The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

What if your job — even the one you don’t love — is actually sacred?
In this episode, we unpack what it truly means to “work for the Lord.” Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:58, we explore how every task, every shift, and every responsibility can become an act of worship when done with the right heart posture.
What We Discuss
Why every job can glorify God

Working through difficult seasons with faithfulness

Serving Jesus even when serving a challenging boss

The difference between working for approval vs. working from purpose

Why work is a blessing — not a burden

How Jesus modeled servant leadership

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org
Full Transcript Below:
Work for the Lord
By: Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Like most people, I have had many different jobs. Some of these jobs I really enjoyed, but others, not so much. However, in every job, I have tried to do my best. For example, a few years ago I worked at an inn. It was extremely difficult, since I struggle with contamination-type OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
The responsibility of an assistant innkeeper means cleaning anything and everything—changing bed sheets, washing bed sheets, cleaning bathrooms, washing floors, dusting, and any other housework that needs to be done. As someone with OCD, this was incredibly stressful. However, by the grace of God, I lasted the entire summer. I tried my best every day, and I know that I served the Lord through my work.
Someone might say, “No, you were working for your boss.” While this is true, I was also working for Jesus. In everything we do, we need to work as though we are working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). We are serving Jesus in any job we put our hands to. This is why we need to work at every task with our whole heart. Rather than becoming lazy, we need to glorify God in our work.
Maybe you are at a job right now that is similar to when I worked at the inn—you don’t like it, and you can’t wait to get off each day. If this is true, know that you won’t be at this job forever. For the time being, continue to do your best and strive to serve Jesus through your work. Even if your boss is not kind or the job is taxing, try your best to show Jesus’ love to everyone around you.
Jesus Himself took on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5–8). We need to follow His example by also taking on the nature of a servant. We should not view any job as inferior. Sometimes we have to take a job because we have no other choice. God does not call us to be idle or unproductive in our lives. Instead, He wants us to work and serve Him through our dedication to doing what is right.
Many people have a distorted view of work. They think work is a bad thing. This is not true—work is a blessing from God. Working and being able to provide for ourselves is a good thing. We never need to view work in a negative light, because it can help us grow, build a strong work ethic, and produce endurance. Through our work, we can become more dependent on God.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As Paul says in this passage, we need to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord as our hard work is not in vain. Working for the Lord will bring Him glory and point others to Him.
Many people think the “work of the Lord” only consists of pastors, Sunday school teachers, or missionaries, but this is not true. The “work of the Lord” can be anything, as long as we are serving Jesus through our work. Therefore, even regular jobs, such as working at a hotel, a library, or a department store, can all bring glory to God if we are faithfully serving Him.
As Christ followers, we must ask ourselves whether or not we will serve God in our work. If we become lazy and unproductive in our work, we are not working to the glory of the Lord. If we find ourselves in this situation, we need to bring our hearts back to Jesus. Every job deserves our full attention and productivity. Loving God and serving Him will help us to truly work for Him and not give up when times are hard.
Continue to work for Him because your labor is not in vain. Jesus sees all the challenges you are going through. Even when days are tough, choose to live for Him, love Him, and serve Him faithfully in your work and in your life.
What are some ways you can glorify God in your work? List a few here.
Further Reading:
1 Corinthians 10:31
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
Colossians 3:17
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“Where are You, God?” If you’ve ever whispered that question through tears, sleepless nights, or silent disappointment, you’re not alone.
In this episode, we talk about the painful seasons when God feels distant — when prayers feel unanswered and discouragement makes it hard to even find the words to pray. Yet Scripture tells us something steady and unshakable: Jesus promised He would be with us always.
Not sometimes.Not when we feel spiritual.Always. Even in silence. Even in valleys. Even in doubt.
What We Discuss
Why God can feel distant during hardship

How discouragement can drain our ability to pray

The truth that God hears even unspoken prayers

The danger of believing the lie that God has abandoned us

Drawing near to God when emotions say He’s far

Finding encouragement through Scripture, worship, and Christian community

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org
Full Transcript Below:
Where Is God?
By Alexis A. Goring
Bible Reading:
“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
“Where are you, God?”
If there was a consistent question I asked God last year, that was it. Little did I know that by the start of this year, God would answer my question in profound ways that proved He hears my every prayer and He is always here with us.
It started with simple things that were concerning me, then it snowballed into many other issues and situations that were troubling my heart and keeping me awake at night. Sleepless nights were the norm for me that year. I tried praying my way through it, but at times I was too tired to pray. Have you ever been so discouraged that you can barely talk to God about it?
However, God taught me that He knows our hearts and He hears even the prayers we don’t have the energy or capacity to pray. He even considers the tears that roll down our faces when we cry as silent prayers, and He understands our pain before we have words to give voice to it. If you’re looking for someone who knows you better than you know yourself, your Maker (God) fits that bill perfectly.
Because we live in a world that is negatively affected by sin, we all may face situations in life that cause us to ask, “God, where are you?” It is then that we are tempted by the enemy to believe that God has forsaken us. But in those moments, we need to believe what the Bible says: God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). When you feel far away from God, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). If you’re having trouble seeking Him, ask God to help you feel His Presence and experience His peace. Remember: He’s always been pursuing a relationship with you before you realized you needed Him and started seeking Him.

Now, there’s the fact that God is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). But the truth is that He is real (Psalm 14:1). Don’t let His invisibility become a barrier to your seeking Him. Over the years, I’ve heard people debate that since we cannot see God, that must mean He doesn’t exist. Well, to that I’d say, we cannot see the air we breathe, but we know that if we don’t have air, we’d be dead. Same with God. We cannot see Him, but we need Him to live.
When we are in pain so deep that we can barely get out of bed in the morning and start going about our day, it is important to remember that God is with us in our pain. Soon after the start of this year, God showed me that He had heard my prayers and questions last year. He did this by inspiring a Christian author to ask me if I wanted to read an early copy of her book that is releasing in January 2026. After seeing that the title of the book is “God, Where Are You?”, I knew this was encouragement from God for me. He recommended a whole book (in addition to the Bible) to answer my question. I agreed to read her book and was blessed by it.
The author’s name is Dominique Young. The full title of her book is “God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence”. It is advertised on Amazon as “a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.” It’s for people who have been silently suffering under the heavy weight of anxiety, grief, depression, shame, and spiritual doubt. Through this book, she helps the reader discover how near God is to them through their toughest trials in life. God doesn’t abandon you in the valley lows. He’s with you through it all. And He can heal our brokenness. The author invites the reader to stop pretending they are okay when they are not, face the pain you’ve been hiding, and learn how you are seen by the Almighty God as one He deeply loves. Dominique encourages the reader to remember that even when God is silent, He is near and will not leave you.
After reading the first few pages of Dominique’s book, I thanked God for answering my prayers on this topic because it was like He was speaking to me through her messages that were supported with Scripture. I am grateful He used this author’s debut book to encourage me in my faith walk. I believe this book will encourage you, too, if you read it.
In closing, I’d like for you to listen to three songs (listed below) that remind us God is here with us and He’s going to stay with us until the end of the world.
Song of Reflection #1: “God is with Us” by The Afters. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #2: “I Know You’re There” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #3: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham. Listen to it HERE.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How does it feel to know that God is right here with you and He’s not going anywhere?
Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 43:2
Deuteronomy 31:6
Psalm 23:4
Zephaniah 3:17
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Ever have one of those days you’d gladly return for a refund? Maybe it starts with something small — and inconvenient. Then another thing piles on. And another. Before long, you’re wondering if staying in bed would’ve been the wiser spiritual decision.
In this episode, we talk about how to handle the days that hit hard — the ones filled with disappointment, frustration, or unexpected blows. Psalm 118 doesn’t give us an escape clause. It doesn’t say, “Rejoice when it’s going well.” It simply says: this is the day the Lord has made.
Even this one.
So what does it actually look like to rejoice when the day feels anything but joyful?
What We Discuss
Why bad days feel so overwhelming

The difference between denial and biblical rejoicing

How perspective shifts emotional response

The role of humor in spiritual resilience

Choosing gratitude when circumstances don’t cooperate

Letting God shape us through daily frustrations

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org
Full Transcript Below:
When It's One of Those DaysBy Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24 ESV).
Do you know what it’s like to have one of those days you wish you could do over?
My friend Holly recalls that her day like that started at 4:30 a.m. when she opened the door of her house to pick up the newspaper, which was usually on her welcome mat waiting for her. But as she opened the door, and before she even had a chance to look down on her welcome mat…Thunk! The newspaper delivery person, unknowingly, chucked that newspaper through the early morning still-dark air, and it pelted her right in the chest. She never even saw it coming!
Stumbling over a bit, she regained her composure and just stood there.
Nice aim, she thought, sarcastically, and turned around and closed the door. The rest of the day didn’t get much better. One disappointing situation after another. Until pretty soon, she wished she hadn’t even gotten out of bed that morning. Fortunately for Holly, she kept her sense of humor and laughed about it with several women in her exercise class at the end of the day.
We all have days when we get pelted with something right in the chest. A stinging insult. An action by a co-worker or friend that leaves us shocked. Some news that causes us to stumble or double over. Sometimes it’s from someone, unknowingly, chucking something through the air that happens to hit us. And other times it’s a direct hit from someone with a pretty good aim!
Whether it’s one incident after another that seems to be giving you a bad day or circumstances in which you are the one who is clearly messing up, there is a way to get through it.
God's Word gives us simple instructions for handling the “bad days.”
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," the psalmist said.
But how can we rejoice? That word creates a picture in my mind of a person jumping up in the air and shouting for joy. Are we to do that when we’re having one of those days?
Evidently so.
It’s interesting that God’s Word doesn’t say: “This is the day the Lord accidentally let slip through the heavens; let us tolerate it and be done with it.” Rather, God’s Word specifically states that this day—even the one in which you get plunked right in the chest—is a day that He has made and therefore it is one worth rejoicing in.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
I suppose God wants us to realize that even when uncomfortable or hurtful or downright disastrous things happen, it is still a day in which we live, breathe, and exist. It is still a day in which we can choose to see the brighter side of things and acknowledge that He’s in control. It’s still a day in which we can, like Holly, keep a sense of humor and laugh at the day’s events by sundown.
There is still something in this day worth rejoicing about because it is a day given to us by the Maker of Heaven and Earth.
Can you, my friend, find something in this day worth rejoicing about? If not, then simply rejoice. This is the day the Lord has made—for you to live it with Him and become the kind of person He desires you to be. Rejoice in it, my friend. And see if it doesn’t change your outlook—and your day.
Thank You, Lord, for this day—regardless of what it brings or has already brought my way. Today is a day that I live and breathe and exist. May I do so with a song in my heart simply because You have given me life. And may You be pleased by my attitude, my gratitude, and my praise. Thank You that You can grow me, mature me, sharpen me, and shape me through whatever comes my way. I surrender it all to You, Lord Jesus. In Your name, I pray this. Amen.
Further Reading:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
For daily perspective and reasons to praise, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.
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When was the last time you were overwhelmed with wonder?
In Mark 9, the crowd didn’t hesitate when they saw Jesus. They ran toward Him — filled with awe. No overthinking. No self-conscious restraint. Just pure wonder.
Somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities, and routines, it’s easy to lose that sense of awe. Life shrinks to the size of a to-do list. Faith becomes familiar. And wonder quietly fades into the background.
But Jesus hasn’t stopped working.
In this episode, we rediscover how slowing down, paying attention, and expecting Jesus to move can awaken a fresh sense of wonder in our everyday lives.
What We Discuss
How busyness dulls spiritual awareness

Why wonder is not a luxury — it’s fuel for faith

The difference between dramatic miracles and everyday miracles

How expectation shapes what we notice

Practical habits that help us stay spiritually attentive

Why wonder naturally draws us closer to Jesus

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org
Full Transcript Below:
Let Jesus Overwhelm You with Wonder
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.” - Mark 9:15, NIV
When you really look at Jesus, you see the wonder of God’s work in this world. In Mark 9:15, people caught a glimpse of Jesus, and they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. They didn’t hesitate or worry about what others might say about their enthusiastic response. They simply let themselves be inspired with awe when they encountered Jesus.
It’s easy to lose a sense of wonder when you’re dealing with the stress of living in this fallen world. Responsibilities pile up and demand your attention. You get used to going through your routine, doing what needs to be done. You may be working so hard that you start to think about enjoying wonder as a luxury you can’t afford with your busy schedule. If so, your life will shrink down to the level of your to-do list. You’ll miss the greater perspective of the wonderful work Jesus is doing around you.
Don’t let that happen to you! Jesus hasn’t stopped working in amazing ways, just like he did during biblical times. Jesus is still inspiring people with awe on a regular basis. The question is: are you looking for him?
Wonder doesn’t always appear with dramatic miracles. Often, wonder happens through everyday miracles. You can find wonder in quiet yet powerful ways, like through a colorful sunset, someone’s act of kindness, or a sense of peace God gives you during a challenging situation.
Jesus is already doing wonderful work in your life. You just have to slow down long enough to notice.
When the crowd in Mark chapter 9 saw Jesus, they recognized him because they were paying attention. They had focused minds and open hearts that helped them expect the best from Jesus. The process of discovering wonder often starts with expecting Jesus to do something wonderful in your life.
Imagine walking into each day with your eyes wide open, asking Jesus to show you what he wants to show you. If you start doing that, you’ll start noticing all sorts of wonder in your life that you’d previously overlooked. Then, you’ll wake up to the wonder of who Jesus really is. You’ll realize that Jesus is so amazing that you can’t help but be inspired to worship him. The more you notice Jesus and let him overwhelm you with wonder, the more you’ll want to run to him, just like the people in Mark 9:15 did.
Wonder draws you close to Jesus!
So, give yourself the time and attention you need to really look for the wonder of Jesus’ work in your life every day. Make your relationship with Jesus a top priority in your daily schedule. Stay connected to Jesus throughout each day by checking in with him regularly through prayer. Ask Jesus to help you notice what he’s doing in every single part of your life – including areas where you haven’t expected him to show up much before. Pray for Jesus to give you a fresh perspective, so your senses aren’t dulled by routine or weighed down by busyness.
When you do see Jesus at work, let yourself enjoy it. Take the time to really reflect on it, and celebrate it! Let your encounters with Jesus’ wonder strengthen your faith.
Wonder doesn’t just make you feel good; it draws you deeper into a relationship with Jesus. It reminds you that Jesus is with you right here and now, working in your life in ways that accomplish good purposes for you.
This day – this ordinary day, with all of its stressful situations – is still full of opportunities to see Jesus. You just have to look. The more you look, the more you’ll realize that Jesus has been there all along.
Let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder again. When you do, you’ll find yourself wanting to run toward him!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider how to let Jesus overwhelm you with wonder, reflect on these questions:
When was the last time you felt truly overwhelmed with wonder at what Jesus was doing in your life?
What daily habits can help you slow down, pay attention more, and notice Jesus more often?
Are there any areas of your life where you’ve stopped expecting Jesus to show up? If so, how can you start expecting the best instead of the worst in those areas?
How would your perspective change if you started each day by asking Jesus to help you be more aware of his presence with you throughout your day?
Further Reading:
Psalm 65:8
Psalm 77:14
Psalm 145:5
Job 37:14
Jeremiah 29:13
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Winter eventually gives way to spring. The sun always returns — even if it takes longer than we’d like. Life works the same way.
In this episode, we talk about walking through spiritual winters — the long seasons of hardship, disappointment, or discouragement where change feels painfully slow. What do we do when prayers seem unanswered? When circumstances don’t shift? When the valley stretches on?
Psalm 23 reminds us of something powerful: even in the darkest valley, we are not alone.
The sun may feel hidden — but God is not absent.
What We Discuss
Why difficult seasons are part of the Christian life

The danger of obsessing over our problems

How self-focus can unintentionally magnify hardship

Practical ways to stay encouraged during long valleys

Learning contentment when God says “not yet”

Paul’s example of trusting grace in weakness

Preparing spiritually before the next hard season arrives

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org
TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org
Full Transcript Below:
Waiting for the Sun to Shine Again
By: Aaron D’Anthony Brown

Bible Reading:
“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, CSB)
I was one of the many waiting for the sun to shine again after a long, cold winter. Eventually it does return, albeit more slowly than we might wish. Life can be like that sometimes, where tough situations are slow to change and improve.
When you find yourself feeling down and out, how do you respond? Do you turn to God and patiently wait for the bad times to pass? Do you develop a bad attitude to match the circumstances? Or do you just go with the flow?
As Christians, we pray to God with anticipation and hope for the good times of life. There are many of them. However, again, as Christians, we also know that God doesn’t solely promise us good times. The bad times are, in fact, a part of this miracle we call life. And they’re just as important.
In effect, life is an alternating sequence of seasons in which we experience highs and lows. Those upbeat moments are much easier to handle and appreciate. The difficulties, on the other hand, can leave us scratching our heads, wondering when God will step in to rescue us.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Everyone at some point will be waiting for the sun to shine again.
Don’t focus on your problems.
One major mistake people often make when struggling in life is harping on their misfortunes. They pray about it, think about it, and talk about it a lot. Not only that, but our culture promotes ideas such as self-love and affirmation so often that people think good vibes will cast away their problems. Life’s not so simple. In fact, focusing on yourself often makes the problem seem bigger than it is.
So, what’s the solution? Think less about yourself and more about others. Rather than dwell on the bad things happening, spend some time thinking about the good. Go out and do good in the world. What you will discover is that sometimes the problems go away, and even if they don’t, when your mind is set on other things, the problems were never as bad as you originally thought.
Find ways to stay encouraged.
Choosing not to focus on your problems doesn’t magically make you feel better. Hard times can still leave us feeling sad, angry, and worse, suicidal. That’s why it’s important that we know how to find encouragement. Your specific ways may look different from mine, but what’s important is that we have a reliable game plan. The bad times will come. That’s a certainty. And when they do, wisdom calls for us to be prepared.
Take some time to consider where you currently find encouragement and where else you ought to go. Some helpful solutions include prayer, church, loved ones, a gratitude journal, exercise, producing art, and so much more.
Learn contentment.
Sometimes God says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. The latter can be difficult to understand, especially when you feel so justified in your pleas to the Lord. However, God is God. He’s not going to change a circumstance every time we ask. There could be a lesson for us to learn, or maybe we’re feeling the effects of sin, or both.
As Paul learned to be satisfied with God’s grace as he struggled with a thorn in the flesh, so too must we. Based on how he lived, the formula for contentment is probably something like faith plus patience plus gratitude.
Obviously, that’s contrary to our human nature and won’t come naturally. Yet, God is able to supply all of our needs and desires to see us grow. We have to do our part to seek that growth. The valleys of life will come and come again. That’s a fact. Yet, we can also be well-prepared to handle.
Waiting for the sun to shine again is not easy, but you know that it’s coming. Take hope today.
Further Reading (and Listening):
Psalm 13
Romans 8:18
John 16:33
“I Smile” by Kirk Franklin
“NO LONGER BOUND” by Forrest Frank & Hulvey
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