your daily crossroad
04
Jun '19
The Lord Rejoices
04
Jun '19
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
You My grandmother recently sent me a folder full of old photographs, and as I thumbed through them, one caught my eye. In it, I’m two years old, and I’m sitting on one end of a hearth in front of a fireplace. On the other end, my dad has his arm around my mom’s shoulders. Both are gazing at me with expressions of love and delight.
I pinned this photo to my dresser, where I see it every morning. It’s a wonderful reminder of their love for me. The truth is, though, that even the love of good parents is imperfect. I saved this photo because it reminds me that although human love may fail sometimes, God’s love never fails—and according to Scripture, God looks at me the way my parents are looking at me in this picture.
The prophet Zephaniah described this love in a way that astounds me. He describes God as rejoicing over His people with singing. God’s people had not earned this love. They had failed to obey Him or to treat each other with compassion. But Zephaniah promised that in the end, God’s love would prevail over their failures. God would take away their punishment (Zephaniah 3:15), and He would rejoice over them (v. 17). He would gather His people into His arms, bring them home, and restore them (v. 20).
That’s a love worth reflecting on every morning.
How does it make you feel that God rejoices over you with singing? How have you experienced His love?
God, thank You for Your forgiveness and faithful love for us. Amen.
This devotion blessed me. I pray it opens your eyes to see just how loved you are by God. I am reminded of Luke 15:3-7. He will leave the ninety and nine to go after the one who is lost until he find it. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.What a mighty God we serve.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 16:33
03
Jun '19
Divine Diversions
03
Jun '19
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (Acts 16:7)
It can be difficult when we’re told “no” or “not now,” especially when we sense God has opened a door for us to serve others. Early in my ministry, two opportunities came my way where I thought my gifts and skills matched the churches’ needs, but both doors eventually closed. After these two disappointments, another position came along, and I was selected. With that ministry call came thirteen years of life-touching pastoral labors.
Twice in Acts 16 Paul and company were redirected by God. First, they were “forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia” (v. 6). Then, “after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not” (v. 7). Unknown to them, God had other plans that would be right for His work and workers. His no to the previous plans put them in a position to listen to and be confidently led by Him (vv. 9–10).
Who among us hasn’t grieved what we initially thought to be a painful loss? We’ve felt wounded when we didn’t get a certain job, when a service opportunity didn’t materialize, when a relocation got derailed. Though such things can momentarily be weighty, time often reveals that such detours are actually divine diversions that God graciously uses to get us where He wants us, and we are grateful.
What loss have you grieved only to be grateful that what you desired you didn’t get? How did the situation serve to bolster your trust in the Lord?
Father, I praise You that in Your wisdom You know how to best arrange my life. Thank You for protecting me through Your detours. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of Isaiah 55:8-9, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Trust Him to protect you and guide you. He is faithful, always. Divine Diversions.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 15:1
31
May '19
When Negative Thoughts Are Running Your Life
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May '19
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
I knew they were there, but I tried to ignore them and deny their existence.
They controlled how I felt in the morning, and when I went to sleep. They would often cause my emotions to feel out of control, making me feel out of control, too. They would dictate how I reacted to situations or conversations. They often caused me to feel offended, angry or hurt, whether it was truly justified or not. They never ceased to remind me of my shortcomings and flaws, making me feel inferior and often without value, and they constantly tried to pull me down with discouragement or hopelessness, stealing my peace and joy.
Who are “they,” you ask?
You see, life had been unusually hard for many months due to a painful situation in my marriage, and as a result, my negative thoughts were running my life.
I didn’t want to feel sad, but my thoughts stayed consumed with all the things that made me sad. I didn’t want to feel unhappy, but my thoughts constantly drifted toward focusing on my unhappy circumstances. I didn’t want to feel discouraged or fearful, but my heart was heavy, and my negative thoughts were weighing down not only my emotions, but my outlook on life. In fact, my thoughts often made me feel as if I were sinking mentally, emotionally — and at times, even spiritually.
Our key verse today give us wise advice on dealing with thoughts: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons.
As I read this chapter, I noticed although Solomon was king, he didn’t focus on advising about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities or best tips for leading the kingdom. Instead, he spoke of more important things such as the value of controlling their thoughts, which determine how they felt and how they lived.
Solomon teaches us to be careful how we think, because the quality of our thoughts will always determine the quality of our life.
Whatever our minds focus on is what will play out in our lives and eventually shape who we are. Our thoughts turn into feelings that have the power to control our lives, gradually steering us and possibly our faith, in a direction we do not want to go. King Solomon knew this to be true, and counsels us to be careful about what we think and feel. He knew it’s often our thoughts, not our circumstances, which cause us to sink.
Our thoughts have power and can easily begin to run our lives, controlling our words and actions, feelings and emotions — even our peace and happiness. When disappointment crushes our dreams, when people hurt or anger us, or when problems seem overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught in the rip-current of negative thoughts. And when we think negative thoughts, we feel negative feelings, leading to believing life is negative overall.
During this season of life when I realized my thoughts were running my life, I bowed my head and admitted to Jesus how I had allowed emotionally-fueled thoughts to sink my joy, my hope and my faith. I embraced His truths that just because my circumstances weren’t positive, didn’t mean I couldn’t be.
When I intentionally change my thoughts, my life changes as well. And so can yours.
Lord, at times I feel as if I’m sinking — in my attitude and thought patterns, even in my faith. Forgive me for letting negativity have power over how I feel, think and live. Fill me with a fresh breath of optimism today, and help me learn to transform my thoughts, heart and life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This devotion blessed me and I pray it blesses you just as much. I love what it said, when we intentionally change our thoughts, our life changes as well. May this be our hearts desire each and every day. Here are five keys I found to help your day overflow with Godly positivity. 1. Embrace an attitude of gratitude, 2. Spend quiet time with God, 3. Read your bible, 4. Focus on your blessings instead of your worries, 5. Wear a smile on your face. I refuse to allow negativity to have power over my life anymore. I am blessed.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Thessalonians 4:17
30
May '19
Perfect Peace
30
May '19
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)
I remember asking Billy Graham a number of years ago about what he experienced when he gave the invitation for people to come to Christ at a crusade. He said, “When I am preaching and giving the invitation, I feel like power is draining out of me.” I understand that, because it is a spiritual battle that rages on. When we are serving the Lord, it can be draining in many ways. It can even be draining spiritually.
Jesus, who was fully God, also was fully man. That means He was human just like you and me. He felt pain. He felt sorrow. He felt hunger. And He could feel weary from a hard day’s work. In Matthew 8, we read that Jesus, tired after a day of ministry, was sleeping soundly. He and the disciples were on a very primitive wooden boat, being tossed back and forth like a cork in the ocean.
How do you sleep in a storm like that? You can sleep in a storm when you’re confident in the will of God. In other words, you know you’re doing what you should be doing. Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Sometimes the worries and pressures of life keep us awake at night. When this happens to me, I’ll pray about it and say, “Lord, I can’t worry about this for a while, so I’m going to let You worry about it. I’m going to get some shut-eye.” I’m being humorous, of course, because I know God isn’t going to worry about it. But I’m entrusting the matter to Him. That is what we need to do when we’re tired and overwhelmed by worry. We need to cry out to God.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of this prayer and I want to share it with you today. I pray it blesses you and encourages you to cry out to God. Trust in Him.
Lord, I come before you ready to pour out my worries, anxieties and fears at Your feet. I am claiming and declaring Your promises for blessings of peace and strength over my life. Bring a peace into my soul that passes all worldly understanding and make me a light for others to see Your strength. Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 56:4
29
May '19
God’s Timing and Your Blessing
29
May '19
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 60:22)
God’s timing will never diminish your blessing. It is like the sunrise or the seasons. You can’t hurry it; you can’t stop it; and you shouldn’t doubt it. This is true about your life as well. Maybe you want to get married or are concerned about some financial matter. No matter your need, trust God’s timing. God’s timing will never diminish your blessing.
God’s timing is not our own. God tells us in Isaiah that God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. God’s ways are higher and grander than our own. So trust God today with the timing in your life.
Lord, I thank You that You will answer my prayers in Your perfect timing. Reveal what is in my heart, and make me ready to handle the answer in the right way when it comes. Help me to pray by faith consistently and long-term, to believe, wait, and then move forward in Your timing. Help me to be patient in prayer, not give up, and trust You even during moments when I feel negative emotions. I don’t want to live by feelings but by faith. Help me not to take matters in my own hands. I choose to trust you, and I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy. I choose to be faithful in prayer (Colossians 4:2). Deepen my understanding, and give me a greater knowledge of what You are doing in my life. I choose to hold unswervingly to the hope that I profess (Hebrews 10:23). Stretch my faith in the midst of the wait, just as You did with Your disciples when encountering a storm at sea (Matthew 8:23-27). I thank You that You have all wisdom and will answer my prayers in Your perfect time. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 103:17-18
28
May '19
Count Your Blessings
28
May '19
For in the time of trouble . . . will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. (Psalm 27:5-6)
Christians are not altogether immune from depression. The fact is: the trend of events and the mounting tide of evil are enough to give one sobering thoughts—Christian or not. David, the sweet singer of Israel, was not always on top of his depression. Sometimes his glad song was turned to a depressive mourning. “My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me?” (Psalm 42:3,5) I find that the cure for depression is praise. In other words: be so busy counting your blessings, that thoughts of gloom and despair will be crowded out.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for the Psalms which help me see that even in the depths David talked with You. Whatever my circumstances, I will learn to praise You. Amen.
I was blessed by this short but powerful devotion. I pray it encourages you to look around you and start counting your blessings.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 12:15
24
May '19
Our God, A Warrior
24
May '19
The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. (Isaiah 42:13)
When you see pictures of Jesus, do they often depict Him as a warrior? Do they ever show Him defeating his enemies? Probably not. Generally, he is longingly gazing heavenward, holding a child or a lamb. Isaiah, however, is very clear about our God: He is a warrior. In fact, Revelation 19:12-16 reveals what He will look like when He “shows Himself mighty against His foes”:
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.
This may appear to contradict what we are called to do as Christians. For example, Jesus instructed, we are to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41), give up our coat (Matthew 5:42), love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), and show mercy (Matthew 5:7). How can we do this when our God is called “a man of war” whose robe is dipped in blood? We are freed to do this as Christians because it isn’t our job to judge God’s enemies or make them pay the wages of their sin! We are to love them so that they may come to worship this warrior God.
While our God is holy and just, He is also merciful. Merciful, even to the point of sacrificing His only Son that we, His enemies, may be made into friends. We can weather hardships, trials, and injustice done to us because we know that our God is coming back to “judge the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1), and He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Do you try to judge others instead of loving them and letting God be their judge?
What a powerful devotion. I love how it depicted just how powerful God is and yet so loving and merciful. He is coming back one day and my prayer is that you are ready to stand before Him as a warrior for Christ. Search my heart oh God and find me ready, I want to be a part of that army following Him on a white horse.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 4:23
23
May '19
The Point of No Return
23
May '19
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body . . . (James 3:6)
It wasn’t as simple as just crossing another river. By law, no Roman general could lead armed troops into Rome. So when Julius Caesar led his Thirteenth Legion across the Rubicon River and into Italy in 49 bc, it was an act of treason. The impact of Caesar’s decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war before Rome’s great general became absolute ruler. Still today, the phrase “crossing the Rubicon” is a metaphor for “passing the point of no return.”
Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with the words we say to others. Once spoken, words can’t be taken back. They can either offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesar’s march on Rome. James gave us another word picture about words when he said, “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6).
When we fear we have crossed a Rubicon with someone, we can seek their forgiveness—and God’s (Matthew 5:23–24; 1 John 1:9). But even better is to daily rest in God’s Spirit, hearing Paul’s challenge, “let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6), so that our words will not only honor our Lord, but lift up and encourage those around us.
Lord, please guard my heart and my words today. May I speak only words that please You and bring health and healing to others. Amen.
As I was reading today’s devotion I couldn’t help but think of our children and the coming generation. We must do as scripture says and let our speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt. Our future generation, our children need an example to follow after. So the next time you get angry, hurt or frustrated in the moment, remember this, when words become weapons, our relationships soon become casualties. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 18:6
22
May '19
The Crooked Steeple
22
May '19
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . . (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Turns out that crooked church steeples make people nervous. When we visited some friends, they shared how, after a fierce windstorm, their church’s proud steeple was crooked, causing some alarm.
Of course, the church quickly repaired the flagging spire, but the humorous image got me thinking. Often church is seen as a place where everything is expected to look perfect; it’s not seen as a place where we can show up crooked. Right?
But in a fallen, broken world, all of us are “crooked,” each with our own collection of natural weaknesses. We might be tempted to keep our vulnerabilities under wraps, but Scripture encourages the opposite attitude. In 2 Corinthians 12, for example, Paul suggests that it’s in our weaknesses—for him, an unnamed struggle he calls a “thorn in the flesh” (v. 7)—that Christ is most likely to reveal His power. Jesus had told Paul, “my strength is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). So Paul concluded, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (v. 10).
We may not like our imperfections, but hiding them only denies Jesus’s power to work within those aspects of ourselves. When we invite Jesus into the crooked places in us, He gently mends and redeems in ways our effort could never accomplish.
What are some of the “crooked” places in your life? In what ways have you seen God work through your imperfections?
Dear God, enlighten what’s dark in me, strengthen what’s weak in me, mend what’s broken in me, bind what’s bruised in me, heal what’s sick in me and lastly revive whatever peace and love has died in me. Amen.
I love today’s devotion. We are all imperfect, loved by a perfect God. Invite Jesus into your imperfections for His mending.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Galatians 5:13
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May '19
Throwing Stones
21
May '19
He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (John 8:7)
Jesus was teaching in the temple courts when He made that statement. A group of teachers of the law and Pharisees had just dragged a woman caught in adultery before Him and challenged, “now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (v. 5). Because they considered Jesus a threat to their authority, the question was “a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him” (v. 6)—and getting rid of Him.
Yet when Jesus replied, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone . . .” not one of the woman’s accusers could bring themselves to pick up a stone. One by one, they walked away.
Before we critically judge another’s behavior while looking lightly at our own sin, let’s remember that all of us “have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Instead of condemnation, our Savior showed this woman—and you and me—grace and hope (John 3:16; 8:10–11). How can we not do the same for others?
How can you put the lesson of John 8 into action in how you treat others? How can you use your own experience to help others facing similar challenges?
Dear Lord, thank You for loving us! Help us to look with compassion on others and to be gracious in all we say and do. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of a saying, be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Today, look with compassion on others and be gracious in all you say and do. Judging a person does not define who they are, It defines who you are. Choose to show The Love of Christ each and every day. Put the stones down and make a positive difference, we rise by lifting others.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 4:16
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May '19
The Empty Bed
20
May '19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)
I was eager to return to St. James Infirmary in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and reconnect with Rendell, who two years earlier had learned about Jesus’s love for him. Evie, a teenager in the high school choir I travel with each spring, had read Scripture with Rendell and explained the gospel, and he personally received Jesus as his Savior.
When I entered the men’s section of the home and looked toward Rendell’s bed, however, I found it was empty. I went to the nurse’s station, and was told what I didn’t want to hear. He had passed away—just five days before we arrived.
Through tears, I texted Evie the sad news. Her response was simple: “Rendell is celebrating with Jesus.” Later she said, “It’s a good thing we told him about Jesus when we did.”
Her words reminded me of the importance of being ready to lovingly share with others the hope we have in Christ. No, it’s not always easy to proclaim the gospel message about the One who will be with us always (Matthew 28:20), but when we think about the difference it made for us and for people like Rendell, perhaps we’ll be encouraged to be even more ready to “make disciples” wherever we go (v. 19).
I’ll never forget the sadness of seeing that empty bed—and also the joy of knowing what a difference one faithful teen made in Rendell’s forever life.
What are some things you can do to introduce people to Jesus today? As you share your faith, how does it encourage you to know Jesus is “with you always” (Matthew 28:20)?
As I started reading this devotion I felt a nudge in my spirit to post it. At first I thought to myself, it’s so late in the day, I’ll wait until tomorrow but we may not have tomorrow. There may be someone in your path at this very moment that needs to be introduced to Jesus. I pray this encourages you to share Jesus with someone today. What a difference you can make in someone’s forever life.
God, we know that people need You. Help us to overcome our fear of telling others about You. Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:7
17
May '19
The Call to Courage
17
May '19
Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed . . . (1 Chronicles 28:20)
Among a display of male statues (Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and others) in London’s Parliament Square, stands a lone statue of a woman. The solitary woman is Millicent Fawcett, who fought for the right of women to vote. She’s immortalized in bronze—holding a banner displaying words she offered in a tribute to a fellow suffragist: “Courage calls to courage everywhere.” Fawcett insisted that one person’s courage emboldens others—calling timid souls into action.
As David prepared to hand his throne over to his son Solomon, he explained the responsibilities that would soon rest heavy on his shoulders. It’s likely Solomon quivered under the weight of what he faced: leading Israel to follow all God’s instructions, guarding the land God had entrusted to them, and overseeing the monumental task of building the temple (1 Chronicles 28:8–10).
Knowing Solomon’s trembling heart, David offered his son powerful words: “Be strong and of good courage…fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee” (v. 20). Real courage would never arise from Solomon’s own skill or confidence but rather from relying on God’s presence and strength. God provided the courage Solomon needed.
When we face hardship, we often try to drum up boldness or talk ourselves into bravery. God, however, is the one who renews our faith. He will be with us. And His presence calls us to courage.
What causes your heart to tremble in fear? How can you seek God’s presence and power in moving toward courage.
God, I’m often so afraid. And when I am, I’m tempted to rely on my own wits or courage—and that’s never enough. Be with me. Give me Your courage. Amen.
I was so blessed by this devotion and I felt it had to be shared with others to read. I love when it said, His presence calls us to courage. May we be encouraged and comforted by this every single day. He is so faithful, a comforter, a very present help in the time of trouble, He is…
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
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3:7
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May '19
God’s Amazing Hands
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May '19
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. (Psalm 31:5)
In Psalm 31, David revealed that he knew something about the Lord’s amazing, caring hands. That’s why he could confidently say, “Into thine hands I commit my spirit” (v. 5). David believed that the Lord could be trusted even when life got bumpy. Because he was targeted by unfriendly forces, life was very uncomfortable for David. Though vulnerable, he was not without hope. In the midst of harassment David could breathe sighs of relief and rejoice because his faithful, loving God was his source of confidence (vv. 5–7).
Perhaps you find yourself in a season of life when things are coming at you from every direction, and it’s difficult to see what’s ahead. In the midst of uncertainty, confusion, and chaos one thing remains absolutely certain: those who are secure in the Lord are in amazing hands.
Have you committed your life—your earthly and eternal existence and well-being—to God? How are you showing that you are trusting Him in good times and bad?
Father, help me to be encouraged knowing that Jesus prayed Psalm 31:5 when He was on the cross. In the midst of pain and suffering, He committed His life into Your hands. Amen
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Zephaniah 3:17
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May '19
Bowl of Tears
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May '19
As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. (Psalm 55:16)
In Boston, Massachusetts, a plaque titled “Crossing the Bowl of Tears” remembers those who braved the Atlantic to escape death during the catastrophic Irish potato famine of the late 1840s. More than a million people died in that disaster, while another million or more abandoned home to cross the ocean, which John Boyle O’Reilly poetically called “a bowl of tears.” Driven by hunger and heartache, these travelers sought some measure of hope during desperate times.
In Psalm 55, David shares how he pursued hope. While we’re uncertain about the specifics of the threat he faced, the weight of his experience was enough to break him emotionally (vv. 4–5). His instinctive reaction was to pray, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest” (v. 6).
Like David, we may want to flee to safety in the midst of painful circumstances. After considering his plight, however, David chose to run to his God instead of running from his heartache, singing, “as for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me” (v. 16).
When trouble comes, remember that the God of all comfort is able to carry you through your darkest moments and deepest fears. He promises that one day He Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). Strengthened by this assurance, we can confidently trust Him with our tears now.
What causes you to want to run away? What’s your instinctive reaction when trouble comes?
Father, when life feels overwhelming, give me strength. Give me Your presence and comfort, for without You, I’m lost. Amen.
What a beautiful devotion. We have all dealt with overwhelming situations at one point or another in our lives. Ask yourself the question today’s devotion asks, What causes you to want to run away? What’s your instinctive reaction when trouble comes? May we find strength and hope as we run to Him.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3:7
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May '19
A Kind Critique
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May '19
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
During a landscape painting class, the teacher, a highly experienced professional artist, assessed my first assignment. He stood silently in front of my painting, one hand cupping his chin. Here we go, I thought. He’s going to say it’s terrible.
But he didn’t.
He said he liked the color scheme and the feeling of openness. Then he mentioned that the trees in the distance could be lightened. A cluster of weeds needed softer edges. He had the authority to criticize my work based on the rules of perspective and color, yet his critique was truthful and kind.
Jesus, who was perfectly qualified to condemn people for their sin, didn’t use the Ten Commandments to crush a Samaritan woman He met at an ancient watering hole. He gently critiqued her life with just a handful of statements. The result was that she saw how her search for satisfaction had led her into sin. Building on this awareness, Jesus revealed Himself as the only source of eternal satisfaction (John 4:10–13).
The combination of grace and truth that Jesus used in this situation is what we experience in our relationship with Him (1:17). His grace prevents us from being overwhelmed by our sin, and His truth prevents us from thinking it isn’t a serious matter.
Will we invite Jesus to show us areas of our lives where we need to grow so we can become more like Him?
How is Jesus using grace and truth to point out issues in your life? Where might He want you to make changes to honor Him more fully?
Jesus, thank You for freeing me from the consequences of sin. Help me to embrace Your correction and Your encouragement. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me and I knew it was meant to be shared over and over again. I pray it blesses you today and is a constant reminder of His love for you and I.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 139:13-14