The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

What if your deepest longing wasn't for a better life on earth, but for your true home with Christ? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on John 14:2, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for those who belong to Him. While this world offers temporary joys and inevitable hardships, our ultimate hope is found in the eternal home Christ has prepared for us.
The more we fix our hearts on heaven, the less we become consumed by the fleeting treasures of this world. An eternal perspective reshapes our priorities, strengthens our faith through suffering, and reminds us that our greatest joy is not found in earthly comforts but in the promise of being forever with Jesus.
Highlights:
Discover how John 14:2 reminds believers that Jesus is preparing an eternal home for His followers.
Learn why longing for heaven strengthens our hope during seasons of suffering and uncertainty.
Be encouraged to treasure Christ above the temporary comforts and distractions of this world.
Understand how an eternal perspective transforms your priorities and daily decisions.
Reflect on Jesus' call to store up treasures in heaven rather than earthly possessions.
Find renewed joy by remembering that your true home is with Christ forever.
Join the Conversation
How often do you think about heaven and the promise of being with Jesus? What is one way you can live today with a greater focus on eternity rather than temporary circumstances? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Longing for Heaven
By Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
“In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2 ESV).
In the fourteenth chapter of John, Jesus told His followers He was leaving them to prepare a place for them and that He would return and take them with Him so that they would always be with Him. He called this place that He was preparing a mansion with many rooms, and, in my understanding of Scripture, Jesus might’ve downplayed it a little about what truly awaits us in this place He’s preparing for us.
I wonder if we really think about His promise to return, and if what awaits us in heaven is really impacting our lives and our longings.
I once heard an author and speaker say that our frustration—at heartache, pain and suffering, struggling to attain perfect love, and even striving for a more fulfilling relationship with God—is to be expected because “this life on earth is not the way it was supposed to be. Our former address was Paradise.”
When my husband, Hugh, visited the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea several years ago, he observed something peculiar and wonderful about the Iteri people. These tribesmen, in a church established years earlier by American missionaries, were a people obsessed with heaven. When my husband—an American man who was schooled in the knowledge of the Scriptures—came to speak at the little Iteri church, the natives bombarded him with questions, but not about doctrines or dispensations, interpretations, or translations. They wanted to know more about heaven.
Lon, the American missionary to the Iteri people, attempted to explain to my husband the people’s particular obsession with eternity. Because the Iteri people dealt with so much suffering, saw so many of their loved ones die, and had such a high mortality rate there in the jungle, the life to come was all they really cared about.
When I heard that, I thought about how it must touch our Creator’s heart to know that, somewhere in this world, some of His loved ones truly long to be home.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
When my husband recounted the Iteri’s questions to me, my heart grieved over my own contentment with this earth, to the detriment of my longing for heaven. Why isn’t heaven all I think about? Why do I not long more to be in the presence of my Savior, to be away from the pain and the temporary and the often meaninglessness of this world, and to be complete and whole, and by His side as I was created to be? In what ways have I grown too comfortable in this world and forgotten that my real home is in heaven? What cheap substitutes for heaven have I settled for?
In Colossians 3:1-2, we are instructed, as followers of Christ, to seek the things above—in heaven—where Christ is, and to set our minds on things above, not on things that are on earth. And in Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Those are commands and exhortations to be eternally minded, to be preoccupied with heaven, and to set our hearts and our desires there for the health of our souls, for proper order of our values, and for our inexplicable joy.
Oh, to have a longing to be with the Maker of my soul… to long for Him as much as He longs for me. It’s clear to me today that my longing for Heaven is directly proportionate to my longing for Christ.
Lord, give me a longing for the day I will be in perfect communion with You – no distractions, no other loves to steal my heart away, just You and me. For eternity.
Further Reading:
Revelation 21:1-4
For more on gaining a heart for heaven, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a calling, uncertain about the future, or afraid you weren't enough? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Deuteronomy 31:8, where God promises to go before His people, remain with them, and never leave or forsake them. His presence doesn't always remove our fears—but it gives us the courage to move forward in faith.
Just as Joshua was called to lead Israel into the Promised Land, we often face assignments that feel bigger than our abilities. Yet God never calls us to walk alone. He goes before us, prepares the way, provides what we need, and faithfully holds us through every challenge. Our confidence is not found in our own strength, but in the God who never lets go.
Highlights:
Discover how Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us that God goes before us and never abandons His children.
Learn why God's presence gives us courage even when we feel inadequate or afraid.
Be encouraged to trust that God equips those He calls to fulfill His purposes.
Understand how Joshua's story points to the confidence we can have in God's faithfulness today.
Reflect on how fear loses its power when we remember God is already preparing the way.
Find peace knowing your future rests in God's hands—not your own abilities.
Join the Conversation
Where is God asking you to trust Him in a situation that feels bigger than you? How does His promise to never leave or forsake you give you confidence to take the next step? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
How God’s Presence Strengthens Our Faith
By Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deut. 31:8, NIV
When first invited to podcast, I wrestled with God for some time. I wondered why anyone would want to listen to me when there are so many other great podcasts from which they can choose. What if I was boring or ran out of things to say? But my biggest concern was that I’d make a fool of myself. I’d spoken to live audiences numerous times. People I could look in the face and respond to their cues. But speaking into a computer screen? Learning about all the technological elements felt a bit overwhelming. The more I prayed on this, however, the more the Lord made it clear that this opportunity came from Him. And that changed everything, because I knew, deep in my soul, when God assigns, He always provides everything we need to do all that He asks. More importantly, I also knew He would remain with me each step of my journey.
Although that didn’t remove my insecurity, it gave me the courage to step into something that’s brought satisfaction and a lot of precious, prayerful moments with the Lord.
Now, I realize my situation was nothing like Joshua’s. God gave this warrior-commander a massive assignment—to lead ancient Israel, a challenging group to say the least, into the Promised Land, an area occupied by powerful people groups with organized armies, living in fortified cities.
And Moses, the man who had led them through many frightening situations in the forty years prior and who spoke with the Almighty face-to-face, wouldn’t accompany him.
But Joshua wouldn’t be alone. The Lord would remain with him.
He promised to go before Joshua—charting the way, removing what would hinder God’s purpose, and preparing him for everything he’d encounter.
He also went ahead of His people in the sense that He’d already provided the blessing Joshua and the people needed to possess. Again, God had already given them the land, but they still had to actively take hold of it. They had to cross the Jordan River and engage in battle, but would do so from a place of victory.
The Lord would never leave or forsake them. In the original Hebrew, one could phrase this as, “He will never turn His back on you, and He will never release His grip on your life.”
He’s made that same promise to you.
Intersecting Life & Faith:
God is always moving closer, especially when you feel overwhelmed, insecure, or afraid, and He always keeps you locked in His loving gaze.
That is why we don’t have to feel discouraged or afraid.
Discouragement often rises when we realize something is beyond our control, and we lack the strength, clarity, or ability to fix whatever stands before us. But according to today’s verse, that will never be the case. We always have the power, presence, and provision of the Almighty Creator God with us. He goes before us, works within us, stands behind us, and surrounds us with His all-encompassing love.
Fear often follows discouragement—it’s the what-if scenarios that flood our minds when we think about our sense of powerlessness.
Faith grows when we remember that we’re not alone, nor must we navigate our problems on our own. We are always held, helped, protected, and empowered by the One who remains with us, fights for us, and has already secured our victory—your victory!—through His death and resurrection.
This weekend, when stress or anxiety rise, pause and reflect on today’s verse. Let it remind you that your safety and future don’t rest on your ability to figure things out—God goes before you, remains with you, and faithfully leads you on the best path for your life. Remind yourself that your success and safety aren’t up to you. God’s got you. He’ll never turn His back or release His strong yet gentle grip on your life.
And, if you’d like additional encouragement, I invite you to download my free resource: When Fear Hits: a 7-Day Reset for Anxious Hearts. Find it on my website’s freebie page. And may you live with the confidence and courage of one who is chosen, called, and empowered by the Almighty.
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Joshua 1:1-9
Exodus 23:20
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What do you treasure most? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 19:21-22 and Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler. While God graciously gives us family, security, careers, and countless blessings, none of those gifts are meant to replace the Giver. Jesus calls us to hold every earthly treasure with open hands so our hearts remain fully devoted to Him.
God's kingdom is worth more than anything this world can offer. When we recognize Christ as our greatest treasure, following Him becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant sacrifice. As we invest our lives in what lasts forever, we discover the peace, joy, and eternal hope that only Jesus can provide.
Highlights:
Discover why Matthew 19:21-22 challenges us to examine what we treasure most.
Learn how even good gifts can become idols when they take God's rightful place.
Be encouraged to pursue eternal treasures that cannot be taken away.
Understand why following Jesus is always a greater gain than anything we leave behind.
Reflect on how your time, attention, and priorities reveal what your heart values most.
Find lasting joy by making Christ your greatest treasure above every earthly possession.
Join the Conversation
What is one thing you find yourself holding onto most tightly? How can you surrender it to God and trust that He is your greatest treasure? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
The Treasure Worth Everything
By Sarah Frazer
Bible Reading:
The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” - Matthew 19:21-22 (ESV)
One morning, while walking my dog, I slowed down to go around a curve. Walking slower allowed my thoughts to shift to the morning sun peaking over the mountains. It was a sweet moment of quiet, peace, and gratitude. I was so thankful to the Lord for all of the good things in my life, the things I still had that were of great value.
I started listing the relationships, the comfort, and the security God had provided for my family and me after a few years of upheaval and heartache. Those things, as I meditated on them, are wonderful, certainly they are gifts from God, but as I read the Gospel of Matthew, I realized those things can also quietly take center place in my life.
None of those gifts from God is bad, but they can have the tendency to feel more important than God Himself. I think we can be thankful for the gifts of family, protection, and financial stability. But after reading Jesus’ words in Matthew, there is also a warning. We need to remember that what we treasure most has a way of shaping our hearts.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (ESV)
Jesus isn’t just talking about money or possessions, but anything that would take our hearts away from God. In those verses, we see the value of eternal things, instead of earthly things. The two things that will last forever are God's Word and people. The things we invest our time, energy, and attention into reveal what we believe will last.
Do we believe that eternity is coming? We can start now, focusing our minds, our hearts, and our actions on things that will last beyond our years here on earth. It is easy to focus on earthly things because we can see those things, and God’s rewards, God’s treasures, are often unseen.
If we could see the value of what God is offering to us, as believers, I think we would do as the man does in Matthew 13:44. Jesus tells his followers, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (ESV) God’s kingdom, the eternal things, are worth more than everything we could accumulate here in this lifetime.
Notice that the man sells everything, not out of obligation, but because of joy. God’s kingdom is not a loss; it is a gain beyond comparison. This man found something better, and we, too, can have these things. God’s kingdom offers us peace (Philippians 4:7), joy (John 15:10, and true life (John 10:10).
So what holds us back? Why do we hesitate? I think the answer can be found later in Matthew when a rich young ruler asks Jesus a question in Matthew 19:16, “Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus tells him about the law, but then says that to be truly perfect, the rich man had to sell all of his things and give his money to the poor.
The man walked away because something else was better than Jesus. The lesson for us is not to sell all of our things to follow Jesus – the command from Jesus to this man revealed the man’s heart. He couldn't let go of his wealth, and Jesus knew that.
Sometimes the things we treasure most can become the very things that keep us from fully trusting God. Only you know your heart, but God also knows. We treasure things like control, comfort, money, routine, and even our image. Those things are not bad, but when they keep us from following, that’s where we are invited to change. God invites us to depend on Him, not these things.
God isn’t trying to take away the good things in our lives, but He is reminding us that He is something better – following Him will always lead to things that will last. Jesus is the true treasure. At the end of this conversation, Jesus says we will “inherit” eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) Jesus is our treasure! The more we see the beauty of Christ, the more everything else begins to take its proper place.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What am I holding onto most tightly right now? Does it reflect what I truly believe is most valuable? The treasure of knowing God is worth more than anything this world can offer. And when we begin to see that clearly, we don’t have to force ourselves to let go. We simply begin to open our hands—trusting that what He gives is far better than anything we leave behind.
Further Reading:
Colossians 3:2
Philippians 3:8
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Hebrews 11:24-26
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What if the greatest blessing God offers isn't more success, more possessions, or more recognition—but a heart that is truly content? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Ecclesiastes 5:19 and discover that contentment is one of God's greatest gifts. While the world encourages constant comparison and striving, God invites us to rest in the unshakable joy found in Christ.
True fulfillment isn't found in having what someone else has. It's found in recognizing God's goodness, embracing His provision, and enjoying the life He has entrusted to us. When we stop measuring our worth by the world's standards, we begin to experience the peace and joy that only God can provide.
Highlights:
Discover why Ecclesiastes 5:19 describes contentment as a gift from God.
Learn how comparison steals joy and keeps us chasing what can never satisfy.
Be encouraged to find your identity and worth in Christ instead of worldly success.
Understand how gratitude transforms ordinary moments into reminders of God's goodness.
Reflect on the difference between striving for approval and resting in God's provision.
Find lasting peace by embracing the life God has given rather than longing for someone else's.
Join the Conversation
Where do you find yourself comparing your life to others? How can you choose contentment and gratitude in Christ instead of striving for what the world says you need? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Finding the Ultimate Blessing
By Kelly Balarie
Bible Reading:
“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” – Eccl. 5:19 NIV
Walking around the soccer field, I observed the soccer moms. We looked the same. Puffer jackets. White shoes. Wild.
I bought these clothes hoping to look good. Maybe, they too, wanted to look good. Maybe, they too, saw images of what moms should look like flash up on social media… Apparently, I wasn’t alone. We all clicked the “buy now” button.
The moms walked past me on the concrete sidewalk – did they also unconsciously ask themselves the same thing as me? Namely, am I enough?
One woman’s shoes? They were newer than mine.
Another woman? She had the cutest fleece jacket.
Her car? Newer.
Sure, I knew these women looked good on the outside, but how did they feel on the inside?
I honed in on a woman’s face. Was she happy? Not really..
I knew better than anyone that superficiality breeds insecurity. Why? Because one can never match up; someone else always has something better, is prettier, is richer. What a waste of time…
This endless pursuit of wastefulness is not my inheritance in Christ Jesus.
God has better for me.
Contentment is God’s best portion for me: The resolute knowing that what He gave me is good. The understanding that I already have more than enough in Christ. The realization that competition and striving never end. The joy found in a day well done. The hope gleaned in a relationship worked out. The powerful steadiness of peace that can’t be shaken.
My abundant portion in Christ Jesus is unshakeable and unbreakable. You, my friend, as a believer in Christ, have this same portion too!
Solomon, the wisest man ever, summed up contentment in one sentence. He says, “Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” (Eccl. 5:19 NIV)
Contentment is a gift. To accept our lo… To be happy… To be able to enjoy…
This is a gift from God that the world can never steal.
Our greatest gift is not having what our neighbor has, nor is it looking the same, or one-upping someone else. It is not getting more, looking better, being wiser, or having something we have always wanted.
God’s truest gift for us? It is the simple things. It is delighting in the face of a child eating a lemon. It is appreciating the car you own and the music it plays. It is relishing in the growth of your own garden. It is knowing He is with you. It is liking and appreciating little, but special things.
It is joy, cultivated. No one can compete against that!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Where might you be striving and working hard to prove your worth? Where do you try to present yourself as more than you are? How do you try to fit in, rather than allow yourself to stand out?
Striving is hard work; resting is contentment.
What would it look like for you to give up all this striving in exchange for true, joyful resting in Christ Jesus?
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How are you using the gifts, time, and opportunities God has entrusted to you? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we reflect on Matthew 25:21 and Jesus' parable of the talents, reminding us that every resource, ability, and moment of our lives is an opportunity to glorify God. Faithful stewardship isn't measured by the size of what we've been given, but by our willingness to use it for His Kingdom.
As followers of Christ, we have been called to live with an eternal perspective. Our time, talents, finances, relationships, and daily work all become acts of worship when they are surrendered to God. One day, every believer longs to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Living faithfully today prepares us for the joy of standing before our Savior tomorrow.
Highlights:
Discover what Matthew 25:21 teaches about faithful stewardship and eternal rewards.
Learn why every gift, talent, and opportunity is entrusted to us for God's glory.
Be encouraged to view your daily responsibilities as acts of worship and service.
Understand how keeping an eternal perspective changes the way you spend your time and resources.
Reflect on the difference between worshiping God and allowing worldly pursuits to become idols.
Find practical encouragement to live each day with purpose, gratitude, and faithfulness.
Join the Conversation
What is one gift, talent, or opportunity God has entrusted to you that you want to steward more faithfully? How can you use it this week to glorify Him and serve others? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/
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Full Transcript Below:
Stewarding All God Has Given Us
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21, ESV).
It’s a sobering thought for all of us that one day we will stand before the throne of God and be judged for how we lived our lives here on earth. For believers who are in Christ, we know our sins have been paid for by the blood of Jesus on the cross, and we stand before the judgment seat totally forgiven. Tragically, for the unbeliever, they will be held accountable for every sin they have committed against the thrice-holy God and must suffer the consequences of their rebellion; Eternal torment under the wrath of God is their sentence, and the lake of fire will be their future home.
Although the believer’s sins are no longer counted against them, they are still held accountable for the deeds they committed (or didn’t commit) for the sake of God’s Kingdom. As children of God, we are to shine brightly and reflect Him to the world. We do that by living our lives with the sole purpose of glorifying the Father; Through our good deeds, men who don’t even believe will glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). This life here on earth is a grace gift from God, and it should be our joy to thank Him by stewarding well every resource and talent we have been given.
In Matthew 25, Christ shares a parable that reveals to us how we spend our life on earth matters; Every deed is recognized, and we will be rewarded by our Master and King:
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21, ESV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
It’s often difficult to keep an eternal perspective in the midst of the mundane of life, but every moment is an opportunity to glorify Christ and continue in gratefulness and joy, no matter the task. Our life is worship unto our God. Worship is ascribing worth to something or someone; It is what you devote your time, your devotion, your affection, your finances, your heart to. If you allow yourself to really reflect on this, you will know in your heart where all those things in your life are going.
Are you paying attention to where you are giving most of your life to? If you worship anyone or anything besides God Almighty, the Bible calls those people or those things idols. And when it comes to God, He doesn’t want you to give yourself away fully to anything or anyone but Him. He’s not egotistical or prideful. He just loves us so much and wants us to see the world and people as He does. The more we behold our King, the more we become like Him and long to reflect Him to a lost and dying world, using our life: time, resources, talents, finances, and good works to point others to Him. The world needs the hope of Christ, and we are to be carriers of that message that sets the captives free and gives them life eternal in Christ alone. We want to be faithful, obedient servants to our King so that we can see His Gospel and His Kingdom advance in the earth. Do you long to hear “well done, good and faithful servant”?
May the Lord give you eyes to see many opportunities to serve Him with the life He has given you. Let us have a heart of gratitude for all the finances, time, talents, and passion that we can use to glorify His name and point others to Him. Ask the Lord to help you keep your mind fixed on eternal matters and say no to the entanglements of the world. Let us be wise with how we spend every day, making sure that everyone knows who we serve as followers of Christ. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to ignite a passion in our hearts to become a good steward of this precious life we have been given, all for God’s glory and name!
Further Reading:
Ephesians 5:15-16
1 John 2:17
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