• Learning to Live in Christ's Freedom
    Jul 22 2025
    Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle you just couldn’t break—where freedom feels promised but not lived out? In today’s devotional, Jennifer Slattery shares her deeply personal journey through disordered eating and emotional wounds. But more than that, she reveals the key to lasting freedom: learning to rely not on our own strength, but on Christ's Spirit within us. 2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds us, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This isn’t just a feel-good verse—it’s a declaration of the abundant life we’re meant to walk in every day. 🌟 Highlights:🔑 Real talk on spiritual strongholds and emotional healing🛑 Why we self-sabotage even when we know better🙌 Freedom isn’t found through striving—but in surrender💡 How the Holy Spirit leads us toward healing, hope, and transformation 💬 Join the ConversationHave you ever experienced God setting you free from a mindset or habit? We’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments or tag us @LifeAudioNetwork using #FreedomInChrist to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Learning to Live in Christ’s Freedom by Jennifer Slattery Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 In my teen years, I responded to my chaotic and painful environment by seeking control—through dieting. Soon, however, this unhealthy coping mechanism began to control me, and the very act that initially provided a sense of strength—pseudo strength—only added to the feelings of hopelessness from which I so desperately sought to escape. Initially, I tried to fight my eating disorder in my own strength, but this inevitably led to failure and shame. I began to experience the freedom I sought, not just from disordered eating, but the wounds driving it, when I invited God into my struggle and learned to rely, more consistently, on His power at work within me. While I’ve come a long way, praise God, since my self-destructing adolescence, my soul still contains wounds for which I need the Lord’s healing, and self-sabotaging patterns in need of His freedom. I gain the courage to follow Him in that transformative journey when I reflect not on the difficulty of obedience but instead on the heart of the One doing the leading. Jesus longs to see me, and you, living in the freedom of grace. This is a beautiful gift bestowed upon everyone who’s trusted in Christ for salvation. His Spirit does indeed set us free—from the enslaving pull of sin, from the threat of death, and the punishment we deserve for all our moral failings. Yet, if this is true, why do so many of us still struggle with self-sabotaging, unChrist-like behaviors? Like lashing out when we’re hurt, angry, or feel under attack, or withdrawing and isolating in self-protection? Comforting ourselves with a quart of ice cream, numbing out through hours of television watching or mindlessly scrolling through our social media feeds? We’ve received spiritual freedom through faith in Christ, but now we need to learn to live in it. We do this, in part, by becoming more alert to God’s presence within us and all around us. As today’s verse states, He is Spirit. This means He’s not bound by space or time. He remains present in our greatest challenges and regrets and plants within our souls hope for our future. Today’s verse also reminds us of His heart toward us, His children. He longs to see us living vibrantly, beautifully free. That was why Jesus came. Foretelling Christ’s mission, as if through His voice, the prophet Isaiah wrote: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning,and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor (Isaiah 61:1-3, NIV). Intersecting Life and Faith Jesus brings good news—a message of love, grace, hope and thriving life. He pursues those held captive to sin, the wounds that come from living in our broken world, and the lies those hurts often create. He sees our pain, understands our most intense struggles, and He meets us not with condemnation or frustration but instead, compassion. He lifts us out of the ashes and crowns us with beauty and a garment of praise....
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    6 mins
  • God Is Stronger Than Any Storm
    Jul 21 2025
    Whether you're facing a thunderstorm outside or a spiritual storm within, this powerful devotional reminds us of one unwavering truth: God is greater than any storm. Drawing from Psalm 77, author Whitney Hopler explores how the natural chaos of a thunderstorm mirrors the emotional and spiritual turmoil we all experience—yet ultimately, both point us back to God's unmatched strength and presence. As we weather life’s uncertainties—unexpected loss, broken relationships, anxiety, or burnout—this message offers real peace: the Creator who commands the lightning and thunder is right there with us in our storms, guiding us to calmer, more hopeful days. ✨ Highlights Psalm 77 imagery paints a vivid picture of God’s power, reminding us that no storm—physical or emotional—is stronger than Him. Life’s storms often come without warning, but they have purpose: spiritual renewal, clarity, and deeper trust in God. Whitney shares how even thunder, lightning, and chaos can become reminders of God’s sovereignty. Encouragement to lean into God’s strength when life gets loud, messy, and uncertain. A fresh perspective on hardship: storms can be wake-up calls, cleansing moments, and faith builders. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you weathered a spiritual storm recently? What did God teach you in it?Share your story with us and encourage someone else walking through the rain.Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #GodIsMyShelter to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: God Is Stronger than Any Storm By: Whitney Hopler “The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.” – Psalm 77:17-18, NIV I watched in awe as a summer thunderstorm raged outside one afternoon. Safe inside my house, I looked through a window as dark clouds poured down water in blurry sheets. I listened as thunder rumbled so loudly that the sound vibrated in my body. Our cat was so scared by the thunder’s noise that she ran to hide in our coat closet. Our lights flickered, and then the power went out completely. Huge streaks of lightning flashed in the sky as the storm kept going with furious energy. We often feel vulnerable when a big storm hits. We lose electrical power, roads flood, and trees fall. But even in the middle of that chaos, there’s something beautiful about how a storm reminds us of something greater than ourselves. The sense of awe we feel when we experience nature’s power points us to nature's Creator, God. Thunderstorms are incredibly powerful, but even the strongest thunderstorm is still just a part of creation and can’t match God’s strength as the Creator. Psalm 77:17-18 uses the imagery of a thunderstorm to describe God’s awesome power and give us a sense of how overwhelming it can be. God has unlimited power, so God is stronger than any storm. Just as there are physical storms, there are also spiritual storms in our lives. These can come in many forms – such as a broken relationship, a sudden job loss, or a scary health diagnosis – in our fallen world. These spiritual storms can feel just as overwhelming as a raging thunderstorm. They can leave us feeling shaken and drenched in discouragement. But here’s the wonderful truth: The same God who commands the thunder and lightning is the God who is always with you, even as you go through storms. You can count on God to help you with everything you need during storms, and you can look forward to God bringing good purposes out of them. Just like physical storms, spiritual storms can also serve good purposes. A thunderstorm clears the air and renews the earth. Our spiritual storms are painful when we go through them, but they also refresh us. They can wash away our complacency, clarify our priorities, and motivate us to trust God in fresh ways that help us experience spiritual renewal and revival. Every thunderstorm ends, and when it does, the sun breaks through and we can see with a fresh perspective. After a spiritual storm, we can emerge with a fresh sense of hope because God has taught us something spiritually valuable during the storm. The “lightning” of a spiritual storm might light up a path we need to see, so we can make wise decisions. The “thunder” of a spiritual storm might be a wake-up call to take action on something God wants us to do. So, the next time a thunderstorm rolls into your area, see it as a powerful reminder of God’s wonderful strength that can help you go through the spiritual storms in your life. Remember that the same God who’s in control of every part of creation is stronger than any storm you’ll ever face – either physical or spiritual. God is ready to lead you through any storm to the ...
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    6 mins
  • Celebrate the Lord
    Jul 20 2025
    In this heartfelt devotional, look back on life’s milestones—not as random moments, but as powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Inspired by Joshua 4, where stones were stacked as a memorial to God’s miraculous provision, the message encourages us to establish “stones of remembrance” in our own lives. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or a moment of personal breakthrough, every celebration becomes a spiritual marker of what God has done. Highlights: Biblical Encouragement: Reflects on Joshua 4:7 and how God called His people to remember His faithfulness. Personal Application: Through a 25th wedding anniversary celebration, we’re reminded to use joyful occasions as public testimony of God’s goodness. Spiritual Challenge: Encourages believers to boldly celebrate God’s faithfulness, not just in quiet reflection, but in community celebration and witness. Cultural Connection: Highlights how even in modern Christian living, we can reclaim the practice of pausing to praise. “Jesus’ ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at a wedding!” Join the Conversation:What are the “stones of remembrance” in your life? How have you seen God's faithfulness over the years?Share your story with us by tagging @LifeAudioNetwork and using #CelebrateGodsFaithfulness. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Celebrate the Lord “These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7 As the DJ played our wedding song, we marched into the banquet hall to the sounds of our friends and family erupting in applause. After celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June, we decided to throw a party to celebrate all that God had done through that time. After we entered the room, I grabbed the microphone from the DJ. I thanked everyone for coming and told them how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family who took time out of their busy schedule to celebrate with us. I then said to them that at the bottom of their favor box, they would find a small stone. The theme of the party was around Joshua 4, where the Israelites stacked twelve stones together at the place where the Lord had done something significant for their people: “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever,” Joshua 4:5-7. I ended by telling them that this was a celebration of all that God had done in and through us over the past twenty-five years. We wanted to use the party as a stone of remembrance for everyone in attendance. I wanted them not only to rejoice with us and all that God had done through us, but I also wanted to rejoice with them and what God had been doing through them. As I spoke with many of our guests, they shared stories of the things God has been doing over the past twenty-five years. We all go through periods of great trial and grief. The church is a beacon of light that can be a source of comfort and hope to those who are truly grieving. However, the local church does not always celebrate the milestones and memories of the significant things God has done that deserve celebration. After all, Jesus' ministry revolved around celebration. He even turned water into wine at wedding feasts! Jesus wants us to celebrate all the things that God does in and through us. He wants to use it as a testimony to who God is and how God works amid difficult circumstances. Our wedding is a testimony to God's faithfulness. As we chose to be obedient and could feel fulfilled in our commitment to our wedding vows, God was faithful and provided for us in every way during our marriage. Many people shared our triumph, commenting that it was a beautiful tribute to the Lord and a testament to what God had done. Above all, it was an example of love and faithfulness not only to one another but also to the Lord. God deserves all our praise, honor, and glory. Even in times of celebration, such as a birthday party or wedding, we can attribute all our triumphs to the Lord. We can hold feasts and festivals in his honor. In all these things, God is glorified. As you look back on your life, are there things to which you can testify to God's goodness? Are there ways in which you can celebrate his faithfulness to you in your life? God deserves all our praise and honor at every moment of our lives, including those of great joy and triumph. The next time you have ...
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    5 mins
  • Don't Grow Weary or Lose Heart
    Jul 19 2025
    In a culture that often silences or shames believers, staying bold in your faith can feel exhausting. But Hebrews 12:3 gives us a lifeline: “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” This devotional challenges Christians to stop hiding and start standing—especially when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you’ve faced ridicule, workplace pushback, or quiet pressure to compromise your beliefs, this message reminds you that you’re not alone—and that your strength comes from Christ, who faced opposition and never backed down. Stay firm. Stay faithful. Stay grounded in the One who understands your suffering. 📌 What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways): Why spiritual endurance is essential when facing rejection for your beliefs How Jesus models faithful perseverance through persecution Encouragement for believers navigating criticism or exclusion for their faith Ways to embrace religious freedom with courage and gospel-centered boldness How to find emotional and spiritual strength in Jesus when you feel weary 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever been criticized or left out because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond—and what did God teach you through it? Share your story to encourage someone else. Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #StandFirmInFaith to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Don’t Grow Weary or Lose Heart By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). About a year ago, my family and I watched a series called “Torchlighters.” For each episode, they would tell the story of someone who died for their faith in Christ. Most of the time, these individuals were missionaries; however, some were persecuted in their own hometowns. After each episode, I was convicted by their amazing faith. They knew they were going to be persecuted for their faith and even killed, yet they continued serving the Lord. Not many of us are physically persecuted for our faith if we live in America; however, many of us are looked down upon or made fun of because of our faith in Jesus. Sometimes these individuals can take it further and cause problems for us at school or in the workplace. Sadly, this is to be expected. As Christians, the world will hate us. The Lord already warned us of this truth (John 15:18). It can be hard to face this reality, yet it is something we have to do. Being opposed by the world will continue throughout our lives, but we must be strong in the Lord. If we are blessed enough to live somewhere we have religious freedom, we need to take advantage of this opportunity and share our faith freely. Even though schools and the workforce might oppose us, we still have the freedom to share what we believe. Similar to how a Muslim or a Buddhist could share his or her faith with others, we can share our faith too. As Christians, we need to take hold of this opportunity and truly start living out our faith. There are Christians throughout the world who are dying for their faith in Jesus. They are not tap dancing around whether someone would like them or not after they share the Gospel. Instead, they are boldly sharing the Gospel because of their love for the Lord. Rather than continuing to be afraid of someone making fun of us or belittling us, we need to start being bold in sharing the Gospel. Jesus knows what it feels like to be mistreated and hurt, yet we often don't turn to Him when we are suffering for our faith. Sometimes, we even blame Him for our pain or hurt. Jesus is not the one to blame, and we don't need to accuse Him of doing wrong. Jesus is our Savior and Lord. He surrounds us with His comfort, protection, and hope. Whenever others persecute us in any form, we need to run to Him instead of running away from Him. Intersecting Faith & Life: Hebrews 12:3 tells us, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” As the writer of Hebrews says, we need to consider the Lord, who ensured much opposition from sinners in order for us not to grow weary or lose heart. Being persecuted for our faith can wear us out, but we don't need to lose heart. We can look to Jesus and rest in the comfort that He has experienced the same things as us. Jesus knows our pain. He knows exactly how we are feeling, and He wants to surround us with His love, peace, and comfort. Whenever we are faced with mean words or comments about our faith, we need to look to Him. Similar to how Jesus remains calm and peaceful, so do we. By thinking of Him during these times, we will not grow weary or lose heart. “Dear Jesus, whenever people are mean to me for my faith, I feel weary and I lose heart. Please help me to ...
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    6 mins
  • Pursuing Opportunities with Godly Confidence
    Jul 18 2025
    When God calls us to something new, our first instinct is often to focus on what we lack—our insecurities, fear of rejection, or the possibility of failure. But Matthew 10 reminds us that confidence in God's calling is rooted not in our abilities but in His presence, power, and purpose. Jesus sent His disciples out with authority, without micromanaging their flaws. His instruction? Be wise, stay pure, and keep moving forward—even in the face of rejection. If you’ve ever felt unqualified or hesitant to pursue a new opportunity, this devotional reminds you that godly confidence is less about perfection and more about obedience. Shake off the dust, trust your calling, and walk boldly into your next assignment. Highlights ✨ God doesn’t wait for perfection—He works through our obedience.✨ The disciples were imperfect but sent anyway. So are we.✨ Jesus’ instruction to "shake off the dust" is a bold reminder: don’t carry rejection into your next opportunity.✨ Confidence in God’s call means focusing more on His power than our past mistakes.✨ Like the disciples, we are chosen, equipped, and sent to make an impact. Join the Conversation Have you ever shaken the dust off and stepped out in faith, even when you felt unqualified? Share your story with us and encourage someone else! Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #CalledWithConfidence to join the conversation. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Pursuing Opportunities with Godly Confidence by Jennifer Slattery As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:12-16 When God invites you to something new, what usually comes to mind first—His empowering and guiding presence within you, or your weaknesses and potential inability to meet the challenges ahead? I’ve shared in other episodes how, when I first sensed the call to speak and write, I felt incredibly anxious, for numerous reasons. Fear of failure, of rejection, or responding to potential rejection in unhealthy ways … In short, I overly focused on myself and under focused on the power and presence of the One calling me. Perhaps that’s why I find Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in Matthew 10 so thought-provoking and encouraging. To paraphrase, about a year into His ministry, the Lord officially chose the 12 disciples to, according to Mark 3:13-15, spend time with Him, to preach, and to cast out demons. He then demonstrated how to do the very things He’d soon assign to them. They listened to His teaching on the beatitudes, forgiveness, and prayer. They watched Him heal the masses and set the demonized free. Then, what seems like months later, if that long, He gathered these previously untrained men together, gave them the power and authority to advance God’s kingdom, then sent them out to talk to strangers. About religion, and to find someone, again, a stranger, with whom to stay, for as long as the person allowed. How’s that for a job assignment? That would’ve taken significant courage. Granted, they lived in a culture in which people were accustomed to hosting travelers, but still. I admire their gumption in obeying, seemingly without protest—although based on Mark 3, they knew what they were getting into when they accepted Jesus’ invite. Then again, we probably did, as well. Following Jesus means learning to live as He did, while on earth. Yet, that’s not what most strikes me about this event. I’m intrigued by the instructions Jesus didn’t give. We don’t see Him pulling Simon Peter, the Foot-in-Mouth guy aside to encourage him to listen more and talk less. Nor does the Bible show Him addressing James’s and John’s temper. If you’re familiar with Scripture, you might remember their nickname, sons of thunder, and the time they wanted to send fire from heaven to destroy a Samarian village. Instead, He focused on the possible reactions displayed by those they encountered. He called those who responded positively to His message “worthy”, or, as the NIV states, “deserving” and therefore, allies. Those who rejected it, on the other hand, He termed “unworthy.” Then, as if emphasizing this, He said, in Matthew 10:14, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (NIV). This held cultural relevance well-understood by first century Jews. To quote Bible scholar Craig...
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    7 mins
  • Little Sins Can Lead to Big Problems
    Jul 17 2025
    In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler draws a powerful parallel between environmental cleanup and spiritual renewal. Just like small pieces of litter accumulate to cause environmental damage, “little sins”—like gossip, white lies, or procrastination—can add up to serious spiritual harm. This episode reminds us that the seemingly small compromises in our faith walk can spread through our hearts like yeast in dough, impacting our thoughts, actions, and relationship with God. But the good news? Jesus, our Passover Lamb, has already made a way for us to be cleansed and renewed. If you’re wondering how to deal with those “no big deal” moments in your spiritual life—this one’s for you. Highlights ✨ Small sins can have big spiritual consequences – just like yeast spreads through dough (1 Cor. 5:6).✨ Sin left unchecked can damage your relationship with God and others—even if it seems minor.✨ Cleaning out sin is not about legalism—it’s about living in the freedom Jesus offers.✨ Confession, repentance, and grace are the steps to remove “old yeast” from your life.✨ We need the Holy Spirit’s help to see where sin may be subtly growing. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s a small but powerful step you’re taking this week to guard your spiritual health? 📲 Share your reflections and tag us @lifeaudionetwork using #CleanHeartChallenge. We’d love to hear how God is guiding you to clear out the “old yeast” and walk in truth. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Little Sins Can Lead to Big Problems By: Whitney Hopler “… Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, NIV Recently, I joined other volunteers to clean up trash in an area near a stream that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Our goal was to reduce the amount of toxic runoff and pollution entering the bay. As I walked along, I picked up little bits of trash like cigarette butts, plastic straws, and discarded pieces of broken toys. Individually, each piece of trash seemed too little to cause much harm. But when I filled a huge trash bag with all those little pieces of trash – and when I saw all the bags that other volunteers were filling with trash – it became clear to me that all those little bits of trash added up to a big problem. They polluted the watershed, harmed wildlife, and contributed to a larger environmental crisis. Just like a little bit of trash can add up to a big physical problem, little sins can add up to big spiritual problems in our lives. The Bible makes that point in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 when it describes yeast in bread. We only need a little pinch of yeast when we’re baking. The yeast will steadily work its way through the entire dough, making it rise. The sins we may consider to be little – such as a few words of gossip, a so-called white lie, a quick burst of anger, or procrastinating when God is calling to act on something – might feel minor. We might think those sins are no big deal. But just like a little bit of yeast, even a little bit of sin can spread. If we don’t clean up our little sins, they can affect our entire spiritual well-being by corrupting our thoughts and damaging our relationships with God and other people. So, how can we “get rid of the old yeast” and live with “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”? We need to first be honest about the reality of sin, no matter how small it seems. We often downplay our mistakes by making excuses or comparing ourselves to others who are sinning more. But God’s standard is holiness. God wants us to be holy by doing our best to live in ways that honor him and reflect his holiness. We also need to regularly confess our sins to God in prayer and repent by turning away from our sins and back toward God. Finally, we need to embrace God’s grace to purify and refresh us. We don’t clean up our lives in our own strength. Jesus is the Lamb of God who has already paid the price for our sins – the big ones and the “little” ones alike. His grace is a powerful force that works within us to transform us. Just like we have to remove trash from our homes and neighborhoods on a regular basis, we have to regularly clean up the sins in our lives. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to show us the areas of our lives where the “yeast” of sin might be spreading. Then we need to confess, repent, and rely on God’s Spirit to help us change. When we clean up little sins, we prevent them from becoming big problems, which protects our ...
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    6 mins
  • Running Toward the Holy Spirit
    Jul 16 2025
    What would happen if we responded to the Holy Spirit immediately, without delay or second-guessing? In Running Toward the Holy Spirit, Deidre Braley shares a personal story about missing a divine prompting and contrasts it with Philip’s quick obedience in Acts 8. This powerful devotional reminds us that when the Spirit nudges us—whether it's to speak to a neighbor or extend an act of kindness—we are called not just to go, but to run. This devotional encourages believers to practice spiritual attentiveness and cultivate a “yes” mentality toward God’s promptings. If you’ve ever ignored a gentle nudge or wondered if it was really God speaking, this message is for you. Highlights ✅ Obedience to the Spirit: Philip didn’t wait for more context—he ran in obedience (Acts 8:29-30).✅ God's purpose unfolds in motion: Philip’s mission became clear only after he responded.✅ Every nudge matters: Even small promptings—like saying hello to a neighbor—can have eternal impact.✅ We often hesitate: Like Deidre’s real-life example, we can miss Spirit-led moments by overthinking.✅ Practice spiritual sensitivity: Learn to ask, listen, and act when the Spirit leads.✅ Scripture shows us the pattern: Throughout Acts, believers are used mightily when they respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever responded (or missed a chance to respond) to a Holy Spirit nudge? What happened? How did it impact you? 📲 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story with #RunWithTheSpirit. Let’s encourage one another to listen and move when the Spirit leads. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Running Toward the Holy Spirit: A Lesson from Philip and the Ethiopian Official by Deidre Braley Acts 8:26-31: Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,“Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. I live on a small, private lane with only two other houses, and today, I missed an opportunity to love my neighbor well. Here’s how it happened: It was lunchtime, so I took a break from my desk, pulled on my sneakers, and stepped outside to take our dog for a walk. We took a stroll down the lane, and when we walked by our neighbor’s house, I noticed he was outside on his deck, grilling his lunch. The Spirit nudged me, saying, “Go up and say hello.” Now, I wish I could say I zipped right up his driveway and popped in for a friendly chat, but do you know what I did instead? I said, “Lord, I don’t think that was you, right? I don’t have much time. I don’t want to bother him. He probably doesn’t even want to talk to me.” And then I walked right past his driveway and continued on with my day. But as I walked, I could feel the Spirit continue to nudge me. I knew he had spoken to me—and that he had wanted to use me—but I had refused. I didn’t know why he had wanted me to say hello to my neighbor, but I had a sense that it was important. I resolved that if he was still outside when we got back from our walk, I’d go up and say hi. But when we returned, he was already gone. How should we respond when we feel the Spirit prompting us? The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in the book of Acts may lead us to believe that the answer is…immediately! In this story, the apostle Philip—following the leading of the Lord—went down into the desert. While he was there, a chariot passed by, carrying a court official of the Ethiopian queen. In this moment, the Spirit nudged Philip, saying, “Go over and join this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Now, did Philip hem and haw and say, “Lord, I don’t know this man, so may I please just go on with my day?” Of course not. Rather, Scripture says that “Philip ran to him” (Acts 8:30, emphasis mine). Even before he knew what God would have him say to this man—or why he was asking him to interact with him in the first place—Philip responded in immediate obedience. He heard the word “go,” and so he ran. When he got to the chariot, he found that the Ethiopian was reading the book of Isaiah and—lo and behold—could not understand it because he’d had no one to explain it to him (Acts 8:30-31). Philip’s purpose immediately became clear, but it was only ...
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    6 mins
  • Are You Hiding?
    Jul 15 2025
    Have you ever tried to distance yourself from someone you’ve wronged—dodging interactions, avoiding gatherings, or putting on a smile while hiding the discomfort inside? “Are You Hiding?” explores the spiritual tendency we all share: hiding from God when we know we've fallen short. Through the lens of Adam and Eve’s story in Genesis, this devotional reminds us that God doesn’t abandon us in our shame—He comes looking for us with love, not condemnation. This message is for anyone who has drifted from God, avoided spiritual disciplines, or felt too ashamed to draw near again. God is not hiding from you—He’s calling your name. Highlights Hiding from God is a deeply human response to sin, rooted in fear and shame (Genesis 3:10). We may avoid Scripture, church, or prayer, thinking we can escape conviction—but God always sees us and still desires relationship. Even when we distance ourselves, God pursues us, calling out just as He did in the Garden: “Where are you?” Like the prodigal son (Luke 15), restoration comes not through hiding, but in returning with a surrendered heart. Fig leaves of distraction—our modern ways of covering sin—can’t replace the healing power of repentance and grace. When we stop running and respond to God, He covers our shame with love, mercy, and forgiveness. 💬 Join the Conversation Have you ever felt distant from God because of guilt or shame? What helped you find your way back? 📲 Tag @lifeaudionetwork and share your story using #NoMoreFigLeaves. You never know who might find healing through your honesty. 🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer 🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews Full Transcript Below: Are You Hiding? By Megan J. Conner “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees. Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” Gen. 3:8-10 (NLT) Can you recall a time when you purposely evaded someone because you had wronged or harmed them in some way? You decline invitations to events because you know they will be in attendance, or if being present together is unavoidable, you walk to the other side of the room when they arrive, pretending to be busy with an important task. Perhaps this individual is completely unaware of the offense you carry in your heart, so they continue to pursue relationship with you and are clearly confounded by your distance. It would be better in the long run to have the much-needed hard conversation and make amends, but fear holds you captive. At the moment, it feels easier to hide. But is it really? Because we are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27) each and every one of us knows the difference between right and wrong. A measure of the Holy Spirit resides in every soul. Secular views coin this internal conviction as a conscience that measures and judges the motives of our hearts. Regardless of title or worldview, it is evident that humanity carries within them an organic sense of morality. Think of a child at a very young age who desires a toy or an object they have been told they cannot have. Even though they know they aren’t supposed to have it, they will plot and plan a way to obtain it. And once they have it in their possession, what is the first thing they do? They run away and hide. Child or adult, none of us is any different. For thousands of years, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, when we willfully choose to sin, we separate ourselves from our Creator. We retreat; we go into hiding. Perhaps we stop reading our Bibles, stray away from godly relationships with others, or maybe even avoid attending church or other faith-based gatherings. Somehow, we deceive ourselves into believing this distance shields us from the knowing eyes of the Lord. But the truth is, we are only covering ourselves with fig leaves. “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.” Gen. 3:6-7 (NLT) The allure of sin, paired with the deception of the enemy, convinces us that we should not only give in to the desires of our flesh, but that when we do, God is not aware of misgivings. Even further, we should run away from Him rather than towards Him. Similar to our relationships with others, if we avoid reconciliation, we will continue on in a state of unsettledness – of discomfort. Relief will only come once we repent and return to right relationship with the Lord and ...
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    6 mins