your daily crossroad

Not Disqualified

Posted on Mar 5, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Acts 8:3, Forgiveness

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:3)

In our hearts when we hear of someone persecuting and murdering innocents… we want justice.

God sees the wickedness, but he also knows the true identity He has for them.

No matter how far off track anyone has gotten, God is ready for you to live out your original design.

Saul was there when Steven, who was beautiful and precious, was stoned to death.

Saul, who approved of Stephen’s execution then, (Acts 8:1) went on to cross multiple continents on foot just to share the good news of Jesus Christ after his conversion.

None of us is disqualified from serving the King or His Kingdom! God, you have chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. (1 Cor 1:27)

“…for Saul is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15)

When I read this devotion I was reminded of Matthew 5:44, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Spend time praying for people instead of talking about them, I guarantee you will get better results. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God but our sins are not greater than God’s mercy. As today’s devotions says, none of us are disqualified from serving God. He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Mar '20

Aligned With His Will

Posted on Mar 3, 2020 in Devotions |

Mar '20

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22)

I think this is a deeply loved and deeply misunderstood scripture.

If I could add a thought to this I would say whatever you pray for in faith within God’s will, you will see.

Often we are disillusioned with God because what we prayed did not come to pass.

It’s hardest when we have absolutely put our faith deeply into action by declaring the word, fasting, and praying… only to see something fail.

We get disillusioned with God, but were we praying in His will?

Even praying for good things can be in our flesh (heart) and not his spirit.

God let me not pair disappointments in life with disappointment in you.

Increase my discernment of what to pray and how to pray so I am in aligment with your will. Thy Will Be Done!

I was so blessed by this devotion. When I read it I felt it needed to be shared and read time and again. I pray it touches you and strengthens your walk with The Lord! Spending time with God is key to our strength and success in all areas of life. Be sure that you never try to work God into your schedule, but always work your schedule around Him.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

Love Others

Posted on Feb 28, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Love, Luke 23:34

Feb '20

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)

Jesus cried out with compassion and mercy on those who were crucifying him.

He had every right to want revenge or to see his persecutors suffer.

But Jesus did not think of them as his enemies; he thought of them as God’s children.

Remember, those trapped in hate and all it’s deceptions are just that…trapped.

We were all born to share the gospel.

We all came from God – every one of us was intimately formed by God, out of love. (Psalm 139)

Jesus charges us with loving our enemies. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matt 5:44)

And, He has given us everything we need to be like Him.

Father, may your love fill me. May I love others with your love, not my limited human love. May I be filled with a sense of tenderness towards all your sons and daughters. Amen.

What I loved about this devotion is the fact that it’s so easy to be angry, to hold a grudge, to want revenge for being wronged but if we would take a step back for even just a moment and remember what God’s word asks us to do, we would live a much happier, peaceful and fulfilled life. If we would love others with His love we could change the world, it starts with you and I, we must be the change we wish to see in the world. As today’s devotion says, may His love fill you that you will be filled with a sense of tenderness towards all people. Lord, let them see You in me.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

The Outcome

Posted on Feb 27, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Outcome

Feb '20

For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

God calls us to consciously not always believe what we see in our circumstances.

He tells us we don’t put our trust and belief in our disappointments or bad news.

God calls us to put our hope and belief in His word and what He says about our situations.

After all, God does not change!

The same God who parted the Red Sea, made water spring from rock, and gave sight to the blind…is the same God who can fix your marriage or heal your depression.

Whatever your situation or circumstance, the God of the Universe is more than able to transform it and/or transform your heart in the process.

When we focus on Him, our faith grows. Our outcomes are in His hands.

I will mature and deepen my trust in the father by praying his word. My outcome is not what I can see, it is what the father can see and do. Amen.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

This devotion blessed me. Our outcomes are in His hands. If we would truly grasp that, how different our lives would be from day to day. Pray, then let it go. Don’t try to manipulate or force the outcome. Just trust God to open the right doors at the right time. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5).

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

Multiple Identities

Posted on Feb 25, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Multiple Identities, Romans 12:2

Feb '20

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Mixture…when believers have multiple identities.

Mixture…When Christians conform to the world they have…

friends they party with
friends they gossip with
friends they talk about Jesus with
friends who are conservative
friends who are liberal
And they fit in with all of them

Each of us should have one identity that goes wherever we go.

We know if we have one identity, with one set of opinions and one set of boundaries, there will always be people who don’t like us.

The temptation to “dumb down” spiritually is real in a culture which views speaking openly about Christianity as inappropriate.

It is a life work to be transformed into our true identity.

God promises if we will renew our mind in His presence He will teach us who we are.

We will understand intuitively what is the good will of God.

God help me to conquer my moments. Help me to conquer one conversation at a time. I do not want mixture. I want holiness. Amen.

What a devotion, it’s not always received with open arms in the day and time we live but it’s necessary. Great holiness consists in carrying out the ‘little duties’ of each moment. He will help you conquer your moments, look to Him. Choose this day to not have multiple identities as today’s devotion speaks of. Holiness requires continual effort on our part and continual nourishing and strengthening by the spirit.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

HE is LOVE

Posted on Feb 18, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: 1 John 4:8, Love

Feb '20

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8)

Our most basic human need is to feel loved. In feeling loved and making other people feel loved we encounter the person of God.

It’s not that God is loving; he is love itself.

When we feel love and we give love we are experiencing the actual presence of God.

Whether I’m loving my children or feeling loved God himself is with me. In every way that I experience love I will remember I am in your presence!

…love one another; as I have loved you…By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

When I read this devotion it blessed me and I felt it needed to be shared. What an incredible reminder about love, He is love. The best way to find love is to find God.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

No Good Thing will He Withhold

Posted on Feb 13, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Psalm 84:11-12, Trust Him

Feb '20

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)

Perhaps you are filled with such disappointment that you have taken a few steps backward. Will you let go of the one thing today, in order to receive back from the Lord what His grace has ready for you? Will you remember who God is and all He promises for you even in the midst of loss? Therein is the need for surrender. Don’t waste another minute.

Remember the truth that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

By His grace He will flood you with His power and faith for every storm. You can know that “The Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

As I was reading the Bible this morning I came across this setting of scripture and it blessed me. I knew I had to share it. I pray you are uplifted and encouraged by this devotion today. Psalm 84:12 goes on to say, O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord! Is there any better promise than this? If I trust Him, I will be blessed. All I can say is THANK YOU! I trust the Lord Almighty so I can rest in knowing that He will bless me. These blessings may not always look like the world’s definition of “blessed” but without doubt, God will bless me. His Word says so!

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

Tick-tock Tick-Tock

Posted on Feb 11, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Psalm 118:24, Time

Feb '20

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

The older I get, the faster time seems to tick away. I often find myself thinking there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything finished. Our culture seems to idolize busyness and measures success on how many events you can cram into your calendar.

I used to be so busy that the only way I could establish a boundary with work was by putting at least 100 miles between my desk and me. I decided to commit to a spiritual retreat each year just to rejuvenate, relax, and reconnect to my Heavenly Father. And then, slowly, God impressed on my heart that I don’t need to travel out of state to reconnect. I can have a little retreat with Him every morning through my quiet time.

The enemy will tell you there isn’t enough time for God. The enemy will try and steal the joy that comes from those few minutes with God each morning.

The truth is when you take those first few minutes to spend with God, your entire day will be blessed…you lose nothing, and gain everything!!

I love this devotion! It blessed me. What truth! I pray you are encouraged to have a little retreat with Him every morning, why, because like today’s devotion says, “you lose nothing and gain everything”. One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is time alone with God because time spent alone with God is never wasted. Spending time with God puts everything else in perspective.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Feb '20

Receive Without Asking Why

Posted on Feb 4, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: John 9:12, Receive

Feb '20

Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. (John 9:12)

We always want the “why.”

Somehow loss or trauma seem easier if there’s someone to blame.

It was the disciples themselves asking who had caused the man’s blindness.

The Pharisees response to the healing was confrontation and anger.

They demanded to know from the healed man and his parents who dared to perform a miracle (work) on the Sabbath. (John 9:16)

The man’s parents were frightened of trouble with the Pharisees and would not speak of the miracle (John 9:23)

The only person who rightly received this wonder was the man himself.

“Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes!” (John 9:30)

The man didn’t stop and ask himself if he deserved the healing.
He didn’t consider if the people around him approved of the healing.
He simply marveled at the goodness of Jesus and received the blessing!

Help me receive the healing goodness that you have for me – Let me marvel at your goodness, power, and love!!!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)

This devotion blessed me and I wanted to share it with you. I pray after reading this you are encouraged to receive everything He has for you without continually asking why. Dare to Trust Him. God hands us situations, circumstances and opportunities where we have to practice trusting in Him. You may not see it at the time, but God knows what He’s doing. It’s not random, it’s a part of His plan.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Jan '20

Be Strong and of Good Courage

Posted on Jan 30, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Courage, Fear, Isaiah 41:10

Jan '20

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

God tells us how to go through fear.

Isaiah 41 challenges us to not be controlled by fear.

God is with you & will bring you His strength.

He says do not get discouraged or disillusioned.

We may not be able to control the things that scare us, but we can certainly get through those things with the peace that comes from spiritual maturity.

Don’t let fear control you! God is with you and He is for you!

Walk through your storms with your head up, confident in Him. God knows your outcome and you can rest in that!

Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee . . . (1 Chronicles 28:20)

When I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. We all struggle with a certain amount of fear, some more than others and some not willing to admit it but if you take anything from this devotion I pray it’s this, “Don’t let fear control you! God is with you and He is for you!” The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Jan '20

Fear of Fear

Posted on Jan 28, 2020 in Devotions |

Jan '20

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

A woman fears that her husband or friend group will abandon her.

The boss says, “we need to talk” and immediate panic arises.

Fear whispers or shouts we will lose something or that what we have is fragile.

Fear says you are not safe or loved in a real way and results in…

fear of conflict
fear that relationships are fragile
fear that we are needy
Fear that ruin is around every corner

I will not obey my fear. Fear is not from God and I will stop believing it.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

I felt this devotion, while short, is so powerful and needed to be shared. I pray you don’t allow fear to dictate your future.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Jan '20

Holding Fast to Our Convictions

Posted on Jan 23, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: convictions, Hebrews 10

Jan '20

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:32-39)

It’s easy to hold firm to our beliefs when we’re with like-minded people in church. But if we’re among people who doubt or disagree with Christianity, we need courage to stand up for the truth of God’s Word.

In these situations, we might be tempted to compromise our convictions out of fear, such as:

• Fear of Criticism. Believers standing up for God’s truth will likely get criticized by people who don’t share their beliefs.

• Fear of Rejection. If we live by our convictions or verbally share our faith, we may not be accepted by those who follow their own desires.

• Fear of Loss. Sometimes we don’t want to take a godly stand because we could lose our friends. But anyone who keeps us from obeying the Lord is not a true friend.

Sacrificing righteous standards in order to please others will keep us from the fullness of what God has planned for our life. It’s better to live for Christ and follow His commandments so we can glorify Him.

As God’s people, we hold on to our convictions, no matter the consequences. Pleasing Christ is our highest priority and well worth our standing firm for Him.

When I read this devotion it blessed me. So often we are as today’s devotion says, tempted to compromise our convictions. Today, I pray after reading this devotion you are encouraged to take a stand for what you believe. I am reminded of an old but powerful hymn, If none go with me still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Jan '20

Love Like He Loves You

Posted on Jan 21, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: John 13, Love

Jan '20

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Love is not just a feeling. It is an action. Jesus tells us that others will know us by our love..

He also tells us that we ought to love one another.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 reads: “Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

True love in action puts the needs of others before our own.

It doesn’t retaliate when someone hurts us.

It is kind, giving to those who don’t always deserve it or may not have earned it by your definition.

True love is selfless, not self-serving.

How might you show love today to someone in your life today?

Who in your life needs a glimpse of God’s love, regardless of whether you think they deserve it?

When I read this devotion it blessed me. I felt it needed to be shared time and again. We all need this reminder, Love is patient and kind. Lord, help us to love like we have been loved.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Jan '20

Confidence in God

Posted on Jan 16, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Confidence, John 4:51

Jan '20

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. (John 4:51)

A nobleman approached Jesus, begging him to come to his home and save his dying child.

Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.”

So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.(John 4:50)

The man did not continue to insist Jesus come to his home; he simply & quietly obeyed Jesus.

It was a great act of faith for the man to turn and walk Almost a day and a half back to his home.

The man chose to rest in the word of Jesus that his child was healed and he could leave.

Confidence is a hard thing when we don’t know how our stories will end.

But, the peace and rest of God cannot be in us unless we get quiet and simply obey God before our outcomes.

Rest is a posture of the heart not the body.

I felt this devotion was worth sharing because often times we struggle to rest in what God has said. I pray today you are encouraged to have confidence even when you don’t know how the story will end. Today, choose to get quiet and obey God before the outcome has arrived. Hebrews 10:23, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Jan '20

Evangelize

Posted on Jan 14, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: Good News, John 4:14

Jan '20

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)

What became of the Samaritan woman after her encounter with Jesus?

The Samaritan woman encountered Jesus at the well of Jacob.

First, Jesus told her of her sin.
Second, she was humble and confessed to him she was a sinner.
Third, she praised him as the prophet of God.

The next part of this story is a model we should all aspire to.

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.” (John 4:39)

The woman at the well ran to her people and evangelized.

She told everyone the good news of her forgiveness, and the man who saw her sin and loved her just the same.

Has my salvation rippled out on those around me?

Jesus, give me opportunities to tell other people about you today that they would be blessed, as I am blessed.

When I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. I pray you stop and ask yourself that very question today, has your salvation rippled out on those around you? Use every opportunity given to tell others about Christ and all He has done for you. Psalm 44:8, In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!