The Crosswalk Devotional

A New Year can invite us to celebrate God’s new mercies, which show up every day. We access this through His Word. Do you have a regular Bible reading habit or study plan? If life feels overwhelming, I invite you to begin with the Psalms.

This year, don’t pressure yourself to achieve everything you want all at once. Instead, set your heart before God and let him shape you. Focus not on trying harder, but on trusting God more.

If you could use a boost in enthusiasm, stop and spend some time reflecting on the work or the day directly in front of you. Sit still in God's presence. Soak in his power and greatness in the pages of his word. Understand that he is good.

Let’s do something different this new year. Before we make any plans, let’s figure out how we can allow God to shape this new year.

As humans, we will experience change throughout our lives. But here’s the good news: there’s one thing that never changes - our God! Today, if you are feeling anxious about the changing of the calendar, rest in the truth that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Wherever you find yourself this new year, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to refresh. Whatever has passed, let it be put away and look forward to a new beginning.

What are your New Year's resolutions? Are any of them centered around Jesus? What would it look like to follow Jesus rather than the world this upcoming year?

If God makes us new and grants us the power to walk in that newness, then we should ask ourselves, “Why aren’t we?”

Embrace a heart of thankfulness for the God who grants us hope and faith, and surrender your longing for the shallow, smooth-sailing life that offers little sustenance for the soul.

Do you ever struggle to enjoy the journey? How does knowing that God has a purpose and plan for your life’s path help you find contentment in your current circumstances?

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.

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.

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?

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.

As Christians, are we inviting individuals to come and see Jesus, our newborn King, at Christmastime and all year round? Are we like the shepherds so many years ago, willing to boldly tell others because we know it is the Good News of Christmas?