your daily crossroad
16
Jun '20
Worrying
16
Jun '20
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matthew 6:27)
Worrying can be like a comfortable, but toxic relationship.
It feels safe, it feels familiar, and most importantly worry gives us the illusion of control.
Worry tells us we can foresee outcomes and steer them in the right direction.
Worry tells you if you “let up” and relax something bad will happen…and it will be your fault.
Strangely enough, worry can be an addictive, comforting process, that we hate and feel we need… all at the same time.
The foundation of worry is believing that you are alone.
Worry can only survive in the presence of fears that are indulged and utterly believed.
Father, I have no control of outcomes, but I will celebrate that you do! You know the beginning and the end of all things and I release them to you! Amen.
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
I’ve never seen worry from this point of view but how true it is. When I read this devotion I was reminded of a quote I’ve heard time and again, Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace. I pray you are encouraged to release all things to Him. Worry is assuming responsibility for things that are out of your control, don’t worry about everything; instead, pray about everything.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
11
Jun '20
Not Rendering Evil for Evil
11
Jun '20
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)
Even the most peaceable among us has been upset by what we are hearing, seeing and watching.
It’s hard to not feel heartbroken and angry.
But, when you became a believer you laid down your right to carry anger or hatred.
When you live in a world that says, “I have the right to be angry!” It’s hard to hang on to Kingdom thinking.
Hate is a subtle and comforting lover that begins with blindness… only to progress to slavery and abuse. None of us have the right to hate!
God infuse me with peace that passes all understanding. (Phil 4)
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)
When I read this devotion it jumped off the screen at me. I was reminded of Ephesians 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. I love the point todays devotion is driving home for each and every one of us. May our deepest desire be just this, God infuse me with peace that passes all understanding. None of us have the right to carry anger or hatred. Amen!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
09
Jun '20
I Am Who God Says I Am
09
Jun '20
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle . . . (1 Corinthians 15:9)
Thank goodness God isn’t limited by how we see ourselves!
Paul had ravaged Christians, but God saw the forerunner in Him, the Apostle and Superintendent of all the early churches.
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? (1 Chronicles 17:16)
King David was sent to the fields while his brothers went to war.
In David’s family he was an unimportant shepherd.
But, in the family of Christ, David was a King – related to the King of Kings.
Let me remember God sees what I am here to do and has given me all I need to do it. I am not how others see me and I am not how I see myself. I am who God says I am!
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
When I read this devotion it made me stop and think who does God say I am. Here are just a few to remind you and I. I am the apple of God’s eye. I am loved by God, cherished by God, and highly valued by God. I am a child of The King. I am redeemed, forgiven and sanctified. I am a friend of God. I am because He is.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
04
Jun '20
Value to Our Suffering
04
Jun '20
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:5)
Is there any value to our suffering?
We identify with Christ in all ways, namely experiencing the heartache of this world.
But Jesus experienced the comfort of God and we will, also!
Jesus experienced victory over the enemy and we will.
Jesus conquered death, and we will.
So let us comfort those who are afflicted from the overflow of our comfort.
Let all that we experience in this life, good and bad, be so that we would know Him more!
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I know for some it may be hard to understand. Why would God allow certain things to happen, why, why, why, we ask so many times but if we would stop and see it through a different lens we would see just what today’s devotion is saying. God allows things to happen for a reason. Circumstances will either direct you, correct you or perfect you. John 13:7, Jesus said, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Trust Him in and through all things.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
02
Jun '20
Weight of Worldliness
02
Jun '20
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
Paul had such wisdom!
There are many things that are not sin but are they right for us?
Food, money, words; these things don’t separate us from the love of God, but what if they stop our growth?
What if the things you are praying about have the weight of “worldliness” delaying them.
Can I inspire or influence the world if I am not really different?
May my life make others want to know you!
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
When I read this devotion it blessed me and I pray it inspires you to take a look at your life and ask yourself, is my life causing others to want to know God? It reminded me of a quote I heard when I was young and I often reminded myself of it to this day, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is now always right”. Is there something in your life stopping your growth?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
28
May '20
Love Him Well
28
May '20
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5)
Enoch was so beloved by God that God brought him to heaven to be with Him before Enoch had a natural death.
How does someone become a friend of God?
As we grow in spiritual maturity we will long to be with God not for what we need, but for who He is.
We long for His presence, not just by seeking Him, just loving Him.
God let me love you well. Let me enjoy your sweet presence. As you have loved me, let me love you back! Amen.
Enoch walked [in habitual fellowship] with God. (Genesis 5:24)
This devotion blessed me. I pray it encourages you today to read your Bible faithfully, grow closer to Him. The Bible is God’s invitation to love Him back. Love Him well.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
26
May '20
Wise with Words
26
May '20
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
The apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2).
John must have known that our health is affected by the well-being of our soul. There is no possible way to separate the two. They are intimately intertwined. Though words may not inflict physical harm, the Bible compares them to a lethal weapon and a healing balm: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18).
Hurtful and angry words act on us like painful stab wounds. One stabs at the shoulder, another grazes our stomach, and one finds it’s mark in the upper arm, and then our assailant runs away. We are stunned by the assault and bloodstains on our clothes. Feeling faint we close our eyes for a moment, wondering how words could do so much damage.
Then we hear another voice. It’s soft and gentle. We feel it’s warmth as a golden mist of light overtakes our darkness. Words of life and healing cancel out the very words that wounded us. I love you. I am with you. You are mine. Their gentle warmth calms the fiery pain. Each pleasant word acting as a restorative.
This is the power of words on our soul. Words can wound and words can heal. With this knowledge, let’s use words to free and heal others rather than stab and would them. Rather than being careless with our words, let’s be careful and choose to be wise with our words. By controlling what we say, we respect the power of words.
Simple words of encouragement and compassion could make all the difference for someone. We have within our power life-giving medicine when we speak from the Word of God. He alone is the healer so it is no surprise that His words carry healing. It costs so little to encourage others and benefits them in more ways than we may ever know.
The choice is yours. Will you speak harm or health today?
God, teach me the power of words and help me use my words to bring healing and encouragement to those You’ve put in my path. Amen.
I read this in my daily devotion today and I felt it was full of so much power and it needed to be shared. I pray today you are encouraged to choose your words to bring healing, wisdom and life to yourself and to those He put’s in your path. I feel it is also so important to speak life, healing and wisdom over yourself so in return you can poor out on those around you in a positive way. So often we secretly and sometimes openly damage our self worth, we must also speak health, wisdoms and life, not harm, in all areas of our lives. Don’t ever doubt your worth.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
22
May '20
Hope and Great Expectations
22
May '20
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Our job is to not give up!
We overflow with peace because God cannot change and he is good!
He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
God is faithful and the overflow of confidence is built though our experiences with His goodness.
His promises are true and you can trust Him!!!
I choose each day to endure, to try again, to hope again and live with expectancy. My God is good!
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)
I felt after reading this devotion that it needed to be shared time and again. I pray you are encouraged to do as today’s devotions says, endure, try again, hope again and live with expectancy. I am reminded of Psalm 62:5, My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Great expectations!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
19
May '20
God Sees You
19
May '20
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
“Look in me eyes, daddy! Look in me eyes,” our sweet toddler exclaimed one busy Sunday afternoon.
The curious phrase became a habit from that day forward. His intensity often left my husband and me laughing. But make no mistake: Chase was serious, taking his daddy’s face into his hands, leaning close, eyes inches apart.
When he needed a little extra attention, this was his go-to response. The only thing that would placate him was the reply, “I see you, sweetie. I see you.”
Coming from a big family, I remember yearning as a child for more one-on-one time with my parents. Because we traveled and sang, I learned quickly that performing well temporarily satisfied the desire to be noticed. I loved music so much, and though I was somewhat shy, it felt good to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
But the older I got, the more I began to understand: Applause fades. The show ends. People “outgrow” you.
It can lead a tender heart to wonder …
Do I matter? Does anyone REALLY see me? Am I invisible?
Although I’m not a kid anymore, I wrestle at times with feeling unnoticed, desperately wanting to grab the faces of those around me and demanding, “Look in me eyes.” Sometimes I feel like I have to do that with God, too.
It’s easy to question our worth when it appears others don’t appreciate or truly see us, or when we compare their “glamorous” life with our “simple” one. I see my friend’s highlight reel as she serves orphans in Uganda and then feel like I’ve all but disappeared in the lowlight of an underwhelming day.
Washing dishes, running errands, making dinner … none of it feels meaningful. Sometimes the false belief — that value lies in the things we do and not in the God who made and passionately loves us — can crush our fragile hearts.
Have you been there?
May I speak hope into your soul today? A heart turned toward God never goes unnoticed.
He sees you right where you are, even if no one else does. He is actively searching for a heart like yours! A heart that loves the Lord — one that’s surrendered to Him — cannot be ignored. But our gracious God doesn’t stop there.
In our key verse, 2 Chronicles 16:9a, the Scriptures declare God sees the whole earth, and He promises “to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
Strength to fold one more load of laundry? You bet.
Strength to plan one more meal? Yes.
Strength to trust His timing? In abundance.
Strength to faithfully serve Him in the small things? Absolutely!
Strength to wait for the season to change? It’s yours!
In the hardest of times and on the loneliest of days, I don’t have to perform or jump up and down for God to notice me. Instead He is ever reaching, ready to take my face in His hands, lean close and whisper, “Look in My eyes, child. Look in My eyes.”
In that closeness, where His tender gaze meets our weary but trusting heart, we’ll hear Him say, “I see you, sweetie. I see you.”
Face to face with our heavenly Father, He soothes the ache to be seen. The desire to perform disappears in the revelation that I am fully known and fully loved by God. And my heart can finally see that His eyes upon me are the only ones I’ll ever need.
Dear God, thank You for really seeing me. Knowing Your eyes are always on me matters more to me than being noticed by others. When I crave attention and validation, I choose to receive Your love, placing all that I am in Your hands. Thank You for strengthening my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When I was pondering on what The Lord would have me post for a devotion today I kept feeling in my spirit, “I see you”. It led me to this devotion and it brought tears to my eyes. I knew I had to share it. I needed this gentle reminder today. So often we can have these feelings in life and we need a gentle nudge from God reminding us, “I see you”. Remember today and every day, You matter and God Sees You!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
May '20
Following Your Own Spirit
15
May '20
Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! … thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts … the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. (Ezekiel 13:3-4, 6)
In Ezekiel’s time, some people spoke words they felt were genuinely inspired by God. Yet they misled themselves as well as others and were not genuine prophets. Their ideas originated in their own hearts and minds. They might have thought of themselves as brilliant or wise, but God called them “foolish.”
Regardless of their opinions, their discernment was faulty. They had “seen nothing” (v. 3) and “the Lord [had] not sent them.” They were “like foxes in the deserts,” cunning and resourceful. Regardless of how they sounded, they had not heard from God and had not made a total commitment to follow Him.
Their understanding of the future was faulty. Their motives were not pure, so they saw things that profited or benefited themselves. Deep down, they weren’t really confident, but they just hoped that their words would be confirmed.
The reality is that any of us can fall victim to tendencies like these. We need to be careful to be sensitive to God, to speak only His words, to do what He has called us to do, and to make sure our motives are pure. We need to focus on never being self-centered, but instead we need to be dedicated to God and His Kingdom.
Surrender your life anew to God. Fill your heart and mind with His Word. Seek to be more sensitive to His Spirit. Let Him guide, correct, and lead you.
Father, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit. I am Your servant, ready to speak Your words and do what You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I was blessed by this devotion. I pray it encourages you to take a moment and evaluate yourself, have you been a bit self-centered lately. Wanting only what you want, claiming it’s The Lord’s will for your life but not seeking him for the true answer and direction for your life. Who’s spirit are you following, His spirit or your own?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
12
May '20
When Silence Speaks
12
May '20
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)
It’s easy to speak rash words fueled by strong emotions. But such reactions can often lead us — and others — to hurt-filled and unrighteous places. God provides a better way.
Wisdom prompts us to trust in the Lord and guard what we say — even when we’d rather spout our explanation or defense. Whether this means we remain silent or speak with love, our Father leads us well. Indeed, He does.
Heavenly Father, teach me to guard my lips well. Forgive me for the times that I haven’t. I trust You to know best whether I should remain silent or speak in the situations I encounter today, tomorrow and beyond. So, whether it’s with words or silence, I choose to glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This devotion blessed me. I pray you are encouraged to listen and obey when God is prompting you to be silent. God’s reasoning for your silence will always become clear but It’s up to you to obey.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
07
May '20
Love Not Guilt
07
May '20
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (Romans 6:20)
Often the world looks on Christians and doesn’t understand why we would feel guilty or uncomfortable with our sin.
Unsaved people may fear that Christianity is about shame, fear or rules… and want no part of it.
Before salvation we were largely guilt-free, conviction-free and highly comfortable living for ourselves, by our own values.
Before salvation… SELF was paramount!
Let’s show the world there’s so much more to a life in Christ than sin.
Let’s show the world there is partnership with God as He gives us love, guidance, mercy, favor, open doors and healing.
We should demonstrate a life with Christ that provokes the world to want him. (Romans 11:14)
Let us demonstrate to the world that we are Christians, not out of guilt, but out of love!
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I was reminded that through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning and our future is secured. Salvation is by far the best gift we can ever receive. Show others today that you walk and serve God in love not guilt.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
05
May '20
Wait On The Lord
05
May '20
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)
Dr. Seuss has a book called, Oh, the Places You’ll Go.
In it, there’s a part that reads,
“You can get so confused, that you’ll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles cross weirded wild space, headed I fear, toward a most useless place. The Waiting Place… for people just waiting. Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a yes or no, or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.”
It goes on to say, that eventually you will escape the waiting.
No one likes to wait.
We want faster internet speeds.
We don’t want to wait in long lines.
We don’t want to wait for our dinner to arrive.
We want what we want, and we want it yesterday.
But, God tells us that we are to be strong and wait for the Lord!
We are to take heart and be confident.
In our patience, we will see the goodness of the Lord.
Isn’t that just the opposite of what our nature wants to do?
Are you waiting on something from God? You can trust Him that His timing is perfect and His ways are good!
What might He be wanting to teach you today during this time He has you set apart?
When I read this devotion I felt their were many who could relate to this right now. There are so many unknowns and so much waiting. Trust in God’s timing. It’s better to wait a while and have things fall into place than to rush and have things fall apart. Remember, stress will make you believe everything has to happen right now, Faith reassures you that everything will happen in God’s timing.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
30
Apr '20
Call Unto Him
30
Apr '20
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)
I think one of the sweetest sounds is the voice of a loved one.
Hearing your child say, “Mama, or Daddy” is a life-changing moment.
Getting a call from someone special can make your whole day!
But it isn’t just the call. It’s the person, the voice behind the call.
Did you know that God loves you so much that He desires to hear from you?
His Word says to call out to Him and He will answer – He will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
How exciting and awesome is that!?
It’s like being a child and opening a box of cereal to get the prize that is inside.
What amazing and wonderful things does Jesus have to reveal to you today.
God is ready to answer your prayers. All He asks is that you call to Him. His desire is to have a relationship with you.
When you pray, it gives you an opportunity to see Him answer. It acknowledges your need for Him.
When you pray, it gives you an opportunity to see Him answer. It acknowledges your need for Him.
Lord, thank you for guiding me. Open my heart to your Word. Teach me the great and hidden things as I seek you! Amen.
After reading this devotion it caused me to pause and think about how much time I actually give Him in a day. How often do I reach out to him on a daily basis. He longs to hear from you and I, make time for Him today. He’s waiting. It’s God’s passionate pursuit of us that calls us to prayer.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
28
Apr '20
Our Words
28
Apr '20
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)
Have you heard the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?”
The truth of the matter is … words can be life giving or life taking.
The tongue is one of the smallest parts of the body, yet it can crush the spirit, causing terrible hurt and damage.
Words can create, encourage, and give life, but they can also discourage and deliver a terrible blow.
In the book of James, we are told that the tongue is like a fire.
Fire can warm us and cook our food. But, it can also be destructive.
If not used properly, fire can destroy.
The same is true of the tongue.
As you go about your day and start to speak, how will you use your words?
Will you express words of affirmation and appreciation for others?
Or will you let a little burning ember escape and ignite an entire forest fire of destruction.
Remember, words are powerful.
God spoke the world into existence by the power of His words!
As you seek to follow Him, ask Him to guard your heart, tongue, and words. Let your words be used for His good – to uplift and encourage!
When I read this devotion I felt it was something that needed to be shared. Words are indeed powerful, remember this devotion today before you speak. I pray we are all encouraged to let our words be used for His good. Words are like seeds, what seeds are you planting?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!