle with issues such as identity, purpose, or value.  Many people end up leaving early, on their own volition, concluding that deep satisfaction in their lives can’t be found in prize money or competition wins. The bible talks a lot about silence. Elijah stands at the mouth of Horeb and hears the Lord in the sound of silence (1Kings 19:12) the Psalmist calls God’s people to be silent before him; (Psalm 62) Jesus invited the weary disciples to “come away to lonely place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31) Silence is a way to quiet the clamour of the frenetic world so that we can inwardly turn to that which is most important, most life giving.  In silence, we meet the presence of the Lord who surrounds us each day, but for whom the frenzy of the world too often distracts us.   Cultivating this silent fellowship with the Lord is vitally important for a healthy spiritual life. Even Jesus himself cultivate this practice.  Scripture tells us that Jesus would often withdraw to lonely places to pray.  He did this frequently, often to the dismay of the disciples who were too concerned with what next might be on the agenda.  Jesus, however, was never driven by the list of tasks or demands before him; he followed not societal pressures of fame or prestige; Jesus walked with the heavenly Father, and he walked with the Spirit.  And even though he was God incarnate, he still needed to step away from the noise of the world to listen to the voice of the Father, and to breath in the Spirit deeply. If this is something that Jesus felt the need to do for his human life, shouldn’t this be something that we cultivate as well?  When is the last time that you cultivated a time of silent communion with the Lord? When is the last time that you turned off all the electronic devices in your midst, stepped away from the computer or television, and simply sat with Jesus.   Ultimately, silence is more an internal quality than an outward reality. It is defined by what we are invited into, what we receive from the Lord, not about what we abstain from. Turning off the television, putting down the phone, and sitting in the absence of noise isn’t enough. We must actively open ourselves to the presence of Jesus in our midst.  We seek him more than anything else. See, the purpose of silence is not to get anything out of the Lord; we seek not the answers to our questions – although that may come. We do not seek a particular mystical experience, although we may find ourselves enwrapped in one. The direction of our heart and our soul is simply to be with the one who is the lover of our soul, and our heart’s delight.  Silence is about being with Jesus.  Intersecting faith and life Exterior silence is rare today. Noise occurs all around us. Music is played in elevators and waiting rooms.  We hear it in the background of malls and restaurants.  Television and radios are played form the moment we wake to the second before we sleep. And in those moments when we do approach silence, too often we reach for earbuds or cellphones to fill up the space with noise.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  We can follow the example of our Lord, take up his invitation, and lean into time of silence. What is more, it really is not that difficult. All it takes is the willing desire to turn to Jesus instead of other things.  Instead of reaching for our phone the first moment we awake, we might allow ourselves to sit with Jesus over our morning coffee. No newspaper, no morning program, just the Lord.  Or we might do as Jesus did and physically walk away from that which was distracting. Might we take some this weekend to get away from others, so that we might be with the Lord in a deeper way? Cultivating silence doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does have to be intentional.  And while it may be uncomfortable at first, if we stick with it, it will transform our lives.  For further reading: Luke 10: 38-42 Psalm 62 How to seek God in silence and Solitude on crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.