The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Trusting God with the unknown is often harder than we expect—especially when the path feels confusing, delayed, or downright backward. This devotional gently reminds us that just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are invited to trust God’s guidance even when we don’t understand the route. The journey may feel long, but God’s purpose is always at work, shaping our faith and leading us toward something worth the wait. Highlights We often struggle with uncertainty because we want clarity, timelines, and reassurance. God’s chosen path isn’t always the shortest or most logical, but it is intentional. Questioning the journey doesn’t mean God has abandoned us—it reveals our need to trust Him more deeply. Seasons of waiting or wandering can prepare us for breakthroughs we can’t yet see. Faith grows when we choose trust over control, even when fear feels close. Looking back often reveals that God’s plan was worth every step. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trusting God with the Unknown Days Ahead By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?” - Exodus 4:11 NIV“How much longer? It feels like we’ve been walking forever!”“Wait, now we are going downhill, I thought we were trying to get to the top of the mountain?” “Why are there so many switchbacks? Wouldn’t it be faster to go straight up the hill?”Last week, for fall break, my husband and I took our girls to the mountains. We’d found a reasonably short and easy hike that led to not one, but two waterfalls. My husband and I were excited to share our love of the outdoors and hiking with our girls. For us, the thrill of hiking is the journey to the top. We often don’t even look at the mile markers or ask other hikers, “How much longer?” We simply enjoy the fun of not knowing. Our three young girls did not share the same sentiment, as suggested by the comments made above. I tried to brush off the first few remarks, but then, I snapped, “We will get there when we get there, just enjoy the journey, and trust me, it will be worth the trip!” As we walked on in silence, I felt that familiar pang of conviction from the Holy Spirit. While I may not ask questions about direction, timeline, or purpose on a hike, I am undoubtedly guilty of asking God for information. I want to know where He is leading, for how long, and truthfully, I want to be able to determine if the journey is worth it. Bottom line, I often doubt God’s timeline and question the journey He has me on. And, well, I am not the first person in history to wonder if God’s plan is better than my own.In Exodus 4:14, we see the Israelites' response to seeing Pharaoh and his army coming to attack and take them back into exile. A sarcastic response to their situation was typical for the Israelite people, but I can understand their frustration. The Pharaoh recently freed the Israelites after they had been in captivity for 430 years. However, they look up and find their enslavers ready to take them back into slavery. It’s a natural response to ask, “What was the point of wandering out into the desert if we were headed back to captivity?” The Lord led the Israelites to camp near the seashore. God had already stopped them from going through the territory of the Philistines, even though it was shorter, instead choosing to lead them a longer way that led them by the shore of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-18). God then tells Moses that He wants them to turn back around, going the opposite way He’d initially led them. While this served to confuse the Pharaoh, the switching in direction and the “aimless” wandering caused the Israelites to become restless. They began to voice their annoyance and wonder if perhaps they would have been better off staying in Egypt.God is asking the Israelites to trust in His plan and to enjoy the journey, because He is working all things for their good and His glory. And just a short time later, we see that God calls the Israelites to walk by faith. Moses stretches out his hands, and the waters of the Red Sea part, allowing the Israelites to walk through on dry land to the other side. The Egyptians pursue the Israelites; however, Moses stretches his hands back over the sea, and the waters flow back over them, killing the whole army (Exodus 14:21-31).Like with the Israelites, God asks us to trust Him, even when it doesn’t make sense. It is natural to be fearful; we are creatures who crave comfort and security. When God asks us to go on a journey into the unknown, that’s hard. However, we can rest in the truth that God is good and can be trusted. When we reached the first waterfall, my oldest daughter reluctantly whispered, “This is pretty cool, I am glad we didn’t turn back.” The path God has for us isn’t always easy; there will be times when we feel like we are wandering, have to go backward before we move forward, and think that we are wasting our time. But God always has a purpose, and one day, we will most certainly say, “This was worth the journey.”Intersecting Faith & Life:Do you ever struggle to enjoy the journey? How does knowing that God has a purpose and plan for your life’s path help you find contentment in your current circumstances?Further Reading:Exodus14Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gratitude can quietly slip into entitlement when expectations replace thankfulness. This devotional invites us to examine our hearts, reminding us that God doesn’t owe us anything—and yet, in His grace, He gives us far more than we deserve. Choosing gratitude realigns our focus on what truly matters and restores humility in everyday moments. Highlights Entitlement often shows up subtly, even in everyday disappointments. Gratitude is not based on circumstances, but on recognizing God’s grace. God’s will calls us to thankfulness in all seasons, not just the easy ones. A heart focused on what it “deserves” easily loses sight of what it has been given. Jesus modeled humility and service, never demanding what was owed to Him. Reflecting on God’s blessings helps shift our mindset from complaint to praise. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Gratefulness or Entitlement?By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 This year, because we were blessed with some money in October, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to a new coffee maker. As we pulled out this fancy machine with all the bells and whistles you could imagine, we were excited to try it out. We quickly realized, however, that it would be more difficult to use than we thought. We followed the instructions carefully, yet it wasn't making the drinks we desired. After several unsuccessful attempts (and a half a bag of wasted coffee), we decided to return the machine. After all, we weren't going to spend a lot of money on a machine that didn't meet our needs. As we packed up the machine, we grumbled. Didn't we deserve a coffee maker that gave us what we wanted? We wanted to treat ourselves to something special, wouldn't God give us the treat that we deserved? Even though it was after Thanksgiving, our hearts were far from thankful. After we reflected on our attitudes, we asked the Lord for forgiveness. We realized we were struggling with the spirit of entitlement. We plunked down our hard-earned money and expected to get a reward in return. But as we all know, that's not how God works. God doesn't owe us anything. In fact, we owe him everything. The above verse reminds us that we are commanded to be thankful, but it is God's will that we be grateful in everything. Yet we can easily get consumed by our own challenging circumstances, wallow in self-pity, and lose sight of what's really important in life. We weren't just upset that a machine didn't give us what we wanted. Deep down, both my husband and I believed we deserved a high-end, fancy machine that gave us what we wanted on demand. Jesus’ life was the opposite of that. He didn't demand anything from anyone. He received hospitality when it was offered, and He spent His life serving others. God's will is that, because of God's great mercy and grace, we choose to be grateful and focus on the truly important things. What is important in your life? Do you find yourself losing focus on what's truly important? Do you, like us, struggle with the spirit of entitlement? Deep down, do you believe you deserve something more than what you have, or that life owes you something? Regardless of where you are in your life, God's will is for us to be thankful. Although that's easier said than done, there is nothing more important in life than our salvation. We must always keep the right attitude. Instead of grousing or complaining because we believe life owes us something more, we can instead be grateful for where we are in life. There's always something to be grateful for. Take a moment to pray and thank God for all the things He has given you in this life. If you are in a difficult circumstance and you are having difficulty recalling those blessings, ask the Lord to reveal them to you. Ask Him to remind you of all the things He has done in your life. Your mind will become so flooded with His blessings that you may have difficulty focusing on anything else. Silently thank God that He is present in your life and that He has given you many good things. It is easy to get off track and to focus on the unimportant things in life. But as we meditate on God's word, He reminds us it is His will that we be thankful in everything, through good times and bad. Father, let us be thankful in all circumstances. Let us not believe the lie that we are owed something in life simply because we exist. Instead, let us be grateful for all the blessings you have chosen to bestow on us throughout our lives. Let us take time each day to reflect on all the blessings you have given us, and let us adopt a thankful, grateful attitude every day, no matter what comes our way. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Analyze your heart. Do you struggle with a spirit of entitlement? What can you do right now to determine if you are struggling with this false spirit? Further Reading:Psalm 100:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The angels’ proclamation of Jesus’ birth still matters today because it announces lasting peace, living hope, and a Savior for all people. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s glory broke into ordinary life, calling us to see Jesus personally, share His good news boldly, and live in worshipful praise. Highlights The heavenly host announced Jesus’ birth with glory, joy, and peace for the world. God chose ordinary shepherds to first hear and respond to the greatest news in history. Seeing Jesus personally is essential—faith is not inherited, it’s encountered. The shepherds immediately shared what they had witnessed, spreading amazement and hope. Praise and worship naturally followed obedience and belief. The angels’ message continues to invite us into joy, proclamation, and worship today. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: What the Angels Proclaimed Still Matters By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” - Luke 2:13-14 Northern Lights, comets, planets aligning in the sky… they all catch our attention, especially for stargazers. It’s a thrilling sight to see the night sky lit up with brilliant light. As Luke 2:9-12 describes, shepherds who were quietly minding their own business, guarding their sheep, watching over their flocks, were surprised, to say the least, at what happened to them one clear, starry night long ago: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” Although one shining angel is more than enough to catch their attention, God’s great joy and delight broke through from Heaven with a great heavenly host, praising God and lighting up the earth. Why the Angel’s Proclamation Still Matters Although thousands of years ago, what the angels proclaimed on that clear starry night still matters to us today. Here are three reasons why: We each need to see the Savior for ourselves. Just as the shepherds were told to go see Jesus for themselves, it remains a divine directive that each one of us needs to follow. As written in Luke 2:15-16, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” We still need to spread the word of Jesus’ birth. Just as at His birth, there are many who do not know about Jesus unless we tell them about Him and where to find Him. As Luke 2:17-18 records, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” We are called to glorify and praise God. The angels glorified and praised God in their proclamation, an example for us to follow in celebrating His coming to earth. As Luke 2:20 describes, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” As well, John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Christmas is a time for great celebration, as demonstrated by the angels and heavenly host. The angels inspire us to spread this good news - an announcement like no other in the history of the world. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Intersecting Faith & Life: The angels’ glorious proclamation, so many years ago, remains ageless and forever relevant in Heaven and on earth. Their message doesn’t fade away or lose its impact on the world. Because what the angels proclaimed still matters, we can see, spread, and praise God through it. Further Reading: A Prayer of Celebration for Jesus’ Birth Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christmas morning can easily become about exhaustion, expectations, and excitement—but Matthew 2:10–11 reminds us that true joy is found in worshiping Jesus first. By intentionally centering Christmas morning on Christ, families can experience deeper peace, joy, and meaning that lasts far beyond the presents under the tree. Highlights The Magi modeled Christmas worship by rejoicing, bowing, and offering their treasures to Jesus. Holiday exhaustion can distract us, but worship refocuses our hearts on what matters most. Keeping Christ central requires intentional planning, just like other Christmas traditions. Simple practices—reading Luke 2, singing hymns, or praying together—anchor the day in truth. Family traditions can joyfully point children to Jesus without removing the magic of Christmas. Reprioritizing schedules may feel uncomfortable, but it reflects the sacrificial heart of the Gospel. Honoring Jesus on Christmas morning creates opportunities to witness to others through love and example. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Emphasizing Christ on Christmas Morning By: Peyton Garland Bible Reading: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV) If we’re honest, most of us will admit that once Christmas morning arrives, we are utterly exhausted. Whether we are parents who stayed up all night putting together toys with hundreds of tiny pieces, we’ve spent the last week scrambling for last-minute gifts, or we are entertaining guests over the holiday, we have pushed our bodies to the limit. They quickly tell on us, eyes heavy, mind screaming for coffee, slippers dragging the floor. Amid this busy season, how can we ensure that Christ remains the center of Christmas morning, bringing us peace, joy, and hopeful energy far superior to our dark roast brew? How can we approach Christmastime so we enjoy all the festive traditions yet keep the manger the main thing? Thankfully, the answer isn’t a deep secret, and it’s what most of us do well, almost too well, this time of year. Planning. Conscientious, motivated planning. No doubt, we go to great detail to collaborate with friends concerning the annual tacky Christmas sweater party. We ensure that we pack and donate at least one Operation Christmas Child box per family member. We attend our little niece’s Nutcracker performance, a bouquet of festive roses in hand. We manage to balance all of the holiday’s hustle and bustle because we hold ourselves accountable to what we value most. Value Christ above all else this Christmas morning by grabbing a calendar and listing out exactly how your family will engage in holiday celebrations centered on Jesus. Invite your family to sit down with you and toss around ideas for which celebratory traditions sound best for both the children and adults. A few creative ideas include: Gathering at the dining room table to read Luke 2 before opening presents or eating Christmas breakfast/brunch. Playing Christmas hymns in the background as everyone eats breakfast. Adding a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” cake to the breakfast menu, letting everyone sing Happy Birthday to the greatest Birthday Boy in history. (I know a family who does this each Christmas, and their four children love it!) Before opening gifts, have everyone take turns sharing why Jesus remains the greatest gift in their heart and life. Placing a nativity scene at the foot of the Christmas tree before eating breakfast or opening gifts. (Placing a nativity scene at the foot of the Christmas tree is an old Catholic tradition that I learned from my husband’s family, and though my husband, son, and I are non-denominational, it is a dear tradition we honor each year.) If Santa visits your children, have Santa write a note to them, celebrating the ways they have grown in character that year while also sharing that he, too, knows that Christ is most important on Christmas Day. (Remember, little hearts that lean into magic will lean into miracles, so don’t cut the miracles short!) I pray these ideas spark creativity as you pray about and consider the Holy Spirit’s leading in how to best honor and praise Jesus on Christmas morning. But I also pray that you recognize that honoring Jesus on Christmas morning might mean you must reprioritize other things. Perhaps extended family members who typically join you for a casual Christmas breakfast at 9 can come over for a Christmas brunch at 11 (so your family has a quiet time of worship beforehand). However, if they are interested in joining your “Happy Birthday, Jesus” celebration, they can come over whenever is best for your family. Bonus: this is a great opportunity to love on your family members who aren’t believers! If your kiddos are accustomed to starting Christmas morning by seeing what Santa brought, I encourage you not to take away from that joy, but to reposition it. Explain to them ahead of time that since Christmas is about Jesus, we will celebrate Him first, then see what Santa brought. Having this conversation in advance allows little hearts to anticipate a schedule change. This gives them room to ask questions to better understand the purpose behind this new tradition. These new shifts might be uncomfortable or make little ones a bit fussy at first, but remember, the Gospel had uncomfortable beginnings, as a teenage girl gave birth among cattle and the Savior of the world was placed in a trough of prickly hay. May we truly adore Him as we sacrifice our schedules to put Him first this Christmas. Intersecting Faith & Life: Even after Christmas has passed, sit down with your family to discuss ways to continue keeping Christ the center of your days. Consider a daily family devotional or prayer time. Allow the children to include their own ideas. Further Reading:When Creating Christmas Memories Costs Your Sanity Psalm 145:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Isaiah 9:6 reveals the wonder of Christ’s birth by naming who Jesus truly is—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles invite deeper Christmas worship that goes beyond the manger and into everyday life, shaping how we trust, pray, and follow Jesus. Highlights Jesus is fully human and fully God, born as a child yet given as a Savior. Isaiah’s prophecy points to Christ’s identity, not just His arrival. Wonderful Counselor reminds us to seek Jesus for wisdom and direction. Mighty God assures us of Christ’s divine power at work in our weakness. Everlasting Father reflects God’s constant care, protection, and presence. Prince of Peace offers spiritual wholeness that steadies us in a stressed world. True Christmas worship continues year-round through trust, surrender, and awe. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: How to Worship Through the Wonder of Christ’s BirthBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6, NIV Imagine getting a gift so incredible, so mind-blowing, that you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you gasp, maybe you cry, or maybe you just sit there, speechless. The people who learned about Jesus Christ’s birth on the first Christmas must have felt overwhelmed like that after learning that God had given the world the ultimate gift of a Savior. Hundreds of years before the first Christmas, the prophet Isaiah described that gift – including awe-inspiring titles for Jesus that point to his future work in the world: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 invites you to worship through the wonder of Christ’s birth. The first part of the verse, “to us a child is born, to us a son is given,” focuses on the humanity of Jesus. He was a real baby, born to a real mother, experiencing real life. This part may be the easiest for you to connect with, because it’s personal and comforting. The titles that follow challenge you to move beyond seeing Jesus just as a baby in a manger, but as the powerful Son of God who saves and transforms you. Those titles show you how you can worship Christ in every single area of your life: Wonderful Counselor: When you need God’s guidance for your decisions, you can ask Jesus and get the help you need. He isn’t just a good adviser; he’s a wonderful one. Christ can give you wisdom that cuts through the confusion of life in this fallen world and shows you the best path forward by walking with you as your personal guide. So, worship him by bringing your hardest decisions and deepest confusion to him with the trust that he will help you move forward well. Mighty God: This title removes all doubt about Christ’s divinity. Jesus is much more than just a powerful messenger or a great teacher; he is God himself, who came to Earth to personally save humanity. Christ is mighty – he has unlimited power that he uses for good, loving purposes to redeem what has been broken by sin in the world. When you feel powerless or overwhelmed by a challenge, worship Jesus by relying on his mighty strength to help you overcome that challenge. Everlasting Father: This title speaks to how Christ protects you and provides for you, like a good father does. While Jesus is God’s Son, he is also fully God, because he has perfect unity with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is part of the Heavenly Father who cares so well for you every day of your life. So, when you feel lonely or vulnerable, you can worship him by resting in his eternal, unchanging care. Prince of Peace: Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it’s a spiritual wholeness that puts everyone and everything in creation in harmony with the Creator – which is what Christ does. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, gives you ultimate peace with God through his sacrifice for your sins. In this fallen world that’s full of stress, you can worship Christ by accepting the peace he offers, which is strong enough to help you overcome any challenges you face. Jesus is so much more than just a baby born in Bethlehem. When you worship Christ as he’s described in Isaiah 9:6, you can’t help but be filled with overwhelming feelings of awe. Those feelings will inspire you to discover the wonder of God’s work in your life every day. True Christmas worship is something you can practice every day of the year, by seeking wisdom from the Counselor, finding strength in the Mighty God, resting in the Everlasting Father, and trusting the Prince of Peace to help you be calm and confident. Look at all Christ really is, and celebrate with wonder! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how to worship through the wonder of Christ’s birth, reflect on these questions: Which of Christ's titles (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace) do you personally need to focus on most this week, and why? What major decisions are you facing right now, and how can you trust Jesus to be your Wonderful Counselor for how to move forward well? The “child is born” that Isaiah 9:6 mentions is also the “Mighty God” it mentions. How does that change the way you approach prayer? What worries can you hand over to the Everlasting Father, with trust that he will meet your needs in those situations? Who can you forgive this week to worship Christ as the Prince of Peace by forgiving others as he has forgiven you? Further Reading:Matthew 1:23John 14:6Philippians 4:7Colossians 1:15-17Hebrews 13:8 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.