The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

God’s Word is described in Psalm 119:130 as light that brings understanding—and that imagery still holds up today. Just like a flashlight cutting through darkness, Scripture has a way of revealing clarity in places where confusion, uncertainty, or discouragement once lived. And the beautiful part is that this light isn’t reserved for experts or scholars—it’s available to anyone willing to open the page.
Spiritual understanding doesn’t usually happen all at once. It unfolds over time as we return to God’s Word consistently and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate what we need in each season. As we read, reflect, and stay teachable, Scripture moves from information to transformation—guiding not just what we know, but how we live.
Highlights
God’s Word brings light into confusion and spiritual darkness
Scripture is meant to be experienced gradually, not mastered instantly
The Holy Spirit helps illuminate understanding as we read and reflect
Bible reading is a daily spiritual discipline that builds spiritual growth
God’s Word transforms us, not just informs us
Lifelong learning keeps faith active, humble, and growing
God can use both Scripture and other reading to deepen spiritual insight
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Full Transcript Below:
God’s Words Will Enlighten You
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130, NIV
When I was a child, I loved reading so much that bedtime felt like an interruption. Once the lights were off and the door was closed, I’d pull out a flashlight and keep reading under the covers. I knew I was supposed to be sleeping, but the story always felt more important. I wanted to know what happened next. I wanted to learn. That little beam of light made the pages come alive, even in the dark.
Those memories come back to me when I read Psalm 119:130, which describes how God’s words shine a light that gives us understanding. When we read God’s words in the Bible, God’s light shines into the darkness of our lives in this fallen world, and that helps us see what we couldn’t see before. God’s words do this for us even if we’re not experts or scholars. The verse says it gives understanding “to the simple.” That’s good news for all of us.
Psalm 119 is all about loving God’s words to us, which Hebrews 4:12 points out are “alive and active”. Over and over, Psalm 119 describes longing for scripture, meditating on it, and finding life in it. This particular verse reminds us that God’s words in the Bible work gradually yet powerfully in our lives. God’s words unfold. They open up over time. God’s light comes into the darkness of our lives in this fallen world as we read them, reflect on them, and apply them.
That’s important, because many people feel discouraged when they open the Bible and don’t immediately understand everything. They may worry that they’re not smart enough to understand God’s messages, or that they’re approaching the Bible in the wrong ways. But the Bible was never meant to be mastered in just one reading. It was meant to be read gradually and returned to regularly. Bible reading is an important spiritual discipline that God intends for us to practice every day, just like prayer and meditation. As we allow God’s words in the Bible to sink into our souls day by day, they will unfold in our lives so that we become more enlightened.
When we come to the Bible with a desire for God to enlighten us, God’s Holy Spirit will help us understand what we need, when we need it. But learning doesn’t stop with the Bible alone. God also uses other good books and articles to help us grow spiritually. Reading widely can deepen our understanding of God and the world he has created. The key is reading prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Spirit will show us what’s true and what’s helpful for growing closer to God. God loves to teach us through what we read – both through the Bible’s words and through other words that can point us toward him.
Reading is an important part of lifelong learning, and being lifelong learners keeps our faith growing by reminding us that God is always bigger than our current understanding. If we stop learning, our faith can become weak. But when we stay curious – focused on God’s words in the Bible and open to growth as the Holy Spirit leads us – we stay teachable.
Psalm 119:130 also reminds us that light comes from God’s words, not just information. God wants us to do much more than just collect facts. God wants us to change for the better. So, the words God uses to enlighten us go beyond information to also bring inspiration into our lives. God’s words inspire us by motivating us to move closer to him as we keep learning more.
So, if you’re facing the darkness of confusion or discouragement, let God’s words shine a light into your life. Open the Bible and read something. Then ask the Holy Spirit to use that to enlighten you and bring you the wisdom and encouragement you need. When you experience the blessing of God meeting you there, you’ll get inspired to keep reading. Like a child with a flashlight under the covers, you’ll be excited to read and learn from God’s words as much as you can!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider how God’s words will enlighten you, reflect on these questions:
What role does reading – the Bible, and other books and articles – play in your daily life right now?
When have you recently experienced a Bible verse or passage enlightening you with wisdom or encouragement?
What keeps you from reading the Bible more regularly, and how can you try to start reading the Bible more?
How can you approach other books or articles as learning opportunities, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you?
What would it look like for you to become a lifelong learner who’s focused on God’s truth while continuing to seek out fresh information and inspiration?
Further Reading:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Joshua 1:8
Proverbs 2:6
Colossians 3:16
James 1:5
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Wisdom in Scripture is more than intelligence or good decision-making—it’s a way of living rooted in reverence for God. Proverbs 9:10 makes it clear: wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. That “fear” isn’t fear of punishment, but a deep respect and recognition that God is the source of all truth, direction, and understanding.
In a fast-paced world where decisions often feel rushed and emotionally driven, wisdom calls us to pause and look upward first. Rather than relying solely on instinct or opinion, God invites us to seek Him directly for guidance. When we intentionally ask for wisdom and make space for the Holy Spirit to lead, we position ourselves to live with greater clarity, peace, and alignment with His will.
Highlights
Wisdom in the Bible goes beyond knowledge—it’s rooted in reverence for God
Proverbs 9:10 defines wisdom as beginning with the fear (reverence) of the Lord
God is the ultimate source of discernment and understanding
Modern life often pushes us toward rushed, emotion-driven decisions
Seeking wisdom requires intentionally pausing and praying before acting
Scripture encourages believers to ask God for wisdom confidently
Daily dependence on God cultivates spiritual growth and clearer direction
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Full Transcript Below:
What Is Wisdom?
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - Prov. 9:10 (NIV)
The Bible is full of references to the concept of wisdom. We are exhorted throughout the Word to seek wisdom, to employ it when making decisions, to represent it through our interactions with others, and to prayerfully request an increase of it in our lives. There are entire books in the Bible dedicated to the value of wisdom (Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, to name a few). With all of these references to wisdom in the Word, it is clear the Lord is trying to teach us something, but what? What does wisdom really mean for us in our modern, everyday lives?
When we look up the definition of wisdom in the dictionary or a biblical concordance, we can see descriptions such as having good sense or judgment, the ability to discern inner qualities, teachings stemming from ancient knowledge, shrewdness, or prudence. Based on these definitions, true wisdom is more than intellect or knowledge. It is much deeper. It extends far beyond our human limitations, which is why we must look to the supernatural as our source of impartation and increase.
I don’t know about you, but I struggle with the idea of possessing and successfully employing wisdom in everyday life. Our lives move at such a fast pace, and whether real or projected, it feels like our choices must be instantaneous rather than carefully considered. Even if I am able to carve out space for thoughtful deliberation, it seems like I rely much more readily on my ever-present, very forward emotions rather than sage discernment when making decisions. Perhaps you struggle with this as well. How then can we attempt to gain and prioritize wisdom?
Our key scripture today states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10, NIV). Any search we embark on to gain wisdom must begin with the fear of the Lord. Fear in this passage isn’t being afraid. Rather, it is a sincere reverence and respect for our Creator God. It is an acknowledgment that He is the Alpha and the Omega, beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13); that all things were created by Him and without Him nothing was made (John 1:3). HE is the answer. HE is the source. If we desire to gain greater insight and understanding, we must depend heavily on the Lord. We must look to Him first.
This all sounds great, but how can we practically apply this to our lives? By intentionally asking the Lord to grant and increase our wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment,” (NLT). If the smartest thing we can do to gain wisdom is to simply ask for it, then that is the best place to start. The Word promises that if we ask, we shall receive and if we seek, we shall find (Matt. 7:7).
The next time you are uncertain of what decision to make or how to proceed forward in an unpredictable scenario, stop and pray. Ask the Lord to grant you His wisdom. Create space for those whispers of the Holy Spirit, and God will provide. He is faithful to do all He has promised.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How have you viewed the concept of wisdom in the Word of God? Have you seen it as treasured and valuable? Or do you struggle to believe you can possess such a quality?
As shared earlier, I have wrestled with possessing and employing wisdom. However, I fully believe in the truth of God’s Word. If He tells us to seek wisdom and ask for it, then that is exactly what we should do.
Understanding this, I started praying for wisdom every morning several years ago. My prayer is simple, nothing fancy. But when I recite this daily prayer, I sense a connection to the Word and God’s desire for me to grow in my faith. It is a small act of obedience that I believe has drawn me closer and more dependent upon the Lord.
If you feel led, please join me in this petition today:
“Heavenly Father, would you grant my family and me wisdom today? Help us to be present in the natural world, but live and work with Your supernatural wisdom that is beyond this world. Amen.”
Further Reading:
John 1:1-5
Matthew 7:7-11
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Spiritual sensitivity often comes down to one simple question: are we truly paying attention to what God is doing around us? Acts 3:2–4 shows Peter and John pausing long enough to see a person in need—and that moment of attention became an opportunity for God’s power to move. When we tune into the Holy Spirit, ordinary moments can turn into divine appointments.
In daily life, distractions, routines, and personal agendas can easily drown out God’s promptings. But Scripture consistently shows that God often works through interruptions, not just planned moments. Learning to slow down, notice people, and respond with obedience can open the door for encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth—both for others and for us.
Highlights
God often speaks through interruptions and unexpected moments
Spiritual distraction can cause us to miss meaningful opportunities
Peter and John noticed the man and responded with presence and compassion
God uses ordinary obedience to create extraordinary impact
Discernment requires slowing down and staying spiritually attentive
Faith is not just routine—it’s responsive to the Spirit’s leading
Small moments of obedience can have lasting spiritual influence
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Full Transcript Below:
Tune Into His Spirit
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John.” - Acts 3:2-4
As a writer, I have the privilege of working from home. But sometimes the TV screen or other distractions can keep me from getting my work done. Sometimes I go to a coffee shop to get it done. Once I get there, I settle into a booth, put in my AirPods, and focus on my work. Most of the time, I'm super productive and get my tasks done for the day.
A few years ago, however, I bumped into a friend. It was a woman who had been attending our church for a little while. Although she'd been raised in the faith, she was hesitant about God. I saw her from across the room, unsure what I should do. Should I stop what I was doing, take out my AirPods, and have a conversation centered on God, or should I stay focused, knowing I could get my work done?
Although headphones can be a great way to filter out the world's noise and focus on an immediate task, sometimes we crowd out not only God's voice but also the voices of those who need our help. In that situation, I kept my AirPods in, focused on my task, and ignored the opportunity God had placed before me. The woman soon left, and I felt bad. I should have initiated a conversation that could have helped her take a step forward in her spiritual growth. Instead, I focused on the menial tasks I had to get done for the day.
Discerning God's voice is never easy. It can be downright difficult to discern God's voice from the world's voices. Even when it is difficult for us to discern what God has for us, it was no different for the disciples. In the passage above, Peter and John were on their way to the temple. They were out to do a good thing—go to church and worship God.
But God had other plans for them that day. Because they took time out of their busy day, God chose to show up in a big way in both their lives and the beggar's. The beggar received a great gift that day—healing from God.
Although the text does not specify whether the person was a believer, it stands to reason that, given the miraculous power the Holy Spirit showed in that moment, the man was brought one step closer to knowing God more intimately. Because Peter and John took time to look him in the eye, give him dignity and worth, and meet his deepest needs, that man grew closer to God because of it.
Do we go through the motions of our faith? Do we put our heads down, tuck our Bibles under our arms, and walk into church each week, hearing great sermons and worshipping to great music, only to leave and focus on the menial tasks of the week? Do we make time to listen for how God might be speaking to us?
Take a moment and write down people whom you know God has placed in your path with whom you could have a spiritual conversation this week. It could be an email, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation. Regardless of the way you choose to meet, choose to obey God and see what God wants to do with the people he has placed in your path. Lay aside your agenda and the menial tasks of the week and focus on the good opportunities he may lay before you.
Not only will God honor you for honoring him in that way, but you may find you not only witness but perform greater miracles than any of the disciples ever experienced during their ministry on earth.
Father, let us be in tune with your spirit. Let us see with your eyes who may be looking to know you better. Let us be the example you call us to be. Let us truly be disciples, sharing our faith so others may be equipped to do the same. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What is one step you can take to share your faith with someone who doesn’t know God? Can you pray and ask God to reveal a person to you today?
Further Reading:
John 10:27-28
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Worry often builds quietly over time—through life experiences, disappointments, and the growing awareness that not everything is in our control. But Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of a powerful truth: God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. When we truly understand both His power and His deep love for us, it begins to shift how we carry our worries.
The real turning point comes when we stop asking if God will show up for us and start trusting that He both can and wants to. Worry loses its grip when we root ourselves in the truth of God’s character—His goodness, His care, and His capability. As we continually return to His Word and surrender our fears, we begin to trade anxiety for peace and control for trust.
Highlights
Worry often develops gradually through life experiences and uncertainty
Even strong believers wrestle with worry—it’s a shared human struggle
Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is both willing and able to do more than we imagine
Understanding God’s love is key to releasing fear and anxiety
Worry is often rooted in fear and a desire for control
God’s Word is a powerful tool to combat anxious thoughts
Trusting God fully opens the door to greater peace and freedom
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Full Transcript Below:
Give Your Worries to the God Who Gives So Much More
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)
I was once quite the worrier. I’m not sure exactly what the trigger was. But it likely began during my youth as life started to get more real. As I slowly lost the innocent beliefs that everyone is nice, parents always stay married, only old people die, and you don’t get in trouble unless you’re actually guilty. And one life disappointment at a time, I observed mean kids making fun, moms and dads splitting up, classmates getting in fatal car crashes, and people getting punished for things they didn’t do. Hurt happened, heartbreaks began to haunt me, until, without notice, I began living in such a way to protect myself from any pain. Worry was brewing, and I hardly noticed.
And sadly, as the years progressed through my teens and early adulthood, so did my life experience. And so did my reality that there was more wrong in the world than my younger years could fathom. And so did the worry.
Have you seen worry develop in your life? Have you ever considered yourself a worrier? Or maybe your worry is masked as a tendency to control too much sometimes? Or it might look like becoming consumed with a decision, an upcoming situation or event, or just the unknowns of the future? Or maybe you’ve been an avoider of something or someone, an over-thinker, over-analyzer, or just wondered “what if” too many times. All of this, believe it or not, has worry wrapped all around it.
The truth is, we all worry. Even the strongest Christians. But what’s also true: no one wants to worry. The effects of it are awful and are the exact opposite of what we long for most in this life, like peace, joy, and, did I say peace? So how do we stop worrying and find the peace of God we want to hold on to and not let go of? How do we release the unease we feel in our circumstances, the unsettled sense of the undone to-dos, the uncertainty of every decision concerning our families, finances, jobs, and all the unknowns of our futures? How do we release the worry that keeps returning?
Regardless of my growing faith, I still struggle with worry. And with the ebbs and flows of life, this is likely you, too. So, to stand strong against the lying enemy of fear—which is no doubt at the root of every worry—I’ve learned the necessity of arming ourselves with the sword of the spirit—the Word of God. And I’ve learned the value of pouring over and over God’s truths.
For the longest time, one of my favorite verses has been Ephesians 3:20. I’ve always cherished the truth that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. I’m sure we all do—it’s gloriously wonderful. And yes, God can do more than all we ask or imagine, and yes, we do want him to do just that on our behalf. However, how do we know he wants to? Maybe we can get on board with trusting he can, but how do we know he will? What if he doesn’t want to do something greater than I can imagine in my case? Have you ever wondered this, as I have?
Well, I made a beautiful observation that opened my eyes to the truth of this contemplation. I found it in the preceding verses of Ephesians 3:17-19, which say, And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. What I was reading in these verses was how much God loves us. And then, I dove directly into the truth of how much he’s capable of. And these familiar verses swallowed me in the most comforting way. God wants to, and God can. God wants to give us so much because of his boundless love for us. And God can, because of his infinite power in and around us. And once we understand this, in terms of our worry, it should change everything.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What we need to do is trust and believe that God loves us and that God is able. Because it’s true. And we need to trust that with our whole hearts. Just imagine for a minute. If you believed with all that you are that God loves you, and that God, not you, in his sovereign power, is able to do so much more than all you could ask or imagine. If you truly believed this, what in the world would you have to worry about?
If you truly trusted this, what would you let go of? The fears, the anxiety, the control, the stress. Imagine the peace. And what would you do? Where might you feel free to go? Imagine the joy. Imagine a life with less worry. Imagine a life where you believed and rested deeply in the truth that you are a child of a good, good God. Who will always adore you, help you, care for you, and forever bless you. This is who God is; this is what God does. So you can give all your worries to him. Our good God who will give you so much more than you can possibly imagine.
If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!
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Weakness isn’t something we naturally celebrate—but Scripture flips that idea on its head. In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, we’re reminded that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, meaning the very areas we try to hide can become the places where His strength is most clearly seen. What feels like a limitation may actually be the beginning of a powerful testimony.
Instead of striving to appear strong or self-sufficient, God invites us to depend on Him. Weakness exposes our need—and that’s exactly where grace steps in. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a diagnosis, or an ongoing battle, God can work through it in ways that not only transform us but also encourage others. When we stop resisting our weakness and start surrendering it, we create space for God’s power to move.
Highlights
Weakness is not a disqualifier—it’s an opportunity for God’s power
God’s strength is most visible in areas where we feel insufficient
Personal struggles can become meaningful testimonies
Dependence on God replaces the pressure to “figure it all out”
Paul’s “thorn” reminds us that not every struggle is removed—but it can be redeemed
Sharing our journey through weakness can encourage and impact others
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Full Transcript Below:
Your Weakness May Be Your Testimony
By Lauren Fletcher
Bible Reading:
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I never thought positively about my weaknesses. They were always something I tried diligently to hide, especially as a teenager. As an adult, I’ve had times of embracing them, amongst grace-filled friends. I’ve also had times where I didn’t quite want to mention them (job interview, anyone?)
When I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, it hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I was emotional and self-conscious. Severe?, I thought. Though these diagnoses were what my counselors and I suspected, when I had the official word, it took me some time to process. I thought about my life and wondered, what does this mean for my future? It all felt very heavy.
I talked with my friends for some support. They said things like, this is just a snapshot of what my symptoms were like at the time of testing, and that in the future, the severity might change. Many of them also said, “That’s not who you are,” and that who I am is who I am in Christ. I am trying to hold onto their words and perspective as I move forward.
In light of the diagnoses, what helped me was realizing that God can work in and through my weaknesses, that my weaknesses can become my testimony. I imagined my future and how one day, I could share with others, Yes, I was diagnosed with ADHD and severe OCD, but look at what God has done through my life. I finally had hope for the future.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about his weakness: “…So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b-8)
Paul was dealing with something uncomfortable, something he didn’t want, so much so that he brought it before the Lord. Paul continues, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
This morning, I was struggling and questioned why the Lord called me to do something that would require His help. It’s as if He helped me to understand—to overcome the difficulty of OCD in my life, I need God’s help. I need to let Him help me, and I need to accept the help He gives me through my counselor. I thought I was supposed to figure it out and try hard.
The thing about weaknesses is that we need God. It’s insufficiency in ourselves and finding what we need in Him. We all do and will continue to have weaknesses. What Paul is talking about in this scripture is actually delighting in his weaknesses. Why? Because it’s in our weaknesses that the Lord shows his power. That’s something to rejoice in.
Have you ever had a circumstance that was difficult, a weakness that was uncomfortable or you didn’t understand? Have you seen any evidence of God working through it? Invite Him into these spaces. Ask Him to show You how His “power works best in" your own weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we share about what God has done in our lives through our weaknesses or in the midst of difficult circumstances, we share our testimony with others. God can be glorified through it, through us.
Further Reading:
1 Peter 4:19
Romans 8:28
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