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Today’s Bible Verse:

"He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." — Psalm 18:19

Psalm 18:19 reminds us that God’s rescue is not only about deliverance from danger—it’s about being brought into freedom and security, rooted in His love. David celebrates that God doesn’t just save His people out of obligation; He saves because He delights in them.

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Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Jessica at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Rev. Jessica Van Roekel is a passionate Christian speaker, author, and worship pastor who shares how God brings beauty from brokenness. Her message centers on God’s power to rescue, restore, and renew, even after seasons of rejection or loss.

She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything, a guide to seeing God’s purpose in life’s disappointments.

Jessica and her husband are raising a vibrant family, with two adult daughters, a college-aged son, and a high school daughter. You can explore her teachings, devotionals, and resources at WelcomeGrace.com.

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

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Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Melissa Disney, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. In this peaceful sleep reflection, enjoy God’s presence as you take in the sights and sounds at the park on a sunny day. Hear from the Scriptures joy-filled promises for renewal and restoration through Christ Jesus.

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

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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 receiving every blessing God already has given you? Discover in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 the key to being blessed. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

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A Prayer for a Servant's Heart

One of the most powerful acts of humility recorded in Scripture—Jesus washing His disciples’ feet.
In today's episode, Nicolet Bell helps us reflect on how this simple yet profound act shows us what it means to live with a servant’s heart. Jesus set the ultimate example of love, humility, and forgiveness.
We are reminded that following Jesus means picking up the “towel” daily—choosing to serve and forgive, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Reference: Psalm 139:7-12

Prayer: Father, I take such comfort in the fact that Even when I can't see my children, you can. There's nowhere they can go, nothing they can do, and no place they can hide, that they're outside the boundary of your love and your presence. Find them when they're in the dark and bring them into the light. In Jesus' name, amen.

LINKS:

How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide

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

Christian joy isn’t something to feel guilty about—it’s a gift from God. In Go Ahead and Enjoy Your Life, Whitney Hopler reflects on Ecclesiastes 9:7 and reminds us that God has already approved the simple pleasures that bring gladness to our hearts. From meals with friends to family adventures, enjoying life is part of our spiritual walk. Discover how embracing joy in everyday moments deepens your faith, relieves stress, and opens your eyes to the wonder of God’s work around you.

✨ Highlights

• Ecclesiastes 9:7: God’s approval for us to enjoy life’s blessings

• Why Christians often feel guilty about rest, leisure, or enjoyment—and how to let go of that guilt

• Joy as a spiritual practice: how savoring meals, nature, and meaningful connections can draw us closer to God

• The difference between God-honoring enjoyment and reckless indulgence

• Practical ways to recognize God’s presence in joyful experiences

• How gratitude and delight strengthen your relationship with Him

Join the Conversation

Do you struggle with feeling guilty for enjoying life’s simple pleasures? How has God reminded you that joy is part of His plan for you? Share your story with the LifeAudio community! Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ChristianJoy #EnjoyLife #FaithAndHappiness to encourage others to embrace God’s approval to live with gladness.

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

Full Transcript Below:

Go Ahead and Enjoy Your Life

By: Whitney Hopler 

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” - Ecclesiastes 9:7, NIV 

My favorite way to get together with my friends is to enjoy lunch together. I regularly make reservations at various restaurants to meet each friend one-on-one. There’s something about eating a good meal that helps us especially enjoy our time together. At lunch, we can relax and be fully present with each other, rather than getting distracted by the items on our to-do lists. We can savor our food by eating mindfully and savor our conversations by listening well to each other. As we do, we’re free from stress and able to fully embrace the joy God offers in that experience. We could eat shorter and less expensive lunches if we just ate at home while talking on the phone

This week, we’ll hear from Monique Rodriguez—an author, entrepreneur, and founder of the women-led beauty brand Mielle Organics, a hair care and beauty brand. Monique shares how a devastating personal loss became the catalyst for a deepened faith and the birth of a global beauty brand built on bold belief, healing, and hope in God’s promises.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Adam Young, a therapist and podcaster from Fort Collins, Colorado. Adam is the voice behind The Place We Find Ourselves, where he guides listeners through the intersections of personal story, trauma, and healing. In his work, Adam highlights the power of relationships, the wisdom of the body, and the role of faith in helping us find meaning and connection.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Tabitha Brown

Upcoming interview: Drs. Michael Sherr, Angelia Mickle, and Jason Lee

Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV

Monique Rodriguez

Mielle Organics

emergency C-section

Romans 8:28 NIV

Psalm 30:1-5 NIV

www.mielleorganics.com

The Glory in Your Story

Adam Young

The Place We Find Ourselves

Make Sense of Your Story

www.adamyoungcounseling.com

Interview Quotes:

“I just didn’t have the courage and the faith in myself to believe that I could actually achieve what was deemed impossible for someone that looked like me growing up in the household that I grew up in.” - Monique Rodriguez 

“I had to lean on His Word and trust Him by faith that He was going to see me through this with an even bigger promise on the other side of this.” - Monique Rodriguez

“I decided that I wanted to follow God’s lead, and I wanted to live a purpose-filled life because you only get one shot. When you go through tragic events, it really causes you to have a different perspective.” - Monique Rodriguez

“I decided to fulf

Dios detuvo sol y luna para que su pueblo venciera. Así demuestra su dominio absoluto sobre todo lo creado. Hoy también puede detener lo imposible por ti. No hay fuerza ni adversidad que supere su poder. Confía en Él cuando la batalla parezca larga. Dios pelea por ti como peleó por Josué. Que su luz te guíe y te dé victoria. Recuerda: con Dios, nada es imposible.

Escrito por Mercy Cosme

CANAL EN TELEGRAM

GRUPO EN WHATSAPP

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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.

.

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.

Depression and seasons of deep sadness can make life feel like it’s swallowed up in darkness. In our daily prayer and devotion, we remember that whether triggered by circumstances or unexplainable inner struggles, those moments can feel isolating and overwhelming. Yet Scripture reminds us that the light of Christ shines brighter than any darkness we face.

Jesus is not only the Light of the World (John 8:12), but He also promises that the darkness cannot overcome Him. Even when our hearts feel heavy and hopeless, His presence brings warmth, direction, and peace. Turning to Him in prayer, leaning on His Word, and allowing His people to surround us with encouragement can help us see His light even in the darkest valleys.

Depression may not vanish overnight, but the promise of John 1:5 assures us that the darkness will never win. Christ’s light prevails—and we can cling to Him for the strength to keep moving forward.

Today's Bible Reading

"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:4-5

Key Takeaways

• Depression and sadness may linger, but they are not stronger than Christ’s light.

• Isolation makes darkness heavier; community and God’s Word bring renewal.

• Jesus, the Light of the World, promises that the darkness cannot overcome Him.

• Turning to Him in prayer helps us shift our focus from despair to His radiant hope.

Let’s Pray Together

Dear Jesus, please help me find light when I feel surrounded by darkness. You are the world’s light, and Your love pierces through despair. Surround me with Your brilliance and guide me to trust You even in the hardest moments. My heart praises You, Lord. Amen.

Calls to Action

• Reach out to a trusted friend or counselor if you are struggling with depression.

• Write down verses about God’s light (like John 1:5 or Psalm 27:1) and keep them nearby.

• Share this prayer with someone who may be walking through a dark season.

Related Resources

• 10 Scriptures for Overwhelming Days – Crosswalk.com

• Encouraging Bible Verses about Light – BibleStudyTools.com

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