your daily crossroad
29
Sep '20
My Shepherd
29
Sep '20
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
Sheep are vulnerable animals.
Their defense mechanism is to run.
Unfortunately, they are also prone to wander away from the herd.
Apart from the flock, they are especially susceptible to attack.
So…the role of the shepherd can mean the difference in life and death for them.
So…the role of the shepherd can mean the difference in life and death for them.
Likewise, the Lord is our Shepherd.
In many of the same ways that the shepherd cares for his sheep, the Lord cares for us.
He lovingly guides, protects, and provides for us.
When we step away from Him and His Word, we are vulnerable to our enemy’s attacks.
However, by staying close to the Lord, we find peace and have confidence in His care.
However, by staying close to the Lord, we find peace and have confidence in His care.
When the verse tells us we shall not want, it means that we shall not lack for what we need.
Ask the Lord, your Shepherd, to provide for all your needs. Like the vulnerable sheep rely on their shepherd’s care, draw close to Jesus, trusting Him to provide. Come near to Him with joy and thankfulness, acknowledging that He knows what you need and is more than able to come through for you!
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray after reading this you are encouraged to stay even closer to The Shepherd. Every day God thinks of you Psalm 68:19, Every hour God looks after you 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Every minute God cares for you 1 Peter 5:7, because every second He loves you Jeremiah 31:3.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
24
Sep '20
Remain Faithful and Obedient
24
Sep '20
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. (Hebrews 5:8-9)
It’s hard to see any benefit to suffering.
Jesus suffered while he was on earth and He didn’t even have sin.
“The crush” of earth life brought him into great love…how did He do it?
He remained faithful and obedient to God.
If suffering is met with conscious spiritual resilience there is always growth that releases holiness.
May all that I experience in this life lead to a deeper construction of my spiritual self.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Today’s devotion blessed me. I pray we all have a deeper desire to follow the example Christ left for us in His word. Remain faithful and obedient to God. When I read this devotion I was reminded of this quote, Looking back I am filled with gratitude. Looking forward I am filled with vision. Looking upward I am filled with strength. When Christ is truly the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
22
Sep '20
He is Our Friend and Redeemer
22
Sep '20
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14)
Jesus is sympathetic. He was made flesh to walk the earth and to “walk in our shoes”.
Jesus knew loneliness, betrayal, fear and anger.
He experienced what we experience and looked to The Father when he needed strength or comfort.
Jesus came to die for you, He came to release His Holy Spirit to you and He is our friend and redeemer!
* Jesus is not the judge, He was the sacrifice.
* He is not the critical parent, he is the brother you never had.
Jesus, Thank you for your friendship, your compassion over me and your desire to “do” life with me. Let me delight in you as you have chosen and delighted in me!
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (Hebrews 2:11)
When I read today’s devotion it blessed me. He desires to “do” life with you. He chose you, He delights in you. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. What a friend we have in Jesus. Remember today, your strength lies in your intimacy with God and His son.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
17
Sep '20
The Blame Game
17
Sep '20
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:14)
When questioned by God in the garden, Adam demonstrated a common response to sin: he redirected the sin (Genesis 3:12). He tried to say that Eve was responsible for his act of rebellion. How often we will employ this tactic today — accusing others instead of admitting our need for The Lord’s forgiveness.
At the root of this, of course, is our guilt over our wrongdoings and desire to protect ourselves from punishment. In desperation we attempt to blame whoever is readily accessible. But this only keeps us imprisoned in our transgressions.
Friend, you cannot be forced to sin — and you cannot fool God. Yes, another person may create the circumstances that make it easier for you to stray, but ultimately, how you react is your responsibility. As Jesus did, you can always choose to respond in a godly manner because His Holy Spirit dwells within you.
So today, instead of playing the blame game, confess your sins to Him. He stands ready to forgive you and will lead you to freedom when you admit your need.
Lord, thank you for not condemning me, but leading me to truth and freedom, amen.
When I read this devotion it jumped off the page at me and I knew it had to be shared. I pray it speaks into you, blesses you and causes you to reevaluate how you react to admitting your need for The Lord’s forgiveness.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
Sep '20
Don’t Stop at Your Limits
15
Sep '20
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. (Philemon 1:22)
Paul asks them to prepare a guest room for him…surely their prayers will cause his release from prison.
He not only speaks positively of leaving prison, but writes in hopes that he can raise their spirits.
He expressed faith that their prayers were moving his chains and he looked ahead…not down at his shackles.
The present moment can often be like Paul’s shackles, clear evidence that we cannot change our situation.
Don’t stop at your limits, but look to God, who is limitless!!
I will do what I can, and God does what I can’!
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. (Philemon 1:21)
When I read this devotion I felt it was full of so much truth and power. I pray today you are encouraged with confidence to do the very best you can in all things great and small and watch God do what you can’t. Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. Cling to hope and continue putting one foot in front of the other.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
10
Sep '20
Endure
10
Sep '20
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. (2 Timothy 2:11)
If we deny Jesus, He will deny us… but if we become weak in our faith, He will remain faithful.
Doubt and unbelief are dealt with at the cross.
Jesus knows our faith will get wobbly at times, but denying Him is the only thing that will send Him and His presence away.
He says endure and you will reign…don’t give up and you will run your race!
You are the constant when I am weak, your faithfulness is there when mine is waning. You call me not to be superhuman, you simply require that I don’t give up.
If we endure, we will reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will deny us. (2 Timothy 2:13)
When I read this devotion I was reminded of Romans 1:28, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient”. My prayer is that you will choose to endure, remain steadfast in your faith and know when you do that, He will not turn you over to a reprobate mind but He will remain faithful. Run your race.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
08
Sep '20
Speak With Self-Restraint
08
Sep '20
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. (2 Timothy 2:24)
We don’t have to avoid difficult conversations with anyone, but we do have to avoid quarreling and fighting.
The church must not be guilty of silence, but we have to speak with self-restraint.
Silence comes from the fear of man, but arguing comes from a failure to trust God.
If we speak with peace and integrity, we can be the voice of those who have no power or help!
God I don’t want to tempted into fear or silence when you prompt me to speak. Let me represent you well!
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray after reading this you are encouraged to speak with restraint. Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Remember to be even-tempered, preserving peace, patient and tolerant when wronged.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
03
Sep '20
Your Prayers Make a Difference
03
Sep '20
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.(1 Timothy 2:2)
God doesn’t qualify praying for “kings” (earthly leaders) with who they are or if we agree with them.
God urges us to pray specifically; be bold in the way you are praying for yourself and others.
Your prayers make a difference for all people.
Whether believers or unbelievers, they are all His!
Intercession changes the direction of war, famine, death and darkness.
We need prayer in a great way right now so let’s pray for our leaders to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit!
Father, anoint me to pray. Bless me with the gift of intercession, the deep desire to pray and knowledge of what you would have me pray.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. (1 Timothy 2:3)
I felt this devotion went in hand with Tuesday’s devotion, we must pray. In the day and time we are living in, prayer is key for our leaders to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, believer or unbeliever, God is far greater than any earthly leader or politician. It’s our prayers that create change and weather we agree with them or not it’s our responsibility to pray for all those in a position of leadership and leave the rest to God. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting, Matthew 17:21. Pray and fast for our earthly leaders.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
01
Sep '20
Spiritual Slumber
01
Sep '20
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
Darkness covers our nation in pockets that fight to expand and occupy.
Spiritual slumber causes us not to feel any personal responsibility to intercede and to pray.
We have to bring the light of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual slumber can be subtle – It can cause us to miss the gravity of what’s happening on the earth or allow us to feel content with the notion that someone else is praying so we don’t need to….
Despair, racism and illness will bow down to the King of all Kings… because of our prayers.
Don’t believe your thoughts of being powerless. It is all “hands on deck” for prayer!!!
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
What a powerful devotion. Let us not fall into spiritual slumber. We must remind ourselves, we are NOT powerless and that prayer changes things. Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. All “hands on deck”. Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
27
Aug '20
Share The Gospel
27
Aug '20
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness. (1 Thessalonians 2:5)
Talking about what Jesus means to you is the most natural way to share the gospel.
Techniques or memorized talks are not likely to mean much to anyone.
If we compare ourselves to others or try to follow the formula of a group we are not depending on God… who would love to speak through you!
God has trusted you to further the Kingdom and He will be with you.
Jesus you are my friend, redeemer, savior and so much more. It is a joy to talk about my life with you!
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned. (1 Timothy 1:5)
When I read this devotion I felt it was full of so much truth. When sharing the gospel just speak from the heart. I read something once and it blessed me, it said, “Don’t be afraid to speak from personal experience; in many ways, those vulnerable moments will be the key that unlocks a hardened heart”. Take a moment today and think about what Jesus means to you from the heart, then go out into the world and share it with others. It will come so naturally, just be real, not out of technique or memorized talks but from personal experience. He will be with you every step of the way.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
25
Aug '20
Forgive as Christ Forgave You
25
Aug '20
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13)
It is tempting to turn the news off right now…if you aren’t mad you are feeling helpless.
The issues are real, complex and layered; illness, financial crisis and clashes between cultures.
The issues may be complicated, but God’s answers are not; As the Lord has forgiven you so should you forgive (Col 3)!
If I forgave others as God forgave me, it would be without condition and without judgement.
Being gracious may be as simple as not speaking anger when others are.
God, thank you for loving and forgiving me based on how much I need it and not if I deserve it.
Forgive me if I hold others to any other standard!
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
This devotion blessed me. I pray you are encouraged to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to wrath. Remember the grace God has shown you.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
20
Aug '20
God is Love
20
Aug '20
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)
Your basic capacity to know God is to first believe He loves you.
His love for you is incomprehensible, and while this may be a life work to encounter that love first…do you believe it?
John said after we begin to believe it, then we will live it!
Paul’s prayer from prison was for his brothers in Christ to increase in love…not stay safe, hit a fund-raising goal or grow the church.
His prayer was for them to grow in their capacity to love.
When I feel lost spiritually, let me retreat into the simple foundation of your love for me and my love for you!
For God is my witness, how I long for all of you…And this I pray, that your love may abound [grow] more and more. (Philippians 1:8)
I was blessed by this devotion. I pray after reading it you are also blessed by it and reminded of just how loved you are by God and in return you know how to love. Lord show me how to love like you have loved me. Remember this, God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime. To me, that’s pretty incredible.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
18
Aug '20
My Strength, My Portion Forever
18
Aug '20
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalm 73:26)
When you are still feeling tired at the start of your morning, what do you reach for first?
Maybe you go for that extra cup of coffee, make it a double shot espresso, or grab for an energy bar?!
Like coffee and food are to our physical bodies, so is God’s Word to our hearts.
His word literally infuses us with the spiritual nutrition we need to get going each day.
He provides the strength called for when we feel tired and worn out with life, or when we don’t have enough energy to deal with the day ahead.
* He is our portion.
* He will never run dry.
* He will never cease to be enough.
Trust Him to give you the sustenance you require to make it through the day, knowing that He has exactly what you need!
This devotion blessed me so much. It reminded me of the words in a song I listen to daily called Promises, “I put my faith in Jesus My anchor to the ground, My hope and firm foundation, He’ll never let me down. Great is Your faithfulness to me, From the rising sun to the setting same, I will praise Your name, Great is Your faithfulness to me”. Trust Him and Praise Him through the storm. He is forever faithful. He’ll never let you down.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
13
Aug '20
To Serve and Not Be Served
13
Aug '20
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Selfishness focuses on my interests above the needs and interests of others.
When we operate out of a place of entitlement, we fail to look at other’s needs.
In this verse, Paul says selfishness is related to arrogance, or empty conceit.
When we build ourselves up by tearing another down, we fail to show the love of Christ.
However, God is so good.
He always has a remedy.
He tells us to be kind, compassionate, and loving to one another.
When we put the needs of others above ourselves, we become more like Christ.
Jesus came to serve and not be served. He is to be our example.
Lord, help me be like you. Let my heart be that of your servant. Help me to love others as you did, appreciating them, showing compassion and kindness to all! Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray it opens our eyes to value others and realize that influence is providing attention and value to others.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
11
Aug '20
Envy Rots the Bones
11
Aug '20
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
The definition of rot is to decay or the action of decomposing.
Have you ever smelled spoiled milk or rotting food?
It is a putrid stench, and can make you sick to your stomach.
Proverbs tells us that envy will rot our bones.
Envy looks at another and desires what they have.
Envy is so destructive that it robs us of joy. It steals our peace of mind and causes bitterness in our hearts.
When we look at another and ache for their life, we fail to appreciate our own.
While someone else’s life may sound great to us, we do not know the struggles they may be facing.
However, Proverbs gives us the solution to envy.
It tells us that a tranquil heart gives life.
Tranquility means we are calm and quiet.
We are not fretting over what we don’t have.
Lord, give me a tranquil heart, one that looks to you with gratefulness. Replace any envy I may be experiencing with an appreciation for all you have done for me! Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me so much. I felt it had to be shared. So often we are trapped in this web of lies, thinking the grass is greener on the other side but I am reminded of a saying. “The grass isn’t greener on the other side, the grass is greener where you water it”. So the next time you find yourself aching for someone else’s life, remember this devotion, stop and count your blessings, water your grass.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!