The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Keri Eichberger shares a vulnerable reflection on enduring seasons of deep emotional and physical discomfort. From her father’s sudden brain hemorrhage to chronic scoliosis pain and financial strain, she wrestled with losing every worldly comfort—only to discover that the true source of peace and strength is found in God alone. Based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, this episode invites listeners to rethink where they turn when life unravels. ✨ Highlights: Real-life encouragement on trusting God in suffering Why worldly comfort fades but God’s comfort is eternal A reminder that God meets us in our pain, not just to rescue us, but to refine us A powerful call to seek comfort in God Himself—not just relief 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you experienced a time when everything felt like it was falling apart? We’d love to hear your story. Tag us @LifeAudioNetwork and share how God became your comfort using #FaithInTheFire. Your testimony might encourage someone else walking through the same valley. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Comfort We Long For By Keri Eichberger Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  I can clearly recall a moment last fall when I said out loud, with tear-filled eyes, I feel like God keeps stripping away comfort after comfort and I don’t understand why? Starting six months back I’d endured profound emotional discomfort through my Dad’s life-altering brain hemorrhage, an unexpected and detrimental loss of financial comfort, and then the loss of my best friend’s comforting companionship at home when my husband—who after five years of working remote—was called back into the office full-time and indefinitely. I literally felt like one thread at a time the comforts of my life were beginning to unravel beneath me.  I will thankfully say, through seasons of discomfort I had learned to understand two truths. One, that God didn’t promise comfort and ease in all situations and circumstances in life. In fact, he promised the opposite. And two, I understood that in our discomfort, God wants to remind us to look to him. So, though a bit slowly and reluctantly, I took heart in my confusion of adversity knowing this was part of the refining process that would lead to the blessings of a more resilient faith.  What has caused you discomfort? Have you had moments recently, or that you can remember, when you had comforts stripped away as well? Maybe something in your home surroundings shifted unfavorably, or you experienced a painfully stretching financial strain. Maybe you’ve dealt with the onset of a health or mental struggle that caused considerable difficulty. I bet you can recount many circumstances or memories of instances where you had to sort through and handle losses of comfort in your life. Personally, what I didn’t know last fall when I started to wear thin as the comforts kept crumbling, was that there was even more in store. Because a month later my scoliosis, which had been paired with manageable pain for years, finally passed the tip of tolerable and became debilitating to the point of surgery a few short months later.  But before I began to lash out at God once again for another layer of comfort peeled from my path, something struck me. I had been seeking comfort in all the wrong places. I had been blindly looking to the world for sufficiency and security. Sure, I understood that God never promised comfort from the world, and that he wanted me to rely on him for comfort. But he does not want me to seek him for the world‘s comforts. He wants me to seek him for him. For HIS comforts. Because he IS the comfort. And he is where I began to seek more and more of my comfort. He is where I am seeking my comfort today. And he is where I hope to continue to seek it. Him, who is our true source of comfort.      Intersecting Faith and Life: Where will you choose to seek comfort? The tough truth is, inevitably our years will deteriorate and our days will continue to contain discomfort. But the good news is this: When we truly understand, not only that worldly comfort is not promised here on Earth, but also that God is our true and only comfort, that is when we begin to truly seek him alone for the comfort for which we desire. And when we wholeheartedly seek him, we will find absolutely him, along with the true, lasting comfort of the soul we are all seeking, searching, and longing for.    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this relatable devotional inspired by Psalm 23:1, we're reminded that God is our shepherd—even in everyday frustrations like broken lawnmowers and unexpected expenses. When everything felt like it was falling apart, this family discovered how God provides in unexpected ways, using others to show His faithfulness. Whether you're facing financial stress, emotional weariness, or simply trying to make ends meet, this story encourages us to trust God to provide exactly what we need—right on time. ✨ Highlights: Psalm 23:1 meaning – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” God provides, even when the need feels small. Faith in hard times – God showed up through the kindness and integrity of others. God provides in unexpected ways – A broken mower became a reminder of His perfect timing and provision. Trusting God to provide – This story is a powerful example of relying on Him, even in the little things. Rest matters to God – Our physical and emotional needs are never overlooked by our Shepherd. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God’s unexpected provision? What “impossible” situation has He carried you through?Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #TrustTheShepherd—your testimony could be just what someone else needs to hear today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trust the Shepherd “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 Watching my husband spend endless hours cutting the lawn with a push mower each week after two weeks’ worth of torrential downpours, I knew it was time for a change. After working long hours, he had little time left for any recreation. Having to spend hours cutting the lawn and doing yard work was cutting into what little valuable free time he had left. “I think it's time to get a riding lawn mower,” I said. My husband had owned riding lawn mowers in the past but always got them used from social media sales markets. His luck had been less than stellar when it came to finding one that lasted. As he looked online, he found one that we could afford and felt it would last. He went over to the man's home, checked the motor, checked the gas, and took it for a spin. He was so happy he wouldn't have to spend long hours cutting the grass again. That was, until he started it up the following day. After one swipe around the yard, the engine started to race. He turned it off quickly, and a puff of white smoke came out of the end. As he lifted the motor cover, he quickly discovered a crack in the motor. An hour later, I went outside to find him pushing the push mower once again. My mind started racing with the thought of how we would find another riding lawnmower. After all, we had spent a few hundred dollars on this one, only to discover that it was broken after the first day. We certainly couldn't afford to get another riding lawn mower only to find it would do the same thing. My husband sat down next to me, dejected. “Why is my luck always like that?” he asked me. I tried to comfort him, but to no avail. Why was this happening to us? I asked him to contact the gentleman who sold it to him, and he let him know the situation. He got him in touch with the man who had serviced the lawn mower last fall. Before that, the owner had put it away for the winter. They worked out a deal, and the man was able to fix the mower and the motor under warranty.  The Bible promises us that God is our good shepherd. Shepherds lead and guide their flock. They don't leave them alone, as they are unable to find food or water. He leads them to good things because he is the ultimate provider. God knew the lawn mower would break. But he also provided a man of integrity who would promise to fix it under warranty. He could have easily refused or said it was too far past the service period, but the man, compassionate over my husband’s plight, chose to do the right thing and make it right. Not only had God provided a lawnmower, but He also provided a man who would honor his work. In today's world, where we live in a “you break it, you buy it” mentality, we thought we were sunk. We felt we'd wasted hundreds of dollars on a mower only to find that we'd have to buy another one. However, God, in his ultimate provision, not only provided us with a replacement but also provided a mechanic who would do his best to fix the problem.  It seemed like an impossible situation to us, but it was no match for God. He knew the situation before it even occurred. He also knew my heart was in the right place when I asked him to buy them or save him the effort. God honored both my good intentions and my husband's need for physical rest. Not only did we get a lawnmower we could afford, but also the work to ensure it would last a long time. What situation seems impossible to you? Have you given it over to God, confident that he will fix the situation in due time? Good shepherds never let their sheep go without their basic needs. Although a lawn mower is not a necessity, it is based on his tight work schedule. My husband's need for rest was enough for God to honor him with a machine that would help lighten his workload.  Give over whatever situation you have to God. Pray and ask Him to take care of the situation by providing for all your needs. As a good shepherd, he promises to provide for your every need.  Father, help us to entrust all our situations to you. Let us trust in you, knowing that you are a good shepherd. Allow us to trust your leadership and guidance in every situation. Let's ask for every need, trusting that you'll provide above and beyond what we could ever ask for. Amen.  Intersecting Faith and Life What situation do you need to give over to God? How can you pray to demonstrate your trust that God will provide for your needs? Further reading Matthew 6:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God to Guide Us Through Painful UnknownsWhen life feels like a dark, uncertain path, Isaiah 42:16 reminds us that we are never walking it alone. In this deeply personal devotional, Jennifer Slattery shares how God restored her marriage and led her and her husband through a season of brokenness they couldn’t fix on their own. Through Scripture and raw testimony, we’re reminded that God will guide you, even when the road ahead is unfamiliar and painful. His promises hold firm—even when we can’t see what’s next. ✨ Highlights: God lights the way in darkness – Isaiah 42:16 offers hope for those feeling lost or stuck. Faith in hard times leads to spiritual healing – God doesn’t just show the way, He walks with us. Healing in marriage is possible – Even toxic patterns can be restored by divine intervention. We don’t have to have it all figured out – Trusting God through uncertainty brings peace and direction. God’s promises are personal – He meets us in our pain and leads us forward with grace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt blind in a season of life? How has God led you when you couldn’t see the road ahead?Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #GuidedByHisGrace—your journey could be the light someone else needs. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Trusting God to Guide Us Through Painful Unknowns  by Jennifer Slattery I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;I will turn the darkness into light before them    and make the rough places smooth.These are the things I will do;    I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16, NIV) About five years into our marriage, my husband and I almost got divorced. Although love, strong and pure, had drawn us together, our mutual dysfunction nearly tore us apart. We didn’t actually want to end things. But neither did we want our toxic patterns to continue. The problem was, we didn’t know how to repair the mess and heal the hurt we created.  One night, while my husband was at work and our daughter asleep upstairs, I sat in our dark, silent living room, feeling so alone. Knowing what Scripture said about divorce, I concluded that the Lord wanted me to remain miserable for the rest of my life. I simply couldn’t imagine my husband’s and my relationship getting better.  Frustrated, I told the Lord, “Fine. I’ll stay, but You’ve got to do this for me, because I’m done.”  Although the prayer was more flippant than genuine, the Lord heard the unspoken cries of my heart—the pain, ache for connection, and flickering hope I’d buried in anger and “offense.” He saw the longing in our souls, the untended wounds and deception fueling our fights, and our ignorance when it came to building a healthy marriage.  We were walking blind, stumbling along a foggy, uneven road marred with potholes, boulders and detours. We needed God’s supernatural vision, His hand to remove the obstacles too heavy for us to maneuver, and His guidance for our long, difficult and uncertain journey.  In short, we needed Him to fulfill His promise recorded in today’s verse. The Lord originally spoke these comforting words, through a prophet, to the ancient Israelites during a dark period in their history. The people had rejected God to turn to idols, chose violence and oppression over integrity and love, and were seeking aid from a pagan nation rather than their ever-faithful Creator. The Lord warned them, for generations, of the judgment to come. But He also promised them forgiveness, transformation, and restoration through His “Faithful Servant”, the Messiah, His Son.  In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (NIV). He’s the One who illuminates every shadow lurking within our soul and who lovingly lights the path before us.  Intersecting Life and Faith The Lord knows we’re hopelessly blind. Spiritually ignorant. He also realizes we can’t correct our vision ourselves. And so, He met us in our self-destructing, deceived state to lead us to better. God Almighty remains intimately involved in the lives of His people. While He provided us with an extensive instruction manual through Scripture, He didn’t just drop a written guide on our doorsteps, dust off His hands, and say, “Job done. Now on to the next.” Instead, through Jesus, He moved toward us in the middle of our mess to show us the way out. Yes, today’s verse refers to salvation and the New Covenant Jesus instituted—a righteousness through faith rather than rule following. That was certainly an unfamiliar path, and a route to God His people didn’t expect. But He doesn’t stop guiding His children once they receive His gift of grace. He continues to lead us through life’s uncertainties. He lights up the path before us, removes barriers that don’t aid our transformation, and fills in the potholes that otherwise might trip us up.  He gives us everything we need to live the thriving, God-honoring life to which He calls us, inviting us to focus not on the uncertainties ahead but rather, our very next, divinely orchestrated step, trusting Him to clear the way before us.     Twenty-five years after that really hard season in my marriage, I can assure you that our God is faithful, and His ways are best. Next month, my husband and I celebrate our thirtieth anniversary, and we’re in a much healthier and happier place, thanks to all Christ has done in us and our relationship. While I don’t know what uncertainties you’re facing, or will encounter tomorrow, I do know this—God will faithfully guide you as well.  And there’s such peace in that. We don’t need to know every detour or fork in the road when we have unhindered access to our Father’s perfect vision through the Holy Spirit within us. Further Reading:  Psalm 32:8-11 Isaiah 30:21 Isaiah 58:11-12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life feels like a relentless heatwave—physically and spiritually—Psalm 23 offers more than poetic comfort; it offers divine renewal. In this devotional by Whitney Hopler, we’re reminded that God doesn’t just see our stress and exhaustion—He meets it with peace, stillness, and strength. Just like a good shepherd cares for his sheep, God refreshes your soul when you allow Him to lead you beside quiet waters. ✨ Highlights: God is your Shepherd – He provides, protects, and leads you with purpose. Spiritual renewal is available – Real rest comes not from a nap, but from God’s peace. Quiet waters = soul restoration – Make room for moments of prayer, nature, or Scripture that invite stillness. You lack nothing – Believing this frees you from stress and opens the door to lasting peace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Where do you go for rest when life feels overwhelming? How has God refreshed your soul lately?Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and share your story using #SoulRefreshedByGod so we can walk this journey together. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Will Refresh Your Soul By: Whitney Hopler  “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul...” – Psalm 23:1-3, NIV  The summer heat can be so relentless that it drains away my energy. Whenever I come back to my air-conditioned home after being outside during summer, I crave some refreshment, so I pour myself a cold glass of water as soon as possible. On summer evenings, I take showers in cool water for more refreshment. This physical refreshment often reminds me of another kind of refreshment I need regularly – refreshment for my soul. Just like I need to recover physically from the heat of hot weather, I need to recover spiritually from the heat of stress that accumulates in my life from lots of work and other demands.  Psalm 23 describes God as a shepherd who helps us get the rest we need, leads us beside quiet waters, and refreshes our souls. God makes it possible for us to enjoy the spiritual revival and renewal we all need.  Here’s how you can rely on God to refresh your soul:  Verse 1 says: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” When the Lord is your shepherd, he is guiding you, protecting you, and giving you what you need. Just like a good shepherd makes sure his sheep have what they need to thrive, God makes sure you have all that’s truly important for your well-being. When you really trust that God provides for your most important needs, a strong peace starts to settle in your soul, and that peace refreshes you from the inside out.  Verse 2 points out: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” In this busy world, it can be hard to really rest. You might take a break to sit on a couch to scroll on your phone, but real rest – the kind that makes your soul feel new again – often escapes you. God knows you need this rest. He encourages you to lie down. Your “green pastures” can be refreshing times of prayer and meditation, experiences enjoying God’s wonder in nature, or other kinds of breaks that refresh your soul.  The second part of verse 2 declares: “he leads me beside quiet waters.” Quiet, still waters are peaceful. When your mind is racing and your spirit is troubled, God offers you his peace, which is much stronger than any stress you’ll ever face. You can enjoy following God to “quiet waters” by focusing on God’s peaceful presence with you.  Finally, verse 3 begins by saying: “he refreshes my soul.” This is the wonderful result of God being your shepherd. When God refreshes your soul, he sends you the strength you need for what’s ahead in your life. God has unlimited strength, so he can empower you in every way you need fresh strength from him.  So, ask God to refresh your soul whenever you need that. Just like you look for a cool drink when you’re thirsty, you can turn to God when your soul is tired. You can pray, tell him you’re exhausted, and invite him to lead you to his green pastures and quiet waters. This summer, when you feel the heat and want to cool down physically, let it remind you to seek spiritual refreshment too. God, your good shepherd, is waiting to lead you and to refresh your soul in ways nothing and no one else can!  Intersecting Faith and Life As you consider how to rely on God to refresh your soul, reflect on these questions:  What are some stressful situations in your life that are making your soul feel drained right now? In what ways do you currently try to find rest or refreshment? Are those ways really helping you spiritually? How can you include some time in “green pastures” and “quiet waters” in your daily schedule? What does it mean to you personally to truly believe that “the LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing”? How can believing that help you manage stress and experience more peace in your life? What’s one action you can take this week to allow God to refresh your soul, based on Psalm 23? Further Reading  Matthew 11:28-30 Isaiah 40:31 Jeremiah 31:25 Psalm 19:7 Proverbs 11:25 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pain may be part of our lives, but so is the presence of a compassionate Savior. In The Healing Compassion of Jesus, Keri Eichberger shares a heartfelt devotional from Matthew 9:36 that reminds us we’re never left alone in our suffering. Jesus sees us, feels our pain, and meets us with deep compassion. Whether you're dealing with emotional wounds, physical ailments, or the quiet ache of the everyday, this message speaks to your soul and offers comfort straight from the Shepherd who never leaves His sheep. ✨ Highlights 💔 You are seen: God sees your suffering, even when no one else does. 🕊️ Jesus feels with you: He doesn’t just notice—He cares deeply. 🐑 He is your Shepherd: Even when life feels isolating, His comfort is personal and real. 🙏 Find peace today: Let His compassion become the healing balm your heart has been longing for. 📲 Join the ConversationHave you experienced the healing compassion of Jesus during a hard season? Tag us @LifeAudioNetwork and share your story using #HeHealsWithCompassion — your testimony could encourage someone who needs it today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Healing Compassion of Jesus By Keri Eichberger When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)  I’ve been suffering for sometime now with a specific physical pain I’m really ready to move on from. But who am I kidding, if I think about it, and reflect back far enough there’s always been something I’ve been actively suffering through. Like when I was in my teen years and experienced a bad break up that left deep lingering emotional pain for half a decade, or when I started having kids and began to live through a never ending roller coaster of mental strenuous stress and struggle. And the sad news for us all is that suffering and pain will continue to be a part of our lives until the good Lord calls us home. And I don’t know about you, but the longevity of this truth leaves me in constant longing for compassion and comfort. I deeply desire for someone to see me, see my hurt, and care enough to help or ease the difficulty and discomfort.  I would ask if you feel the hurts of life too, but I know you do. We all do. The question is, what are you currently suffering through and how are you handling it? Has your suffering been long and seemingly without hope? Or have you been living through yoyo bursts of trials since before you can remember? Let me say, I’m so sorry. I feel your pain. It’s real and you’re not alone. You’re not alone because we’ve all been there. Though the truth is, our struggles can still feel isolating and like not one really gets it. Because though we all have our hard stuff, we can’t possibly be feeling or experiencing the exact emotions. We are unique souls with unique situations. So, yes, at times it’s hard to convince ourselves we’ll ever find the compassion we’re sure would soothe our souls. But can I remind you—though no one will completely get it, and thus it will seem like no one can completely comfort us—God sees you. And you may believe this. You may know that God genuinely sees you, but you may not feel like he cares enough to do anything about it based on the seeming lack of movement in a more favorable direction. In this case I want to reassure us both that he sees, but he also cares. He has compassion on you as you walk through each challenge and suffer through every hurt and heartache. Matthew 9:36 says, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This is the Lord Jesus. He is the shepherd seeing his hurting, helpless sheep, and having compassion on them. And you are the sheep, and he is your shepherd.   Intersecting Faith and Life: Consider what you have been suffering through lately. And remember, for each moment you or I feel helpless, hopeless, heartbroken, or even harassed, this is when the Lord swells with compassion. Your compassionate caretaker is constantly watching over you, loving you, and caring deeply for you like a shepherd tending to his beloved sheep. I pray you feel this. Right now and forever, he is with you, and he is hurting with you. But he is always holding you with sufficient compassion. The ever-present, all-encompassing compassion of Jesus that, when acknowledged and accepted, will help and heal every hurting heart. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you feel like you’re running on empty—striving, pushing, juggling it all—and still feeling stuck? In this heartfelt Christian devotional on Matthew 11:28-30, Hannah Benson invites us to pause, breathe, and fall into the arms of Jesus. Through a personal moment of burnout and breakthrough, she reminds us that true rest isn't found in finishing the to-do list, but in trusting God’s timing and leaning into His presence. If you're craving soul-deep peace, this is your gentle invitation to come as you are—and find the rest your soul longs for. What You’ll Learn (Highlights): What it means to truly rest in Jesus, not just physically—but spiritually and emotionally Why doing things “for God” can never replace simply being with God How trusting God’s plan brings freedom from burnout, anxiety, and overachievement Practical encouragement for letting go of control and leaning into His embrace A reminder that your value isn’t in your productivity—it’s in being His beloved child 💬 Join the Conversation: What does it look like for you to fall into the arms of Jesus right now?Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #RestInHisArms and share how God is inviting you to pause, trust, and rest today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Fall into the Arms of Jesus A devotional by Hannah Benson ““Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) Recently, the Lord challenged me to fall into His arms. At first glance, that statement may sound odd, but allow me to clarify. What exactly does falling into the arms of Jesus mean? It’s not like I can literally fall into His arms. On a particularly stressful afternoon, I found myself staring at a blank screen instead of working on the writing project I needed to tackle. Honestly, I was kind of frustrated with myself. “I need to get this done”, I thought. Yet no matter how hard I tried to concentrate and move past the writer’s block, I either ended up staring at a blank screen or mindlessly scrolling through social media hoping inspiration would strike—which, by the way, never happens. As I sat there, the Lord quietly whispered to my spirit: “I want you to spend time with Me.” Yes, God, that would be a good idea except I needed to finish what I was doing first. Which was what? Oh yes. Overcoming writer’s block and actually getting words on the page. Ugh. Eventually, the Holy Spirit’s prompting won out, and I closed my laptop and picked up my Bible instead. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was as if my spirit did a trust-fall. And instantly I realized what the Lord had been trying to tell me all along. Perhaps I’d gotten so busy doing things for God that I’d forgotten to spend time with Him. Quality time is my love language. Why then would I not ensure I spent time with the One Who loves me more infinitely than I could ever know? Yes, I have a lot of things on my plate. As the old adage says, perhaps “I’ve bitten off more than I can chew”. But what is more important than anything I could ever do? Cultivating relationships. With God, first and foremost, and then with others. Loving God and others. Serving God and others. Sounds really simple, doesn’t it? Simple but often difficult to live out. I realized I’d been trying to do everything in my own strength instead of relying on the Lord. I’d been yearning to rush the journey, but God was challenging me with an alternative. What if instead of trying to do things in my own strength, why not lean on the Lord? Instead of rushing through life, what if I found joy in the journey? What if I learned to trust His process and plan for my life instead of what I could perceive? Intersecting Faith & Life: I love Jesus’s invitation in Matthew 11. “Come to me.” This is an invitation for all of us who feel weary, burdened by the sins or stresses of the world, or those of us who simply can’t carry ourselves anymore. Dear friend, we are not meant to carry it alone. He has offered to carry our burdens for us. Even when the world around us is thrown into chaos or our mind is running in circles trying to remember the next thing on our to-do list, breathe. Take time to sit at His feet because true rest is found in Him. Allow yourself to fall into the arms of Jesus, to do the best with what you have and let the Lord take care of the rest. Maybe our house isn’t spotless by the time our guests arrive (I know. We’ve all been there *grin*.) Maybe our career paths don’t look exactly like we’d planned. Maybe it looks like everyone else has their life together. I know it might not always feel like it, but I promise, if we come to Jesus and truly give Him our burdens, fears, and what weighs heavy on our heart, we will be okay. How do you think the Lord might be calling you to rest in His embrace today? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all thirst for something—but are we drinking from the right well? In this heartfelt devotional, Alexis A. Goring shares how a simple moment at a lemonade stand revealed a deeper truth about our spiritual lives. Reflecting on John 4:10, she draws a powerful parallel between physical thirst and the soul’s longing for the Living Water that only Jesus can provide. Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, chasing worldly “quick fixes,” or just in need of renewal, this Christian devotional on John 4 offers refreshing encouragement: Only Jesus can truly satisfy. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Highlights): What the “Living Water” in John 4:10 really means for your daily walk with God How the Samaritan woman’s story shows Jesus meets us in our mess, not our perfection Why worldly pleasures can’t satisfy a spiritual need—and how to return to Christ How to recognize the “counterfeit comforts” we chase in place of God Encouragement to fill your soul with what it truly needs: a relationship with Jesus 💬 Join the Conversation: What “lemonade” have you been chasing to quench your soul?Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #ThirstQuenched and share how Jesus has met your deepest need—or how you’re learning to turn to Him first. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: The Living Water We All Need By: Alexis A. Goring “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” —John 4:10 NIV One hot and humid summer day, I attended a festival outdoors. After enjoying the various activities, my throat felt parched. To quench my thirst, I walked over to the lemonade stand and bought a big cup of lemonade. But that first cup didn’t quench my thirst, so I returned to the lemonade stand a few minutes later to buy another one, only to return again ten minutes later to buy one more. It was not until after trying to quench my thirst with three big cups of lemonade that I realized what I really needed was water to drink. Therefore, I returned to the lemonade stand one more time—this time to purchase a big cup of pure water. The ice-cold water started to quench my deep thirst from the moment it touched my tongue. As I gulped it down, my desperate thirst was quenched. It was like my body was saying, “Finally! She is giving me exactly what I need.” Looking back on this experience that taught me an important life lesson, I realized a spiritual parallel to this story: Just like my body needed pure water to keep it hydrated and protected in the intense heat of that day, my spirit and soul needs something only God can give. Scripture calls it Living Water (referring to our Savior, Jesus Christ). The Bible shows a story in John 4:1-42 about a Samaritan woman who was a social outcast not just because of her ethnicity and heritage (the Jews ostracized the Samaritans) but because of her sinful lifestyle that was gossiped about by the women in the town where she lived. Hoping to escape their scrutiny, this Samaritan woman would make the long trek to the town’s well to draw water during the time of the day when the heat was so intense that nobody else dared to go to there. She did this to avoid facing the women who treated her poorly.  We may go unnoticed in society and at times feel like an outcast but to Jesus Christ, we are always seen, heard, understood and supported—this Samaritan woman was no exception. The Bible says that Jesus took time out of his journey with his disciples to stay behind at this same well while they went to town. It wasn’t an accident or coincidence—He planned this one-on-one meeting with this woman who was in so much pain from her past. Long story short: Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah and offered her living water—the kind that satisfies your soul when you accept it. This woman came to know Jesus as not only the Messiah she had heard about but as her personal Savior who saw beyond cultural barriers, right into her heart. He gave her hope that she never knew she needed or could have and as she accepted Him as her Savior, she became like a missionary and evangelist, running back into town to tell everyone she knew and met along the way, that she met the Messiah who offers everyone living water and salvation.  Just like Jesus met the outcast Samaritan woman at the well, He wants to meet us where we are today and offer us water that will quench our souls for all eternity. But how often do we turn to—run to—counterfeits? We may think we can quench our need for Christ with worldly things and resources. Just like I kept returning to the lemonade booth to fill my physical need with that sweet drink, we as flawed humans keep chasing after things that are not of God in hopes of filling a void within us that only our Eternal King and Savior can make whole. We might turn our favorite foods, drinks, entertainment or drugs to fill that void. Some of us might chase fame and fortune. Perhaps we chase people for more satisfying friendships or romantic relationships. Maybe we read books or go to the movie theater to see the latest film. We even may indulge in retail therapy or go to real counseling with a licensed professional. And while taking care of our mental health is needed, even the best human counselor cannot compete with our great Counselor (The Holy Spirit) who is sent by God to comfort us in our time of need (John 14:26). We need both therapy and Jesus.  The song “You’ll Never Thirst” performed by Anointed, beautifully portrays our ongoing need for our Savior, through the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Some of the lyrics in this song say how we as humans are always searching for something to fill us up—often looking for love—but true love can be difficult to find. However, there is One who can quench our thirst today and forever. His name is Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and He offers us a drink of pure Living Water. Christ will never disappoint us because He is what our soul has longed for and when we drink His Living Water, we will never be thirsty again.  So don’t be stubborn and forgetful like I was on that hot day at the festival many years ago, thinking the solution to my thirst was lemonade. Be wise and choose to drink pure water (physically) and Living Water (spiritually) that only Jesus can give. Let’s not try to fill this void within us with counterfeits. Go to God. Fill up on a relationship with Christ. He is always here, waiting for us to turn to Him to supply all our needs and secure our eternity in His Kingdom. Intersecting Faith and Life: When was the last time you needed Jesus Christ in your life but turned to other things or people instead? How does knowing that Jesus offers to quench your thirst for all eternity, satisfy your soul? Further Reading:  John 3:16-17 Acts 4:12 Acts 16:30-31 Romans 3:22-24 Romans 6:23 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if you could pray with boldness, knowing God always hears you? In this encouraging devotional, Sarah Frazer reflects on Mark 11:24 and reminds us that prayer isn’t about how much faith we have—it’s about who we’re putting our faith in. Whether you're praying for peace in a stressful season or asking God for a life-changing breakthrough, this Christian devotional on prayer offers a powerful perspective: God answers because He is good, not because we are perfect. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Highlights): Why Mark 11:24 gives us confidence that God hears and answers our prayers The difference between faith in God vs. faith in outcomes Biblical examples that prove God’s character as a faithful responder Encouragement for when prayers seem unanswered or delayed How even “mustard seed faith” connects us to God’s unlimited power 💬 Join the Conversation: What are you asking God for right now—big or small? Has He answered a prayer in a surprising way?Tag @LifeAudioNetwork with #AnsweredByGrace to share your story and encourage others who are still waiting. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Praying with Confidence Because God Answers By Sarah Frazer Bible Reading: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (ESV) Devotional My children ask me all of the time for things. Most of the time they ask me for small things, like food or a drink. Sometimes they are looking for something like a specific shirt or shoes. Occasionally, especially as they have gotten older, the requests tend to be bigger.  “Will you drive me to the movies with my friends?” “Can you buy this for me?” “Can I go here for my birthday?” “Can you help me fill out this job application?” Those requests often require more than just a few minutes of my time. As a mother, I want to answer my children’s requests, even it means I am inconvenienced. Sometimes I can, but because I am only human, sometimes I can’t accommodate them. Aren’t you glad we have a Heavenly Father who is not limited by time, space, or ability?  God the Father never sleeps (Psalm 121) and is always listening to our prayers. (Psalm 116) Not only that, Jesus reminds us in Mark 11 that God answers our prayers.  Jesus’ declaration in Mark 11:24 is not a new teaching of scripture. All throughout the Old Testament we see reminders of God’s promise to answer His people’s cry. We see this in Exodus when God heard the cries of the Israelites while they were enslaved in Egypt. He heard them and acted to set them free.  We see this when Hannah cries out to God for a child and she gives birth to Samuel. Or when David asks God for victory, and God grants it. Over and over again the God of the Old Testament answers the prayers of His people. When Jesus comes on the scene in the Gospels, although He is bringing a New Covenant, not based on the law, we see so many things about God’s character that do not change.  Jesus says that the same God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. God still answers prayer. It might be tempting to read a verse like Mark 11:24 and think that our prayers are only heard or answered because we believe. Is it our faith that makes the prayer possible?  No. It is not our faith, because in the same passage Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed, can move mountains. It is not the size of the faith but who we have our faith in that matters.  When we come to God in prayer, we need not worry if we believe enough or have enough faith. So many times I’ve prayed for things and then they didn’t happen. God shut a door I wanted to be open or a person died who I wanted to live. Healing sometimes doesn’t come and dreams do die. Was it our lack of faith that caused the defeat?  I believe that as we lift our prayers to God, it is actually not about us at all. When we pray, we come to God with even the smallest faith, trusting that whatever He desires to do, He will do. We focus our hearts and minds on the power of God Himself. We rejoice in a God who hears, listens, and answers. We take comfort that no prayer we will ever pray will be ignored or unanswered, even if it feels that way.  I think that Jesus’ teaching on prayer gives us courage to believe that God longs to answer our prayers, but sometimes we need to trust His timing.  I understand that sometimes our prayers go unanswered year after year. Sometimes we pray for things and the answer is no. In those times, in those moments, may we cling to the promise that God is all-wise, all-knowing, and all-loving. He does not always give us an explanation, but He does give us His presence. No matter what devastating event has happened, God has never left us.  Maybe your requests for God are small, like help me have patience or give me peace tonight. Or maybe your requests lifted up to God in prayer are huge, like help me get this job, get married, or help this person come to salvation. God, our loving heavenly Father, longs to answer our prayers - big or small. We can trust that each prayer is heard and will be answered.  Maybe even today!  Intersecting Faith & Life: What big or small thing are you asking God for today? Do you believe God hears and will answer? How can you trust in God’s character during this time of waiting for your answer?  Further Reading: Isaiah 65:25 Psalm 145:18 1 John 5:14 Psalm 34:17-18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Megan J. Conner, an author focused on finding contentment in God, shares her insights on transforming our heart's desires. She discusses how true happiness isn't rooted in success or material possessions, but in a deeper relationship with God. Exploring Psalm 37:4, she highlights God's role in shaping our desires, encouraging reflection on our goals through an eternal perspective. Megan also comforts listeners with the truth that only God can fill the voids in our souls, providing hope during times of unfulfilled longings.

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle you just couldn’t break—where freedom feels promised but not lived out? In today’s devotional, Jennifer Slattery shares her deeply personal journey through disordered eating and emotional wounds. But more than that, she reveals the key to lasting freedom: learning to rely not on our own strength, but on Christ's Spirit within us. 2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds us, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This isn’t just a feel-good verse—it’s a declaration of the abundant life we’re meant to walk in every day. 🌟 Highlights:🔑 Real talk on spiritual strongholds and emotional healing🛑 Why we self-sabotage even when we know better🙌 Freedom isn’t found through striving—but in surrender💡 How the Holy Spirit leads us toward healing, hope, and transformation 💬 Join the ConversationHave you ever experienced God setting you free from a mindset or habit? We’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments or tag us @LifeAudioNetwork using #FreedomInChrist 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: Learning to Live in Christ’s Freedom  by Jennifer Slattery Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 In my teen years, I responded to my chaotic and painful environment by seeking control—through dieting. Soon, however, this unhealthy coping mechanism began to control me, and the very act that initially provided a sense of strength—pseudo strength—only added to the feelings of hopelessness from which I so desperately sought to escape. Initially, I tried to fight my eating disorder in my own strength, but this inevitably led to failure and shame. I began to experience the freedom I sought, not just from disordered eating, but the wounds driving it, when I invited God into my struggle and learned to rely, more consistently, on His power at work within me. While I’ve come a long way, praise God, since my self-destructing adolescence, my soul still contains wounds for which I need the Lord’s healing, and self-sabotaging patterns in need of His freedom. I gain the courage to follow Him in that transformative journey when I reflect not on the difficulty of obedience but instead on the heart of the One doing the leading.  Jesus longs to see me, and you, living in the freedom of grace. This is a beautiful gift bestowed upon everyone who’s trusted in Christ for salvation. His Spirit does indeed set us free—from the enslaving pull of sin, from the threat of death, and the punishment we deserve for all our moral failings.  Yet, if this is true, why do so many of us still struggle with self-sabotaging, unChrist-like behaviors? Like lashing out when we’re hurt, angry, or feel under attack, or withdrawing and isolating in self-protection? Comforting ourselves with a quart of ice cream, numbing out through hours of television watching or mindlessly scrolling through our social media feeds? We’ve received spiritual freedom through faith in Christ, but now we need to learn to live in it. We do this, in part, by becoming more alert to God’s presence within us and all around us. As today’s verse states, He is Spirit. This means He’s not bound by space or time. He remains present in our greatest challenges and regrets and plants within our souls hope for our future.  Today’s verse also reminds us of His heart toward us, His children. He longs to see us living vibrantly, beautifully free. That was why Jesus came.    Foretelling Christ’s mission, as if through His voice, the prophet Isaiah wrote:  The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,    because the Lord has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,    to proclaim freedom for the captives    and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor    and the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn,3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty    instead of ashes,the oil of joy    instead of mourning,and a garment of praise    instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,    a planting of the Lord    for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-3, NIV). Intersecting Life and Faith Jesus brings good news—a message of love, grace, hope and thriving life. He pursues those held captive to sin, the wounds that come from living in our broken world, and the lies those hurts often create.   He sees our pain, understands our most intense struggles, and He meets us not with condemnation or frustration but instead, compassion. He lifts us out of the ashes and crowns us with beauty and a garment of praise.    And He invites us to turn to Him, to rely on Him, trust in Him, and yield to His Spirit at work within us. That is how we experience ever-deepening freedom—not through striving, but rather, through connecting with and resting in Him. Stated another way: so long as we do our best to follow Him, He will lead us to greater freedom. And when we mess up, which we will, we can trust Him to pursue us and His Spirit to draw us back to Himself. To quote my therapist, He does the heavy lifting. All He’s asking is that we hold tight for the ride.  Further Reading John 10:7-10 John 8:36 Galatians 5:1, 16-18  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.