your daily crossroad

 

When You Are Discouraged

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. (Psalms 34:17-19)

Ever get discouraged?

I sure do. In fact I woke up this morning feeling discouraged. It feels like the world is against me, and I’m overcome with feelings of “nobody really likes me.” Sometimes I get discouraged because of my past regrets, and sometimes I get discouraged because God so clearly has not answered my prayers and cries for help, when and the way I want Him to. I get discouraged when I put too much trust in people and expect them to do or say something that I’ve been longing to hear.

Discouragement is a real feeling, and it’s a real tool of the enemy to come against the child of God. If you let it sink in, discouragement will press you down, and it can hinder you from doing what the Lord has called you to do.

What do you do?

Here’s what I do: Find scripture that encourages you in the Lord. Find out what God says about any given situation and then trust His Word. It has power to give life if you let it penetrate your heart. “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalms 34:17-19

I pray today that if you are discouraged that Jesus will lift your spirit and whisper truth in your ear. He knows your pains; He cares and he will answer! Amen!

After reading this just this morning I felt I could completely relate to what the writer was saying, who couldn’t. Discouragement is something that unfortunately impacts everyone at some point in there lives but I couldn’t imagine going through this life without The Lord by my side, without The Word to lead and guide me back into His presence when my mind and emotions drift into discouragement. Today, let’s choose to take back what the enemy has tried to steal from you, joy, laughter, love, a genuine smile. Pack up the tools of the enemy and give them back to him, you were never meant to carry the tools of the enemy, he is a liar and the father of all lies, you are loved, you are kind and you are beautiful inside and out. Do not buy what the enemy is trying to sell you. Allow The Lord to deliver you. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow.

Have a wonderfully blessed day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalms 34:17-19



Humbled

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)

God is big; we are small. God is perfect; we are not. God is all-powerful; we are weak. God is never ending; we have but a few years on the earth he created.

God is beyond us, like the end of the universe is beyond the earth. Trillions of lightyears separate the boundary of limitless space and bright burning stars, yet it all falls under God’s hand. We should be careful to remember this when we speak of Him.

When we talk of God, we should make certain we understand that we can never fully understand Him. Yes, He has revealed Himself to us, but only in part.

When we think of God, we should remember that His “thoughts are not [our] thoughts”, and “neither are [our] ways [His] ways.” There should be a humility in us when we think or speak of God, a deep reverence that knows He is beyond us in every way. This respect, if held rightly, won’t lead us further from God, but closer. It will do so because we will ask with the Psalmist, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:4) There is nothing God gets from us that He can’t get better from Himself, yet, He still loves and pursues us. God is definitely love, and this makes us want to know and be amazed by Him.

Be humbled by the grandeur and selfless love of our God who is beyond our full comprehension. Amen!

When I read this today I felt it needed to be shared. What truth! I am so grateful He is beyond me in every way. There is nothing God gets from me that He can’t get better from Himself, yet, He still loves and pursues me. I am indeed humbled. What a mighty God we serve!! He loves me, He loves you!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Isaiah 55:8-9



A Sports-Card Relationship with God?

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)

When I was a kid I loved collecting sports cards. I had binders full and remember looking up how much money they were worth and then trading them with friends. My favorite thing about the cards was that they had every player’s stats on the back. So I had most of their numbers memorized. However, even though I knew a bunch of stuff about them, did that mean that I actually knew them as people?

Obviously, the answer is no! It would’ve been a total lie if I claimed to know these players on a personal level just because I had a bunch of their stats memorized. However, I think a similar tendency is alive and well in the Church.

So many of us in the Church know a lot of information about God. We know stats. We have verses memorized. We read books. And the list goes on. But how many of us know God beyond knowledge about Him? I love Scripture and wholeheartedly believe it’s critical for Christians to have an intimate understanding of it. However, knowing about God is no substitute for actually knowing Him on a personal level.

In today’s verse, Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” You see, eternal life isn’t simply going to a place called heaven when we die—it’s knowing the Father and Jesus Himself.

True life is found in a personal relationship with the true God. So, are you in a sports-card relationship with God? Do you know about Him? Or do you know Him personally?

If not, pray this prayer with me: God, I know things about you, but I don’t feel like I truly know You. And that’s what I want. I want to know You like Moses did and like the disciples knew Jesus. Holy Spirit, please introduce Yourself to my heart, soul, and mind in a way I’ve never experienced before, so I can lead others into an authentic, intimate relationship with You as well. Amen.

When I read this it challenged me to take time and evaluate my “relationship” with God. How well do I know Him personally, I’ve served Him since I was ten years old and I couldn’t imagine a single day without Him in my life but do I truly serve Him by taking time each and every day to get to know Him or do I rush through my day, check Facebook countless times, maybe even post a comment or pic in hopes that others will get to know me better, hoping they will see my better side while neglecting to take that time to get to know Him better, say a quick prayer and call it good? I’m not picking on Facebook, I’m mentioning just one of many things that tend to have a strong hold on people, you fill in the blank, what consumes so much of your time that it keeps you from an intimate relationship with God? What in your life could you take and replace with getting to know Him better? In the moment when your about to reach for that thing, I challenge you today to stop, take out your bible, pray and talk to Him, get to know Him better than you ever have before. He loves us so much He sent His son to die for you and I. Have you made it a priority to have an intimate relationship with God? Ask yourself that question today and be truly honest. He already knows, it’s up to you and I to choose to change the answer.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading John 17:3, 2 Peter 3:9



The Anchor of Hope

We might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast . . . (Hebrews 6:18-19)

The writer of Hebrews uses the image of an anchor to describe the confident hope we can have in God. When a boat is in open water, away from a dock, nothing can keep it in place but an anchor. The anchor keeps the boat from drifting off in any direction. No wonder Hebrews calls hope “an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.” That is what an anchor is for a boat, and that is what hope is for our souls.

Hebrews 6 tells us about two people who assure us that hope in God is an anchor for the soul. The first is Abraham. God promised Abraham land and descendants. Even though those promises were threatened many times during Abraham’s life, Abraham hoped in the anchor of God’s promises, and those promises eventually were fulfilled. The second person is Jesus, “our forerunner.” Jesus ran ahead of us. He ran the race of human life. He ran through death, and he returned victorious to life, rising from the dead. Following in his footsteps gives us an ­anchor for our souls. Because he lived, died, and rose, we have hope that God will also give us new life after death.

When the waters of life get rough, or when we can’t see the shore, let our hope in Jesus be the anchor for our souls.

Faithful God, we often feel like a boat that is far from shore. At those times, and at every time, give us the sure anchor of hope in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

When I read this it uplifted and encouraged me so much. There have been times when I have felt like a boat that is alone and far from shore but what a reminder that Jesus is my anchor and my hope, sure and stedfast. I am blessed and never alone. He is my anchor of hope.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Hebrews 6:13-20



Take Him Seriously

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:17-20)
 
The resurrection of Jesus was God’s proverbial mic drop on the world. After centuries of rescuing Israel only for them to reject God all over again, the cross and the empty tomb were God’s final answer to sin and His children’s desperate need for salvation. Death was defeated and man could know eternal life in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ redemption of His people was complete. His separation from the Father was over. He had walked through the valley of the shadow of Death so that we could fear no evil.
 
As part of Jesus’ final words to His disciples before His ascension, He made a point of communicating three things to them and to us: 1) He’s in charge 2) We have a holy work and purpose to fulfill 3) He is with us. Notice that Jesus did not say that He was a good guy with some half-baked opinions that we could take or leave as we thought best. He did not say that His disciples could sit on their hands and wait around to be taken to Heaven. He did not say that this was it for Him and that, until we get to heaven, we’re on our own.

As He consistently did throughout His teachings, Jesus reminds us of His power, He reminds us that we have divine purpose, and He reminds us that we are loved and cared for. He reiterates what He has been saying to His disciples for 3 years, and also a few centuries too. When the Defeater of death tells you He’s powerful, that you have a purpose and work and that He is with you always, you should take Him seriously. If Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth, should how you worship Him and speak to Him change? If you’re meant to be making disciples and teaching them everything Jesus has commanded, does your day-to-day life need to change? What about your weekend plans? And if Jesus Christ is with you always, how does that affect your spirit? Your joy? Your courage? Your peace? Jesus defeated death for you and for me. Let’s live like it.

When I recently read this I couldn’t deny such truth, to some it may step all over your toes but my prayer is that it challenges you to be real with yourself and answer the questions honestly. Jesus defeated death for you and for me. Let’s live like it. Amen!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Matthew 28:17-20



An Alternative to Anger

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife . . . (Proverbs 20:3)

One morning in Perth, Australia, Fionn Mulholland discovered his car was missing. That’s when he realized he had mistakenly parked in a restricted zone and his car had been towed away. After considering the situation—even the $600 towing and parking fine—Mulholland was frustrated, but he decided not to be angry with the person he would work with to retrieve his car. Instead of venting his feelings, Mulholland wrote a humorous poem about the situation and read it to the worker he met at the tow yard. The worker liked the poem, and a possible ugly confrontation never took place.

The book of Proverbs teaches, “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife” (20:3). Strife is that friction that either simmers under the surface or explodes in the open between people who disagree about something.

God has given us the resources to live peacefully with other people. His Word assures us that it’s possible to feel anger without letting it boil over into rage (Eph. 4:26). His Spirit enables us to override the sparks of fury that prompt us to do and say things to strike out at people who upset us. And God has given us His example to follow when we feel provoked (1 Peter 2:23). He is compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Ps. 86:15).

Dear God, Please help me to manage my anger in a way that does not lead me into sin. Give me self-control through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wow, when I read this my heart was convicted. I have moments and times when I have been quick to anger and or frustration. Help me Lord to show compassion, grace and to be slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. At times I have felt the way I was feeling was justified but it never is. We have been called to follow God’s example when we feel provoked. My prayer today is for Christ to give me self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 20:1-15



Don’t Give Up

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

I recently read. We often find ourselves determined to reach out and help someone we know who is in great need. But when we fail to see improvement right away, our resolve can weaken and we may eventually give up. We discover that what we hoped would be an immediate change has become an ongoing process.

The apostle Paul urges us to be patient in helping one another through the stumbles and struggles of life. When he writes, “Bear ye one another’s burdens” and so “fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2), he is comparing our task to the work, time, and waiting it takes for a farmer to see a harvest.   

How long should we keep praying and reaching out to those we love? “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”  (v. 9). How many times should we reach out? “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (v. 10).

The Lord encourages us today to trust Him, to remain faithful to others, to keep on praying, and to not give up!

Father in heaven, we ask for hope and perseverance to continue reaching out to others. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Galatians 6:1-10



Letting Go

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee. (Genesis 12:1)

For our wedding anniversary, my husband borrowed a tandem bike so we could enjoy a romantic adventure together. As we began to pedal on our way, I quickly realized that as the rider on the back my vision of the road ahead was eclipsed by my husband’s broad shoulders. Also, my handlebars were fixed; they didn’t affect the steering of our bike. Only the front handlebars determined our direction; mine served merely as support for my upper body. I had the choice to either be frustrated by my lack of control or to embrace the journey and trust Mike would guide us safely on our route.

When God asked Abram to leave his homeland and family, He didn’t offer much information concerning the destination. No geographic coordinates. No description of the new land or its natural resources. Not even an indication of how long it would take to get there. God simply gave the instruction to “go” to the land He would show him. Abram’s obedience to God’s instruction, despite lacking the details most humans crave, is credited to him as faith (Heb. 11:8).

If we find ourselves grappling with uncertainty or a lack of control in our lives, let’s seek to adopt Abram’s example of following and trusting God. The Lord will steer us well.

Help me, Lord, to trust You with the uncertainty in my life. Amen.

When I read this I felt the tandem bike was a great example of how we may feel at times in our walk with God but the choice to either be frustrated by our lack of control or to embrace the journey and trust He will guide us safely through life is key to having true peace. He will steer you well, trust Him to do so.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Genesis 12:1-9



Seeking Hope This Easter

It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. (Luke 24:10-12)

What does it look like when you’re called to follow God, but life is still hard? This may be the theme of your day, your week, your month, or even your year. Life is painful and life is trying; however, when we understand the hope of the cross, we see that there is more to life than the things we’re feeling now.

In the days leading up to Easter, the disciples may have been unsure of what was coming, but they were sure of who they were following. They knew that Jesus was to fulfill all the things that He had told them, and so they held on to that, even to the point of His death on the cross. Christ was denied three times by one of His own. He was given over to His accusers, He was beaten and mocked, and He was hung on a cross to prove to the world that He is who He says He is. At that time, that truth didn’t ring through, because all we saw was the cross.

Sometimes, we see our sin and our human nature and don’t understand how a God who created everything we see, and everything we know, can love us still; we surely can’t understand how Jesus would willingly volunteer to take our place. However, that’s the beauty of that cross. That Jesus went, He died, and He promised that moment would not be the end. When we look at all that is revealed in scripture, we know that it cannot be the end.

Beloved, when we feel hopeless, we must remember the monumental truth from three days later – Jesus rose and is living. He never fails, He is always constant, and He is forever powerful. We are chosen because of the great love that God has for us; and that love will sustain us through our darkest days.

In your struggle, remember that God loves you. He knows your innermost failings and He sees through all of it; cling today to the hope that you have in Jesus. Amen.

This blessed me, I felt it needed to be shared with someone today. My prayer is that someone, somewhere, is blessed by this. Cling to the hope that you have in Jesus! Thank You Lord for speaking right to my heart. There is no one else like You!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Luke 24:10-12



Tell God About It

 Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord . . .(Lamentations 2:9)

Think you’ve had a bad day? The biblical character of Job had a Ph.D. in pain and loss. In the very first chapter of Job, after everything fell apart in his life, “Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped”(Job 1:20).

Job expressed his pain to God. When you have a major loss in your life, the first thing you need to do is tell God exactly how you feel.

This may surprise you, but God can handle your anger and frustration. He can handle your emotions. Why? Because he gave them to you. You were made in the image of God, and he is an emotional God.

When your 2-year-old has a temper tantrum and beats on your knees, you can handle that. In the same way, God is bigger than your emotion, and it’s okay to tell him exactly how you feel. When you prayed for a promotion but it didn’t happen, when a loved one walks out of your life, when you get the dreaded call saying, “It’s cancer,” you can tell God, “I’m mad. I’m upset. I’m sick. I’m frustrated. I’m ticked off. I doubt.” God can handle your complaints, your questions, your fear, and your grief. God’s love for you is bigger than all of your emotions.

My kids know I love them. They know that I’ve been on this planet longer than they have and that I’ve had more experience than they have. But my children sometimes question my judgment. Can you believe that?

I’d rather have an honest, gut-level conversation with them than have them stuff their frustration and disappointment inside. God is the same way! He would rather have you wrestle with him in anger than walk away in detached apathy. 

The right response to unexplained tragedy is not “grin and bear it.” Lamentations 2:19 says, “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord . . .“

When I read this I felt I could personally relate to the feeling of “grin it and bear it” but God doesn’t want that for me or you. He wants honesty, He’s as real as the breath I breath, He’s as real as the person standing next to you. He already knows your hearts cry, your frustrations, your anger and He desires to spend time with you and hear from you, even if what you have to say to Him may not be so uplifting, talk to Him share with Him how your truly feeling and worship Him. Pour out your heart like water before the face of The Lord! He loves you more than you could ever imagine, even in those moments when your pouring out your heart to Him, He loves you.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Lamentations 2:19



Sweet Scent

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Author Rita Snowden tells a delightful story about visiting a small village in Dover, England. Sitting outside a café one afternoon enjoying a cup of tea, she became aware of a beautiful scent. Rita asked a waiter where it was coming from, and was told it was the people she could see passing by. Most of the villagers were employed at a nearby perfume factory. As they walked home, they carried the fragrance that permeated their clothes out into the street.

What a beautiful image of the Christian life! As the apostle Paul says, we are the aroma of Christ, spreading His fragrance everywhere (2 Cor. 2:15). Paul uses the image of a king returning from battle, his soldiers and captives in tow, wafting the smell of celebratory incense in the air, declaring the king’s greatness (v. 14).

We spread the aroma of Christ in two ways. First, through our words: telling others about the One who is beautiful. Second, through our lives: doing deeds of Christlike sacrifice (Eph. 5:1–2). While not everyone will appreciate the divine fragrance we share, it will bring life to many.

Rita Snowden caught a scent and was driven to seek its source. As we follow Jesus we too become permeated with His fragrance, and we carry His aroma into the streets through our words and deeds.

Lord Jesus, make us carriers and communicators of Your beauty to the people in our homes, offices, and neighborhoods. Amen.

We are the aroma of Christ to others. As we go through each day and walk this life may we permeate with His fragrance. When I recently read this it caused me to stop and ask myself, what am I communicating of Your beauty to those around me. It’s up to us to carry His aroma into the streets, our homes, offices, and neighborhoods, through our words and deeds and setting an example for others to follow. Look to Him! I never want my ways to cause someone else to stumble, we will be held accountable for all those we cause to stumble. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak (1 Corinthians 8:9). No thing is worth missing heaven over. Let us permeate with His fragrance today and every day.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 2:14-16



Why Forgive?

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

When a friend betrayed me, I knew I would need to forgive her, but I wasn’t sure that I could. Her words pierced deeply inside me, and I felt stunned with pain and anger. Although we talked about it and I told her I forgave her, for a long time whenever I’d see her I felt tinges of hurt, so I knew I still clung to some resentment. One day, however, God answered my prayers and gave me the ability to let go completely. I was finally free.

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our Savior extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus loved those who had nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger, but showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.

This is a fitting time to consider before the Lord any people we might need to forgive as we follow Jesus’s example in extending His love to those who hurt us. When we ask God through His Spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid—even if we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are freed from the prison of unforgiveness. 

Lord Jesus Christ, through Your grace and power as You dwell in me, help me to forgive, that Your love will set me free. Amen.

When I read this I felt I needed to share it with someone today. Hurt can linger, rob of blessings and hinder God’s plan for your life. Do not allow the enemy one more day of opportunity to rob you of what’s rightfully yours, freedom. Break the chains of unforgiveness today. God can and will free you from the prison of unforgiveness.

Forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Luke 23:32-34



A Heart of Compassion

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)

Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.

As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.

Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “Forbear one another, and forgive one another” (v. 13).

As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us. 

Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen!

When I read this I reflected on the times past when showing the gentle touch of grace didn’t come so easy. My prayer today is that in those moments when someone may respond rudely may I in return respond with compassion rather than anger. Putting on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Let’s strive to be a light in this dark world. Help me Lord, today, to have a heart of compassion.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-17



Look To The Rock

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. (Isaiah 51:1)

Each of us has someone on whom we can depend, someone who is our ROCK! But the simple truth is, at some point in time, our human rock will fail us. Our only solid rock is Jesus.

We are told in Exodus 17 that when Moses smote the rock and water came forth, the Hebrew children drank “of that spiritual rock.” The Psalmist understood that the Lord is our only rock: For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God?

If we fully depend on Him, Isaiah tells us in chapter 51:1, “Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn . . .”

Did you hear that? We are hewn from THE ROCK! We are literally carved out of God Himself! I know of no other rock we need! Do you?

When I read this I was instantly reminded of the scripture, 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. He is my rock! Christ The Solid Rock on which I stand all other ground is sinking sand. Amen!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 61:2



A Place Called Home

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:16)

We live here, we walk here, we eat and drink here, but may we never call it home. The ground beneath our feet and sky above our heads are the scenery we enjoy momentarily, but they will pass away (Matthew 24:35).

Our family is more than people with the same last name (Mark 3:35), as believers we are united by blood, literally the shed blood of Jesus the risen Savior. We, the family, walk as sojourners (1 Peter 2:11), as travelers, loving and serving the people around us, all the while remembering we will one day be home. A home that has been prepared for us (John 14:3), where we will live in ever increasing joy.

Our lips will never again say, “It was fun while it lasted,” as the smile fades from our faces. In our home there is no sorrow, there is no disease, there is no end to joy (Revelation 21:4). In our home our treasure does not fail, there is no thief to steal, no moneybag to grow old (Luke 12:33). In your heart, and in your head, where is your treasure and your home? For “there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34).

Where is your home?

When I read this I couldn’t help but think of how easy it is in this life to get so caught up in life that we forget this isn’t our home. May we take a moment today and ask ourselves this simple but powerful question, where is your home? We are but travelers passing through, what a reminder today. Let’s start this week out with joy in our hearts and peace in our mind knowing that all this is temporal and one day we will be home. Are you ready?

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading Is John 17:14-16