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 wh

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

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.

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 rep

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 di

The first announcement of Jesus’ birth wasn’t delivered to kings or crowds—it was given to shepherds under a night sky filled with glory. Luke 2:9–12 reveals a powerful invitation to come and see the newborn Savior, reminding us that the Good News of Christmas is meant to be received personally and shared boldly. Highlights God chose ordinary shepherds to receive an extraordinary invitation. Heaven’s announcement of Jesus’ birth was marked by joy, peace, and glory. The shepherds responded immediately—moving from fear to action. Encountering Jesus naturally led them to tell others what they had seen. The Christmas story begins with an invitation and continues through sharing. Bold faith has always been central to spreading the message of Christ. 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: The Shepherds’ Invitation: Come and See By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “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.’” - Luke 2:9-12 What a terrifying, yet amazing, birth announcement, to be awoken in the middle of the night, greeted with a host of heavenly angels filling and illuminating the dark sky to tell the shepherds the Good News of Jesus’ birth, inviting them to come and see the newborn King. As written in Luke 2:13-14, “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.’” If that isn’t a royal, over-the-top, fanfare invitation, then what is? Even though the invitation startled the shepherds awake, once they recovered, they willingly accepted God’s gracious heavenly invitation to see the newborn King. As Luke 2:15-16 describes, “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.” Spreading the Word: Inviting Everyone to Come and See  After coming and seeing, Luke 2:17-18 describes what happened next, “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.” Accepting the angels’ invitation to come and see Jesus led the shepherds to spread the word by inviting everyone they met to go and see Him, too. It was a divine response from their hearts.  As well, once we see Jesus for ourselves, our hearts are moved to invite others to come and see Him, too.  Jesus Invites Everyone Jesus entered the world with an invitation, and He left us with one, too. Some of Jesus’ last words on earth are found in Mark 16:15, where He said to His followers, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” The shepherds on that first Christmas night did just that, spreading the word of His birth and coming to the earth. They also told others how to find Him, and as they did, so are we all called to tell others, too. In school, I knew Jesus, but I didn’t tell anyone, so sadly, I didn’t lead anyone around me to faith in Him.  Yet, my future husband made sure to tell everyone he met about Jesus at school, to the point that some other students who had heard about him avoided him. Even so, he still led more people to faith in Jesus than his preaching scared them away. Dr. D. James Kennedy, the late and great senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and founder of Evangelism Explosion, was known for his tremendous boldness and fearless sharing of the Gospel with everyone he met. He didn’t even second-guess sharing his faith with individuals of other religious beliefs, or let people in high-profile positions in life keep him from sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. Because of Dr. Kennedy’s fearlessness, countless souls have been invited to meet Jesus as their Savior, and countless nu

Emmanuel—“God with us”—is more than a Christmas name; it’s a lived reality for everyday decisions, uncertain transitions, and moments when courage feels thin. Rooted in Matthew 1:23, this devotional reflection highlights how God’s presence shows up faithfully in seasons of change, reminding us that wherever we go, He goes before us and never leaves us alone. Highlights Emmanuel means God is present, not distant or detached. Stepping into the unknown often reveals God’s faithfulness more clearly. God provides protection, community, and provision in unexpected ways. Small details can become powerful reminders of God’s care. Scripture reassures us that God goes before us and stands with us. The same God who guided past seasons is with us right now. 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: Emmanuel: God Is With You, Even Now By: Alexis A. Goring   Bible Reading:“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” - Matthew 1:23 NLT I sat at a crossroads in my mind.  Physically, I was in the driver’s seat of my car in the parking lot between Panera Bread and my favorite local bookstore. But mentally, my mind was weighing the pros and cons of a new job offer. Minutes earlier, Erin, who was the managing editor for the newspaper where I worked as a freelance reporter, had called me to say a publisher of a newspaper in Montana had called her asking for a recommendation about me. She said he sounded very interested in hiring me. In fact, she thought I was getting the job! I was excited but also apprehensive.  If they offered me this job, then was I ready to leave the only home I’d known, pack my bags, and relocate from Maryland to Montana? After all, I was a city and suburb East Coast Girl. Was I ready to take this leap of faith and move out to the West of the USA without knowing anyone there or what to expect? Within a matter of days, the publisher interviewed me via Zoom and offered me the job. I froze. Was this really happening? After a moment of silence, I asked for time to think it over. He agreed. Later that day, my Mom—convinced this was the right opportunity for me at that time—said I should accept the job offer and prepare to move. After prayer—and considering the fact that I needed a job, but no local jobs had been offered to me for several months prior—I agreed and told the publisher I would move to Montana. My Mom took a week off from work to help me relocate. We took a flight from BWI and a connecting flight before landing in a small airport in Montana. I still remember the statue of a big cow standing tall and strong in the center of baggage claim. We had arrived in what they call Big Sky Country. Over the course of that week, Mom and I explored my new neighborhood—a small town that was equally charming as the people were nice. We drove an hour away to Billings (the nearest city), where we shopped for home living essentials at Target and Walmart, visited the Ashley Furniture Store to furnish my apartment, and enjoyed meals at the local village cafe near my new home. We both enjoyed the fresh mountain air, the wide-open spaces of land, and being able to see the stars shine bright in the sky at night. When it came time for Mom to leave before sunrise to catch an early flight at the airport so she could return home to Maryland, she told me to pray this prayer every day: God be with me. After she left and the sun rose in the sky, I put on a brave face and said that prayer, then moved forward fearlessly. Looking back, I see how God protected me and kept me safe during that time when I lived alone. He kept wild animals away (cougars were known to prowl near where I lived). He kept me safe when I drove alone through roadways bordered by majestic mountains. God also sent His blessings my way: He surrounded me with people in the community who seemed to care about me. He blessed me with friends who were Christians and married to each other; they drove me to church in Billings every weekend until my car was shipped to my new location. He blessed me with a good neighbor who lived across the hall from me. Her name was Lindsay. She and her school-age children baked Peanut Butter Blossom cookies for me with Hershey’s Kisses in the center of each cookie. They gave this sweet treat to me as a Christmas gift. It showed me that God cares about the little details in life because I was craving chocolat

The true meaning of Christmas can easily get buried under gifts, traditions, and cultural noise, but it has always centered on one life-changing reality: the birth of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on Christmas through the lens of faith helps shift our focus from material celebration to the eternal hope and salvation Christ brings into the world. Highlights Childhood Christmas traditions can unintentionally center more on materialism than meaning Familiar cultural moments, like classic Christmas specials, can point back to the Gospel Christmas offers a unique opportunity to share faith with those who may not know Christ The birth of Jesus fulfills long-awaited hope and promise Christ entered the world humbly, not with extravagance or recognition Christmas is an invitation to refocus our hearts on salvation, not spectacle Sharing the meaning of Christmas helps renew our own faith 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: Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).  A Christmas tradition in my family was watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” each year. Countless times, I saw this television special, but its meaning would elude me. While I could blame childish ways of thinking, the real reason I wasn’t paying attention to the more profound meaning was that I was rather fascinated by the materialism of Christmas. I loved the gifts, fancy dinners, and elaborate decorations.  When I rewatched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” as an adult, I quickly saw all of the connections it had with the Gospel. Linus shares the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. As an adult, I was shocked that this Christmas special continued to air in such an anti-Christian world. Nonetheless, I am thankful this special continues to be shared, and hopefully it has led many people to the true meaning of Christmas. Sadly, so many people still do not know that Christmas is about the coming of Christ. They are blinded to the truth. The devil will continue to blind people; however, Christmas is the perfect way to share the Gospel and combat the devil’s schemes. By sharing the true meaning of Christmas with others, it can help them come to know the Lord as their personal Savior. Intersecting Faith & Life: A classic Christmas passage you can share with others is Luke 2:11: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” From this passage, we are told that a Savior has been born and He is the Messiah. As we share this passage with others, it can help us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas ourselves.  During the timespan from the fall of mankind until the coming of the Lord, everyone was awaiting the Messiah. Endless Old Testament prophecies pointed to the coming Messiah, who would bring lasting peace to His people. When Gabriel shares the message detailed in Luke 2:11, the people would have been overjoyed at this wonderful news. The Savior, who would save them from their sins, had finally come.  When we reflect on this truth, it helps us understand the significance of the Lord coming down to earth. He is our Savior, who left Heaven in order to save us from our sins. He was humbly born in a stable without any special treatment. Jesus deserved every wonderful thing, yet He entered the world on a silent night. Because of the Lord’s birth into the world, He was able to grow up, live a sinless life, and die for our sins.  This is what Christmas is all about, and Jesus is the One we should be celebrating. We can do this by sharing our knowledge of Christ with others. Christmas only comes once a year, yet the Lord sacrificed His life in order for us to have peace every day of the year.  Who can you share the true meaning of Christmas with this week? Whenever you are distracted from the true meaning of Christmas, how can you bring your heart back to the Lord? Pray with me: Dear Lord, thank You for showing me the true meaning of Christmas—You. Help me to always stay focused on You and Your birth into the world. Please also help me to lead others to know You this Christmas season. I praise You, Lord. Amen. Further Reading: Luke 2:1-21 Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah 9:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God rarely comes with all the details upfront, and Mary’s story reminds us just how costly obedience can be. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and the very real possibility of public shame, Mary chose surrender over self-protection. Her response shows that trusting God doesn’t mean understanding everything—it means believing He is good even when the path forward feels risky and unclear. Highlights Mary’s calling disrupted her plans, reputation, and future Obedience often requires surrender before clarity arrives Trust means saying yes even when the cost feels heavy Mary praised God in the middle of uncertainty, not after it passed God’s plans may not align with our expectations, but they are always purposeful Surrender positions us to participate in what God is doing, not just observe it Faith grows when we value God’s will over our comfort 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 Mary’s Surrender Teaches Us to Trust By Hannah Benson   Bible Reading:“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” - Luke 1:46-49 ESV Have we ever stopped to consider how Mary may’ve felt when the angel Gabriel visited her? She was just a young girl, newly betrothed to Joseph. While the Bible doesn’t share with us her exact age, scholars speculate she may have been as young as 14. Now consider the fear that likely coursed through her veins when Gabriel delivered the news that she, an unmarried virgin, would bear a son. How scandalous! Perhaps questions ravaged through her mind: What would people think? No one would believe her if she told them the truth. With a pregnancy outside of marriage, the townspeople would stone her. And Joseph? Would he believe her? If he didn’t, surely he’d feel betrayed. Instead of arguing or begging the Lord to choose someone else, Mary simply asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v. 34). Though the plan didn’t make sense to her, she chose to swallow her fears. Hard. As Luke writes in verse 38, Mary humbly responds: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”. And the angel departed from her.” Sometimes, I wonder if Mary knew the full implications of what she was saying yes to. Surely, the possibility of public shame and stoning crossed her mind. But whether she understood the full danger or not, Mary surrendered her future as Joseph’s wife, her reputation, and even her life to the Lord. Despite the danger, she chose to sing the praises of the Lord, saying “my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (v. 47). The Magnificat, as it’s often called, is the cry of Mary’s heart as she soaked in the goodness of God and shared how “he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (v. 49). Now, none of us has been asked to carry the Son of God inside of us the same way Mary did, but we have been asked to carry Him in our hearts. And following God does come at a cost. Are we willing to risk everything? To praise God no matter what? To surrender our future, whatever that looks like? To surrender our reputation and even our very life itself? Mary was willing. Did she know exactly why the Son of God came into the world? Perhaps, like the rest of the Israelites, she anticipated a Messiah who would rescue God’s people from their physical enemies. In this case, the Roman Empire. She didn’t need to fully understand why. Instead, she chose to embrace God’s plan, surrendering and yielding to His sovereignty even if it cost her. Intersecting Faith & Life: What may God be calling you to today? How might He want you to share the love of Jesus Christ with others? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone even when it’s uncomfortable, to surrender and submit to His plan, and trust His promises? To long for the Giver more than the gift, the Promise-Keeper more than the promise itself? If we read the other Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth, we know Joseph contemplated divorcing Mary (Matthew 1:19). Being a just man, he didn’t want to put her to shame. But before he could, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife and that the child

The nativity is more than a quiet scene on a mantel—it’s the moment Hope took on flesh. Drawing from Luke 2:7, this devotional reflects on the tender, intimate way God chose to enter the world: humble, small, and wrapped in cloth. Like Mary, the shepherds, and the wise men who followed a star into the unknown, we’re invited to pursue Hope with trust, curiosity, and courage. Hope doesn’t shout; it waits to be sought. And when we find it—when we find Him—fear loses its grip and light floods the dark corners of our lives. Highlights A personal window into the author’s first night of motherhood and the nearness of God Parallels between Mary’s quiet moment with Jesus and our own encounters with divine presence The power of hope to silence fear—echoed in Scripture and even unexpected cultural references Why hope often appears humble and easy to overlook The shepherds’ and wise men’s radical pursuit of a Savior they barely understood A reminder that true hope isn’t about earthly rewards but eternal transformation The invitation to seek, embrace, and live out the hope found in Christ 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: Hope Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes By Peyton Garland Bible Reading: “...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:27 (NIV) Outside experiencing Christ’s salvation, I haven’t felt God’s presence so loudly, so beautifully, as the night after I had my first son. My little guy didn’t have to stay in the hospital nursery, so he spent his first night with me. Exhausted from the previous night’s midnight contractions coupled with a five-in-the-morning birth, I welcomed the quiet, dark hush that finally fell over the hospital floors.  I recall the sole soft yellow light the nurses left on in my room through that night, and it shone directly over my baby. Despite the new mysteries and fears naturally coupled with motherhood, like Hagar, I felt seen, known, and embraced (Genesis 16). The presence of the Almighty was undeniable.  I imagine that Mary felt much the same as the Star of Bethlehem pierced through a world filled with darkness and cast its beautiful warmth over her, and Hope wrapped in swaddling clothes. She had little choice but to accept the kindness and favor God had placed on her through such a tiny, splendid creature. Hope for Mary’s people was now tangible.  If you have ever read the best-selling sci-fi series, The Hunger Games, or watched its film adaptations, you recall one of the trilogy’s most famous quotes: “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” Though quoted by the villainous President Snow, I agree with his assessment. Hope has this unearthly ability to squelch our greatest fears, yet hope rarely screams to be seen. Hope is often humble, just like Katniss Everdeen, a poor young girl from an outcast district, who was willing to sacrifice her life to become hope for a nation of oppressed people.  Hope wants you to seek it out to affirm the worth you’ve placed upon it. It’s not that hope is dictatorial. Rather, hope recognizes that without your willingness to seek it and embrace it, it will never truly live inside you. You won’t experience its fullness without placing personal faith in its power.  Is that not what the nativity scene reminds us? Humble beginnings? Faith that seems scientifically impossible and socially fatal? The shepherds were greeted by a host of angels and told to meet a newborn baby who would save their souls. The wise men (likely sorcerers) felt the holy calling of a God they weren’t intimate with, yet they spent months, likely years, pursuing a star (most scholars believe the wise men didn’t reach Christ until he was two years old).  This great pursuit didn’t lead the shepherds or wise men to a king in royal garb. They didn’t discover troves of treasure. There wasn’t any earthly reward they gained from this blind trust. Instead, they met a young boy born to lowly Jews, but they were radically bettered forever. In fact, Scripture confirms that the wise men pledged their souls to Christ, worshipping him, and protecting Him from King Herod:  “[Herod] sent [the wise men] to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ Af

When Christmas expectations fall apart, the ache can feel overwhelming—but Proverbs 13:12 (often paired with this theme) reminds us that deferred hopes don’t have to end in despair. This devotional explores how to navigate a Christmas that looks nothing like you imagined while staying rooted in hope, prayer, and meaningful connection. Whether a loved one can’t come home, financial strain reshapes your traditions, or grief is pulling at your heart, God meets you in the disappointment and offers strength for a new kind of holiday. Highlights How to process the grief of missing loved ones during Christmas The emotional weight of hope deferred—and God’s ability to redeem hard seasons Practical ways to create new traditions when the old ones are no longer possible The role of prayer when circumstances feel impossible Why staying connected—digitally or in person—still matters Simple ways to support others who are grieving or struggling this season A reminder that Christmas is ultimately about presence, not perfection 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: When Christmas Doesn’t Look the Way You HopedBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:16 I'm not coming home for Christmas. These words hit hard when my husband and I realized my son would not be home for Christmas this year. In his third year of college, he has a girlfriend and wants to spend Christmas with her and her family. While we love who he's with and want him to have a good relationship with her family, it hurts us deeply that we won't get to see him during one of our favorite times of the year.  For me, my favorite part of Christmas is not opening presents for myself, but watching my children open their presents on Christmas morning. It just won’t be the same without him.  If you are grieving the loss of a loved one or a loved one won't be at Christmas like you'd hoped, you are not alone. Many of us will have a different type of Christmas this year. Sometimes it's because family and loved ones can't make the trip to see you. For others, it's a financial issue, and relatives can't afford to buy presents like they used to.  A great way to make the most of the holidays, even if they don't look like you remember, is to create new traditions. While it's OK to have feelings like anger and sadness over the loss of years past, the best way to forge ahead is to make new memories in this new chapter in your life. For us, it means making the most of having our daughter home in the few remaining years she has left with us. It also means connecting with our son through Zoom or phone so we can be together for the holidays.  It is difficult to hold on to hope when it seems like all is lost. The above verse tells us that when we hold out hope for something that seems far beyond our reach, it can feel as if our life is falling apart. However, God is a God of miracles. He can turn any situation to his advantage. Above all, he can respond to requests, even the most difficult ones, in a moment. The verse above reminds us not to give up hope. Keep on praying. Keep on asking God to answer your prayer request, even if it has been years. Christmas is a time for miracles! Our ability to still pray for situations that seem nearly impossible tests our faith, stretching and growing us spiritually. God wants us to rely on him and ask him in faith for anything. Although we may not always get what we ask for, it is essential that we still ask and pray, trusting that God will allow the situation to turn out exactly as he wants. Consider new ways to make the most of your holiday. Make contact with your relatives who won't be able to make the trip. Offer to pay for gifts for a loved one who is financially strapped this year. Observe the true meaning of the season by being the hands and feet of Christ, especially during the holiday season.  Although the holidays are meant to be joyful, they aren't for everyone. Sometimes people grieve deep losses during the holidays. Just because someone is suffering doesn't mean you can't help them make the most of it. If you're the one grieving, lean on others for help. Don't be afraid to ask for prayer or for help from those who can offer it. It may mean your family members bring the side dishes while you provide the main entree for the holiday meal.  Perhaps it means not giving gifts this year. Whatever you need to do, do it to make your holiday the best it can be

Joy at Christmas can feel distant, but Luke 2:10 reminds us that God brings “good news of great joy for all people”—a promise still alive and powerful today. This devotional explores how joy is expressed, shared, lived, and cultivated so believers can reflect the hope and goodness of Jesus throughout the Christmas season. Whether joy comes naturally or feels a bit rusty, Scripture offers practical ways to embrace God’s presence and spread joy in everyday moments. Highlights Why joy is central to the Christmas message Four practical ways to express, share, live, and cultivate joy How joy becomes contagious through words, actions, and attitudes The connection between God’s presence and lasting joy Scriptures that anchor a joyful mindset (Luke 2:10, Psalm 21:6, Psalm 16:11, John 15:11–12, Galatians 5:22) Simple ways to nurture joy in others A reminder that joy is our inheritance in Christ 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: Spreading Joy Throughout the Christmas Season By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” - Luke 2:10 Great joy for all the people! What truly remarkable, good news for all of us down through the ages: an announcement thousands of years ago, still relevant today. Yet, how many millions of people around the world are missing out on experiencing this great joy, not just at Christmas, but their entire lives? How do we, like the angels, proclaim and spread this great joy throughout the Christmas season and all year round? What can we do to express it, share it, live it, and cultivate it in others’ lives, too? Expressing, Sharing, Living, and Cultivating Joy Because God calls us to joy, the following are four ways we can spread it while experiencing it for ourselves. Express our joy. How do individuals express joy? Many smile, some laugh, others clap, and there are those who jump for joy. Sadly, some Christians hold their joy in, perhaps feeling it on the inside, but it doesn’t make its way outward, causing some of the Christian sayings and critiques, such as “the frozen chosen.” As a child, I loved singing the kids’ song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy,” over and over again. We would sing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” Then we would follow it by shouting “where” and then respond by singing in reply “Down in my heart.” Just singing it brought joy to us and those listening. However we express joy, we want to make sure to let it out, so others might experience it too, and also to share the joyous message of Christmas that can be their own for a lifetime. Share our joy. Many of us don’t realize that joy is spreadable - it’s contagious and easily passed from one person to another. Just as we can sing songs that get stuck in others’ heads when they hear us singing, so too can joy be shared with one another. We can share joy simply by the way we look at the world, our situations, and those around us, letting the joy that comes from knowing God guide our words and actions.  As Psalm 21:6 describes, “Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.” Live our joy. We can wake up in the morning with joy, even before anything has happened in our day yet. Before we even lift our heads from the pillows each morning, we can experience joy daily in our lives because the source of it is not ourselves, but God. As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” A way to live in God’s joy is described in John 15:11-12, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Cultivate joy in others. If we ask, God will lead us to cultivate joy in the lives of those around us. We may not know how to nurture it in others, but God can show us how, because He knows what it takes to help it grow in those around us. As Galatians 5:22 describes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Just the way we speak and interact with others gives us opportunitie

When Christmas feels heavy, grief and disappointment can make the season anything but merry—and that’s exactly where the hope of Galatians 4:4–5 speaks loudest. This passage reminds us that Jesus came at the perfect time to redeem us, comfort us, and hold us when the holidays hurt. If you’re walking through loss, financial strain, loneliness, or the ache of an empty seat at the table, this devotional offers space to breathe and brings your heart back to the truth that God meets you right where you are. Highlights Why a painful Christmas doesn’t mean you lack faith Galatians 4:4–5 as an anchor in seasons of grief Giving yourself permission to feel what’s honest How God makes room for sorrow, not just celebration Hope for those facing loss, divorce, financial strain, or uncertainty A reminder that Jesus stepped into a broken world—on purpose Looking toward the day when all things are made new 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: What to Do if Christmas Isn’t Merry and Bright By Vivian Bricker  Bible Reading: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4-5).  Christmas can feel difficult for many reasons. Perhaps you’re unable to afford presents for your children. Or, you might be facing your first Christmas without a loved one. Regardless of what we are going through when Christmas approaches, we need to remember that God doesn't expect us to be merry and bright just because it is the norm. He wants us to be genuine in our emotions and not afraid to reach out to Him.  I love Christmas because it’s the day we get to celebrate the Lord’s birth, yet I cannot run from the fact that I miss my mom terribly on this day. My mother also loved Christmas and always ensured it was a fun holiday celebration. Without her being here, it feels empty. These struggles can be really painful, especially around the holidays when we’re expected to be joyful. But it is better to address our feelings rather than to run from them. For far too long, I had the habit of running from my pain.  Maybe this is what you are going through this Christmas as well. A loved one passed away, and you are feeling anything but merry and bright. Or maybe you and your spouse are going through a divorce, or a child is having a tough time at school, or you got laid off from your job rather than the Christmas bonus you were counting on. Regardless of what you are going through, know that God doesn't condemn you for struggling this Christmas. In fact, bring all of your troubles to Him and allow His grace to strengthen you.  Intersecting Faith & Life: The Apostle Paul tells us, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4-5). This is the message of Christmas. Jesus was sent into the world to redeem us and bring us into His family.  Even though we are facing hardships this Christmas, we can still celebrate the Lord with our weary hearts. He will transform our weary hearts into hearts of steadfastness, strength, and hope. Reflect upon Galatians 4:4-5 and take notice of what it means to you this Christmas. Because of the Lord, everything will be made right one day. We won't have to deal with pain, agony, or hard times forever.  The day is coming when all things will be made new. The death of loved ones, the ending of marriages, and the betrayal of friends will be things of the past. Look forward to this day, and it will engulf your heart with peace. Jesus was born into the world to save us and bring us to Him. With this truth in our hearts, we can truly shine bright for Jesus this Christmas.  Is Christmas not feeling merry and bright this year? How can you bring these feelings to Jesus?  Reflect upon Galatians 4:4-5 and how it applies to you this Christmas. What are your key takeaways? Further Reading: Psalm 145:8-13 Luke 2:11 1 Peter 5:7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a culture that prizes gifts, decorations, and “holiday magic,” it’s easy to let Christmas focus more on stuff than on Christ. Romans 1:25 warns against exchanging the truth of God for a lie—worshiping created things instead of the Creator. True celebration of the Savior comes not from what we buy or wrap, but from hearts aligned with God. This season invites us to pause, examine our motives, and ensure that every tradition, gift, and gathering points back to Jesus. Highlights The culture of consumerism can distract us from celebrating Christ. Romans 1:25 reminds us that worship belongs to God alone, not created things. Idolatry isn’t always obvious; anything that fills a void meant for God can become an idol. Practical approaches, like Scripture-focused family time, help center Christmas on Jesus. Gifts and celebrations are not inherently wrong but should reflect stewardship of God’s blessings. Examining the “why” behind our holiday choices ensures our hearts remain aligned with God. Thoughtful reflection and prayer can guide families in meaningful, Christ-centered celebrations. 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: Celebrating the Savior in a Culture That Celebrates Stuff By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” Romans 1:25 NIV How to celebrate holidays is always a difficult decision in our household. My husband and I both grew up in a home where Christ was at the center, with loving parents and a godly extended family. In general, our families, at their core, shared the same values, but their approach to life, and specifically holidays, was quite different. One of the most significant discrepancies is that I didn’t grow up believing in Santa Claus. In an attempt to keep the holiday focused on the birth of Jesus, my parents made it clear there was no big jolly man in a red suit bringing gifts. God gave us centuries ago the only gift we need,  in the form of a baby in a manger. And, any other material presents we received are as a result of God’s providence ( as stewarded by parents). Conversely, my husband’s family celebrated Santa Claus, the “magic of Christmas,” and played St. Nick on Christmas morning. Neither way to celebrate Christmas is wrong; both can promote the message of the gospel and provide a fun seasonal experience. However, it created a bit of a dilemma when we had our own children and were deciding how to approach the holiday.Through much deliberation, we reached a compromise that worked well for our family, allowing our children to believe in Santa while also engaging in Scripture daily that focused on the birth of Christ. And, just when we thought we had it down, God blessed us with our third child on Christmas Day! I share this detail because, while we tried to mitigate the focus of Christmas being on presents, it became increasingly complex when we had a child who shared a birthday (which naturally receives gifts) with a culturally commercial holiday. And so, if your family, like mine, is trying to keep the Christ in Christmas, as well as engage in celebrations with family members that involve gifts, let me offer the “solution” that the Lord laid on my heart a few years ago.Romans is a book filled with profound theology and an abundance of practical wisdom for living a godly life. Paul begins his letter to the Christians in the Roman church by calling out the ways that they have allowed the culture to distract them from worshiping God. Specifically, they were worshiping the created over the Creator.  God hates idolatry to the extent that the first and second commandments focus on the concept that God is the only one deserving of our worship. He tells us that we should have no other God before Him, and we shouldn’t make idols. What’s an idol? Tim Keller explains it well in his book Counterfeit Gods, “An idol is anything more important to you than God. Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God. Anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Anything so central and essential to your life that you should lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living.”Paul tells us that the early church “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.”  We do the same thing today; the culture tells us that the answer to our problems is one click away. Yet, once we get the shiny new toy, it&

The holidays can feel overwhelming—shopping, decorating, cooking, and trying to create picture-perfect moments. Yet Scripture reminds us that amid the chaos, the true gift of Christmas is Christ Himself. Just as Mary gave birth in a humble stable without the comforts she expected, we too are called to make room for Jesus in the midst of our busy, stressful seasons (Luke 2:7). By simplifying, prioritizing, and focusing on His presence, we discover that the peace and joy of Christmas don’t come from perfection—they come from Him. Highlights Holiday stress often overshadows the true purpose of Christmas: celebrating Jesus’ birth. Mary’s humble circumstances remind us that God’s plans don’t rely on comfort or convenience. Simplifying holiday tasks—limiting gifts, delegating meals, reducing activities—can create space for Christ. Focusing on Jesus transforms ordinary moments into meaningful celebrations. Gratitude for God’s provision, even amid financial or personal challenges, brings peace. Small adjustments in expectations allow families to experience joy without unnecessary stress. Making intentional space for Christ is the ultimate gift we can give ourselves and others. 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: Preparing Him Room: Making Space for Christ This ChristmasBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” - Luke 2:7 It was all too much to bear. When my kids were little, they talked about what they wanted for Christmas for months. They made their list for Santa, wrote him letters, and even dropped it in the mailbox. As a mother, I would do anything to give them the perfect Christmas. I made sure they got everything they asked for, even if it meant starting early and taking money out of our paycheck each week to save for Christmas presents. But one year, my husband was planting a church, and finances were just too tight. I did my best to get the kids the presents that they wanted. But with all the wrapping, shopping, and a full-time job, while my husband was church planting, it added more stress to my life than I cared to admit. Although it was a magical moment to watch my kids open gifts on Christmas morning, the stress and irritation of all the preparation beforehand made it feel as if it simply wasn't worth it.  I was putting all this stress on myself to write Christmas cards, decorate the house, and care for my children, in addition to working at a daycare where I cared for two- and three-year-olds all day long, only to come home to my own set of two- and three-year-olds. This would be enough to make anyone feel the extra weight of stress. Compelled by the idea of giving my kids the perfect Christmas, I stressed myself out, worrying about finances and spending all my extra time wrapping presents and writing cards.  When Christmas Day came, I had created a holiday that would have made even Norman Rockwell jealous. But it was missing one thing: Jesus. Although my family and I attended Christmas Eve services, my kids lit candles, sang songs, and watched Christmas specials, it felt as if Jesus was missing from the holiday. Because it was so focused on the moment of opening gifts and getting my family what they wanted for Christmas, it felt as if I had wasted all my time and energy creating a magical moment that would only last a moment. Because of all the stress, I had laid aside my quiet time with the Lord, neglected to pray, and hadn't picked up my Bible in months. For a holiday that should be focused on the actual reason for this season, I had forgotten to make space for Christ. Maybe you can relate to the story above. All the Christmas wrapping, giving, and writing Christmas cards may seem too much to bear during the holiday season for you as well. Maybe buying gifts, long lines at the store, mounting traffic, and increasingly mean people seem like too much stress for you to bear, too. But it doesn't have to be this way.  Mary experienced a similar situation. As she made the long travel, heavy in the throes of labor, I imagine she expected a comfortable room with which to give birth. But when she found out that there was no room at the inn, her expectations quickly shattered. But Mary didn't give in to the stress or leave God out of her situation. Instead, she made the best of what she had. She traveled to a nearby stable and, in less-than-ideal conditions, gave b

In This Special Bonus Episode From Christian Parent, Crazy World: What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? Catherine Segars goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent. Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina.   Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Some days feel more like “grit your teeth and get through it” than “rejoice and be glad,” yet Psalm 118:24 anchors us in a deeper truth: God handcrafted this day—yes, even the messy, painful, overwhelming ones. When joy feels out of reach, His sovereignty, His goodness, and His nearness remind us that rejoicing isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting the One who made the day and fills it with quiet blessings we often miss when we’re rushing, worrying, or hurting. Highlights Psalm 118:24 calls us to rejoice because God made the day, not because the day itself is easy. Joy can feel elusive in seasons of pain, fear, or exhaustion—but God sees and understands your struggle. God’s sovereignty means nothing in your day is wasted; everything He allows is woven with purpose. Blessings often sit in small, overlooked moments—noticed only when we slow down and stay present with Him. Rejoicing becomes possible when we remember God’s goodness, even when circumstances don’t feel good. Starting the day with truth (“This is the day the Lord has made…”) reorients your heart toward hope. Joy isn’t the absence of hardship; it’s the presence of God in the middle of it. 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: Enjoying Moments When You Don’t Feel Joyful By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading:This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) I have a confession. I was once known to secretly roll my eyes at a Bible verse that you probably know well. But you know what makes this easier to admit? The truth is that likely many of you have struggled with this scripture too. Psalm 118:24 proclaims, This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Well, let’s be honest. There are loads of days we don’t feel a lot like rejoicing. There are many moments we don’t seem to have much to be glad about. Personally, I have been dealing with debilitating pain for the entire past year. I feel insufficient to fight through the next few demanding months. And I have lots of fear concerning another major surgery on the horizon. The bottom line is, I’ve been digging deep to find joy each and every day.  Is there something going on around or inside of you that is keeping you from feeling joyful on this day or lately? You may not necessarily be in a season where joy is hard to find. Maybe you are feeling full of reasons to be beaming and brimming with high spirits. But I do believe we all struggle from time to time. I get it. I’m also wrestling right now. And listen, God sees you, and he gets it too.  But here’s what I understand about this well-known verse. When the psalmist says, This is the day the Lord has made, it serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all things. That he made the day. He made it all. I also understand that our sovereign God is good and trustworthy. And because he is the master and creator of the day, and he is good, we know everything he puts in it is part of his good plan. Therefore, we have hope. Therefore, we can smile, and we can be thankful. Therefore, we can be glad and rejoice because whatever is surrounding us today is for good. And that is good. Not only that, we know that God places good all around us, beyond what we can even see or perceive. His good blessings overflow all throughout creation and all throughout our lives. We just need to take notice, because many times we miss it. We need to be still in his presence in the present, because many times we move forward too fast or get wrapped up in our fears of the future. We need to take notice of the good he has done. Notice the small and simple moments right before us. There may be something big and scary hovering above or ahead. But right in front of us, right beside every single one of us, is the good Lord and an abundance of his blessings. Intersecting Faith & Life:  Believe it or not, I no longer roll my eyes when I hear or recite this verse. Rather, I now have a habit of waking up each morning, whispering these words to my heart. And even if my waking hours don’t feel so joyful, the reminder that our good God has created the day that greets me gives me hope and a reason to rejoice.  I understand that often as the day moves on, it’s difficult to enjoy moments when you aren’t feeling so joyful. But joy is possible at any moment, at this very moment, if you can remind your heart that this is in

Quiet obedience rarely trends, but it’s one of the most powerful ways God shapes us—and shapes the world. Matthew 1:24–25 gives us a front-row seat to Joseph’s steady, unseen faithfulness, the kind that doesn’t chase applause but clings to God’s voice. His story reminds us that the most transformative moments often happen in the quiet: choosing humility over reputation, choosing trust over fear, choosing God’s will over our own desire for approval. Highlights Joseph models courageous faith expressed through quiet, daily obedience. True spiritual maturity often develops in small, unseen acts of service. Reputation and comfort weren’t Joseph’s priority—honoring God was. Modern faith can get tangled in platform-building rather than genuine surrender. God often uses private obedience to create lasting public impact. Knowing God intimately fuels trust, humility, and courage to obey without recognition. This season invites reflection on our motives: Are we obeying for His glory or our own? 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: What Joseph Teaches Us about Quiet Obedience By Peyton Garland Bible Reading:“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:24-25 (NIV) I was warned that he was wild in his teen years. One of my best friends, who knew him then, begged me not to date him. I appreciated the concern, truly. But something about this new man in my life felt different from the other guys. Besides, are any of us at our best at sixteen? Sure, I was wary that he hadn’t attended church in years, but I understood the burn he had felt from church people in places of spiritual leadership. In fact, I could relate to that deep, spiritual pain. However, a few months into dating him, when I grew frustrated and angry with his cynicism towards the church, I was ready to end our relationship. I was through. I was willing to believe that he was still that same sixteen-year-old boy. But loudly and clearly, I felt God stir in my soul, “Nope. Hang on. Stick with him.”  So I held fast to God’s voice rather than what I had spiritually determined about my then-boyfriend. Today, almost nine years later, I have no regrets. This cynical guy became my husband, a patient, hardworking man. He became the father to my children, a protective, present man. He became an active member of our church and is now a life group leader for nine families, a humble, changed man.  It’s often the quiet, humble obedience that makes a lasting impact. It’s the daily surrender, the daily willingness to obey in the small things, that softens our hearts. After all, anyone can stand on a stage with a microphone in hand because it often conveys their importance and (sometimes faulty) leadership qualities. Anyone can gain a social media following and throw Jesus’ name somewhere in their bio. This measly effort grants them digital access as a “theological” influencer.  But to fix the church’s toilet on a random Tuesday, like my husband did a few months back, when no one is there to notice or care, doesn’t come with worldly praise.  Showing up at a life group member’s work with a coffee early one morning just to let them know they are loved, like my husband often does, will never be a flashy form of service.  Joseph was never going to be popular by marrying a woman whose supposed adultery should have had her stoned, bearing the religious and social disgrace he never asked for. Yet he did it anyway. He trusted in God’s messenger, displaying loud, bold faith in a quiet, humble way. He didn’t waste his time trying to convince others that Mary was blameless because his reputation wasn’t his concern. His greatest concern and longing was to pursue truth and honor God.  How often can we say that of ourselves? When do we abandon our clout, our following, our comfort, or even our safety, to honor God? Most days, we won’t mention Jesus unless it’s trendy, and we certainly won’t die to ourselves for His glory in the quiet, where no one can see us. Joseph teaches us that quiet obedience is rooted in love, in intimately knowing and trusting God. If we know God, truly know Him, then we know He is good and has our best interest at heart. This allows us to let go of anything we cling to for com

When the rush of Christmas leaves your heart feeling thin, Isaiah 9:6 offers the anchor every soul is truly craving. Beneath the wrapping paper, busy schedules, and pressure to “get it all right,” there’s a deeper longing—one only the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace can satisfy. Our hearts were never designed to be filled by productivity, perfection, or presents; they were made to be filled by Him. Highlights Cultural pressure can turn Christmas into a checklist instead of a celebration. Many feel a quiet inner ache during the holidays—a sign we’re longing for Christ, not more activity. Childhood traditions may be fun, but they can’t replace encountering Jesus personally. True Christmas joy comes from worship, gratitude, and seeking the One born to save us. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in His first coming—and will fulfill the rest at His return. Materialism can’t satisfy the soul; Christ alone brings peace, purpose, and rest. 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: Seeking Something More This Christmas By Vivian Bricker 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).  During the Christmas season, it is common to get caught up in all the holiday preparations. We are so worried about buying gifts for everyone, preparing the Christmas dinner, and planning all the activities. All of this can become overwhelming and even take the joy of Christmas away from us. Rather than viewing Christmas as a day to celebrate our Savior, we see it as a stressful day, filled with obligations. Sadly, this is not unusual for most people living in the modern world. Productivity has become the baseline for us, and if we are not being productive all the time, we are somehow failing. Within the realm of the Christmas holiday, we feel that we are not being productive or efficient if we haven’t bought all the presents we need to buy and finished all our preparations. In other words, we feel we are somehow failing at Christmas if everything is not perfect according to this materialistic world. Similar to many people, I grew up with the view that Christmas was all about Santa Claus and gifts. However, even as a kid, I sometimes felt like there was something I was missing. As I became a teenager, I quickly saw how Christmas activities could turn sour when family members couldn't get along, and it made me more stressed about the holiday. I didn’t look forward to Christmas because I didn’t fully understand what it meant—I just associated it with stressful situations. By the end of my first semester in college, I had truly come to understand that Christmas is the celebration of the Lord’s birth into the world. Even if we don’t have gifts, fancy dinners, or elaborate activities, we can still worship, praise, and give thanks to the Lord. We will all eventually come to this reality. Our souls will hunger and thirst for something more on Christmas if we genuinely do not know the Lord. Our own family traditions and celebrations can be fun, but if they are not rooted in honoring Christ, our souls will continue to yearn for more. You may have already felt this, and you are ready to make a change. Talk with Him in prayers, read and study the Bible, and seek out trusted sources to learn more about Him. Jesus will reveal Himself to you and help satisfy your spiritual hunger. Intersecting Faith & Life: Isaiah prophesied, “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). Jesus is the child who was born into the world. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  Jesus fulfilled this prophecy when He came into the world. There are many other prophecies He fulfilled during His first coming, and He will fulfill even more prophecies during His second coming. Christmas is a time to seek out the truth of the Lord as well as to look forward to His return. He will return, which means we need to be ready (Revelation 16:15). This Christmas, let us focus on seeking the Lord. We don’t need to try to satisfy our yearning hearts with materialism. Instead, we need to turn to the Lord and truly celebrate Him. Our hearts, souls, a

When life feels bigger than your strength, God’s provision becomes your power. Ezra 5:5 reminds us that when God gives an assignment—whether rebuilding a life, leading a family, launching a ministry, or facing opposition—His hand stays on His people until the work is complete. The returning exiles discovered that divine calling comes with divine supply, even when challenges rise and fear tries to stall our obedience. Highlights God equips us fully for every assignment He places in our hands—strength, resources, and support. The exiles returned to devastation, yet God’s favor and miraculous provision met them on arrival. Opposition, intimidation, and discouragement threatened to halt their progress, but God’s presence stayed constant. His faithfulness guaranteed the completion of the rebuilding—He finishes what He begins. Following Jesus includes hardship, but we “take heart” because He has already overcome the world. Romans 8 reminds believers that nothing can separate us from Christ or stop His purposes. Through Him, we live not as survivors but as “more than conquerors,” empowered to persevere. 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: Divinely Empowered for Our Greatest ChallengesJennifer Slattery (host of Faith Over Fear) Bible Reading:But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease till the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it. (Ezra 5:5, ESV) Today’s verse and the historical context surrounding it assure us that when God assigns us a task, be that to raise children, complete a work project, lead a team, launch a ministry, or pursue a dream, He gives us everything we need to do all that He asks. And while we will likely always experience opposition, whenever we seek to live for Jesus, the events recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah also assure us that He is greater than any opposition we’ll face. In short, He finishes what He begins. The question is, how will we respond when difficulties come? Will we cower in fear, falter in fatigue, or trust in His provision, protection, and care? Presumably, this was a question with which Ezra, the religious leader introduced in the Bible book bearing his name, and the returning exiles wrestled as they labored, for decades, to rebuild what the Assyrians destroyed seventy years prior.  Here’s the backstory. Despite centuries of prophetic warnings in which the Lord pleaded with His people to return to Him, they remained set in their rebellion and violent and oppressive ways. Therefore, God gave them the autonomy they wanted, removed His protective hand, and allowed their enemies to conquer them and cart them off to a pagan nation to live as exiles. Yet, faithful to His promise, 70 years later, the Lord mercifully and miraculously returned them to their beloved homeland. Their arrival was bittersweet, filled with celebration for their liberation and return and sorrow for the destruction they saw once back in their beloved capital city. They found Jerusalem’s wall broken down, the gates burned, and the temple destroyed. But they also arrived with an abundance of the Lord’s miraculous provision, given to them by Cyrus, a pagan king. Perhaps buoyed by this obvious display of God’s favor and hope in the restoration He’d previously promised through the prophet Isaiah, they immediately set to work, built an altar, and re-established worship.  Not long after, however, their progress stalled due to opposition and their desire to build homes in which to live. The intimidation they experienced from the locals steadily increased and could’ve halted the restoration project indefinitely, leaving Jerusalem like the many other ancient cities that once thrived but are no more. That’s not what happened, however, because the eye of God, meaning His favor and hand, remained on His people until they completed everything He’d assigned and promised. Because again, when God assigns something, He gives us everything we need, be that resources, strength, and people to help, to do all that He’s asked.  Intersecting Life & Faith: This story reveals two co-existing realities we all encounter in this life. As you probably know from experience, living for Jesus isn’t, and never will be, easy. Jesus told us to expect trouble: local, national, and global conflict, relational ruptures and betrayal, sickness and poverty, and pain. But He also told us to &ldqu

Authentic ministry starts with a servant’s mindset, and Christians searching for purpose will find it in action—zeal for good works is a mark of discipleship, not a pastoral job description. John 12:26 frames service as the pathway to honor from the Father, reminding believers that following Christ means stepping into everyday ministry, wherever life places your feet. Highlights Ministry simply means “to serve,” and every follower of Christ is called into it. Jesus modeled servant leadership as the Servant King—service is imitation before function. The call isn’t to become a pastor, but to live like Jesus. Daily surrender (“die daily”) is less dramatic and more incremental—small yeses, repeated. Excuses shrink when identity grows: you serve because you are His, not to become enough. Service is worship when done in the Spirit’s power, not self-reliant hustle mode. Zealous good works expand your reach for God’s Kingdom—overflow comes after outpour. 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: Zealous for Good Works By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26, ESV). “Ministry” is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning “to serve.” At my church, our elders believe that every member of God’s Church is a minister, so obviously that would mean that every believer is called to serve- serve Jesus and serve His Body. Jesus was the servant of all. In fact, He was the Servant King. Christ shares in the gospel of John the importance of serving and following Him as He serves others. “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26, ESV). Jesus asks us as Christians to lay our lives down continually, denying our wants and desires, or as the Apostle Paul said to do, “die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Do we know how to do that? Intersecting Life & Faith: It is human nature to seek after what our hearts and flesh crave, but we do not have to give in to that kind of nature, for we have a new nature in Christ Jesus (Colossians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:24). Some people have wrong thoughts about God and service, perhaps believing their service doesn’t matter because others have it taken care of. Or perhaps they see pastors as the ones who are qualified for service and ministry, so they don’t need to join in. But we are all priests to our God (1 Peter 2:9)! When we put our hands to the plow, so to speak, in ministry, we are worshiping God. Those who are saved by Christ will eagerly and joyfully serve Christ and His people. We have been clothed in Christ’s righteousness to match Him and follow Him. What clothes are you wearing- the world’s or Christ’s?  No matter the excuse or wrong thinking regarding ministry and service, we can ask God to help us see the importance of serving the Lord and others. The Holy Spirit empowers us to set aside our selfishness and learn how to be selfless like Jesus, preferring others above ourselves. That kind of lifestyle starts in the mind, in the way we think, as we learn to think of ourselves less and look for ways to put others first. The Lord promises that the Father will honor the one who serves Christ by serving His people. As we learn to prefer others above ourselves, the Lord fills us with His love to the overflow to reach more people for His Kingdom. He will give us zeal for ministry. God is selfless, humble, gracious, and merciful, and as His children, He asks us to follow His example. We cannot do that in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will empower you, and with His grace, to be able to deny your own desires and selfish ambitions. We need God’s help to prefer others above ourselves. God’s Word transforms our minds so that we can learn how to think less of ourselves and seek to serve God and His people. Let us ask God to help us value the call to serve so we can look more like Him, ministering to whoever He puts in front of our path. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Keri Eichberger walks us through one of faith’s less-comfortable gym memberships—rejoicing during trials because trials train endurance. If the struggle feels like mud, endurance is the pair of boots God is forming in the mud. Romans 5:3 reminds us that endurance isn’t an accidental byproduct, it’s a forged outcome. Highlights Rejoicing in trials isn’t pretending it doesn’t hurt—it’s trusting it isn’t wasted. Endurance grows when faith stops asking “why me?” and starts asking “what now, God?” We often want instant relief; God often builds internal reinforcement first. Struggle is the classroom; endurance is the diploma; joy is the confetti we throw early. Every hard season increases your future “I can handle this” capacity. Endurance shapes character, and character holds hope steady like a paperweight in a hurricane. Joy doesn’t cheapen the pain—it celebrates the Trainer, not the treadmill. 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: Finding Joy in the Endurance of Struggle  By Keri Eichberger Bible Reading:We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (Romans 5:3 NLT) I’ve been through several seasons of struggle and suffering. And there’s something I really wrestle with when I am in the thick of it. It’s a verse and a call to action in the Bible, actually. That simultaneously perplexes and convicts me. It’s the encouragement to rejoice and be glad in our hurts and hardships. Of course, I want to be filled with joy at all times, regardless of what surrounds me. But if I’m being completely honest, my heart seems to resist finding its way to more positive and pleasant perspectives when it’s tossed into turmoil.  One instance the Bible encourages this behavior is in Romans 5:3, when it tells us to rejoice when we run into problems. And this frankly can feel like a smack in the face, and add insult to injury. We may already be feeling pretty down, and likely far from rejoicing, and then we’re being told to rejoice in it. Which may knock us further down with self-disappointment. But, regardless of the joy we may or may not muster in the mud of a problem, I bet we can agree we both want the result referenced at the latter part of the verse. Claiming we’ll receive endurance from these trials.  Personally speaking, in order to motivate me to seek and see the positive in my difficulties, it helps to understand the benefit of doing so. It helps to understand the benefit of the promised result. In this case, endurance. And let me tell you, friend, you and I definitely need endurance in this life laid out for us.  A quick Google search defined endurance as “the power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way,” and “the capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.” And because life is hard, difficult, and unpleasant at times, of course, we need endurance. The beautiful blessing for us Christians, who lean on the Lord through our problems, is that we are developing this endurance one season of dependence at a time. We are increasing our capacity to withstand the wear and tear of life, which we know is inevitable. Meaning our problems are one by one strengthening us. By the power of God, strengthening our character, strengthening our ability to take on the next trial with more of God’s peace and grace, and his increased patience and love. All the while reflecting more of him to a watching world.  Do you struggle to see joy in your suffering? But can you see the value in gaining endurance to continue to withstand the inevitable, unending flow of problems and trials in this world? And isn't that what we all want? To be able to better handle what comes our way? Because we know so much tough stuff will keep coming. I don’t know about you, but one of my greatest fears is that I won’t be able to handle the hard things on the horizon or that will unexpectedly come my way. So, if you could assure me that the hard thing I’m going through now will allow me to better deal with the things I will face in the future, isn’t that reason to rejoice? I believe so.  Intersecting Faith & Life:  It certainly isn’t always natural, or even comfortable. In fact, it can be really hard when you’re walking through a dark valley. But I believe there is still a good reason to rejoice a

Megan J. Conner explores persistent prayer and Godward confidence through Matthew 7:7. When needs feel unmet or dreams stall, the reset isn’t louder striving—it’s steady asking, seeking, and knocking with a anchored heart. This passage reads like a promise and a gentle nudge off the couch of casual expectation. Highlights Ask: Bring the need. Name it clearly to God before narrating it to yourself. Seek: Prayer moves feet too—watch for the open door and walk toward it. Knock: Keep going. Persistence is faith’s cardio, not its enemy. God isn’t hiding gifts like misplaced keys—He responds to pursuit. Peace grows when petitions are paired with trust, even before answers arrive. Delay doesn’t equal denial; sometimes it equals development. One small prayer whispered daily outlasts one big prayer yelled annually. 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: Ask, Seek, KnockBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” - Matthew 7:7 (NIV) Do you feel like there are needs in your life, or desires in your heart that remain unfulfilled? Perhaps you are longing for a change of circumstances, in need of tangible provision, or losing hope over a lingering, neglected dream.  Maybe you wonder if God is aware of these aspirations and is intentionally choosing to deny your desires. But before you assume the Lord is uninterested, ask yourself, have you brought these cares to Him? The Word of God repeatedly offers us invitation after invitation to bring our concerns and requests to the Lord.  Philippians 4:6 encourages us not to be “… anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God,” (NIV). When worries feel weighty, we can bring these feelings of overwhelm to the Lord. He is not standing far off, but instead is ready and waiting for us to call upon Him. Hebrews 4:14-16 also reminds us how Jesus walked among humanity, and not only empathizes with our weaknesses and desires, but He fully understands. As such, we can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” (NIV). The Lord is not only able, but ready and willing to offer comfort and provision. Even further, He reminds us that when we take delight in Him, He will give us the desire of our hearts (Ps. 37:4). Friend, God is not withholding good gifts from you, but you and I both have a part to play in the process. Years ago, my husband shared a teaching on today’s passage.  Though his message was preached almost fifteen years ago, it is one that has remained with me to this day. Through his study, I learned that if we look closely, this scripture offers three distinct directives: ask, seek, knock.  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7, NKJV). The true message of this passage is one of perseverance. In today’s on-demand, instant fulfillment culture, we have lost a measure of determined persistence. When something doesn’t work out as planned, it is much easier for us to just sit down, give up, or walk away.  But the Lord is calling us to stretch ourselves beyond our supposed boundaries. To fight for what we desire and to fight for our relationship with Him. He is not denying us. He is compelling us to exert effort, not sit idly by with casual expectation. He is calling us to action. Ask. If that doesn’t work, then seek. If seeking remains elusive, knock. He promises He will respond.  The passage goes on to say, “or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matt. 7:7-11, NKJV).   Our Heavenly Father truly is a good father. He longs to behold and bless His children. He is simply waiting for us to take the initiative. To ask… to seek… to knock.  Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you carrying unfulfilled desires in your heart? Do you feel like God is distant or intentionally denying you a potential destiny? If so, ask yourself, when w

Loneliness and spiritual distance spike during busy or painful seasons, but God hasn’t moved—our focus often has. Cindi McMenamin unpacks spiritual closeness, biblical community, and peace over loneliness through Hebrews 10:25, offering practical resets for reconnecting to God’s voice and His people. Highlights When God feels far, check the direction of your heart before checking the volume of His voice. Belief knows about God; obedience walks toward Him. Worry works like noise-canceling headphones… but the cheap kind with static. God’s Word and Jesus aren’t separate subscriptions—they’re the same plan. Avoiding community with believers often amplifies loneliness, not peace. Encouragement is a two-way street, and we all need construction cones in busy months. Closeness to God grows with intentional daily choices, not seasonal luck. 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: When God Seems Distant   By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:25 NLT Are there days when you feel lonely and you wonder why? Isn’t God supposed to always be with you? Didn’t He promise in Hebrews 13:5 that He’d never leave His people? So why do you still feel lonely?  Often, we are tempted to say, “God’s not speaking to me. He’s become distant.” But in reality, you and I are the ones who stopped talking to, stopped listening, or moved further away from Him.  God promises us in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from His love, so if you feel like God is distant, perhaps it’s a result of one or more of these three scenarios:  You might not be following Him closely. When we are merely believers, but not obedient followers of Jesus, the abundant life Jesus promised us in John 10:10 is not ours and this can result in feeling anxious, uncertain, and lonely. Through a lack of obedience to God or misplaced priorities, we can hold back the blessings He has for those who fully surrender to Him. It’s possible to possess a head knowledge of God (in which we know what we’re supposed to do and not to do), without engaging our hearts and loving Him with all that we are. That’s when we become stuck between the now and the not yet. We live in the now of the difficulties of life on our own and have not yet experienced the joys and blessings of a life fully surrendered to Him. In the now, you may have an understanding that there’s a God and you’ll be held accountable to Him. But you don’t yet have enough of an understanding of Him, or passion for Him, to pursue a closer relationship with Him that will lead to the fulfillment you seek. You might be worrying and not clinging to His Word.  Mark 4:19 tells us the worries of this world choke the Word’s fruitfulness in our lives. If we claim God’s not talking to us through His Word, it’s possible we are worriers and our worrisome thoughts and anxieties are drowning out God’s voice. Don’t underestimate the importance of being in God’s Word regularly in order to grow closer to Jesus and to keep from sin (worry is just one sin among many). Psalm 119:9 asks: “How can a [person] keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word” (NASB). To live in close relationship with God is to embrace Jesus and His Word because Jesus is defined in John 1:1 as the Word. To accept Him is to accept His Word. To love Him is to love His Word. To obey Him and abide in (or dwell closely with) Him, is to obey and abide in His Word. God’s Word is for us today just as much as Jesus is for us today. We can’t separate the two or claim we want Jesus, but His Word is no longer relevant. Abiding in His Word is not optional for the follower of Christ, it’s essential. You might be avoiding other believers.  Ignoring God’s commands in His Word, harboring sin in our lives, or avoiding community with other Christ-followers can also lead to feelings of loneliness. In Psalm 25, David asked God to turn to him and be gracious to him because he was lonely and afflicted. David prayed, “Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins” (verses 16-18). David acknowledged a direct correlation between sin in his life and the loneliness

Gratitude shifts when attention moves from missing things to present gifts from God. Kelly Balarie frames this reset through Psalm 87:7, highlighting a real-life moment of releasing comparison and anchoring joy in Christ. Strong search phrases like biblical gratitude, contentment over comparison, and Psalm 87 fountains help more hearts find the message quickly—because noticing God’s provision isn’t denial, it’s deliberate focus. Highlights Comparison is loud; gratitude is louder when practiced. Obedience often includes releasing what once mattered. Letting go creates capacity for deeper joy. Christ is the source, not the supplement. Serving others redirects the heart from scarcity to abundance. Worship begins at the fountain—God Himself. Thankfulness starts small, but builds momentum fast. 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: Holding on to Joy When the Season Feels Heavy By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:“The Lord your God is with you,  the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”- Zephaniah 3:17 NIVThe holiday season brings a sense of joy and positivity to many. The constant celebrations are a welcome distraction from their ordinary lives. Yet, for others, the holidays usher in more profound feelings of grief, remorse, or desperation. To the one who recently lost a loved one, putting on a happy face during celebrations is distressing.To the one who received the news that they no longer have a job, having to tell their family that Christmas will look a bit different this year is dispiriting.For those estranged from family members, watching others gather peacefully can be a depressing experience.If you are struggling to hold onto joy this season because you are in an emotionally, mentally, or spiritually heavy season, let me encourage you with these verses. “The Lord your God is with you,  the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”- Zephaniah 3:17 NIVWhen you are in the middle of an extremely difficult season, especially when it seems like the world around you is rejoicing while yours is falling apart, remember that God is with you. It may feel that He is distant, you might even be tempted to think He’s forgotten You, or His lack of removing your pain is evidence He doesn’t care. But, that is not true. God is always with you. He is your Savior and your Sustainer. He rejoices over you with gladness. He is love ( 1 John 4:16), and He created you out of love. He hasn’t forgotten you. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” - Genesis 16:12 NIV There are seasons in our lives where, though we know in our minds God hasn’t forsaken us, our hearts feel differently. Just like Hagar, our dire circumstances may cause us to question God’s goodness. We may feel that God doesn’t care about our situation, we are in a spiritual desert, and are desperate for something to quench our dry souls. God does care for you. He is grieved when His children are hurting. Jesus, who took on humanity, experienced all the things we experience. He knows what it feels like to be betrayed, to grieve the loss of a friend, to be rejected by the people He loved. God is a good God  Who sees, and He sees you. Allow God’s goodness to draw you out of the desert, and find joy in Him.“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3  It can be difficult to hold on to joy when our thoughts aren’t focused on the Lord.  Peace, isn’t that something we all desire? We can experience peace in the hardest of seasons when our thoughts are steadfast, or firmly fixed on the Lord. How can we securely anchor ourselves in God? We firmly believe that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work. God is still faithful, He has a purpose, and nothing can separate us from His love. Friend, if you are in a heavy season, know I am praying for you as you navigate the holidays. May you feel the Lord’s presence and know that He sees you and He loves you.  Intersecting Faith & Life:Are you in heavy season? If so, what verse above gives you encouragement? Commit the verse to memory and recite it when you are struggling to ho

Gratitude shifts when attention moves from missing things to present gifts from God. Kelly Balarie frames this reset through Psalm 87:7, highlighting a real-life moment of releasing comparison and anchoring joy in Christ. Strong search phrases like biblical gratitude, contentment over comparison, and Psalm 87 fountains help more hearts find the message quickly—because noticing God’s provision isn’t denial, it’s deliberate focus. Highlights Comparison is loud; gratitude is louder when practiced. Obedience often includes releasing what once mattered. Letting go creates capacity for deeper joy. Christ is the source, not the supplement. Serving others redirects the heart from scarcity to abundance. Worship begins at the fountain—God Himself. Thankfulness starts small, but builds momentum fast. 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: Noticing What God has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’tBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'"  – Psalm 87:7 NIV I didn't want to covet. Ick. I knew coveting was against both God's will and His Word. But, how do you stop feelings when they come like a tidal wave? How can one woman hold back a giant rush of emotions? In this case, I was packing up the back of a man's truck. I was packing his truck up with the exact sentimental sort of items I previously gave up. Because we had lived in so many places around the nation, I had to let go of holiday decorations over the years to make room for our moves. Yet now? I was helping a man load up a truck filled with the very things I had to let go of. I wanted to serve this man by helping him; however, I also had to fight the inclination to want what he had. I knew we obeyed God by moving so much. I knew we followed Him where He wanted us to go. Often, in obedience, there is sacrifice. Often, in moving with God, there is a laying down of goods or things we once thought we really needed. Have you ever experienced this? In my situation, I was happy to let go for the greater gain of following God. For instance, I knew that if Jesus came down from heaven and addressed me, saying, "Kelly, do you want holiday decorations or do you want to serve me?" I would undoubtedly say, "Jesus, I choose you." No item, no position, no money, no role, no appearance can match the precious calling of walking with God and living for Him. I knew this. I told God this. "Father?" I said. "I would give it all up again. Jesus is worthy. It is my joy to lay down things for the precious gain of serving you and your people." I realized God has given me far more than the world or its goods ever could. In this moment, I suddenly felt God's love and His closeness sweep over me. I think He was pleased. Jesus is worth it. His love is priceless. His eyes see all of it. I don't have to please myself with goods, because the greatest joy of my life is serving Him. I don't have to please man, because it is His delight I look for. I don't have to appear a certain way, because even with little, I have so much of Him. In Him are all my fountains. "As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'" (Ps. 87:7 NIV) Intersecting Faith & Life: Where are you looking at what you don’t have instead of all you have in Christ Jesus? How might God be calling you to adjust your vantage point? What do you have in Christ Jesus? How does this change things? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fear steals spiritual clarity, but surrendering it opens the heart to God’s personal good news. Whitney Hopler points to Luke 2:8-11, where the angel interrupts panic with a promise of rising joy through Jesus. Keywords like hearing God, good news, fear of failure, and Luke 2 shepherds belong right up front for discovery, because quieting fear is the doorway to actually receiving what God keeps trying to say. Highlights God’s best announcements lead with peace before explanation. Fear acts like interference; faith works like the reset button. Failure, rejection, and the unknown are common volume knobs stuck on too loud. Joy beats relief—it carries confidence, not just the absence of panic. Focusing on the Spirit amplifies direction and dials down dread. One brave decision at a time rewrites fear’s storyline. God’s good news is personal, persistent, and powerful enough to outshine bad thoughts. (Yes, even the dramatic ones… without needing pyrotechnics.) 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: Overcome Fear to Hear God’s Good News for YouBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“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.’” – Luke 2:8-11, NIV  On the first Christmas, the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were just watching their flocks on a quiet night, when suddenly, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and an angel of the Lord appeared. The angel’s very first words to the terrified were a loving command: “Do not be afraid.”  The message the angel carried from God was too good to be blocked by fear. The news of a Savior for the world was meant to bring “great joy,” but the shepherds couldn’t fully hear a message of joy if their minds were preoccupied with panic.  How often has fear kept you from fully perceiving and accepting the good news that God sends your way?  Think about what you’re feeling afraid of right now. The fear of failure can stop you from trying something new or stepping out in faith, even when God is calling you to do so. The fear of rejection can keep you silent about your faith or cause you to hide your true self, making you feel isolated instead of enjoying the relationships God wants you to enjoy. The fear of the unknown can push you to cling to your own plans and miss out on the wonderful, unexpected blessings God places in your path.  Fear can be like static that interferes with your ability to hear God’s clear voice being broadcast to you. On the first Christmas, God gave the shepherds the ultimate good news, that the world’s Savior had arrived. But God continues to give good news every day. When you’re afraid, you can miss the good news God is trying to deliver to you. In order to hear it clearly, you have to follow the angel’s simple command: “Do not be afraid.”  You can do so by focusing on the news rather than the noise. The shepherds looked at the terrifying glory of God, but they didn’t let their fear of it stop them from listening to the angel delivering God’s message. You need to focus on God speaking to you through his Holy Spirit (the news) instead of on the circumstances that are making you feel afraid (the noise).  God’s good news for you will cause you to experience great joy. Joy is much greater than happiness – it’s a strong confidence that, because the Savior is here with you, everything (even the most challenging circumstances) will ultimately work out well for you.  So, the next time fear tries to interfere with you hearing God’s messages, remind yourself of the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid.” Push past your fear, open your mind and heart, and listen carefully. Joy is waiting for you!  Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider why it’s important to overcome fear to hear God’s good news for you, reflect on these questions:  What type of fear (such as the fear of failure or the fear of rejection) is making it hard for you to hear God’s positive messages for you right now?  In what areas of your life have you let the &l

A grateful heart brings peace in pain, and practicing thankfulness reshapes our perspective when life feels overwhelming. Megan J. Conner highlights Psalm 107:1, showing that gratitude is rooted in God’s enduring goodness, not our circumstances. When we intentionally look beyond what hurts, we begin to notice the often-overlooked blessings around us, even in the hardest seasons. Highlights Gratitude starts with God’s unchanging goodness, not life going “right.” Pain makes thankfulness harder—so it must be practiced, not assumed. Our brains remember hurt more than joy; gratitude rewires that default. Small moments of goodness (sunrise, quiet, creation) carry spiritual weight. Daily gratitude builds resilience and steadies a hurting heart. Thankfulness grows stronger the earlier and more consistently we choose it. 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 Be Thankful When Life Hurts By Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” - Psalm 107:1 (NIV) Do you feel like your current season of life is so hard that you struggle to find reasons to be thankful? Perhaps your relationships are strained, your finances are tight, or your health has become a daily battle. These challenging circumstances can crush your spirit and your ability to recognize the good when the bad screams so loud it deafens any other thoughts.  This discontentment can feel especially acute during the holidays. For many of us, these festive seasons can be reminders of all that appears missing. However, no matter what is going on in each of our lives, there is always something to be grateful for. Likely, there are more reasons than we realize to be thankful. But it takes intentional effort to see the good rather than the bad.  If we look to scripture for guidance in this area, it is abundantly clear we are not the only ones who wrestle with faithfully fostering a thankful heart. The psalmist and king, David, shares his angst and feelings of displeasure and dissatisfaction when he declares: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…” (Ps. 42:5, NIV). I am not sure what David was facing when he penned these words, but it is clear his soul needed a forced redirection towards the goodness of God. Beyond this example, we can see repeated exhortations throughout the Word calling us to stir up a spirit of gratitude, even when we feel nothing of the sort. The Bible tells us we should always give thanks to God the Father (Eph. 5:20), give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thes. 5:18), and we should live our lives rooted and built up in Him, strengthening our faith as we were taught, overflowing with thankfulness (Col. 2:6). When concepts or guidelines are repeated in the Word, we can know the Lord is trying to tell us something. He is trying to get our attention. This recurring thematic instruction to intentionally push past our feelings of lack towards recognizing and rejoicing in the present abundance, confirms how challenging this can be for many of us. Why? Because, against all logical reasoning, our brains recall traumatic or harmful events far more than moments filled with joy or comfort. As such, we have to put effort into recognizing all of the wonderful, beautiful, and valuable blessings already present in our daily lives. It is amazing what we can notice if we simply look up and out beyond our unwelcome or undesirable circumstances. When was the last time you took a walk or simply stood out on your back porch to gaze upon the stars in the night sky? Or instead of rushing through your morning coffee and out the door, waking up just five minutes earlier so you can sit in the quiet and savor the warm comfort in your mug as the sun rises to greet the new day? Each one of these simple, small recognitions can add up to big change in your perspective and your overall sense of optimism and fulfillment during the holidays.  Just like everything else, practice makes permanent.  The more you choose to intentionally practice thankfulness, even when life hurts, the more you will discover a continual sense of peace and serenity that will carry you through any and all seasons of life. Intersecting Faith & Life: How is your heart during this holiday season? Is it filled with worship, awe, and thankfulness for the gifts of God, or is it overwhelmed with dread and disappointment? Have you intentionally practiced gratitude in the past? If so, how did it help to reassure your heart

The fall-to-winter season can feel overwhelming, with demands from work, family, and holiday preparations stacking up quickly. Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that anything built without God’s guidance is in vain and that true rest is a gift from Him. By intentionally seeking His direction, setting boundaries, and taking meaningful breaks, we can cultivate a peaceful heart even in the busiest months of the year. Highlights God calls us to involve Him in all our work; without Him, our efforts are “in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Seek His guidance early, not just when life becomes overwhelming. Establish clear personal and professional boundaries to prevent burnout. Take intentional breaks during the busy season to rest, reflect, and refocus on God. Align your work and daily routines with God’s purposes to find true peace amidst busyness. 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 Have a Peaceful Heart in a Busy Season  By Aaron D’Anthony Brown Bible Reading:“Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food — yes, he gives sleep to the one he loves.” (Psalm 127:1-2, CSB) There’s something about the months of September to December that just seem to fly by. Blame the anxiety of school starting or the anticipation of Christmas, but something about the fall-to-winter season makes time seem to fast-forward for everybody! What is also true is that this time of year often brings out the worst in us busybodies, and the usually not-so-busybodies. We toil day and night performing favors, working longer hours for more money, stressing out about getting the right gifts or preparing the right food. We want everything to go right, while at the same time, neglecting our faith, health, and overall well-being. Don’t get me wrong. Work can be useful. Work is a venue for honoring God, serving others, distracting us from sin, and accomplishing good in the world. Faith without works is dead after all (James 2:14-17). That being said, while keeping ourselves busy with work can be productive, there’s an emphasis on can. Are we wise enough to know when work turns from a benefit to a disadvantage? If we’re being honest, usually not. The work we do, whatever that work is, should honor God. As Scripture tells us, anything we build without the Lord is built “in vain.” If we’re going about our busy season and have lost all semblance of peace, then we need to take a step back. Chances are, we’re not honoring God, and much of what we do is being done in vain. Intersecting Faith & Life: If you’re the sort of busybody that gets bogged down somewhere between September and December or all of it, then know you don’t have to stay as you are. You’re not stuck in endless toil and unrest. In fact, there are a few ways to ensure you have a peaceful heart during a busy season: Seek direction from the Lord. Scripture makes clear that we ought to seek God in all that we do. Whatever is done without Him is done “in vain.” We understand this when our backs are against the wall or we hit rock bottom. Then we want nothing but the Lord. However, when life is swell, work doesn’t feel so bad. Rather than wait for the craziness to eat the fan, seek God well in advance. Ask Him for what’s appropriate to do and how to best honor Him. Yes, God enjoys productivity, but putting our work above all else is sinful. Yes, God wants us to serve others, but He doesn’t want us to become so exhausted that we are bitter and angry toward those we wish to serve. By seeking God first, we’ll know how much busyness is good. We’ll have the wisdom to know what to do and how to do it. This will help with time management, navigating relationships, keeping our eyes on Jesus, and so much more. Set boundaries with yourself and others. Sometimes we overextend because we don’t know our limitations, and those who request of us don’t know our limitations either. If you want to find peace amidst busyness, you must set boundaries. That means setting aside time for work and rest, a time to spend in solitude with God, and a time to be among people. If you’re unsure what boundaries should look like, consider consulting someone who practices good boundaries. You may think having limits will hurt you during the busy season. On the contrary, the more rest you ha

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it’s a season of spiritual preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of the promise of a Savior, calling Him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. By intentionally preparing our hearts and homes, we can embrace the joy, hope, and light of Christ, creating meaningful family traditions that honor His arrival and cultivate a posture of worship. Highlights Advent is derived from the Latin word for “coming” and lasts four weeks, focusing on Christ’s first and second comings. Attend special Advent services to reflect, pray, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Use an Advent calendar to daily engage with Scripture, small treats, or family moments that highlight Christ’s arrival. Light an Advent wreath weekly to symbolize expectation, reflection, and Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12). Create visual reminders like Advent chains or prepare a manger to help children and families anticipate Christ’s birth. Share the story of Jesus with others each week, following the example of the shepherds in Luke 2:17-18. Advent encourages both personal reflection and communal celebration, fostering gratitude, faith, and joyful expectation. 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: Preparing Our Hearts and Homes for Advent  By Lynette Kittle 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 Preparing a home for the arrival of a new baby is a busy time, full of choosing clothes, bedding, accessories, and more. It’s an exciting time of getting everything ready and waiting for the day to come. It’s a time when families and friends come together to help prepare and celebrate the coming birth. As well, during the Advent season, we can remember, prepare, and celebrate anew the coming of Jesus as a newborn baby into our world. Some Christians may ask, what is Advent?  Even though I grew up as a pastor’s daughter, we didn’t really emphasize Advent; it was something celebrated in more liturgical churches like Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran, so we didn’t really learn or practice the observance growing up. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word “coming” and is a time of anticipation, prayer, spiritual reflection, and preparation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Advent traditionally starts four weeks before Christmas, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 and ending on Christmas Eve. Yet, it’s a beautiful time of preparation, lasting four weeks, leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ first coming at Christmas in the birth of our Messiah, and also the anticipation of His second coming and return to earth, yet to occur. 6 Meaningful Ways to Prepare for and Celebrate Advent The following are six traditional ways to prepare our hearts to celebrate Advent. Attend special Advent services. Some churches and denominations offer Advent services leading up to Christmas, where attendees join together to prepare their hearts for Christ’s birth with Scripture reading, an Advent message, songs, and prayers. Follow an Advent Calendar. Leading up to Christmas day, as a family, go through an Advent calendar, which offers 24 or 25 doors to open, each holding a small surprise, toy, candy, or Bible verse inside to help us focus on, prepare, and celebrate each day of Advent.  Opening each door helps to teach us about Christ’s coming, along with creating warm family moments and memories to last for years to come. Light an Advent Wreath. An Advent wreath is traditionally made out of evergreens, but can come in various forms, such as wooden or plastic, holding four candles to represent the four weeks leading up to Advent, lighting one candle each Sunday. Traditionally, because purple represents royalty, the candles are usually three purple and one pink candle.  Lighting the wreath offers a time for expectation and reflection, where we can look forward to Christ’s coming and rejoice because Jesus is the light of the world. As John 8:12 records, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Create an Advent chain. As a visual countdown to Advent, young children may es

Gratitude isn’t just an action—it’s a heart posture rooted in worship. Psalm 100:1-5 calls us to “shout for joy to the Lord” and “enter his gates with thanksgiving,” reminding us that praising God and offering thanks should overflow from our daily lives. When we intentionally create space for gratitude, whether in prayer, family life, or personal devotion, our hearts are renewed, joy is cultivated, and worship becomes a natural response to God’s goodness and faithfulness. Highlights Psalm 100 emphasizes joyful, heartfelt worship as the foundation of gratitude. Giving thanks is both an opportunity and a command—acknowledge God’s goodness in every season. Intentionally making space in your life for gratitude and prayer prevents busyness from crowding out thankfulness. Worship leads to joy: as we praise God, our hearts naturally overflow with gladness. Gratitude involves both personal reflection and communal expression, encouraging family and others to share in thanksgiving. God’s steadfast love and faithfulness span generations, giving us a secure foundation for praise. Practical tools like gratitude calendars or journals can help integrate thanksgiving into daily routines. 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: Psalm-Powered Gratitude for Any Season By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” - Psalm 100:1-2 NIV Recently, I purchased a magnetic calendar for our fridge to keep everyone in the family in the loop on our schedule. As a bonus to the calendar feature, there was a spot for prayer requests, gratitude, and to-do lists.  For the first few weeks, I filled every section of the calendar to the brim. I invited my girls to add prayer requests, items they were thankful for, and activities they would like to do. Yet, as the weeks passed, the boxes containing our schedule continued to overflow, and eventually took over our gratitude and prayer request boxes. Oddly enough, the “to-do” section continued to grow exponentially, even though our schedule was already maxed out.As I stared at the calendar, I felt a familiar pang of Holy Spirit conviction. I knew He was gently nudging me to make some space for the gratitude and prayer request section. The reality was, my family was in an intense state of burnout, and looking at the calendar was a visual reminder of our misplaced priorities. We’d neglected to take time to offer gratitude, to linger over the many blessings, the abundance of grace and mercy bestowed on our family by a loving God. We were so internally focused that we neglected the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When I was little, my church choir teacher would always start our time together with Psalm 100, specifically focusing on the call to “make a joyful noise.” I am not sure how joyful we were, but we surely did take the command to “shout the Lord’s goodness” to heart. Knowing I needed some psalm-packed gratitude, I turn to Psalm 100, allowing the “Psalm for giving thanks” to penetrate and encourage my weary heart.“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his;  we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;  his faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Psalm 100:1-5 This Psalm celebrates our opportunity to come before the Lord and worship. Far too often, I take for granted the luxury to enter the House of the Lord without opposition. Most Sundays, I come before the Lord out of obligation, not opportunity, to praise and offer gratitude for all He has done. Psalm 100 is an invitation to worship the Creator of the universe. To shout for joy, to the ends of the earth, letting everyone know that God is good! When we bow before the Lord in humble submission and with an abundance of thanksgiving, our hearts will naturally overflow and produce joy and gladness.We are called to know God on a personal level, not just “know about Him,” but to seek an intimate connection to our Heavenly Father. God created us physically, but also made us a new creation in Christ — spiritually, those who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. We

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a lifestyle. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 calls us to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,” showing that gratitude should be our daily posture. From small blessings like a morning cup of coffee to the vast gifts of God’s love, cultivating a heart of thankfulness transforms our perspective, lifts our spirits, and strengthens our relationship with Him. From all of us at Lifeaudio and Salem Media, Happy Thanksgiving.  Highlights Gratitude is a daily choice, not a seasonal habit. Starting small—like noting one thing you’re thankful for each morning—can shift your mindset. Counting blessings outweighs burdens and fosters joy and contentment. God’s goodness and provision remain constant, even when circumstances are difficult. Journaling or listing gifts of God can deepen awareness of His work in your life. Practicing gratitude strengthens your heart, aligns your perspective with God’s will, and brings joy. God delights when His children acknowledge His blessings and rely on Him daily. 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: Giving Thanks Isn’t a Day—It’s a Daily Posture By: Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Here in the United States of America, the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us.It is a time to practice gratitude and share what we are thankful for in this life.  Often during this time of year, people tend to be more appreciative and count their blessings from God. But giving thanks shouldn’t be an occasional event; it should be a daily posture. I’d like to share a story illustration that I heard a little while ago: A husband told his grumpy wife, who was feeling ungrateful every day, that she should give thanks for what she has. He presented a challenge: Every morning when you go to the kitchen to make your coffee, name one thing you are grateful for, then write it on a piece of paper and put that paper into this glass jar before you drink your coffee. His wife was angry at him, but followed his instructions, and for the first few days, all she could write was “coffee,” but a few days later, she realized that she also appreciated the sunlight. So, she put “sunshine” on the paper, and a day after that, she thought of something else and wrote it down. Before long, the jar was filled with notes of what she was grateful for, and her entire mood had lifted. Her mentality improved. As her gratitude grew, so did her positive attitude. My maternal grandma told me many years ago, “Gratitude will change your attitude. Take inventory of your blessings.” Her words ring true for me to this day. She was a wise woman. She was right because I found that when I remember to count my blessings instead of my burdens, I feel better as I realize how my blessings outweigh my burdens. When I focus on what’s going right in my life instead of what went wrong, I naturally start giving thanks to God.  The Bible says that God wants us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This means that no matter what we face, we need to look for the silver lining. I believe that God can restore the most broken places and people in our lives when we put our hope in Him (Romans 8:28). Sometimes, we don’t see the resolution until we go home to Heaven. But no matter what happens here on Earth, the truth is that God is good all the time and He has good plans for our lives. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Thanks to God’s Son (Jesus Christ), we have the hope of eternity with our Creator when we put our faith in Him (Romans 10:13).  There’s always something or someone to be grateful for, even if you are just happy that your heart is still beating or if you, like the woman in the story illustration above, are only grateful for your daily cup of coffee. Well then, that’s a start! Ann Voskamp wrote a book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. Toward the end of it is a challenge for the reader to write one thousand things that they are grateful for. I accepted this challenge promptly by going to a Christian bookstore and buying a beautiful journal covered in a purple and pink design, then writing down what I was grateful for several times a week. My first entry in this jour

Thanksgiving is a season meant for gratitude, yet it can also bring comparison, grief, and longing. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that contentment comes not from circumstances or possessions, but from trusting in God’s promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” True contentment arises when we recognize His presence in our lives, even when what we desire seems absent. This season, learning to be thankful for what we have—not what we lack—can transform our hearts and deepen our trust in God. Highlights Contentment is rooted in God’s faithfulness, not worldly circumstances. Thanksgiving can trigger comparison, grief, or longing, but gratitude refocuses the heart. Practicing thankfulness for family, home, and relationships cultivates a heart of contentment. Avoiding a love of money or material things helps prevent discontent. God’s promise to never leave or forsake us is the foundation for genuine peace and joy. Even in seasons of loss or unmet desires, contentment allows us to recognize and appreciate God’s blessings. Reflecting on Scripture daily encourages a shift from want to gratitude. 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: Practicing Contentment This Thanksgiving By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).  While thankfulness should be our main focus on Thanksgiving, sometimes it can also be a time of comparison. When we go to family get-togethers or friendsgivings, it is hard not to compare our lives to others. Maybe we are the only single person amongst our friend group and we want to have a spouse. Or maybe we are recovering from the death of a loved one and we have a hard time coping with the lightheartedness of those around us. Personally, ever since my mom passed away, Thanksgiving has never felt the same. Some years it has been easier to cope with, while others the depression, grief, and loss has felt overwhelming.  Although my family’s Thanksgiving doesn’t look like other people’s Thanksgivings, it doesn't mean we can not practice thankfulness for the blessings that we do have. In truth, it has allowed us to develop contentment for the circumstance we have found ourselves in. While I would want more than anything for my mom to be here, all I can do now is to be content and thankful for the family I do have and the time we have together.  The same goes for any circumstance you have found yourself in this year. My friend really wants to be married, but she hasn’t ever dated anyone and it gives her grief every year she sits in front of her siblings with their spouses. It can be painful to be in this situation and quite depressing, however, if we change our hearts to contentment rather than want, we will learn to be thankful in our present season of life. Instead of thinking of what your life is lacking, reflect upon all the blessings you do have, such as your family, a loving home, or a fulfilling job. Intersecting Faith & Life: The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). While nobody knows with certainty who wrote the Book of Hebrews, we do know it was the Holy Spirit working through them. Therefore, this passage is divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).  From this passage, we are instructed to keep our lives free from the love of money and to be content with what we have. We should do these things because God has already told us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Since these things are true, we need to practice contentment and also avoid developing a love of money. A love of money or a love of things we don’t have will only lead to a heart of discontent.  Reflecting on the truth that God will never leave us or forsake us can help us develop contentment this Thanksgiving season. Even if there is no spouse next to us, or a missing loved one across the table, or even if we’re surrounded by things we wish we had - whatever it may be - God is still with us. He will fill the void and bring our hearts the love, peace, and support that they need. God sees our pain and anguish, and He will bring healing in His proper time. For the present time, we need to lean into Him, practice contentment, and kno

Thankfulness isn’t just a seasonal tradition—it’s a spiritual posture rooted deep in Scripture and woven through history. Psalm 100:4 calls us to enter God’s presence with gratitude, a theme that began long before American holidays and continues to shape the way believers respond to God’s goodness today. From Old Testament thank offerings to the Pilgrims’ courageous faith, we’re reminded that gratitude grows strongest in hearts that remember God’s faithfulness through every circumstance. Highlights Biblical thanksgiving began with offerings of gratitude long before modern celebrations. Leviticus and 2 Chronicles reveal how God invited His people to display thankfulness through worship. America’s Thanksgiving tradition is deeply influenced by the Pilgrims’ commitment to biblical truth. Despite tremendous suffering, the Pilgrims lived out 1 Thessalonians 5:18 by giving thanks in all circumstances. Historical accounts show how miraculous their survival truly was—only a fraction lived to see the first feast. The Pilgrims’ perseverance helped lay the foundation for a national day dedicated to thanking God. Leaders like Washington and Lincoln carried forward the tradition of national gratitude to the Lord. 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: Cultivating a Heart Full of Thanksgiving By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name”—Psalm 100:4 Offering thanksgiving didn’t begin in America; it began in the Bible, taught to humankind by a loving and gracious God who is deserving and worthy of our gratitude, and to receive thankfulness that comes from hearts truly grateful for all He has done and is still doing in our lives and in our nation. Thanksgiving to God, often associated with food offerings, began in the Bible. As early as Leviticus 7:12, we read how God instructed, “If they offer it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with oil mixed in.” Again, in 2 Chronicles 29:31, the King calls for the people to give thanks. “Then Hezekiah said, ‘You have now dedicated yourselves to the Lord. Come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the temple of the Lord.’ So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.” America’s Thankfulness Rooted in Biblical Truth Remarkably, Thanksgiving Day in America is rooted in the biblical faith brought and carried to our land through the Pilgrims who courageously escaped Europe’s tightly held religious control to pursue freedom to worship God. Creator and Executive Producer of The Pilgrims documentary, Dr. Jerry Newcombe, follows the Pilgrims from Europe to the New World, documenting their faith and journey to America. The Pilgrims, even in the suffering they endured in Europe and after arriving in America, believed what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urges, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Newcombe describes the harsh winter leading up to the first 1621 Thanksgiving, marked by illness, cold, and starvation. Of the eighteen women aboard the Mayflower, only four survived. As well, half the married men and ten of the twenty-nine unmarried men died. Children survived better than the adults, with seventeen of the twenty surviving the brutal conditions. Still, very few Pilgrims survived the devastating “starving times” and sickness to participate in the first Thanksgiving, enduring what 2 Corinthians 4:8 describes. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.”    As well, historian and author of The Treacherous World of the 16th Century & How the Pilgrims Escaped It: The Prequel to America's Freedom, William J. Federer, discusses facts that some may overlook, such as how miraculous it was for the Pilgrims to escape Europe and birth America. “Of the 102 Pilgrims, only 47 survived till spring,” writes Federer, “At one point, only a half dozen were healthy enough to care for the rest.” The Pilgrims Laid the Groundwork for Thanksgiving “Withou

Life is loud—holiday loud, work-notifications loud, “my brain won’t stop” loud. Psalm 23 reminds us that God doesn’t just suggest rest; sometimes He has to make us lie down so our souls can breathe again. In a world addicted to noise, reclaiming quiet becomes an act of trust and a doorway into genuine gratitude. When we intentionally pause—before the inbox, before the scrolling, before the schedule—we begin to uncover a steadier, quieter thankfulness that anchors us in God’s presence. Highlights God often has to “make” us rest because we naturally resist silence. Constant noise—from work, devices, and distraction—can drain the soul. Many of us fill forced downtime with more noise instead of inviting God into the quiet. Silence can feel uncomfortable, but it’s where God restores, steadies, and speaks. Starting with a simple morning gratitude rhythm helps reframe your day. Look for small pockets—commutes, showers, quiet moments—to pray and thank God. Choosing silence creates space for peace, intimacy, and a thankful heart. 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: A Heart of Thanks in a Season of NoiseBy Peyton Garland​​ Bible Reading: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV) I recognize that most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and most of the New Testament in Greek, so it’s not only safe but wise to assume that our English translation of each word of Scripture isn’t always an exact cultural match. However, I often chuckle at the verb that leads Psalm 23:2: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures…” (emphasis added).  I’m quite certain that if Christ didn’t force me to lie down, to take a breath, to drown out the noise, I wouldn’t. Yet, when I push back against His command and allow life’s unfiltered chaos to control me, I become spiritually drained and crawl back to Him in an unhealthy emotional state, begging that He bring steadiness and peace to my loud world.  Perhaps you can relate. You want to put down your phone and enjoy a family dinner or your kid’s ballgame, but you’re waiting on several important work emails to come through. You have to stay glued to your screen. Or you want to dedicate a few quiet moments to prayer, but your mind doesn’t know what to do with such empty headspace. Before long, you aren’t concentrated on God, but your mind has wandered to drafting a grocery list, scheduling a dentist appointment, overthinking a previous conversation with a friend, etc.  Furthermore, in those moments when God “makes” us take a break, whether due to sickness, weather cancellations, or mandatory R&R from a boss, do we fill these opportunities for heavenly reprieve with shows that we binge all day? Do we stay glued to our social media reels?  It’s as though we aren’t sure we can function–or even “rest”– without noise. I daresay that most of us are far too comfortable with noise and distractions. After all, it’s easier to be distracted with surface-level schedules and mindless social media scrolling than to sit in the silence where God can work on our hearts. If silence makes you uneasy and the quiet feels anything but peaceful, especially during the holidays, you aren’t alone. Many of us wrestle with the same anxiousness. However, mutual understanding doesn’t mean we leave one another in this frazzled state. Instead, let’s encourage each other to start with a short, simple act of thankfulness amid the quiet.  When you first wake up in the morning, before you get out of bed and allow your cellular notifications to consume your mind, sit in the silence and thank God for three things in your life. This will only take a matter of seconds, but it will begin your day in a quiet atmosphere in which you invite God and His goodness into your life.   Once you find a comfortable rhythm of listing three things each morning, push it to five, then ten. Start searching your daily routine for brief pockets of time where you can pray another list of thanksgivings to God, or where you can offer up prayers for wisdom, discernment, and patience.  Consider taking the first five minutes of your commute to work to pray fo

Gratitude doesn’t come easily for everyone—especially if life has conditioned you to expect the other shoe to drop. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, not because everything feels good, but because God is faithfully at work in every moment. When negativity feels more natural than gratitude, shifting your perspective becomes a slow, intentional surrender. But as God reshapes the heart, thankfulness becomes less of a struggle and more of a steady rhythm. Highlights Early experiences can shape a pessimistic mindset, but God can retrain our hearts toward gratitude. Gratitude leads to contentment—and contentment frees us from constantly chasing “more.” A simple gratitude journal can refocus your mind on God’s ongoing work, even in small blessings. Positive community helps redirect your perspective toward God’s faithfulness. Jesus modeled thankfulness—even in pain—and invites us to adopt the same posture. Choosing gratitude is a daily decision that transforms the way we interpret trials and blessings. Shifting your viewpoint ultimately reshapes your attitude and nourishes a thankful spirit. 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: When Thankfulness Doesn’t Come NaturallyBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 As a kid, I didn't have it easy. I came from a controlling household, plus I faced several health challenges. Life was not easy, even in my childhood. Even though I enjoyed the simplicity of playing with toys, playing outside, and just enjoying life, I endured other issues that made my childhood less than simplistic. My mother was also a negative person. She often saw the glass as half-empty, rather than half-full.  This taught me to be a pessimistic person, focusing on the negative side of things rather than the positive side. If something good came my way, I often wondered when things would soon turn bad. For years after becoming a Christian, I still felt like this way. Because the Christian life has been full of ups and downs, and I've endured my share of trials, it's easy to look on the negative side of things.  This viewpoint has caused me to become less grateful and more entitled. As I've matured in my faith, God has taught me that it's essential to be thankful for everything I have. When I'm grateful, I'm content. When I’m content, I'm no longer searching for the perfect life, the simple pleasures, or the luxuries that I feel I deserve.  Switching my viewpoint didn't come easily. Because I had been pessimistic and that attitude was deeply ingrained in my mind, it was hard to shake. But I've learned over the years how to make thankfulness a daily activity, even though it doesn't come naturally to me. Here are some ways to adopt a spirit of thankfulness even when it doesn't come naturally: Start a Gratitude Journal One of the easiest ways for me to switch my viewpoint is to start a gratitude journal. Each day, I'm able to write down even just a few things for which I'm thankful. These can be small blessings, such as having clean clothes or a job. It can also be the bigger things that God does, like the miraculous ways in which He works, or the way He heals my body when it's sick. The most important thing I need to remember is that God is constantly at work in my life. It's a matter of whether I choose to see it or not. Keeping a gratitude journal shifts my focus every day to what I should be thankful for and content in my life. Because I'm someone who doesn't enjoy journaling, this is an easy way for me to adopt the habit of journaling, without having to write complete sentences. Use bullet points and write the words regarding the blessing, so you know what it references. At the end of the month, go back and think of all the ways God has blessed you that month. During your prayer time, thank God for all the ways He is working and for all the ways you see His blessings.  Surround Yourself with Positive People Because I learned my pessimistic attitude from my mother, it was an attitude easy to adopt, as she was always around. However, when I became a Christian and attended churches in my area, I surrounded myself with positive people. Instead of focusing on the negative trials in their lives, they chose to be grateful to God for all the ways he was working. As I participated in small groups and heard about all the ways God was working in their lives, it became easi

Thankfulness can feel surprisingly slippery—especially when the holiday meant to celebrate gratitude often leaves us rushing, coordinating, cooking, or collapsing on the couch. Psalm 100:4–5 invites us to slow down and remember why gratitude matters in the first place: God is good, His love endures, and His faithfulness covers every generation. When our hearts return to that truth, thanksgiving becomes more than a holiday feeling—it becomes a posture shaped by God’s presence, not our circumstances. Highlights True gratitude goes deeper than holiday traditions or surface-level appreciation. Thanksgiving can be stressful—travel, expectations, or loneliness—but God steadies our hearts in every situation. Being thankful includes recognizing the blessing of people who want us close during the holidays. Reaching out to someone who’s alone can ignite genuine gratitude in them and in us. A thankful heart grows as we reflect on God’s goodness, salvation, and enduring faithfulness. Gratitude is something to cultivate year-round, not just on one busy Thursday. 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: Having Genuine Gratefulness This Thanksgiving By Vivian Bricker  Bible Reading: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Psalm 100:4-5  Thanksgiving shouldn't be known as just a day of feasting. Rather, it should be a day dedicated to genuine thankfulness. Due to all the preparations that need to be done, it can sometimes feels like the only thing we are thankful for is when the day is finally over.  Depending on your own living situation, Thanksgiving might look like traveling to three different locations to spend time with family, or maybe it looks like spending time at home alone. When we reflect on our own Thanksgiving experiences, we need to consider what it truly means to be thankful. Sure, traveling all weekend for Thanksgiving can feel daunting and stressful, but we have to ask ourselves, “Isn't it worth it to spend time with my loved ones?” For those who don't have extended family and aren't traveling for Thanksgiving, traveling would be something to be thankful for, as it means you have people who care about you and truly want you there for the holiday season. Imagine if you had nowhere to or spend the holiday with, and how lonely that would be. I still acknowledge that spending Thanksgiving on the road can be stressful as well. For many people, they have to travel very long distances or go to multiple places in one day. However, with God, we can still be thankful regardless of our situation. My family and I are close-knit, so we stay together for Thanksgiving. My uncle lived by himself, and every year we would give him a big Thanksgiving meal plate, and my dad would spend time with him since all of his own family had passed away. Sadly, there are many people just like my uncle. Although he is now in Heaven, he spent most of his life alone. If you want a heart of thankfulness this year, try to spend time with a family member or friend who is by themselves. It will mean the world to them, and it might also help you become more thankful for what you have in your own life.  The goal for Thanksgiving is to express true thankfulness. Not a thankfulness that is only surface-level, but a true thankfulness that reaches to the inmost parts of our souls. This is a thankfulness that is rooted in God. When we acknowledge the many blessings of God in our lives and the very gift of salvation, we will finally be able to open our hearts to being thankful.  Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5). As this Psalm states, we need to enter the Lord’s courts with praise, give Him thanks, and praise His Name. His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations, and He is good. By knowing these things and taking them to heart, we will become more grateful for our wonderful Savior and thankfulness will start showing up in our daily lives. Reach out to a loved one who is living alone, or be happy when you have to make the long trip to meet up with family members who live in another state. Allow yourself

Contentment is one of the hardest lessons to learn—whether you’re a child circling toys in a catalog or an adult eyeing upgrades and “just one more thing” that promises satisfaction. Philippians 4:12 pulls us back to center, reminding us that peace doesn’t rise and fall with our circumstances. Paul learned to be steady in seasons of plenty and seasons of lack because his confidence was rooted in Christ, not conditions. When we anchor our joy in the unchanging character of God, we discover the quiet strength that carries us through both abundance and need. Highlights Contentment and happiness aren’t the same—one depends on circumstances, the other doesn’t. Paul learned contentment through every season: need, abundance, hunger, and fullness. Lasting peace is found in Christ, not in possessions, upgrades, or life improvements. Our hearts easily drift toward “more,” making contentment a daily, intentional choice. Philippians 4:13 reveals the true secret: Christ’s strength empowers us to be faithful in any situation. Even Paul, writing from captivity and suffering, modeled unwavering trust in God. Want and plenty both test our faith—but both can draw us closer to God when we rely on Him. 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: Faithful in Plenty, Faithful in Want By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12 NIV “Give me! It’s my turn to look!” my youngest daughter screamed as she ripped the latest Christmas catalog out of my middle daughter’s hands. We’d received four toy books this week, the glossy pages filled with the latest gadgets, and my daughters were eager to circle the items they’d had their eyes on all year and add a few more things to their lists.“I think I will hold onto this,” I said as I tucked the book underneath my arm. “You girls already have so much, how could you possibly find anything else you want?”  My daughters turned to each other in an unspoken agreement that their mother was, in fact, crazy. They could never have “enough,” there was always something more to bring them greater joy.  \ It is my responsibility as a parent to teach my girls about contentment, gratitude for what they have, and the dangers of placing our happiness in things. Don’t worry, I did address the heart issue with my littles. However, at thirty years their senior, I still struggle with the same things. No, it’s not the lure of a new doll that promises to boost my morale; instead, it’s looking forward to a raise,  taking a trip, or upgrading the kitchen appliances. How often do I struggle to be faithful in plenty and faithful in want? Sadly, it is still a struggle. Paul, in his letter to the Christians at Philippi, encourages them to be content and faithful to what God has called them to, in all circumstances. Notice that Paul, in our key verse, uses the word content and not happy. Often, we use those words interchangeably, and while they are similar, they have slightly different meanings. Happiness, a state of euphoria, is dependent on circumstances, while contentment is a state of peace or satisfaction independent of circumstances. Paul desired that his ancient readers and today’s believers understand that peace and joy aren’t rooted in our circumstances but in our relationship with Christ. Therefore, contentment and choosing to be faithful to God’s purpose are daily choices. Often, my feelings dictate my soul's contentment. Paul understood this struggle. The verse following Paul’s “secret,” to contentment, tells us how he was able to, even in the worst of circumstances, he can stay faithful ( remember, Paul is writing this letter from house arrest, and was beaten, flogged, and severely injured for the gospel). Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul kept his faith even in the most dire of circumstances because God was with him, strengthened him, and gave him peace and joy through the work of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s life. The key to lasting happiness and peace isn’t found in a temporary world but in an everlasting God. Paul understood how easily we get discouraged, allowing the disappointments of this world t

True gratitude is more than a warm feeling—it’s a God-designed response that reshapes how we see Him, ourselves, and the people around us. Scripture shows that real thankfulness flows from the heart, is rooted in God’s Word, and grows stronger in every circumstance. When we recognize gratitude as a divine gift rather than a human habit, we begin to see how it transforms our faith, our relationships, and our daily mindset. Highlights Gratitude begins in the heart and naturally overflows into worship (Psalm 9:1). Scripture calls us to give thanks in all circumstances—not just the pleasant ones (1 Thessalonians 5:18). True gratitude doesn’t pick favorites; it thanks God for everything, trusting His goodness (Ephesians 5:20). We thank Jesus for His strength, His calling, and His constant work in our lives (1 Timothy 1:12). Genuine gratitude includes thanking God for fellow believers who walk beside us (Colossians 1:3). Remembering God’s past deeds fuels present praise and future confidence (Psalm 9:1). Gratitude celebrates the grace God pours out on others (1 Corinthians 1:4). We give thanks for the faith growing in believers around the world (Romans 1:8). Gratitude honors the love God cultivates in His people (Ephesians 1:15–16). Remembering others in prayer is itself an act of gratitude (Philippians 1:3). 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: What the Bible Teaches about True Gratitude  By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 In looking to learn about gratitude, the Bible is our teacher, with God being the author and creator of gratitude. It isn’t a human invention but a God-given response that rises up within us because He created us to express gratitude to Him. In learning to thank Him, it’s where thankfulness spills over to expressing gratitude to those we love and even strangers we interact with on a daily basis. Gratitude isn’t by any means a product of human nature or our fallen world, but rather a divine gift from God above who stirs it up deep within our hearts. Throughout the Bible, God encourages us to give thanks and to show true gratitude. The following are ten true characteristics the Bible teaches about true gratitude. True biblical gratitude comes from the heart. If anyone knew how to express gratitude to God, it’s David. Whether shepherd boy or king, his heart seemed to overflow with it. David teaches us that gratitude is a heart issue, writing in Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” True biblical gratitude is for all circumstances. Gratitude has no boundaries, meaning it isn’t reserved for happy times only, which the Apostle Paul knew all too well, experiencing many circumstances in his life, difficult ones. So, if anyone knew how to give thanks in all circumstances, it was him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he shares his wisdom, writing, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” True biblical gratitude is for everything. Whether good, bad, or ugly, the Bible teaches that true gratitude makes no exceptions in life. No matter if life is empty or full, we’re called to give thanks to God, focusing on Him and not what’s going on in our lives. As Ephesians 5:20 urges, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” True biblical gratitude is given to Jesus for all He does for us. For all the benefits and blessings we receive from Christ Jesus, the Bible teaches us to give thanks. Paul models how in 1 Timothy 1:12, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.” True biblical gratitude thanks the Father for fellow believers. True gratitude thanks God for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as Colossians 1:3 encourages. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” True biblical gratitude remembers God’s wonderful deeds. In Psalm 9:1, David points out the importance of remembering and telling others every wonderful deed God has performed. True biblical gratitude includes thanking God for the grace He gives to others. As 1 Co

Desire is part of being human—but Psalm 73:25 reminds us that nothing on earth can satisfy us the way God does. When our plans stall, doors close, or God simply says “not yet,” it’s easy to feel the sting of disappointment. Yet in those very moments, He invites us to rediscover a deeper truth: He is enough. The longings we carry—relationships, opportunities, fulfillment—are not wrong, but they are never meant to replace the One who satisfies the soul. When we release our grip on what we think we need, we often discover that God has already given us everything essential for life, peace, and joy. Highlights Our desires are real, but they can quietly take priority over God without us realizing it. God’s “no” or “not yet” often shapes our character more than His “yes.” Seasons of lack can reveal how fully God satisfies the weary and longing heart (Psalm 107:9). Blessings are gifts, not guarantees—and never substitutes for intimacy with God. Contentment grows when we trust that God withholds nothing we truly need (Psalm 23:1). God is unchanging—faithful in abundance and faithful in scarcity (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). Choosing gratitude over discontent quiets fear and centers our hearts on His goodness. 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: God Is Everything We Truly Need By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” - Psalm 73:25 ESV. We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done. If you’re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary. What should we do when God says “no”? When God doesn’t give us everything we ask for? How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,” when there are other things we want as well? Think about it. What is something you long for? Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job. About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every “no” from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans. During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, “Am I enough for you?” His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart. When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would’ve said yes and thought I was being honest. But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings? I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn’t have. Friendships are an open door to serve in media ministry, among others. In those seasons of “lack”, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn’t mean God didn’t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul. I didn’t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice). I didn’t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them). As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn’t “need” any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It’s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory. “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you’d thought, but it will be good. We are reassured that the Lord doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In our highest moments, when we’re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good

Sharing stories of God’s goodness isn’t bragging—it’s obedience. Psalm 9:1 calls us to give thanks with our whole hearts and boldly speak about the wonderful things God has done. In a world filled with criticism, division, and constant noise, our testimonies become powerful reminders that God is still active, still providing, and still working in the lives of His people. Gratitude grows when we speak it out loud, and joy follows when we point everything back to Him. Highlights Testimonies strengthen faith—ours and the faith of those who hear them (Psalm 9:1). Sharing God’s goodness publicly isn’t boasting when the glory goes to Him. Gratitude helps guard our hearts against negativity, comparison, and discouragement. A thankful posture begins with honest self-reflection and, when needed, confession. Blessings—big or small—become fuel for worship when we acknowledge God as their source. Speaking about God’s deeds invites both believers and non-believers to notice His presence. Shifting our mindset from complaint to praise reshapes our spiritual outlook and our witness. 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: Tell of God’s Wonderful DeedsBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” — Psalm 9:1 A few months ago, I arranged a meeting with a publisher for two of my clients. Within an hour, we secured two book contracts for them. We were thrilled! Before the publisher ended the call, I asked if she could stay on for a few more minutes. I also had a book I wanted to pitch to them, and by God's grace, I had secured a contract for myself!  I wanted to share God’s goodness, so I posted on social media. I couldn’t wait to share about his goodness at that moment. I aimed for it to be a testimony to others struggling to get a contract, letting them know that even though this book had been sitting on my laptop for years, God had finally found a place for it. Although some people later told me that I was bragging about my accomplishments, I truly took it as an opportunity to acknowledge God's goodness. We are called to share what God has done in our lives. In this chaotic world we live in, it's easy to hear criticism on social media and in various parts of our lives. What we need more of are testimonies of how God is moving in and through us.  The above verse reminds us that we are to tell of God's wondrous deeds. This is an excellent way for us to keep an attitude of gratitude, especially as we approach the holidays. With all the political posts and division plaguing our country, we need to be people who tell of God's good deeds, not the horrible things we wish we could fix.  Take a moment and analyze your life. Are you someone who often tells of God's wondrous deeds? Does this help you keep an attitude of gratitude? Do you find yourself complaining more than rejoicing? Although keeping a thankful attitude can be difficult, it is important to maintain it each day. It may be as simple as counting your blessings, even the ones you take for granted. Other times, it might involve making a grand gesture for someone as an act of kindness to show them Christ’s love in tangible ways. Regardless of the way you choose, tell of God's wondrous deeds. Brag on the Lord. Give him credit for everything in your life. Don't let anything get in the way of you celebrating all that God has done. Have you found that difficult? Analyze your heart. Do you have unconfessed sin or another area of your life that might be hindering you from truly rejoicing in the Lord? Go to Him and confess your sin. Afterwards, take a few moments to get out a blank journal and start writing down your blessings. This will transform your attitude as quickly as possible.  Additionally, if you find yourself taking credit for things happening in your life instead of giving credit to God, it's likely your attitude is wrong. Repent of this behavior. Know that God is in control of all things in your life. Everything good you have in your life comes from him. The quicker you can adopt this perspective, the quicker you can change your attitude and pivot it to giving God all the glory he deserves. Vow to tell people of all the wondrous deeds he has done. Take a week and post on social media the great things God has done. Be in tune with the spirit and be on the lookout for all the ways God is working in your life. Be sure to tell others, both through social media

When life feels heavy, it’s easy to wonder if anything good could come from the pain. But 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that God never wastes what we walk through. The comfort He gives us becomes the comfort we offer others. That truth reframes suffering—not as something pointless, but as something God can shape into purpose, compassion, and strength. Our stories, even the hardest chapters, can become lifelines for someone else who needs hope. Highlights God uses our struggles to equip us to comfort others with the same grace we received (2 Corinthians 1:4). Wise mentors and spiritual leaders can help us see purpose in seasons that feel confusing or overwhelming. Suffering often becomes a refining tool—shaping character, deepening faith, and anchoring us more firmly in Christ. Real-life examples remind us that even in pain, God can shine through our attitudes, words, and perseverance. Faith is strengthened through community; we grow by learning from those who have battled before us (2 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 12:1). God often heals deep wounds in the midst of present struggles, using past hurt to bring present comfort. No season of difficulty is wasted—God works through it, in it, and beyond it. 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: Our Suffering Is Not Wasted By Lauren Fletcher Bible Reading: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” - 2 Corinthians 1:4 Early on in a season of struggles with mental health, I reached out to my uncle, a pastor in California, for guidance—I needed someone to help walk me through this tough time. I vividly recall the anxiety and confusion that were a part of my everyday life. I remember both my uncle and I asking the question of why I was going through this situation. In one of our video calls, he compassionately shared that as Christians, our suffering is not wasted. This was a game-changer. In 2 Corinthians 1:4, Paul says that when we suffer, our suffering can be used to help someone else in a future challenge. This verse gave purpose to my suffering. It changed my attitude and made my situation bearable. If God could use this, it was worth it. One of my favorite conversations I’ve had with my uncle is when he shared about his own health issues. He recalled a time when a friend offered to pray for him for healing. He shared how he didn’t necessarily want the health issue to go away until God had finished the work He was doing through it. What he meant was that sometimes, God uses situations to refine us, to work on our character, and sometimes, God also uses situations to reach others.  A great example of this is a woman I got to know as I was growing up in the church. Through a mission trip, she had become a close friend. She ended up getting cancer, and one day, I visited her in the hospital. Smiling, she talked to her nurse and told her who her best friend was—Jesus. I was amazed at her attitude during such a hard time. I think of the scripture that says to always be ready to give an account of the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). My friend continued to hold onto her close relationship with Jesus as she walked through cancer and openly shared with those around her. I learned so much from her. Intersecting Faith & Life: Can you recall a time when something someone else has walked through has helped you?  How has it impacted your life? How has it given you a heart of gratitude? As believers, we truly need each other. Our growth depends on others’ help. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes to Timothy, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” The author of Hebrews also says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Sometimes, God is working something important in us, in our character, or through us, to others. Is there a time when you walked through suffering and it refined you, changed something in you? Can you see the purpose and personal growth, even healing in it? In my own life, I have walked through seasons of suffering where God touched a wound from the past when I was going through something in the present. He

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice—it’s a Christ-shaped way of living. Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us that thankful hearts grow strong roots, and Jesus’ life shows us exactly what that looks like. From praising the Father in unexpected moments to giving thanks over a meal that seemed far too small, Jesus modeled a rhythm of gratitude that was thoughtful, generous, and deeply intentional. His example invites us to slow down and notice the countless opportunities we have each day to respond with thanksgiving. Highlights Jesus expressed gratitude with insight—recognizing God’s work even when others overlooked it (Matthew 11:25). He gave thanks generously, blessing God for resources that seemed insignificant and sharing them freely (John 6:11). His gratitude fueled goodness toward others, shaping a life of compassion and service (Luke 6:31; Acts 10:38). Jesus demonstrated thankfulness in everything, from daily provision to His final moments before the cross (Ephesians 5:20; Matthew 26:27). His ultimate act of gratitude came through sacrifice—offering His body and blood for our salvation (Luke 22:19). A thankful life reflects the heart of Christ and keeps us rooted in God’s faithfulness. 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: What Jesus Modeled about Gratitude By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7 How many times do we miss opportunities to express gratitude to God? Most likely, for some of us, there are too many for us to count.  So, when it comes to learning how to show gratitude, especially to God, where do we look for a mentor? Of course, Jesus tops the list in demonstrating it to us, being perfect in all His ways and actions. After all, He is the Savior of the world, along with being fully man and fully God, understanding both how we as humans think, feel, and respond in earthly situations and also how God views and receives gratitude. How Jesus Modeled Gratitude In looking at Jesus’ life on earth, we discover ways He modeled gratitude, along with how we can follow His example. The following are five ways we can model gratitude to God and those around us, as Christ did on earth. Jesus modeled insightful gratitude. Often, individuals, some Christians included, may miss opportunities to express gratitude, missing the insightfulness Jesus demonstrated in all He did on earth. Matthew 11:25 reveals how Jesus recognized an opportunity to show gratitude to God for revealing to children what is hidden from the intellectual and educated individuals on earth.  “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” It was an observance and revelation of sorts, yet Jesus took the time, place, and opportunity to publicly express gratitude to God. Jesus modeled generous gratitude. When it came to expressing gratitude to God, Jesus didn’t skip over it, even when it involved a hungry crowd.  The Apostle John describes in John 6:11 where, “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” Some may feel like five barley loaves and two fish were hardly worth showing gratitude to God, such a seemingly small amount, more like a snack.  As well, to share what seemed like an insignificant amount of food so generously, letting people have as much as they wanted. If most of us were sharing it, we probably would have tried to limit it to each person, knowing we started with a small amount. Jesus modeled do-gooder gratitude. Gratitude to God flows through us, encouraging us to express the gratitude we have to God and to others. Jesus says in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Acts 10:38 describes how He accomplished it, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” Jesus modeled thankfulness in everything. Some may laugh at those of us who are continually thanking God for what seem like little things in life, but doing so helps our hearts to remain thankful throughout our days. As Ephesi

There’s a quiet kind of grace found at the table—a place where the noise of daily life slows and God’s presence feels nearer. Luke 22:14–15 reminds us that Jesus deeply desired time at the table with His friends. That same invitation extends to us: to pause, to savor, and to step out of the rush of chronos time and into the soul-settling rhythm of kairos—God’s time. Whether shared with others or enjoyed in peaceful solitude, the table can become a sacred space where our hearts are refilled. Highlights Jesus modeled intentional, meaningful moments around the table. Small choices—like candles, real dishes, or slowing the pace—help us step into God-centered time. The table can create a boundary against stress, hurry, and digital distraction. Kairos moments often come through simple acts of presence, connection, and gratitude. Communing with God at the table—alone or with others—shifts our focus from exhaustion to rest. Creating beauty in ordinary moments can soften the heart and open space for reflection. A quiet table can become a reminder that God meets us in everyday rhythms. 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: The Grace of a Quiet Table and a Full Heart  By Deidre Braley  Bible Reading:When the hour came, he (Jesus) reclined at the table, and the apostles with him. Then he said to them, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” - Luke 22:14-15 I have a confession to make: My husband and I often eat dinner on the couch.  Though I have wonderful visions of eating at the table with our children, sharing about our days, and passing the potatoes, the reality is that with three children under the age of seven, evenings in our household often involve pouting over vegetables, lively play in dinosaur pajamas, and occasional tears about toothbrushing. And by the time everyone finally makes it to bed, the thought of being upright any longer feels too heavy a burden to bear.  “Think we should eat at the table tonight?” my husband will ask tentatively, a plate in each hand.  “Not tonight,” I’ll say most nights. “The couch is calling my name.” And then I’ll plop down, an exhausted pile of mush.  But last week, I made a parmesan risotto and slow-cooked beef tips, and I spooned it into pretty bowls. It looked so lovely that I thought, “Well, I’ll put out the cloth napkins.” After I did that, it only seemed right to light a few tapered candles. When my husband emerged from bedtime story duty, his eyes got wide. “I guess we’re eating at the table?”  We lingered at the table long after our food was done, simply talking and enjoying the time together. When we finally saw the time, we retreated to get ready for bed, both remarking how nice the evening had been and how we should do this simple thing more often.  The author Sarah Clarkson talks about how Madeleine L’Engle reflected on the two words used for ‘time’ by the ancient Greeks: one is chronos, which refers to chronological time, and the other is kairos, which L’Engle refers to as “God’s time.” Clarkson writes about the various ways her family intentionally pushed back against the demands of chronos time to make room for kairos, saying, “...kairos is also our choice, a way of offering our hours to God so that they become the cup and cradle for his precious life” (This Beautiful Truth: How God’s Goodness Breaks Into Our Darkness, pg. 157-158).  Eating at the table is one way to usher in kairos time: to draw boundaries around the sacred so that the world has to wait outside for a while. When Jesus ate his Last Supper with the disciples, his friends, I always imagine that it was his way of encircling this time of communion and protecting it from the forward march of chronological time—and all the events that would soon follow. He protected it, cradled it, and enjoyed it for all it was worth. To him, it wasn’t just a meal or even a religious ritual: He told his disciples, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” It was a joy—in these moments, kairos time—God’s time—was activated.  Intersecting Faith & Life:  The table is a wonderful way to step into kairos time. Though it’s wonderful to enjoy a meal with others—whether that’s a spouse or a friend, or a dinner party fi

When life feels like a jar half-empty, 1 Kings 17:12–16 reminds us that God’s provision isn’t limited by what we can see. The widow, facing her final meal, offered what little she had—and discovered a miracle that carried her household through famine. God often calls us to trust Him beyond our logic, timelines, or resources, not to take from us but to reveal how faithfully He provides when we surrender what feels scarce. Highlights The widow’s “last meal” became the doorway to God’s ongoing provision. Fear, scarcity, and uncertainty can make obedience feel impossible. Trusting God doesn’t always make sense in the moment—but it positions us to see His power. God often works behind the scenes long before we see results. Obedience in the small things can lead to unexpected opportunities and blessings. Personal stories—like finding a job, purpose, or direction—often echo the widow’s journey of radical trust. God’s plans unfold step-by-step, not all at once, and His timing rarely looks like ours. 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: When All We See Is a Jar Half-Empty By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. - 1 Kings 17:12-16 One Saturday afternoon, as I spent quiet time with God, the Lord impressed on my heart the story of the widow and Elijah. I froze. Where did that come from? In all honesty, I hadn’t thought of that story in a long time. Needless to say, I flipped open my Bible and found the story smack-dab in the middle of 1 Kings 17. As I reread the story, the Lord reminded me of a time in my life when God had called me, like the widow in the story, to trust His plans more than the “reality” I could see. Let’s rewind, refresh our memory of the passage, and step into ancient Israel for a moment. Have you ever wondered how the widow in 1 Kings 17 felt as she peered into her jar and jug? Perhaps she sighed. Perhaps, despite how empty both were, they’d never felt so heavy in her hand. One more meal. One more meal and then she and her son would have nothing left. Perhaps she gazed up into the heavens or perhaps she fell on her knees in the dirt. Perhaps a tear slipped down her cheek and hit the soil, the splash of liquid the first the dry earth had seen in so long. Had God forgotten her? Suddenly, in the distance, there appeared a man, no doubt dusty and worn from his travels. He asked her for a drink. That alone would’ve been difficult to procure in a drought and famine. But she turned to fetch it. And then. He requested a morsel of bread. Her heart, no doubt, sank. Why would God ask her to surrender one of the very things she and her son needed to live? Perhaps a million thoughts ran through her mind. As it was, she and her boy would die eventually because they had nothing left. And now? Was God asking her to give everything? Didn’t He know what it would cost her? Despite her fears in the midst of God’s promise, the widow chose to offer what she had. Even though she couldn’t see how God would provide. Even though the reality staring her in the face contradicted what God had reassured her. And you know what? “And she and he and her household ate for many days” (v. 15). This realization wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I believe God will not always show us the next step. Sometimes, all we can see is what sits directly in front of us, but we don’t see the whole picture. When God asks us to do something radical, it doesn’t matter if it looks like we may lose something we hold close. It doesn’t matter if it looks like we will lack what we think we need (As the widow knew she would run out of foo

When the colder months trigger grief, anxiety, or seasonal depression, Psalm 94:19 offers an anchor: God’s consolation brings real joy even when our hearts feel heavy. Fall and winter can stir painful memories, shorten our daylight, and intensify emotional weight—but these seasons don’t have to be walked alone. God meets us in the darkness, understands the sorrow we carry, and invites us to bring every fear, memory, and ache to Him for comfort and healing. Highlights Seasonal shifts can stir grief, trauma, or depression, making fall and winter emotionally overwhelming. Psalm 94:19 reminds us that God brings joy even when anxiety runs deep. Talking with God—and with trusted loved ones or professionals—creates space for healing. Painful seasons don’t mean you’re alone; God fully understands the weight you carry. New memories, community, and small steps of connection can help soften the heaviness. With God, joy can return even to seasons marked by loss or sorrow. Healing often comes slowly, but God remains present and tender with every step. 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: When the Fall and Winter Seasons Feel HeavyBy Vivian Bricker  Bible Reading:“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” - Psalm 94:19  Autumn is a season of beautiful leaves, crisp air, and an endless array of pumpkin-themed sweets. For many, the autumn season rings in fond memories and excitement for the upcoming holidays. However, for some, the colder months loom like a dark cloud. At one time, I, too, loved the autumn season as I was excited to see the leaves change, go trick-or-treating, and get ready for the start of the holiday season. However, each fall has a heaviness over it ever since my mom passed away a few autumns ago. Ever since then, it has been difficult to associate these months with anything else. Fall can be heavy, and it can be overwhelming at times for many of us. Perhaps, like me, you experienced a traumatic life event that clouds each autumn with sad memories. Or, perhaps you experience seasonal depression during the fall and winter - something that is common among many people. The days get shorter, and we’re left in darkness for much longer. Know that whatever it may be that is bringing heaviness into your life during this time, you are not alone.  If you feel that fall is a difficult season to navigate, it is essential to talk with God as well as loved ones about what you are feeling. Reaching out to medical professionals can also be helpful if you ever have concerns about depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm. Even if you only have minimal concerns around any of these things, be proactive about addressing them with your primary care provider.  Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19). Although fall can bring much sorrow into our hearts, God can also bring joy into them. Whenever our hearts are full of anxiety, sorrow, or pain, we need to go to the Lord in prayer. God's consolation will bring us joy.  God understands the pain we are feeling and how certain seasons can cause painful memories or depression to resurface. Despite the pain and heartbreak we are experiencing, God can help us to see the light of life again. Even if you think you will never enjoy fall again or you won't be able to walk into autumn without pain, know that it is more than possible. All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26).  The heaviness may continue; however, try to allow God to heal your weary heart. God may provide healing through your family, friends, or spouse. Make new memories with those around you and treasure the memories of the past. We might always feel a bit heavy when fall comes around, but sometimes this heaviness can keep our loved ones close to our hearts. Why does this season feel especially heavy for you? How can you bring those things to God? He longs to bring joy to a weary heart - all you need to do is reach for Him. Further Reading: Psalm 34:17-18 Zephaniah 3:17 Joshua 1:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pain has a way of shaking our confidence, but Job 1:21 reminds us that worship can rise even from the hardest seasons. When everything fell apart, Job chose praise—a response rooted in the unshakable truth that God’s presence can’t be taken from us. His story shows us that even when loss, confusion, or unanswered questions threaten to overwhelm, God remains steady, powerful, and worthy. Sometimes the deeper gift in suffering is discovering who God truly is when everything else fades. Highlights Job praised God after unimaginable loss—because God Himself was still his greatest treasure. Emotional pain can still lead to worship when we trust God’s character. Physical suffering pushed Job into deeper questions and honest wrestling. God responded not with explanations but with a revelation of His majesty. Seeing who God is often brings more peace than understanding why hardship happens. Surrender grows when we remember God’s purposes can’t be thwarted. Pain can become the pathway to a closer, more intimate knowledge of God. 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: Praising in the Middle of Pain  By Cindi McMenamin  Bible Reading: The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away.Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21 NLT) Job said these words after literally losing everything he had. Can you imagine praising God, as Job did, after unimaginable loss?  The story of Job in the Bible is not a parable or a fable. Job was a real man, husband, father, and farmer. In fact, he was a present-day millionaire, in a sense. The Bible says he was the “greatest” (richest) man in the east.  Then everything he had– and I mean everything—was gone in a day.  In spite of this obvious and apparent shock of suddenly losing everything—his livestock, his livelihood, his investments, and all ten of his children—Job’s response was worship of his Creator and the One who had allowed him to lose it all. In a humble, God-honoring statement that truly defined this man’s character, Job responded not with questions, complaints, or curses, but with praise:  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,  And naked I shall return there.  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the LORD” (verses 20-21).  How could Job have responded that way?  I imagine you and I would react quite differently after losing just half as much as Job did. We might say things like:  “God, why?”  “God, I’ve served You and yet You let this happen.” “God, are You even there, anymore?” Experiencing loss upon loss can have that kind of effect on us. It makes us question everything we ever knew.  Yet, Job could praise God in his pain because, in his wisdom, he realized the one thing that mattered most to him—his God—was something he would never lose. Job realized God was still there, God was still good, and God was still worthy of his praise. Job saw God as his greatest possession. Job’s response, though, wasn’t quite as stellar when he lost his health. When his livelihood and loved ones were taken from him, the emotional pain gave way to praise. But when his body became wracked with pain, the confusion, disillusionment, and responses that would be more like yours and mine set in. That is when Job began to question. That is when Job’s friends began to offer their opinions on why God was allowing his suffering. That is when Job met his darkest, most painful time—in the confusion of not understanding why God wasn’t letting up.  And then, we get the most beautiful description in all of Scripture of Who our Creator is and all that He is capable of. In chapters 38-41, God takes our breath away when He answers Job out of his “storm”—the biggest storm God knew any man or woman on earth would ever have to endure.  And God’s big reveal? His all-coveted answer to the age-old question why?  It didn’t come. When God finally spoke, He didn’t solve the age-old mystery of why bad things happen to good people. Rather, His words began with: “Why do you talk so much when you know so little?” (Job 38:2 CEV). God was, in a sense, saying: “Who are you, Job, to question Me?” And for four long chapters, God doesn’t shine a penlight of understanding on Job’s circumstances, but projects a spotlight on

When life suddenly feels unclear and the path you’ve been walking seems to disappear beneath your feet, it’s easy to assume something has gone wrong. But Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God is always at work—even when our view is obstructed. Sometimes confusion isn’t a setback; it’s a signal that God is shifting your direction, preparing new ground, or ushering you into a fresh season. What looks like disorientation may actually be His gentle nudge to lift your eyes, trust Him again, and follow where He’s leading next. Highlights Confusion can be a sign of transition, not failure. God often uses unexpected moments to redirect our steps. Old paths may fade so new ones can form. What feels like “lost” may actually be God’s protection or preparation. Faith invites us to walk even when visibility is low. Seasonal shifts in life often require new vision and fresh trust. Scripture realigns our perspective when we can’t see the way forward. 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: Confusion May Signal a God-TransitionBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”– Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT God is so creative.Ever notice how He uses the most unusual things to teach us the lessons we need to know? It happened to me today... Taking a hike, I headed deep into the woods, leaves crunching underfoot. I kept my eyes alert, knowing I needed to take note of landmarks if I wanted to safely return to my car. You know how it is — it’s easy to quickly head somewhere without even realizing how you got there in the first place. That couldn’t happen; I wanted to make it home safely. At first, seeing my path was easy — that is, until it wasn’t. What used to be visible gray ground had disappeared. Now, pine needles covered my path. And confusion set in... Was I going right — toward that tall tree? Straight — toward no trees? Or left — toward a tree stump? I wasn’t so sure. Have you ever been there? Going a certain way only to suddenly experience confusion? Disillusionment? Maybe you were headed somewhere with God, only to be obstructed...Maybe you thought you were on the right path until you ran into something... This can feel discouraging and disorienting. It can happen in marriages, jobs, joys, hobbies, friendships, vision, or calling. All the same, it becomes wearying to be on a path you thought was right — only to feel lost. That’s how I felt — for a second — lost. But as I lifted my head and looked yards ahead, I saw it. There! The path. I was safe — yet again. However, those path-covering pine needles got me thinking... How did they get there to begin with? I figured they arrived one of two ways: The wind blew them there. The new season of Fall placed them there. Some of us today need to know that our confusion isn’t just about disorientation — it may be about God providing us with a new direction. And sometimes what covers the old path is actually preparing the ground for a new path. When the winds of God come, though they displace things, it can be a very good thing. It is His repositioning. It is His moving. Yes, it’s true — what we once knew can look different or even disappear. But this doesn’t mean it won’t be good. Even if we can’t see, by faith, we can still walk — trusting Him. Likewise, confusion may signal a progression into a new season. The paths we knew in the old season may not suffice in a new one, which is why seeing can be hard. The pine needles of Summer must fall to make way for Fall. We can’t hold on to what was and still step into the beautiful potential of what can be. Plus, the falling is part of the seeding of new ground. Did you know that pine needles prepare the soil and they save the path from weeds? In our not seeing, there is also God protecting us in the process of shifting seasons.So, what do we do when we find ourselves here? We readjust. We ask God if He has something new for us. We discern if He wants us to change course, change jobs, change relationships — or simply press through. Either way, we take a time-out with the Lord to listen and discern. “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope

Worry has a way of sneaking in and taking over, but Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us of something worry can’t compete with: a God who is able—able to do exceedingly, abundantly above anything we ask, imagine, or fear. When anxiety rises, God invites us to remember His power, His faithfulness, and His perfect track record. From parting seas to opening parking spaces to carrying us through life-changing moments, He proves again and again that nothing is too big or too small for His care. Highlights God interrupts our worry with reminders of His presence and power. Scripture anchors us when our minds want to spiral into fear. God cares for both the “small things” and the monumental moments of our lives. Nothing can thwart God’s plans—His purpose always prevails. We worry because our vision is limited, but God sees the whole story. Remembering past faithfulness strengthens our confidence in present battles. Jesus stands ready to answer the “door” when worry comes knocking. 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: God Is Able By: Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV “Why are you worried?” God interrupted my thoughts with this question to ponder before I could start a downward spiral in my mind. He then put the lyrics to a song I hadn’t heard in years into my head. The song “He’s Able” by Deitrick Haddon ministered to my spirit and lifted my thoughts heavenward. It was through the message of this song and reading Bible verses that support it that God breathed new life into me and reminded me that He is still in control. He let me know I can always take my concerns to Him. The Bible says we are to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). But how often do we keep our worries in our grasp and push God away? Perhaps we think that ruminating over our problems will somehow solve them. I’ve learned that way never works! The good news is that we have a Savior (Jesus Christ) who is exceptionally good at saving us from everyday disasters and ultimately, saving our souls (John 3:16-17) so we can make it into our final destination (Heaven).  Over the years, I’ve learned that when worry comes knocking on the door of my mind, I need to remember who God is and let His Son (Jesus Christ) answer that door and send worry running away from me for good. I’ve found that when worried, it helps to remember Bible stories of how God delivers His people. One of my favorite scriptures to illustrate that point is the story about when God parted the Red Sea for His children (the Israelites) to pass safely to the other side then He drowned their enemies who were in pursuit behind them by returning the sea to its natural form! This is the same God who is alive today. The same Lord who is available to help us 24/7/365 because He never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4).  When worried, it is important to recall God’s faithfulness to us. He is Almighty, Sovereign, Faithful, and True to me and you. God is able to accomplish everything He has planned for our lives on Earth and in the world at large. No human or evil supernatural force can thwart God’s plans. His purpose always prevails (Proverbs 19:21). Nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37)! So why do we worry? I think it’s because we’re still human, mere mortals with finite vision. But the good news is we serve an Immortal God with infinite vision!  The Bible says that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He’s planned out all the days of our life (Psalm 139:16), and He knows what He’s doing. God has a perfect track record of being trustworthy, and He does all things with perfection. God shows up for us in little ways and big ways. Such as the time when I needed a parking space in an office lot that is often full. Recently, as I prepared for an appointment, I prayed about this on my drive to that small space, and when I arrived, there were four empty parking spaces! This proved to me that God cares about the small things. When I was in my last few weeks of graduate school, our professor told us that if we made more than two mistakes on our final paper, then we would fail her class and not graduate. I asked all

Spiritual heaviness can feel like it hits from every direction—global tragedies, personal struggles, and the weight of a world that seems to groan louder each day. Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us that we’re not powerless in these seasons. God equips us with spiritual armor, giving us strength to stand firm, fight wisely, and remain grounded in His truth even when darkness feels overwhelming. Highlights Spiritual battles are real, but God never asks us to face them alone. The Holy Spirit empowers believers with strength, discernment, and courage. God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—protects us against the enemy’s schemes. Darkness may appear loud, but God’s authority is final, and His victory is already secured. Preparing daily with Scripture helps us resist defeat and stay rooted in truth. The enemy’s tactics are predictable, but God’s power in us is greater. Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps anchor us when the present feels heavy. 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: God’s Armor for the Spiritually Heavy Seasons By: Laura Bailey  Bible Reading: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV For the past few weeks, I have felt a spiritual heaviness, both personally and as if I am carrying the weight of the world. Perhaps you can relate? In the middle of you trying to figure out how to pay for your child’s braces,  another school shooting pops up on your news feed, and it's more than you can handle. A friend sharing about a difficult diagnosis on the heels of learning about a public assassination is overwhelming. The tension in your church is growing due to differences in direction, coupled with the continued polarization of society, leaving your soul weary. There is so much despair, desperation, and depravity all around us, yet as believers, we don’t have to live defeated. Paul, in his letter to the church of Ephesus, reminds them of the spiritual battle that wages all around them. However, they are not alone in the battle; they have the power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive and active in the lives of believers. Scripture is clear; it’s not a question of whether we will encounter spiritual attacks, but when we do, we must be prepared. So suit up, brothers and sisters in Christ, put on the whole armor of God as you stand firm in your faith, rooted in God’s Word, strengthened by the Lord’s power.  Join me as we enter the battle each day, knowing that we don’t fight against the flesh, but against the powers of darkness, the prince of this world (Ephesians 6:12). May we cling to the truth that while it may feel that the darkness is winning, God is on the throne and one day, He will come again. Darkness will be defeated once and for all! “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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” - Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV Heavenly Father, we bow before You, and we humbly ask that You equip us for battle. We know, Lord, that there is a spiritual battle that wages all around us. We want to be prepared so that we don’t fall victim to the enemy’s attacks. While he is the prince of the power of the air ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), he is a created being, and You are the creator ( Genesis 1:1). Satan’s power is limited, and he is under your authority. We don’t have to be fearful, but we must be watchful, for the enemy prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).  Our adversary’s tactics are not unique, and his mission is simple: “to kill, steal, and destroy” ( John 10:10) God’s creation. As Your Children, we don’t fight alone! You’ve given us a Helper (John 14:26), the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds us of Your Truths. Let us feel Your presence, as we buckle the belt of Truth around us, holding up our faith