your daily crossroad
The Perfect Prayer Partner
How good it is to know that because of God’s kindness to us our prayers can also touch heaven. Sometimes when we pray we may struggle with words and feelings of inadequacy, but Jesus taught His followers that we “ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). God’s Word shows us that one of the reasons we can do this is that Jesus Himself “is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:34).
We never pray alone, because Jesus is praying for us. He hears us as we pray, and speaks to the Father on our behalf. We don’t have to worry about the eloquence of our words, because no one understands us like Jesus. He helps us in every way, presenting our needs before God. He also knows when the answers we ask for would not be good for us, handling every request or concern with perfect wisdom and love.
Jesus is the perfect prayer partner—the friend who intercedes for us with immeasurable kindness. His prayers for us are beautiful beyond words, and should encourage us to always pray with thankfulness.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for interceding for me with love. Help me to love and serve You with my prayers today. Amen.
As I read this I tried imagining in my mind, Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, making intercession for me as I pray. I think if we would keep that at the forefront of our minds as we go to God in prayer it would change how we see prayer. Prayer is so so important in our daily lives, and to know Jesus is intently listening to us when we take time to go to Him in prayer and then making intercession for us, is incredible to me. What love! I am loved, you are loved, you are cherished by the most genuine friend you could ever have, He truly is the best prayer partner. Go to Him today, He’s waiting to hear from you, to intercede on your behalf. He is immeasurable!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:31-34
Trust Tally
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee . . . fear not, neither be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 1:21)
Sometimes, I struggle with a deep-seated fear of the unknown—experiencing unnecessary anxiety instead of relying on God’s track record.
In Deuteronomy 1, Moses affirmed the Lord’s reliability. He encouraged the Israelites to move forward in faith so they could enjoy their inheritance (v. 21). But God’s people demanded details about what they’d be up against and what they’d receive before committing to trust Him with their future (vv. 22–33).
Followers of Christ are not immune to succumbing to fear or anxiety. Worrying about what difficulties we may or may not encounter can keep us from depending on faith, and may even damage our relationships with God and others. But the Holy Spirit can help us create a trust tally of the Lord’s past faithfulness. He can empower us with courageous confidence in God’s trustworthiness yesterday, today, and forever.
Lord, thank You for affirming that we don’t need to know everything that lies ahead when we know You. We know You never change. Amen!
I can’t even begin to articulate how blessed I was by this devotion today. To those today who have allowed the enemy to cripple you with fear and anxiety over the unknown, rise up and encourage yourself with this word today. Remind yourself, God’s past faithfulness proves His everlasting dependability. 2 Corinthians 4:18, While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 5:7, For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. When the enemy tries to overtake you with fear and anxiety, remind him of what The Word of God says and he will flee from you. James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 1:21-33
Fight the Good Fight
Fight the good fight of faith . . .(1 Timothy 6:12)
Timothy was a young preacher, mentored by Paul and used in a mighty way to spread the Gospel of Christ. Paul knew how much Timothy’s faith would be, and was being, tested. He would have to “fight” to keep going or his faith would be shaken. In our world, the word “fight” is heard so often. We hear of fighting actual wars in numerous areas of the world and we fight battles in our own lives every day. As Christians, we may not always be aware of the battles that we are fighting. Sometimes they are manifested in arguments, disputes and areas of stress in our homes. Sometimes they are internalized battles that rage in our minds, frustrating our thoughts and emotions. Ephesians 6 speaks of the battle as a spiritual war, one that tries and tests our faith to the limit, and to the end of our lives. We must learn how to fight to stay in the faith or we will find ourselves desperately weak and shaken.
So, how do we “fight” this “good fight of the faith?” Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). If we are not in the Word on a daily basis, then deceiving thoughts and feelings have more opportunity to take root within us. The enemy roams about seeking whom he may devour and we are more easily devoured when we are not standing on the promises of God. But not only do we need to read God’s word everyday; but also we need to learn how to use it. We must learn how to fight with it.
I challenge you today to read the Bible with a different perspective. Take certain verses and keep them in your thoughts. Speak them against the enemy forces that may attack you. For example, if a thought comes to you like, “God really doesn’t care about what I am going through–where is He?” Read Psalm 139 and speak out the verses. Verses 7 & 8 speak about how God never leaves us; no matter where we go, He is there. Verse 17 tells us how much God thinks about us everyday. Take these verses and fight back. Let the Lord strengthen your faith through His word. You will gain strength spiritually, even when the battles rage. Ultimately you will win in the end. Our Lord and Savior Jesus has already won the war for us and He will be with us in every battle we fight. Just remember to take Him with you.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think of these two scriptures. Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 2 Timothy 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. We must never fail to equip our mind, heart and soul with The Word of God. As you consistently read the Bible and feed your spirit man, you are equipping yourself to allow God to use you to poor out of you into others lives and into your own life, and in those moments when you don’t know what to say, He will give you what you ought to say and what you have read in The Word will come resounding back to you. You are not alone in any battle you face, He is with you. Fight the Good Fight.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 29:11-13
Hovering Over Us
He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings. (Deuteronomy 32:10-11)
In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord reminded His people how, when they were wandering in the desert, He cared for them as a loving parent who hovers over its young. He never left them, but was like an eagle “that spreadeth abroad her wings” to catch its children and “beareth them on her wings” (32:11). He wanted them to remember that although they experienced hardship and strife in the desert, He didn’t abandon them.
We too may face challenges of many kinds, but we can take comfort and courage in this reminder that our God will never leave us. When we feel that we are falling, the Lord like an eagle will spread His wings to catch us (v. 11) as He brings us peace.
Father God, Your love as a parent is greater than anything I can imagine. May my confidence rest in You, and may I share Your love with others. Amen.
When I read this it reminded me of a saying I have mentioned before and for some reason I feel it bears repeating and I pray it encourages and uplifts someone right where they are today. When God leads you to the edge of difficulty, Trust Him fully, because only two things will happen. Either He will catch you when you fall or He will teach you how to fly. He will never abandon you. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) Remember, no matter what you face, He’s still God!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 32:7-12
New every Morning
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
When we wake up in the morning, what are our first thoughts? Are they ‘Here’s a new measure of God’s compassion, mercy and love. I wonder if there’s something special about this day. It’s the first day of the rest of my life. It’s new – and I’m alive. I can breathe the air and feel the wind on my face. Today’s a gift from the Lord’?
We could see it as another ordinary day, or one of those grey days, with the same jobs to do, and the same journeys to make. But what if the Queen was coming to tea at our house today? We would have been making preparations for a long time. And what if the King of kings was to call on us and perform a miracle (which He does from time to time when we belong to Him).
A new day can hold many surprises and could even be the best day of our lives. When we’re living for Jesus we know that His mercies are new every morning and we can expect great things of this day. The people we meet, the news we hear and everything that happens to us is significant. “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Psalm 145:8-9).
As we are believers, this day has been recorded in His Book. Who knows? Perhaps God has a specific purpose for us today, ‘for such a time as this’, as He did in the story of Esther.
May our first thought be of praise! Yesterday may have held some downfall or failure, but, like a spiritual bath or shower of His mercy and forgiveness, we’re able to start anew with a clean heart, for yesterday has gone. “But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble” (Psalm 59:16).
Thank You, Lord, for this new morning. I place it in Your hands and praise You for the new mercies that You will shower down on me today, in Jesus’ name. Amen
When I read this it challenged me to stop and reflect on what my first thoughts were when I woke up. At times we tend to start our days focusing on the things that truly don’t matter. Even if you have to write it on a sticky note and place it on your phone or your bathroom mirror, I challenge each and every one of us to wake each morning with this on our mind, Today is a gift from the Lord!! Watch and see how that one simple thought will change your day. I also challenge you to then fall on your knees before Him, read your word and pray. When we make time for Him, He will open doors no man can shut. Revelation 3:8 says, I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. He is faithful.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Lamentations 3:22-23
Worship Sets Us Free
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. (Acts 16:23-26)
Worship sets people free. How much do you worship? When do you worship? Are you able to worship when your circumstances are the very worst, your patience has failed and your confusion is maxed out? Do praise songs come to your mind at the most stressful times? We need to assess our ability to worship because worship will change our lives. We need to train ourselves to worship in all circumstances.
Paul and Silas were beaten, thrown in the inner prison and their feet were fastened in stocks. They were probably in too much pain to sleep, so ?at midnight? they broke out in worship. They did not have a worship leader, instruments, power point, or a radio to sing along to. They probably could not even tap their feet to keep the beat. Paul and Silas may not even have had good singing voices. But from the wellspring of their hearts, their mouths worshipped the Lord despite their circumstances. As a result, other prisoners listened to them and even better, everyone¹s chains were loosed. Worship set prisoners free.
In many ways, you may feel like a prisoner. You may have habits that you cannot break, you may find yourself in circumstances that have not changed, you may feel that God isn¹t answering your prayers. What are you to do? Worship. Worship when you are sad, feel bad, and after you were mad. Worship every day, at work and at play, worship any way. Worship will change your life and if you sing loud enough for others to listen, your worship may set them free as well.
Lord, teach me to worship. Lord, bring songs to my mind so that worship can be my way of life. Change me through worship and allow me to see the fruit of worship in the lives of others around me. Amen.
This blessed me today! No matter what you are facing, no matter what lies before you, worship, worship, worship!! Sing unto The Lord a new song, great is The Lord and greatly to be praised!! Lift up your eyes unto the hills from whence cometh your help and believe He can. Sing your heart out, unto The Lord, He is listening. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise (Psalm 98:4).
Today’s Reading is Psalm 48:1, Psalm 96:1, Psalm 121:1-2
Highest of Heavens and the Humblest of Hearts
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15)
How can it be that God dwells in the highest of the heavens but also in the humblest of hearts? How can the God of the Universe, who created all things and by Him everything exists, want to be a part of us?
From the beginning of creation, God created man to work and tend the Garden of Eden while in close relationship with Him. God then formed the animals and brought them to Adam so he could name them. God wanted Adam to have a partner, so He created Eve. Over and over in Genesis, we read about God’s love, concern and willingness to have a relationship with man as well as God’s desire to care for his needs. There was only one rule to follow. Everything else was burden free. God knew that man needed to have free will, for God wanted a relationship based on choice, not force. With the freedom to choose, Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. From that time moment on, Adam and Eve died in two ways: physically in time and spiritually that day. Sin entered into the heart of man that day and severed our relationship with Lord. Today, we are all born spiritually dead.
This broke God’s heart. He created us to have a relationship with Him; He created us to dwell with Him. From Genesis chapter 3 until Revelation 21, the Bible is about God’s plan to get the world back, reversing the destruction of sin. The answer was prophesied in Genesis 3:15 as being Jesus. Jesus is the One who came to restore sinful man back to a Holy God. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The wages of sin is death but Jesus came to bring life so we can live abundantly.
So whose heart does God dwell with today? He dwells with those humble of heart. He dwells with those who prayed and said,
Lord, I know that I am a sinner and in need of a savior. I know that You sent Your Son to die on the cross, shedding His blood for my sins. I ask You, Jesus, to come into my heart and save me. I surrender control of my life to You. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in Your ways. Thank You for saving me.”
Every day I am in need of my Savior. He sacrificed it all that I might have life and that more abundantly. I have been saved the majority of my life and yet even now when I read a devotion such as this it brings tears to my eyes and conviction to my heart. Find me ready Lord, every moment of every day, find me ready. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to miss the opportunity to spend eternity with The One who sent His Son to die for me that I might live with Him for eternity. What a love beyond measure. He doesn’t force me to love Him, He allows me to choose, wow! Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Amen!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 51:10-17
God’s Ways Can be Hard to Understand
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. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
I learned these verses in my early years as a Christian. I have heard them quoted often, and I have spoken them many times, either to others or to myself. I am not always sure if they are comforting words or if they are confounding words. Intellectually, I know that God’s thoughts and ways are not like mine. Of course my ways are not like God’s, God is God and I am not. But when I go down a path that seems to make so much sense to me, then out of nowhere, the course dramatically changes: I must admit that I am more confounded than comforted. There are times when we pray for things or people and our prayers are answered just as we prayed them. Then, there are times when we pray and our prayers seem to go unheard, with no answer at all. We can usually handle both extremes because God is God and He can act as He pleases
But what about those times when we pray about something specifically, and we clearly see God’s hand in it? We pray, God leads and we are getting it. We can even see what is coming as God reveals things to us. Our faith is being increased and we are finally gaining some spiritual strength and understanding. Even though the course is tough, we are making steady progress. But… then… out of the blue, something happens that changes our course so drastically that we feel the air has been knocked out of us. All of sudden, we find ourselves in a place of desolation and despair. What happened? It seemed like everything was moving along so well.
It is in these moments that we all must glean a deeper understanding that God’s thoughts and ways are not ours. God does not play by our rules and God is never in a rush. Keep one thing in mind today as you meditate on these verses. Our Lord loves us more than we can ever comprehend and everything He does is in our best interest. His main desire for us is that we are His, totally and completely. Do you feel as though God has abandoned you or maybe has just forgotten about your needs? Ask Him to help you understand more of His ways. Ask Him to open your mind to comprehend the Scriptures. Go to Him, repent if you have un-confessed sin and trust that His higher ways will always be what is best.
As I read this I was reminded of O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. What an example in scripture of today’s verse. They knew in whom they believed and nothing or no one could change that and although they were faithful to God, they were still thrown into the fire but in the midst of the fire God was faithful. God sent a fourth, that was like the Son of God and when they came out of the fire, that is key, they came out, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Remember this when you are facing a giant, when your path seems unclear, remember, He is faithful that promised! You be faithful to Him and watch how you come out from the fire. He is the same God yesterday, today and forever. If He did it then He can and will do it today!!! Don’t be afraid of the fire, trust Him to walk hand in hand with you in the midst of the fire. He will never fail you!! What a relief that His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are my ways His ways for He is far greater than I. God’s ways can be hard to understand at times but that’s okay, we don’t always have to understand, we just have to trust Him and His ways.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Daniel 3:13-30
You Are Irresistible!
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. (Acts 6:8,10)
We need to realize how often we affect those around us just by our expressions and attitude. It is amazing to think about how contagious our attitudes and behaviors can be to others. As Christians, we are to be lights in this dark world. We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to proclaim His love, joy and peace to everyone. If we truly have His Spirit, as Stephen did, then we will be irresistible to those listening to us.
Think about your behavior and attitude today as you go about your activities, especially how you express yourself. A smile goes a long way, and there is something contagious about laughter. Before you start your day, stop and ask the Lord to fill you with His wisdom and Spirit. Ask for His joy to be your strength and for His peace to prevail over all of your circumstances. And, if you keep smiling long enough, eventually people will want to know your secret. Then you get to tell them all about Jesus because He is truly the only reason any of us can smile and have real joy.
When I read this it blessed me. We all need to be reminded of this from time to time. Life can get heavy and situation bombard us emotionally and without even thinking we walk around with our candle half light, some of us are so negative and although we truly love God, we are not showing any signs of life, life that God gives us each and every day. We have a reason to say every single day, no matter what we are facing or have faced, this is the day which the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. Make today beautiful!! Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Thessalonians 5
It Takes Time to Grow
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)
On her first day in preschool, young Charlotte was asked to draw a picture of herself. Her artwork featured a simple orb for a body, an oblong head, and two circle eyes. On her last day of preschool, Charlotte was again directed to draw a self-portrait. This one showed a little girl in a colorful dress, a smiling face with distinct features, and a cascade of beautiful red tresses. The school had used a simple assignment to demonstrate the difference that time can make in the level of maturity.
While we accept that it takes time for children to mature, we may grow impatient with ourselves or fellow believers who show slow spiritual growth. We rejoice when we see the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22–23), but are disheartened when we observe a sinful choice. The author of Hebrews spoke of this when he wrote to the church: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12).
As we continue to pursue intimacy with Jesus ourselves, let’s pray for each other and patiently come alongside those who love God but who seem to struggle with spiritual growth. “Speaking the truth in love,” let’s continue to encourage one another, so that together we may “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:15).
Lord, we love You! In our walk with You, help us to receive and give encouragement and to speak the truth in love. Amen.
When I read this I was reminded of a sermon I once heard. It is important that we as the children of God always speak the truth in love. How simple and yet so vital, not only to those we face but to our spiritual walk and relationship with God. Words of truth spoken in love can guide us all toward maturity in Christ.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:11-16
Divine Interruptions
And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. (Luke 18:40-41)
Experts agree that a staggering amount of time is consumed each day by interruptions. Whether at work or at home, a phone call or an unexpected visit can easily deflect us from what we feel is our main purpose.
Not many of us like disruptions in our daily lives, especially when they cause inconvenience or a change of plans. But Jesus treated what appeared to be interruptions in a far different way. Time after time in the Gospels, we see the Lord stop what He is doing to help a person in need.
While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, a blind man begging by the side of the road called out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:35–38). Some in the crowd told him to be quiet, but he kept calling out to Jesus. Jesus stopped and asked the man, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee” (vv. 41–42).
When our plans are interrupted by someone who genuinely needs help, we can ask the Lord for wisdom in how to respond with compassion. What we call an interruption may be a divine appointment the Lord has scheduled for that day.
Lord Jesus, fill us with Your wisdom and compassion that we may respond as You did to people in need. Amen.
When I read this I smiled. If anyone knows me, they know I most often have a plan for my days and weeks, I’m a planner. But, as I reflected on this devotion I couldn’t help but recall the many times God has interrupted my day with His plans and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. In the moment I may have felt a bit frazzled and even a little frustrated but He has always used those as opportunities to teach me and to bless me and to show me His mighty Hand at work in my life and in those He unexpectedly places in my life that day. I can’t help but be in awe of His hand at work in my life. It’s important as we go through our day that we allow God’s plans to take precedence over any plans we have because His plans are far greater and far more important than we could ever imagine.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 18:35-43
Patience with Perspective
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Are there ever times when you become tired of trying? From work to your family, the list of needs seem endless with all fingers pointing to you. You know the promises of God and know that He is absolutely working in your life, but the “flesh” part of you becomes worn out and on edge.
The other night, at dinner time, I was trying to cook…and help with homework…and talk to my mother who was visiting. In addition, the phone was ringing, the news was on and my youngest child was singing for everyone to hear. I could sense the tension rising within me. The noise seemed too loud and the night was becoming too long. Because I recognized these feelings and knew how poorly I have handled them before, with all the self control I could muster, I prayed to the Lord and said, “Please help me do all this with an attitude and with words that would please You.” Immediately I sensed the Lord say to me, “Enjoy it; find peace right now.” That thought was the furthest thing from my mind but those words pierced my heart.
It just doesn’t matter if everything gets done on time or in the right order. It just does not matter if there are grease stains on my daughter’s homework paper and there are dishes left in the sink when I go to bed. What does matter is that I honor the Lord by pouring out His love through me especially in the times that push and pull on my nerves. What matters is that I find the joy of the Lord in everyday challenges and appreciate every passing moment of the day. It is in these most challenging times, when you feel as if everyone is looking to you, that you can only endure by continuing to look to the Lord. God hears and answers the smallest of prayers when they are dripping with honesty. He knows us and understands us. Today, when the anxiety is increasing and your patience is decreasing, turn to the Lord so that you can soar above the circumstances while renewing your perspective and strength.
I can’t even begin to express how I and I’m certain many of you reading this, can relate. Four words resounded off the page at me as I read this, it just doesn’t matter. It’s so important that we find perspective in our daily lives and “Enjoy it; and find peace”. How simple and yet so difficult at times. The next time you start to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or just stretched to your max, stop, look up and say it just doesn’t matter, I’m going to enjoy this moment and find peace. What a reminder!! I know I needed this today and I’m going to challenge myself in those moments to stop, enjoy it and find peace. He is faithful. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:28-31
The “Why’s” of Life
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mark 15:34)
Isn’t it wrong to ask God “why?” Isn’t it wrong to question God? One day I was reading this verse, and suddenly I realized that Jesus asked God “why?” While Jesus was on the cross, dying for the sins of the world, He asked God, “Why have You forsaken Me?” We all know that God did not forsake Jesus. We also know that Jesus never sinned, so asking God “why” does not have to be wrong. Just by including the Lord in our thoughts shows a step of faith. It shows faith because we are praying, acknowledging that He is listening, and God will reward our faith.
By being honest with the Lord, our hearts are softened to receive His wisdom involving the things of the past, while helping us to move forward in faith for future decisions. God tells us in James 1:5-8:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
So the “why” questions are not the sin, but receiving an answer to those questions and then doubting the answer is the sin.
Today, start asking “why” about things you do not understand and ask the Lord to help you to go forward in faith. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom in how to receive His answers to the “why” questions in your life. Pray for faith, as we know that without faith, it is impossible to please God. As our faith grows, we will move forward to make decisions as the Lord leads us and we will trust in His guidance and direction for all things. The goal is to get past the “why’s” and move on to the “what’s”–trust, obey and get going.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think, He desires for us to be so real with Him and to talk with Him and share our thought’s with Him, even the Why’s. He won’t become angry with us, He already knows our thoughts and He desires to have a real relationship with us. So go to God in prayer, in conversation and ask the Why’s, then be patient and wait for the answer and continue moving forward, knowing He’s got you, He’s faithful and He won’t fail you. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 2, Psalm 46
Conceived in Crisis
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (Psalm 57:1)
Marc recalls a moment from his childhood when his father called the family together. Their car had broken down, and the family would run out of money by the end of the month. Marc’s dad paused and prayed. Then he asked the family to expect God’s answer.
Today Marc recalls how God’s help arrived in surprising ways. A friend repaired their car; unexpected checks arrived; food showed up at the door. Praising God came easily. But the family’s gratitude had been forged in a crisis.
Psalm 57 has long provided rich inspiration for worship songs. When David declared, “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth” (v. 11), we might imagine him gazing up at a magnificent Middle Eastern night sky or perhaps singing in a tabernacle worship service. But in reality David, fearful for his life, was hiding in a cave.
“My soul is among lions” David said in the psalm, and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword” (v. 4). David’s praise was conceived in crisis. Although he was cornered by enemies who wanted him dead, David could write these amazing words: “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise” (v. 7).
Whatever crisis we face today, we can run to God for help. Then, we can praise Him as we wait expectantly, confident in His infinitely creative care for us.
This devotion uplifted me today. It caused me to reflect back on times past and even present when God has proven Himself faithful. Even in the darkest of times when all hope had seemed lost, I learned something valuable during those times, my hope is in Him. Greater is He that is within me than he that’s in this world. Remember, Your next crisis is your next opportunity to trust our unfailing God.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 57
How Long?
O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! (Habakkuk 1:2)
When I married, I thought I would have children immediately. That did not happen, and the pain of infertility brought me to my knees. I often cried out to God, “How long?” I knew God could change my circumstance. Why wasn’t He?
Are you waiting on God? Are you asking, How long, Lord, before justice prevails in our world? Before there is a cure for cancer? Before I am no longer in debt?
The prophet Habakkuk was well acquainted with that feeling. In the seventh century bc, he cried out to the Lord: “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention” (Hab. 1:2–3). He prayed for a long time, struggling to reconcile how a just and powerful God could allow wickedness, injustice, and corruption to continue in Judah. As far as Habakkuk was concerned, God should have already intervened. Why was God doing nothing?
There are days when we too feel as if God is doing nothing. Like Habakkuk, we have continuously asked God, “How long?”
Lord, thank You for bearing my burdens. I know that You hear my cries and will answer in accordance to Your perfect plan and purposes. Amen.
No matter what your facing and questioning today, never loose hope in The One who in His time will give an answer. As I read this the key point that stood out to me was when it said, His perfect plan and His purpose, not our own. Even when we don’t understand don’t get discouraged, the answer may not be no but not yet and if the answer is no just rest assured that God has something even greater in store for you. I’ve seen it time and again in my own life and I’ve looked back and been so grateful God said no at the time. How different my life would have been. Trust His timing, it truly is absolute perfection.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Habakkuk 1:2-11