In this episode, we explore the theme of "What God Promises to Provide for the New Year" by examining the various ways God communicates His plans and provisions, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how we can trust in His promises as we enter the new year.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you anticipate God's provision in your life as you approach the new year. What promises from Scripture give you hope and encouragement? Share your insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you plan to lean into God’s promises in the coming year?

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Full Transcript Below:

What God Promises to Provide for the New Year (Matthew 6:26-34)

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading: 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33, ESV

My children lay their cups on the counter and I always fill them. If they are thirsty, I am happy to replenish their cups with a drink. Every time I do I think of my Heavenly Father who always provides for me as well. If we are in need, He will provide. 

You might be tempted to be think back to the pat year and wonder why God didn’t provide for you. Maybe there was no healing, or extra money, or closure. Maybe there are things in your l life that you think you need and they are not there. It is tempting to think that God’s provision is lacking. 

Matthew 6:26-34 is a great reminder from Jesus that God will always provide. In this passage Jesus says that God provides for even the sparrows, which were the most insignificant birds. Why would God not provide for His children, whom He loves? Jesus makes the case that if we need it, God will provide it! He says, “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” 

Many times we need things from other people but they do not follow through or they fail to do the things we need them to do. God is not like that. He knows what we need. Not only that, He provides for it. What kinds of things does God provide for us? The Bible is filled with promises of God’s provision. 

Isaiah 41:10 - God provides help and strength. When we fear the future it is hard to believe that we will be able to endure it. God promises that He will help us, no matter what. 

John 16:33 & Isaiah 26:3 - God provides peace. When our minds are fixed and steady, thinking about God, God provides peace. We will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the worst enemy: death, so we can have peace no matter what we face. 

Psalm 32:8 - God provides instruction. God will teach us! As we study and read the Bible God promises to provide us with the guidance we need to live and obey Him. 

Deuteronomy 31:8 & Hebrews 13:5 - God provides His presence. Over and over again, in the Old and New Testament God promises to be with us. He will never leave us. 

Matthew 7:11 - God provides answers to prayers. In the very next chapter of Matthew Jesus is still talking about provision but this time it is how God answers prayers. God is giving us good gifts and prayer is one way to see those from God. 

Philippians 4:19 - God provides contentment when we give. The context of this verse Paul telling the Philippines that God has always given him what he needed but God would do the same for them. Why? Because they were givers! In Philippians 4:10-18 Paul says that because of their gifts to him and the churches God would give them what they needed. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 - God provides escape from temptation. When we are tempted to sin, we can trust that God will always provide a way out of the temptation. We are no longer slaves to sin. 

2 Corinthians 9:8 - God provides grace. No matter what struggle or trial we face God provides the grace to help us. Whether we need forgiveness for sins, or comfort from pain, God provides the grace for us. 

2 Peter 3:13 - God will provide a heavenly home. God has promised to take us to heaven and give us a place in His kingdom. We are promised that one day we will live with Him and worship Him forever. 

James 5:15 - God provides forgiveness. God promises to provide forgiveness. No past sin is too big or too bad for God not to forgive. Jesus’ death on the cross is sufficient and we can trust God will forgive us. 

John 14:26 - God provides the Holy Spirit. As Jesus was leaving this earth and getting ready to die on the cross, He promised that the “helper” would come. This is the Holy Spirit. We have this 3rd Person of the Trinity to guide us, teach us, and comfort us. 

Matthew 11:29-30 - God provides rest. We might be weary and limping into this new year, but God says that when we come to Him He will give us rest. 

In Matthew Jesus gives us something to do while we wait on God to fulfill His promises. He says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  (Matthew 6:33) All the things we need will be provided for us, all we need to do is seek God! Put God first in our lives because it is then we have contentment and are able to see God’s provision. 

Read more of God’s promises here. https://sarahefrazer.com/2020/05/10-of-gods-promises-for-you/

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Which of the above promises speaks to your heart today? Write it on an index card and memorize that verse. 

As we think about God’s promises we can take heart that they will indeed come true. How? Because of Jesus! For thousands of years Jesus was promised to come as the Messiah. Then He did. Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we know that God keeps His promises. How does knowing this help encourage you as you think about what God has promised to provide for you? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 36:5

Psalm 119:116

Psalm 145:13

1 Corinthians 1:9

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In this episode, we explore the theme of "Our Safe Place" by examining the various ways God communicates with His people, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how we can create space in our hearts for His voice.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you find safety and comfort in God's presence, especially during the Christmas season. How does the truth that God is your safe place resonate with you? Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you celebrate this sense of security and peace in your life, particularly during the holidays?

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Full Transcript Below:

Our Safe Place

By Alexis A. Goring

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

—Psalm 46:1 NIV

Safety. We all crave it, especially when our world feels like it is spinning out of control. There have been times in my life when I felt like there is no safe place for us here on Earth. But in recent years, God helped me see that He is our safe place.

I realize that no matter how unsafe our circumstances are and no matter where we live on this planet, we can go to God for safety. The Bible says that He is our refuge and strength. God is present when we face trouble. He can protect us and deliver us from evil. We just need to trust Him.

There is a song by Karen Clark Sheard called “A Secret Place”. The opening lyrics of this song touch on how cruel this world can be, filling you with pain that pierces your soul. But, Sheard sings, there is a secret place where we can go for refuge. It is a place filled with peace and safety that only God can provide. A place where God’s love for you surrounds and heals your hurting heart. 

Sheard calls this place a “tabernacle”. It is not always a physical place on Earth like a literal modern-day church building, sanctuary or Biblical tabernacle. I believe Sheard is singing about having a place where you and God can meet in secret. Some call this their “prayer closet”. This can mean you walk into your actual closet where you hang your clothes and keep your shoes then make space to meet with God there. 

After watching the Christian movie “War Room” many people were inspired to create a prayer closet like Miss Clara’s. For those of you who have not seen that movie, allow me to explain what I mean. In the movie, Miss Clara (played by Karen Abercrombie), is an elderly woman with a strong prayer life. During a tour of her house that she is trying to sell, she shows her real estate agent (Elizabeth Jordan, played by Priscilla Shirer) her closet. As Miss Clara opens the door to her closet that is located inside her bedroom, she tells Elizabeth that this is her “war room”. As Elizabeth enters the small but spacious closet, she sees how Miss Clara made room in it to post her handwritten prayer requests written on paper onto the previous empty walls inside her closet. There are years-worth of prayer requests and praise reports from the prayers God has answered. Miss Clara didn’t just pray for her husband when he was alive; she prayed for everyone God put on her heart. She didn’t allow her mind to ruminate over the pain and problems in the world; Miss Clara sought God in prayer for victories she knew only He could accomplish. This is how she fought and won all her battles over the years.

I would say that Miss Clara’s prayer closet “war room” was also her secret place that Sheard sings about because that was where she could shut the noisy world out and commune with God in a private, quiet, safe place. It probably is also where—outside of a Bible-believing church—she felt God’s presence strongest.

It is clear to me that God comforted Miss Clara’s troubled heart every time she sought His Presence in her prayer closet. Miss Clara is a fictional character but the concept about having a prayer closet in real life is Biblical. The Bible says in Matthew 6:6 (NIV), “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Now the Bible doesn’t say exactly how or when God will reward you for spending time in secret prayer with Him, but it does say that we are blessed when we take refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8). I believe those blessings can mean that we gain a closer relationship with our Creator. We get to know Him better as our Heavenly Father and we feel safe in His arms.

The Bible describes God as our “fortress” (Psalm 46:11). And the good news is we don’t need to have an actual closet to pray to Him in because God is literally everywhere in this world. We can seek refuge in Him anywhere we are on this planet. He is always with us. There is nowhere we can hide from God. He sees all and knows all (Hebrews 4:13). We can trust that He sees our pain that we experience when the world is cold and cruel. God wants us to come to Him for comfort and healing. The Bible says in Psalm 34:18 (NIV), “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When we go to God for safety, we can trust that with Him on our side, we are going to be okay. In closing, listen a song that Tasha Layton sings called “Into the Sea”. I believe it will encourage your heart.

Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know that God is our safe place? 

Further Reading:

Psalm 91:2

Psalm 9:9-10

Proverbs 18:10

Psalm 27:5

Psalm 107:28-31

"A Secret Place"  by Karen Clark Sheard 

https://youtu.be/Arpe-DdVY10?si=CGkyWblG9f-xt1R7

"Into the Sea" by Tasha Layton

https://youtu.be/8HznXBBCdBE?si=G0XDgGAMvEAt5WWu

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In this episode, we explore the theme of "Make Room for Jesus" by examining the various ways God communicates with His people, particularly through the Nativity story. Learn how God uses angels, the Holy Spirit, dreams, and confirmation to guide us. We'll unpack what these forms of divine communication mean for our lives today and how we can create space in our hearts for His voice.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on the meaning of Immanuel and how you experience God’s presence in your life, especially during Christmas. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How has the truth that God is with you made a difference in your life, and how do you celebrate His presence this Christmas season?

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:
Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Make Room for Jesus

By: Whitney Hopler 

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:6-7, NIV 

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem for a census before Jesus was born, there was no room for them to stay. Despite centuries of prophecy, anticipation, and hope, no one made room for the newborn Jesus. Instead, Jesus was born in an animal stable, which was an unlikely beginning for the world’s Savior – yet one that reveals God’s loving humility. 

This lack of space for Jesus in Bethlehem has a message for us today. The Savior, then and now, seeks a place in our lives. But we, too, can often neglect making room for him when we’re too busy and stressed. Distractions and demands can crowd out Jesus, despite the fact that he offers us ultimate peace. If we don’t intentionally make room for Jesus in our hearts, minds, and lives, we risk missing out on the blessings Jesus wants to give us. 

Jesus wants to connect with us in our hearts. Yet emotions, attachments, ambitions, and even wounds can fill up our hearts and leave little room for receiving the love Jesus wants to give us. It’s easy to say we love Jesus, but are our hearts open to truly receive Jesus’ love day by day? Making room for Jesus in our hearts means allowing him to be our first love. It requires us to open our hearts vulnerably to Jesus, confessing and releasing the burdens, idols, and attachments that occupy valuable space. Only when we let go of these distractions can we experience the fullness of Jesus’ love.

Jesus longs to give us a mindset that leads to peace and joy. However, too much of our mental energy can be consumed by worry, doubt, and the noise of endless information. Without realizing it, we might fill our minds with anxieties, trivial topics, or negative thoughts that push Jesus’ truth aside. Making room for Jesus in our minds involves consciously choosing to set our minds on what has eternal value. It means praying regularly, meditating on Bible passages, and asking the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. When we let Jesus transform our minds, we begin to view life through the lens of God’s wisdom, which enables us to trust Jesus more deeply.

Finally, making room for Jesus in our lives means centering our daily decisions around our relationships with Jesus. It’s easy to keep Jesus in a “Sunday morning” or “quiet time” compartment, but true devotion calls us to integrate his presence into every part of our lives. What we fill our time and energy with speaks volumes about our priorities, and if our lives are full of lesser pursuits, it leaves little room for discovering the wonder of God’s work in our lives and joining that work by living with purpose. When we make room for Jesus, we become more aware of his guidance and more willing to follow where he leads – even if it takes us out of our comfort zone.

When we make room for Jesus, we open ourselves to awe-inspiring transformation for the better. Jesus longs to work in and through us, but we must be willing to clear away the clutter that hinders his work in our lives. The people who didn’t make room for Jesus in Bethlehem likely had no idea they were turning away the Savior of the world. In the same way, we might overlook the small but vital ways Jesus wants to meet us each day. 

When we consciously invite Jesus into our hearts, minds, and lives, our spiritual growth accelerates. So, let’s make room for Jesus, and enjoy experiencing the blessings he wants to give us! 

Intersecting Faith and Life 

As you consider the importance of making room for Jesus, reflect on these questions:

• Are there specific areas of your life that you have not yet fully surrendered to Jesus?

• What’s taking up room in your heart and mind right now that you’d like to let go of to make more room for Jesus?

• How can you rearrange your priorities and your schedule to get rid of unnecessary activities and allow more time to communicate with Jesus in prayer and meditation?

• In what ways has Jesus already shown you that he is present in your life, and how can you respond to him more fully? 

Further Reading

Matthew 6:33

Revelation 3:20

Psalm 37:4

Romans 12:2

John 15:5

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In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the profound truth behind the name Immanuel, meaning "God with us." The birth of Jesus marks the moment when God, in His love and grace, chose to dwell among us in human form. But what does it truly mean for us today that God is with us? How does the presence of Christ—Emmanuel—transform our lives, our faith, and our understanding of God’s closeness and care?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the meaning of Immanuel and how you experience God’s presence in your life, especially during Christmas. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How has the truth that God is with you made a difference in your life, and how do you celebrate His presence this Christmas season?

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Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Immanuel: How God is With Us?
Written By: Emma Danzey

Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means "God with us”).

Did you know that when you woke up this morning God was with you? Did you know that when you received that horrible news God was with you? Did you know that when you reached that goal God was with you? 

One of the most beautiful gifts to give a loved one is quality time. This is one of my top love languages. It does not matter what we are doing, but simply being with my husband makes my heart happy. Being with someone implies closeness, availability and being on a team. One of the most unique blessings that Jesus gave to us was not just coming to be with us physically and die for our sins (Although vital to our salvation), but He also explained that He needed to ascend to the Father so He could send the Holy Spirit (The Helper) to be with all believers. 

When Jesus walked this earth, individuals sought after Him among crowds trying to be noticed or touch His robe or get just a moment of His time to talk with Him. Now that we have access to the Holy Spirit, we do not have to wait in line, get only a moment to speak or fly to Israel to connect with Jesus. We have His Spirit with us all of the time, no matter what. He is Immanuel, God with us. 

John 16:7 says, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."

A Renewed Perspective on God’s Presence 

When was the last time that you had gratitude in your heart for being able to have immediate, uninterrupted, and full time connection to God? This is something that I forget is a blessing every day. It is easy to live after Pentecost and believe that this is just the norm and it is what we know. However, this presence, this Spirit within us came at a great cost. God left His perfect world to enter our broken one, He took on the weight of our sins when He was perfect, and He blesses us with the opportunity to be redeemed children who always have His presence with us.

One of the most devastating moments in the garden of Eden was when God had to kick Adam and Eve out of His presence. They learned what it was like to miss Him. He used to walk among them and speak with them and they had perfect unity and safety in His created world. However, sin stole their ability and our ability to be in the presence of the perfect Lord. Jesus was the only way to be reunited with our Creator. We do not see Him yet, but He has given us the seal of His Holy Spirit as a deposit of His return. 

What are some ways that God Promises He is With Us?

• He is with us always: Matthew 28:20

• His Spirit is sealed upon every believer. Ephesians 1:13

• He is with us in trials. Isaiah 41:10 

• He is with us in our fears. Psalm 23:4

• He is with us when we are alone. Deuteronomy 31:16

• His Spirit is with us when we are gathered as believers. Matthew 18:20

As we approach this Christmas and we hear the name of Jesus read or sung as Immanuel, may it have an even deeper and richer meaning to us. He gave us Himself and now we have His full attention and love with us always. This is a beautiful gift of salvation that began at the little town of Bethlehem.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

How have you experienced God with you? How can you have peace that He fulfills this promise even when you are not physically seeing Him or feeling His presence? How can you ponder the beauty of Jesus, God coming in flesh to us as a baby this Christmas to be our Savior and give us His Spirit forever? 

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 7:14

• John 1:14

• Matthew 28:19-20

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In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the abundant blessings God has given us, especially during this holiday season. Christmas can often feel like a whirlwind of activities, shopping, and expectations, but it's essential to slow down and appreciate the many gifts God has already provided in our lives—His presence, His love, and the beauty of the relationships we share with others.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you take time to enjoy God’s blessings during the Christmas season. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What blessings are you most grateful for this year, and how do you make space for joy and gratitude during the holidays?

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Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

Take time to Enjoy God's Blessings This Christmas

By: Laura Bailey

“ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,  for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” Ecclesiastes 2: 24-25 NIV 

“Are you getting my calendar invites?” I asked my husband over dinner. 

“Which one? The one about the Christmas play at school? Or the Sunday School Holiday potluck? How could I miss the multiple invitations to celebrate Christmas with our families, friends, and people we barely know?” My husband’s voice was playful, but I still sensed his aggravation over our packed calendar.

It is a recurring disagreement in our household; I enjoy a calendar filled with activities, hosting people, and hustle and bustle, while my husband prefers a more relaxed schedule of events, i.e., sitting in his pajamas watching a Christmas movie with just our family. Both ways of celebrating Christmas have their drawbacks and perks. 

My over-scheduling can lead our family to feelings of exhaustion and a desire to just “get through Christmas” so they can have a chance to relax. Yet, on the flip side, by hosting events at our home, we’ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others and invite people to have a seat at the table who didn’t have anyone to share the holiday. If our family engaged in Christmas the way my husband prefers, we would often miss out on supporting our friends in their plays, attending church events, and celebrating time with family. However,  it is nice to rest and simply enjoy the gift of each other’s presence without constantly thinking about the next event on the calendar. 

This tension of knowing when to take action and when to  rest is often addressed in the pages of Scripture. The Bible is replete with invitations to the weary to come to Jesus for rest ( Matthew 11:28) and to abide in Christ ( John 15:14). Conversely, Scripture charges us to go and make disciples ( Matthew 28:19) and to make the most of every opportunity because the days are short ( Ephesians 5:15-16). So then, what’s the answer? Do we go and do, or stay and linger this holiday season?

Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 offers insight into how we should approach Christmas time. He writes, “ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,  for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” For someone whose holiday plans involve a lot of eating, I am grateful that Solomon encourages us to enjoy our food! And all God’s children said, “Amen!” 

All jokes aside, Solomon, in these verses, reminds us to enjoy life's blessings: food, fellowship, and a job well done. Even in a fallen world where the evidence of sin is prevalent, we still experience gifts from a most gracious and loving Father. I like to think of these blessings as “glimmers of Heaven,”  glimpses of the abundant, extravagant life those in Christ will experience for all eternity. 

Solomon does not encourage us to abandon our responsibilities, forgo our obligations, or even say no to things we enjoy doing. Instead, he draws our attention to the fact that God is sovereign over everything. Even our ability to find enjoyment in this life comes from the Lord. 

So, however, you celebrate this season, cling to the truth that God’s grace and mercy enable us to experience eternity in the here and now. Might I suggest, as our family has come to practice, a mixture of participation in the holiday, ensuring we have ample time for rest and relaxation, and giving the Lord all the glory and honor because He alone is worthy.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

Think about your holiday plans. Do you tend to lean more towards filling the calendar with “all the things?” Or perhaps you are more likely to keep a clear schedule? In light of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, how might the Lord call you to adjust your plans this Christmas season so that you can fully enjoy and share the blessings from the Lord with others?

For Further Reading:

John 15:4 

Ephesians 5:15-16

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In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the true meaning of giving and how the greatest gifts we receive are often the ones we give to others. While Christmas is a season filled with presents, festivities, and family, it also serves as a reminder of the ultimate gift God gave to the world—His Son, Jesus Christ. His life and message challenge us to live a life of generosity, kindness, and love toward others.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on the power of giving and how it shapes your Christmas experience. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you prioritize giving during the holiday season? What have been some of the most meaningful gifts you’ve given or received, and how have they impacted your life?

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Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/
Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

Full Transcript Below:

The Greatest Gifts You'll Get are the Ones You Give

By Keri Eichberger

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35) Have you ever felt a tender sweet feeling well and stir up deep in the pit of your core? That with rich smooth waves swells through your soul, and sneaks all the way up as a soft lump in your throat. Then attempting to squeeze tears to the brim of your sight. And not because you’re sad or scared or anything bad at all. But for the sake of pure joy. 

I’ve cried several happy tears, and they are always a divine treat. Moments I see God’s blessings of compassion so clearly. And I had one of those encounters last week.

My Thursday morning bible study had just wrapped another session of leaning in to learn more about Jesus together. My favorite few hours of the week by the way. We had been discussing an opportunity to do something special to kick off the holiday season, when Michelle suggested we adopt a specific family to bless and shower with gifts. It was the beginning of such a beautiful conversation. One that enveloped every single one of us in the room with smiles and obvious excitement. You could hear and see the joy unfold and unleash as we went from talking over which few items we would fulfill on the list for the foster family of twelve, to asserting our uncontainable eagerness to cover every single want and need they’d referenced. 

We couldn’t hold back. The ideas and generous hearts swirling around the room became contagious and overflowing. Emily, sitting right beside me and with a large grin, stated what we were all deeply feeling: how great of a blessing this big gesture would surely be to them.

And all of a sudden it struck me. I honestly had no idea how any of the receivers would react, or the impact our gifts would have. But I knew one thing for sure. This opportunity was changing me. Yes, we were all beaming with joy to bless, but the truer truth was: we were the ones undeniably being blessed.

What a joy. Something I bet you long for now and always too. Right?

I know the holidays can sometimes present a struggle to find the joy we hope for in the sweet season of supposed peace and good tidings. Because—whether we are entering this Christmas without a loved one for the first time, with a new shift in family dynamics, or experiencing some other form of suffering stealing our hope and joy—expectations can run high, and in typical fashion the world fails to measure up making joy difficult to muster up. I know this struggle. I’ve been navigating my own hard season. But in that moment, in a room filled with hearts looking outward in love to serve, I was profoundly reminded of the absolute joy found in giving. The remarkable blessing in the act of blessing.

Yes, we are responding in obedience when we love on, serve, and share our resources with others. And these are pleasing gifts to God. But make no mistake, he is ever so delighted to share back with you and me the sweet gift and blessing of joy too. An infectious fulfilling joy you’ll find when you offer generous blessings to his beloved children.

Intersecting Faith and Life:

In what ways are you giving and serving this season? Would it bless you to experience some increased doses of joy? It always does, friend. 

Today or tomorrow, consider blessing someone. It can be a small token, a simple act, a community effort, or an anonymous encouragement. Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ And what better time of year to honor the Lord and give than Christmas time. When Christians all around the world come together to celebrate Jesus, our Savior. The greatest gift we were so generously given. The time of year—when in our overflow of praise to the Father for sending his son and every blessing he brings—we have the opportunity to reflect the light and hope many are longing and praying for. This precious time we have the honor of offering the light of hope we have in him. And find the privilege in return of refreshing our hope, light, and joy in him.

Let’s join him in being a gift and light to others. Allowing the light and joy to well up within our souls–just like it did for me last week–and thus begin to reflect, multiply, and magnify light all around us. And all throughout the world. For the sake of Jesus—the light and hope of all the world.

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In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the deeper significance of Christ’s birth and the message He came to preach. Christmas is often associated with joy, gifts, and family celebrations, but at its heart, the season points to the life-changing message that Jesus brought to the world. Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby, and why does His preaching matter to us today?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas and how Christ’s message impacts your life. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations? What part of His message do you find most meaningful during the holiday season?

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:
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Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most

By Lynette Kittle

“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice”-- Philippians 1:18

We may not like or approve of certain ways some Christian leaders, groups, organizations, and churches are proclaiming the Christmas story this year, yet we may want to take a step back and look at the whole picture.

Although it’s difficult to observe, as often we can see how some seem to have ulterior motives rather than being motivated by the beauty of God’s message. Yet, still, they may be reaching out to those who may not have heard it before. Even if we don’t like their tactics and methods, we want to recognize that God is able to save those who hear His truth despite how it is being presented to them.

It’s hard, too, for those of us who seek to handle God’s word with reverent fear and trembling and who understand the call and importance of handling it correctly to see others seeming to deal carelessly with it. Like 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Understanding God holds us accountable for the words we speak, write, and present to the world; we know He will also hold those responsible who are not so concerned in how they handle it. Like Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, we are to be cautious. “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Praising God in the Midst of People’s Carelessness

Still, despite their careless handling of His word, God is able to save through it, and for this we want to be thankful and praise God—not for the people who are doing so with little regard for how they present His truth, but for how He is able to reach out in remarkable ways through the most haphazardly ways His truth is presented. 

We want to keep in mind that the most important thing is that Christ is preached at Christmas, and that involves a broad spectrum of how it is accomplished. Like the Apostle Paul explained in Romans 10:14, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

In the grand scheme of life, isn’t it better for those to hear Christ than not to hear at all, even if it’s not done in a way or method we would present it?

God Has His Ways

Because God has His ways of speaking to individuals’ hearts, we don’t know how He might move a person’s heart in the most unexpected time and place when it seems like nothing good could come from the situation.

As a hospice chaplain, my husband shared what happened while he was leading a grief support group, and some of the members began saying why they don’t celebrate Christmas.

Still, in their argument, they quoted Scripture and actually told the Christmas story to the group while trying to make a point against it.

Thankfully, instead of attempting to shut the discussion down, God gave him insight and wisdom to recognize that in their attempt to discredit the story of God’s Christmas gift, they were actually spreading the truth of it to those in the group who may never have heard it before. 

Although the disgruntled group members didn’t realize it that evening, they were preaching Christ and possibly unknowingly through it, God was stirring hearts with the Good News of His Christmas gift of Salvation. 

Isaiah 55:8 describes how, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.”

Intersecting Faith & Life: If troubled by how the Christmas story is being presented and represented in your community and the world at large, pray for God to reach through the carelessness and move individuals’ hearts to receive Him.

Further Reading: At Christmas and Always God’s Word Never Fails

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/at-christmas-and-always-gods-word-never-fails.html

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In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the powerful truth that God’s peace is not just a feeling—it’s a ruling force that can govern our hearts and minds. As Christians, we are called to let God’s peace guard us, especially in times of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty. But how do we allow His peace to rule our hearts when life is filled with stress and chaos?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how God’s peace has ruled in your heart during difficult times. Share your stories with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you make room for God’s peace in your life? What Scriptures or practices help you to surrender your anxieties and trust in His peace?

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:12-16

As someone prone to anxiety and who comes from a long line of worriers, I’m intrigued by the phrasing of verse 15. I find it interesting that Scripture doesn’t say, “gain” or “discover” the peace of Christ. Instead, it tells us to allow His peace to control, to reign over, and to direct our hearts, the seat of our emotions and intellect. This suggests, even in my angsty moments, that I possess His peace. 

Scripture affirms this. Shortly before His death, knowing all His disciples would soon witness and experience, Jesus said He gave them His peace, indicating that it came not from their circumstances but instead, from Him. We’re also told, in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit, product, or result of the Spirit’s work in us is, among other things, peace.

When I combine these truths with the Bible’s directive to “let” God’s peace reign, I’m invited to consider ways in which I might be resisting this precious gift given me through my faith in Christ. Granted, I recognize there are numerous circumstances, from job loss to health challenges, that can cause us to worry and feel afraid. I don’t want to diminish that. Yet, God has also shown me, often during some of my most unsettling seasons, how much of my anxiety stemmed from the state of my heart. I can’t experience the peace of Christ while actively nursing a grudge, harboring bitterness, or strategizing how to get even with someone who wronged me. The more I ruminate on my offenses, the greater my angst. 

I “let” Christ’s peace rule as I follow the guidance recorded in today’s passage. Verse 1 tells me to focus on and prioritize those things of eternal value, which helps place today’s frustrations in proper perspective. Verses 5-10 tell me to “put to death” or turn from, sinful cravings and self-destructive behaviors. As I do, these “urges” lose their grip over me, making me less apt to hurt others and plunge into the pit of regret. 

Verse 12 reminds me of my secure standing as God’s child. Remembering that I’m His chosen and dearly loved daughter quiets the anxiety that leads to defensiveness. It also helps me rest in the knowledge that my Father has good planned for me and the power to bring His plans to pass. The more I receive His love and grace, the better I’m able to offer others, including those who have hurt me, these same transformative, healing gifts. 

Intersecting Life and Faith

To summarize, based on the context surrounding Colossians 3:15, here are powerful ways we “let” the peace of Christ rule in our hearts: We intentionally and regularly focus on Christ, everything we have in Him, and all that awaits us in eternity. We don’t give in to or dwell on those things that pull our hearts from the thriving life for which we were created. We relate to others with honesty and integrity, living like the redeemed and empowered children of God we are. And we don’t hold on to and ruminate over past offenses. 

Imagine the freedom we’d experience if we prayerfully read through Colossians 3 each night before we went to bed, inviting God to search and cleanse us of everything that steals our peace. And then ended our prayers speaking to ourselves as Colossians 3:16 instructs us to talk to one another—with hymns, songs, and thanksgiving. 

Further Reading:

Philippians 4:4-9

Galatians 5:16-24

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In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore how to cultivate a merry heart, grounded in biblical truth and joy in the Lord. As believers, we are called to find joy in all circumstances, but how do we maintain a joyful and merry heart when life feels heavy? In this devotional, we dive into the Scriptures to uncover what it truly means to have a merry heart and how we can nourish this joy through faith, gratitude, and a deeper connection to Christ.

We’d love to hear how you keep a merry heart in the Lord. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @Lifeaudionetwork or via email. How do you cultivate joy and peace in your daily walk with Christ? What biblical practices help you maintain a merry heart even during difficult times?

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How to Have a Merry Heart

By: Whitney Hopler 

“A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22, MEV 

Popular culture often depicts the Christmas season as a time of fun, happiness, and togetherness. Yet many people don’t experience that idea of a “Merry Christmas.” Instead, too often, people are dealing with sadness, loneliness, or even despair as Christmas approaches. Broken relationships, financial pressures, and the weight of unmet expectations can turn what is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year into a season of sorrow. 

The Bible says that a merry heart is like medicine – something that heals and restores well-being. Just as medicine can relieve physical pain and suffering, a joyful heart can relieve the burdens of our souls. 

During the Christmas season, we can find ourselves stressed by demands like the pressure to buy gifts, the strain of hosting gatherings, or the pain of celebrating without loved ones whose loss we’re grieving. However, the joy that God offers is not limited by circumstances like those. It’s a joy that is available to us even in the middle of our challenges. Joy is much different from happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling that comes and goes, based on whether or not we like our current circumstances. But joy is possible to experience anytime – even in unhappy circumstances. That’s because joy comes from God himself. Psalm 16:11 says of God: “In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This means that joy is not something we manufacture on our own; it’s something we receive from being in God’s presence. When we connect with God’s presence, we tap into a powerful well of joy that sustains us, even when we’re facing challenges. 

Joy is what gives us a “merry heart.” Consider the shepherds in the Christmas story. They were ordinary people going about their daily tasks when an angel appeared and announced “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). This joy wasn’t based on their circumstances; it was based on the arrival of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Similarly, our joy today is rooted in the reality that God is with us and that his love for us is complete and unconditional.

If you’re struggling this Christmas season, here are a few ways you can develop a merry heart that will boost your well-being like medicine: 

• Focus on God’s presence, not perfection. This Christmas, let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on the miracle of God’s presence in your life. Spend time reading God’s Word and communicating with him in prayer and meditation. Let the simple yet significant blessing of God’s presence fill your heart with joy. 

• Practice gratitude. When you take time to thank God for his blessings, you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Make a list of things you’re thankful for each day, and watch how your perspective changes. Gratitude unlocks joy and can transform even the most difficult seasons.

• Practice kindness. Sometimes the best way to lift your own spirits is to lift someone else’s. Consider ways you can intentionally spread kindness to others – whether it’s through volunteering, sending a kind message, or simply being there for a friend in need. 

• Connect and forgive. If you’re struggling with loneliness or the pain of broken relationships, reach out to someone caring and trustworthy for encouragement. Let go of bitterness by choosing to forgive the people who have hurt you and move on with the peace God will give you when you ask for it. 

You can have a Merry Christmas and a merry heart authentically when you’re struggling, because joy can coexist with sorrow. Jesus is Immanuel – “God with us” – not only in your celebrations but also in your struggles. When you turn to God in your pain, you can find a joy that can carry you through any circumstances. May this Christmas season be one where you discover the true medicine of a merry heart, centered in the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. 

Intersecting Faith and Life

As you consider how God will give you a merry heart in any kind of circumstances, reflect on these questions: 

• In what areas of your life are you struggling to find joy this Christmas season? How can you invite God’s presence into those areas?

• How does the knowledge that God is Immanuel – “God with us” –  affect your outlook on your current challenges? 

Further Reading

Psalm 16:11

John 15:11

Nehemiah 8:10

Philippians 4:4

Romans 15:13

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In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the importance of having a role model in our Christian walk. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s character, and having someone to look up to can inspire us to live more like Him. Together, we’ll dive into Scripture to understand who the ultimate role model is and how we can follow His example in our daily lives—whether through faith, love, humility, or service.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear about the role models who have shaped your faith journey. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—Who has influenced your walk with Christ, and how has their example impacted the way you live and serve?

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Who Is Your Role Model?

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

“Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-8

Who Is Your Role Model?

I’ve long been under the impression that we all worship something. People, money, ideas. If you’re wondering what you worship, then look at where you spend most of your time. As Christians, we’re called to worship God, and only God. Still, being the sinful humans that we are, there’s a natural inclination to stray away from Him sometimes. We leave God to worship other things that cast influence on us. In that influence, we should also make another realization, we’re not just always partaking in the act of worship, we are also always learning.

Think about it. When we worship God, we are learning from Him. Prayer, fellowship, reading the Bible, all of this teaches us how to live out His will. We mature and gain wisdom as we hopefully become more like Christ. Jesus is the role model.

However, if you don’t know the Lord or have grown idle in your faith, then who fills that space? Something has to if you want to derive purpose from life. Even if you are active in your faith, sin presents an ever ready disconnect between us and God. We too face the threat of losing sight of Him and propping someone or something else up, even if temporarily.

The simple truth that every Christian should heed is that without Christ as our role model, we start to resemble the world. Our culture is constantly talking to us through what we see on television or the music we listen to. Can you think of one recent example of a show or movie from Hollywood that portrayed Christianity in a positive way? Yet, how many shows or movies have you seen where our faith is shown as just the opposite?

The world wants us to believe that they have the answers, that their way is not just better, but right. If we’re not careful, not only will we forget who we ought to be following, but we will substitute Him for something lesser, something unrighteous.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Today, I’m willing to say that Jesus Christ is my role model. Though, if I’m being honest, I know that there are days when I don’t want to see Him. Days when I want to go my own way, do my own thing, pretending that I know better. Can you relate?

Once we snap back to reality, we need to ensure Jesus is our role model by doing the following:

Reexamine Your Life

Introspection is a must if you want to follow Christ. If we’re always learning, then we need to reflect on the lessons of old and new. Reflection is how we determine which ideas we hold are accurate, true, and which are not. Hopefully, the way you think today is more mature than how you thought five years ago or ten years ago. Continue to examine yourself for the purpose of finding truth. The closer to truth we are, the closer to Jesus we are.

Identify Any Idols

As we examine ourselves, naturally, we are going to spot sin, even idols. Once you’ve spotted them, weed them out. Replace the bad with God. How exactly do you do that? You turn to your role-model, Christ. Look at how He lived and seek to imitate that.

Pursue God

How foolish are we to ever think that God doesn’t want a relationship. He loved us before we loved Him, before we even loved ourselves (1 John 4:19). The world doesn’t love us unconditionally, if at all. Yet, the world is always trying to preach something to us. Telling us what’s right and what’s wrong. Well, God wants to do the same, only His love is unconditional. We ought to pursue Him to the best of our ability, knowing that when we do, we will look more and more like His son. Likewise, we resemble the world less and less, throwing away all evidence of unrighteousness that holds us back.

Further Reading:

1 Corinthians 11:1

Matthew 5:16

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In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the timeless message of the Christmas star and what it means to follow God's guidance in our lives. Just as the wise men were led to Jesus by the star, we too are called to follow the light of Christ in our daily walk of faith. Together, we’ll explore how Scripture invites us to seek Christ with intentionality, trust His direction, and let His light guide our hearts through every season.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how following the light of Christ has transformed your journey. Share your experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email—How has God's guidance shaped your life, and how are you responding to His call this season?

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Follow the Star

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:9-10

My husband and I strolled in and out of the booths at a recent community fair in our town. There were homemade crafts, food and drinks. Local churches also gave out cards and invites to the church. But we were surprised to see the amount of New Age and occultic-derived materials there were as well. They were interwoven in between the other booths like it was normal. Many people visited both the New Age booths and the church booths as if they were equal in value. But we were careful not to purchase or interact with anything that might have been derived from an occultic source. 

Those who did not have a religion would have interacted with any of these booths with ease. But Christians like us could discern the spiritual ramifications of interacting with those goods. 

Everyone is looking for direction in life. But the Bible warns against consulting mediums, astrologers, and other practices that get their information from demonic sources. People go to these sources in a desperate attempt to get closure on their losses or see if there is hope for their future. Believers and nonbelievers need to ask God for their direction rather than a spiritual posing as someone with pertinent information about the future. 

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day knew Jesus would be born, but they didn't know who he truly was or his ultimate role in the world. Born from an unwed young mother, the religious leaders believed Jesus was nothing more than the offspring of a lowly shepherd. They didn’t think a king would come as a baby or in that manner. The Magi were on a journey to worship a king who, although he didn't look anything like what they would expect, believed he was king of the Jews.

But they needed direction. Without the star of Bethlehem, they never would have been able to find him, much less worship him. The Magi knew they needed to consult the one true star. The star guided them to the miraculous birth and allowed them to be the first to worship him. 

In a culture not much different from today's, astrologers use the stars to tell a person's future or direction for their life. Astrologers abounded during that time. Many people would consult an astrologer for information about the future. The star of Bethlehem also led people, except this one prompted the Magi to an ordinary child who, when grown, would provide salvation to the world. 

Some people today need clarification about who Jesus is. They think astrologers or psychics are phony or not real. But that’s not true. While some pose as psychics, others consult Satan and receive his prophetic words that they then give to customers for money. But those who trust in the Lord will receive his direction because he is the only one who truly knows the future. 

Even when we are confused about what God is doing, who he is, or his presence in our lives, God always directs those who want to find him. Whoever seeks him will always find him, even in times of great confusion. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to lean on our understanding but on God’s voice. He will always direct and guide us in our steps: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Take a moment to reflect on how you have taken Jesus for granted or been confused about who he is or his role in your life. Let God reveal how he guides and directs you toward his perfect purpose and plan. 

Father, be faithful in finding us if we seek you. Please make yourself known to us in new ways, not only in the season of Advent, when we expect you to come, but even in times of confusion. Amen.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Where do you go for direction? Do you go to the Bible for its wisdom?

Further Reading

Romans 8:28

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