The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

Standing firm in your faith isn’t always applauded — sometimes it costs you deeply. In this episode, we talk about the pain of facing opposition from those closest to us and the tension between defending our beliefs and guarding our hearts.
When family members mock or reject our faith, the temptation is to respond with anger, silence, or distance. But the gospel calls us to something higher: compassion instead of offense, prayer instead of retaliation, and trust instead of control.
The truth? No one is too far gone for God’s reach — not your skeptical friend, not your resistant sibling, not even the person who hurt you most.
What We Discuss
Why opposition from family hurts differently

The danger of treating loved ones like arguments to win

How bitterness quietly builds walls

Why salvation isn’t powered by persuasion

What Epistle to the Romans 5 teaches about God’s initiating love

How to pray effectively for those who reject your faith

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:
No One Is Too Far Gone for God’s Reach
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8, NASB
My convictions were just too strong to stay silent on that Facebook post. I knew it was a controversial topic, but I didn’t think my own family would turn on me and lash out because of my beliefs. As a Christian, there are times when I need to stand up for what is right, and just like countless times before, I was left to stand alone to be ridiculed for my faith in God and His Holy Word… I just didn’t think my own brother would be the one to hurt me the most with his callous words. Often, the wounds cut deeper when it is those closest to us who wield the sword at us. In that moment, instead of finding the comfort and understanding of my family, the harsh reality that my brother was a lost soul began to set in. I wanted to become angry and lash back, but my heart was much too heavy at the thought that he would spend eternity in hell.
When we meet opposition regarding sharing our faith, it is very easy to become offended at those who mock or push back; perhaps our first instinct is to turn our backs on them or set it in our heart to never discuss the Lord around them ever again. Instead of bitterness or offense towards those who might not agree with our beliefs, we should have compassion on them because, at one time, before Christ saved us, we too were enemies of God and lost. Even if our unsaved friends and family hurt us, these situations should truly drive us to our knees to pray for our lost loved ones. We have to ask the Lord to help us keep our hearts from resentment or offense that would drive a wedge between us or even tempt us to burn a bridge. The Lord is so faithful to fill us up with love for the unlovable. We, too, were the unlovable ones, but God lavished His love upon the cross.
Romans 5 is a powerful chapter in the book of Romans, and in verse 8, we are reminded of God’s great love for us:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NASB)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die for sinners. Not only should this truth cause us to rejoice in the gift of our own salvation, but it should fill our hearts with so much hope that God’s mercy is available to those whom we love. We have to rest in the Lord’s sovereignty and remember that His ways are higher; No amount of persuasive, articulate words of man’s wisdom can save them - the power of salvation is found in the gospel
We have to be careful not to look at our lost loved ones as an argument to win, but a soul that the Lord is more than able to save and rescue from sin and death. If we personally cannot reach them with our words of truth, we can pray that the Lord may bring someone else who could share the gospel with them. Do you long for your family and friends to know God as you do? Does it often feel impossible to get through to them regarding the things of God? Do not lose heart, and continue to pray for their eyes to be opened.
Ask the Lord to begin to prepare their heart to receive His grace to believe that Jesus is the only way to true forgiveness and eternal life. God loves them so much because He created them. Let us have hope that those who seem unreachable can be reached by God Almighty. His grace draws sinners to repentance, and if you are a believer, you are living proof of that. No one is too far gone for His arm to rescue!
Further Reading:
1 John 4:9-10
Ephesians 1:6-8
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The most damaging words we hear are often the ones we say to ourselves. Negative self-talk—phrases like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m a failure”—can quietly shape how we see our worth. Over time, those words begin to feel like truth.
But Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 15:4 that our words hold power: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” While this verse certainly applies to how we speak to others, it also applies to how we speak to ourselves. God never intended for our internal dialogue to crush our spirit.
Highlights
Negative self-talk often stems from comparison and unmet expectations

Internal words can wound as deeply as spoken ones

Awareness is the first step in silencing harmful self-criticism

God’s Word offers life-giving truth to replace destructive thoughts

Speaking to ourselves with kindness reflects God’s grace toward us

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:
Ending the Toxic Cycle of Negative Self-Talk
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).
As someone who struggles with negative self-talk, it is hard not to speak badly about myself. Growing up, I could never measure up to my sisters in skill or ability, and even in the present day, I still feel that I fall short. I’m not a gifted speaker, writer, or artist like my family members, and this makes me feel insecure.
My eldest sister was a pro at basketball, and my dad loved watching her play. She was also great at drawing various creatures, including Pokémon, as they were her favorite. My other older sister is a master at writing, crafting stories, creating artwork, and playing the piano. My mom used to praise her splendid piano concertos and art assignments.
I tried my best at art, music, and sports, but I was never good enough. I simply couldn’t measure up. There was no praise, encouragement, or someone cheering me on from the sidelines. This left me feeling completely worthless, which led to the start of negative self-talk.
A few days ago, I was sitting in my primary care doctor’s office when my doctor asked me why I was so glum. I didn’t want to go into detail with him about recent events that led me back to the same feelings of worthlessness. I chose to look at the white and blue checked floors as he went through a depression screening with me. As someone with clinical depression, I’m no stranger to these screenings; however, I had never scored so high as I did at that appointment.
I left the office with a new prescription and a referral to restart therapy, but I did not feel hopeful. On the drive home, I told myself, “I’m just not good enough,” and “I’m a failure.” Anytime we are condescending, hurtful, or mean to ourselves, we are practicing negative self-talk.
When I was in therapy years ago, my therapist asked me to name an adult figure in my life who had been supportive of me. My first thought was my grandma; I called her Mawmaw. My therapist asked me to think of a time when Mawmaw was proud of me. After thinking for a few minutes, my mind flashed back to when my Mawmaw told me I was good at making other people laugh and smile. Her warm smile filled my heart, and I finally felt like I was good at something.
To stop negative self-talk thoughts, we are going to have to dig deep. I didn’t remember the words of my Mawmaw right away, yet after searching for them, I finally knew I could heal. Negative self-talk can eat away at us, yet we must become aware of its voice. Once we start naming negative self-talk and addressing it, we will notice the voice grow quieter.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Bible tells us, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). Whenever we are tempted to start talking badly about ourselves, we need to reflect on this passage. While many people think Proverbs 15:4 is only referring to our communication with others, it also includes the way we communicate with ourselves.
By following Proverbs 15:4, we will begin to speak kindly to ourselves. It might sound cliché, but it is important to talk to ourselves as we would talk to a friend. We wouldn’t make mean or derogatory remarks to our friends; therefore, we don’t need to talk to ourselves in this manner. We need to use our words to build ourselves up rather than tearing ourselves down (Ephesians 4:29).
As you navigate life more positively, remember to end the cycle of negative self-talk. Avoid comparing yourself to others or thinking negatively about yourself because of how others have treated you. Focus on what God says about you in the Bible, memorize Bible passages, and reflect upon His love when you are struggling.
Stopping comparison and blotting out unhelpful comments can make a world of difference. How might you start taking Proverbs 15:4 to heart today? What would your self-talk look like if you started being kinder to yourself?
Further Reading:
Mark 12:30-31
Psalm 139:13-16
Ephesians 2:10
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We all make plans. Career goals. Ministry dreams. Personal ambitions. There’s nothing wrong with vision and drive—but Proverbs 16:9 gently reminds us who truly directs the path: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
God often plants desires within us long before we see how they will unfold. The key is not striving to force the outcome, but surrendering the process to the Holy Spirit. When we move forward prayerfully, seek wise counsel, and stay attentive to God’s nudges, He positions us exactly where we need to be—sometimes in ways that exceed what we imagined.
Highlights
God often plants dreams in our hearts before revealing the path forward

Prayer and discernment are essential before taking the next step

Wise counsel helps confirm whether a desire aligns with God’s will

Success is evidence of God’s guidance, not merely our effort

The Holy Spirit leads faithfully when we move step by step in obedience

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 the Spirit Guide Your Steps
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” - Proverbs 16:9
Many years ago, I began to sense in my heart that God wanted me to become a literary agent. This was in addition to my career as an author, and I wanted to help fellow authors get their work into the hands of audiences. However, I had no clue how to get started. One day, I was talking with my husband on a long drive. He asked me what I would do with my life if I weren't an author.
Immediately, I blurted out, “I want to be a literary agent.” After I realized the weight of what I had said, we talked it through. He asked me to speak with my agent regarding the steps in that regard. I had a conversation with my agent, and in a few short months, he had signed me to his agency.
Although I was excited about this new venture, I was still unsure whether I was qualified or even had the business sense to do the task. Although there were no books or manuals on how to become a literary agent, I knew that if I listened to the Holy Spirit, He would guide me step by step.
I have now been with the agency for eight years. Of the 130 books sold, almost 1/4 are my deals. It is shocking to think that I have made that many deals in the eight short years that I've worked for him. Yet when God has nudged me, and I have used my gift of discernment and wisdom to sign a client or shop around their deals, God has placed their work in the right hands at the right time.
The prideful side of me can boast that I did all that on my own. But the humble (or rational) side of me understands that unless the Holy Spirit was guiding my steps, I never could have done any of that on my own.
God was good and allowed me to use my gifts and my heart to help others receive the gospel message through different genres of books and get them into the hands of readers. People are being blessed because of my diligence in working with publishers and getting authors the right deals at the right time.
As humans, we have many plans and desires. While there's nothing wrong with having goals and visions for our lives, we need to make sure those desires and dreams align with God's will. Although it is not entirely possible to know whether our desires are our own or from the Lord, it is essential to follow God's guidance step by step.
Is there an area of your life that you feel you want to take the next step, but don't know how? Do you question whether this desire God has placed on your heart is from God or from yourself?
The best way to know whether this is from God is to pray about it. Additionally, we need to surround ourselves with godly people who have been through life and are willing not only to pray for us and our triumphs but also to challenge us when we're down. If we're making a bad decision, we need to surround ourselves with people we can test these words on and know whether they're from God or from us.
A person who goes about making decisions without carefully weighing them, with those they trust, or who would have a warning from a loved one, will only make matters worse. With God, the decision they make is not irreversible. Still, it could pose a significant danger to their future if they make haphazard decisions without first allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their steps.
Father, let us be people who listen to you. Let us allow you to orient our steps. Let us take each day as an opportunity to take a baby step in faith toward what you are calling us to. Let us be people who listen to others and keep our word, so we can make all the decisions for you. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What decision do you need to make today that you need the guidance of the Spirit? What will you do to enlist his help today?
Further Reading:
Philippians 1:6
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There’s something powerful about anticipation. When you know something wonderful is ahead—a long-awaited trip, a celebration, a reunion—you carry that joy with you before it even arrives. It changes how you move through ordinary days.
Psalm 31:19 reminds us that we don’t have to manufacture excitement or engineer constant highlights to feel hope. God already has good stored up for His children. His goodness isn’t random, fragile, or dependent on our planning. It is abundant, intentional, and secure.
The beauty of faith is this: even when we cannot see the details of what’s ahead, we know the character of the One who holds tomorrow. And that is more than enough reason for joy.
Key Scripture
“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” — Psalm 31:19
Highlights
Anticipation shapes our perspective—even before the blessing arrives

God’s goodness isn’t limited to heaven; He blesses us here and now

Our plans are fragile, but God’s promises are faithful

We can hold joy in the unknown because we know God’s character

The goodness God has stored up surpasses what we could imagine for ourselves

Intersecting Faith & Life
Are you constantly trying to create something to look forward to?

What would change if you truly believed that God already has good ahead for you?

Today, shift your hope from circumstances you control to the character of the God who controls tomorrow.

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:
The Goodness of God That Awaits You
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. - Psalm 31:19
I don’t desire to be surprised much anymore. Not in specific ways like I once did, anyway. I used to have this dream of being suddenly and spontaneously whisked away on a tropical getaway. With bags pre-packed, child-care pre-planned, and every detail prepared. That is, until I went on enough planned vacations and experienced all the extra enjoyment that’s front-loaded in the anticipation of the known good to come. Think about it. It’s extremely hard to get excited about something awesome you have no idea is about to happen. But if you know the grand plan that’s ahead, you can hold great hope. You can even make it through the mundane and monotonous moments of life while your eyes feast on the beauty and sparkle that dangle in front of you.
And for this reason, I’ve been overly guilty of always attempting to have something fun planned in order to consistently have something to look forward to. But honestly, I’m not super proud of this heart posture. And here’s why. I know God is good. I know he has given me good on this very day. I know he is faithful and will continue to show up with good gifts in every single season of my life. And so I know I should be holding tighter to these truths.
How about you? Do you like surprises? Or would you prefer to know what’s coming so you can enjoy the anticipation? Maybe you’ll take either, you just like any reason to smile and celebrate. I get that too.
Well, what if we could approach every day like we know vacation is coming tomorrow? What if we knew that what was ahead was going to be fantastic and full of blessings? And what if I told you, it’s true. Because it is. The Bible promises that God has good in store for us, for those who love him.
There is indeed beauty and sparkle ahead. We can be confident in that. We can get excited about that. Because it most definitely and abundantly is true. I know you can’t always see and perceive it. But honestly, I can’t actually see the exact sweetness that will show up in my upcoming vacations either. I can dream up scenarios. But to be honest, sometimes it’s not as good as what I dreamed of. My human hopes are flimsy and fallible, and they fail me. And whatever you can create or plan or try to control to your liking is unreliable and lacks certain goodness, too. But our faith shouldn’t be in the good we can manifest and make happen; our faith should be in the unfailing goodness of our mighty and good God.
And what’s amazing about God is that what he has in store is even better than what we have dreamed up. Because His plans and ways are good and perfect and always more full of blessing than ours. So we can stay excited in the unknown because of what is known. For those of us who love God, he has good in store. An abundance of good. And not just in heaven—though that is our ultimate hope and joy—but he also has blessings to bestow in our sight here on earth. This is a promise worth getting excited about today and every day.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Instead of becoming consumed with constantly creating exciting circumstances, or demanding and dictating our own ideal situations, we can set our hope-filled hearts and hold a joy-filled faith in God’s goodness. We can hold hope and joy that an awesome tomorrow is coming. And then another and another. Because our good God is awesome. And he has abundant and good things stored up for you who love him, for you he loves.
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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It doesn’t take long to notice the darkness in our world. Tragedy, injustice, division—it can feel constant and overwhelming. We’re often told that to care deeply means to sit in the darkness indefinitely. But Jesus gives a different calling in Matthew 5:14–16: we are the light of the world.
Key Scripture
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16
Highlights
Christians are called to acknowledge darkness without dwelling in it

God’s kingdom—marked by peace, joy, and love—is a greater reality than despair

“Prophetic imagination” helps us envision renewal where others see only ruin

A small light can dispel great darkness when we carry Christ’s presence faithfully

Being light is not about prominence or power—it’s about faithful presence

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:
Children of God, Children of Light
By Deidre Braley
Bible Reading:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16
It is easy to see the darkness in our world—that is no earth-shattering statement. We live in a world where terrible things happen, and where it is expected that we dwell in the darkness in the name of empathy. We are told that it is hypocrisy and a privilege to look away, and so we stare into it until it engulfs us too. We think this is what it means to “mourn with those who mourn.” We think this is love.
But as children of God, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the darkness, and even to address it, without allowing it to swallow up the Light to which we belong. We are not powerless victims in the face of darkness. We are image-bearers of a King who reigns with peace, and joy, and love. It is hard to believe, but these are an even more powerful reality than the darkness. And it is our job to speak of—and live within!—this reality in a way that illuminates every place where the kingdom of God is already in our midst here on Earth. This is not toxic positivity—this is what biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann calls our prophetic imagination, which is our ability to engage with God’s power and potential for newness. It is to live within the expansive mind of God, rather than the closed reality of this world.
Henri Nouwen puts it this way:
People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it. They claim that the light that shines in the darkness can be trusted more than the darkness itself and that a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness. They point each other to flashes of light here and there, and remind each other that they reveal the hidden but real presence of God.
The Return of the Prodigal Son, p. 117
As Jesus said, we are the light of the world. This is not to say that, as children of God, we are superior, or that we deserve platforms and prominence and loudspeakers and political power. It is to say that we carry a flame inside our spirits that was given to us by the Spirit, and that it is our job to bring it into every place we set foot and to say, “Here. I know it is dark. But come now, I have a little light. And a little light goes a long way.” It is to use our prophetic imagination to spin a picture of renewal in places where, right now, it seems too dark to see.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
I once had an employer who said, “Don’t come to me with a problem just to complain. Come to me with a solution, and then we’ll have something to work with.”
I think of this often whenever I spend time on social media, where it seems that people are shouting about problems without offering even a whisper of a solution. As people of the Light, we were made to rush toward the darkness not so we can stay and ruminate in it—but rather, to illuminate it.
Admittedly, it’s easier said than done. In truth, the dark sometimes feels very dark. In times when we struggle to believe that the light is more powerful than the dark, or that the light even exists at all, here is a helpful prayer to try:
Lord,
Right now, the dark feels very dark. Please help me to see what’s in front of me through the lens of your imagination. Show me where newness is possible. Let me see what you’re doing here, and sharpen my perception of your kingdom in our midst. Help me to see the light. Help me to be the light.
Amen.
Further Reading:
John 8:12
2 Corinthians 4
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
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