your daily crossroad
30
Nov '21
Humility Towards God and People
30
Nov '21
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)
Humility towards God and people is essential to the Christian faith. The apostle Paul’s life was marked by humility and self-awareness.
Paul’s humility is most clearly seen in his own self-appraisal.
Paul was born again on the road to Damascus. As he begins to familiarize himself with Jesus and those in the faith, Paul writes to the Corinthians in AD55 and calls himself “the least of the apostles unworthy to be called an apostle because [he] persecuted the church of God (1 Cor. 15:9).
Continuing in his walk, growing closer to God and prominence in the Church, Paul writes to the Ephesians five years later and refers to himself as the very least of all the saints (Eph. 3:8).
Sometime later, at the height of his notoriety, renown, and standing, Paul calls himself the foremost sinner (1 Tim. 1:15).
And then, at the end of his life, never more known and closer to God, Paul tells Timothy to come quickly because his life is ending, a life that is nothing more than a drink offering to God (2 Tim. 4:6). If you know anything about temple offerings, you know that a drink offering is the lowest form of offering, reserved for the poorest of poor.
Think about Paul’s spiritual progression and keen self-awareness: a proud, self-righteous Pharisee to the foremost of sinners. Only a person of genuine humility would describe himself in such terms.
From where did Paul’s self-awareness come?
Paul knew that the closer he got to God, the more he needed God. The closer he got to the light of Christ, the more he saw his sin and corruption. Paul had genuinely tasted grace, which made him thirst and hunger for grace all of his days.
In light of God’s grace, where do you see yourself today?
A spiritual giant, do you believe that you have arrived? Or, like Paul, are you so close to God, seeing Him for who He is, that you realize your enormous need for God?
A true spiritual giant knows that he stands as an impoverished dwarf before God.
Fantastic devotion. I pray it blesses you.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
25
Nov '21
Thanksgiving Perseverance
25
Nov '21
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
Here is a part of the Thanksgiving story you may not know. While the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in October of 1621, it was not until October of 1777 that all 13 colonies celebrated Thanksgiving, for the first time. At one point, our first president, George Washington, proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving, but conflict and difficulties among the colonies put an end to its observance.
It was a magazine editor, Sarah Josepha Hale, whose work led to the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday we observe today. Hale wrote letters to governors and presidents, and editorials in magazines, books and newspapers, promoting the observance of Thanksgiving. In 1863, after 40 years of letter writing and campaigning (that’s not a typo, she really wrote letters for 40 years), Hale’s persistence paid off and President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Since then, every president has supported Thanksgiving. Forty years of dedication, persistence and passion, all to make sure that this country would celebrate a National Day of Thanksgiving each year. Impressive.
We can learn from Hale’s perseverance. It took her 40 years to accomplish what she set out to do. Just like her story, the Christian faith is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. Each day of our life is another day to choose between right and wrong, to help someone in need, to read our Bible and pray. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12-14. Christians are called to persevere, to press on. Sometimes it can feel like an unrewarding task. It is hard, but important, to look to God for the BIGGER plan. What if Hale had chosen to give up after one year or ten years? Her goal would have been left unfinished. Press on towards the call of Christ! Endure! But be forewarned, just like Sara Josepha Hale, it may take 40 years to see the fruit of your labor!
What a powerful devotion. I pray you are inspired and blessed by this as you set out to celebrate Thanksgiving in whatever way you choose. Look to God for the BIGGER plan, press on and endure. Hallelujah and Amen!
Happy Thanksgiving!
23
Nov '21
Trust Jesus
23
Nov '21
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20)
Have you ever wondered why some things in your life are seemingly immovable?
In this passage of Scripture, the disciples were facing a situation that was not going their way.
Like we often do, they questioned Jesus as to why things were not working out. Jesus explained to them that they lacked faith.
While it is the power of God that causes mountains to move, Jesus desires that we have faith in Him to do so.
When we feel weak or discouraged, it is often due to our lack of faith or trust in God.
So what mountain in your life remains unmovable? Do you believe God can provide what you need to deal with this issue?
He can and will do it! Just think of the contrast in this verse. Something as tiny as a mustard seed is all that is needed to move something as large as a mountain.
Whatever it is that you are facing today, trust Jesus to take you through it. He can do far above all we ask or imagine!
I love this devotion, two incredibly powerful words to live by each and every day, trust Jesus. Oh how I love my Master, He first loved me.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
17
Nov '21
Total Trust
17
Nov '21
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. (Psalm 17:6)
Have you ever experienced a time in your life that God seems silent?
You keep praying, but you don’t receive an answer to your prayers.
Our natural response as humans is to become discouraged or doubt.
But God wants us to turn to Him in total trust, believing that He will provide an answer in the way that is best suited for us.
So, how do we trust God when we are suffering and questioning?
We do not lean on our understanding or look at our circumstances.
Instead, we look at who God is. We focus on His attributes because He never changes!
Holy Father, you are a God of miracles. It is in Your character to show Yourself and Your glory to us by working in the most impossible of places. So today, Jesus, I ask you to please show yourself in my life, heal my body, heart, and mind. Provide when the bills mount, and the finances seem impossible. Heal and reconcile relationships that need your special touch.
Holy Father, we thank you for being near. We ask you to draw close to us today. Fill us with Your mercy, compassion, grace, and overwhelming love that only You can provide.
Beautiful devotion…
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
11
Nov '21
Veterans Day!
11
Nov '21
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
TO ALL OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN PAST AND PRESENT, THANK YOU for your Service, Sacrifice and Support.
We, here at Crossroad Fellowship, appreciate and support, every single one of you, past and present. THANK YOU!
09
Nov '21
Reflection of His Glory
09
Nov '21
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
You are a reflection of His glory.
The Greek verb “metamorphoō” is the same word used for Jesus’ being transfigured on the mountain. In the same way, it was also used for our transfiguration through the renewing of our minds. Christ’s glory is the source of the transformation that takes place inside us. The more we gaze and behold His beauty, the more transformed we become by His glory!
Because of this holy process, we are radiant, regal and righteous in God’s eyes.
We don’t have to fear failure or feel condemned by our performance. Since the love of God never fails, we can trust and depend on His sufficiency, not ours. When we gaze His way, the radiance He sees within us increases, because we are mirroring His beautiful glory right back at Him!
God is able to simultaneously view you in the present and future. He sees you for who you are now and who you will be as He continues to transform you, loving you as if you were already perfect!
Keeping this in mind can help us overcome the fear of failure and the habit of being self critical.
As you go through today, try to view yourself the way God sees you. Radiant, lovely, righteous, and regal! He has removed the veil from your eyes so that you could become a mirror of His beauty and glory… a complete reflection of His kingdom!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
04
Nov '21
His Joy
04
Nov '21
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:11)
His joy is our strength!
Let this truth wash over you today. When God created you, He created you for joy and peace.
Where do you get this joy? From Him! For He is the boundless, over-flowing and ultimate source of joy.
While other blessings and gifts in this life can also give us joy, they are only temporary.
Despite the numerous distractions of the world, fix your eyes on God.
He is the only one who can grant you the complete soul-satisfaction you desire.
He created us for the very purpose to have a deep loving relationship with Him, making Him the only one capable of satisfying our longing for wholeness.
He is the only perfect and infinite source of joy, making Him the most reliable and worthy person to receive your attention.
Look to Him as your joyful focus today, knowing He will never run out. Whisper His name in loving remembrance and pour out your heart to Him, knowing that He is faithful to grant you His strength!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
02
Nov '21
Set Apart
02
Nov '21
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:16)
Everything about God is holy.
But what exactly is holiness?
The Hebrew translates “holy” as “to be set apart”.
As the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He is set apart from all other false gods.
As God’s obedient and beloved children, we are called to be Holy and set apart just as He is.
The day we started our walk with God and accepted Him into our heart, we are called to never again shape our lives by the world’s standards or by the desires that once ruled us before knowing Him.
Instead, we are to shape our lives in accordance with the Holy Spirit and the standard of His word.
Every day, we should prepare our minds and hearts for action. We must roll up our sleeves and be on alert for what the Holy Spirit is doing and what He is speaking to us. By living each day with holy awe and reverence, our hearts will be in a better position to hear from Him and be sensitive to His direction.
Keep in mind, true holiness is not just about doing good things, but also about what we absorb and manifest by dwelling in God’s holy presence. Christ himself is our holiness, as His grace has also imbedded holiness into our lives, further helping us to yield to the Holy Spirit living inside us!
To be holy is to be completely devoted to God. It is to be a true representative of who He is and His kingdom.
When we walk into a room, our love for Jesus should be tangible, because He is walking in there with us.
He did not call us to blend in or be invisible among a crowd, but instead to be walking lighthouses of His glory and freedom-giving love!
Understand today that you are seated in Heavenly places with God. Walk in your true identity as His beloved son or daughter, knowing you have been set apart for holiness!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
28
Oct '21
Spiritual Health
28
Oct '21
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)
Each day, week, and year, there are things we do to take care of ourselves.
We eat, work out and sleep.
We have check-ups, haircuts, and dental appointments.
While all these things are essential to healthy living, we often fail to remember that our spiritual health is just as important.
To grow in Christ and live a life pleasing to Him, we must be in God’s Word each day.
We need to renew our minds with Scripture and prayer. By meditating on the Scriptures, we learn how to live as new creations.
We discover God’s ways of doing things which will always lead to a life of wisdom and peace.
Today, make it a priority to keep up with your spiritual health. Dedicate time each day to reading and understanding the principles God has for you. Your heart and mind will be grateful.
What a powerful devotion. Choose today to renew your mind with scripture and prayer. Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
26
Oct '21
Trade Fear for Peace
26
Oct '21
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
Can you imagine never having fear?
What if you didn’t have to be afraid of finances, relationships or afraid of being hurt, disappointed, or alone? What if you could rest knowing that despite what the future holds for you, you could have peace?
God’s Word tells us that we don’t have to fear judgment or eternity when we belong to Christ.
Once we put our trust in Him, we can rest in His love and forgiveness.
Then, as we turn to Jesus daily, His love envelopes us, comforts us, and gives us peace.
The more we draw near to Him, the more we understand His ways and can rely on Him to meet our every need.
And God doesn’t want you to keep His love all to yourself…He desires that you love others with the love you have experienced from Him.
Today, ask God to give you opportunities to show Him to others. Trust Him to put people in your life who need to know His all-powerful, saving grace and who need to trade their fear for His peace. Amen.
I pray this devotion blesses you as it blessed me. Pray for opportunities.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
21
Oct '21
Some Labor Quietly
21
Oct '21
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1:41)
I want you to think about Andrew, Peter’s brother.
• Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus. (John 1:40-42)
• Andrew brings a little boy with 5 crackers and 2 fish to Jesus. (John 6:8-9)
• Andrew brings some Greek men to meet Jesus. (John 12:20-22)
Andrew was always involved in bringing people to meet Jesus. Yet in all of the Gospels, it is only in John that we learn anything about him other than being Peter’s brother.
Why is that?
It is because Andrew thought more of the work to be done than who was in charge.
It’s sad to say, but some people don’t play in the band unless they can beat the big drum—
James and John certainly had a problem with that, not Andrew.
Andrew is the picture of all those who labor quietly in humble places, not serving as men-pleasers but serving to please God in Christ.
Andrew was deeply religious, but he was more magnetic than he was electric.
He was better suited for the quiet walks of life than on the busy streets of the city.
God uses people like Andrew, like you, people who quietly and obscurely bring others to Christ…because God knows that it sometimes takes an Andrew to reach a Peter.
So allow me to say, from all of us ‘faulting Peters’ of the world – thank you.
Your prayer today, “God, help me be more like Andrew. More magnetic than electric.
Amen!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
19
Oct '21
Eternal Perspective
19
Oct '21
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (Psalm 63:3)
Jesus is better than life.
Think about this; throughout His ministry, Jesus raised people from the dead: the widow’s son, Jairus daughter, and Lazarus. But the reality is that they will all die again.
Jairus’ daughter, whom Jesus raised from the dead, she will die again. Maybe in two years, maybe in 20, maybe when she is 90, but it will happen.
This raises the question, “what is God’s purpose?” What is God’s purpose in creating life, knowing that death is certain?
Why does God allow death? Why does God create a baby for two minutes and then allow it to die? What is that?
Why did God allow my mom to die right before giving her what she had longed for; a grandchild to love, and hold, and be with?
Why create life only to let it end?
The answer: “to further prove that we are created for another world, another life.”
To show us that life on earth with Christ is nothing compared to eternal life in heaven with Him. We are not created for this world; we are created for eternal life with Him.
If that doesn’t give you hope, I do not know what does.
Your prayer today, Lord give me more of an eternal perspective and less of a temporal one.
With everything happening around us and so many unknowns, I felt this devotion needed to be shared. I’m certain we have all asked this very question, seeking answers for the things we don’t understand while walking through this journey called life. I pray you are filled with peace and understanding today.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
14
Oct '21
Thoughts
14
Oct '21
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matthew 6:27)
What sort of thoughts are you allowing to take up space in your mind?
Make a list of what’s bothering you right now, and talk to God about what’s on that list.
God, Thank You for being my constant source of strength and peace. Every battle I face has already been won. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
12
Oct '21
The Most Reliable Person
12
Oct '21
And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12)
Go gently through this day.
Do not just lean on the Lord, but enjoy being in His presence.
Most of the time when we are weary of our circumstances, we have a habit of just leaning on God instead of genuinely enjoying His company. We may view Him as a last resort or rest stop that we can access when we’re exhausted.
We should go through our days in gentleness not just because it helps us navigate our schedules easier, but because the Lord Himself is gentle. This is especially helpful for those of us who find ourselves tiring quickly.
The Lord is the most reliable person we have. His availability to you is determined by His commitment to you, which is stronger than any earthly commitment or vow known to man.
A bride and groom vow to be together until death, but God vows to be committed to us beyond death into eternity. The moment you accepted Jesus as your savior, He wed you to Himself for eternity! His commitment and availability to you now is totally unlimited!
Today, choose to go through your day in gentleness and lean on the Lord as much as you need. However, keep in mind He longs for you to enjoy Him too! It is possible to be joyful in His presence even when we are weary. When you do this, His joy that is your strength will be able to flow in and through you more freely.
“Heavenly Father, help me to go through my days in gentleness. Help me to not only lean on you, but enjoy your presence also. Thank you for your joy that gives me strength which comes even when I’m weary! Amen.”
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
07
Oct '21
Draw Closer to Him
07
Oct '21
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Whoever lives in Christ and invites His spirit to live in them will bear abundant fruit.
However, apart from Him, there is nothing.
This is why it is vital to that our sacred union in Him is never cut off or abandoned.
Just as sap and nutrients flow from a vine through its branches, so does God’s life flow through you and empower you.
Just as the branches from trees bear various fruits, so do we bear fruit when we are closely connected and intimate in our relationship with God.
When we are consistent in drawing close to God, our intimacy with Him becomes even more rich.
God knows all our weaknesses and needs, and since we are connected to Him, He stands by, ready to infuse us with His strength and cover us with His grace.
The branch of the Lord is now Christ living in and through His people. You personally are a dwelling place for the Spirit of the Lord. Even with His infinite and perfect nature, He still chooses to make a home and vessel in you!
Anything you do and produce apart from Him has no value in His kingdom. Neglecting the union we have in Christ will only cause us to fall flat on our faces and become powerless. Knowing this, you must choose to nourish your intimacy with your beloved consistently!
Be encouraged today knowing you have the fruitfulness of His life-giving presence flowing through you!
“Lord, thank you that you are the vine and I am your branch. Help me to consistently nourish my relationship with you, for apart from you, I am powerless. Thank you for infusing me with your strength and making me a vessel pruned and ready to bear fruit for your kingdom!”
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!