The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

No matter how messy or complicated our story may feel, God is the one who begins, sustains, and completes the work within us. Even in seasons of wandering, failure, or doubt, His grace remains active—reshaping our hearts and drawing us closer to Him. This devotional highlights the powerful truth that we are continually being transformed, and God is faithful to finish what He started.
Highlights
God Initiates Growth: Our transformation begins with God, not our own efforts (Philippians 1:6).

Jesus Rescues: We cannot save ourselves—Christ is the one who pulls us out of sin and restores us.

Messy Testimonies Matter: Faith journeys aren’t always clean or simple, but God is still writing the story (Hebrews 12:2).

God’s Faithfulness: Even when we fall short, He remains constant and committed (2 Timothy 2:13).

Sanctification is Ongoing: Spiritual growth happens over time through Scripture, prayer, and obedience.

Renewed Mindset: The Holy Spirit transforms our thinking, helping us focus on eternal priorities.

Progress Over Perfection: God is continually shaping us into Christ’s image, step by step.

Intersecting Faith & Life
It’s easy to become discouraged when your spiritual growth doesn’t look the way you expected. But God never asked for instant perfection—He invites you into a process. Every step of obedience, every moment in Scripture, and every prayer contributes to the work He is doing in your life.
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:
You Are God’s Work in Progress
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV).
A new friend recently asked me, “Emily… how long have you known the Lord?”

I wanted to be as concise as possible but also transparent. I explained that I have been coming to grips recently that I was most likely a false convert when I was a teen into my early 20s and didn’t truly start following Christ until the summer after I graduated college. It’s the only way I can seem to make sense of the mess I lived in for six years after my profession of faith, after responding to an altar call at a youth conference.

As I walked the aisle at that church, I responded to the news that Jesus died for my sins to be forgiven then eventually ran right back into the same ditch like a dumb sheep thinking I could rely on my own works and not Christ’s finished work of the cross, and God allowed me to fail, fall, and create a home in my pit of self-righteousness and sin for six years. But thanks be to God, that wasn’t the end of my story- the Lord didn’t leave me in that pit because one day, I was rescued.
We must first remember that we cannot rescue ourselves out of a pit of sin- Jesus is the Great Shepherd who rescues His sheep. It is God who begins the work in our hearts, turning them from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, and the longer we walk with Him, the more He will continue to mold our hearts.
I don’t believe all our testimonies of coming to faith in Christ can be packaged up into a nice little box with a bow. It’s because we aren’t the author of the story- our Sovereign Lord is the author and finisher, or perfecter, of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Scripture tells us that He is faithful to complete that work that He began in us:
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:You may also have a messy and complicated testimony and cannot fully explain all of what you think the Lord was doing in your heart and when, but I can tell you that even when you have been faithless, God has been incredibly faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Even when I’m extremely dumb, hard-headed, and rebellious, He is wise, patient, and perfect on my behalf. He doesn’t give up on His children! And just as God is sovereign in salvation, He is also sovereign in our sanctification as we learn to partner with Him in our growth in Christ. He is the one who is in charge of seeing us mature on our walk with Him.
The same grace that saved us is the very same grace that keeps us and molds us into the image of Christ, each new day. We will never be perfect this side of heaven, which is why we rest in the finished work of the cross of Christ, but we should be walking in holiness little by little each passing day. One way this occurs in our lives is through studying the scriptures and other spiritual disciplines such as prayer, serving others, and consistent discipleship and evangelism. The Spirit of God guides us into all truth and convicts our hearts of sin.
The more we study the Bible and exercise spiritual discipline, the more the Holy Spirit renews our minds. This renewal of the mind helps us to think on eternal matters, and soon, worldly thinking and fleshly desires become less of a temptation for us the longer we walk with the Lord. Our behavior and attitude begin to change, and God gives us a desire to love, obey, and serve Him with fervor! From the moment of your conversion, you became God’s work-in-progress, and the greatest news of all is that He doesn’t grow weary, stressed, or exhausted with you. He will complete the work He began in you!
Further Reading:
Galatians 2:20
1 Thessalonians 5:23
2 Peter 1:2-
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When you get in the habit of asking God how he sees the situation, rather than how you perceive it, it will lead you to reflect on how your perspective changes and on the love and compassion you have for others. Reflect on Ephesians 6:12-13 today and put on the Armor of God "so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Highlights:
Our real battle is spiritual, not against people, and the enemy seeks to divide, deceive, and distract us.

Christians are called to put on the full armor of God daily: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation.

Daily Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection equip us to resist the devil’s schemes and strengthen our walk with God.

Seeking God’s perspective over our own helps us grow in compassion, grace, and Christlikeness.

Equipping ourselves with God’s armor allows us to stand firm, resist temptation, and remain close to Him in every situation.

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:
Put on the Armor of God
By: Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12-13
Churches can have their share of problems. In twenty-five years of ministry, we've seen many churches that constantly have conflict. The weekly drama can become too much for leadership to bear. The spiritual battle that Christians face can become the strongest in church settings. People who think they know better about how to run a church can drive leadership to the point of breakdown, leaving them feeling isolated and alone.
In these situations, it can be easy for a leader to see that the problem lies with the people. However, the people are not the problem. The problem is with the enemy. The enemy divides, deceives, and is against any vision for possible success or movement toward the Holy Spirit.
The above verse reminds us that this is to be expected. Christians, no matter how healthy their church is, have a battle they must fight—their battle is against the enemy. Daily, we are instructed to put on the full armor of God, which consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. When we choose to arm ourselves with these elements, we are better prepared to thwart the enemy than when our minds are cluttered with thoughts that do not align with Scripture.
Take a moment to analyze your life. Do you equip yourself with the full armor of God every day? Do you start your day by reading the Word, praying, and asking God to help you in every situation throughout the day? Do you shorten your devotional time so you can get done what's on your to-do list, forsaking the very person who can help you get through that list in the first place?
If you find you are not fully equipping yourself with God, there's hope. Start your day with half an hour in the Word of God. Read a couple of chapters each day. Journal about your thoughts on the matter. Take notes on what you read and use commentaries to study what you read. Don't just read it to check it off your to-do list. Rather, apply it to your lives, and then no area of your life will become vulnerable to Satan’s schemes.
Pray without ceasing. Every time you come into a situation you don't know how to handle, pray to God. Ask him when he would have you do that in that situation. Help him illuminate the situation with his eyes, rather than yours. When you get in the habit of asking God how he sees the situation, rather than how you perceive it, it will lead you to reflect on how your perspective changes and on the love and compassion you have for others.
When you shift your perspective from one of selfishness to treating others as if they bear the image of God, you'll become more like Christ. It will also help you grow in grace and mercy with everyone in your life.
Not only is it important to equip yourself with the armor of God every day to fight the devil’s schemes, but it is also so you can withstand the devil's plan to get you to move away from God. Satan is relentless and wants you to worship him and not God. He'll do anything to get your attention and approval. Be someone who can see right through the devil and call him to flee. When you can do this, you can not only withstand Satan's schemes, but also stand on your own two feet, planted firmly on the word of God.
Father, let us be people who equip ourselves with the armor of God so that we can be protected from the devil. Let us enter this spiritual battle with ease. Let us be equipped with the helmet of salvation and the word of God. Let us fight the greatest battles on our knees so that we can be closer to you and further away from the enemy. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What is one step you can take to equip yourself with the armor of God today? How can you make this a daily habit?
Further Reading:
James 4:7
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While our souls naturally thirst and hunger for fulfillment, only God provides true and lasting satisfaction. By beginning each prayer and request with thanksgiving, we open ourselves to receive God’s good gifts and experience the fullness He offers. This devotional emphasizes that recognizing God’s provision transforms how we perceive and receive His blessings, turning gratitude into soul-deep contentment.
Highlights
Human Need is Normal: Every person experiences longing, desire, and hunger for fulfillment.

God Fills Us: Psalm 107:9 reminds us that God satisfies our deepest needs with good things.

Power of Thanksgiving: Philippians 4:6 shows that gratitude before requests enhances God’s provision.

Mindful Acknowledgment: Giving thanks first helps us notice and accept the blessings God already provides.

Spiritual Satisfaction: Gratitude transforms our hearts, producing joy and lasting contentment.

Intersecting Faith & Life
We are designed for dependence on God, not on circumstances, people, or worldly comforts. By beginning each day in gratitude and offering thanks before presenting needs, we position ourselves to experience God’s deep satisfaction. Our hearts align with His generosity, and our souls find the fullness they crave.
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:
Gratitude to God Gratifies and Satisfies the Soul
By: Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. - Psalm 107:8-9
Sometimes I become so aware of how needy I am that I feel a sense of shame and embarrassment. But I really shouldn’t. Because the truth is, every single soul is thirsty for something. Hungry for happiness. Starving for satisfaction and gratification. We have needs, longings, and deep desires. We seek and search for fulfillment. And I don’t know about you, but too often I look to the world for fill. I lean on and depend on my circumstances and the people around me. I look to comforts, pleasures, and indulgences to provide relief from the hard and the hurt. Freedom from the challenges, the struggles, the obstacles, the busyness, all the expectations. On and on.
Do you feel a deep need? Or lots of them? Maybe you desire relief from fear. Or have a longing for peace that’s swelling in your soul. Maybe you are looking for answers or guidance. You’re lonely and praying for encouragement, connection, and community. The truth is, we all have so much need. Nonstop. Even those who don’t always notice or who aren’t aware. And need isn’t necessarily bad. God made us for dependence. But not for dependence on anything or anyone else other than him.
Psalm 107:9 says, he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. That “he” is God. It is the Lord who satisfies and fills us. And it says, with good things. Not just any random or empty thing, but good things. The question is, will we let him? The preceding verse proclaims. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. And I wonder if this upfront proclamation is on purpose. Reminding us to give thanks to the Lord first for the blessings he provides—his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds. I believe it’s intentional. I also believe that if we focused more on giving thanks to God before presenting our needs and seeming lack to him, we would see more of his provision and blessings. This same reminder is referenced in a verse you likely know. In Philippians 4:6, it states, in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. It’s the thanksgiving we need to remember. To give thanks to God every time we bring a need before him, any moment we lift up a concern, whenever we present any request to the Lord. It is our thanksgiving that can have an immense impact on how we perceive and receive the gifts of God. Do we notice and accept the satisfaction and fullness he offers? The problem is, I know I forget to do this all too often. Do you?
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Let us acknowledge our need right now. But let us begin by giving thanks to God, the giver of all good things, before we approach him with all that we are hungry and thirsty for. Let us acknowledge that he is already fulfilling our deepest desires; that he is supplying everything we really need. And let us remember to begin each day in this way. Giving thanks to him and praising him. Because he indeed does fill our lives with good things. He indeed does give gratification and swelling satisfaction for our longing souls when we offer, over and over, our gratitude and thanks to him.
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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Reflect on the enduring truth of God’s goodness, even amid life’s hardships. Using Psalm 27 as an anchor, this devotional reminds us that our outward circumstances do not determine the inward state of our hearts. By recalling God’s faithfulness, seeking intimacy with Him, and remembering His past provision, we can remain confident in His goodness today, shifting perspective from what seems lacking to what God has already provided.
Highlights
Anchor Scripture: Psalm 27 provides comfort and reassurance amid trials.

Confidence in God: Trusting God’s goodness despite external challenges renews hope.

God’s Presence: He never leaves or forsakes His children (Deut. 31:6, Isa. 41:10).

Active Remembrance: Reflecting on personal experiences of God’s care strengthens faith.

Encouragement through Music: Songs like The Goodness of God by Bethel Music can reinforce God’s faithfulness.

Intersecting Faith & Life
Life inevitably brings struggle and hardship, but God’s presence never wavers. We can cultivate hope and courage by returning to anchor scriptures, recalling God’s past faithfulness, and focusing on His goodness rather than current difficulties. Intentionally meditating on His promises and using tools like Scripture or worship music can encourage a steadfast heart even during storms.
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
By: Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” - Psalm 27:13 (NIV)
Do you have an anchor scripture or favorite passage of the Bible that you regularly return to for comfort or encouragement? I have a few, but one of my favorites is Psalm 27. I have read and reread this psalm more times than I can count. I even handwrote the full psalm in my journal because I am a writer and writers best retain information through the physical act of writing (or typing) and reading. Regardless of how I have interacted with the text, I just can’t seem to get away from this particular passage. It’s like I somehow knew these words would need to be forever etched into my heart.
Psalm 27 was written by David during one of his many flights from those who sought to take his life. Though it looked as if the deck was completely stacked against him, David determined to put his faith in the Lord for refuge and rescue. Many of the declarations he makes in this narrative are bold refutes against the temptation to despair. In verse three, he states, “though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” He continues on in verse eight to say, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
Ultimately, what David desired most was intimacy and companionship with the Lord, for that really is the only place where we can obtain true and lasting comfort. David understood that his outward circumstances did not have to dictate the inward position of his heart. The goodness of God remained even if it looked like everything around him was falling apart.
No matter your age, occupation, or geographic location, like David, life has likely thrown you some hard knocks. Unfortunately, disappointments and hardships are guaranteed in this fallen world. No one is immune. In fact, the Bible actually promises that we will encounter struggle. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).
The good news is that we are not alone in our trials. The Bible affirms that God is present and helping us through our circumstances. Our Heavenly Father promises He will never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6), He is close to those who call upon Him (Psalm 145:18), He will draw near to us when we draw near to Him (James 4:8), and He will help us and uphold us with his righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10). You can be confident that God has not left you alone in the difficulties or challenges you are facing. Sometimes, our souls just need to be reminded of God's unmovable, unfailing love.
In Psalm 27, David refuted the lie of defeat by declaring who God is, all He had already done, and the Biblical promises He has made to those who love Him. Reciting these truths and recalling times when you have personally witnessed God’s care and provision in your life helps shift your perspective from what seems to be lacking to what has been provided. In light of this fresh perspective, hope can be renewed. And it is here, in this place of confident assurance in Him, that you can look out beyond the momentary affliction you are facing and say: No matter what is going on…
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” - Psalm 27:13 (NIV)
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you have an anchor scripture you turn to again and again in times of trouble? If so, when was the last time you recited it?
One of the best ways to stir up our souls is through song. Ultimately, the psalms penned by David were meant to be sung. Music has such an incredible ability to soothe and encourage our blistered or discouraged hearts. One song that ministers to me when I need to be reminded of the abundance in my life rather than the lack is The Goodness of God by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson. Take some time to look up the lyrics or listen to this song today. May it remind you of God’s love, faithfulness, and goodness present in your life.
Further Reading:
Isaiah 41:1-20
Psalm 27
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Like the rising sun and seasonal rains, God always shows up when the moment is right. Waiting on Him is an active process—pressing on in prayer, trusting His character, and expecting renewal. When God appears, He brings deep healing, restores hope, and nourishes growth, turning barren seasons into fertile ones for spiritual flourishing.
Highlights
God’s Faithfulness: He appears as surely as the sun rises, showing reliability in every season.

Winter Rains: Symbolize deep healing, addressing spiritual dryness and preparing us for what’s next.

Spring Rains: Represent gentle renewal, refreshing our hearts and fostering growth.

Persistent Prayer: Pressing on in prayer strengthens trust and acknowledgment of God’s work.

Hope in Waiting: Seasons of waiting are not empty; they are opportunities to reflect on God’s past faithfulness.

Intersecting Faith & Life
Waiting can feel dry and discouraging, but remembering God’s consistent presence brings perspective. Just as the sun rises daily and rain nourishes the earth, God’s timing is perfect. Trusting Him in the waiting season allows for spiritual growth, renewed hope, and readiness for His arrival. Actively acknowledging God during this time strengthens faith and deepens reliance on His promises.
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:
God Will Show Up for You
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” – Hosea 6:3, NIV
After it rains, I try to go outside to take a quick walk whenever possible. I love smelling the fresh air that’s just been washed clean by the rain, and seeing how the ground around me comes to life as the rain soaks into it. Since I also love the peaceful sound of rain and how it feels when raindrops fall, I sometimes try to walk outside while it's still raining. While I’m walking, I often pray because the rain that refreshes everything around me physically inspires me to seek a fresh perspective spiritually by talking with God. I always feel renewed after walking. The answers to my prayers usually have to wait for God’s timing – and sometimes that takes much longer than I expected. But God is faithful! God always shows up with the answers when the timing is right. In the meantime, I keep seeking him.
If you’re waiting for God to answer your prayers for something you need, but it’s taken much longer than you expected to see God’s answers arrive, you may feel like God has forgotten you. You might start to wonder if prayer works and if God will actually show up for you.
This verse from the prophet Hosea encourages you that God will show up for you as reliably as the sun rises and the rain waters the earth.
You can count on God appearing whenever the time is right to meet your needs. Just like the sun always rises in the morning, and the rain always falls to water the earth, God will always show up for you.
Hosea 6:3 urges you to “press on to acknowledge” God. You can do so by continuing to seek God, to trust God’s character, and to move forward in faith, expecting God to show up when the right time comes. Praying persistently and waiting with hope will both help you press on to acknowledge God.
When God does appear, this verse says: “He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Winter rains wash away debris and soak into the ground, creating a deep reserve of water. When God shows up, he addresses the deep issues in your life, healing you from anything that’s making you spiritually dry and giving you the strength you need for what’s next. Spring rains are gentle rains that often occur during that season to nourish plants and help them grow well. When God appears, he brings you renewal and revival. Areas in your life that had been barren before will bloom because of the new life God gives you. God shows up to renew your strength and restore your hope.
So, if you’re currently in a season of waiting for God to answer your prayers about something, remember God’s past faithfulness. God has shown up for you before, and he will show up again – just like the sun will rise tomorrow morning, and rain will fall from the sky again soon.
You aren’t waiting for a God who might be too busy or too far away to help you. You’re waiting for a God who promises to appear at the right time. So, press on to pray for what you need, and to believe that God will answer your prayers. You can always trust that God will show up for you!
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider how you can trust that God will show up for you, reflect on these questions:
What is the current dry season you’re experiencing that’s making you doubt God’s faithfulness?
Hosea 6:3 says God will appear “as surely as the sun rises.” How can you plan to get up early enough to watch a sunset this week and meditate on this verse while you watch it?
In what ways do you need God to come to you like the winter rains, with deep healing that helps you prepare for what’s next?
In what ways do you need God to come to you like the spring rains, with renewal that helps you grow?
What’s one step you can take today to “press on to acknowledge him” while you wait for God’s timing?
Further Reading:
Lamentations 3:22-23
Psalm 30:5
Isaiah 40:31
Philippians 1:6
Malachi 4:2
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