we dive into the powerful call that Christians have to live differently from the world around them. In a culture that often prioritizes materialism, individualism, and fleeting pleasures, how do we as believers remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word and live with purpose, peace, and eternal perspective?

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/

we dive into the powerful call that Christians have to live differently from the world around them. In a culture that often prioritizes materialism, individualism, and fleeting pleasures, how do we as believers remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word and live with purpose, peace, and eternal perspective?
<hr>
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

Not Living Like the World

The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. There is power in a gentle invitation. Listen here to find out why.

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:

43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

John 1:43-46

Early in my faith journey, I created a lot of conflict in my desire to see loved ones develop a relationship with Christ. My pride also pulled me into numerous unproductive conversations where I attempted to debate people into belief. Inevitably, this pushed the other person further away and left me with regret and shame.

Sadly, in the years that followed, I erred in the opposite direction in which I largely remained silent. I told myself others would see Christ in the love and grace I displayed, but I failed to share the truth necessary for people to draw that connection. I’ve since learned the value of Philip’s approach, recorded in John 1. Upon encountering Jesus, he immediately sought out his brother, excited to share the news of the Messiah. 

Nathanael responded as many people do today, with mocking disbelief. “Nazareth,” he said, “Can anything good come from there?” 

Had Philip been me, in my early years, he probably would’ve tried to convince his brother of his discovery. Had he been me in my silent period that followed, he might’ve shrugged and simply walked away. Instead, Philip invited Nathanael to investigate Jesus for himself. 

“Come and see,” he said. 

Curiosity evoked, Nathanael got up and followed. The Lord took care of the rest. Verse 47 states, “When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit’” (NIV). “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked, to which Jesus replied, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree, before Philip called you.” 

These words, ignited by the Holy Spirit, birthed within Nathanael life-changing faith. In verses 49-51, we read, 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

Did you catch the progression? Philip encouraged his brother to check out Jesus for himself. When he did, he encountered the Lord, who spoke a nugget of truth. Again, Nathanael responded, this time with faith, after which the Lord revealed deeper truth. 

Intersecting Life and Faith

The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. Our attempts to do so will likely only push them further away. 

But while God commands us to love others and live as radiant reflections of Him, kind actions alone don’t often lead to spiritual conversations. People need to see how we are different and understand why. They need for us to draw the connection and then invite them to experience the truth for themselves. 

A missionary friend with Cru refers to believers as cojourners. We’re travelers who gently invite people to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery. Then we walk beside them, first as an explorer, then a guide, builder, and finally, mentor. This is what it looks like to, “meet people where they’re at,” while, through active listening and remaining compassionately present, lovingly nudging them forward. 

In doing so, we are imitating our Savior who invited people to come closer and evoked their curiosity through questions and stories. When people, like Nathanael, responded positively, Jesus revealed more of Himself and His truth. When they rejected Him, He didn’t try to argue them into belief. Instead, He let them go, remaining available should they decide to return. We honor Him and experience the best results when we do our part to invite and walk beside and trust God to create life change. 

Further Reading:

1 Peter 3:15

John 4:28-42

John 1:38-39

The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. There is power in a gentle invitation. Listen here to find out why.
<hr>
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:
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
John 1:43-46
Early in my faith journey, I created a lot of conflict in my desire to see loved ones develop a relationship with Christ. My pride also pulled me into numerous unproductive conversations where I attempted to debate people into belief. Inevitably, this pushed the other person further away and left me with regret and shame.
Sadly, in the years that followed, I erred in the opposite direction in which I largely remained silent. I told myself others would see Christ in the love and grace I displayed, but I failed to share the truth necessary for people to draw that connection. I’ve since learned the value of Philip’s approach, recorded in John 1. Upon encountering Jesus, he immediately sought out his brother, excited to share the news of the Messiah. 
Nathanael responded as many people do today, with mocking disbelief. “Nazareth,” he said, “Can anything good come from there?” 
Had Philip been me, in my early years, he probably would’ve tried to convince his brother of his discovery. Had he been me in my silent period that followed, he might’ve shrugged and simply walked away. Instead, Philip invited Nathanael to investigate Jesus for himself. 
“Come and see,” he said. 
Curiosity evoked, Nathanael got up and followed. The Lord took care of the rest. Verse 47 states, “When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit’” (NIV). “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked, to which Jesus replied, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree, before Philip called you.” 
These words, ignited by the Holy Spirit, birthed within Nathanael life-changing faith. In verses 49-51, we read, 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”
Did you catch the progression? Philip encouraged his brother to check out Jesus for himself. When he did, he encountered the Lord, who spoke a nugget of truth. Again, Nathanael responded, this time with faith, after which the Lord revealed deeper truth. 
Intersecting Life and Faith
The more we understand the transformation available through Christ, the more we long to see our loved ones accept His gift of grace. Our desire for their salvation is beautiful and holy. Problems come, however, when we lose sight of our role and forget our limitations. We can’t argue someone to faith. Our attempts to do so will likely only push them further away. 
But while God commands us to love others and live as radiant reflections of Him, kind actions alone don’t often lead to spiritual conversations. People need to see how we are different and understand why. They need for us to draw the connection and then invite them to experience the truth for themselves. 
A missionary friend with Cru refers to believers as cojourners. We’re travelers who gently invite people to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery. Then we walk beside them, first as an explorer, then a guide, builder, and finally, mentor. This is what it looks like to, “meet people where they’re at,” while, through active listening and remaining compassionately present, lovingly nudging them forward. 
In doing so, we are imitating our Savior who invited people to come closer and evoked their curiosity through questions and stories. When people, like Nathanael, responded positively, Jesus revealed more of Himself and His truth. When they rejected Him, He didn’t try to argue them into belief. Instead, He let them go, remaining available should they decide to return. We honor Him and experience the best results when we do our part to invite and walk beside and trust God to create life change. 
Further Reading:
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203%3A15&amp;version=NIV">1 Peter 3:15</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204%3A28-42&amp;version=NIV">John 4:28-42</a>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A38-39&amp;version=NIV">John 1:38-39</a>

The Power of a Gentle Invitation

The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today.

Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza.  Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components.  Can you recognize the richness of these phrases?

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:

Praying His Way

By Megan Conner

“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” 

Matt. 6:9-13 (NKJV)

Have you ever found yourself struggling to pray?  We are told communing with God is the key to having a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Yet, at times, this concept of entreaty can trigger confusion or even doubt as it can appear as an intangible, one-sided conversation.  Or, the recitation of memorized prayers can feel monotonous or even robotic – something we “force” ourselves to do.  While many of us may wrestle with this spiritual discipline, the Lord continues to remind us, through the Word of God, of its immeasurable value and patiently prompts us through the Holy Spirit to draw closer to him through this conversation we call prayer. 

Prayer truly is how we communicate and grow in relationship with the Lord. In our human relationships, intimacy of any kind can only be established through proximity and shared hearts through conversation.  It is the same with God.  When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he taught them one of the most memorized passages in history, The Lord’s Prayer. Many of us may have recited it since our youth, but have we ever really meditated on the meaning behind the words we pronounce?

Sadly, this prayer has become so common, so renowned, that without intentional focus on the words recited, we miss the richness embedded in the simplicity. First, the verses of this supplication came directly from the mouth of Jesus. He, who was the forerunner of our faith; who demonstrated not only how to pray, but exemplified the Father through his very life. If Jesus and the Father are one (John 14:11), then what we say when offer this petition is from the Father himself. 

Additionally, there is a generational legacy in The Lord’s Prayer. Believers across the entire world have been reciting this same poetic expression for over 2,000 years! When we appeal to our Heavenly Father with this specific supplication, we are not only joining with the heart of the Lord, we are unifying with millions and millions of other saints; those who have gone before us, and fellow pilgrims journeying towards Heaven, our eternal home, even now.

Finally, this lyrical language addresses every component of our spiritual relationship with the Creator of the universe. First, it acknowledges the deity and omnipotence of God and ascribes the worship due his name. It also acknowledges submission to his will and kingdom, in our lives and upon the earth. A promise of divine provision for every need is offered to all who call upon his promises. As we continue on, we are allowed the opportunity to receive forgiveness for our misgivings and extend that same mercy towards others who have harmed us. Then, we recognize our need for his supernatural protection against our own sinful temptations as well as the ploys of the enemy seeking to beguile and overcome us. Finally, as we began, we end – in worship to the Alpha and Omega, he “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8, ESV).

My greater understanding and appreciation of this timeless entreaty, has impacted me so much that I literally offer up The Lord’s Prayer every morning before I begin my day. Though these verses have a sense of formality, as stated earlier, prayer, in its most basic sense, is just a conversation. We are simply communicating with our Heavenly Father – thanking him for all he has done and laying before him our requests. The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza.  Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components.  Can you recognize the richness of these phrases?  When combined together, can you see how this single prayer offers us everything we need to walk through whatever the day brings?  Prayerfully consider adding The Lord’s Prayer into your daily quiet time with the Lord. 

Further Reading:

Ex. 16

John 14

The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today.
Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza.  Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components.  Can you recognize the richness of these phrases?
<hr>
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:
Praying His Way
By Megan Conner
“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” 
Matt. 6:9-13 (NKJV)
Have you ever found yourself struggling to pray?  We are told communing with God is the key to having a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Yet, at times, this concept of entreaty can trigger confusion or even doubt as it can appear as an intangible, one-sided conversation.  Or, the recitation of memorized prayers can feel monotonous or even robotic – something we “force” ourselves to do.  While many of us may wrestle with this spiritual discipline, the Lord continues to remind us, through the Word of God, of its immeasurable value and patiently prompts us through the Holy Spirit to draw closer to him through this conversation we call prayer. 
Prayer truly is how we communicate and grow in relationship with the Lord. In our human relationships, intimacy of any kind can only be established through proximity and shared hearts through conversation.  It is the same with God.  When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he taught them one of the most memorized passages in history, The Lord’s Prayer. Many of us may have recited it since our youth, but have we ever really meditated on the meaning behind the words we pronounce?
Sadly, this prayer has become so common, so renowned, that without intentional focus on the words recited, we miss the richness embedded in the simplicity. First, the verses of this supplication came directly from the mouth of Jesus. He, who was the forerunner of our faith; who demonstrated not only how to pray, but exemplified the Father through his very life. If Jesus and the Father are one (John 14:11), then what we say when offer this petition is from the Father himself. 
Additionally, there is a generational legacy in The Lord’s Prayer. Believers across the entire world have been reciting this same poetic expression for over 2,000 years! When we appeal to our Heavenly Father with this specific supplication, we are not only joining with the heart of the Lord, we are unifying with millions and millions of other saints; those who have gone before us, and fellow pilgrims journeying towards Heaven, our eternal home, even now.
Finally, this lyrical language addresses every component of our spiritual relationship with the Creator of the universe. First, it acknowledges the deity and omnipotence of God and ascribes the worship due his name. It also acknowledges submission to his will and kingdom, in our lives and upon the earth. A promise of divine provision for every need is offered to all who call upon his promises. As we continue on, we are allowed the opportunity to receive forgiveness for our misgivings and extend that same mercy towards others who have harmed us. Then, we recognize our need for his supernatural protection against our own sinful temptations as well as the ploys of the enemy seeking to beguile and overcome us. Finally, as we began, we end – in worship to the Alpha and Omega, he “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8, ESV).
My greater understanding and appreciation of this timeless entreaty, has impacted me so much that I literally offer up The Lord’s Prayer every morning before I begin my day. Though these verses have a sense of formality, as stated earlier, prayer, in its most basic sense, is just a conversation. We are simply communicating with our Heavenly Father – thanking him for all he has done and laying before him our requests. The Lord encourages us to depend on him daily. Just as he provided manna from heaven each day to the Israelites in the desert (Ex. 16), so too will he provide for us exactly what we need for the day and the hour we are living. May the Lord give us all fresh eyes to appreciate the richness of these legendary verses and its timeless application in our lives today.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Recite The Lord’s Prayer taking a moment to pause after each individual stanza.  Allow yourself time to meditate on the separate components.  Can you recognize the richness of these phrases?  When combined together, can you see how this single prayer offers us everything we need to walk through whatever the day brings?  Prayerfully consider adding The Lord’s Prayer into your daily quiet time with the Lord. 
Further Reading:
Ex. 16
John 14

3 Powerful Reasons to Pray The Lord's Prayer Each Day

When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God. 

As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions: 


When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment?


How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective?


Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you?


In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations? 

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:

Praise Welcomes God’s Power into Your Life

By: Whitney Hopler

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” – Acts 16:25-26

I was struggling to sleep because of persistent pain from an injury. No matter how hard I tried to find a comfortable position to go to sleep, I couldn’t find any way to escape the pain or relax enough to sleep. Frustrated, I glanced at a nearby clock. It was already close to midnight, and I still didn’t know how much longer it would take me to go to sleep. Rather than ruminate on my problem any longer, I got up out of bed and did something I knew would always help me somehow – I sang a worship song to God. Even though I was singing softly (to avoid waking up my husband), it didn’t take long to feel a powerful sense of peace wash over me. God was with me even in my pain. I kept singing, and by the time I was done, my pain didn’t seem as distracting as before. Finally, I was able to drift off to sleep.

There’s something powerful about praise. It lifts our perspective beyond our problems and to the all-powerful God who can help us solve them. When Paul and Silas found themselves in prison, they could have chosen to give in to despair, or to question why God allowed them to endure such suffering. Instead, they lifted their voices in prayer and praise to God. Their decision to worship in the middle of suffering may seem surprising. But the miracle that happened when they did shows us that praise opens the door to God’s power. 

In their darkest hour, at midnight, Paul and Silas began to sing hymns to God. The prison, which was often a place of defeat and silence, became a place of worship. As their praises rose, God’s power descended. The Bible passage tells us that suddenly there was an earthquake so violent that even the foundations of the prison were shaken. The result was that not only were Paul and Silas freed, but every prisoner in that place was unshackled. Praise brought liberation to everyone around them! 

When we praise, we shift our focus from ourselves and our problems to God. Praise acknowledges God’s greatness and faithfulness, no matter what challenges we’re facing. By praising God in difficult times, we invite God into our circumstances. That is when transformation happens. 

The prison couldn’t contain Paul and Silas because the power of God was greater than their chains. When we choose to praise God – despite how impossible or painful our circumstances may seem – we’re acknowledging that God’s power is greater than anything we face. We’re inviting God to step into our situation, trusting that God is more than able to deliver us. 

Praise also acts as a weapon of faith in spiritual warfare. Just as it broke open the prison doors for Paul and Silas, praise has the power to break down spiritual strongholds. Evil wants to keep us imprisoned in fear, doubt, and despair. But when we lift up praise, we declare that God is in control, no matter how hopeless our situation may appear. Praise declares victory before it’s even visible. That welcomes God’s light into the darkness, dispelling it. 

When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God. 

So, whatever you’re facing today, choose to praise. Trust that as you lift your voice to God, God will work powerfully in your life. The same power that set Paul and Silas free is available to you. Praise welcomes God’s power into your life, and nothing can stand against it.

Intersecting Faith and Life

As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions: 


When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment?


How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective?


Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you?


In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations? 

Further Reading

Psalm 22:3

2 Chronicles 20:22

Psalm 34:1

Isaiah 61:3

Hebrews 13:15

When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God. 
As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions: 
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations? 
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
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:
Praise Welcomes God’s Power into Your Life
By: Whitney Hopler
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” – Acts 16:25-26
I was struggling to sleep because of persistent pain from an injury. No matter how hard I tried to find a comfortable position to go to sleep, I couldn’t find any way to escape the pain or relax enough to sleep. Frustrated, I glanced at a nearby clock. It was already close to midnight, and I still didn’t know how much longer it would take me to go to sleep. Rather than ruminate on my problem any longer, I got up out of bed and did something I knew would always help me somehow – I <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/sing-to-him-the-crosswalk-devotional.html">sang a worship song to God</a>. Even though I was singing softly (to avoid waking up my husband), it didn’t take long to feel a powerful sense of peace wash over me. God was with me even in my pain. I kept singing, and by the time I was done, my pain didn’t seem as distracting as before. Finally, I was able to drift off to sleep.
There’s something powerful about praise. <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/let-praise-raise-your-perspective-the-crosswalk-devotional.html">It lifts our perspective</a> beyond our problems and to the all-powerful God who can help us solve them. When Paul and Silas found themselves in prison, they could have chosen to give in to despair, or to question why God allowed them to endure such suffering. Instead, they lifted their voices in prayer and praise to God. Their decision to worship in the middle of suffering may seem surprising. But the miracle that happened when they did shows us that praise opens the door to God’s power. 
In their darkest hour, at midnight, Paul and Silas began to sing hymns to God. The prison, which was often a place of defeat and silence, became a place of worship. As their praises rose, God’s power descended. The Bible passage tells us that suddenly there was an earthquake so violent that even the foundations of the prison were shaken. The result was that not only were Paul and Silas freed, but every prisoner in that place was unshackled. Praise brought liberation to everyone around them! 
When we praise, we shift our focus from ourselves and our problems to God. Praise acknowledges God’s greatness and faithfulness, no matter what challenges we’re facing. By praising God <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/prayers-for-difficult-times.html">in difficult times</a>, we invite God into our circumstances. That is when transformation happens. 
The prison couldn’t contain Paul and Silas because the power of God was greater than their chains. When we choose to praise God – despite how impossible or painful our circumstances may seem – we’re acknowledging that God’s power is greater than anything we face. We’re inviting God to step into our situation, trusting that God is more than able to deliver us. 
Praise also acts as a weapon of faith in <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/7-ways-to-recognize-and-respond-to-spiritual-warfare.html">spiritual warfare</a>. Just as it broke open the prison doors for Paul and Silas, praise has the power to break down spiritual strongholds. Evil wants to keep us imprisoned in fear, doubt, and despair. But when we lift up praise, we declare that God is in control, no matter how hopeless our situation may appear. Praise declares victory before it’s even visible. That welcomes God’s light into the darkness, dispelling it. 
When we lift our voices in worship, we’re welcoming God’s power to shake the foundations of whatever holds us captive. Chains will fall, doors will open, and freedom will come when we praise God. 
So, whatever you’re facing today, choose to praise. Trust that as you lift your voice to God, God will work powerfully in your life. The same power that set Paul and Silas free is available to you. Praise welcomes God’s power into your life, and nothing can stand against it.
Intersecting Faith and Life
As you consider the power of praise, reflect on these questions: 
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
When you think about the circumstances Paul and Silas were in, what surprises you most about their decision to praise God in that moment?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
How does praising God in difficult times shift your perspective?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Have you experienced a moment where praise helped you feel God’s presence with you? How did it affect you?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
In what areas of your life do you feel “imprisoned” right now, and how can you begin to use praise as a way to invite God’s power into those situations? 
</li>
</ul>
Further Reading
Psalm 22:3
2 Chronicles 20:22
Psalm 34:1
Isaiah 61:3
Hebrews 13:15

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