your daily crossroad
Christ is Unchanging
This isn’t one of those verses that really needs to be expounded on. It’s pretty straight forward. Any difficulty with this verse comes with understanding and applying its implications to our lives. If Christ is unchanging, what does that mean for us?
First off, it means that we have yet another reason to worship Him and trust Him. He’s not going to flake out on us and He isn’t going to suddenly change and decide that He doesn’t want to be bothered saving and loving us. He has saved us and always will. He has loved us and always will.
Secondly, it means that we should change, because He isn’t going to. He is always going to be worthy of our praise and honor, so if even some small part of our life doesn’t honor Him, it’s got to go. He is always going to be holy, holy, holy. He is always going to be just. So we have some transformation to undergo if we are going to be in His presence. He saved us and is remaking us in His image and we should welcome that painful reformation because when’s He done remaking us, we’ll get to join Him in the eternity of holy splendor.
Third, this should change how we respond to different seasons of life. Our response to God tends to be proportionate to our perception of how He is treating us. When we are in good seasons, God is a good, loving Father who cares and meets all our needs. But when we are in hard seasons, God becomes a cold, caustic jerk who doesn’t understand how much pain we are in. But when we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever, we have to acknowledge that the Father who lovingly provided for us yesterday is still a loving Father when we suffer today. His love for us may show itself in different ways in different seasons, but it is crucial that we understand that our circumstances are not an indication of how He is changing, but of how we are being changed to be more like Him.
When we understand this, it should give us courage, confidence and comfort to face each season as it comes because we have the unchanging, unbending, unyielding Rock of Ages on our side.
When I read this I was hesitant to post it but I couldn’t shake how much truth there was in it. I can’t honestly think of a time in my life that I’ve thought God was being a “jerk”, there were times I couldn’t understand the why but for some they may have had that feeling and it’s important that we are honest with ourselves and then be encouraged, confident and comforted to face each season as it comes because we have the unchanging, unbending, unyielding Rock of Ages on our side. When the enemy tries to fill your mind with negativity towards God remind him who you choose to serve, trust and believe in no matter the trials your facing in that moment because He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Don’t allow the seasons in your life to alter your confidence in Christ but allow it to draw you closer to Him, He loves you more than anyone in the world.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:24-25
Father Knows Best
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. (Daniel 2:20-22)
Daniel knew a thing or two about difficult seasons, between being a slave and lions’ dinner at different points in his life. And like the rest of us, I’m sure that Daniel frequently had to remind himself what He had been brought through already and what it had revealed to him of God’s power and control. Like Daniel, it’s important for us to recall the past seasons of difficulty that God has brought us through already. It’s also crucial for us to surround ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ who have come out of the den and who can be instrumental in helping us remember the power of God in controlling the timing and seasons of our lives. If we let ourselves think that we are the only ones who have ever had a hard season, we will only make it more difficult on ourselves to trust God’s love and control.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think of how lost I would be without Him. I do take comfort in knowing that with each wave that rises only does so by His authority and He sees the beginning and He sees the end of everything I go through. Surround yourself with those who can be instrumental in helping you remember the power of God in controlling the timing and seasons of your life.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Daniel 2:20-22
Leadership
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11:1-2)
Being a true leader isn’t always glamorous. There are not always hundreds of people lining up, wanting to be just like you. This can be witnessed in the book of Nehemiah. We read that the leaders lived in Jerusalem and the rest drew lots.
Nehemiah is the account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem. During the restoration, enemies threatened to attack it as the wall and gates were rebuilt; it wasn’t necessarily the safest place. That is one reason the average Joe didn’t immediately sign up to live there. Jerusalem living also meant leaving a previous place of residence, which had one’s farm and livelihood.
At this point, Jerusalem was not yet finished, and business would have been slow. The leaders made a sacrifice. Someone had to live there and start the process of creating a once again bustling city. Could this be what leadership is often about? Not asking people to take a risk for you, but rather taking one for them? Jesus even said that He came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:28). That is what leading is. We learn how to do this in the purest of forms through Jesus and His substitutionary death on the cross. He calls us to lay down our lives for others, because He has laid down his for us (John 15:13).
Have you been a leader lately?
When I read this I couldn’t help but think about what my daughter brought home from Sunday School, it was the setting of scripture from John 13:15, when Jesus washed the disciples feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Less of me and more of You! Let us strive to serve and not be served.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Nehemiah 11:1-2
Walking in Faith
Yes But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:30-31)
We have all dreamt of doing something great for God. These dreams might involve some form of sacrifice or great leap of faith. We see others around us who have sold everything to follow Jesus as a missionary in some far corner of the world and view them as a person of great faith. We maybe even aspire to be like them.
Consider this, if we had been sitting in that boat with Peter, we would have thought he was brimming with faith as he began to climb out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. But suddenly, something even stranger happened and Peter began to sink.That courage and faith he had in Jesus was getting smaller as he saw the wind and the waves getting bigger.
A true measure of a person’s faith then is not just the first step of their faith journey, but the subsequent steps thereafter. We deal with this every time we get excited about something, starting any given project only to stop halfway through because it was much more difficult than anticipated. The same thing happens when we believe Jesus would have us do something. We start doing it and it doesn’t turn out like we thought it would, or the ministry isn’t immediately growing, we begin to sink, losing faith in and sight of Jesus. What we must realize is that if Jesus has called us to make a first step, then he will provide a path for each step toward him after that.
Where is Jesus calling you to walk in faith?
When I read this I felt it needed to be shared because we are all on this journey called life and at times our calling can start to feel a bit difficult and even overwhelming and giving up may seem like the easiest route to take but remember, if Jesus has called you to make a first step, then he will provide a path for each step toward him after that. Don’t give up, keep moving forward. He will catch you if you fall or He will teach you how to fly. Trust Him always!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 14:30-31
His Wonderful Face
Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11)
My four-year-old son is full of questions, and chatters constantly. I love talking with him, but he’s developed an unfortunate habit of talking to me even when his back is turned. I often find myself saying, “I can’t hear you—please look at me when you’re talking.”
Sometimes I think God wants to say the same thing to us—not because He can’t hear us, but because we can tend to talk to Him without really “looking” at Him. We pray, but we remain caught up in our own questions and focused on ourselves, forgetting the character of the One we’re praying to. Like my son, we ask questions without paying attention to the person we’re talking to.
Many of our concerns are best addressed by reminding ourselves of who God is and what He has done. By simply refocusing, we find comfort in what we know of His character: that He is loving, forgiving, sovereign, graceful.
When we turn our eyes toward the beautiful face of God, we can find strength and comfort that sustain us even in the midst of unanswered questions.
Lord, let the light of Your face shine upon us. Amen.
When I recently read this I was instantly reminded of that song, Turn your eyes upon Jesus look forth in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Today, let’s allow the light of His face to shine upon us. May we slow down in those moments of prayer and reading The Word and truly seek His wonderful face.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 16:8-27
Forgiveness
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
The question of genuine forgiveness is one of eternal importance. And why is it, you may ask, so crucial that Christians forgive? For starters, Jesus’ statement in today’s text is quite a compelling reason, for “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Suffice it to say then, we had better make sure we are forgiving “our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
Here’s the bottom line: forgiveness is such a central element to Christianity that it is an indicator of salvation! Not that we are saved by any works of our own, such as forgiving others, but that when we are reconciled to God through Christ, our new life will be marked by grace giving and forgiveness.
Remember, our sin was exchanged for Jesus’ righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), our wrong for His right, our injustice for His justice. God meets our rebellion and pride with grace in and through the person and work of Jesus. Those to whom grace is extended should also extend grace, and those to whom forgiveness is extended should also extend forgiveness.
Forgive as you have been forgiven. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s at the core of who you are in Christ.
What truth! When I read this I knew forgiveness was important but honestly I never looked at it like this. Forgiveness should most certainly be at the core of who I am in Christ. He showed me forgiveness on the cross before I was even born. Those to whom grace is extended should also extend grace, and those to whom forgiveness is extended should also extend forgiveness. Amen! Think on this today as you may be struggling with forgiveness.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6
Jesus Christ and His Truth!
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:2-4)
The culture of self-deceit described in 2 Timothy sounds eerily like our own, doesn’t it? Many Americans, even Christians, no longer believe in absolute truth. Everything is relative, right down to the Word of God. We remake scripture to reflect our pop culture beliefs. In an effort to seem relatable and compassionate, we excuse all manner of sin. We would rather condemn our neighbors to hell than tell them that they are sinners in need of a Savior.
But Paul strongly tells us here that even in seasons like ours, we are to stay faithful to the Word of God. Not our own words, His words. We are to be prepared, he says. Prepared for what? To be disliked? To be mocked? To endure some memes and celebrity disparaging at our expense? All of the above and a whole lot more. We are to be prepared to correct, rebuke and encourage. A lot of us like to correct and rebuke, but we very rarely encourage. We may point out sin, but neglect to point out the Savior. And if one or two arguments on Facebook doesn’t convince our neighbor of the error of their ways, we write them off as a lost cause. Great patience has little place in our common discourse these days. Yet Paul calls us to great patience in our interactions with others. And, perhaps, he is calling us to great patience in standing true to the gospel itself. In times like these, we can very quickly grow tired of being in the minority. We get tired of feeling left out of the mainstream and the temptation to cave and turn away from truth grows stronger the longer time goes on. This is exactly what Satan wants. He wants us to grow weary and for us to blame it on God. If only God’s rules weren’t so stringent. If only God was a little more open-minded, we wouldn’t be so lonely.
Satan also wants us questioning the Word of God because of the famous teachers who turned away from its truth. Recalling how many times I’ve been told by long-time Christians that they’re forsaking certain aspects of God’s Word because Preacher/Author/Blogger So-and-So did it makes me nauseous. We are far too prone to use another Christian’s version of the gospel as an excuse to abandon Jesus’ gospel. Paul is absolutely right when he says that we surround ourselves with those who say what we want to hear. We want to be told that our compromises are ok so we find someone famous to justify it. Or we comfort ourselves in the popularity of our beliefs, as if large numbers of human beings have never been wrong together.
“His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”
When I read this I knew to some this may not be “popular” but it’s an overwhelming truth that has to be shared and spread. He is coming back, time is short, speak the truth in love and stay faithful to the Word of God!! Find me ready Lord!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Timothy 4:2-4
You Have Purpose!
Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
This challenge in Esther is still used to inspire a sense of destiny for those in a position of influence. Esther took her uncle’s challenge, used her powerful position as queen, and saved the Jewish people from yet another mass slaughter. Very few of us will be able to save entire ethnic groups by throwing a couple dinner parties, but Mordecai’s words are still applicable to us because we each were created with a specific destiny and purpose. Even if our destiny isn’t quite as lofty as being a heroic queen, we were still created with divine and royal purpose to glorify the King of kings.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Mordecai asks a question that we know the answer to. Who knows? God knows! He has told us in His Word that His formation of us in our mother’s womb is intentional and wonderful. So now we, too, can know that our position and timing in this world is on purpose.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? It’s easy for us to discount our influence in the world when we think of ourselves as just ordinary people. But when we remember who we are in Jesus Christ- sons and daughters of the King and citizens of the next eternal world- it should give us a sense of our high worth. As George Bailey learned in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” even the most common of us have great influence on the lives around us. As a stay-at-home mom, I certainly have days in which I feel like my value and purpose is lost in the mundane and endless tasks of wiping noses and bottoms, feeding meals and filling juice cups. But I cannot conceive of the ways in which God is using me to shape the world as I shape my sons by serving them day in and day out. Your purpose and destiny in life may not have the high visual and immediate effect that Esther’s had, but you are still royalty in the eyes of Christ and as such, you have an immense and glorious purpose to fulfill in this life.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Heaven knows there are many days I wish I lived in another time. A time period with air conditioning, but no internet would be ideal. I don’t want to know as much as I do of the groaning of this world. But here we are, in 2017. There’s a lot less space travel and far more warring going on than was imagined for this time period. We were put here for a reason. Would it be nice to live in the future when cancer is curable and chocolate has no calories? Or wouldn’t you love to go back and live in the time of your favorite classic author or artist? Sure, but God didn’t put you there. He brought you here for just such a time. You may not be entertaining kings, but you may very well be entertaining angels and certainly future saints. Live with a sense of your glorious purpose and royal position, whether it’s through a 9-5 desk job, blue collar labor, and/or diaper changing. Go about your life knowing that God put you here on purpose and that when you walk in obedience to Him, you are glorifying the Most High King.
I must be real with whomever is reading this. It blessed me so much. I cried when I read this myself because there are days I’ve asked myself what is my value and purpose but after reading this, in which it has been sitting in my inbox for days and I hadn’t come across it until this morning but God knew just when I needed it and that was today, God showed me He is using me to shape the world as I shape my children by serving them day in and day out and influencing and building kingdom builders and a love for God. My prayer is that they will grow to be mighty men and women of God and God has called me as there mom to help build His Children with a heart to serve God. I have purpose and value, I am a child of The One True King. You also have purpose and value! Never forget that and walk in obedience to Him. No matter where God has placed you in this life, look at it from God’s perspective, wherever He has placed you it is with purpose, don’t belittle where God has placed you. Live with a sense of your glorious purpose and royal position.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 138:8, Isaiah 44:2
Your Gifts From Christ
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. (Romans 12:4-6)
Ever find yourself looking around at what others are doing and what you are not?
I fall into this trap often, of looking at another and thinking to myself, “I have to be more like her!” I then begin this battle in my mind of beating myself up because I’m not doing what they are doing, or at least not doing things the way they are doing them. After this battle, depression will set in and confusion.
I cry out to the Lord and He just shakes His head at me tenderly, “Daughter, you are not her and I didn’t give you her gifts. I gave you the gifts I wanted to give you.” Clarity and today’s scripture comes rushing back to me.
How can we get upset over a brother/sister who is using the gift that God gave them?
Just use your gift and as I like to say, “Run your race and stay in your lane”. Don’t worry about how another is using her gift; just use the gifts God has given you the way God wants you to use them. He’s proud of you!
Who cares what others think? Get out of the people pleasing mindset – it only leads to frustration and confusion. You answer to only One.
Father, close our ears to the lies of the enemy who tries to trap us with comparison. Let us look to Jesus only and run the race He has given us to run, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
I was so blessed by this when I read it. I felt someone needed to read it for themselves and be blessed. Today I choose to run my race and stay in my lane. I will look to Jesus only and run the race He has given me to run. So often I am guilty of comparison when in reality what truly matters is how I’m using the gifts God has given me. I am blessed! Let’s start our week off by running our race in our own lane and being grateful for every gift God has placed in our lives, not looking to the left nor to the right.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 12:4-6
Don’t Fall
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
I went ice skating the other day. I realized the longer I was on the ice, the more grooves were put in the ice, which made it more difficult. Then, even though you are supposed to skate in a counterclockwise direction, little kids don’t follow that rule. They zigzag all over the place. Moms with very small children, who should have been skating near the wall, would skate right down the middle, constantly stopping. There was lots of falling taking place and hotshots zooming around everyone, and all I could think was today’s bible verse.
A picture of life. Just when you get going and used to the ice, there’s deep ruts that knock you off balance, and the enemy zooming at you from all directions, trying to cause you to fall.
King David said the same thing, “I said, I will take heed to my ways.” Are you aware of the path you are on and taking heed to not fall? Cleanse everything from your life that offends God. TAKE HEED LEST YOU FALL! Are you staying in prayer and in His presence? Is the Word of God hidden in your heart? Are you mindful of the enemy’s devices? You can’t live in La La Land and ignore your spiritual walk and still expect to stay upright on the ice.
Guard your path. Guard your steps. Take heed to the ways of the enemy and you will STAND in Jesus’ name!
When I read this I instantly thought, there is no mountain to high, no valley to low and no river to wide that God can’t reach you. Take time today and do a clean sweep of all the things that offend God and stand in Jesus name!! If you call on God, He will be there beside you to catch you if you fall and help you back up. Trust Him and be obedient.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Small Fires
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)
It was a Sunday night in September and most people were sleeping when a small fire broke out in Thomas Farriner’s bakery on Pudding Lane. Soon the flames spread from house to house and London was engulfed in the Great Fire of 1666. Over 70,000 people were left homeless by the blaze that leveled four-fifths of the city. So much destruction from such a small fire!
The Bible warns us of another small but destructive fire. James was concerned about lives and relationships, not buildings, when he wrote, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth” (James 3:5).
But our words can also be constructive. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” The apostle Paul says, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). As salt flavors our food, grace flavors our words for building up others.
Through the help of the Holy Spirit our words can encourage people who are hurting, who want to grow in their faith, or who need to come to the Savior. Our words can put out fires instead of starting them.
Lord, I can always use help with the way I talk. For this day, help me to speak words of hope and encouragement to build up others. Amen.
I recently read this and wow what truth! Food for thought. What will our words be like today? You have the power in your tongue to build up or tear down. Which will you choose? Your words matter, choose them carefully. Use me Holy Spirit today to put out fires instead of starting them.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 3:3-12
The Fondness of Fellowship
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
There’s a very good reason we refer to other Christians as brothers and sisters. The kinship we experience with our fellow heirs in Christ is more deeply rooted than any physical bloodline or familial tie.
When God saves an individual, He literally exchanges their dead “heart of stone” for a living “heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). With this exchange comes transformation! Our greatest desires begin to conform to God’s desires, and ultimately, we want God’s will more than anything else. This change occurs at the core of who we are; it’s a central shift in identity.
Our newfound identity rests in what Jesus has accomplished and won, in His victory, not in any of our own. We delight in worshipping Jesus in all that we do, and we aspire to walk as He walked.
While we will never be perfect on this earth we still share that foundational unity with other believers that is only found in Christ. When you gather with your brothers and sisters, dwell upon the things of life with them, and reflect upon how God’s truth and reality can be witnessed everyday. These times of fellowship are sweet and encouraging, so much so, that it is very easy to understand how Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had become so “affectionately desirous” of the Thessalonians.
Our Christian brothers and sisters should also become “very dear to us”. This week, make time for prayer and fellowship with other Christians, you will savor and grow from these times together.
When I read this it blessed me, I thought about all the precious brothers and sisters in Christ that have impacted my life and it is a joy to be in there lives. Don’t allow the enemy to sew seeds of bitterness, hate and or jealousy towards your brothers or sisters in Christ. It is a gift from God that shouldn’t be taken lightly and the enemy would love nothing more than to sew division. When you see them struggling, prop them up on there leaning side. Be to your brothers and sisters in Christ as Aaron and Hur were to Moses, what genuine love.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4
Spilling Through My Fingers
After I clumsily knocked over my glass on the restaurant counter, the spilled beverage began to cascade over the edge and onto the floor. Out of sheer embarrassment, I tried to catch the waterfall with cupped hands. My efforts were largely unsuccessful; most of my beverage rushed through my fingers. In the end, my upturned palms held little more than a meager tablespoon each, while my feet stood in puddles.
My life feels similar on many days. I find myself scrambling to solve problems, oversee details, and control circumstances. No matter how hard I try, my feeble hands are incapable of managing all the pieces and parts. Something invariably slips through my fingers and pools on the floor at my feet, leaving me feeling overwhelmed. No amount of contorting my hands or squeezing my fingers more tightly together makes me able to handle it all.
Yet God can. Isaiah tells us that God can measure the globe’s waters—all the oceans and rivers and rain—in the hollow of His hands (40:12). Only His hands are large enough to hold them all. We needn’t try to hold more than the tablespoon He’s designed our hands to carry. When we feel overwhelmed, we can entrust our cares and concerns into His capable hands.
Help me, Lord, to stop trying to hold everything in my hands, but instead to trust my needs and concerns into Your perfect care. Amen.
When I recently read this I felt it was fitting for this day, Monday, for many it’s the beginning of another work week and despite what kind of weeks past or weekend you may have had, when we feel overwhelmed we can entrust our cares and concerns into His capable hands. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Your source of strength comes from above, look up!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:9-17
BIG PICTURE, small steps
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:22-23)
He also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord’ (Matthew 25:22-23).
Sometimes we can become overwhelmed by the “BIG PICTURE” of life: big dreams, big opportunities, big decisions, big transitions, and big questions.
One of the biggest questions regarding the big picture that we often ask is “What is God’s plan for my life?” The key to answering this big question is actually found in taking what may seem like small steps.
The servant with two talents had no idea what the big picture was, just that he was to take care of what his master had given him at that point in time. We only begin to see the big picture become a reality when we’re faithful with the relationships, opportunities, and obvious needs God has already placed right in front of us.
Often we pray for God to give us a big opportunity to share the gospel when we have not been intentional with the existing relationships in our lives. We pray for God to show big ways we can serve Him when we have not taken initiative with opportunities that exist within blocks of our own home.
We want to meet big needs and make a big difference, yet we often don’t realize this will require small, messy, risky steps of faithfulness with no fanfare- much of what may seem very different initially from the big picture we dreamed. We can easily forget that the big picture begins and continues to develop as we take small steps of faithfulness, following Jesus one step at a time.
What opportunities, relationships, and needs has God placed in front of you today? How can you display faithfulness with these?
I recently read this and I felt it needed to be shared. What truth!! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things. Let’s seek to be faithful over what may seem like little things and the big picture will continue to develop one step at a time. Be faithful with a cheerful heart.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 25:22-23
A Thousand Years
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)
I recently read. When I was younger, there were events throughout the year that I just “could not wait for.” I marked them on my wall calendar with a countdown of the months, weeks and days. I delighted in crossing off each day, bringing the ‘event’ closer to fruition.
But by the time the event came, it passed so quickly… I spent months waiting and within a few hours, it was over.
So often, we wish away the time in anticipation for certain events, so much so that we miss what each day and moment has to offer us.
In 2 Peter 3, people who didn’t believe in Christ were starting to taunt the early church saying, “Isn’t Christ coming back? Aren’t these the ‘Last Days?’ WHERE IS HE?”
“With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day…” In other words, it’s not about the length of time. God isn’t measuring eternity and the ‘age to come’ according to a moment in time. He’s not saying to Himself “WOW, we’re running out of time, I’d better go back…”
He waits. Listens. Breathes. He’s patient. He allows us to journey. He doesn’t have a gold calendar hanging on His wall where He impatiently marks off each day as if it doesn’t matter in anticipation for His ‘Come Back’. Every day matters. As does all who fill each day. And while there is a spiritual urgency that can be felt, it relates more to authenticity than a countdown.
There is space and time. Don’t be hasty, don’t rush wishing away the time. Breathe through each day, cherish each moment…
ALL moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
What a way to look at each day. Instead of rushing through each day wishing away the time teach me Lord to breath through each day cherishing each and every moment for every moment is a key moment, help me to Live every moment, Love every day! I can so easily become distracted and loose sight of what truly matters, each moment. Amen.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Peter 3:8-9