Episodes

  • Our Faithful Provider

    Our Faithful Provider
    May 1 2025
    Elijah’s story reminds us that God’s provision often shows up in the most unexpected places—and through the most unlikely people. Whether it’s ravens delivering meals or a desperate widow offering her last meal, the message is the same: God is faithful, even when the method doesn’t make sense. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Obedience opens the door to provision. Elijah didn’t question God’s instructions—he obeyed, even when the command defied logic.💡 God prepares us in private before stretching us in public. Time spent in quiet reliance (like Elijah at the brook) builds faith for bold obedience later.💡 God meets others’ needs through our obedience. Elijah’s faith not only sustained him but revived hope in a grieving, starving mother.💡 Provision isn’t always comfortable. God sent Elijah to a hostile region, into the home of a Gentile, yet there—His provision waited.💡 God specializes in showing up in our lack. When the widow had nothing left, that’s when God showed up and multiplied her resources. 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Have you ever felt like God was calling you to something that didn’t make sense on paper? Where in your life are you relying more on logic than obedience? How might your step of faith spark hope or provision in someone else’s life? 📖 Further Reading Philippians 4:19 | Psalm 23:1-6 | Luke 12:24 🎙️ Don’t miss an episode of The Crosswalk Devotional — your daily encouragement to trust, obey, and lean into God’s goodness, no matter the season. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: 2 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” 7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 1 Kings 17:2-8 Imagine losing your job and all of your savings in a nonexistent job market and sensing God say, “Go to an empty warehouse in west Las Vegas, an area notorious for gangs and drug users, and ask a woman sleeping in a back corner on the floor for food.” Would you obey, or would you question your ability to hear the Lord’s voice? And what if reaching that place required a long, solitary walk, during which you had ample time to feed your doubts, questions, and anxiety, or to practice a sacred silence in which to draw closer to God and receive His assurance and much needed confirmation for your journey. I wonder how Elijah, the Old Testament prophet introduced in 1 Kings 17, used his 75-90 mile trek, which likely took several days, on foot, from the Kerith Ravine to Zarephath, in the pagan land of Sidon. Did he wrestle with doubt? He had ample reason to do so. First, this occurred during a drought severe enough to cause the brook where he’d been resting to dry up, and God had instructed him to embark on a physically demanding journey that would’ve burned at least 75,000 calories and made him quite thirsty. Third, God told him to go to Queen Jezebel’s hometown. She was a wicked woman married to the equally wicked Ahab, king of Israel. Fourth, the people of Sidon considered Baal, a false god believed to govern the sky and weather the most important deity. And lastly, a widow would’ve been the least likely person to support a hungry man, at any time, let alone during a drought-induced famine! Based on what we read in Scripture, however, Elijah appears to obey God without hesitation or question. No doubt, his time at the brook during which the Lord fed him, miraculously, through ravens, prepared him for the faith-filled journey that followed. I find it equally intriguing that God used a bird He’d previously declared unclean. Did He do so to prepare Elijah to enter a pagan land, accept food from a, presumably, pagan woman, and, later, reside within a pagan home? I don’t know the related cultural practices during Elijah’s day, but by the time of Jesus, no respected Jew would enter a Gentile’s residence, nor would they eat their food or from their dishes for fear both had been connected to idol worship. Regardless, Elijah must’ve felt some level of discomfort. But he’d learned, and was learning, to trust and obey God, even when it didn’t seem to make sense or evoked some level of distress. Here's what I find beautiful. Because Elijah did as God asked, not only did he receive the nourishment he needed to survive the two-and-a-half-year drought—a deadly situation in that day. But consider as well, prior to encountering Elijah, this poor widow was out of hope. This is what Scripture records, directly following the ...
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    7 mins
  • Let God Amaze You

    Let God Amaze You
    Apr 30 2025
    In today’s world of endless to-do lists, notifications, and responsibilities, it’s easy to miss the awe-inspiring work God is doing all around us. This devotional invites you to slow down, open your heart, and notice the countless ways God reveals His wonder in your everyday life. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Wonder isn’t lost — it’s often overlooked. Make room in your heart and schedule to notice God’s handiwork.💡 Luke 5:26 reminds us: God’s extraordinary power is active and present today, just as it was when Jesus healed the paralyzed man.💡 God’s awe-inspiring work can be seen in nature, relationships, answered prayers, and quiet moments.💡 Simple, intentional practices like “wonder walks,” mindful prayer, and rediscovering childlike joy can reawaken a sense of amazement.💡 Gratitude shifts your perspective from scarcity to abundance, helping you recognize God’s continuous blessings. 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life When was the last time you truly felt awe in God’s presence? What sparked it? What would it look like to schedule time each day to slow down and seek out God’s wonder? How can you intentionally encourage those around you to pause and notice the incredible things God is doing? 📖 Further Reading Job 37:14 | Psalm 65:8 | Psalm 104:24 | Psalm 111:2 | Romans 1:20 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Let God Amaze You By: Whitney Hopler “And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things today.’” – Luke 5:26, ESV How often do you take breaks from your busy activities to think about how incredible God’s work is? It’s easy to shrink each day God gives you down to the level of your to-do list, allowing your time to be consumed by your responsibilities and causing you to miss out on experiencing wonder. In this fallen, stressful world, you can also become desensitized to wonder. The constant flow of messages competing for your attention can constantly distract you, dulling your awareness of what God is doing. In order to discover glimpses of God’s wonderful work around you, though, you need to intentionally make room in your life to look for it. The experience of noticing God at work is awe-inspiring! In Luke 5:26, the people who witnessed Jesus heal a paralyzed man responded with amazement and awe. They glorified God because they recognized his wonderful power on display before their eyes. That same power is still active today, working in your life and shaping the world around you. The question is: are you paying attention? Maybe you catch a glimpse of God’s work in the beauty of the sky, such as while you’re watching a colorful sunrise or sunset, or on a clear night when you can see the stars. You may see God at work through the love in your relationships with family and friends. Maybe you recognize God providing for you through an answered prayer. There are countless ways God works in your life – some of which you can see, and much more that God is doing behind the scenes. You can find wonderful evidence of God at work everywhere, but you must be willing to see it. When you intentionally open your heart to let God amaze you, you can experience awe anywhere and anytime, since God is constantly doing something wonderful! Here are some practices to help you experience God’s wonder around you every day: Enjoy “wonder walks” in nature: Taking regular walks outdoors in nature helps you discover God’s wonder because every part of God’s creation shows you something about the Creator. Wonder walks are walks you take to intentionally look for something inspiring on your way. As you walk, engage your senses fully. You can see the intricate patterns of leaves on the trees, listen to the music of birds singing, inhale the fresh scent of the grass, and feel the wind blowing. Pay attention to how what you’re experiencing inspires you, and what it can show you about God, who designed it all.Include prayerful mindfulness in your daily activities: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment so you can appreciate the here and now. Since God is always present with you, you can become more aware of God by focusing your full attention on whatever you’re doing – even ordinary activities like eating, sipping tea, or doing chores at home – with a prayerful attitude, asking the Holy Spirit to help you uncover layers of meaning that you might otherwise overlook. Rediscover childlike wonder: Children view the world with pure wonder. That helps them find joy in the simplest discoveries. You can reignite this sense of awe in yourself as an adult by enjoying activities you loved as a child, such as playing with a pet, drawing, or exploring new places. Make time in your schedule regularly to have fun in some of the same ways you did...
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    7 mins
  • God Is For Us

    God Is For Us
    Apr 29 2025
    When life hits hard — through mental health battles, illness, or deep loneliness — it’s easy to wonder if God’s against us. Today’s devotional is a powerful reminder that God is never our enemy. He is always for us, and His love is constant, even in our darkest moments. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Mental health struggles are not rooted in sin — they are real health issues that deserve compassion, care, and proper treatment💡 God’s Word promises: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)💡 Our emotions are valid, but God’s truth is steady — He has never and will never abandon us💡 God showed His immense love by giving up His Son for us; how could He not also graciously give us what we need for this life and eternity?💡 Problems arise because we live in a broken world, not because God is punishing us 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Have you ever struggled with the feeling that God was against you? What helped shift your perspective? Are you navigating a difficult season — mental health, illness, loss — and need a reminder that God is on your side? How might reflecting on Romans 8:31-32 reshape the way you face today’s challenges? 📖 Further Reading Romans 8:37-39 | Hebrews 13:5-6 | Psalm 46:1 | Isaiah 41:10 💬 Join the Conversation We’d love to hear how you’ve experienced God’s presence in difficult seasons. Share your story @LifeAudioNetwork or at Crosswalk.com — your journey could encourage someone else today. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Is for Us By Vivian Bricker “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32). A few years ago, I hit rock bottom. I felt alone in life and I was struggling immensely with my mental health. I had just started recovery for my eating disorder and it was a difficult road ahead. What I didn’t know was that when you enter recovery, you have to cope with your feelings in different ways, rather than restricting your food intake, not eating, or excessively exercising. Due to the self-hate I had, it was hard for me to make this change at first. If you have also gone through recovery for an eating disorder, you know how difficult it can be. It can make you feel alone, isolated, and scared. Eating disorders are often based out of a source of control and once that control is gone, it can be very frightening. Through God’s help, I have been able to continue to do recovery and I don’t struggle as much as I used to. However, this trust didn’t happen overnight. At first, I was extremely mad at God. I came to the conclusion that He hated me and didn’t want what was best for me. I also thought that He might be turning a deaf ear to my prayers because I was a bad person for struggling with an eating disorder for so long. Due to unhelpful comments from other Christians, I was convinced that I was struggling with a sin problem rather than a real mental health disorder. Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and all other mental health disorders are not rooted in sin. They are all mental health disorders that deserve proper treatment and care. If everyone started seeing mental health disorders for what they are—mental health disorders—then we could start moving forward in helping others who are struggling. It only brings harm upon others when they are told their struggles are the result of sin in their life. If anyone has ever said that to you, know they are wrong. Statements such as these show their lack of biblical knowledge and their lack of relationship with the Lord. Don’t take these things to heart as these individuals are not knowledgeable about mental health disorders. Choose to reflect on the truth: yes, we can struggle with mental health disorders, but they are not because of sin. It wasn’t your fault for getting a mental health disorder. Similar to how it’s nobody’s fault that they develop heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, it is not your fault for developing a mental health disorder. We all have our own struggles and each of them are valid. During your struggles, you might have felt as though God is not with you or He is causing your suffering. I have been in the same place before. Your feelings are valid, but don’t believe for a second that God is not with you or He is the one causing your suffering. Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32). As Paul says, ...
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    8 mins
  • Preparing Our Souls to Hear from God

    Preparing Our Souls to Hear from God
    Apr 28 2025
    Ever felt stuck waiting on God’s direction, wrestling with decisions, or worrying you might be missing His voice? You’re not alone. Today’s devotional reminds us that discovering God’s will isn’t about striving harder — it’s about surrendering deeper. Did you know that today's host, Jennifer Slattery, has a podcast of her own? Check out Faith Over Fear, where Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 A pure, surrendered heart hears God more clearly than one tangled in pride, fear, or self-reliance💡 Whole-self worship means offering our time, emotions, resources, and decisions to God in view of His mercy💡 Trust grows when we reflect on God’s radical love revealed through the cross — the more we remember, the more freely we surrender💡 There’s a cause-and-effect relationship: when we offer ourselves fully to God, we position ourselves to discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will💡 It’s not about perfect trust, but about moving closer to Jesus daily, letting His love quiet our fears and guide our hearts 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Is there an area of your life you’re holding back from God’s direction out of fear or uncertainty? How might remembering Christ’s sacrifice help you surrender that area with greater trust? What practices can help you keep your heart pure and receptive to God’s voice this week? 📖 Further Reading Matthew 5:6-8 | Psalm 51:10 | Psalm 19:12-14 | Psalm 29 💬 Join the Conversation How has God’s mercy transformed your ability to trust and surrender to His will? Share your story with us @LifeAudioNetwork or at Crosswalk.com — we’d love to hear how you’re walking this out. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2, NIV). We’ve probably all had times when we felt stuck in indecision, waiting for God’s leading. We’ve probably also felt the angst that comes from fretting that we’ve missed His guidance, that we’re maybe unable to hear His voice, or that we’ve heard Him incorrectly. I’m currently seeking His direction for a decision that could drastically affect my life for the foreseeable future. I know the stress, anxiety, and futility of living misaligned with Christ and the joy and fruitfulness that comes from anchoring ourselves in Him and yielding however He leads. Frankly, that is the only way to experience the thriving life He promised in John 10:10—a life characterized by love, joy, peace, kindness, and eternal impact. A life of ever-increasing intimacy with our Lord. Therefore, if we want to fully receive all the blessings He died to give us, it’s imperative we live the life He assigned. But what if we don’t what that is? What if we’re not certain whether He wants us to pursue additional training to prepare for a promotion that might allow more career autonomy, or to step away from a demanding position to free up more time to spend with teenaged children? Or maybe we’re working through a really difficult, painful and confusing relationship not knowing whether to speak hard truths or offer grace, to step back and initiate some firm boundaries, or to simply wait. When I find myself in those types of situations, I’m challenged and encouraged by today’s passage. First, it reminds me that a pure heart “hears” God more clearly than one consumed with pride, selfishness, and fear. Romans 12:1 invites me to offer my entire self—my time, resources, agenda, emotions—all that I am, to the Lord. That is perhaps the hardest act of obedience we will ever choose, especially if our trust feels a big wonky. Put simply, our ability to yield to Christ is directly tied to our trust in Him. I don’t say this from a place of condemnation. We can’t “will” ourselves to trust Him, nor is our wobbly trust an act of rebellion. Rather, it’s an indication that we need to get to know Christ, His ways and His heart, better. And we never see Him more clearly than when He hung upon the cross. This is why I find the first part of Romans 12:1 so helpful. “In view of God’s mercy …” In view of all He’s done for me and in me. In view of His radical sacrifice, offered in the most extreme display of love known to humanity and all that I have received through His death and resurrection, I offer myself back to Him. Earlier in Romans, ...
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    7 mins
  • Following Jesus

    Following Jesus
    Apr 27 2025
    Ever felt totally lost — physically or spiritually? In today’s devotional, Alexis Goring shares a memorable story of getting lost in another state before smartphones and GPS, and how that real-life navigation mishap mirrors our spiritual journey. Just like she needed a trustworthy guide to get home safely, we need to follow Jesus closely through the twists and turns of life. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Life is a journey — and we’re pilgrims passing through, with Heaven as our final destination💡 Jesus is our trustworthy guide, leading us safely if we stay close and refuse to let distractions get in the way💡 Prioritize your relationship with Christ through daily quiet time, Bible study, and prayer💡 Use worship, gratitude, and reflection as tools to stay spiritually grounded💡 God promises protection, peace, and guidance for those who actively seek Him 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life How does it change your outlook to know you have a Heavenly Guide leading you through life’s unfamiliar territory? What practices can you put in place to stay spiritually close to Jesus, even when life gets hectic? Is there anything you’ve allowed to come between you and your relationship with Jesus? How can you realign 📖 Further Reading Proverbs 3:5-6 | Psalm 32:8 | Isaiah 58:11 | Psalm 25:9-10 | Psalm 119:105 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever had a “lost without a guide” moment in life — and how did God lead you through it? Share your story with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or at Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another to keep following Jesus closely. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Following Jesus By Alexis A. Goring “I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell.” — Psalm 119:19-20 TLB It was a dark Saturday night when I left my house, settled into the driver’s seat of my car, gathered my printed map with directions to my destination and pulled out of my driveway onto the road. I was driving to a friend’s birthday party. According to my map, it was about an hour and a half drive from my house to their apartment in another state. I hadn’t visited their home state before nor had I spent time in their abode. But I wasn’t worried…until I got lost in their state. Nothing looked familiar to me. I tried talking to a taxi driver at a stoplight but he couldn’t help me. At one point I ended up on the wrong side of the road but by a miracle of God, I returned to the right side of the road without being in an accident. Somehow, I ended up in the parking lot of a coffee shop. It was then that I called my friend and said I was lost. She sent her brother to meet me in the parking lot of the coffee shop. I then followed his car to their apartment. I wished her a happy birthday and spent time with the other guests but when our mutual friend (we’ll call her Tiana), prepared to leave, I asked her if I could follow her home since we lived near each other in the same state. She agreed and we left the party together. From the moment I settled into my car, I aligned my vehicle directly behind Tiana’s car, I zeroed in on her car’s features and memorized the license plate so I 2would know who I was following then I drove close behind her car, never taking my eyes off it. I didn’t let any other car get in between me and the car I was following closely. I matched Tiana’s driving pace and drove like my life depended on it because it did. I was in such unfamiliar territory that far from home, but I knew if I stayed close to the driver who knew the way home then I would get to my destination. This experience happened when I did not have GPS and the printed map I had failed me. But gratefully, God led me to follow this friend back into familiar territory in my home state and I arrived safely to my house that night. I don’t want to think about what could have happened if I didn’t leave the party early so I could follow a trusted guide (Tiana in this case) home. But I am grateful God saw me through that ordeal and kept me safe on the road. All of this makes me think about a spiritual lesson. The Bible says that we as believers in God are pilgrims passing through this world (1 Chronicles 29:15). Our final destination is Heaven and our trusted guide is Jesus Christ. He wants us to follow Him through the twists and turns as we journey through this world, and He promises to help us arrive safely at our ultimate destination. The Bible says that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, nor can we ever imagine what God has planned for us in Heaven (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). It’s going to be glorious and worth the wait. God loves us so much. That is why He gave us His Son as Savior our travel guide (John 3:16-17). Just like I followed my friend ...
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    7 mins
  • There Is Always More to Discover with Jesus

    There Is Always More to Discover with Jesus
    Apr 26 2025
    Ever feel like you’ve only scratched the surface of what God’s doing in your life? In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler reflects on John 21:25 and reminds us that Jesus is constantly at work — in ways we can see and in countless ways we can’t. The beauty of following Christ is that the story isn’t finished, and there’s always more to discover, learn, and experience with Him. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 Jesus’ work didn’t stop when His earthly ministry ended — it continues every day in your life💡 The Bible is an endless well of wisdom, but Jesus is also writing His story through your life experiences💡 Pay attention to the “small miracles” — the peace, the encouragement, and those perfectly timed answers to prayer💡 Journaling God’s faithfulness can help you track His hand in your daily life💡 Faith is an ongoing, lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and awe 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Recall a moment when God answered a prayer in an unexpected way — how did that shift your faith perspective? What simple habits could help you notice Jesus’ work in your life more consistently? Could you carve out a weekly check-in with yourself and God to reflect on what He’s doing in your heart and circumstances? How might you intentionally keep learning and growing in your faith, year after year? 📖 Further Reading Psalm 40:5 | Job 5:9 | Romans 11:33 | Ecclesiastes 3:11 | Ephesians 3:20 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: There is Always More to Discover with Jesus By: Whitney Hopler “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” – John 21:25, NIV This is one of my favorite Bible verses, because it sparks my curiosity so much! I love how it points out that there’s much more for us to discover about Jesus. Not only did Jesus do so much during his earthly life that the world wouldn’t have room for all the books to tell us about it, but Jesus is constantly working now. Our wonderful Savior is doing so much, all the time, that we always have something more we can learn about it. That means we can be lifelong learners who are constantly going on exciting learning journeys with Jesus! Day by day, we see Jesus’ work in various ways, such as through his guidance, inspiration, and love. But how much more is happening behind the scenes? How many prayers is Jesus answering in ways we won’t fully understand until we get to heaven? How many times is Jesus protecting us from danger we don’t even know is near? Jesus is always working to accomplish good purposes in our lives – and often, he does so in mysterious ways. When you realize that you only see a fraction of the work Jesus is doing, an important question to consider is: Are you paying attention? Since Jesus’ work is so vast, you should never stop seeking to know him more. No matter how much you grow in your faith, there will always be more to discover about Jesus – and with Jesus, as you walk with him through each day of your life. Think about it this way: If there were books upon books filled with Jesus’ works, wouldn’t you want to keep reading them? Wouldn’t you want to keep exploring to learn more about Jesus’ wonderful wisdom? The Bible itself is filled with stories and teachings that you can study for a lifetime and still discover fresh insights. But beyond the Bible, Jesus is writing a record of inspiring work in your life, and it’s important for you to read it. The key to experiencing the daily wonders of God’s work in your life is to pay attention to the ways Jesus moves on a regular basis. Jesus’ miracles weren’t just occasional dramatic healings or supernatural events. They were also small yet significant experiences of positive change that happened regularly – enlightening conversations with people, acts of love, and more. Jesus still moves in these ways today! So, to start discovering more with Jesus, start paying attention to the little glimpses you notice of his work in your life – like the peace you feel during prayer, the encouragement that comes just when you need it, and the way a Bible verse speaks directly to your situation. Consider keeping a journal of Jesus’ faithfulness. Write down the ways he answers your prayers, the lessons he teaches you, and the experiences when you notice his presence with you. Over time, you’ll begin to see just how much Jesus is at work in your life. John 21:25 should inspire you to live with a sense of awe. If Jesus has done so much that the world itself couldn’t contain it all, then imagine how much wonderful work he is doing in your life! You should never become complacent in your faith. There is always more to discover with Jesus and more ways to grow in your ...
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    6 mins
  • When Family Weighs You Down

    When Family Weighs You Down
    Apr 25 2025
    Family — it’s a gift, a challenge, and sometimes a complicated mix of both. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown reflects on the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37:3-4, unpacking how even the most dysfunctional family situations can be met with grace, wisdom, and faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with family tension, painful words, or unresolved conflict, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to help you navigate those tough relationships. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 God values the family unit — even when it’s messy💡 Joseph’s story reminds us that betrayal and brokenness don’t have to be the end of the story💡 Prayer keeps us anchored when family drama threatens to overwhelm us💡 Open, honest communication is a brave and essential step toward healing💡 True reconciliation begins with listening well and extending forgiveness💡 No matter how unreliable people may be, God remains steadfast, loving, and good 🌿 Intersecting Faith & Life Who in your family might you need to have an honest conversation with? Are there hurts you’ve held onto that it’s time to forgive? How does Joseph’s story encourage you to keep trusting God, even in tough family dynamics? Is there someone you’ve overlooked that God might be prompting you to reconcile with today? 📖 Further Reading Exodus 20:12 | Psalm 27:10 | Ephesians 6:4 | 1 Timothy 5:8 | Matthew 5:38-39 | Matthew 10:35-37 | Matthew 18:15-17 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: When Family Weighs You Down By Aaron D’Anthony Brown“Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because Joseph was a son born to him in his old age, and he made a long-sleeved robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not bring themselves to speak peaceably to him.” (Genesis 37:3-4, CSB) “We’re supposed to get along,” Dad used to say a lot to my sisters and me growing up. That was his reminder to prioritize our family bond over any reason for strife. Whenever I asked “Why?” with childish curiosity, my father’s answer was simple: “We’re family.” Since those youthful days, at times I’ve still wondered why we should remain committed to family despite all odds. I’ve wondered while observing the ways family members turn on each other, gossip, and all sorts of drama they cause. Today, however, the answer to my question is much clearer. We should value our households because God esteems the family unit. One great example that makes the case is the story of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 37, Scripture introduces us to Joseph as a boy who receives prophetic dreams. After sharing these visions with his brothers, his own flesh and blood turns on him. First, they consider killing him before settling on just selling him into slavery. Not only did Joseph’s siblings commit the initial atrocity, but as later passages reveal, they also kept up the ruse for years to avoid any consequences. They only came clean when a famine hit the land, and circumstances forced them to come to terms with their sin. By then, Joseph was a young man whom Pharoah placed in charge of all of Egypt. The story concludes with reconciliation, forgiveness, and a bond between brothers that is surprisingly rekindled. Like Joseph, we don’t get to pick our families, and thus, we often don’t get to choose what kind of problems they drag us into. While prophecies may not be the reason family weighs you down, other circumstances are to blame. Some trivial, some quite significant. If we are to learn from Joseph, how exactly do we stay afloat when family weighs us down? Intersecting Faith & Life: There are several takeaways from the story of Joseph that we can implement into our own familial relations. Talk to God Hearing prayer as a response to your circumstances probably sounds like a cliché, but the cliché rings true. Joseph never lost his relationship with God throughout the hardships. His faith kept him in line with God’s will and proved that what the Lord showed him through dreams came to fruition. That’s a reminder to us to trust God. Whatever the situation, God promises His presence and peace if we seek Him. God knows that family can be difficult, but His power is greater than any difficulty. Communicate As you seek God for direction, consider also talking to your family. Sometimes people don’t realize their behavior or words are negatively impacting you. Avoiding confrontation may feel comfortable in the moment, but this does nothing but exacerbate the issue. Instead, talk to your parents, child, sibling, whoever, and find a solution. The beauty of communication is that even if you don’t come up with something, at the very least, you understand one another better. Listen Well When you reach out to ...
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    7 mins
  • Your Choice Won’t Change God’s Good Plan

    Your Choice Won’t Change God’s Good Plan
    Apr 24 2025
    Ever find yourself sensing a nudge from God to do something that feels… well, a little off-the-wall? Maybe you’ve prayed, waited, and still felt unsure. In today’s devotional, Keri Eichberger shares a personal story of unexpected promptings, hesitant obedience, and the comforting truth found in Psalm 33:10-11 — that God’s good plan for us is firm, unshaken by our uncertainty or decisions. If you’re facing a big decision, wrestling with mixed emotions, or waiting for a clear answer, this message will meet you right where you are. ✨ Key Takeaways 💡 God’s plans stand firm — no matter our uncertainty💡 When we genuinely seek God’s will, we can move forward in faith knowing He’ll direct or redirect our steps💡 Psalm 33:10-11 reminds us that God can foil or thwart any plan not aligned with His purposes — and that’s a good thing💡 We can live with peace, taking faithful steps, because God’s ultimate plan for our good will always prevail 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever wrestled with a decision and sensed God nudging you forward in faith? Or maybe you’ve watched Him thwart a plan that wasn’t His best for you. We’d love to hear your story! Connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or leave a message on Crosswalk.com. Let’s encourage one another with how God’s faithful hand has guided us through life’s twists and turns. 🎙️ Be sure to follow The Crosswalk Devotional podcast on your favorite app — new episodes every Monday through Friday. Don’t miss a single word of encouragement and truth rooted in God’s Word. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Your Choice Won’t Change God’s Good Plan By Keri Eichberger The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:10-11) I wasn't necessarily even looking for a job. But for some odd reason the opportunity kept randomly bursting into my thoughts. It seemed so bizarre that I never spoke a word of it to anyone. My husband would have been my first friend to share the strange promptings, but I was certain he would simply look at me sideways, laugh it off, and say how super off the wall the notion was. But nonetheless, about an hour after my regular morning prayer time of seeking God's will for my day and life, it popped up again. And I had to let it spill. I told Mike I almost didn't say a word about this absurd idea, except that in some strange way this crazy thought reminded me of my initial series of promptings before God called me to have my last baby-turned-twins. And considering the divine way that worked out, it was the resemblance of stirrings and signals that got my attention. The crazier part was what followed my confession. Mike didn't think I’d lost my mind—like he may have when I first announced God's call to a baby—but he was intrigued instead. And before I knew it, he was encouraging me to inquire. I knew the drill from here—lots of prayer would have to follow. But in the end, though the promptings were still strong, I just wasn't sure. Determining whether or not to have a baby I had as much time as I wanted to discern and decide. But in this case, the job opening would close in a couple of days, so I had to apply ASAP. I begged God to be clear with what to do. On one hand, this undertaking didn't seem to fit in my plans and current conditions. But on the other hand, the desire to do it anyway remained. Have you ever noticed a nudge or strong desire to do something that in many ways made no sense? Or have you asked God to be clear if you should or shouldn't, and the desire neither deepened nor dimmed? And maybe like me, you felt you didn't have time to sit and wait for more cues and clues. I have to say, it's in these difficult decisions that I am so thankful for God's word. My husband told me the other day he’d recently heard a speaker say, “If you want to hear the audible voice of God, open your Bible and read it out loud.” And I absolutely loved this, because I was certainly in need of God’s prompt audible instruction. In light of that suggestion, if you need confirmation from God on a decision, here is a verse you may need to read out loud with me that came straight from my devotion the following morning. Psalm 33:10 says, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.” Now, truth be told, before I actually applied this specifically to my situation, I had to look up the exact definition of foil and thwart. Google tells me that “foil” means to prevent something (considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding, and similarly “thwart” means to prevent someone from accomplishing something. Relating these definitions to the verse, God is telling me ...
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