Life can often feel unstable and uncertain, much like walking on shifting ground. We’ll discuss the significance of building our lives on the solid foundation of faith in Christ, exploring how to recognize and navigate the unstable areas of our lives with God’s guidance.

Join the Conversation:

We want to hear from you! Have you ever felt like you were walking on shifting sands? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What practices help you find stability in your faith? Let’s support one another as we seek to stand firm on the foundation of God’s truth!

🎙 ⛰️ SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER:https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/

Life can often feel unstable and uncertain, much like walking on shifting ground. We&rsquo;ll discuss the significance of building our lives on the solid foundation of faith in Christ, exploring how to recognize and navigate the unstable areas of our lives with God&rsquo;s guidance.
Join the Conversation:
We want to hear from you! Have you ever felt like you were walking on shifting sands? Share your stories and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What practices help you find stability in your faith? Let&rsquo;s support one another as we seek to stand firm on the foundation of God&rsquo;s truth!
🎙 ⛰️ SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/" data-start="872" data-end="968">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Are You Walking on Shifting Sands?

In today’s devotional, Alexis A. Goring reminds us of a powerful, comforting truth: God is not a distant observer, watching humanity from afar. Instead, Scripture promises He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV).

Using the classic song “From a Distance” as a launching point, Alexis explores the misconception that God simply set the world in motion and then stepped away. This worldview, known as Deism, paints God as a cosmic clockmaker who lets creation run on its own. But the Bible tells a different story — one of a God who is deeply involved in the details of our lives.

From the mountaintop moments to the darkest valleys, God walks with us, comforts us, and intervenes in ways both miraculous and tender. He hasn’t abandoned His creation, and He certainly hasn’t abandoned you. His presence is a steady promise we can cling to in every season.

Today’s Key Scripture:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NIV

Join the Conversation:
When was a time you felt God’s presence in a powerful, undeniable way? How do you remind yourself that He is near in difficult seasons? We’d love to hear your story — connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or send us a message. Let’s uplift one another with stories of God’s faithful presence!

🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW — Your Nightly Prayer

🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts:Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Full Transcript Below

God is Here 

By Alexis A. Goring

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 NIV

A famous song titled “From a Distance” performed by Bette Midler is the focal point for this devotional message today. 

The song romanticizes life on Earth in poetic words, saying how beautiful our experiences here on this planet are, from a distance. The lyrics paint a hopeful and optimistic view of the good in our world and inspires the listener to dream of a better state of affairs, and human relations that are harmonious. No war, no sickness, no disease and no people who are starving to eat food. Just beautiful views of nature from the oceans to the mountains and the trees. It is the kind of harmony that most humans desire. Then the lyrics say that from a distance God is watching us. And that is the concept I want to address in this devotional today.

The song has a beautiful melody but the lyrics are not theologically true because the Bible says God is with us even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). God didn’t create our world then return to Heaven to safely watch us wreck it. No! He is very involved in human affairs and pays attention to every detail of our life. This school of thought has a name: Deism. 

According Alyssa Roat in an article titled, “What is Deism and Is It Influencing Your Faith?” published on the website for Bible Study Tools, “Deism teaches that there is a God, and that He created the world, but created things do not need His presence and the exercise of His power in order to continue in existence and fulfill their functions. The material world is placed under immutable law; while man, the rational and moral free agent, is left to do as he wills. God sustains, according to deism, very much the same relation to the universe that the clock-maker does to his timepiece. Having made his clock, and wound it up, he does not interfere with it, and the longer it can run without the maker's intervention the greater the evidence of wisdom and skill on the part of the maker. God according to deism has never wrought a miracle nor made a supernatural revelation to man.”

I’d like to challenge that belief with a note of hope: God did create this beautiful world, but He didn’t leave it to run by itself nor has He left us without any help from Heaven. God is ever-present in our world today. Just because we cannot see

In today&rsquo;s devotional, Alexis A. Goring reminds us of a powerful, comforting truth: God is not a distant observer, watching humanity from afar. Instead, Scripture promises He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV).
Using the classic song &ldquo;From a Distance&rdquo; as a launching point, Alexis explores the misconception that God simply set the world in motion and then stepped away. This worldview, known as Deism, paints God as a cosmic clockmaker who lets creation run on its own. But the Bible tells a different story &mdash; one of a God who is deeply involved in the details of our lives.
From the mountaintop moments to the darkest valleys, God walks with us, comforts us, and intervenes in ways both miraculous and tender. He hasn&rsquo;t abandoned His creation, and He certainly hasn&rsquo;t abandoned you. His presence is a steady promise we can cling to in every season.
Today&rsquo;s Key Scripture: &ldquo;The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.&rdquo; &mdash; Psalm 34:18 NIV
Join the Conversation: When was a time you felt God&rsquo;s presence in a powerful, undeniable way? How do you remind yourself that He is near in difficult seasons? We&rsquo;d love to hear your story &mdash; connect with us on social media @LifeAudioNetwork or send us a message. Let&rsquo;s uplift one another with stories of God&rsquo;s faithful presence!
🎙🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW &mdash; <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">Your Nightly Prayer</a>
🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-talk-celebrity-christian-interviews/">Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below
God is Here&nbsp;
By Alexis A. Goring
&ldquo;The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.&rdquo;&mdash; Psalm 34:18 NIV
A famous song titled &ldquo;From a Distance&rdquo; performed by Bette Midler is the focal point for this devotional message today.&nbsp;
The song romanticizes life on Earth in poetic words, saying how beautiful our experiences here on this planet are, from a distance. The lyrics paint a hopeful and optimistic view of the good in our world and inspires the listener to dream of a better state of affairs, and human relations that are harmonious. No war, no sickness, no disease and no people who are starving to eat food. Just beautiful views of nature from the oceans to the mountains and the trees. It is the kind of harmony that most humans desire. Then the lyrics say that from a distance God is watching us. And that is the concept I want to address in this devotional today.
The song has a beautiful melody but the lyrics are not theologically true because the Bible says God is with us even until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). God didn&rsquo;t create our world then return to Heaven to safely watch us wreck it. No! He is very involved in human affairs and pays attention to every detail of our life. This school of thought has a name: Deism.&nbsp;
According Alyssa Roat in an article titled, &ldquo;What is Deism and Is It Influencing Your Faith?&rdquo; published on the website for Bible Study Tools, &ldquo;Deism teaches that there is a God, and that He created the world, but created things do not need His presence and the exercise of His power in order to continue in existence and fulfill their functions. The material world is placed under immutable law; while man, the rational and moral free agent, is left to do as he wills. God sustains, according to deism, very much the same relation to the universe that the clock-maker does to his timepiece. Having made his clock, and wound it up, he does not interfere with it, and the longer it can run without the maker's intervention the greater the evidence of wisdom and skill on the part of the maker. God according to deism has never wrought a miracle nor made a supernatural revelation to man.&rdquo;
I&rsquo;d like to challenge that belief with a note of hope: God did create this beautiful world, but He didn&rsquo;t leave it to run by itself nor has He left us without any help from Heaven. God is ever-present in our world today. Just because we cannot see

God Is Here

In a world where headlines feel heavy and darkness seems to close in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Even when chaos rages, God’s light is never extinguished. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes not on the circumstances around us—but on the One who reigns above them. It’s time to return to the heart of Scripture, to reflect Christ’s love, grace, and truth in our actions, and to trust in His ultimate victory.

We encourage you to pray:
“Lord, help me walk in Your light when the world feels dark. Give me hope in You when my heart feels heavy.”

No matter what you’re facing today—personal anxiety, political unrest, or spiritual fatigue—remember this: darkness does not win. It never has, and it never will. God is greater, and His light will reign.

Join the Conversation:
What’s been weighing heavy on your heart lately? How have you seen God’s light break through darkness in your life? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or email us. Let’s encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Light that never fades.

🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Full Transcript Below:

Light Will Reign Over Darkness

By Vivian Bricker

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). 

A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by the news. Day after day, things have been getting worse, and all we can do is watch as the world seemingly burns. Fear and anger have been present in my heart to a degree I haven’t experienced before. Knowing that we cannot control the present situations in the world today can cause us to feel hopeless.

The political climate has changed, and as believers, we need to be discerning, understand the Bible, and be cautious of the present. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember that your allegiance lies with God. If you would rather follow a president or a political leader over God, then you might need to reassess your faith. 

Believers need to return to the Bible and truly walk as the Lord did. Rather than building our beliefs on American ideals, we must ground ourselves in the timeless truths of the Bible. As believers, we should recall that the biblical Jesus helps the sick, injured, and impoverished. 

He loves all people and mercifully extends His grace to all of us (Psalm 107:1, 145:9). If Christians truly desire to follow Christ, then we need to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. We need to repent, submit to God, and make the necessary changes in our lives to reflect His love and grace. As Christians, it’s our role to endorse and promote the Bible, Jesus, and a proper understanding of theology so that others may see the light that we see.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The Bible tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). When everything is in shambles around us, we need to remember God is still good and He is still at work. Even when it seems like evil prevails, God still reigns on the throne. 

Darkness will never overcome the light. 

Though everything feels dark right now, it will not endure forever. We should do our best to educate others, pray, and wait on the Lord. The Lord will bring deliverance for His people and restore our weary hearts. Darkness can feel bleak and daunting, yet it will never be more powerful than God. God is greater than all things, including disasters, problems, and evil. 

Evil will always be at work in the world until the very end, but we must stay strong. Everyone has free will, and we cannot discount the evil nature of humans (Romans 3:23). As believers, we need to be aware of this and bring our hearts back to the only one who is truly perfect and good: God. God is the antithesis of evil, as He is full of love, grace, and compassion (Psalm 116:5). 

His light will shine out of darkness, and we will be given relief. It might not happen overnight, but it will come. We need to continue to be patient, trust in Him, and know that He will prevail. 

What is causing darkness to reign over you today?

How can you find hope in God despite the despair in the world today?

What are some things you can do today to bring your heart peace?

Further Reading:

Romans 16:17-20

2 Corinthians 11:12-15

1 John 5:19-20

In a world where headlines feel heavy and darkness seems to close in, it&rsquo;s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But John 1:5 reminds us of a powerful truth: &ldquo;The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.&rdquo;
Even when chaos rages, God&rsquo;s light is never extinguished. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes not on the circumstances around us&mdash;but on the One who reigns above them. It&rsquo;s time to return to the heart of Scripture, to reflect Christ&rsquo;s love, grace, and truth in our actions, and to trust in His ultimate victory.
We encourage you to pray: &ldquo;Lord, help me walk in Your light when the world feels dark. Give me hope in You when my heart feels heavy.&rdquo;
No matter what you&rsquo;re facing today&mdash;personal anxiety, political unrest, or spiritual fatigue&mdash;remember this: darkness does not win. It never has, and it never will. God is greater, and His light will reign.
<hr data-start="1032" data-end="1035">
Join the Conversation: What&rsquo;s been weighing heavy on your heart lately? How have you seen God&rsquo;s light break through darkness in your life? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or email us. Let&rsquo;s encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Light that never fades.
🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER</a>
🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-talk-celebrity-christian-interviews/">Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Light Will Reign Over Darkness
By Vivian Bricker
&ldquo;The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it&rdquo; (John 1:5).&nbsp;
A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed by the news. Day after day, things have been getting worse, and all we can do is watch as the world seemingly burns. Fear and anger have been present in my heart to a degree I haven&rsquo;t experienced before. Knowing that we cannot control the present situations in the world today can cause us to feel hopeless.
The political climate has changed, and as believers, we need to be discerning, understand the Bible, and be cautious of the present. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember that your allegiance lies with God. If you would rather follow a president or a political leader over God, then you might need to reassess your faith.&nbsp;
Believers need to return to the Bible and truly walk as the Lord did. Rather than building our beliefs on American ideals, we must ground ourselves in the timeless truths of the Bible. As believers, we should recall that the biblical Jesus helps the sick, injured, and impoverished.&nbsp;
He loves all people and mercifully extends His grace to all of us (Psalm 107:1, 145:9). If Christians truly desire to follow Christ, then we need to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. We need to repent, submit to God, and make the necessary changes in our lives to reflect His love and grace. As Christians, it&rsquo;s our role to endorse and promote the Bible, Jesus, and a proper understanding of theology so that others may see the light that we see.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
The Bible tells us, &ldquo;The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it&rdquo; (John 1:5). When everything is in shambles around us, we need to remember God is still good and He is still at work. Even when it seems like evil prevails, God still reigns on the throne.&nbsp;
Darkness will never overcome the light.&nbsp;
Though everything feels dark right now, it will not endure forever. We should do our best to educate others, pray, and wait on the Lord. The Lord will bring deliverance for His people and restore our weary hearts. Darkness can feel bleak and daunting, yet it will never be more powerful than God. God is greater than all things, including disasters, problems, and evil.&nbsp;
Evil will always be at work in the world until the very end, but we must stay strong. Everyone has free will, and we cannot discount the evil nature of humans (Romans 3:23). As believers, we need to be aware of this and bring our hearts back to the only one who is truly perfect and good: God. God is the antithesis of evil, as He is full of love, grace, and compassion (Psalm 116:5).&nbsp;
His light will shine out of darkness, and we will be given relief. It might not happen overnight, but it will come. We need to continue to be patient, trust in Him, and know that He will prevail.&nbsp;
What is causing darkness to reign over you today?
How can you find hope in God despite the despair in the world today?
What are some things you can do today to bring your heart peace?
Further Reading:
Romans 16:17-20
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
1 John 5:19-20

Light Will Reign Over Darkness

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions—colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting.
Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life.

In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live—and calls us to do the same.

This Easter, we encourage you to pray:
“Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith—even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.”

Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who’ve gone before us in faith, God uses these “planted seeds” to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth.

Join the Conversation:
Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let’s encourage one another to plant with purpose.

🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Full Transcript Below:

Easter: A Time for Planting

By Lynette Kittle

“Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’”--John 12:23-24

When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings.

Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him.

But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God.

Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally

In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.”

Still, it’s hard for countless individuals who don’t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It’s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way.

Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said, 

“’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save Me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him” (John 12:27-28).

Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father’s will, laying down His life so that others may live.

Seeds Lead to Life Eternal

Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die.

As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they’re living, and where they will go for eternity.

Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth group lost her life. It struck the hearts of our youth group deeply, and I still vividly remember sitting in the crowded, overflowing church balcony during her funeral. 

As heart-wrenching as it was, we knew she was with Jesus now, alive and living everlasting with Him. Her death and testimony of faith in Jesus touched many hearts that day, softening them and leading them to Salvation in Christ.

Like Jesus taught, her single seed dying, as sad and tragic as it was, produced and planted many seeds in the lives of those who knew, loved, and heard of her faith in Christ.

Seeds Need Watering

As Jesus emphasized, seeds dying and being planted in the lives of others is vital for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we all play a part in helping those seeds to grow and flourish in the lives of those where they are planted.

 Like the Apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3:7-9:

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Intersecting Faith & Life: Has your life or the lives of people you know been spiritually influenced by the passing away of a loved one, friend, co-worker, or neighbor? If so, you have an understanding of what Jesus was teaching, of how the faith of one person who dies can impact and bring life to countless lives. 

Further Reading: Patient in the Work

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/harvestdaily/greg-laurie-devotion-july-24-2021.html

 

At Easter, we often celebrate with joyful traditions&mdash;colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, and family dinners. But at the heart of it all is a deeper truth: Easter is also a time for planting. Not just tulips or gardens, but seeds of eternal life.
In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed falling to the ground. Through His sacrifice, a harvest of souls is made possible. He models what it means to lay down your life so that others may live&mdash;and calls us to do the same.
This Easter, we encourage you to pray: &ldquo;Lord, help me be willing to plant seeds of faith&mdash;even when it costs me something. Use my life to lead others to Yours.&rdquo;
Whether it's through daily sacrifice, loss, or even stories of loved ones who&rsquo;ve gone before us in faith, God uses these &ldquo;planted seeds&rdquo; to bring about new life in others. And while we may never see the full harvest, we can trust Him with the growth.
<hr data-start="1025" data-end="1028">
Join the Conversation: Have you ever seen God bring spiritual growth through the life or passing of someone you loved? How has a seed of faith in your own life impacted others? Share your story @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. Let&rsquo;s encourage one another to plant with purpose.
🎙 🎶 SUBSCRIBE to our NEW SHOW - <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/">YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER</a>
🌟 Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts - <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-talk-celebrity-christian-interviews/">Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Easter: A Time for Planting
By Lynette Kittle
&ldquo;Jesus replied, &lsquo;The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds&rsquo;&rdquo;--John 12:23-24
When we think of Easter, what comes to our minds? Many of us think of cultural and family traditions like Easter egg hunts, colorful baskets, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings.
Of course, as Christians, we recognize and understand the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of His shed blood atoning for our sins, and giving us new, eternal life in Him.
But do we also consider how Easter is a time to plant seeds, ones that bring others to Salvation? Jesus understood much more than we do how His death would produce many seeds and how vital it is to our world being reconciled to God.
Losing Our Lives to Keep Them Eternally
In John 12:25-26, Jesus tells us, &ldquo;Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.&rdquo;
Still, it&rsquo;s hard for countless individuals who don&rsquo;t want to pay the price for serving Christ in this world by dying to themselves and giving up their lives so that others may live. It&rsquo;s too high of a cost for some, and where many individuals decide to go another way.
Some think it was easy for Jesus to go to the cross, but in speaking of His coming death, He said,&nbsp;
&ldquo;&rsquo;Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? &ldquo;Father, save Me from this hour&rdquo;? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!&rsquo; Then a voice came from heaven, &lsquo;I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.&rsquo; The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him&rdquo; (John 12:27-28).
Even though Jesus was troubled by what was to come, His suffering and death on the cross, He submitted to the Father&rsquo;s will, laying down His life so that others may live.
Seeds Lead to Life Eternal
Jesus knew that the dying of one seed releases many seeds that bring forth a harvest. Just like in nature, when a seed falls to the ground and dies, producing many seeds, so do spiritual seeds that die.
As a hospice chaplain, my husband knows too well that funerals are a time where many people consider their lives, how they&rsquo;re living, and where they will go for eternity.
Growing up, there was a tragic accident that occurred in our church family, where a girl in our youth group lost her life. It struck the hearts of our youth group deeply, and I still vividly remember sitting in the crowded, overflowing church balcony during her funeral.&nbsp;
As heart-wrenching as it was, we knew she was with Jesus now, alive and living everlasting with Him. Her death and testimony of faith in Jesus touched many hearts that day, softening them and leading them to Salvation in Christ.
Like Jesus taught, her single seed dying, as sad and tragic as it was, produced and planted many seeds in the lives of those who knew, loved, and heard of her faith in Christ.
Seeds Need Watering
As Jesus emphasized, seeds dying and being planted in the lives of others is vital for the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we all play a part in helping those seeds to grow and flourish in the lives of those where they are planted.
&nbsp;Like the Apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3:7-9:
&ldquo;I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. We are co-workers in God&rsquo;s service; you are God&rsquo;s field, God&rsquo;s building.&rdquo;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life: Has your life or the lives of people you know been spiritually influenced by the passing away of a loved one, friend, co-worker, or neighbor? If so, you have an understanding of what Jesus was teaching, of how the faith of one person who dies can impact and bring life to countless lives.&nbsp;
Further Reading: Patient in the Work
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/harvestdaily/greg-laurie-devotion-july-24-2021.html">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/harvestdaily/greg-laurie-devotion-july-24-2021.html</a>
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