LifeAudio

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Chris... - A Kinder Way to Witness

Sharing your faith doesn’t have to mean having the perfect answer to every question about Christianity or knowing exactly what to say. Christian witness is about showing and sharing the love of Jesus with the people around you. But how can you talk about your faith without coming across as judgmental, pushy, or disconnected from where someone is? The Bible calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and that starts with the way we live, listen, and treat others. When we approach evangelism with kindness, humility, and genuine love, we create opportunities for meaningful conversations about God and the gospel. We may not see an immediate response, and we may not have every answer, but we can faithfully plant seeds of faith and trust God with the results. A Christ-centered witness isn't about winning an argument—it's about pointing people toward Jesus in a way that reflects His love. Highlights How to share your faith without being judgmental or pushy Why our actions and character can be a powerful Christian witness The importance of speaking biblical truth with love How to share your personal testimony with others Why listening and meeting people where they are matters when witnessing How even a simple conversation can plant a seed of faith Why we can trust God with the results of our witness Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: A Kinder Way to Witness By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV) One evening, as I was leaving the building where I worked in Washington, D.C., I saw a man standing in the middle of walking traffic, holding a megaphone and shouting at everyone as they passed by. He was telling them to stop sinning and was using a lot of words that only Christians who know the Bible understand. I also noticed that he had an angry demeanor. I walked away thinking, “That’s not how you get people

• Transcript

Chapter-A-Day Audio Bible - Proverbs 25

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testi... - Helping Kids Navigate School Without Tying Identity to Grades

In this episode, we focus on how parents can support their children academically without making performance feel like identity. It covers practical ways to work with teachers, understand the real reasons behind struggling grades, and encourage independence, especially as kids get older. It also addresses how AI is changing schoolwork and why those conversations need to start early. Key topics Parents often focus on grades and assignments, but the deeper goal is helping kids grow without linking worth to performance. One major theme is resisting the urge to rescue children from struggle, since doing too much can keep them from learning resilience. Technology now gives parents more school visibility than ever through notifications, grade trackers, and teacher posted class guides, but that can also create information overload. The conversation emphasizes that knowing the assignment is not the same as understanding what a child is learning or taking away from it. Resources: www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles/mental-health/for-families www.nami.org/research/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/ childmind.org/resources www.schoolsafety.gov/mental-health Timestamps 00:00 - Episode introduction: helping kids without tying identity to achievement 01:17 - Parents rescuing too much and why struggle matters 02:13 - School apps, grade trackers, and the problem of information overload 03:09 - Why conversation matters more than assignment scores 03:38 - Why parents need to talk with kids about AI use now 04:35 - AI as a tool, not a replacement for learning 05:33 - Creativity, thinking, and the risk of outsourcing too much 06:29 - Separating a child’s identity from a bad grade 07:28 - When and how parents should contact the teacher 08:20 - Asking questions with curiosity instead of accusation 09:44 - Supporting kids through social and emotional stressors 10:40 - Bringing in guidance counselors when needed 11:08 - Getting to the real why behind academic struggles 12:06 - Celebrating progress, effort, and small wins 12:35 - Finding and nurturing each child’s strengths 13:05 - Why an 89 can still be worth celebrating 13:53 - Closing remarks and support information Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Your Daily Prayer - A Prayer to Turn to Jesus When You’re Too Tired

Sometimes exhaustion goes so deep that even turning to God feels like more than the body and spirit can manage. Not a crisis of faith, not a decision to walk away — just a weariness so complete that the simplest prayer becomes a reach too far. Those moments carry a particular kind of shame for believers who expected their faith to hold up better under pressure, who pictured leaning on God looking a little more steady and a little less desperate. Psalm 9:10 speaks directly into that shame with a promise that does not require perfect faith to claim: the Lord has never forsaken those who seek Him. Those who know His name, who have placed their trust in Him, who have made it their practice to seek Him, will never be left alone. Not even in the moments when they are too broken to look His way. The years of seeking, knowing, and trusting God do not evaporate in a hard season. They become the foundation that holds even when the person standing on it has nothing left. God is not present because our faith looks impressive. He is present because He loves us, because we love Him, and because we belong to Him. The weak, barely-formed prayer, "Jesus, help me," is enough. And on the days when even that is beyond reach, He is still there. His presence is not contingent on our performance. Child of God, you are sealed with the promise of His presence, His salvation, and His grace, always, in every valley, whether you can feel it or not. If today's prayer speaks to you, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you! Today's Bible Verse "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." — Psalm 9:10, NIV Ponder Today God's presence does not depend on our faith looking or feeling perfect. He is not there because we showed up strong. He is there because we are His and He loves us — and that does not change based on how our faith performs in the hardest moments. "Jesus, help me" is a complete and sufficient prayer. When exhaustion strips away everything else, the weakest and most honest cry still reaches the One who hears. God does not require eloquence or emotional strength before He responds. The years of seeking God become the foundation that holds in the seasons when you have nothing left. A history of knowing His name, placing trust in Him, and practicing the discipline of turning toward Him does not disappear in a hard season. It carries you even when you cannot carry yourself. Feeling forsaken and being forsaken are not the same thing. Psalm 9:10 is a promise, not a feeling. God has never forsaken those who seek Him — not in their strongest moments, and not in their most depleted ones either. Rest in your weariness without shame. You do not have to pull your faith together before God will show up. He is already there, with His constant care, His continual protection, and His unending, unconditional love — even in the pit. A Prayer for You Today Ever-present God, I praise You that You never leave my side. Even when I struggle to sense Your presence in my deepest pain and suffering, You are there. Even when my faith feels far from perfect or I wonder if I am deserving of Your love and care, You are there. Because I am Yours and You are mine, You will never forsake me. I have chosen to seek You, to know You, and to place my trust in You. So no matter what circumstances surround me, I know You will follow me, love me, and forever bless me. Thank You for the g

• Transcript

Daily Devotions with Pastor John - Are you grateful for how God created you?

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith. You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here: https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Brad Stine Has Issues! - Brad Stine Has Issues Rewound: God, Science, and Reason: A Conversation with Dr. William Lane Craig

Tonight, let's revisit one of Brad's greatest interviews with renowned Christian apologist, William Lane Craig. About Dr. William Lane Craig: He's a prominent philosopher, theologian, and apologist known for his work in the philosophy of religion, particularly regarding the existence of God and the historical Jesus. He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Birmingham and has since built a distinguished career in both academic and public circles. Craig is widely recognized for his defense of the Kalam cosmological argument, which asserts that the universe had a beginning and therefore must have had a cause. He has authored or edited over thirty books and numerous scholarly articles, and his work spans areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Additionally, Dr. Craig is a regular speaker at debates and conferences, engaging in public dialogues with leading atheists, agnostics, and secular scholars. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Craig is the founder of Reasonable Faith, an organization dedicated to providing accessible resources for Christian apologetics and fostering thoughtful discussions on faith and reason. His approach blends rigorous philosophy with a deep commitment to Christian orthodoxy, making his work both academically respected and accessible to a wide audience. Dr. Craig’s contributions have made a significant impact on the field of Christian apologetics, with his arguments influencing both theological debates and broader discussions on the intersection of faith, reason, and science. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Greg Laurie Show - Ruslan KD: Why the Loudest Generation Is Also the Loneliest

From gang life at age 11 to reaching millions on YouTube — Ruslan KD sits down with Greg Laurie to talk about the long road home. Born in Azerbaijan, ethnically Armenian, and raised by a single mom in San Diego, Ruslan's story starts with a botched break-in, a cop next door, and a Black Baptist church that told an 11-year-old kid God would use him one day. They were right. In this conversation: How Ruslan finally surrendered to Christ at a Miles McPherson crusade • The 3 pillars of biblical manhood: priest, provider, protector • Why Gen Z is the most Jesus-curious generation — and what they need from boomers • The difference between selfish ambition and godly ambition (from his new book) • Why every pastor should have a podcast • Financial literacy, communism vs. capitalism, and what the church keeps missing • The verse Ruslan returns to when life gets loud Whether you're a young man trying to figure out what a godly life looks like, or an older believer wondering how to reach the next generation — this one's worth your time. Grab Ruslan's book Godly Ambition wherever books are sold. Timestamps 00:22 Meet Ruslan: rapper, apologist, YouTuber 01:37 From Baku to a Vegas gang at age 11 04:24 Community service leads him to church 07:10 Wrestling with Jesus vs. Jehovah's Witnesses 09:54 Why the gospel finally clicked 14:14 What "godly ambition" actually means 18:33 The three pillars: priest, provider, protector 26:11 Communism, socialism, and taxing the rich 29:26 Gen Z: the walking paradox 36:39 Why open your home to a stranger 39:41 What's fueling the church growth boom 50:17 Teaching young people how to think 54:00 If you had 2 minutes with a million Gen Z kids Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast - Help! My Spouse Isn't Interested in Working on Our Marriage

What do you do when you want to work on the marriage... but your spouse doesn't? Maybe you've suggested marriage coaching or counseling. You've sent the podcast episode. You've bought the book. You've tried to start the conversations. You've prayed for change. And your spouse seems uninterested, unwilling, or just plain tired of talking about the marriage. That can be an incredibly frustrating and lonely place to be. But here's the truth I want you to hear in this episode: Your spouse's unwillingness to work on the marriage doesn't mean there's no work you can do. And it doesn't mean your only options are to nag them into participating or sit around waiting for them to change. In this episode, we're talking about what it looks like to take responsibility for your side of the relationship without trying to carry the entire marriage by yourself. We'll talk about the temptation to make your spouse the project, why pressure rarely produces genuine change, and how focusing on your own growth can begin to shift the dynamic in your relationship. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What to do when you're the only one who seems interested in improving the marriage The difference between taking responsibility and taking all the responsibility What you can control when so much feels outside of your control How to develop stamina for the long game Follow Dana Che on the socials! Instagram Facebook YouTube Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

The Built Different Podcast with Dr. Zach Clinton - Chad Scott: The Adversity Advantage - You Can’t Always Choose What Happens, But You Can Choose Who You Become, Ep. 316

What does it really take to become stronger, not just physically, but mentally, relationally, and spiritually? In this episode, we sit down with Liberty University Director of Athletic Performance for Football, Coach Chad Scott, for a conversation that goes far beyond the weight room. Coach Scott shares what he’s seeing inside Liberty Football as a new season approaches, why their word “Standard” has to become more than a slogan, and what separates talented people from those who actually maximize their potential. We unpack the power of discipline, shared suffering, player-led leadership, and why mastering the fundamentals of sleep, nutrition, hydration, and breathing can matter more than chasing the latest performance hack. But the conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Chad opens up about walking alongside his wife, Beth, through her battle with cancer and what that journey has taught him about strength, surrender, faith, and trusting God when the circumstances you desperately want to change are completely outside of your control. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, spouse, parent, or simply trying to become the person God has called you to be, this conversation will challenge you to raise your standard while redefining what it truly means to be strong. Links: Find Out More About Coach Chad Scott Here: Chad Scott - Director of Athletic Performance for Football - Football Support Staff - Liberty Univer… Liberty University’s Football Schedule: Liberty announces completed 2026 football schedule | Liberty News Pick Up Your Tickets for a Game Today: 2026 Football Schedule - Liberty University Needing a Perspective Shift in the Midst of Pain? Find Clinically Excellent, Distinctively Christian Care & Counsel Today: Find Trusted Therapists - Christian Care Connect Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women - Body Image Issues Aren't Your Thorn —They're Something the Gospel Can Actually Cure

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was — and wasn't — and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture! Key Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (the thorn in the flesh) Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry") Colossians 3:9–10 (put off the old self, put on the new) Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master) 1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation) Discussion questions for listeners / community: Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change? Try praying both prayers from this episode — the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you? What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession? Timestamped Guide to Episode 00:00 Exploring body image and faith 03:38 Addressing body image issues 09:41 Biblical thorns and grace 12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture 16:32 Understanding body image issues 19:00 Inviting women to join workshop 22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help 27:39 Choosing the right prayer 28:45 Dealing with aging and grace A note: This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession — this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth. Links: Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

The Bible Explained with Jenn Kokal - 1 Peter 1:17-25 - The Precious Blood of Jesus

As we continue through the book of 1 Peter, we're reminded that our lives on this earth are temporary, and our hope should be in something eternal: A powerful reminder that as Christians, we are called to live on this earth as foreigners, not as our permanent home. We know that there is something better waiting for us in eternity, and that's why we should be living in reverent fear, not placing our hope in this world. The significance of Jesus' sacrifice, which is the most important thing in Scripture. Jesus' blood is precious - He was foreknown before the foundation of the world to take on the burden of redeeming humanity. A discussion of the emotional suffering Jesus experienced on the cross, which is something we can't fully understand. Love is more than just an action; it's an attitude that starts in the heart. As we wrap up this episode, Jenn invites us to consider how we can store up our treasures in heaven instead of on earth. We're encouraged to read through the book of Proverbs, which offers a balance of earthly achievement and heavenly perspective. Join us as we continue exploring the book of 1 Peter and discover how to live a life that's focused on eternity. Related Episode: Mark 15:21-37 (From Christ) - Jesus, The Sin Sacrifice Hey! Look at this other P40 content! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Your Nightly Scripture - Resting in Grace Instead of Trying to Earn God's Love (Ephesians 2)

Evening Scripture Ephesians, Chapter 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Evening Reflection The opening of our passage tonight reminds us that we were once dead in our sins and disobedience, and the desires of our flesh only begot more death. But God, who is rich in mercy and grace, has saved us in all of our dirt and mess because of His great love! What a good God! As believers, we must fight the thought that it’s by our own merit or good works that we earn our salvation or keep us in God’s grace. Our culture says, “Be better”, “keep hustling”, and "accomplish more.” If we're not careful, we will quickly take the same approach in our relationship with God, treating our devotion time as a checklist and serving out of guilt and obligation. Paul made it clear, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Let’s pause and take a moment to soak this truth in: grace is a gift, not something to be earned. Are you living your day-to-day striving for approval or living in the peace of God’s love and grace? Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for

• Transcript

Your Nightly Prayer: Evening Prayers for Christian... - Letting God Redefine Success

If you asked the average person on the street to define success, the answers would vary, but the themes would be familiar. Wealth. Achievement. Power. Influence. A certain kind of visibility that signals to the world that you have arrived somewhere worth arriving. Jesus defines it differently. Almost exactly backward, in fact. In Matthew 20, the mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a request for her sons to hold positions of honor in the kingdom. The other ten disciples hear about it and are outraged, which tells us something important: they all wanted the same thing. The argument about who was greatest among them surfaced again and again, even on the night before the crucifixion. And again and again, Jesus redirected them to the same place. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. He was not speaking theoretically. He said, I am among you as One who serves. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. The One who had every right to be honored above all chose to define His own life by how He gave it away for others. This is perhaps one of His most challenging teachings, which is likely why He also spoke of counting the cost of discipleship and denying ourselves and taking up a cross. The world's definition of success and the kingdom's definition are not slightly different. They are in direct opposition. But here is what matters tonight: this is not about earning anything. Serving others does not purchase God's favor. It aligns our hearts with His purposes, and in that alignment, something happens that the world's version of success cannot replicate. The mission field is not always across an ocean. Sometimes it is across the street, or in the next room, or at the dinner table, or in the way we treat the person who frustrated us at work today. We cannot live this way on our own. That is the honest truth. We need the Holy Spirit to warm our hearts toward others and give us the desire to serve. And if we find we do not want to, we can at least begin with the prayer: Lord, help me want to want to. That is enough to start. Ponder Tonight The disciples' repeated arguments about greatness reveal how deeply the world's definition of success is wired into us. Jesus did not shame them for it. He simply and consistently redirected them toward a different and better way. Serving others is not the means by which we earn God's love. It is the natural expression of hearts that have been aligned with His purposes, which is a fundamentally different motivation that produces fundamentally different fruit. The mission field does not require a plane ticket. Serving a spouse well, showing up for a neighbor, treating a difficult coworker with dignity, these are acts of kingdom faithfulness that carry eternal weight. If the desire to serve feels genuinely absent, bringing that honestly to God and asking Him to create the desire is itself an act of humility and faith. We are not required to manufacture what only He can produce in us. Tonight's Scripture "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." — Matthew 20:26, NIV "I am among you as one who serves." — Luke 22:27, NIV Your Evening Prayer Father in heaven, Please help us. On our own, we cannot live as You would have us live. We cannot be the people You created us to be without the help of Your Holy Spirit. The world's definition of success is loud and compelling, and our own hearts are drawn to it more than we want to admit. Warm our hearts toward the people around us. Give us the desire to serve, even when it is

• Transcript

Your Daily Bible Verse - Tired of Carrying it All? How to Finally Let Go (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today's Bible Verse: "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." — Proverbs 3:5–6 Are you tired of carrying every worry, decision, and responsibility on your own? Proverbs 3:5–6 offers a powerful reminder that trusting God means letting go of our need to understand and control everything. Instead of relying entirely on our own wisdom, we can surrender our plans, fears, and uncertainties to God and trust Him to guide our path. Letting go doesn't mean giving up or ignoring our responsibilities. It means recognizing that we were never meant to carry everything alone. When we bring our concerns to God and trust His wisdom, we can find freedom from the pressure of having to figure everything out ourselves. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Meet Today’s Host: Jennifer Dotzler Hear more from Jennifer D on Your Daily Bible Verse at LifeAudio Jennifer Dotzler is a passionate Bible teacher and disciple-maker with a heart for helping others grow in their faith. She brings together her love for Scripture and a practical, compassionate approach to encourage listeners through life’s highs and lows. With a deep desire to see believers strengthened in truth and equipped to walk closely with Christ, Jennifer offers thoughtful, biblically grounded insight in every episode. She’s honored to be part of the Your Daily Bible Verse team, where she aims to inspire and uplift others with truth that transforms. Learn more at LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

I Wish You Could Hear This - How to Love Someone When You Don’t Feel Like It, with Chip Ingram Episode 48

What if love isn’t primarily something you feel—or something you have to wait for—but something you can choose? In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff sit down with pastor, author, and Bible teacher Chip Ingram to talk about his book I Choose Love and a radically practical way to understand biblical love. Chip explains the difference between the feelings we associate with love and the agape love modeled by Jesus: a willful, sacrificial choice to put another person’s needs ahead of our own. And that matters whether we’re dealing with tension in a marriage, a difficult family relationship, division in the church, or someone whose views are completely different from ours. Chip also gets personal, sharing how this understanding of love helped transform a deeply difficult season in his own marriage. The breakthrough came when he stopped focusing on how his wife needed to change and started asking what he could do differently. As Chip puts it, you can’t control another person—but you can change your part of the relationship. You’ll also hear why loving action sometimes has to come before loving feelings, why humility and servanthood are so important, and three practical ways to become a more loving person: declare war on selfishness, attack the pride underneath it, and intentionally practice humility by putting others’ needs ahead of your own. In this episode: Why biblical love is much more than a feeling The difference between agape love and romantic, friendship, and family love What Philippians 2 teaches us about loving like Jesus Why waiting until you feel loving can keep you stuck How choosing obedience can begin changing our hearts What Chip learned during a painful season in his own marriage

• Transcript

Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews - Darlene Zschech Wrote Shout to the Lord in 20 Minutes and Almost Hid It

Darlene Zschech was singing commercial jingles to pay the bills, her husband's business was struggling, they had two small children, and the dream of full-time ministry felt impossibly far away. She sat down at her piano, opened her Bible, and prayed. Twenty minutes later she had Shout to the Lord, and she was so unsure of it that when she finally played it for her worship pastor, she made him turn around and face the wall so she wouldn't have to watch his reaction. Worship, revival, and a song that left her hands before she understood what it was: Darlene shares the story of Shout to the Lord and how God took it global before the internet existed, why she believes the early Hillsong era was a season of hiddenness where God let the roots go deep before anything grew tall, and what she thinks makes a true worship song as opposed to a song that merely expresses feelings. She is also part of The House of Worship, a new film bringing together 25 years of worship music's most influential artists to celebrate songs that have shaped generations — and she believes another revival is already beginning. Highlights Why Darlene made her worship pastor turn and face the wall while she played Shout to the Lord for the first time How the song went global before the internet existed and why she says none of them can take credit for it The first Sunday it was sung over an offering, everyone stood with their hands in the air, and a visiting minister said it would go around the world Why she calls the early Hillsong era a season where God hid them so the roots could go deep before the fruit came What real revival looked like in those days — altar calls where heaps of people would just get saved, week after week Her definition of a worship song: not one that expresses feelings but one that reveals Christ and exalts Jesus Why she believes the new song has always accompanied historical revivals and why she thinks we are there again What The House of Worship captures — 25 years of songs written for the local church by people within the local church Resources / Links / CTA Darlene Zschech website: https://www.darlenezschech.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenezschech The House of Worship: https://houseofworshipmusic.com Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

The Love Offering - Finding Faith and Purpose After Loss with Cheri Fletcher

Have you ever walked through a season when simply making it through the day felt like all you could manage? Maybe grief has changed everything. Perhaps the future looks nothing like you imagined, or someone you love is hurting, and you don’t know what to say. When life feels this heavy, people often encourage us to “hang in there.” But what happens when we no longer have the strength to keep holding on? My guest on this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, Cheri Fletcher, shared a truth I haven’t stopped thinking about: “I’m not hanging in there. I’m being held in there.” After unexpectedly losing her daughter, Annie, in 2023, Cheri began recognizing the ways God had gone before her and prepared people and provisions to help carry her through her grief. His care didn’t take away her pain, but it reminded her that she wasn’t walking through it alone. Sometimes God’s presence looked like a friend sending a Scripture or prayer. Sometimes it was a neighbor bringing flowers, a pastor calling to check in, or even a bird singing outside her window. Each small kindness became a quiet reminder: You are still being held. In our tender conversation, Cheri shares: How to recognize God’s presence in the midst of grief Why sorrow may rewrite our stories without changing our identities How joy and heartache can exist at the same time What to say when we don’t know how to comfort someone Why our roles may change, but our purpose remains eternal Cheri also reminds us that we don’t need perfect words to love a grieving person well. Sometimes a simple “I’m so sorry,” a listening ear, or the willingness to say their loved one’s name can be a meaningful offering of love. If you feel like you are barely hanging on today, I pray this promise encourages you: “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10 Friend, your hope isn’t found in how tightly you can hold on to God. Your hope is found in the truth that He is holding on to you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not merely hanging on. You are being held. With love, Rachael CONNECT WITH CHERI FLETCHER: Website and grief resources: https://cherifletcher.com Explore Cheri’s Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say” Grief Communication Cards and her private community, Now What? A Quiet Place for Grief. CONNECT WITH RACHAEL ADAMS: Website: https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Learn more about Everyday Prayers for Love and A Little Goes a Long Way: https://rachaelkadams.com/books Listen to more episodes of The Love Offering Podcast: https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast Suppor

• Transcript

Faith Over Fear - How to Move Forward When Life Hurts

When life takes a devastating turn, our pain can begin telling us things about God, ourselves and our future that simply aren’t true. Author and pediatric nurse practitioner Jackie M. Baker understands this firsthand. After losing her son Sebastian to suicide, Jackie faced profound grief, questions about what she could have done differently and the painful realization that she couldn’t control the choices or outcomes of those she loved. In this episode, she shares how God taught her to release control, challenge the lies grief whispered and trust Him when life looked nothing like she had hoped. Jackie and Carol also discuss the unexpected losses many of us grieve—from relationships and careers to health, dreams and expectations—and how suffering can distort our identity and trap us in regret. Jackie shares practical ways God carried her forward, including Scripture, prayer, supportive relationships and daily routines, and explains why moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting what—or whom—we’ve lost. Most importantly, she reminds us that even when we can’t see light ahead, God remains with us in the darkness, offering a hope rooted in His presence rather than a particular outcome. Featured Book: Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide Bible Passages Discussed or referenced: Genesis 22:1–18 , Matthew 7:24–27, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 If this episode resonated with you, you might find "Cultivating Hope to Endure Hard and Fear-Evoking Seasons" encouraging. Today's Guest, Jackie M. Bake,r is an author, pediatric nurse practitioner, wife and mother whose life and faith were profoundly impacted by the loss of her son, Sebastian, to suicide. Drawing from her personal experience with grief and her professional healthcare background, Jackie encourages others to find hope and move forward through life’s most painful seasons. She is the author of Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide and is passionate about helping hurting people recognize they aren’t alone and discover strength and hope in Christ. Connect with Jackie M. Baker: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Follow her work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms - How Praying Produces Patience

Patience isn't something we naturally have — it's something we're told to "put on," according to Colossians 3:12. New episode by Nicolet Bell on what it actually looks like to extend to our kids the same patience God has shown us. LINKS: Freebie: Drive Time Conversations Fruit of the Spirit Download How to Pray God's Word for Your Children Follow Everyday Prayers @millionprayingmoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. How Praying Produces Patience by Nicolet Bell Reference: 2 Peter 3:8-9 Prayer: Father, help me to be patient as I wait to see how You are working in my life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript

Timeless Wisdom with Dennis Prager - Is Religion Poisonous? A Debate with Christopher Hitchens | Ultimate Issues Hour

In this thought-provoking episode of the Ultimate Issues Hour, author and critic Christopher Hitchens joins the conversation to discuss his book "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything." Hitchens, known for his scathing critiques of organized religion, shares his views on the role of faith in society and its impact on morality. This episode promises to be a fascinating exploration of the complex relationship between religion and ethics. Christopher Hitchens and Dennis engage in a lively discussion about the nature of morality, with Hitchens arguing that it's not necessarily tied to religious beliefs. He cites examples of secular institutions, such as universities and Hollywood, where people are often more accepting of progressive values. However, the speaker counters that these institutions can also be breeding grounds for idiocy and intolerance. The conversation delves into the complexities of human nature, with Hitchens suggesting that people are not inherently good or evil, but rather a mix of both. Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timeless-wisdom-with-dennis-prager/id1517302239 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZEYeH4tuLr2FvG4ok1rl Learn more about Dennis Prager: https://pragertopia.com/ Follow Dennis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisPrager Follow Dennis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedennisprager/ Follow Dennis on X: https://x.com/DennisPrager Learn more about the Salem Podcast Network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

• Transcript