LifeAudio

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bitterness has a way of settling deep into our hearts—especially when we’ve experienced injustice, betrayal, suffering, or pain that feels undeserved. And when it takes root, it doesn’t just stay quietly in the background. It can slowly drain our joy, distort our perspective, and keep us from experiencing the goodness God wants for us. Left unchecked, bitterness becomes a life-killer—squeezing the peace and freedom out of our lives from the inside out.

This devotional reminds us that bitterness isn’t something we can conquer through willpower alone. Even with all the tools the world offers—self-help programs, personal improvement plans, or counseling strategies—true freedom from bitterness requires something deeper: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the doorway that releases us from the grip bitterness has on our souls. And while forgiving someone who isn’t sorry—or doesn’t believe they’ve done anything wrong—can feel impossible, God never asks us to do it alone. He supplies strength and grace so that we can let go of what we were never meant to carry.

As we step into a new year, this is an invitation to leave bitterness behind—before it becomes a root that grows and spreads. The call is clear: obey God’s instruction to release it, and trust Him to heal what you cannot fix. Jesus not only taught forgiveness—He demonstrated it, even while suffering on the cross. That same power and grace are available to you today. God is ready to help you loosen your grip on bitterness and step forward into a freer, lighter, more joy-filled future.

Main Takeaways

• Bitterness can take root quietly but become spiritually and emotionally destructive over time.

• Freedom from bitterness requires forgiveness—not just time, effort, or self-improvement.

• Forgiving others can feel impossible, especially when they aren’t sorry, but God gives strength to do what we can’t do alone.

• A new year is an opportunity to release what is poisoning your heart and walk into greater peace.

• Jesus modeled forgiveness, proving that grace and freedom are possible even in deep pain.

Today’s Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:31

Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content?

• LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com

• Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, we're going to examine the book Why Christians Should Be Leftists by Philip Christman. While affirming areas of genuine common ground like concern for the poor, moral accountability and the dangers of unchecked consumerism we need to ask a deeper question: Can leftism be consistently aligned with a biblical worldview? This is not a partisan conversation, but a call for clarity, humility and faithfulness in a deeply polarized age.

READ: The Virtues of Capitalism, by Scott Rae (https://amzn.to/4q14NkL)

*Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf)

*USE Discount Code [smdcertdisc] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM)

*See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK)

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: https://x.com/Sean_McDowell

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/

Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When your heart is broken, the way the world celebrates a “new year” can feel cruel. Everyone talks about fresh starts and clean slates, while you’re simply trying to survive another 365 days carrying the weight of loss.

That’s why Lamentations 3:22–23 is such a lifeline. Jeremiah wrote these words in the middle of devastation—not after everything was fixed. And that’s the point: God’s new mercies don’t erase what happened. They don’t rush your healing or demand excitement for the future.

Instead, God meets you with enough mercy for today—strength for one more step, peace for one more moment, breath for one more morning. You don’t need the grace for the whole year tonight. You just need the mercy God has waiting for you when you wake.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
This new year doesn’t feel new to me. I’m still carrying pain from what I’ve lost, and I don’t feel ready for fresh starts or big plans. But tonight, I’m asking You to help me trust in Your new mercies. My circumstances may not have changed, but You are faithful.

Help me wake up tomorrow and receive just enough mercy for that day. I don’t need strength for all of 2026—I just need what You have for me tomorrow. Thank You that Your faithfulness doesn’t depend on my feelings, my strength, or my ability to move forward. Thank You that even when I can’t see the purpose in my pain, You still have plans for me.

Help me take one more day, one more step, trusting that Your mercies will meet me when I wake.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. One Mercy from Today
   Look back over the last 24 hours and name one mercy God gave you—strength to get through the day, comfort at the right moment, a text from a friend, or simply the ability to keep going. That mercy was personal and intentional.

2. Tomorrow Is Not Today
   You don’t have to solve the whole year tonight. You don’t have to plan for every hard date or unknown moment. Trust that when tomorrow comes, God’s mercies will be waiting and sufficient.

3. His Faithfulness Holds You
   Remember a time God carried you when you couldn’t feel Him. You may not have had answers, but you had endurance. That same faithfulness will hold you through this year—one day at a time.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kick off your new year with a refreshing and hope-filled conversation about the pressure to set body-related goals and the journey toward real freedom. Hosts Heather Creekmore and Amy Carlson dig deep into why so many women set weight loss as their top resolution and how our culture’s diet obsessions impact families, friendships, and faith communities. You’ll hear honest stories, including “are we getting left behind?” anxiety, the latest health fads (GLP1s and fiber, anyone?), and powerful encouragement to seek God’s “how much more” rather than settle for the world’s lesser goals.

Whether you’re a goal-setter, a recovering dieter, or someone wondering what you might be missing by chasing smaller jeans instead of a fuller life—this episode will inspire you to open your hands, journal, and pursue the abundance only God can give.

**Get your FREE Obsessed-to-Blessed Mini course here.

Journal Prompts from Today’s Episode

1. What am I going to miss if I invest my time and energy into weight loss this year?
   (Reflect on what parts of your life could suffer or what experiences you might lose out on.)

2. What parts of my life feel stunted or neglected because of my focus on body goals?
   (Take inventory of relationships, passions, or spiritual growth you could nurture instead.)

3. What is my mind telling me ‘my life will begin when…’?
   (Finish this sentence honestly and challenge what you believe about starting to live.)

4. What am I not asking God for that would truly bring “how much more” into my life?
   (Go before God with open hands – ask Him what He wants for you in 2026.)

5. Who else is impacted by my health and eating practices?
   (Consider your kids, spouse, friends, or community and how your choices ripple out.)

6. How does seeking smaller goals (like a certain weight or restriction) limit the breadth of my ‘garden’—my life?
   (Picture your life as a garden and consider what fruit you aren’t tending to.)

7. “My life will start when…” versus “How much more does God have for me?”
   (Contrast your answer to these two prompts and pray for wisdom to pursue God’s best.)

Bonus: Community Conversation Starter
If something in this episode resonated with you or led to a new insight or goal, Amy encourages listeners to share their goal or what God is inviting them into for 2026. Imagine how uplifting it would be to see what God’s abundance is unfolding in lives beyond just body-centered achievements!

Encouragement
You’re not behind, and you don’t have to settle for less. Hear stories, biblical truths, and real talk that help you stop comparing and start living with open hands, trust, and greater faith.

Need more support? Learn more about the upcoming 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s Bible Verse:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:26

At first glance, Luke 14:26 can feel shocking and even confusing. Why would Jesus use such strong language about family and even our own lives? In this passage, Jesus is teaching that following Him requires absolute devotion—a love for Him so great that every other loyalty pales in comparison.

“Want to listen without ads?

Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/

MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca

Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for the Overwhelmed Heart by Jennifer Watson

There is a kind of exhaustion that goes deeper than physical tiredness—the quiet, heavy weariness that many mothers carry every day. In this episode, we pause to acknowledge the unseen weight of constant responsibility and the pressure to be everything for everyone.

In today's episode, we are reminded that Jesus reminds us that rest is not a reward for finishing all our tasks; it is a requirement for our souls. As we reflect on His example of withdrawing to quiet places, we’re reminded that God does not measure our worth by productivity. He delights in our presence more than our performance.

Reference: Matthew 11:28

Prayer: Father, You see the mother whose hands are full and whose heart feels heavy. Thank You for being near when we’re weary and stretched beyond what we can manage. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to be everything to everyone instead of coming first to You. Teach us to slow down without guilt, to rest without apology, and to love from a heart that’s been filled by Your presence.

Lord, help us remember that we are not the savior of our homes—You are. Give us courage to say no when we need to, and wisdom to know when to step back and breathe. Restore our joy in the small, ordinary moments and remind us that peace isn’t found in perfection but in Your presence. Anchor our hearts in Your rest today. Amen.

LINKS:

5 Habits of a Praying Mom 

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.

Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Bonnie Curry, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are your relationships stronger than a three-stranded cord? Meditate on Ecclesiastes 4:12. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As a new year unfolds and the calendar turns, uncertainty can stir anxiety—but Scripture reminds us that while seasons change, God remains the same. Rooted in Psalm 102:25–27, this devotional centers our hearts on the unchanging nature of God, offering peace and confidence when the future feels unknown and reminding us that our hope is secure in the One who never shifts or fades.

Highlights

• Change is a natural part of life, but God’s character remains constant.

• Scripture anchors us when anxiety about the future begins to rise.

• God is eternal—Creator, Sustainer, and faithful through every season.

• Jesus Christ confirms God’s unchanging promises and redemptive plan.

• Trust grows when we release control and rest in God’s sovereignty.

• God invites us to enter a new year with peace, not fear, rooted in His faithfulness.

• Our confidence isn’t in what’s ahead, but in Who goes before us.

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

When the Calendar Changes but God Remains

By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,  and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” - Psalm 102:25-27 NIV

I found that people have mixed feelings about change. There are those like me who crave change and are easily bored by routine and regimentation. Conversely, perhaps you are more like my husband, who finds comfort in consistency. The reality is that life offers us both. Change is inevitable and necessary, and finding contentment in routine is equally important. 

Yes, as humans, we will experience change throughout our lives. But here’s the good news: there’s one thing that never changes - our God! Today, if you are feeling anxious about the changing of the calendar, rest in the truth that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When feelings of worry and dread of the unknown are tempted to steal your joy and rob your peace, take time to recite these prayers, as you rest in our unchanging God!

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,  and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and