Why is it that we look for our spiritual comfort or healing in vain efforts or in human-bound work rather than the grace of God? Why do we find it so easy to turn to cheap knockoffs when it comes to our spiritual lives? Can false idols really satisfy? Do they ever free us from our sins or liberate us from the spiritual weights that we carry upon our shoulders? - Rev. Kyle Norman

SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:

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

Why is it that we look for our spiritual comfort or healing in vain efforts or in human-bound work rather than the grace of God? Why do we find it so easy to turn to cheap knockoffs when it comes to our spiritual lives? Can false idols really satisfy? Do they ever free us from our sins or liberate us from the spiritual weights that we carry upon our shoulders? - Rev. Kyle Norman
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse</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

Fake Heroes and False Idols

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

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

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

Full Transcript Below:

Take time to Enjoy God's Blessings This Christmas

By: Laura Bailey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intersecting Faith and Life:

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

For Further Reading:

John 15:4 

Ephesians 5:15-16

 

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the abundant blessings God has given us, especially during this holiday season. Christmas can often feel like a whirlwind of activities, shopping, and expectations, but it's essential to slow down and appreciate the many gifts God has already provided in our lives&mdash;His presence, His love, and the beauty of the relationships we share with others.
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear how you take time to enjoy God&rsquo;s blessings during the Christmas season. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What blessings are you most grateful for this year, and how do you make space for joy and gratitude during the holidays?
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
Take time to Enjoy God's Blessings This Christmas
By: Laura Bailey
&ldquo; A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, &nbsp;for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?&rdquo; Ecclesiastes 2: 24-25 NIV&nbsp;
&ldquo;Are you getting my calendar invites?&rdquo; I asked my husband over dinner.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Which one? The one about the Christmas play at school? Or the Sunday School Holiday potluck? How could I miss the multiple invitations to celebrate Christmas with our families, friends, and people we barely know?&rdquo; My husband&rsquo;s voice was playful, but I still sensed his aggravation over our packed calendar.
It is a recurring disagreement in our household; I enjoy a calendar filled with activities, hosting people, and hustle and bustle, while my husband prefers a more relaxed schedule of events, i.e., sitting in his pajamas watching a Christmas movie with just our family. Both ways of celebrating Christmas have their drawbacks and perks.&nbsp;
My over-scheduling can lead our family to feelings of exhaustion and a desire to just &ldquo;get through Christmas&rdquo; so they can have a chance to relax. Yet, on the flip side, by hosting events at our home, we&rsquo;ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others and invite people to have a seat at the table who didn&rsquo;t have anyone to share the holiday. If our family engaged in Christmas the way my husband prefers, we would often miss out on supporting our friends in their plays, attending church events, and celebrating time with family. However,&nbsp; it is nice to rest and simply enjoy the gift of each other&rsquo;s presence without constantly thinking about the next event on the calendar.&nbsp;
This tension of knowing when to take action and when to&nbsp; rest is often addressed in the pages of Scripture. The Bible is replete with invitations to the weary to come to Jesus for rest ( Matthew 11:28) and to abide in Christ ( John 15:14). Conversely, Scripture charges us to go and make disciples ( Matthew 28:19) and to make the most of every opportunity because the days are short ( Ephesians 5:15-16). So then, what&rsquo;s the answer? Do we go and do, or stay and linger this holiday season?
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 offers insight into how we should approach Christmas time. He writes, &ldquo; A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, &nbsp;for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?&rdquo; For someone whose holiday plans involve a lot of eating, I am grateful that Solomon encourages us to enjoy our food! And all God&rsquo;s children said, &ldquo;Amen!&rdquo;&nbsp;
All jokes aside, Solomon, in these verses, reminds us to enjoy life's blessings: food, fellowship, and a job well done. Even in a fallen world where the evidence of sin is prevalent, we still experience gifts from a most gracious and loving Father. I like to think of these blessings as &ldquo;glimmers of Heaven,&rdquo;&nbsp; glimpses of the abundant, extravagant life those in Christ will experience for all eternity.&nbsp;
Solomon does not encourage us to abandon our responsibilities, forgo our obligations, or even say no to things we enjoy doing. Instead, he draws our attention to the fact that God is sovereign over everything. Even our ability to find enjoyment in this life comes from the Lord.&nbsp;
So, however, you celebrate this season, cling to the truth that God&rsquo;s grace and mercy enable us to experience eternity in the here and now. Might I suggest, as our family has come to practice, a mixture of participation in the holiday, ensuring we have ample time for rest and relaxation, and giving the Lord all the glory and honor because He alone is worthy.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Think about your holiday plans. Do you tend to lean more towards filling the calendar with &ldquo;all the things?&rdquo; Or perhaps you are more likely to keep a clear schedule? In light of Solomon&rsquo;s words in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, how might the Lord call you to adjust your plans this Christmas season so that you can fully enjoy and share the blessings from the Lord with others?
For Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015%3A4&amp;version=NIV">John 15:4&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205&amp;version=NIV">Ephesians 5:15-16</a>
&nbsp;

Take Time to Enjoy God's Blessings This Christmas

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

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

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

Full Transcript Below:

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

By Keri Eichberger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intersecting Faith and Life:

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

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

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

 

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on the true meaning of giving and how the greatest gifts we receive are often the ones we give to others. While Christmas is a season filled with presents, festivities, and family, it also serves as a reminder of the ultimate gift God gave to the world&mdash;His Son, Jesus Christ. His life and message challenge us to live a life of generosity, kindness, and love toward others.
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on the power of giving and how it shapes your Christmas experience. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How do you prioritize giving during the holiday season? What have been some of the most meaningful gifts you&rsquo;ve given or received, and how have they impacted your life?
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
The Greatest Gifts You'll Get are the Ones You Give
By Keri Eichberger
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: &lsquo;It is more blessed to give than to receive.&rsquo; (Acts 20:35) Have you ever felt a tender sweet feeling well and stir up deep in the pit of your core? That with rich smooth waves swells through your soul, and sneaks all the way up as a soft lump in your throat. Then attempting to squeeze tears to the brim of your sight. And not because you&rsquo;re sad or scared or anything bad at all. But for the sake of pure joy.&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve cried several happy tears, and they are always a divine treat. Moments I see God&rsquo;s blessings of compassion so clearly. And I had one of those encounters last week.
My Thursday morning bible study had just wrapped another session of leaning in to learn more about Jesus together. My favorite few hours of the week by the way. We had been discussing an opportunity to do something special to kick off the holiday season, when Michelle suggested we adopt a specific family to bless and shower with gifts. It was the beginning of such a beautiful conversation. One that enveloped every single one of us in the room with smiles and obvious excitement. You could hear and see the joy unfold and unleash as we went from talking over which few items we would fulfill on the list for the foster family of twelve, to asserting our uncontainable eagerness to cover every single want and need they&rsquo;d referenced.&nbsp;
We couldn&rsquo;t hold back. The ideas and generous hearts swirling around the room became contagious and overflowing. Emily, sitting right beside me and with a large grin, stated what we were all deeply feeling: how great of a blessing this big gesture would surely be to them.
And all of a sudden it struck me. I honestly had no idea how any of the receivers would react, or the impact our gifts would have. But I knew one thing for sure. This opportunity was changing me. Yes, we were all beaming with joy to bless, but the truer truth was: we were the ones undeniably being blessed.
What a joy. Something I bet you long for now and always too. Right?
I know the holidays can sometimes present a struggle to find the joy we hope for in the sweet season of supposed peace and good tidings. Because&mdash;whether we are entering this Christmas without a loved one for the first time, with a new shift in family dynamics, or experiencing some other form of suffering stealing our hope and joy&mdash;expectations can run high, and in typical fashion the world fails to measure up making joy difficult to muster up. I know this struggle. I&rsquo;ve been navigating my own hard season. But in that moment, in a room filled with hearts looking outward in love to serve, I was profoundly reminded of the absolute joy found in giving. The remarkable blessing in the act of blessing.
Yes, we are responding in obedience when we love on, serve, and share our resources with others. And these are pleasing gifts to God. But make no mistake, he is ever so delighted to share back with you and me the sweet gift and blessing of joy too. An infectious fulfilling joy you&rsquo;ll find when you offer generous blessings to his beloved children.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
In what ways are you giving and serving this season? Would it bless you to experience some increased doses of joy? It always does, friend.&nbsp;
Today or tomorrow, consider blessing someone. It can be a small token, a simple act, a community effort, or an anonymous encouragement. Jesus himself said: &lsquo;It is more blessed to give than to receive.&rsquo; And what better time of year to honor the Lord and give than Christmas time. When Christians all around the world come together to celebrate Jesus, our Savior. The greatest gift we were so generously given. The time of year&mdash;when in our overflow of praise to the Father for sending his son and every blessing he brings&mdash;we have the opportunity to reflect the light and hope many are longing and praying for. This precious time we have the honor of offering the light of hope we have in him. And find the privilege in return of refreshing our hope, light, and joy in him.
Let&rsquo;s join him in being a gift and light to others. Allowing the light and joy to well up within our souls&ndash;just like it did for me last week&ndash;and thus begin to reflect, multiply, and magnify light all around us. And all throughout the world. For the sake of Jesus&mdash;the light and hope of all the world.
&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

Full Transcript Below:

Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most

By Lynette Kittle

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

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

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

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

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

Praising God in the Midst of People’s Carelessness

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

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

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

God Has His Ways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this special Christmas episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the deeper significance of Christ&rsquo;s birth and the message He came to preach. Christmas is often associated with joy, gifts, and family celebrations, but at its heart, the season points to the life-changing message that Jesus brought to the world. Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby, and why does His preaching matter to us today?
Join the Conversation: We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas and how Christ&rsquo;s message impacts your life. Share with us on social media @LifeaudioPodcasting or via email. How do you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations? What part of His message do you find most meaningful during the holiday season?
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>
Full Transcript Below:
Why Christ Preached At Christmas Matters Most
By Lynette Kittle
&ldquo;But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice&rdquo;-- Philippians 1:18
We may not like or approve of certain ways some Christian leaders, groups, organizations, and churches are proclaiming the Christmas story this year, yet we may want to take a step back and look at the whole picture.
Although it&rsquo;s difficult to observe, as often we can see how some seem to have ulterior motives rather than being motivated by the beauty of God&rsquo;s message. Yet, still, they may be reaching out to those who may not have heard it before. Even if we don&rsquo;t like their tactics and methods, we want to recognize that God is able to save those who hear His truth despite how it is being presented to them.
It&rsquo;s hard, too, for those of us who seek to handle God&rsquo;s word with reverent fear and trembling and who understand the call and importance of handling it correctly to see others seeming to deal carelessly with it. Like 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, &ldquo;Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.&rdquo;
Understanding God holds us accountable for the words we speak, write, and present to the world; we know He will also hold those responsible who are not so concerned in how they handle it. Like Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, we are to be cautious. &ldquo;But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.&rdquo;
Praising God in the Midst of People&rsquo;s Carelessness
Still, despite their careless handling of His word, God is able to save through it, and for this we want to be thankful and praise God&mdash;not for the people who are doing so with little regard for how they present His truth, but for how He is able to reach out in remarkable ways through the most haphazardly ways His truth is presented.&nbsp;
We want to keep in mind that the most important thing is that Christ is preached at Christmas, and that involves a broad spectrum of how it is accomplished. Like the Apostle Paul explained in Romans 10:14, &ldquo;How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?&rdquo;
In the grand scheme of life, isn&rsquo;t it better for those to hear Christ than not to hear at all, even if it&rsquo;s not done in a way or method we would present it?
God Has His Ways
Because God has His ways of speaking to individuals&rsquo; hearts, we don&rsquo;t know how He might move a person&rsquo;s heart in the most unexpected time and place when it seems like nothing good could come from the situation.
As a hospice chaplain, my husband shared what happened while he was leading a grief support group, and some of the members began saying why they don&rsquo;t celebrate Christmas.
Still, in their argument, they quoted Scripture and actually told the Christmas story to the group while trying to make a point against it.
Thankfully, instead of attempting to shut the discussion down, God gave him insight and wisdom to recognize that in their attempt to discredit the story of God&rsquo;s Christmas gift, they were actually spreading the truth of it to those in the group who may never have heard it before.&nbsp;
Although the disgruntled group members didn&rsquo;t realize it that evening, they were preaching Christ and possibly unknowingly through it, God was stirring hearts with the Good News of His Christmas gift of Salvation.&nbsp;
Isaiah 55:8 describes how, &ldquo;&rsquo;For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,&rsquo; declares the Lord.&rdquo;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life: If troubled by how the Christmas story is being presented and represented in your community and the world at large, pray for God to reach through the carelessness and move individuals&rsquo; hearts to receive Him.
Further Reading: At Christmas and Always God&rsquo;s Word Never Fails
https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/at-christmas-and-always-gods-word-never-fails.html

Fake Heroes and False Idols

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