The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Osad

• 
  Why Repentance Is Good for the Soul 26.09.2026 7min

  What is the importance of repentance, and how can turning back to God bring healing and spiritual renewal? In a culture where admitting wrongdoing can feel risky or uncomfortable, it’s easy to avoid confronting sin in our lives. We may carry guilt, become comfortable with unhealthy patterns, or assume that repentance is only necessary when we have made a serious mistake. But Scripture presents repentance as a gracious invitation from God—a pathway to forgiveness, restored fellowship, and refreshing for the soul. Acts 3:19 calls us to repent and turn to God so that our sins may be wiped away and times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God has made forgiveness possible, and we do not have to carry the weight of sin on our own. Genuine repentance involves humility, honest confession, and a willingness to turn toward God. As the Holy Spirit reveals areas that need change, we can trust God’s mercy and allow Him to renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and lead us into a life of righteousness. Highlights Why genuine repentance involves more than simply saying, “I’m sorry” How unconfessed sin can weigh on our hearts and affect our relationship with God What Acts 3:19 teaches about repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual refreshing The difference between godly sorrow that leads to repentance and worldly sorrow How the Holy Spirit brings conviction and helps us recognize sin Why Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of our forgiveness Encouragement to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and experience God’s renewing mercy Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Why Repentance Is Good for the Soul By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” - Acts 3:19 When was the last time we spent heartfelt time repenting? Not just a quick “I’m sorry” or “Please forgive me,” but heartfelt repentance before the Lord, with genuine sorrow and possibly tears for our sins? If we can’t remember, then are we walking around under the weight of sin, unaware of our need to confess and repent of it? Have we become comfortable with it, no longer recognizing its presence in our lives? Repentance isn’t a popular word in the Church today. Sure, we want revival, but when it comes to repenting for the sin in our lives, that’s another story because it means admitting that we sin. The thinking today is that we don’t ever admit to being in the wrong in relationships, careers, business situations, traffic incidents, and more because, if we do, then we become liable, making ourselves vulnerable to being taken advantage of, held responsible, and put in the position of being asked to cover all the costs. God’s Already Has Us Covered Still, when it comes to confessing our sin, God has already covered all the costs for us. All we have to do is repent, and we are no longer liable. He’s already taken care of it all for us, paying in advance and providing a way for us to be set free and refreshed in the process. Although we know we are already forgiven, repentance brings closeness and renewal in our relationship with the Lord. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Scripture describes repentance as refreshing, like what comes in a revival, where we yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin and experience the refreshing that comes from the Lord after repentance. Jesus explains in John 16:8 what the Holy Spirit will do: “When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.” As Micah 7:18 describes, “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” Repentance Comes in Measures, Steps, and Seasons Repentance, too, may come in stages in our lives because if God revealed all our sins to us at once, it would overwhelm our hearts and minds. We couldn’t bear the weight of it; no one could. It’s why Jesus carried our sin for us, because God knows we cannot bear up under it, as the weight of sin is too heavy. As 1 Peter 2:24 explains, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed.’” The High Price God Paid for Repentance Without the high price God paid through Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation, we could repent until our faces turned blue, but it wouldn’t cancel out our sin. As Isaiah 53:5 explains, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Paul also explains in Colossians 2:13-15: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”   Some argue that Jesus and the New Testament don’t preach repentance, but as Matthew 4:17 describes, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Likewise, Acts 2:38 says, “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you spent time in repentance? If it’s been a while, set aside some time to spiritually check your heart and mind to see if there are things you need to confess and repent of in your life. Ask God to lead you, wipe your sins away, and bring refreshing to you now. Further Reading: What Makes for A Repentant Heart? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Walk in the Light 25.09.2026 6min

  d, it can be easy to overlook the ways our choices pull us away from God. Scripture calls us to examine how we live, recognize the difference between darkness and light, and choose to follow God’s truth rather than simply conforming to the world around us. First John 1:6-7 reminds us that walking in the light means living in fellowship with God, while 1 John 1:9 offers hope when we recognize our sin and need for forgiveness. No matter how long we have walked in darkness or how deeply shame has taken root, we can turn back to God through confession and repentance. By walking in the Spirit, obeying God’s Word, and relying on His forgiveness, we can experience restoration and grow in a life that reflects Christ. Highlights What it means to walk in the light rather than conforming to darkness How normalized sin can influence the choices Christians make What 1 John 1:6-9 teaches about fellowship, confession, and forgiveness Why no sin is too great for God’s mercy and restoring grace How walking by the Spirit helps us resist sinful desires The importance of examining our lives and choosing obedience to God Encouragement for anyone struggling with shame to turn back to God and experience His forgiveness Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Walk in the LightBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7).  As Christ followers, we have the choice every day of whether or not to follow the Lord. We must ask ourselves: Are we going to walk in accordance with darkness or light? Even though many Christians believe they are consistently walking in the light, upon closer reflection and examination, they may see that they are far from it. Because we live in a fallen world, much sin has been normalized. Profanity, lying, and taking part in immoral behavior have all been accepted by society. Sadly, many Christians also engage in these behaviors and, in doing so, walk in conformity with the darkness. As Christians, we don’t need to use curse words, lie, or take part in immoral behavior (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:9-10; Ephesians 5:3). Within the world, we are told that it is “cool” to use curse words, “understandable” to lie, and “acceptable” to engage in sexual immorality. If we walk in accordance with these teachings, we will be far from God. Living in alignment with sin will only bring trouble into our lives. Choosing to walk in the light can prevent us from falling into these problems. Even if we have been walking in darkness for a long time, we can still turn back to God and embrace His beautiful light. If you are on the edge of shifting deeper into the darkness, remember that your sin is not too severe. You can turn back to God today, confess your sins, and repent. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Never doubt the power of God’s forgiveness in your life or the lasting healing He can provide in your heart. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle John tells us, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). Upon reflecting on this passage, we see the divide between darkness and light. We either walk in darkness or in the light. Choosing light means choosing God, while choosing darkness means choosing sin. Each of us must decide whether we are going to walk in darkness or in the light. As Christ followers, we need to choose the light because this is where God is found. The Apostle Paul gives us further instructions on the matter: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18). Walking in the light and in the Spirit means doing the right thing, obeying God, and faithfully following Him. If you are continuing to walk in darkness, is it because you feel ashamed? If so, how can you bring these feelings to God and experience peace? God will forgive everyone who turns to Him and asks for forgiveness. What is holding you back? Pray with me: Dear God, I have been walking in the darkness for too long. I am turning back to You today. The light is where I belong, not the darkness. Please forgive me for my sins and restore my soul. Help me to always choose the light and to walk in obedience to Your commands. Guide my soul and my heart, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen. Further Reading: John 8:12 Ephesians 5:8-20 2 Corinthians 6:14  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  The Faithfulness of God When We Are Unfaithful 24.09.2026 5min

  Have you ever made a decision out of fear, acted against God’s Word, or wondered whether your mistakes could disrupt His plan for your life? The story of Abram in Genesis 12 reminds us that human unfaithfulness does not cancel God’s faithfulness. Although Abram responded to fear with deception and failed to trust God’s protection, the Lord remained present and continued working through His promises. God’s faithfulness does not excuse disobedience or remove the consequences of our choices, but it reminds us that our failures do not have the final word. Like Abram, we may struggle to trust God when circumstances feel uncertain, yet His purposes remain secure. Understanding God’s sovereignty, mercy, and grace can give us confidence to repent, pursue obedience, and trust that He is working for our good and His glory—even when we recognize how often we have fallen short. Highlights What Abram’s choices in Genesis 12 reveal about fear, deception, and unfaithfulness How God remained faithful even when Abram failed to trust His promises Why God’s sovereignty does not excuse our disobedience or remove personal responsibility The relationship between human free will and God’s ultimate purposes How God’s mercy and grace meet us when our choices fall short of His will Why we can trust that our mistakes cannot ultimately thwart God’s plans How recognizing God’s faithfulness can motivate us to walk in obedience and trust Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Faithfulness of God When We Are UnfaithfulBy: Laura Bailey  Bible Reading: Pharaoh gave his men orders concerning Abram. They sent Abram away with his wife and everything that he had. - Genesis 12:20 My middle daughter, Abigail, is only 9 years old, but she can ask some deep questions. On the way to basketball one night, she asked, “Mom, you said that you made a lot of bad choices before you got married; thankfully, God protected you, and His purpose prevailed. Does that mean we can do whatever we want and God will still make things happen?” Whew, that’s a lot for a ten-minute car ride.  Gratefully, another example of God’s providence: I’d been studying about Abram and how even though he was unfaithful, God was still faithful. While God wasn’t pleased with Abram’s disobedience, God used Abram’s sinful choices in the fulfillment of his plan for his life. Genesis 12 is a beautiful example of how God uses humanity's sins to achieve His purposes. This chapter opens with God telling Abram to leave his country for a new land. God promises to make Abram into a great nation and to bless him; ultimately, all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abram (Genesis 12:1-3). That’s a pretty weighty promise! Abram responds by packing up his family and moving to the land of Canaan as instructed. Once settled, Abram builds an altar as a sign of worship and dedication to the Lord (Genesis 12:4-9). It would appear that Abram is fully bought in and trusts in God’s plan, but we see in the following verses that’s not the case. Due to a drought, Abram and his wife Sarai had to travel to the land of Egypt. Sarai was very beautiful, and Abram was afraid that they would kill him to take her as Pharaoh’s wife. Abram decided it would be better for him if they claimed to be brother and sister. As a result, Sarai ends up living with the Pharaoh. Some time passes, and it is revealed that Abram and Sarai are not siblings but married. The Pharaoh gets pretty angry, rightfully so, considering God sent plagues on Pharaoh and his household. When confronted, Abram didn’t have a good excuse, not to the Pharaoh and not to the Lord (Genesis 12:10-20). His actions—his deception—were born out of fear; Abram didn’t trust that God would protect and provide, even though He said He would. Even though Abram was unfaithful, God was still faithful. Abram could do nothing to disrupt or distract from God’s purposes. God is always present; He never leaves or forsakes His children (Deuteronomy 31:8). It’s easy for me to look at Abram with a critical eye, “Why didn’t you just trust that God would protect you? He said he would. Look at the mess that could have been avoided if you had simply let God stay in control.”  But someone could easily say the same was true for me. I had free will and used it to make decisions that ran counter to God’s Word, and could have faced consequences that would have radically changed the outcome of my life. I am eternally grateful that, because of God’s mercy and grace (the same He has shown throughout humanity’s existence), I ended up marrying my husband and becoming a mom to three beautiful blessings. I admitted to Abigail that I don’t know how exactly it all works; we have choices, but God is in ultimate control. But what I do know is that as God’s children, we can trust that He is working all things for our good and His glory. No matter how hard we try, we don’t have the power to thwart God's plans or purpose–praise the Lord!  Intersecting Faith & Life:How does knowing that nothing you can do can thwart God's plan give you the desire to walk in obedience to His will?Further Reading:Genesis 12 Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Trusting God When Peace Cannot Be Found 23.09.2026 7min

  When the world feels chaotic and peace seems impossible to find, where can you turn for relief from fear, anxiety, and uncertainty? News headlines, personal struggles, and troubling circumstances can leave our hearts unsettled. But the Bible reminds us that lasting peace does not come from our surroundings or from trying to control every situation. True peace comes through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and through trusting God even when life feels overwhelming. Isaiah 26:3 teaches that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him. While the world cannot guarantee safety or calm, God offers peace that guards our hearts and minds through Christ. By asking God for His peace, focusing on Scripture, rejecting false sources of security, and practicing peace in our daily relationships, we can learn to rely on Him in troubling times. Even when peace cannot be found around us, we can seek the steady peace God provides. Highlights Why the world cannot provide the lasting peace our hearts desperately need How trusting God helps us find peace amid fear, chaos, and uncertainty What Isaiah 26:3 teaches about keeping our minds steadfast in God Why Jesus is the true source of peace and how His peace differs from what the world offers Four practical ways to trust God for peace when life feels overwhelming How prayer and studying God’s Word can calm our fears and remind us of His faithfulness Why Christians are called to practice peace and become peacemakers in their daily lives Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trusting God When Peace Cannot Be Found By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” -  Isaiah 26:3 Listening to the news and reading social media reminds us what a troubling world we live in, filled with wars, natural disasters, civil unrest, mass shootings, assassinations, sickness, disease, accidents, and much more. If we’re looking for peace in a world of chaos, we won’t find it there because the world can’t offer us something it doesn’t have to give. Peace isn’t something people can conjure up or find in things, situations, or even another person or group. It comes through only one source: Jesus, the Prince of Peace and Savior of the world. As Isaiah 9:6 describes, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus Himself also assures us that He is our source of peace, saying in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Trusting God is where our hearts and minds find relief from the troubles, worries, and fears of the world we live in. The High Cost of Peace Jesus is the world’s source of peace, yet every day it seems millions are rejecting Him and His offer to give them peace. Rather than receiving His gift of peace, they put up a barrier of unbelief between themselves and God, isolating themselves from the peace they so desperately seek in the world. Jesus’ peace came at a high price, too, as Isaiah 53:5 explains, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Still, His peace is what guards our hearts and minds while we live in a harsh and cruel world, as Philippians 4:7 explains: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 4 Ways to Help Us Trust God for Peace Some of us aren’t sure how to trust God in a peaceless world. The following are four ways to help us begin trusting God for peace when we cannot find it in the world. Ask God for His peace. Sometimes we believe God doesn’t want us asking for His help, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. James 4:2 describes why some lack peace: “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.” Focus on God’s Word and His promises. Reading and studying God’s Word fills our hearts and minds with His truth and unfailing promises, reminding us of His faithfulness and calming our fears. Proverbs 4:22 reminds us of the importance of feeding on them: “For they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” Resist following and practicing false offers of peace. Religions other than Christianity offer peace, saying it comes through various practices, including exercises, chants, and offerings. Although we may think some of these things are harmless, they can confuse our hearts and minds and lead us away from where true peace is found because there is only one way to find it. As Isaiah 59:8 describes, “The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.” Practice peace in our daily lives. Jesus walked in peace while on earth, and we can choose daily to walk in and practice peace, too, by choosing it over conflict, anger, and offense. When confronted with situations that cause us to feel anxious and unsettled, we can choose to practice peace instead. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you experiencing God’s peace today, the peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ? If not, receive it today by asking Him to come into your life. Further Reading: Finding Peace When Life Feels Out of Control Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Coping with Jealousy in a Comparison-Driven World 22.09.2026 6min

  When you make a mistake and have to face the consequences, it can be easy to wonder whether God will still help you. Our poor choices can create difficult situations, strained relationships, and problems we cannot simply undo. But the consequences of our mistakes do not mean God has abandoned us. Scripture shows that even when we make wrong decisions, God can meet us in the middle of the situation and help us move forward. Joshua 10:6 shows the Israelites asking Joshua for help after their decision involving the Gibeonites left them facing an unexpected battle. Instead of leaving them to deal with the consequences alone, God provided help and gave them victory. Their story reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection. When we have made mistakes, we can bring our circumstances to Him, seek His guidance, take responsibility for our choices, and trust that He can still work through difficult situations. Highlights Why making a mistake does not mean God has abandoned you How our choices can create consequences we cannot simply undo What Joshua 10:6 reveals about God’s help in difficult circumstances Why taking responsibility for our mistakes is part of moving forward How God can work through situations created by our poor decisions The importance of turning to God instead of facing consequences alone Encouragement to trust God’s faithfulness even when you are dealing with the results of a mistake Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Coping with Jealousy in a Comparison-Driven WorldBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16).  A sin I struggle with in my life is jealousy. I have often been jealous of others because they are happy and I’m not. I was talking to a friend a while ago about my jealousy issue because I was quite upset. Another friend of mine had the privilege of going to the once-in-a-lifetime Taylor Swift Eras Tour. This friend hadn't even been a fan for a year yet. I, on the other hand, have been a fan since I was eight years old, when her debut album was released. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the Eras Tour because it was incredibly expensive and notoriously hard to get tickets. When my friend casually told me she had bought a ticket to see the Eras Tour, I was jealous, but also mad. Since I already struggle with depression, I am a pro at hiding my emotions, and I hid my jealousy from her. However, when I was talking to my other friend about it, he told me that my feelings were valid, but that the jealousy issue was something I would need to work on. He helped me understand exactly why I was jealous and mad, and how to cope with these feelings in a healthy way. I still struggle with feelings of jealousy at times, but I’m also aware of how bitter it can make us. It can also make us extremely unhappy. As my therapist friend told me, “Wouldn't it be better to focus on your own life rather than wanting what others have?” While this is something I’m still trying to apply, I am making small progress each day. Intersecting Faith & Life: Something else I have found helpful with my jealousy is studying what the Bible says and asking the Lord to help me with these feelings. The Bible tells us, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). These are the words of James, the half-brother of the Lord, and we need to take them to heart. Whenever we have envy and selfish ambition, we will find disorder and every evil practice. I can certainly say James’s words are true because jealousy has never helped me in the slightest. Instead, it only makes our lives worse. Rather than enjoying our own lives, we will only focus on the things we don’t have. While there is nothing wrong with wanting better things in life, we don’t need to covet what others have or be jealous of others (Exodus 20:17). This is the challenge being placed before us today: we need to replace jealousy with contentment. As Paul says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Contentment can transform our lives into ones full of peace, serenity, and solace. By going to the Lord in prayer, being honest about our jealousy, and seeking His guidance in the Bible, we will begin to see our lives change. Our hearts will be less prone to lean toward jealousy and will begin to shift toward contentment. Ask the Lord to help you today and find inner peace in what He has given you in life. Jealousy is a common sin in many of our lives. Why do you think it is so easy to become jealous of others or what they have? Do you have a story of a time when jealousy turned you into somebody you are not? If so, what happened? How did you feel? What are some ways you can swap jealousy for contentment? Pray with me: Dear Jesus, my heart is prone to roam after jealousy. Please forgive me for this sin. I ask that You transform my heart into a heart of contentment. Turn my heart away from yearning after what others have. Fill my heart with contentment, hope, and peace. I give You all the praise and thanks, Lord. Amen. Further Reading: Exodus 20:17 Proverbs 14:30 1 Corinthians 10:13 James 3:14-15, 4:2-3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Find Hidden Treasures from God 21.09.2026 6min

  Where can you find God’s blessings when life feels ordinary, frustrating, or even painful? God’s goodness is often present in ways we overlook—the breath in our lungs, daily provision, protection, meaningful relationships, and quiet moments of peace. Like hidden treasures beneath layers of rock, these blessings become easier to recognize when we slow down and intentionally look for them. Job 28:10 reminds us that treasures can be discovered when we are willing to search for them. The same can be true of our relationship with God. Even during difficult seasons, He can be developing spiritual treasures such as patience, kindness, perseverance, and deeper faith. Most importantly, God’s presence is with us in the darkness. When we learn to look beyond our circumstances and seek God’s work in our everyday lives, we can begin to notice the countless ways He is supporting, protecting, and loving us. Highlights How to recognize God’s hidden blessings in everyday life Why slowing down can help us notice God’s goodness and provision What Job 28:10 teaches us about searching for hidden treasures How difficult seasons can produce spiritual treasures like patience and kindness Why God’s presence is the greatest treasure we can discover in times of suffering Practical ways to train yourself to notice God’s work instead of focusing only on problems Questions to help you recognize the people, promises, and blessings God has already placed in your life Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Find Hidden Treasures from God By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures.”  – Job 28:10, NIV On a trip to Norway, I went through so many tunnels while traveling in cars and trains that I completely lost count. As I traveled through the tunnels, I thought about the incredible engineering required to blast through all that hard rock. I also thought about all the natural treasures that are hidden deep inside rocks. More than 4,000 different kinds of beautiful minerals and gemstones can be buried in rocks all around our planet. When people tunnel through rock, they may discover quartz, garnet, amethyst, and many more varieties of treasures. Job 28:10 points out that tunneling through rock reveals treasures. It’s necessary to make an effort to find treasures. But treasures are there, waiting to be discovered, when we’re willing to do the work of trying to find them. God is constantly pouring blessings into your life, and every single one of those blessings is a treasure. But some of them may be hidden until you make an effort to search for them. If you explore and ask God to help you find the treasures he has given you, you’ll start to see that God’s goodness is glittering all around you. God’s goodness is in the breath filling your lungs right now, and the strength in your legs that lets you walk across the room. You can see it when you enjoy a good meal, turn on the tap for clean water, or drive home safely without any trouble. Even a frustrating red light can be God protecting you from danger ahead, and a quiet, boring day can be God’s way of giving you peace. Once you start looking, you’ll see that God is taking care of you in countless ways every single day. Even when you find yourself traveling through a difficult season that feels like being stuck inside a dark tunnel, these hidden treasures are still there. In fact, some of God’s most valuable blessings are formed in the dark. Just as pressure and heat create diamonds deep beneath the earth’s surface, hard times can produce beautiful spiritual qualities like patience and kindness that help you grow in holiness. When you’re inside a dark tunnel of suffering in this fallen world, it’s easy to doubt God’s love for you. But if you look closely, you’ll find that God has placed the most valuable treasure of all – God’s presence with you – right there in the dark. By finding God’s presence with you, you can also discover God’s blessings for you, which you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t focused on your relationship with God. You have to change how you look at your daily circumstances so you can find treasures from God. Instead of just trying to hurry through your days, ask God to help you notice his work in your life. You need to look closely at your life while praying for God’s guidance to find the hidden ways God is supporting, protecting, and loving you right now. When you make an effort to seek God and look for the wonder of God’s work in your life, you can see all the blessings God is generously giving you. So, look beyond the surface of your life and seek God. Get excited about discovering all the beautiful, hidden treasures God has placed in your life! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to find hidden treasures from God, reflect on these questions: What’s one treasure God has already given you that you might easily overlook if you’re too busy, but can find it when you let yourself rest and focus on God more?  When you look back at a past difficult season, what spiritual treasures did God develop in you through that hard time?  How can you train yourself to see God’s daily goodness rather than just focusing on your problems?  Who are the people in your life who you realize are blessings from God when you make time to reflect on them? How can you thank them, and thank God for them, today?  What’s one of God’s promises from the Bible that you can carry like a hidden treasure in your heart and mind this week? Further Reading: Isaiah 45:3 Colossians 2:3 Proverbs 2:4-5 Matthew 13:44 Psalm 119:162 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Surprising Ways Pride Shows Itself 20.09.2026 7min

  Pride doesn’t always look like arrogance or boasting. Sometimes it shows up in quieter ways—talking more than listening, only investing in people who seem useful, or constantly saying there isn’t enough time for others. These subtle forms of pride can reveal that our attention is more focused on ourselves than on loving and serving the people around us. Philippians 2:3-4 calls Christians to replace selfish ambition with humility by considering others and their interests. Following Jesus means examining not only what we do, but also why we do it. When we become more willing to listen, make time for others, and engage with people without expecting something in return, we begin to reflect the humility of Christ. Recognizing subtle pride isn’t about condemning ourselves—it’s about allowing God to reshape our priorities, relationships, and hearts. Highlights How pride can appear in subtle ways we may not immediately recognize Why only engaging with people who are useful can reveal selfishness What listening more and speaking less can teach us about humility Why “I don’t have time” may actually reveal our priorities How Philippians 2:3-4 challenges us to consider others more important than ourselves Why honest self-examination is essential for recognizing pride in our lives Practical ways to replace selfishness and conceit with humility, generosity, and genuine care for others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Surprising Ways Pride Shows Itself By Aaron D’Anthony Brown Bible Reading:“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, CSB) In his epistle to the church of Phillipi, Paul urges fellow believers to be “united in spirit” with one another (Philippians 2:2). He wanted everyone to be on the same page with what they believed and how they lived as Christ followers. He goes on to say that such a life is lived by esteeming others as more important than ourselves. Don’t look to what brings you the most glory; do what benefits others. We hear the same sentiment preached in church today, but how many of us live this out?  While our pastors talk about loving our neighbors, building the church up from within, and sharing the Gospel with nonbelievers, we don’t often seem to be on the same accord. Even if we do these things, our motivations are sometimes selfish. We should be prioritizing others, but really, we’re interested in ourselves.  I’ve heard believers say things like “I enjoy hearing myself talk,” or claim they don’t have time to hang out with other Christians. Then suddenly they’re dating someone, which requires a lot more time. Or perhaps the only time they show genuine interest in you is when you’re going through a hard time. Otherwise, you’re simply not important. Naturally, we won’t be close to or have deep conversations with everyone. However, it’s important to consider whether day-to-day relationships, conversations, and actions reflect selfish conceit or humility. Perhaps, we have such a hard time esteeming others as more important because in our minds, no one is more important than ourselves. Pride is often called one of the most deadly sins, maybe the most deadly. When we start thinking we know best, it becomes a gateway for other sins.  You might not think of yourself as prideful - I generally don’t - but if we’re being honest, we can all be a bit prideful sometimes. C.S Lewis said, “There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else, and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves” (Mere Christianity). The sooner we acknowledge this truth, the sooner we can change our thinking and get ourselves on one accord. Intersecting Faith & Life: Most people won’t need help identifying the major ways pride affects our lives, but who says pride can’t be subtle? Here are three ways we might not even realize: Only engaging with people who are useful. One mistake Christians make is only engaging with people at church who are useful. This means ignoring others until they join your team or become a friend of your friend, etc. Don’t we all have some measure of importance and worth given by God? Why not be open to speaking and engaging with people as the norm? For those who don’t, when you finally decide to interact, you risk making the encounter uncomfortable, and more than that, disingenuous.   Talking as opposed to listening. The Bible says to be slow to speak and quick to listen, but few live this out (James 1:19). God gave us two ears and one mouth. I’ve been told there should be a ratio for how we communicate: listen twice as much as you speak. Not making time for others. We’re probably all guilty of using the phrase, “I haven’t had the time,” but if we took time to consider what that statement means, we’d say something else instead. Everyone is given the same amount of time within a day. Twenty-four hours. However, we all use our time differently. The issue is not having enough time, but rather priority - what’s important and what’s not. Or at the very least, what is most important. We prioritize what we value most. Therefore, we should stop telling people we don’t have time to do that favor, read that book, or do that thing. We simply haven't made the time yet. That’s the honest answer. And the sooner we can be more honest, the sooner we can stop pride from stifling our callings. Further Reading: Proverbs 11:2 Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 29:23 Jeremiah 9:23 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  What Childhood Prayers Teach Us about God’s Goodness 19.09.2026 6min

  How often do you stop to thank God for the prayers He has already answered? It’s easy to focus on what we’re still waiting for while overlooking the blessings, relationships, opportunities, and circumstances we once desperately asked God to provide. Remembering answered prayers can renew our gratitude and help us recognize God’s goodness in everyday life. Psalm 103 calls us to remember God’s benefits and not forget His goodness. Sometimes God answers prayers immediately, while other times His perfect timing looks different from what we expected. Childhood prayers for something as simple as a kitten or a puppy can become reminders of a faithful God who hears us and knows what is best. When we intentionally look back at what God has done, we can move from taking His blessings for granted to cultivating a heart of gratitude and trust. Highlights Why we can be quick to remember hardships while forgetting God’s goodness How answered prayers can become easy to take for granted What childhood prayers can teach us about trusting God’s timing Why God’s answer may be “not yet” rather than “no” How reflecting on past prayers can strengthen gratitude and faith Practical questions for recognizing the answered prayers you are living right now An encouragement to slow down, remember God’s blessings, and thank Him for His faithfulness Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Childhood Prayers Teach Us about God’s Goodness By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2-5 ESV). How quick are we to remember the sins of others when they have wronged us, or to remember the darkest tragedies in our lives? Even if we long to forget the terrible things, they don’t often easily slip from our minds. Why is it then that we are so quick to forget the goodness of God? Why is it more difficult for us to remember all the good things God has done in our lives? Do we keep count? Do we thank Him for the blessings we take for granted? Do we remember the prayers we so desperately prayed that we are now living? Do we stop to thank the Lord for those, or do we take them for granted? I often find myself guilty of this. I can get so caught up in praying for the next thing that I forget to simply bask in the Lord’s presence and remember everything He has done. There is nothing wrong with praying for something. God loves to hear from us! But He also desires that we cultivate a heart brimming with gratitude, remembering the goodness He has graced our lives with. When I was a little girl, no more than 7 or 8-years-old, there was a mother cat who’d wandered the neighborhood for a few days, and we’d had a suspicion she’d had kittens somewhere in our backyard. My dad went out to look for them because we weren’t going to leave little helpless kittens alone (if they even existed). And oh, how I prayed they existed. I got on my knees behind my mom’s rocking chair, folded my hands, and pleaded with God for a kitten. It was such a small, yet sincere, request. Of all the things in life we actually need (jobs, food on the table, clothes), I love the sincerity and simplicity of my prayer as a little girl. Without a care in the world, I asked Him for what I truly wanted. Told Him how I longed for a kitten. I believed and hoped my daddy would find kittens so we could both save them and keep one (or two if we were really lucky). Yet when my dad returned inside the house, he had to break the news to this little girl’s hopeful heart that there were no kittens to be found. I didn’t understand. Why didn’t God answer my prayer with a yes when I’d prayed so hard? I couldn’t see it then, but God knew it wasn’t time. At the time, we lived in the suburbs. Only when we moved out to the country 2-3 years later did God see fit to bless us with two little kittens, one of whom is now a still very healthy 13-year-old cat. I also recall when I was a young teenager and prayed so hard for a dog. For years, our parents told us, “Maybe someday,” but to be honest, none of us knew if it would ever happen. But in 2020, when the world was thrown into chaos and turmoil, God told our mom that someday was now, and He directed our steps to the perfect little puppy for our family. Simple prayers. Yet prayers that God answered in His perfect timing. To be honest, as I reflect on these answered prayers among others, I realize how much I take them for granted. Yes, I’m grateful, but am I as grateful as I should be? How often do I stop to remember the prayers I prayed that I’m now living? Not often enough. Intersecting Faith & Life: I would challenge you to look at your life right now and reflect: what answered prayers are you living right now? Perhaps the job you have now, even if it feels stressful at times, is an answer to a prayer you prayed years earlier. What about your spouse who frustrated you this week? Wasn’t there a time you prayed for a husband or wife from the Lord? How many times do we take what we once prayed for granted? Let us resolve, by the grace of God, to cultivate a heart filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done in our lives. Pray with me: Lord, please forgive us for how quickly we forget Your goodness. Please open our eyes today to see the answered prayers we are living. Help us to slow down to bask in Your presence and thank You for all Your blessings. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Pausing for Peace 18.09.2026 6min

  When stress, worry, and constant responsibilities leave you feeling overwhelmed, finding peace can seem impossible. A fast-paced, achievement-driven life can keep your mind racing and make it difficult to slow down, be present, and remember where true peace comes from. Jesus offers a better way. John 14:27 reminds us that the peace Jesus gives is different from what the world offers. We don’t have to live consumed by fear, productivity, or worry about what comes next. By intentionally pausing, becoming still, and turning our attention toward God, we create space to recognize His presence and trust His provision. Even a few quiet minutes each day can help us step away from the noise, surrender our concerns, and receive the peace Christ freely gives. Highlights Why slowing down can help us recognize God’s presence and peace How a fast-paced, achievement-driven culture can fuel stress and worry What Jesus means when He says, “my peace I give you” in John 14:27 Why worry can pull us toward self-dependency and away from trusting God How Jesus’ teaching about the birds of the air challenges us to trust God’s provision The spiritual value of being still, present, and attentive to God Practical ways to make intentional pauses for peace part of your daily routine Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Pausing for PeaceBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) It was a lovely summer day when I had the opportunity to take a day trip to meet up with a coworker in a city several hours from where I live. I had numerous reasons to rush through the event in order to get back to my desk and make up for the loss of “productivity” that evening. However, something prompted me to slow down and take advantage of the day away.  After the lunch meeting with my colleague, she recommended a trail nearby that I might enjoy before I had to get back on the road. Nature is very much my “happy place” (especially if it includes forests or water), so when she pointed me in that direction, I went along readily. With each step down the cobblestone path, my soul breathed a little easier. Covered by a canopy of lush green trees, the atmosphere was almost magical. As my attention was focused on the beauty surrounding me, the weight of my worries seemed to slip away. I became more and more present in the moment rather than consumed with all the concerns of the past or the future. There really was nothing else to do but be… Be in the moment, be present, and be at peace.  In our fast-paced, achievement-driven, bigger-is-always-better modern culture, many of us are burdened by overwhelm. Our minds race just as fast (if not faster) than the breakneck speed of life around us. As such, it is so easy for fear and stress to engulf our hearts and minds, drawing us deeper into self-dependency and further away from the one true source of our peace.  Jesus reminds us in the scripture provided today that He has not only extended His peace to us, but that through Him we do not need to be afraid. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) In a very practical sense, Jesus also addresses our tendency towards worry in Matthew chapter six, when He illustrates how God provides for the needs of His creatures.  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matt. 6:25-62 (NIV) If the Lord is willing and able to so abundantly care for the birds of the air, is He not also able to care well for us? Of course He is… Why then do we have so much trouble believing in this provision? Because we do not allow ourselves to pause long enough to look up and look out at the blessings all around us. We keep our eyes on the prize and our hands to plow, never stopping long enough to realize there is a better way. The way is Jesus (John 14:6). There is something so pure and so beautiful when we intentionally choose to stop… to be still. In the quietness of moments like the one I mentioned earlier, we recognize our Creator in the midst of His creation, we rediscover hope, we step into peace, and we surrender to Him who is able to provide all that we need in trust (Eph. 3:20-21).  No matter how busy your life seems, or how many outside voices clamor for your attention, may I encourage you today to simply stop? Even if it is just for a few minutes each day, I strongly recommend you prioritize pausing for peace. There really is respite for the worried and weary. You simply have to be still.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you struggle with worry or weariness? Do you feel like the demands of your job or other responsibilities don’t allow for seasons of rest and stillness? If so, how does today’s devotional offer you an alternative viewpoint?  If you are willing, decide on one practice you can employ every day to set aside intentional time to pause and be still. Whether it is the first thing in the morning, an alarm you set as a reminder on your phone, or maybe even an agreed-upon time that you and a friend decide to commit to, I challenge you to prioritize incorporating some sort of pause throughout your day to stop everything and simply be… Be present, be still, and receive from God the gift of peace. Further Reading:Isaiah 26:3-4Psalm 29:11 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  The Importance of Avoiding Favoritism 17.09.2026 6min

  Favoritism in a family can leave lasting wounds, especially when a child feels overlooked, unwanted, or less valued than their siblings. Whether it happens through obvious comparisons or subtle differences in attention, playing favorites can damage relationships and shape how children see themselves for years to come. Scripture offers a clear warning: God does not show favoritism. James 2:1 calls Christians to reject favoritism, reminding us that partiality has no place in a life devoted to Jesus. Parents can be tempted to favor one child because of personality, responsibility, or shared interests, but every child needs to know they are equally loved and valued. For those who have experienced the pain of favoritism, God’s love offers hope and a foundation for healing. And when we recognize that our own favoritism has hurt others, humility, apology, and a commitment to change can help begin the process of restoration. Highlights Why favoritism can create lasting emotional wounds within families How playing favorites can affect both the favored child and overlooked siblings What James 2:1 teaches Christians about showing partiality Why God’s love provides hope for those who have felt overlooked or unwanted How parents can work toward showing each child equal love and value The importance of apologizing when favoritism has caused hurt Practical questions for recognizing favoritism and taking steps toward reconciliation Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Importance of Avoiding FavoritismBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism” (James 2:1).  Favoritism occurred in my family as my dad’s favorite was the oldest child, and my mom’s favorite was the middle child. As the youngest of three, I was never chosen as the favorite. Instead, I was seen as the “extra” child. As one can imagine, this has caused me to have long-lasting problems, such as a negative self-view and low self-esteem.  If you genuinely want to obey God, you must give up the practice of playing favorites. Favoritism only hurts your children and makes them second-guess themselves.  Studies have shown that the oldest child tends to be the favorite, often because they are more like their parents or take on more responsibilities than younger siblings. It is time to change these statistics; there needs to be equal love for each child. Within the family of God, there is no room for favoritism. The Apostle Paul tells us, “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11).  Showing favoritism will hurt your other children, either directly or indirectly. Not to mention, it could make the favorite overconfident, selfish, and self-absorbed. There needs to be equality amongst children. If you continue to play favorites, it will push your children away from you.  This has been true for me, as there was nothing I could do to get my parents to like me. I have gone through multiple years of therapy to help work through this issue. I have also sought out help from God. Through the help of the Lord, I have discovered that I am loved by Him. The Bible tells us we are God’s children and that we are dearly loved by Him (1 John 3:1).  The journey has not been easy, but Jesus has helped me every step of the way. While it is true that I will always have this wound from my parents, I can move on to new beginnings in the Lord. It also helps me share my story with others to help prevent them from showing favoritism toward their own children.  Intersecting Faith & Life: James 2:1 says, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” This comes from the half-brother of the Lord. In no way does favoritism bring about the righteous life that God wants for us. It will only bring pain to our own lives and to the lives of others. Reach out to those you may have hurt with favoritism and tell them you want to talk. Apologize to them and ask if there is anything you can do to make things right. Acknowledge that you cannot change the past, but help them to know that you will no longer practice favoritism in the future. An apology and a promise to change for the future can go a long way toward healing someone's heart, whether they are in their childhood, teenage, or adult years.  Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, I want to let go of the toxic trait of showing favoritism. I don't want to play favorites anymore, as I see all the pain it causes. Please help me to love everyone equally. Forgive me for my sin, and please help those I have hurt to forgive me. Thank You, Lord. Amen. When you are tempted to show favoritism, what can you do? Is there a person you need to reach out to today to apologize to and make things right with? If so, when will you reach out to them this week?  Further Reading: Genesis 37:4 Deuteronomy 10:17 Acts 10:34 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Finding the Beauty in Aging in an Anti-Aging World 16.09.2026 7min

  In a culture obsessed with staying young, aging can feel like something to hide or fight. But what does the Bible say about growing older? Scripture offers a different perspective, showing that aging can bring wisdom, spiritual maturity, and opportunities to invest in the next generation. Proverbs 16:31 calls gray hair a “crown of glory,” reminding Christians that growing older is not something to fear or be ashamed of. For Christian women especially, Titus 2 offers a meaningful calling: older women are to share their wisdom and faith with younger generations. Instead of letting culture define the value of aging, we can embrace each season of life as an opportunity to grow in godliness, make disciples, encourage others, and point our families toward Christ. Highlights How the Bible offers a different perspective on aging than today’s anti-aging culture Why Proverbs 16:31 describes gray hair as a crown of glory Learning to recognize the spiritual value of growing older in Christ What Titus 2 teaches about older women mentoring and encouraging younger women Why Christian women should embrace opportunities to share wisdom across generations How aging can become an opportunity to make disciples and invest in others Encouragement to renew our minds with God’s Word rather than allowing culture to define our view of aging Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Finding the Beauty of Aging in an Anti-Aging World By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV). Botox and injectables, facelifts, tummy tucks, retinol creams, under-eye concealer and color correctors, collagen and peptide powders, weight-loss products, teeth whitening, and veneer treatment advertisements bombard us continually through television, magazines, and social media influencers. There is no getting around it; we live in an anti-aging world. This was the topic of a recent women’s leadership training at my church, as we discussed the importance of Christian women embracing the high calling of Titus 2 (older women training the younger women). Do we try to run from the title of “older woman,” or are we enthusiastically embracing it because we know how much the Bible esteems growing older in the Lord? The book of Proverbs is full of so much wisdom and highlights the beauty of aging in chapter 16: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV). The Bible does not tell us to cover up those gray hairs; it says that it is a crown of honor. We must embrace growing older because, as Christ followers, our gray hair should be a sign of a lifelong journey with Jesus! Now, I am not trying to create a law where there is none; there is Christian liberty when it comes to matters such as this. I dye my roots when I see gray hair poking through, but maybe I should pause and ask myself: How do I truly see aging?  Intersecting Faith & Life: I enjoy makeup and basic skincare, but I do believe it is important to ask the Lord to search our hearts so that we do not find ourselves running away from ‘father time.’ As Christians, we must see aging rightly, which should be positive, not negative. How has the world’s view of aging influenced the church? If we are not on our guard, we can be swayed by the world’s thinking. That is why it is so important to renew our minds with God’s word daily (Romans 12:1-2). I often wonder if the Christian generations before me have become entangled by the culture’s lies instead of standing firm against them. In my own personal experience, I have prayed for many years for an older woman in the faith to come alongside me. Oh, how I long for the wisdom of a woman who has been walking with Jesus for decades longer than I have! Sadly, there seems to be a generational gap missing from my own church, which is very Biblically sound. Instead of being tempted to complain about this lack, I am reminded that I must go to God in prayer, especially when it seems so out of reach for me to find a mentor who can come alongside me and teach me to love my husband and children and love Jesus and His word even more. But much more than that, I do not want to ignore my own call to make disciples. The world may recoil from the word “older,” but the Bible is clear that age reveals great wisdom and insight. I may not feel like an older woman in the faith, but age should never limit me from the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Instead of waiting for someone to pour into me, I must look for those whom I can pour into and encourage in the Lord. I should proudly embrace the title of “older woman” at just 40 years old because it truly is a high calling to train the younger generation in the Lord.  The call for women in Titus 2 is important within the church and desperately needed by our society. We need godly women (and men, too) who are strong in the faith to raise strong, godly children with strong, godly marriages. Imagine how much impact we would have in the culture if we embraced the good found in aging and taught our children the amazing plan the Lord has for us to grow in godliness, wisdom, and righteousness as we live in the here and now, with eyes and hearts also fixed on eternity with the Lord. Families like this could change the world for Christ! Lord, help us to see the beauty in growing older in age and in You!  Further Reading: Titus 2 Romans 12 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  What Do You Believe? 15.09.2026 6min

  What does it really mean to believe in God? It’s possible to believe that God exists without allowing His Word to shape the way we think, live, and make decisions. True faith goes beyond acknowledging God—it means trusting what He says and letting that belief change us. James 2:19 reminds us that even demons believe there is one God, challenging us to examine whether our faith is more than simply recognizing God’s existence. When we truly believe God, our lives begin to reflect that faith through our choices, obedience, relationships, and especially the way we love others. Following Jesus means allowing God’s truth to transform our hearts and our everyday lives. Highlights The difference between believing in God and believing God Why genuine faith should change the way we live and make decisions What James 2:19 teaches us about simply acknowledging that God exists How Abraham’s faith demonstrates what it means to believe God’s promises Why our actions can reveal what we truly believe in our hearts How unbelief can quietly influence our choices and priorities Why loving others is one of the clearest ways our faith in Jesus becomes visible Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Do You Believe? By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” - James 2:19 What we believe about God is critical, determining how we live our daily lives and also determining our eternal futures. It’s wise for us to ask, “Do we believe in God or do we believe God?” because there is a difference. The first is believing there is a God, which is good and a start; the second is our believing God, meaning we believe what He says is true. The difference they make in our lives is evident, too. Believing there is a God doesn’t mean we believe Him and live out His words in our lives; believing Him changes us. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” It’s not difficult, either, for others to see what we truly believe in our lives. For example, if we believe what health experts tell us about how to live our lives, then we exercise, eat healthily, and live according to healthy principles. So it is if we believe God. We’ll live according to His word, incorporating, practicing, and living out His godly principles in our lives. Believing God Changes Us In Luke 4:33-34, a demon recognizes who Jesus truly is. “In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Even a demon identified and believed in Jesus. Yet it’s through putting our faith in Him and believing His word that we are saved. The Apostle Paul describes in Romans 4:3, “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” Faith is critical, as Hebrews 11:6 explains, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Paul wrote in Acts 16:31, “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’” The “believing in” Paul is referring to is more than just believing God exists; it’s believing Him, rooted in faith that changes us. Keeping Unbelief at Bay Many people in the world acknowledge Jesus, yet do not believe what He says: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6). Unbelief disguises itself in many ways, and one way is by people thinking they believe, while in their hearts, they really don’t, as evidenced in the way they live.  When we truly believe God, our lives reveal it; it’s undeniable, but if no one knows or sees, then we want to revisit what we truly believe. As Hebrews 3:12 warns, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” If we’re saying we believe God, yet making decisions based on our own and others’ human reasoning, living how we see fit, our actions are revealing a heart that doesn’t believe God.  When we believe Him, our lives reflect what our hearts truly believe. Proverbs 27:19 reveals, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Believing God shows in the ways we think, how we choose to live, and especially by the way we love others. Jesus tells us in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you believe God so much so that it’s evident in your life? If not, ask God to help you believe Him, to believe the truth of His word, so that your life changes.  Further Reading: How Reading the Bible Keeps Us from Believing False Teaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  What Are You Taking for Granted? 14.09.2026 7min

  It’s easy to take everyday blessings for granted until they’re suddenly gone. Our health, family, homes, abilities, relationships, and simple comforts can become so familiar that we stop noticing them. But seasons of loss or difficulty can remind us just how much we have and challenge us to live with greater gratitude for God’s goodness. Zechariah’s story in Luke 1 offers a powerful reminder about doubt, prayer, and learning to recognize God’s blessings. After years of waiting for a child, Zechariah struggled to believe God’s promise when the answer finally came, and his temporary silence gave him time to reflect. We don’t have to wait for something to be taken away before we appreciate it. By focusing on God’s generosity and choosing gratitude each day, we can become more aware of His blessings and trust His power and promises even when we don’t understand how He will work. Highlights: Why we often recognize the value of everyday blessings only after losing them What Zechariah’s story teaches us about doubt and trusting God’s promises Learning to appreciate health, family, relationships, and daily provisions Why gratitude can change our perspective during difficult circumstances How to recognize areas where doubt may be keeping you from trusting God Practical questions for identifying blessings you may be taking for granted Encouragement to praise God and give thanks for His goodness today Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Are You Taking for Granted? By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’” – Luke 1:18-20, NIV I lost my voice for about one week after a severe cold. It was awkward and humbling having to communicate only through writing during that time. I had to type in chat during online meetings when everyone else was talking, and they had to wait for me since typing is much slower than talking. I had to write notes to family members and hold them up, or try to gesture or pantomime what I wanted to say. The experience taught me not to take my voice for granted. It’s amazing how quickly we realize the value of something only after it’s suddenly taken away. We go through life using our senses, our health, and our daily comforts without a second thought, assuming they will always be there. A similar thing happened to a priest named Zechariah in the Bible. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had prayed for a child for many years, but still didn’t have one by the time they grew old – much too old to have any children naturally. One day, however, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah with incredible news: God had heard his prayers, and Elizabeth would give birth to a son. Instead of celebrating God’s goodness and thanking God, though, Zechariah doubted the wonderful message God had sent him. Zechariah asked Gabriel: “How can I be sure of this?” Because of his unbelief, God gave Zechariah a sign. He took away Zechariah’s ability to speak, so Zechariah would have to be silent until the baby was born. Imagine the sudden shock Zechariah must have felt. For nine long months, he couldn’t speak to his wife or friends. He couldn’t lead worship or share his thoughts. He had to use writing tablets and hand gestures just to communicate daily needs. Zechariah had taken his ability to speak for granted. More importantly, he had taken God’s ultimate power for granted. Zechariah’s forced silence gave him the time and motivation he needed to reflect, listen, and learn to appreciate God’s blessings. We can all sometimes act like Zechariah. God is constantly pouring blessings into our lives, but too often we focus on what we don’t have or doubt God’s goodness when we’re dealing with difficult circumstances. We may take our health, our families, our homes, our food, and even the breath in our lungs completely for granted. It usually takes a season when we’re missing something – like an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship – to wake us up and make us see how blessed we are because of God’s great love for us. Fortunately, Zechariah’s story doesn’t end in silence. When the baby was finally born, Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote: “His name is John.” Then, Luke 1:64 records that: “Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.” Zechariah immediately praised God as soon as he got his voice back. He had learned not to take his voice for granted. God doesn’t want us to wait until we lose our blessings to start appreciating them. He wants us to live with gratitude right now. All we have to do to stop taking our blessings for granted is to stay focused on our generous God from day to day, and expect the best from God because he loves us! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to appreciate your blessings rather than taking them for granted, reflect on these questions: When God answers your prayers, do you thank God right away, or do you find yourself questioning how God’s answers will really happen?  What’s one everyday blessing you currently enjoy that you rarely stop to thank God for? How can you give thanks to God today for that?  Looking back at your past, what is something you only truly appreciated after it was temporarily taken away?  In what areas of your life are you letting doubt prevent you from trusting God’s power and promises? Further Reading: Psalm 103:2 1 Thessalonians 5:18 James 1:17 Ephesians 5:20 Colossians 3:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  3 Good Reasons Parents Should Embrace Aging 13.09.2026 8min

  Aging can bring mixed emotions, especially for parents watching their bodies change while their children grow into adulthood. The world often treats getting older as something to fight against, but Scripture offers a different perspective. Growing older can bring wisdom, deeper faith, greater compassion, and a renewed appreciation for the life God has given us. For parents entering their senior years, aging can become an opportunity to embrace a new season rather than mourn the one that has passed. Years of parenting, relationships, hardships, and answered prayers can produce a wisdom that younger generations need. As physical strength changes, our dependence on God can grow stronger, shifting our focus from temporary circumstances toward His eternal promises. There is also freedom to slow down, enjoy new adventures, invest in family, and discover simple joys that may have been difficult to make room for in earlier seasons. Highlights: Why parents can view aging as a gift rather than something to fear or avoid How growing older can deepen wisdom, compassion, patience, and grace Why aging can strengthen our trust in God’s eternal promises Learning to focus less on temporary circumstances and more on lasting hope How parents can embrace greater freedom, relaxation, hobbies, and new adventures Finding joy in relationships with adult children, grandchildren, and loved ones How faith can provide strength and renewal even as our physical bodies grow weaker Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: 3 Good Reasons for Parents to Embrace Aging By: Lia Girard Bible Reading:"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16 We're all living in a world that wants us to believe it’s easy to find the next magic pill, new exercise, or diet strategy that will keep us eternally young—even in our old age. Yet we all know: this earthly life will end. None of us escapes this necessary passage, at whatever age God decides we're ready to stand in his presence.  The longer I live… and the more sweet opportunities I’m given to be present with younger people managing life challenges… the more I understand that getting old is a crown of glory (see Proverbs 16:31). We don't all get to arrive in our senior years. As we near them, we may be feeling the pain of letting go of our own parents. It brings us face to face with the finality of this side of heaven.  I've learned, though, while growing out my silver hair, wearing my glasses regularly, and giving up running for yoga, that life fosters compassion as your body weakens. If you're lucky enough to age into your 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond, you will undoubtedly be required to practice a lot of grace. With yourself, your spouse, your parents, and your similarly-aged friends.  A long life affords many blessings: raising children, buying homes, building or rebuilding marriages, watching adult children grow, hosting weddings, and so much more. But it also leaves your heart, soul, body, and mind a bit depleted of energy. The good news is that as you move up in years, you naturally overflow with experience. The kind of compassionate know-how that you simply didn't have when you were a teenager. Or when you were a new parent. Or when you were a new empty-nester.  When you start seeing that more of your life involves medical visits than vacations, some may feel that aging is something to avoid at all costs. But I believe it is an earned reward, rich in the kind of contentment that deeply satisfies. Here are just three reasons for parents to embrace growing old: You’ve gained an abundance of wisdom.  Watching yourself age, even as you try to live a healthy, active life, requires you to relax your expectations. It softens your countenance and fills you with empathy, while creating a wellspring of wisdom. And the things you now know—like how to budget, pay bills, plan events, renovate homes, soothe fussy babies, chaperone trips, and on and on—are gifts to those who need you to show them that it can be done. Of course, I'm not suggesting you force your wisdom on anyone, but it's a good feeling to know that your guidance is based on evidence and carries value. Your trust in God's eternal promises grows stronger than your anxiety about temporary circumstances. The older you get, the more fortunate you are to have been given time to shift your focus to an everlasting hope that will never fade. And maybe this is because you’ve seen so many things end, break, leave, let go, and die. As you age, you realize that the external strength and beauty of your youth are not what carry you through the deepest struggles.  If you're a parent who's given the bonus of aging, there's hardly anything that compares to the privilege of loving your adult children as they advance in years as well. When you've lived long enough to see that people not only survive circumstances but thrive, you tend to worry less. No surficial issue becomes a be-all, end-all.  Over time, the simple, quiet joys of life and love are what sustain you. Being rich in love and patience becomes more important than climbing the ladder, amazing outfits, or expensive vacations. What matters when you realize you're simply not as strong as you used to be ... is believing wholeheartedly that God is always strong enough to carry you through. You have more time and space for relaxation, joy, and new adventures. Parenting has many seasons, all of which involve remaining utterly in love with your children. If you're lucky enough to grow old enough that love can expand across grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too. However, in the senior years, you realize they have lives of their own now. And you, or you and your spouse, have more open space to explore amusements, interests, or places you may have only dreamed of when your house was filled with people, pets, and responsibilities in far-busier, younger decades. Hold on to the truth that although outwardly you may be “wasting away,” as our scripture says, your spirit is being renewed. So, go for those long walks. Ride your bike slowly. Take your kids out to dinner. Find weekend getaways. Or just enjoy a peaceful hobby that brings you joy. You’ve lived long enough to slow down… and let your faith be your strength. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider the joys and challenges of aging, why not: Find a new hobby that delights your soul Pick a place you’ve always wanted to see and go there with your spouse or best friend Choose several scripture verses that bring you peace and hope, and write them down somewhere you can see them regularly Further Reading:Psalm 91:16 Psalm 90:12 Psalm 92:12-14 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Strengthening Your Stakes: Preparing for What Only God Can See 12.09.2026 6min

  Uncertainty about the future, unanswered prayers, and dreams that haven’t taken shape yet can leave you wondering whether your ordinary, everyday faithfulness really matters. Scripture reminds us that God may be preparing us for something we cannot yet see. Noah spent years building the ark before a single drop of rain fell. In the same way, God often calls us to prepare, obey, and remain faithful without showing us the full picture. The small things we do each day—our work, responsibilities, relationships, and acts of obedience—can be part of a much larger purpose. We may want the big answer or the completed dream, but God is often strengthening our character and our faith through the seemingly mundane tasks right in front of us. Highlights: What Isaiah 54:2 teaches us about preparing for what God may be doing Why obedience sometimes requires faith before we understand the outcome Lessons from Noah’s years of faithful, unseen preparation How God uses ordinary and seemingly small tasks to prepare us for greater responsibility Why we should focus on faithfulness today instead of needing to know what comes next How seasons of waiting can strengthen our character, trust, and obedience Remembering that what seems insignificant to us may have a much greater purpose in God’s plan Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Strengthening Your Stakes: Preparing for What Only God Can See By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2 ESV). God often does things we don’t expect. As I read Isaiah 54 the other day, God showed me that He will often tell us to prepare for things He’s bringing us. In this passage, He tells a barren woman to expand her tent and strengthen her stakes for a family she doesn't even have yet. Our job isn’t to know the why but to prepare in obedience even when we don’t know what we are getting ready for. All we can do is walk in obedience even when we don’t know where the obedience will lead. It reminds me of the parable Jesus told of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25. When they went to meet the bridegroom, only 5 of the virgins took extra flasks of oil with them before they departed. The other 5 foolishly didn’t. They didn’t prepare. Or in Genesis 6, when God commands Noah to build an ark. Do you think Noah might’ve thought it a bit strange, the command to build an ark when there wasn’t rain anywhere in sight? Not to mention the earth had never flooded before. Undoubtedly, the idea would’ve been a foreign concept to him. But Noah chose to trust God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Hebrews 11:7). I’m in a season right now where I don’t know where I’ll be in the next year, the next few months, or even next week. All I can see is what God has placed in front of me right now. Think about it. Noah didn’t build the ark in a day. It took decades of waking up, grabbing a hammer, and building one plank at a time. He didn’t see a drop of rain for years. He just saw the single wooden plank in front of him each day. He had to wait years for God’s promise and prophecy to be fulfilled. Perhaps Noah began to wonder if it would really happen or if he’d heard wrong. When we think about Noah, we often envision the completed ark. But what we don’t see are the 50-75 years of backbreaking labor, years of faithfulness before the first drop of rain ever fell. He had to be faithful in the daily, ordinary tasks of building the ark before he ever fully understood the why of the assignment. We are called to be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10). Think about it. Noah spent more time building that ark, without seeing any results, than some of us have even been alive. Certainly more time than we’ve probably ever spent on a project. Do you think Noah knew the full weight of the task he’d been asked to undertake? Yet if he hadn’t trusted God’s word spoken to him, none of us would be here. God used Noah’s faithfulness to save the world. If he hadn’t built the ark, his family would’ve drowned. If his family had drowned, the earth would have been wiped out, which means none of us would be here today. Wow. That’s pretty weighty to think about.  In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us that to whom much is given, much will be required. Intersecting Faith & Life: While we might not be asked to build an ark that will preserve the population from dying out, we are asked in Matthew 28:19 (ESV) to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded us. Even if we are not called to save people physically, we are called to point them to the One Who can save them spiritually. We often find we want the “much” more than we desire the “little.” We want the completed project, the fulfilled dream, the clear future, but God tests our hearts in the “little.” He looks at how we handle what He has already given us. We are called to be faithful in the small tasks we may consider “mundane” (answering an email, studying, folding laundry). Think about it. Remember God says that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Perhaps God keeps us in seasons of quiet, daily preparation because if He gave us the big platforms or massive answers to prayer before our character was tested in the small things, the weight of the responsibility would crush us. And how important those “small” things are even if we don’t realize it! We may find it hard to believe when we’re folding another load of laundry or washing dishes, but remember Noah probably couldn’t fully imagine the importance of each part as he built the ark, one piece of wood, one layer of pitch and tar at a time. Pray with me: Dear Father, thank You that Your plans are better than anything I could imagine. Forgive me for the times I lose sight of that. Help me to remember Noah’s decades of unseen faithfulness, and give me the strength to fulfill every task, no matter how mundane it may seem, with a heart of worship. Teach me to obey Your voice even when I don’t understand the why behind the assignment. I trust that You are preparing me for whatever You have next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  When Life Wears You Down 11.09.2026 6min

  Even ordinary tasks can feel overwhelming. Stress, grief, mistakes, uncertainty, and ongoing trials can leave you emotionally and spiritually exhausted, wondering how you’ll find the strength to keep going. Psalm 121 reminds us where our help comes from: the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. God does not expect us to pretend we’re okay or power through every difficult season on our own. When you’re too tired to pray, too overwhelmed to see clearly, or simply unsure how to take the next step, you can bring that weakness to Him. Jesus offers rest to those who are weary, and the Holy Spirit intercedes when we don’t have the words. Even in the darkest seasons, God remains near, providing the strength, peace, and help we need for whatever comes next. Highlights: What to do when you feel emotionally, physically, or spiritually worn down How Psalm 121 reminds us to look to God for help when life feels overwhelming Why God does not expect us to pretend we are okay or handle everything alone Finding rest in Jesus during seasons of exhaustion, stress, and hardship How the Holy Spirit helps us when we are too weak or tired to pray Why God’s presence remains with us even when we cannot feel or see Him Encouragement to trust God for the strength needed to take the next step Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When Life Wears You Down By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - Psalm 121:1-2 NIV There’s a song by Tenth Avenue North that inspired this devotional. A melancholy melody starts, then the opening lyrics say how tired and worn they feel. They have a heavy heart from all the hard work it takes just to continue breathing. The mistakes they’ve made are creating a dark cloud over their heads, and the weight of the world is crushing their soul. But they know that God can give them rest, so with all they have left, they muster up a cry to Him.  The singer says he knows he needs to lift his eyes up to God and remember Him, trusting God to see him through these tough times, but he feels too weak to look up because the trials and storms of life won’t cease. But he knows God can give him what he needs, renew his mind, and restore the brokenness of his soul. So, though they don’t have the will or energy to fight, they have hope because they know God will fight for them.  This reminds me of the Bible verse above (Psalm 121). It also reminds me of words by Ellie Mont that she posted to her Instagram page a while ago. Mont said, “God is not far from you right now. God is not asking you to perform or pretend or power through. God sees how tired you are. God knows the weight you are carrying. God understands the tears you do not even have the energy to cry anymore. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest does not mean everything suddenly feels better. Sometimes rest is simply permission to stop pretending you are okay. Sometimes rest is letting God sit with you in the dark instead of forcing yourself toward the light. You are not failing because you are tired. You are not unfaithful because you are overwhelmed. You are human. And God is gentle with humans who are worn down.” Isn’t it good to know that God is gentle with us when we feel worn down by life? As a person who suffers from chronic fatigue, I know what it’s like to feel tired. You can feel too tired to do simple tasks or exercise. Sometimes sleep doesn’t fix it. But I am grateful to know that God offers rest to me and everyone who needs it. Over the years, God has shown me that He knows what I need before I know, and He already has provision in place. And when we feel too tired to lift our eyes up to Him and send up prayers to Heaven about how we feel and what we need, we can trust that God’s Holy Spirit intercedes for us, saying to Him what we cannot as He helps us when we feel weak (Romans 8:26-27). Part of our human experience on Earth is to go through storms, trials, and tribulations. These elements and factors can make us weary. It can also obscure our view of God and really weaken our faith in Him when we cannot see Him nor sense His Presence in dark and challenging times. But the good news is that He is always here with us (Matthew 28:20). Jesus Christ is not just the light at the end of the dark tunnel; He is the light beside us and within us (1 John 4:4). Therefore, we have nothing to fear. We can rest knowing that Jesus will always be with us. He will give us what we need to take the next step (Proverbs 3:5-6), climb that mountain, take that leap of faith, and survive the storms of life.  Next time you’re feeling worn down by life, go to God. Even if you cannot pray for a long time, simply saying “Jesus, help me” will suffice. And if you cannot even say those words silently or aloud, trust that God already heard the cry of your heart, and He will meet you in your time of need. In closing, please listen to and reflect on these five songs (listed below). Song of Reflection #1: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #5: “His Strength is Perfect” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith and Life:How does it feel to know that we can lean on God and trust Him to restore us when we feel worn down by life? Further Reading:Isaiah 26:3Philippians 4:13Psalm 28:7Psalm 46:1Hebrews 4:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Clinging to God When Life Feels Uncertain 10.09.2026 6min

  When life feels uncertain, it’s easy to wonder where God is. Waiting, unanswered prayers, difficult circumstances, and seasons of feeling forgotten can make us question whether God is still with us. David experienced those same struggles, yet his story reminds us that God’s presence and promises remain true even when we cannot see what He is doing. Faith doesn’t mean ignoring our doubts or pretending difficult seasons don’t hurt. Like David in Psalm 22, we can bring our questions, fears, and frustrations honestly to God while choosing to remember who He is. Even in the valleys, God has not abandoned us. When we cling to His promises and trust His faithfulness, our prayers can move from anguish toward praise as we remember that God is with us on both the good days and the hard ones. Highlights: Why feeling forgotten by God doesn’t mean He has abandoned you What David’s uncertain journey teaches us about waiting on God How to bring doubts, questions, and frustrations honestly to the Lord Why difficult circumstances can test our faith without disproving God’s faithfulness How David moved from anguish and confusion toward praise in Psalm 22 Remembering that God is present in both the mountains and valleys of life How Psalm 139 can reassure us of God’s constant presence Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Clinging to God When Life Feels UncertainBy: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? - Psalm 22:1 ( NIV)  “Mom, why did God abandon David when he needed him most?” my youngest daughter asked before bedtime. Earlier in the day, we’d gone to see a movie about David’s life. My girls were familiar with the general story of  David as King, but the movie, which focused on David’s transition from shepherd to King of Israel, raised many questions.I thought about my daughter’s question in more detail. Often, we think of (and teach our children) David as the slayer of Goliath, or as the mighty king. We linger on the fulfillment of God’s promises to David—protection, prosperity, and promotion to King.  And while it is important to draw our children’s focus to God keeping His promise, we also need to share the hard parts of David’s journey, the testing of his faith, and God’s faithfulness. For starters, the prophet Samuel anointed David as the future king when he was just a teenager, yet David didn’t take the throne until he was almost 30!  Historians estimate that David became king about 15-20 years after Samuel's pronouncement, when he eventually succeeded Saul.  David’s life involved a lot of uncertainty and waiting on God.  The scene that prompted my daughter’s question was inspired by Psalm 22. With words and phrases like “forsaken, cry out, far from saving, you do not answer,” it can be easy to think that God had indeed forgotten David, or at the very least wasn’t with him in the wilderness.  I shared with my daughter that just because David was going through a hard time didn’t mean that God had neglected him. God promised to make David king, and He would [eventually]  fulfill that promise. “Let’s look at the closing verses of Psalm 22,” I said to my daughter, grabbing my Bible. Psalms 22:22-23 says, “I will declare your name to my people;  in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him!  All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!” We can openly bring our doubts, questions, concerns, and grievances to the Lord, yet we shouldn’t leave them there. Our petitions should ultimately lead us to praise, as we see in David’s prayer. The first few verses of Psalm 22 are filled with angst, confusion, and general frustration over his current circumstances. But through his prayer, David turns his problems into praise. How can one give gratitude to God in the most dire of situations? Because he remembers who God is— most importantly, he rests confidently in the assurance that God will keep His promise to deliver David and ultimately His people. While God had something good planned for David’s life, that didn’t mean his life would be easy or without hardship.  The majority of the Psalms were written while David was fleeing from Saul, and a few when his own son was trying to kill him! While David felt like God had abandoned him, the truth was that God was always with him. “And God is always with you, too,” I shared with my little girl. “On the good days and the bad days, He is there.” I easily forget that the God of the mountains is the God of the valley, and no matter my circumstances, He hears my cries. Just as with David, there will be times when I feel alone, but God never forsakes His children. He is always working for my good and His glory.Intersecting Faith & Life: If you currently feel forgotten by God, read Psalm 139:7-12 and write down what it says about God’s presence.  Further Reading:1 Samuel 16Psalm 22 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  When the Young Adult You Love Strays 09.09.2026 5min

  When a young adult walks away from faith, church, or the values they were raised with, the pain can be deep. Parents, pastors, mentors, and loved ones may wonder what went wrong and feel the urge to fix the situation. But when someone we love strays, Scripture reminds us that God is still at work, and our response can make a meaningful difference. Loving a young adult who has stepped away from Christianity requires a balance of truth, grace, patience, and acceptance. Healthy Christian community can play an important role in helping people reconnect with their faith, but bringing someone back isn’t about forcing them to change. Instead, we can continue loving them, remain available, encourage healthy community, and extend the same grace God has shown us. Sometimes the most important question a young adult needs answered is simply, “Do you still love me?” Highlights: What to do when a young adult strays from faith or church Why trying to “fix” a young adult can push them further away How Christian community can help young adults reconnect with their faith The difference between accepting someone and approving of their choices Why love, grace, patience, and availability matter when someone is struggling spiritually How to point young adults toward healthy communities of faith without forcing them Remembering that God’s grace is available even when we make mistakes or stray Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When the Young Adult That You Love Strays By: Maina Mwaura  Bible Reading: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:6As a former youth pastor, one of the things that I cherish the most is running into former students. So in one week, two students that I had the privilege of ministering to crossed my path at the same time, which was not unusual, being that I have lived in the same city on and off for over twenty-five years. What was unusual was the differing paths that both students have taken.  I can still remember when Thomas and Chris both made professions of faith at the same camp. It was a summer that I will never forget, as both boys, now young men, were also baptized the same day. As Thomas approached me in the middle of the grocery store, I still remembered his face. Just as I locked eyes with Thomas, his wife and kids came around the corner. All I could think of was WOW, time flies. Thomas and his wife both love the Lord, and Thomas is even involved in the same church that I was on staff at many years ago. I walked away from that encounter, thrilled that Thomas was still on track. Although there was a moment in his life when he strayed, he had found his way back.  That same week, while eating lunch in another part of town, I ran into Chris. Chris walked in dressed in a suit and tie. He also looked just like he did in his former years. During my time with Chris, he mentioned that he cherished the years we had together, but that he had stepped outside the faith and hadn’t been involved in a church for years.  As Chris walked away, I couldn’t help but reflect on what went wrong and right with both Chris and Thomas. Although that’s the human thing to do, author Jim Burns would say that’s the wrong place to start. Recently, I spent some time with Jim Burns, who has written on the topic of young adult issues and dynamics, and has a new book titled When Your Young Adult Child Strays. Jim is clear that when a young adult strays, putting on the martyr badge isn’t the step that we should be taking. During my time with Jim, he assured me that God is okay with mess-ups, and in fact, we have an entire Hall of Faith in Hebrews that confirms this.  One of the key characteristics that both men mentioned during our time together was community. Both men mentioned either how much they loved their community or, in Thomas’ case, how much they missed it. Burns's research shows that 65% of young adults who strayed returned to their faith communities. I’m not surprised by this at all. Thomas mentioned that after he had strayed away from the church, it was his community of friends and a former Sunday School teacher who reached out to him in his time of need. Community, mixed in with being available for young adults, is one of the keys that brings those back who stray.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Both men whom I had the privilege of ministering to were unique and different in their life choices. During my time with Chris, it was Jim Burns's words that I had to stay focused on most. Chris has made some life choices that clearly go against scripture, and although I wanted to add my thoughts and opinions, I had to remember the words of Jim: acceptance doesn’t mean approval. Often, when young adults stray, we love them either as their parents or, in my case, former students in my youth ministry, and we want to fix them. Jesus never tries to fix us; in fact, he does the opposite. Young adults don’t want to be fixed. In fact, I would go as far as to say that people in general don’t want to be fixed.  In bringing young adults back home into spiritually healthy communities, these three things will be of great help. Love them, try to point them into healthy communities of faith, and accept them for where they are in this stage of life. Another way is showing them the grace that you needed when you were their age. At the end of the day, according to Burns, young adults are simply asking, “Do you still love me”?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  What Is Your Life Reflecting About Your Heart? 08.09.2026 6min

  What does your life reveal about what is really happening in your heart? Our words, attitudes, choices, and actions can reveal far more about our faith than what we say we believe. Proverbs 27:19 reminds us that “as water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart,” challenging us to take an honest look at whether our everyday lives actually reflect our relationship with God. It’s easy to recognize pride, impatience, or poor judgment in others while overlooking those same attitudes in ourselves. But God calls us to examine our hearts and allow His Word to expose what needs to change. When we choose humility, wisdom, and obedience, our lives can become a genuine reflection of Christ—pointing the people around us toward Him rather than simply telling them what we believe. Highlights: Discover how your words and actions reveal the condition of your heart. Learn why impatience and always wanting to share your opinion can be warning signs. Consider how pride can quietly influence your relationships and decisions. Explore what Proverbs teaches about wisdom, humility, and being willing to listen. Understand why our outward behavior should align with what we profess to believe. Ask God to examine your heart and help your life reflect His Word. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What Is Your Life Reflecting about Your Heart? By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” - Proverbs 27:19 What are our lives reflecting to those around us? How are our words and actions revealing what is within our hearts and what we really believe? Too many of us know, or have known, individuals who say they are Christians, yet their actions tell another story, one that doesn’t support what their words confess. Proverbs points out that how we’re living is truly a reflection of our hearts, so if we’re saying one thing, but living in another way, the truth is in our reflection. If we think we’re hiding what’s in our hearts, we need to reconsider because we can’t really hide what’s going on inside of us. If we say we love God, but then our words and actions don’t align with His words and commands, we may fool a few people, or even many… but we may be mostly fooling ourselves. The following are alarming reflections: the things rooted in our hearts that we may be missing that are fooling us.  Are we impatient, not wanting to hear what others have to say or explain, wanting to express our own viewpoints?  If so, it’s wise for us to consider what Proverbs 18:2 describes: “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” Do we really enjoy hearing all the wild and evil schemes others devise? Are shows and stories on true crimes more interesting to us than the Bible and godly programming? If so, Proverbs 10:23 reveals that, “A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.” When we’re faced with deciding between following God’s wisdom or choosing to follow the wisdom of men, what do we choose? Are we finding ourselves trusting more in what men and women tell us than in God? John 2:23-24 tells us what Jesus would do: “Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name. But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people.” If we find ourselves thinking we’re too wise or important to listen to or consider others’ words spoken to us, we may want to consider what Proverbs 23:9 describes: “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” Do we see ourselves as smarter than everyone around us? If so, we may want to contemplate what Proverbs 26:5 describes: “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” Maybe those around us are just not pointing out when we’re in error, letting us think we’re always right. If so, we’re in danger of being deceived and led into making foolish choices. Do we see ourselves as better than others? If so, as Proverbs 16:18 warns, we may not know when we’re in pride and at risk of falling, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” It seems like pride may be kind of hidden for anyone who is prideful, and not an easy attitude for most to detect in ourselves. But, as Proverbs 11:2 warns, “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” Taking Stock of What We’re Reflecting It’s wise for us to take stock of ourselves now and then, just to double-check whether we’ve gotten off track in our lives or derailed a bit from where God is leading us. We can also ask God to examine and expose our hearts so that we may recognize and address any wrong thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Also, we can ask Him to strengthen us and help us reflect Him and His word in our lives. Intersecting Faith & Life: What is your life reflecting about your heart? If not liking what’s being reflected, ask God to help you to see clearly and to lead you with His word and godly principles, so that others are drawn to Him, through what they’re seeing in you. Further Reading: 5 Ways Christians Can Reflect Christ Through Everyday Etiquette Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
• 
  Learn More Every Day 07.09.2026 6min

  Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Even after we finish our formal education, start careers, raise families, and settle into familiar routines, there is still so much to discover. God calls us to remain teachable, curious, and willing to grow, because wisdom isn’t about reaching a point where we know everything—it’s about recognizing how much we still have to learn. Proverbs 1:5 encourages the wise to keep adding to their learning and seeking guidance. A busy life can make it easy to become comfortable with what we already know and stop challenging ourselves. But lifelong learning can strengthen both our minds and our faith, helping us see God’s creativity, wisdom, and character in new ways. Whether through Scripture, books, conversations, podcasts, new skills, prayer, or simply paying closer attention to the world around us, every day offers an opportunity to learn something new and grow closer to God. Highlights Why learning and personal growth shouldn’t end when formal education does What Proverbs 1:5 teaches about remaining teachable and seeking guidance How comfort and busy routines can keep us from continuing to grow Why a stagnant mind can contribute to a stagnant faith Simple ways to keep learning without going back to school How curiosity and humility can help us recognize what God is teaching us Why lifelong learning can deepen our sense of awe and appreciation for God’s wisdom Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Learn More Every Day By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” – Proverbs 1:5, NIV Every time a new semester starts at George Mason University, where I work, I’m inspired by seeing students excited about learning. Watching them walk around campus and hearing them discuss new ideas reminds me that education is a powerful gift. It makes me grateful that even though I’m not the one taking university classes anymore, my own education never actually ends. God is always teaching me something new if I’m just willing to keep a clear mind and a teachable heart. This back-to-school season reminds us that learning is a lifelong calling. In Proverbs 1:5, the Bible encourages the wise to add to their learning and the discerning to get guidance. Truly wise people never reach a point where they decide they finally know enough. People who have discernment know they always need God’s guidance. No matter how old we are, how many degrees we hold, or how much career experience we’ve accumulated, God calls us to learn more every day. Unfortunately, it’s easy for us to let our lives shrink down to the level of our to-do lists. Once we finish our formal education and settle into our careers and family routines, we can easily stop challenging ourselves. We may get comfortable living our lives the same way every day and close our minds to fresh perspectives. If we let ourselves become overwhelmed by our responsibilities, we can neglect to make time for learning and growth in our busy schedules. Then we won’t be able to learn what God is trying to teach us. A stagnant mind leads to a stagnant faith. God is infinitely creative, so there’s always more of God’s character to discover and more of God’s world to understand. When we stop learning, we limit our capacity for God to use us in new and exciting ways. So, it’s important to follow the advice in Proverbs 1:5 and add to our learning. Every day that God gives us to live is a valuable opportunity to learn more. We don’t need to enroll in graduate school or read massive textbooks to add to our learning. We just need to have curious and humble attitudes as we go about our daily lives. We can learn something new by reading a book, listening to a podcast during our commutes to and from work, or learning a skill we want to develop – like cooking better meals – by asking someone we know to teach us. Spiritually, we can add to our learning by studying the Bible, taking a wonder walk in nature, or strengthening our prayer and meditation practices. Every piece of new inspiration God gives us can help us appreciate the wonderful world God has made. Lifelong learning can lead us to feel awe, because it shows us that our human understanding is very small compared to God’s unlimited knowledge and wisdom. When we approach each day asking God to teach us something new that day, we can become quicker to listen, slower to judge, and much more adaptable to life’s changes than we would be otherwise. So, as the children and young adults in our communities head back to school, let’s join them in their commitment to learn more. Let’s never stop being students of God’s truth by adding to our learning each and every day! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why lifelong learning is important, reflect on these questions: What’s one specific topic that you’ve been wanting to learn more about lately?  In what areas of your daily routine have you become too comfortable, and how can you challenge yourself to grow there?  How can you create regular time in your busy schedule to acquire more knowledge and seek God’s guidance more?  Think of someone in your life who has a very teachable spirit. What qualities do you admire most about his or her attitude?  What’s one step you can take today to learn something new from a friend, family member, or coworker? Further Reading: Proverbs 9:9 Proverbs 18:15 Psalm 119:66 2 Peter 3:18 Philippians 1:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.