Instead of asking, “Am I past my prime?” we should be asking:
“Am I living this stage of life with purpose and perspective?”

Ecclesiastes invites us to live in light of eternity—not to despair over what we’ve lost, but to rejoice in how much time we still have to glorify God.

Whether your “second act” looks like a new calling, a slower pace, or mentoring others—you’re still in the story God is writing. Think of Sarah, Paul, Noah—some of their most meaningful work happened later in life.

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13

That’s your calling, whether you’re 18 or 80.

Join the Conversation:
We want to hear from you! How are you embracing your current season of life? Have you discovered a new purpose in your “second act”? Leave a comment on today’s episode, or share your story on Instagram using #Lifeaudionetwork. Let’s encourage one another to live well—no matter what chapter we’re in.

Full Transcript Below:

Looking Forward to the Second Act

By: Laura Bailey

“Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV

Turning my head from side to side, lifting my eyebrows, and pulling back the skin around my chin, I wondered if it was time for me to start an anti-aging routine. I turn 40 in six months, and truthfully, until a few weeks ago, the approaching descent into middle age didn’t bother me. 

Most of my friends are in their forties and fifties, and their lives seem to be thriving; they didn’t take going over the hill as their life was over. Instead, it was almost as if they started living. Most were experiencing the perks of older children or an empty nest, reaping the benefits of a successful career, or embracing a slower pace where they could finally stop and smell the roses. And yet, I couldn’t shake the persistent accusing voice that dominated my thoughts, “the best years are behind you.” 

We live in a society that elevates youth over maturity, but God’s word says the opposite. Proverbs 16:1 tells us that gray hair is a crown of glory, and Job 12:12 shows that more trips around the sun bring more profound knowledge and rich experiences to our lives. Scripture tells us to honor our elders, to respect them, and to glean wisdom from their lifetime of lessons. 

The “second act” of our lives can be even better than the first half, especially if we live with the proper perspective. The book of Ecclesiastes invites readers to experience the benefits of a life in light of eternity. One of the book's central themes is the reality of our mortality, which shouldn’t drive us to despair but encourage us to ask, “Am I using my time on earth well?” What does it mean to live life well? Solomon, Ecclesiastes's author, tells us in verse 12:13, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

God created humanity with a purpose to glorify Him and make Him known. As the author of our lives, God divinely appoints the days, when we will be born and depart from this earth. Every stage, season, decade, or year serves a purpose, as Ecclesiastes 9:4 tells us that while we have breath in our lungs, we have hope! Not only that, but our lives have a purpose, no matter how many candles are on the cake. We don’t have to fight the signs of aging, cling to the memories of yesterday, or long for youth. Instead, we can embrace God’s plan and purpose for a new life stage. 

Perhaps, like Sarah, in our second act, the Lord grants a request we’ve been praying about for decades ( Genesis 21:1-7).

Maybe God will call us to a completely different career path, project, or passion, like Paul ( Acts 9).

Or, potentially, God will make room for you to rest, shedding the weight of the responsibilities of your younger years and having time to invest in the next generation before you go to glory like Noah ( Genesis 6-9).

I don’t know what the Lord has planned for me next. Truthfully, my life is not what my 18-year-old self would have envisioned for my forties. But it is beautiful, and I am assured that it will be infinitely better than I had planned because of God’s providence. 

I am learning that God is more interested in my heart’s posture than my productivity. This allows me freedom and grace to age well, knowing that I am fulfilling my purpose as long as I bring God glory and honor. And well, that looks different in different seasons of life. I pray that as the years tick by, I grow in spiritual maturity and biblical wisdom and that my life always looks more like Christ today than it did yesterday. 

The best is yet to come, if not in this life; those of us in Christ have the promise of eternity. The end of earthly existence is not the end but only the beginning. May we use the time the Lord grants us well, making the most of every season as we live in light of eternity. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:

A friend once encouraged me to stop asking, “What does God want me to do?” and instead think, “Who does God want me to serve?” This season, take some time to consider your current circumstances. Who can you serve, show God’s love, or pray over?

For Further Reading:

Hope if You Aren’t Living Your Best Life Now 

The Aging Process: Life is Seasonal

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Have you ever felt like you were walking around as one giant, exposed nerve? Like just being in the world is too much? In today’s devotional, we reflect on that aching, raw feeling—and how God meets us there.

Vivian Bricker shares how a lyric from Taylor Swift’s “this is me trying” perfectly captured the feeling:

“It’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound.”

We’ve all had those seasons—where we’d rather hide than engage, where even kindness stings, where the pain is just too close to the surface.
But God doesn’t leave us there. He meets us, gently and powerfully, in our most fragile state.

Join the Conversation:
When have you felt like an “open wound”? How did you find comfort—or where are you seeking it now? Share with us @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. You’re not alone in this journey.

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Full Transcript Below:

Feeling Like an Open Wound 

By Vivian Bricker

“‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares’” (Jeremiah 30:17). 

I have loved Taylor Swift’s music since I was eight years old. While many people have different views about her, I think most of us can agree that her music contains beautiful storytelling. When her album Folklore came out, I instantly fell in love with every song.

The song this is me trying particularly stood out to me upon first listen because of the following lyrics, “And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound.” How often have you felt like an open wound? I certainly have felt this way throughout my life, but I never was able to put it into words until I heard this song. Similar to other songs by Taylor Swift, this is me trying helped me articulate my feelings in a way that makes sense to myself as well as to others. 

When we feel like an open wound, we feel easily hurt by others. Rather than wanting to go places and see other people, we want to stay at home and hide from the world. Anything and everything can feel like salt in the wound. When we find ourselves in this place, we don’t need to allow ourselves to fall into despair. Where God is, there is always hope (Romans 15:13).  

During periods of feeling like an open wound, we need to turn to God. He can provide us with lasting healing. While He might not take all of the pain away, He can help us to recover and feel comfort. It is important to remember that God didn’t cause the pain we are going through. We live in a fallen world, and bad things can happen in this world. People can hurt us, we can fall on hard times, and we can experience illnesses. 

Despite all of these terrible things happening around us and in our own lives, we can still have hope in God. The open wound in our hearts can be filled with hope if we allow God to comfort us. The comfort He provides for us is found in the Bible and in prayer. If we want to start the process of healing, we need to take up Bible reading and prayer.

Prayer can help us connect with God on a deeper level. Telling Him our struggles, problems, and emotions will give us relief like nothing else can. You might be surprised at how much comfort comes over you once you tell God about your feelings. He is your loving Father, and He will equip your heart with love, encouragement, and hope. 

Bible reading helps us learn more about God and His goodness. Reflecting on accounts of God in the Bible can help us feel more comforted by Him. Two great Books of the Bible to start reading today are Psalms and the Gospel of John. Both of these Books will help you learn more about God and His comfort and love. 

Learning more about His love and leaning into it can help our hearts heal from any wound. 

God Cares about Us

From the Bible, we learn this beautiful truth, “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares’” (Jeremiah 30:17). The Lord tells us in this passage that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. This passage is referring to Israel; however, it also applies to us as believers. There is no reason to believe that God would withhold healing and restoration from our lives. 

Give the wounds that are on your heart today over to God. There might still be times when you feel like an open wound, but God can help you. He is already restoring your health and healing your wounds as you read these words. God cares about you and loves you. Never doubt these truths. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you ever felt like an open wound? What did this feel like for you?

Healing from God will come in His timing. How might you reach out to Him today?

Is it encouraging to know God can heal your wounds? Why or why not? 

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When heartbreak hits and the tears just won’t stop, it can feel like God is far away. But in today’s devotional, we’re reminded of a profound truth: God draws closer in our sorrow, not further.

After attending a funeral, the author expected her grieving friend to be falling apart—but instead, she found a woman sustained by prayer, clinging to God’s strength hour by hour. That’s the power of God’s presence in grief. That’s the promise of Psalm 34:18:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.”

Whether you're facing loss, loneliness, or just the ache of unspoken pain, this verse is your reminder—you are never alone.

Join the Conversation:
Have you experienced God’s closeness during a painful season? What helped you draw near to Him instead of drifting away? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. Your story may be just what someone else needs to hear.

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Full Transcript Below:

Draw Close to God

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Standing in line at a funeral home, waiting to give condolences to a family who had just lost a loved one to a tragic loss, I admired all the pictures of the deceased and well wishes from people ahead of me. Many family members had come to express their sentiments as well. About 20 minutes later, we were able to reach my friend. 

Although she attended church for a long time, she sometimes had questions and doubts (as we all do) about God and his ways. When I got to the line and saw her there, I expected her to be a mess. I expected her to express her doubts and questions about God.

However, she said the opposite. As we hugged, she told me she had been praying and asking God for supernatural help to sustain her through the long days and weeks. She told me that was the first day she had not cried and could stand firm as each hour passed. She and her family remembered their loved one on their special day. They chose to use it as a day of great remembrance and to take comfort in believing that he was in heaven and having all his questions answered. 

A few days later, I sent her the above verse to comfort her as she continued to move on from their loss. Like my friend, the above verse is often used for people going through difficult trials or tragic losses. It reminds us of God's great love for his people. 

God never allows us to walk alone. He is always with us, even during unspeakable loss and tragedy. When we feel he has forgotten us, and we can't understand why we are going through such times of trial, this verse can be of great comfort to all of us. It serves as a great reminder that God is with us every step of the way. 

He is with us when we are in bed crying into our tear-stained pillows. He is with us when we shake hands and hug loved ones who have come to pay their respects. He is also with us when we celebrate family during the holidays when we miss our loved ones the most. It is as if Jesus is there, sitting in the empty chair, with us in our time of trial. 

If you are going through a difficult time right now, ask yourself: do I feel God is close to or distant from me? Your answer reveals more about your view of God than you realize. When we are going through a difficult time, it is tempting to push God away, believing the enemy’s lie that God does not care about our true well-being, rather than accepting the truth of God's promises, as stated in his word. As the above verse reminds us, he is with us always. 

He knows our spirits when they are strong and when they are weak. God promises to get vengeance on those who hurt his people. He is the one who gets the ultimate revenge. But we must be patient and wait for his timing. God is the one who knows the bigger picture of our situation. 

We only see a finite piece of a much larger puzzle. We are only given one puzzle piece at a time. However, it's difficult to see the bigger picture. We must trust that God is the ultimate creator of the puzzle, the only one who can make all the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly. 

Draw close to God. Do not allow a time of trial to be a time where you drift away from God. If you find yourself resisting the urge to read the word, hiding your big emotions from God, or distracting yourself from being alone with him, chances are you are trying to push him away rather than come close. But Jesus is waiting for us. He is close to us and walks with us every step of the way. We must take his hand and allow him to lead us as we walk through our time of trial. 

Father, let us draw near to you in times of trial. Let us know that you are closest to us during our most profound grief. Remind us that you are there, extending your hand, waiting for us to take it. Help us to let you lead us with your comforting words and steadfast actions. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith and Life

When you are facing a tough time, do you turn towards God or drift away from Him? Why?

Further Reading

Proverbs 3:5-6

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Ever wish you could be unbothered—the kind of person who doesn’t spiral when things go sideways? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey shares a heartfelt story about her friend’s tough day, a voicemail full of frustration, and a powerful moment of conviction from the Holy Spirit.

What started as venting turned into a moment of humility—and a reminder that being “unbothered” doesn’t mean we ignore hurt. It means we choose grace over pride.

As Romans 12:3 tells us:

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (NIV)

Let this be your reminder:
Being unbothered doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care more about the person than the problem.

Join the Conversation:
Have you ever caught yourself in a moment of venting—only to feel convicted later? What helps you respond with grace instead of reacting with frustration? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email. We’d love to hear your story.

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Full Transcript Below:

Becoming Unbothered

By: Laura Bailey 

“ For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 NIV

“Petty Patty is coming at you live. " Tears of laughter rolled down my cheeks as I listened to my friend’s voicemail. She shared about a situation she was dealing with, airing her frustrations, pointing out the hypocrisy of the problem, and expressing her general annoyance with this particular group of people.

My friend is one of the kindest people I know. She will give the shirt off her back and bring you a home-cooked meal at the hint of oncoming sickness. She is always the first to sign up and the last to leave, and she is one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. She is not one to complain; typically, that’s my role in our friendship. So, I knew she was upset, not just from her three-minute-long voicemail.

“Oh my word, I am so sorry. Did you just get my voicemail?” my friend quickly spouted as she answered my call. “I did. Whew, tell me about your day. It sounds like it was a doozy,” I teased. “Laura, I am sorry. Yes, I had a bad day and am incredibly frustrated, but I shouldn’t have said those things about my co-workers. Please forgive me.”

She expanded upon why she was upset and then shared how the Holy Spirit immediately convicted her after she left the voicemail. “I want to be unbothered. You know, the person who just lets things go, realizing it's not a big deal in the grand scheme. And honestly, my irritation stems more from hurt pride than anything else,” she confided. 

As she spoke, I recalled numerous times when I’d flown off the handle, vented to anyone who would listen, and critically shared about people who drove me crazy. How would my response to a perceived slight, purposeful hurt, or a potential oversight be if I took a more unbothered approach? I am not suggesting that we ignore when people cause us harm, but we don’t allow our feelings and emotions to run wild. We root our responses in humility and not pride. 

Paul, in writing to the church of Romans, who was having a difficult time getting along, shares, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, by the faith God has distributed to each of you ( Romans 12:3)  Look at Paul’s opening statement, he says that it by the grace given to him he shares this hard truth. Grace is getting something we don’t deserve, and in this case, Paul is talking about God’s grace on humanity by sending His son, Jesus. 

When we realize that we need grace, and God gives it abundantly, we can grant grace to others. Paul shares the not-so-secret tip for fostering good relationships: think of others over yourself. It’s the golden rule: " Do to others as you would have them do to you.” 

Would you want someone to tarnish your name before you are allowed to explain? How often are our words and actions misunderstood, taken incorrectly, or simply miscommunicated? When dealing with others, we must acknowledge and accept that we can unintentionally cause harm and desire grace, mercy, and love when you do.

Letting go isn’t easy or even a natural response, but as Paul points out, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness and display the fruits of the Spirit through our faith. Being unbothered doesn’t mean you don’t care; you simply value the person more than the problem. 

My friend could have easily elaborated on all the ways she felt wronged, yet she used that opportunity to ask where she was potentially at fault and chose to grant grace and forgiveness instead. As my pastor shared in his sermon recently, “You’ll never forget doing the right thing.” My friend doesn’t, and I hope to do the same. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Can you think of a time when you let your feelings get out of control? How did that affect your relationship? Jot down ways you can become “unbothered” in your relationships.

For Further Reading:
Philippians 2:5-11

5 Prayers to Pray for Difficult Family Relationships

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Anxiety has a way of whispering lies that feel louder than truth. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown shares how even after seeing God show up time and again—in his own life and in the lives of others—those anxious voices still try to take center stage.

Whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, or just not being enough, anxiety loves to hijack our thoughts. But Scripture reminds us of a different reality:

“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” —Proverbs 12:25 (CSB)

God’s Word is that good word. When anxiety lies, truth restores. It reminds us we are not unloved, not forgotten, not beyond hope. The truth is—we are known, chosen, and secure in Christ.

Join the Conversation:
What lie has anxiety tried to sell you recently, and how has God’s Word helped you push back? Share your thoughts @LifeaudioNetwork or send us an email. We’d love to hear how God’s truth is transforming your thinking.

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Full Transcript Below:

The Lies Anxiety Tells

By Aaron D’Anthony Brown

“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25, CSB)

Working part-time as a writing consultant affords me many opportunities to converse with college students. Unsurprisingly, these youth, fresh out of high school, are still finding out who they are and discovering their way in the world. As they have reminded me, there’s plenty of uncertainty to experience, and with uncertainty, fear.

Countless times, they express worry over failing a particular class or assignment. And countless times, they come back to me, recounting how well they actually performed. Even after they are able to contrast fear with reality, they often end up in the same place when uncertainty rolls back around again. They fear. 

I could look at these students and wonder, “Why don’t they get it?” However, I was a student just like them. At times, as an adult, my anxiety still lies to me, and I still listen.

As believers today, we often look back on the Israelites and wonder why they constantly strayed from God. We question how fear could lead them to worship false idols and lack faith when God pulled them through hard times again and again. We may have even wondered the same about ourselves. God shows His hand, but we still forget His works. That’s because of the lies anxiety tells, or more accurately, the lies we choose to believe.

We hear them, we believe them, we internalize them.

Our inner monologue looks something like, “You are unloved,” “You are unworthy,” “You don’t belong,” “You’re not good enough,” and much more. Whatever that voice is speaking to you in whatever area of your life, know that the only way to counteract a lie permanently is with the truth.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Overcoming your worries means grounding yourself in truth. Only then will the lies that anxiety tells become less potent. Here are two steps to follow and make into a daily habit.

Discover truth.

One way to discover truth is through God’s Word. Anxiety and other forms of fear tell you things about your character and worth, things that aren’t true. God’s Word also speaks to who you are and who you can become. If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick?

We might say God is the obvious answer, but when anxiety is pelting our brains, we often don’t think about God’s truth. We aren’t recounting verses about our worth or God designing us with purpose. However, we should. The more we know the Word of God, the more we will know what He thinks of us. Not only that, but we will also discover what He wants us to think of ourselves.

Another way to find out what is true is through experience. If you find yourself constantly worried about money, but your finances always work out, take note of that. If you think everyone is out to get you, when in reality, no one bothers you at all, take note. Perhaps you’re holding on to some past offense and living in fear, rather than reality.

The more self-aware you become, the better off you will be. Spotting lies will be easier, as will believing what’s actually true.

Remember truth.

While becoming aware of the truth is important, we humans and sinners naturally forget. Therefore, if we don’t want to forget, we need to create reminders for ourselves. These could come in the form of sticky notes, a journal, encouragement from peers, or some other daily or weekly habit.

If God has provided for you in the past, don’t allow yourself to forget. Take note of your blessings. Literally, take notes. Write down why you’re grateful, your strengths, or why you have worth.

The fears are going to keep coming. We are flawed people living in a flawed world, but they don’t have to possess so much power. The lies we believe become lies we ignore when we have something else to believe in. The Truth.

Further Reading:

• Exodus 16:3
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• Isaiah 41:10
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Psalm 34:8

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Motherhood may be one of the most sacred roles God has given—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood in today’s culture. In today’s devotional, Lynette Kittle invites us to take a closer look at what the Bible really says about motherhood and how God designed it with both purpose and power.

Despite society's mixed messages—telling women to prioritize success, beauty, or convenience—Scripture reminds us that life itself begins in the womb, shaped by the hands of God:

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” —Psalm 139:13

While childbirth comes with pain—a result of the fall in Genesis 3—God still calls it a blessing, a sacred invitation to partner with Him in the miracle of life. Even Jesus came through a mother, because that’s how God designed humanity to flourish.

We encourage you to pray:
“Lord, thank You for the gift of life. Help me honor the role of motherhood—whether I’m a mom, have one, or am still healing from what motherhood has meant in my life. Remind me that You are the Giver of every life, and that no person is here by accident.”

In a world that often minimizes motherhood, God elevates it. He sees, honors, and blesses the mothers, the births, and every life created in love.

Let this be your reminder: Whether you were born through natural means, technology, or adoption—God formed you. He knows you. He chose you.

Join the Conversation:
How has your view of motherhood been shaped by culture or by Scripture? What gives you hope when thinking about life, legacy, and God’s design? Let us know @LifeaudioNetwork or by email—we’d love to hear your story and walk with you in faith.

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Full Transcript Below:

Taking a Closer Look at Motherhood

(719 words)

By Lynette Kittle

“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”--John 16:21

Motherhood has taken a hit over the years with women’s careers and educational pursuits taking the forefront, along with abortion, convincing women that being a mother isn’t worth the time, effort, or cost it takes to carry, birth, and care for a child.

But without mothers, of course, none of us would experience life, except Adam and Eve, who were the only people in the history of the earth to enter life without one.

Genesis 1:27 explains how they came to life. “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

Since then, even if babies are created in a Petri dish or test tube, they’ve needed a woman to make it possible. Even Jesus came to earth through a mother, because that’s how God designed humanity to multiply.

Motherhood’s Curse

Because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin brought with it a curse affecting childbirth. As Genesis 3:16 describes, “To the woman He said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

Because of the pain and suffering attached to giving birth, some women opt out of carrying a child, afraid to experience the pain and discomfort associated with it, some fearful of the bodily changes that occur with new life growing within one’s body brings with it.

More and more mothers today are finding surrogates to bear the brunt of childbirth risks for them, some for health and infertility reasons and concerns, others so carrying a child doesn’t interfere with their careers or affect their physical appearance.

Motherhood’s Gift

Even though motherhood comes with a curse, it also comes as a gift, too. 1 Timothy 2:15 explains, “But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”

God, the Giver of all life, created motherhood, entrusting women with both the pain and joy of bearing children and placing His blessing upon the process. As Genesis 1:28 explains, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’”

Although humanity has found various ways around the natural process of baby making, still, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3).

No matter how humans attempt to create new life, God is still the Giver of Life. It is He who knows and forms babies, giving them life, regardless of how humans discover how to orchestrate their beginnings.

God told the prophet Jeremiah that, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).

He is the only life-source for humanity. “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).

However babies are conceived, God is still the one forming them and breathing life into their tiny human bodies. As Psalm 139:13 describes, “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Science and technology, as powerful as they may seem, cannot bring life into this world without God because it isn’t possible without His hand and His design for the creation of life.

Intersecting Faith & Life:  Are you struggling with the idea of motherhood and how life is created? If so, look to God’s word for clarification. Or, if you came into this world in an unconventional way, don’t let it deter you from the fact that God created you, not science or technology. He is the one who formed you and gave you life.

Further Reading: A Prayer to Treasure the Sanctity of Life

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-treasure-the-sanctity-of-life.html

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What’s keeping you in chains today—sin, fear, or something else? Vivian Bricker reminds us that Jesus has already won our freedom, but too often we live as if we’re still locked in a self-made prison. It’s time to step into the light, leave behind old patterns, and walk confidently in the freedom Christ provides.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways

✅ Jesus’ freedom is eternal and unshakeable.
Christ died to free us from sin, fear, and bondage.

✅ We build our own prisons when we stay in sin or fear.
Even when we think we’re in control, sin controls us.

✅ Freedom means walking in obedience and confidence.
Let go of fear and sin, and embrace the abundant life God offers.

🛠️ Intersecting Faith & Life

• Are you walking in the freedom Jesus offers—or stuck in a prison of sin or fear?

• What steps can you take today to walk away from what’s holding you back?

• Pray and ask Jesus to help you live in the full freedom He’s already given you.

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Full Transcript Below:

Christ Has Set Us Free

By Vivian Bricker

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

When we think of freedom, we normally think of America gaining independence from Britain. In America, this is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July—our independence. It is common for us to celebrate our independence and freedom on this day, yet most of us are still living in a prison we have constructed for ourselves. Despite the Lord having already set us free by blessing us with salvation, we are still living in a manmade prison. 

Whenever we are actively living in sin, we are building a prison around ourselves. Even if we might think we have everything “covered” or “controlled,” we really do not. We are never in control of sin—it is controlling us. This is why we must not become calloused to sin. Sin is sin, no matter what sin it might be.

Many people think certain sins are more severe than others, but all sins are equal. If we commit one sin, it is just as bad as committing all of them. This is because God does not treat sin lightly. There are consequences for our sins that will prevail in our lives. We might think we have everything under control, yet when things start turning sour, we can only blame ourselves. 

Sin is not good, and as Christians, we don't need to promote it. I have seen too many people turn away from God by engaging in a life of sin, and it only eats away at their hearts. Rather than continuing to live in a state of slavery to sin, we need to step out of the chains. The Lord has already set us free, and we need to continue to walk in this freedom.

Jesus’ Freedom

The Apostle Paul tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). As Paul says in this passage, Jesus has set us free. With this freedom, we need to stand firm and not allow ourselves to be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. The freedom the Lord has given us is eternal, constant, and steadfast. 

Instead of locking ourselves away in our own prisons, we need to step out into the light. In this light, we see Jesus and the freedom He died for us to possess. Freedom is never given for nothing. Rather, Jesus had to die for our sins in order for this freedom to come to us. With this in mind, we need to take hold of this freedom, turn away from sin, and bring glory to the Lord. Praise Him, thank Him, and walk in obedience to His Word. 

The more we do this, the more we will begin truly living in the freedom of Christ. Maybe we are not struggling with a specific sin right now, but we are dealing with fear. We don't need to let fear keeps us in prison, either. With the Lord’s freedom, we can step out of our prison of fear and walk in the confidence of the Lord. Jesus is always protecting us, and there is no reason to fear. 

No matter what you are being held a slave to today, give it over to Jesus. He has already given you freedom, and it is time to take it. The Lord loves us and wants us to live in the freedom of the abundant life He has given us. There is no time to continue to be a slave to sin, fear, or anything else. Jesus has set us free,, and this freedom will never be taken away.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are you currently walking in the freedom of Jesus? Why or why not? 

Does the prison of sin, fear, or something else cause you to feel safer? If so, explain. 

What would it look like to remove yourself from your self-made prison?

“Dear Jesus, I've been living in a prison for too long. You have set me free, and I'm taking hold of it today. Whenever I start drifting back to my prison, please pull me toward You. Thank You for Your freedom, Lord. I know You went to great lengths to set me free. I praise You, Amen.”

Further Reading: 

• John 10:10
• 2 Peter 2:19
• John 8:36

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Ever felt like God is distant or silent in your struggles? Megan J. Conner reminds us of the powerful truth from Romans 8: absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. Whether you’ve drifted through busyness, pain, or doubt, God’s presence remains constant and faithful.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways

✅ God’s love is constant—even when we can’t feel it.
His nearness doesn’t depend on our emotions or circumstances.

✅ Distractions and pain can cloud our awareness of God.
We may drift away, but He never leaves.

✅ Nothing in all creation can sever God’s love.
Not sin, failure, hardship, or even death can break His commitment to us.

🛠️ Intersecting Faith & Life

• Have you been distracted or discouraged, feeling far from God?

• How does Romans 8 reshape your view of God’s nearness and faithfulness?

• Take time today to reflect and invite God back into every corner of your heart.

📚 Further Reading

• Romans 8

• Psalm 145

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Full Transcript Below:

Inseparable

By Megan J. Conner

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword...? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:35-39 (NIV)

Have you ever felt like God was nowhere to be found? Chaos and confusion seem to be your constant companions, yet it appears you are battling through it all alone. Despite your best efforts, you fail to recognize the presence of the Lord in it with you. The silence and His apparent absence leave you discouraged and disappointed. Where is the Lord?

The Word of God assures us that “…the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you, (Deut. 31:6, NIV).” Even when we can’t see it, He is with us.  His Holy Spirit remains within us.  His Word also promises, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” If these promises are true, why then do we feel so distant from our Heavenly Father?

The perceived chasm between us and the Lord is likely the result of our own choices and actions. Often, our disappointment, hurt, or confusion about circumstances in our lives cause us to retreat from our true source of comfort. We may be fully aware of this withdrawal if there is clear resentment or frustration present. Perhaps we are questioning God’s goodness and justice when faced with unwelcome and sometimes shocking dilemmas. In other seasons, we find ourselves far from the Lord and have no idea how we got there. We believe God has abandoned us but the truth is, we allowed distraction, the busyness of life, and the things of this world to consume our thoughts.  Before we know it, our hearts have waxed cold, and we struggle to feel a sense of intimacy with the One we love. 

Regardless of how or why we may have wandered away from the source of Living Water, there is less distance than we imagine in between us of the Lord. Our scripture today from Romans chapter eight boldly declares there is NOTHING that can separate us from the love of God. Not hardship, not persecution; not famine or sword, not height or depth, not even death or life… There is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God. Isn’t that so incredibly powerful? There is nothing you can or cannot do that would cause the Lord to abandon you.  There are no circumstances that would compel Him to distance Himself from you. No failures, no sin… not even the finality of death itself can disconnect you from your Heavenly Father.

This kind of constancy is unfathomable to us.  In a world where divorce rates are high, loved ones are lost to disease, and everything here on earth comes to an end, an eternal, unconditional commitment to love us and remain with us is almost beyond our comprehension. Yet, this is the height and the depth of God’s love for us. No matter where you find yourself today, He is near.  He has not left you, or abandoned you. Turn to Him today and remember… His love for you is inseparable.  

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Have you felt like God was distant in your life? If so, how does today’s devotional shift your perspective? Can you see how scripture clearly illustrates God’s faithfulness and nearness to you? Do you believe that the Lord would never abandon or forsake you? Why or why not? 

Take some time today to ask the Lord the show you areas of your heart where you have wandered from Him. Have you been distracted, preferring and prioritizing the things of this world and the busyness of life instead of spending time with Him? Or have there been painful experiences that have caused you the question God’s goodness in the midst of your hardships? No matter where you find yourself today, know that the Lord is there and patiently waiting for you to crack open the door of your heart and once again invite Him in. 

Further Reading:

Romans 8

Psalm 145

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Are you stuck in a cycle of working hard but feeling empty? Deidre Braley unpacks Haggai’s powerful message to the Israelites—and to us: when we neglect God’s presence, our efforts fall flat. This episode reveals why shifting your priorities to build the Lord’s house first can break cycles of frustration and lead to true fruitfulness.

3 Key Takeaways

✅ Misplaced priorities drain your life.
Busyness without God leads to frustration and burnout.

✅ Making space for God invites His blessing.
When we shift focus to God—through rest, prayer, and obedience—He promises to be with us.

✅ Fruitfulness flows from God, not just effort.
Only God can make our work truly thrive and satisfy.

 Intersecting Faith & Life

• Are you busy building your own “house” while neglecting God’s?

• How can you intentionally make space for God this week—through rest, prayer, or obedience?

• What’s one step today to reorder your priorities toward Him?

Further Reading

• John 15:1-8

• Ecclesiastes 4:6

• Isaiah 55

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Full Transcript Below:

Build the Lord’s House First 

by Deidre Braley 

Haggai 1:7-9: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. 

In 586 BCE, the nation of Israel officially fell to the Babylonian Empire. King Nebuchadnezzar and his cronies sacked the temple and carried many of Judah’s inhabitants back to Babylon, where they lived as exiles for nearly fifty years. But in 539 BCE something interesting happened: the power shifted to King Cyrus of the Persian Empire, and under this new ruler, the Israelite exiles were allowed—even encouraged—to return to Jerusalem and rebuild God’s temple. 

At first, the returned exiles got right down to business with rebuilding. But before long, they began to experience threats from surrounding people groups. Under the weight of this opposition, work on the temple ceased, and for sixteen years, it continued to lay in ruins. 

In 520 BCE, however, a prophet named Haggai began to rouse the spirits of the returned Israelites again. Through Haggai, the Lord gave the Jewish people a very clear message: it was time to start building his house again. 

During their sixteen-year hiatus from reconstruction, it seems that the Jews had concerned themselves with seeking all the ordinary essentials for living: growing food, eating, drinking, dressing, working, and building homes for themselves. But as the Lord pointed out through Haggai, none of these pursuits had been as fruitful as they could have been. He said, “Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes” (1:5-7). 

Have you felt like no matter how hard you work, it feels like your wages are going into a bag with holes? Or that no matter how earnestly you plant, you just seem to keep pulling up weeds? In my life, I’ve certainly experienced this type of fruitlessness—and it’s exhausting. Though it seems like we’re doing all the right things, at the end of the day we come up feeling empty and spent. 

Now, this is where the world might hand us self-help books, or coach us on how to be more effective, or tell us to just work harder. But through Haggai, we learn that the answer to our fruitlessness is not to double down and do even more; rather, it is to shift our priorities.

According to the Lord, his people’s frustrated efforts were a direct result of their misplaced priorities. Through Haggai, he said, “...my house…lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house” (1:9). While they had focused on providing for themselves, they had neglected to create a space for the Provider himself to dwell alongside them. They got so focused on the fruit that they forgot about the one who makes fruit grow in the first place. As a result, their efforts came to little. 

Intersecting Faith & Life 

Are you experiencing a sense of fruitlessness in your life? Do you feel that your efforts are constantly being frustrated, like you’re running in place while someone holds the back of your shirt? If so—is it possible that you, like the returned exiles, have gotten so focused on producing the fruits of a good life that you’ve forgotten to prioritize the One who actually makes them grow? 

If the answer is ‘yes,’ then the next step is to ask God what type of space he would like you to make for him in your life. 

God’s instruction for the Jewish people in response to their misaligned priorities was this: “Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified…” (Haggai 1:8). And when they had obeyed the Lord in this manner? He told them, “I am with you…” (Haggai 1:13). For you, making space for God might look less like creating a physical temple and more like entering in Sabbath rest, or setting aside time for intentional prayer each day, or being obedient to something that he’s been asking you to do. 

It is seemingly ingrained in our human nature to forget that—above all things—the sustenance we need most is neither food nor drink, but rather God’s presence. Haggai reminds us that it is only when we prioritize making space for God in our lives that we will experience the satisfaction we so desire. 

Further Reading 

• John 15:1-8 
• Ecclesiastes 4:6 
• Isaiah 55

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Ever tossed and turned at 4 a.m., stuck between two decisions or weighed down by life’s seemingly unchanging routine? You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck without purpose.

In today’s devotional, Sarah Frazer beautifully reframes those “stuck” seasons we all experience. Drawing wisdom from Psalm 25, she reminds us that even when we feel like we’re not moving forward, God is at work. He’s teaching, loving, leading, befriending, and ultimately saving us in ways we often can’t see at the time.

What if this pause in your life isn’t punishment—but preparation?

✨ Key Takeaways

⏸️ “Stuck” doesn’t mean God has stopped working in you
📖 God uses still seasons to teach us new or deeper truths
💛 His love and forgiveness are steady—even when we feel like we’re failing
🧭 Waiting can be God’s way of guiding us to the next step
👥 God draws near as a friend when we need Him most

🔁 Intersecting Faith and Life

• How can you reach out to God right now and make Him your refuge in this waiting season?

• What would change if you stopped measuring your worth by productivity and started resting in God’s faithfulness?

• How have you seen God’s guidance in past seasons when you felt “stuck”?

 

💬 Let’s Reflect

God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on your performance, your progress, or your pace. Wherever you are right now—moving, waiting, or wondering—you are seen, loved, and led by a God who never gets stuck.

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Full Transcript Below:

God’s Faithfulness When We Are Stuck

By Sarah Frazer

Bible Reading:

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 25:1 (ESV)

Devotional

My eyes were wide open but I couldn’t see in the dark. As I lay in bed, I glanced at the clock. 4am. With a sigh, I rolled over. Making a decision always keeps me awake at night. For hours my husband and I talked through the decision, looking at it from one angle and then another. We decided to pray about it and sleep on it. Praying was easy, sleeping was not. 

I listened to my husband snore softly and envied his ability to just put off the thoughts for the morning. My heart struggled to find peace because I could see both sides and didn’t know which path to take. 

Whether the decision is a big one or a small one, feeling stuck is not a good feeling. Sometimes we are forced to wait because life needs us to stay the course, even if we want to make a decision to move. When my children were very little my days felt like a constant repeat of the same day over and over. I felt like I wasn’t making “progress” at all. 

My dream to write, create, and publish books was on hold. My spiritual life felt non-existent because time with God was put on the back burner. I didn’t have many friends and rarely left the house.  In all areas of my life I felt stuck. If you have found yourself in that position, it might be time to sit down, stop striving, and “be still,” as Psalm 46:10 says. 

God often leads us to a place where we might feel “stuck” but actually, it is a place we need to be so that He can show us something about Himself. Over and over again, during seasons of my life where I didn’t feel like I was moving forward, God has remained faithful. It is actually God’s faithfulness that is brought into deeper clarity during times when we feel stuck. 

Looking at Psalm 25 we see many areas where God is faithful and this faithfulness fuels us when we feel stuck. First of all, God is faithful to teach us His truth. In verses 4-5 the psalmist rejoices in the fact that even though he feels stuck, God is teaching him. Maybe our time of feeling “unproductive” or the fact that we aren’t really moving forward is actually a time where we learn new truths or are reminded of old truths pertaining to God. God is always faithful to teach us, no matter what season we find ourselves in. 

God is also faithful to love and forgive us. The psalmist says that God’s faithful mercy and steadfast love are “from of old.” (Psalm 25:6-7) God’s love for us goes back to even before the foundation of the earth. (Ephesians 1:4) Although our lives feel like God might have left us, we can know that He has always and will always forgive us faithfully. 1 John 1:9 says that God is faithful to forgive. 

Our God is also faithful to lead us. Sometimes that means to wait, but as you wait, be ready to move. God will tell you when and how to move. As we wait, we can know and rest in the fact that God is faithful to guide us through every season, even the waiting ones. (Psalm 25:8-10) 

In Psalm 25:14 we read that God is faithful to be our friend. While we might feel stuck, we can get to know God. Our relationship with God can grow and mature as we learn more about who God is. He is faithful to us! 

Finally, God is faithful to save us from our seasoning of waiting. God sees, and hears our sorrow. (Psalm 25:16-21) God is our comfort, our salvation, and hears us when we cry out to Him. No matter how much you feel stuck, you are not away from God and His plan for your life. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

The end of Psalm 25 says, “I take refuge in you.” If you are in a season that feels like you aren’t moving forward, how can you reach out to God in prayer and seek Him as a  refuge? 

Although you might look at your life and feel as if you have failed God, how does knowing His faithfulness isn’t based on your merits give you comfort today? 

Further Reading:

Lamenations 3:22-23

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Psalm 36:5

1 John 1:9

Hebrews 10:23

 

 

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