LifeAudio

Struggling with the fear of suffering, control, and uncertainty? In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore dives deep into why so many women wrestle with the need to avoid pain—especially when it comes to body image, health, and the quest for comfort. Discover the spiritual roots that drive our desire for control and comfort, learn how suffering can actually point us to God rather than away from Him, and hear the inspiring true story of how suffering transformed Tara’s life.

Heather doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Are we trusting in our own ability to avoid discomfort, or are we open to what God can do through seasons of pain? With honest reflection, practical encouragement, and biblical wisdom, this episode explores how surrender can play a vital role in your faith journey—and how God can use suffering for a greater purpose.

Plus, Heather shares resources to support you, details about the upcoming In His Image conference in Dallas, and ways to connect for ongoing encouragement.

Ready to find hope in unexpected places and finally stop fearing suffering? Hit play and discover the freedom that comes with faith beyond your circumstances.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Improve Body Image resources

• In His Image conference (Dallas, Texas)

• Previous episodes about the fear of rejection and body image.

Connect with Heather and the team by visiting: www.improvebodyimage.com and find out how you can get coaching, join one of our courses or groups, check out Heather's books and Bible reading plans, and so much more.

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Producer John Shepherd (The Ultimate Gift, Bella, Emmanuel) joins host Michael Foust to discuss Sarah’s Oil — a powerful new faith-based film inspired by the true story of Sarah Rector, one of America’s first Black millionaires. Shepherd shares how faith, perseverance, and divine purpose shaped this remarkable story of a young girl in early 1900s Oklahoma who struck oil and changed history. Discover how Sarah’s Oil reminds us to use our God-given gifts, dig deeper into our purpose, and trust God’s plan even when the world calls it “impossible.”

Highlights

• Sarah’s Oil tells the true story of Sarah Rector, an 11-year-old girl whose faith led her to one of the most inspiring rags-to-riches stories in American history.

• John Shepherd shares how faith and determination drive success — both in filmmaking and in life.

• The film explores themes of perseverance, community, and divine purpose amid racism and greed.

• How true stories rooted in faith have the power to inspire change and strengthen belief.

• Behind-the-scenes insight into working with the Rector family and honoring Sarah’s legacy.

• Why today’s faith-based entertainment renaissance is raising the bar for storytelling and production.

• Shepherd’s personal reflection on Billy Graham’s influence and how faith continues to shape his filmmaking journey.

Join the Conversation

What’s a true story that strengthened your faith or inspired you to chase your God-given purpose? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #CrosswalkTalk and #LifeAudioPodcast — we’d love to hear your story!

Resources & Links

• Watch Sarah’s Oil (Official Movie Website / Coming Soon)

• Read Searching for Sarah Rector by Tanya Bolden

“Trusting God’s Timing: Faith, Family, and Saying Yes to Life”

Abby and Regan get real about trusting God through motherhood, marriage, and the moments when life just doesn’t make sense. From birth control to big families, this heartfelt chat is all about surrendering to God’s plan — even when it’s hard.

This week, Abby and Regan dive into one of the most personal and faith-filled conversations yet — what it truly means to trust God’s design for life and family. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, they share their journeys through young marriage, motherhood, and the pressure to “plan” life perfectly.

From birth control and tubals to moments of conviction and surrender, they unpack how faith reshapes our choices and how God’s timing is always better — even when the world tells us otherwise.

Whether you’re in a season of abundance or uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that children are blessings, not burdens, and that God’s plans will always exceed our own.

 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Surrendering to God’s timing in family and motherhood

• Faith over fear in financial and life decisions

• The spiritual meaning behind being “open to life”

• How modern culture misunderstands birth control and sterilization

• Trusting that God’s plans are bigger than our comfort zones

• Scripture focus: Psalm 127 — “Children are a heritage from the Lord…”

Want to collab with Abby & Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

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

In this special episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg take a heartfelt pause from current events to honor the life and legacy of Mary Jo Rosenberg, the mother of Joel Rosenberg and the inspiration behind the Joshua Fund. Join us as Joel Rosenberg shares a moving eulogy, reflecting on Mary Jo’s deep faith, fearless love, bold witness for Christ, and unwavering support for Israel and her neighbors. This is more than a tribute—it’s an invitation for us all to walk in the same spirit of love, forgiveness, and courage.

00:00 "Tribute to Mary Jo Rosenberg"

03:32 "Stranded with No Help"

08:05 "Mom's Sacrificial Love Story"

11:07 Relentless Faith and Witness

14:07 Orthodox Jewish Roots in America

17:56 Passing Wisdom, Honoring Parents

21:01 "From Skeptic to Believer"

22:59 "Grammy's Love for Pawpaw"

27:03 A Life Transformed by Faith

30:48 Legacy of Faith and Ministry

33:31 "Transformation and Faithful Mission"

37:00 Honoring Faith, Love, and Courage

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com
Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund
Stock Media provided by DimmySad / Pond5

Bible Verse

"Our verse for today comes From Proverbs, chapter 1, verses 8 through 9.
Hear, my son, your father's instructions and do not forsake your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
In addition, I think of Hebrews chapter 13, verse 8 that says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Prayer Request
 Pray to be faithful parents and spiritual mentors sharing God's truth, and especially pray for comfort for all who are grieving or in need during difficult seasons

Donate a generous monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and Her Neighbors now and for the long haul. Become an Epicenter Ally today!

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Today’s Bible Verse:
"At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses." — Numbers 9:23

The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness was marked by one simple rhythm: they moved when God moved. Numbers 9:23 captures a powerful truth about trust and obedience — that our security doesn’t come from knowing what’s next, but from knowing Who’s leading. When we align our steps with God’s timing, we discover the peace and purpose that come from following His direction rather than our own impulses.

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Joy A. Williams is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life’s mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God. She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women’s Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church.

Joy is also a wife and mother and shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog. Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.

Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Get Joy’s 7-day Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion:
Live Your Joy Story
When Easy Doesn't Live Here: Living By Faith When Life Is Hard

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 Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are you living to please God, or people? Meditate on Galatians 1:10. 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.

A Prayer to Partner with God for the Hearts of our Children by Nicolet Bell 

What does it really means to pray “according to God’s will"?In today's episode by Nicolet Bell, we take a look at 1 John 5:14 and we’re reminded that while we can bring anything before God, our confidence comes not from getting what we want, but from knowing He hears us and acts according to His perfect will.

Praying Scripture for our kids helps us align our hearts with His purposes and focus on what has eternal, kingdom value.

Reference: 1 John 5:14

Prayer: Father, I am sorry for all of the times I neglect coming to you in prayer. Please help me to see prayer as an invitation to partner with you for the hearts of my children. I trust you with them, knowing that you desire what is best for them and you love them more than I can comprehend or imagine. Help me to make praying for my children a priority today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

LINKS:

5 Promises of God to Build Faith 

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.

Marriage can be one of the most beautiful gifts God gives us—but it can also be one of the hardest. Between busy schedules, parenting, finances, and the daily pressures of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the connection and joy we once dreamed of having.

This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I had the privilege of talking with Chelsea Smith about her new book, I Do Today: A 52-Week Interactive Guide to Building a Marriage You Love. After twenty-five years of marriage, Chelsea offers wisdom that’s both practical and grace-filled, reminding us that a thriving marriage isn’t built overnight—it’s built one day, one decision, and one conversation at a time.

In our conversation, we discussed:
*How to stay connected through every season
*Ways to strengthen your emotional and physical intimacy
*Why small, consistent acts of love matter more than grand gestures
*Simple activities to bring fun and laughter back into your relationship

Whether you’ve been married a few months or a few decades, this episode will inspire you to choose your spouse—and your marriage dream—again and again.

Let’s keep choosing love today and every day,
Rachael

P.S. If this episode encourages you, share it with a couple who could use a little reminder that love grows best when tended daily.

Connect with Chelsea:

https://www.churchome.org/about

Read the Show Notes:

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

Download the Love Offering Calendar:

https://rachaelkadams.com/free/

Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/

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

Most of us want to be able to share big and important truths with those who think and believe differently than we do, but find ourselves either shrinking back in fear or getting sucked into arguments that quickly devolve and turn ugly. Both responses stem from fear and challenge our ability to fulfill the greatest call Jesus gave us, and that’s to share the gospel with those who don’t yet know Christ. In this episode, host Jennifer Slattery speaks with apologist, pastor and church planter Dave Montoya on all the reasons these conversations feel so difficult and have the potential to turn so hostile, how to analyze our unique triggers, and create more fulfilling and fruitful discussions with those who hold a vastly different view of our world than we do.  

Discussion/Reflective Question:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. When it comes to discussing big truths with those with whom you disagree, do you most frequently tend to get sucked into a tense argument or try to avoid the discussion, and why do you think this might be?
3. Consider a "truth discussion" when you became reactive or withdrawn. What factors might have impacted your reaction?
4. How difficult do you find it to see commonalities between yourself and those with whom you disagree on issues about which you feel deeply passionate, and why do you think this is?
5. According to Dave Montoya, we should approach anger with caution. Why did he suggest this, and how do you feel regarding his perspective?
6. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Connect with Dave Montoya on his church's website

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

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

Election Day is more than a civic duty—it’s an opportunity to honor God with the choices we make at the ballot box. Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us to “choose life,” aligning our decisions with God’s ways so that blessings flow to us and our communities. Voting as a Christian is about more than candidates or parties; it’s about reflecting God’s principles and demonstrating the heart of faith in action.

Highlights

• Christians are called to vote with discernment, seeking God’s guidance and aligning choices with His Word.

• Election Day historically has been viewed as a sacred responsibility to uphold godly principles in governance.

• Individual votes matter—John Wesley emphasized acting “as if the whole election depended on your single vote.”

• Abstaining from voting can have spiritual consequences (James 4:17).

• Voting reflects the values of our hearts and serves as a declaration of faith (Psalm 119:30, Joshua 24:15).

• Praying and humbling ourselves before God ensures our votes honor Him and contribute to healing the land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

• A biblically guided approach to elections helps Christians navigate political and moral complexities faithfully.

Join the Conversation

How do you ensure your vote reflects your faith? What steps can you take this Election Day to seek God’s guidance in your civic decisions? Share your thoughts with #VotingWithFaith #ChooseLife #ChristianVote.

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

Full Transcript Below:

Casting Votes That Please God

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”- Deuteronomy 30:19 

As Christians, on Election Day, we can cast votes that please God, not by relying on our own reasoning or viewpoint, but by looking to God’s Word to see what votes align with His ways and principles.

As we seek to discover what votes will please Him, we can ask Him to lead us in voting at the ballot box for the candidates to be appointed that will serve and glorify Him and work and seek to accomplish His will on earth.

Some may think that God doesn’t care one way or the other who we vote for or if we even vote, but He does, calling on us to choose the candidates and laws that align with His teachings. It’s very clear in His Word. We have a responsibility to choose rulers and authorities who do wha