your daily crossroad
18
Jan '22
Give More of Yourself to God
18
Jan '22
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. (Psalm 118:5)
Give more and more of yourself to God, and you will experience more and more freedom.
Many of us have a habit of withholding our emotions, hiding our pain or stifling our joy because we are too consumed with how others may view us or think of us.
With God, we don’t have to hide anything.
In reality, He already sees us and knows us more intimately that we know ourselves.
There is nowhere to hide when it comes to God. We should take comfort in that truth!
Come to Him when you are hurting, and He will share in your pain.
Come to Him when you are joyful, and He will share in your joy as well and even multiply it! Sharing ourselves with the Lord and actively opening our hearts to Him will give us newfound freedom.
By repeatedly exposing ourselves to His presence and His truth, past bondages and cycles of negative traits will break off!
As His children, we are to be lovers of His presence.
In His presence is where long-term freedom can be found, living in communion with Him daily and choosing to withhold nothing.
Ever since the finished work of the cross, the bondage of sin has no power over us. Jesus already paid the price, and whoever the Son sets free is free indeed! (John 8:36)
Is there anything you’ve withheld from God? Is there anything you’ve bottled up inside? God is the only one who understands you perfectly, and He longs for you to give more of yourself to Him. Whatever your personal need is, be encouraged to call out to Him and He will set you free and multiply your joy!
“Lord, thank you that I can come to you unashamed. Help me to press into your presence today. Expose all lies of the enemy under the light of your love. Thank you for setting me free and healing my heart.”
When I read this devotion I was instantly moved by it. I pray it speaks volumes to whomever is reading it today. You can come to Him unashamed and feel Him move within you. See every flaw less, that’s possible when you seek Him first.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
13
Jan '22
Living in God’s Presence Today
13
Jan '22
While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (Hebrews 3:15)
Are we living in God’s presence today, this moment? Are we drawing from His strength?
Are we seeking to know Him and the power of His resurrection today?
Leave the past and the future with the Lord and resolve to cling to Him and dwell in His presence today. He truly has the whole world in His hands, and His strength is perfect—moment by moment.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of a gentle nudge in my spirit recently, it kept whispering, just keep putting one foot in front of the other, keep moving forward. It’s truly that simple when you have Christ. He is always faithful, even when you don’t understand His plan, keep putting one foot in front of the other, trust God and hold tight to faith. Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
11
Jan '22
Rely on Him
11
Jan '22
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:10-11)
God controls and allows every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval.
Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him. For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice.
May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God’s unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears.
When I read this devotion is blessed me. It caused me to pause for a moment and reflect on how I’ve allowed obstacles to frustrate and upset me. What I need to do is rejoice even in moments of frustration. I needed this reminder today and I have a feeling, in the coming mornings as we rush out the door to start our day. I need to choose to set a better tone for our day and be a better example to my children. I hope and pray you are encouraged to do the same no matter what your facing. Rejoice!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
06
Jan '22
The Power of Yet!
06
Jan '22
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:18-19)
Yet! What a big word with so few letters. With that word, Habakkuk drew a line in the sand. He would rejoice in the Lord in spite of sorrow, lack, and uncertain times. He drew strength from God when human strength was not enough. The God with whom He walked stayed with him and caused him to thrive. Will you choose to rejoice in the Lord today? He is certainly rejoicing over you with songs of joy.
When I read this devotion it blessed me, I hadn’t given much thought to the word Yet in this scripture until now. I love how The Lord takes scripture you’ve read before and shines a light on it to help you see it differently, for such a time as this. God is so good and His word is everlasting. May we too draw a line in the sand as Habakkuk did and choose to rejoice in The Lord in spite of sorrow, lack, and uncertain times.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
04
Jan '22
Possible with God
04
Jan '22
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18:27)
God can take our unmet expectations and unknown situations and turn them around for His glory and our good. Nothing is too hard for Him. Right now, reflect on God’s power in your life, and honor Him with your worship.
When I read this a few days ago I thought it was just the reminder we all need, especially as we embark on a new year. I pray the year ahead is full of His beauty and honoring Him with your worship.
Happy New Year!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
30
Dec '21
Laugh Love Smile
30
Dec '21
God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. (Genesis 21:6)
Laughter is a blessing from the Lord. It’s the best stress-reliever there is. Through laughter, we can get through some of the darkest moments in life with a small smile. We can become closer with the people around us, celebrate moments of joy, and be thankful for the best friends we have. Laughter and smiles are the best universal communication available. Everyone understands the happiness that comes from laughter and its necessity in our daily lives. Today, laugh a little harder. Smile a little bigger. Appreciate the things that make you feel just that good.
After reading this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. I hope you are encouraged today to laugh and smile more.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
28
Dec '21
Beautiful Surrender
28
Dec '21
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)
God, thank You for caring about every area of my life. Even when I am weary and feel like I have nothing left to give, You never give up on me. You carry my burdens and give me Your peace. Today, please draw my soul closer to You so that I can rest in Your presence. I surrender control, and I choose to trust You with my life. in Jesus’ name, Amen.
When I read this today, in my devotion time, I was moved by every word, the sincerity and power of every word. Today, I surrender control. We need to surrender more to God on a daily basis. Our burdens and cares of this world were never meant for us to carry alone. Today and in the coming New Year, 2022, I surrender ALL. I love that old hymn. What a hymn to welcome in the New Year.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
24
Dec '21
Hold on to Hope
24
Dec '21
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)
As the celebrations come and we embrace joy, let’s carry that joy beyond one day. The joy of Christmas is our gift every day. May we walk forward remembering that in all we do.
Lord, thank You for the gift You’ve given me in Jesus. Help me hold tight to the joy and hope of You on Christmas and beyond. May each day be a reminder to celebrate the life You’ve given me as my Savior. Amen
John 15:12
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
I felt it was fitting to finish up this fifth and final devotion plan on Christmas Eve. What a reminder as we start our celebrations, some today, some tomorrow, some today and tomorrow, but as the days come and go may we remember this very devotion. We must remember to celebrate the life He’s given us as our Savior every single day. Hold on to Hope and Joy beyond one day.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Merry Christmas!
(Devotion 5 of 5)
22
Dec '21
Celebrate with Joy
22
Dec '21
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
It’s time to celebrate Jesus! But the only way we can do that is to be present and filled with joy. Let’s choose joy and grace today. Not only in the good parts of the celebration, but in the hard things, the disappointment, and the chaos. May we discover comfort and hope even as we navigate the squabbles, the burnt food, and the tangled hearts. Let’s give grace so we can discover joy.
Father, please give me the joy of a child! Help me stop striving to create the perfect holiday and instead embrace the celebration of Your birth. I want to see this season with hope and excitement for the amazing gift You’ve given me! Amen
Philippians 2:9-11
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Embrace the celebration of His birth! Let us not forget the true reason we celebrate.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Merry Christmas!
(Devotion 4 of 5)
20
Dec '21
Fix Your Eyes
20
Dec '21
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. (Psalm 119:15)
With so many things vying for our attention, we need to be intentional about our focus. May we set our gaze on a gift that was never wrapped with the prettiest of paper and the biggest bow. Let’s fix our eyes on the amazing gift that started it all.
God, please help me make time to quiet all the hustle and bustle to wait in holy anticipation. May I remember that the best gift was never wrapped in paper, but in swaddling clothes. Amen
What an incredibly powerful devotion. If you remember anything from this devotion I pray you remember this, “The best gift was never wrapped in paper, but in swaddling clothes.” Oh hallelujah. Fix your eyes on Jesus!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Merry Christmas!
(Devotion 3 of 5)
16
Dec '21
Shine Your Light
16
Dec '21
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Even with twinkling lights all around, it’s easy to miss the light inside of us. May we welcome the light of God to shine within us and through us, spreading to everyone we encounter.
Lord, I want to see more than the gifts and decorations around me. I want to see Your light shine in every part of my heart. Fill me with Your light, and help me share it with those around me. Amen
I hope and pray you are encouraged to share His light with those around you, even those who are rude, angry or seem to have lost all hope. Be The Light we all desperately need. If we all shine together we will outshine the darkness that so easily makes its way into our world. Allow Christ to fill you with His light.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Merry Christmas!
(Devotion 2 of 5)
14
Dec '21
It’s Time to Get Ready
14
Dec '21
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
The best place to start is by preparing our hearts for Christmas. We hear all about the hustle and bustle, we feel the joy and sometimes even some sorrow. Whether we face the holiday with excitement or sadness, readiness or overwhelm, we can bring it all to Jesus. And may we experience the gift that was ours from the beginning of time for all eternity.
Dear God, please prepare my heart for Christmas. I long to focus on the gifts You’ve given me more than anything else. Help me not get wrapped up in the must-do’s, to-do’s, and out-do’s of the season, and instead remember that You are with me. Amen
I recently read a five day devotion plan and I felt it would be fitting to share it with you over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the most important day of our lives, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope and pray over the next couple of weeks you are encouraged, uplifted and blessed by this set of devotions. I know I was.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Merry Christmas!
(Devotion 1 of 5)
09
Dec '21
Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
09
Dec '21
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
The best place to start is by preparing our hearts for Christmas. We hear all about the hustle and bustle, we feel the joy and sometimes even some sorrow. Whether we face the holiday with excitement or sadness, readiness or overwhelm, we can bring it all to Jesus. And may we experience the gift that was ours from the beginning of time for all eternity.
Dear God, please prepare my heart for Christmas. I long to focus on the gifts You’ve given me more than anything else. Help me not get wrapped up in the must-do’s, to-do’s, and out-do’s of the season, and instead remember that You are with me. Amen
I pray this devotion is a reminder that He is truly the reason for the season.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
07
Dec '21
He is Worthy of Our Worship
07
Dec '21
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
Complete this sentence: “God is…”
God, in every season, You are worthy of our worship. And so today, help me look for ways to humbly worship You. Allow me to reflect on Your marvelous deeds and Your faithful character. You have created all things with intentionality and care, so fill me with awe and wonder when I reflect on what You have done. Let my life become one continual act of worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I pray this devotion blesses you as much as it blessed me. I am reminded of a beautiful song, He’s All I Need, He’s All I Need, Jesus Is All I Need.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
02
Dec '21
Humble Yourself
02
Dec '21
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)
Robert Smith Jr. often says, “for every New Testament doctrine, there is an Old Testament picture.” So it is with humility and the servant of God. In the Old Testament, God favors the lowly shepherd.
Think about Abraham and Lot: Lot, taking his place at the table Sodom, and Abraham, tending to sheep in the pastures of the hills. God chooses Abraham.
Think about Esau and Jacob: Esau, the duke of Edom, a great hunter and man for the ages, and Jacob, tending the flocks. God chooses Jacob.
Think about Moses and Pharaoh: Pharaoh, the king of the greatest empire of his day; and Moses, tending sheep on the backside of the desert. God chooses Moses.
Think about David and Saul: Saul, from the house of Kish of Benjamin, called to be king over Israel; and David, tending his father’s sheep. God chooses David.
The Old Testament paints a vivid picture of greatness: a king, keeping the flock; a prince, feeding lambs. And God has not changed.
When King Jesus arrives, God first tells the shepherds (Lk. 2). The news of the Great Shepherd comes first to the lowly shepherds because God never divorces humility from greatness.
So many of us seek to be great.
Remember that no one in God’s kingdom can sit high on a throne unless they are first found sitting low in a field. God never divorces humility from greatness.
Powerful devotion. I pray it inspires and encourages you wherever you find yourself in this moment.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!