The Crosswalk Devotional

To focus entirely on where we’ll go after we die is to miss out on a major part of the good newsthat is the Gospel: We don’t have to wait to enjoy God’s presence. We get to dwell with him right here, right now—every day of our lives.

Let us be encouraged this daylight savings season that summer will return, bringing with it longer days of sunshine to lift us out of our funks. May we remember that just as this season won't last forever, neither will spiritual darkness.

Ask God to lay upon your heart what He wants you to ask for. And thank Him, by faith, for the privilege of making your prayers a conduit through which He can perform His work here on earth.

Like Luther, are you discovering truths that you want to share with your pastor, church, and denomination? If so, what is holding you back? Ask God to help you step forward and step up to offer loving correction when you see an error in teaching.

Although Christians hold many views regarding Halloween, it can be a great time to be missional in your neighborhood. Seek to not only turn on your porch light, but also to be the light of Christ to all your neighbors this Halloween.

Take a moment today to reflect on the benefits we experience because of Luther’s willingness to stand up to corrupt leaders, making the Gospel message accessible to all people. Pray that we, like Luther, would protect the Gospel message for generations.

Friends, God calls us to be courageous. And it is courage we must carry to advance the Kingdom of God. To help fill the earth with the truth of God’s power and love.

When faced with fear, it can be difficult to respond in faith. However, the Word of God is a powerful weapon. I encourage you to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7. The next time you feel afraid, speak this scripture out loud to bolster your resolve.

God calls us to pursue righteousness and kindness together. When we do, we can discover the wonderful lives he wants us to enjoy!

There are moments when our circumstances or even our thoughts will be so loud that we cannot hear God. He is still there. I encourage you, if you are in hard times or cannot hear God, keep praying. He hears and answers our prayers.

Consider where God has you right now. Is He calling you to be still, trust in His sovereign plan, or to knock on a door He might want to open for you?

What have you understood was required of you as a follower of Christ? Do you feel as if you are fulfilling the mandate God has placed upon us as believers? Find one intentional way to care for another today as you act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.

Father, let us know the scriptures well enough to allow them to light our path. Let us not simply be hearers of the word but doers of the word as well.

The heavenly lights–like the sun, moon, and stars–appear in the sky faithfully. You can count on seeing those lights because of God’s design, and you can count on God–the Father of the heavenly lights–to send good gifts down into your life faithfully, as well.

Is there a situation in your life that seems like a disappointment or where your expectations are not quite lining up with what you’re experiencing? Can you see where God is working something out for good?