Should believers still look to the moral law for daily living? Should I explore the paranormal? Was Jesus truly separated from the Father on the cross? How did humanity spread across the globe? How do I cope with the theological differences I have with my husband? Can you talk about Melchizedek and how he plays into law and grace? Did fallen angels have relations with women in Genesis 3? What does the finished work of Christ mean for our forgiveness?

1. Read Hebrews 10:1-3. What do you think about letting go of feeling guilty for your sins? Can you have remorse and regret without falling into guilt? Explain.
2. Read Colossians 2:13-14. Why is this one of the most powerful encapsulations of the gospel in all of Scripture?
3. Read Ephesians 4:32. Is this different from Matthew 6:14-15? How is it different? Why is it different?
4. Read Hebrews 9:25-28. React to this statement: Jesus is not in heaven dying over and over, so you're not on Earth being forgiven over and over.
5. Read Ephesians 4:28. If we don't have to ask for forgiveness each time we sin, then what can we do?
6. Read 2 Peter 1:9 and Luke 7:47. React to this statement: Total forgiveness is dangerous—but only to the enemy!

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 Naturally
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

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

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

When God is for us, who can stand against us? Listen to the story of David and Goliath.

How do you respond when you find that your faith is being tested and your prayers seem to go unanswered?

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