your daily crossroad

 

The Wise Graciously Take Criticism

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:8-9)

Taking criticism can be difficult. Nobody likes to be told that what he is doing is wrong, especially when he thinks he is right. However, a wise person takes criticism graciously. A wise person understands that he does not know everything.

If you’re acquainted with individuals who believe they know everything, chances are they aren’t truly as wise as they perceive themselves to be.

When someone approaches a wise person and shows him faults or areas for improvement, that person will graciously listen and change accordingly; the text even says the wise person will love the observer for it. We must learn to look at criticism as a loving way for others to help us to be more like Jesus. Obviously, there will be times when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love. But, the majority of times it will be for our good.

Take a hard look at your life. How do you handle criticism? Do you have a hard time because you think you know best? Are there relationships that have been broken because of the way you have taken criticism?

Remember Proverbs 9:8-9 as others show you areas you need to work on.

Wow! When I read this I honestly hesitated to share it but I couldn’t shake the importance and truth of it all. Let’s take time today and ask ourselves this very question, how do I handle criticism? When I’ve gotten criticism is times past, as hard as it may have been to swallow and I may have had tears in private, I took it to The Lord and I said what does the word say about this, there is direction through scripture for everything we face in this life and it will guide you on the path you are to take and it will confirm or deny the criticism you receive. So, when you are criticized, take it to The Lord and have an honest look at yourself and allow God to do a new work in you and no matter what, love and in those moments when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love the word says in Luke 6:28, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:8-9



Comfort & Security

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Luke 9:57-58)

When we think of God having a plan and purpose for our lives, we can easily think that somehow His plan for us fits nice and neatly in the American Dream. Maybe God’s plan for you does include a three bedroom/two bath house in the suburbs, two cars, a nice income, and a couple of kids. BUT maybe it doesn’t.

-What if following Jesus meant you had to let go of your dreams and your plans or the comfort and the security you’ve worked so hard to attain?

-What if following Jesus and living out His mission meant you wouldn’t have a home or even a bed to call your own?

Would you still say “yes” to following Him?

This man who wants to follow Jesus has heard His teaching and witnessed His miracles. He believes Jesus is the Messiah and wants to join His mission. But is he willing to give up his comfort and security to go where Jesus goes and do what Jesus does? As a believer in Jesus, our comfort and security should come only from Him. He tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11:28-30). Following Jesus is not following the American dream. It is taking up your cross daily as he has demonstrated for us (Luke 9:23).

Where do you find comfort and security? Would you give it up to follow Jesus and join His mission?

When I read this I felt it was fitting for today, the beginning of the week. Let’s start our week out by asking ourselves that very question, Where do I find comfort and security? When things arise this week, and they will, just remember, He’s still God!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Luke 9:57-58



Navigating Rough Waters

Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until I heard the roar of the rapids up ahead. My emotions were flooded with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity at the same time. Riding through the whitewater was a first-rate, white-knuckle experience! And then, suddenly, it was over. The guide in the back of the raft had navigated us through. I was safe—at least until the next set of rapids. 

Transitions in our lives can be like whitewater experiences. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next—college to career, changing jobs, living with parents to living alone or with a spouse, career to retirement, youth to old age—are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity. 

In one of the most significant transitions recorded in Old Testament history, Solomon assumed the throne from his father David. I’m sure he was filled with uncertainty about the future. His father’s advice? “Be strong and of good courage, and do it. . . . for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee” (1 Chron. 28:20). 

We’ll have our fair share of tough transitions in life. But with God in our raft we’re not alone. Keeping our eyes on the One who is navigating the rapids brings joy and security. He’s taken lots of others through before.

What a great visual for different transitions in our lives. When I read this I couldn’t help but think of three words, He’s Still God!!! Amen!! What a mighty, mighty, mighty God we serve.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 28:9-20



On Fire!

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

Have you ever met someone who had just become a Christian and was “on fire” for God? Did you say to yourself, “I wish I were still like that?” We don’t intend for it to happen, but after time, that passion or joy often ebbs and other things in life take priority and focus. Or maybe, you never even had that “fire” because you were saved at an early age and have been a Christian for nearly your entire life.

Whatever the reason is, you are not alone. In fact, the Psalmist even asked for that joy to be restored as it once had been. As we read this, we must realize that salvation is from the Lord and not of our own doing. We often substitute the “thy (your))” in this verse with “my.” Read these verses today and focus on the work of Jesus in our salvation and allow Him to bring back the joy of the Gospel that may have taken a backseat in your life.

“…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)

“….But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” (1 Timothy 2:5)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

When I read this it made me think of a saying I’ve heard. “One person on fire for God can change the world.” If one person can change the world imagine if we would come together, united as one, with one purpose, to save those who are lost. You may be asking yourself, how can I get that “flame” back that I once had, surround yourself with people who are burning, who are on fire for God!! You will know them by their fruits, you won’t have to question if they are on fire for God, you will know. My prayer today is that when others see me they can say without a doubt, that’s a person on fire for God and I want what they got. I want to be different to make a difference. Use me today Lord to make a difference in someone else’s life, maybe their flame isn’t shining as bright as it once was, let me give them hope through you that their flame can burn bright once again. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 51:10-12



Our God is a Warrior

The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. (Isaiah 42:13)

When you see pictures of Jesus, do they often depict Him as a warrior? Do they ever show Him defeating his enemies? Probably not. Generally, he is longingly gazing heavenward, holding a child or a lamb. Isaiah, however, is very clear about our God: He is a warrior. In fact, Revelation 19:12-16 reveals what He will look like when He “shall prevail against his enemies”:

“His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God . . . And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.”

This may appear to contradict what we are called to do as Christians. For example, Jesus instructed, we are to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41), give up our coat (Matthew 5:42), love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), and show mercy (Matthew 5:7). How can we do this when our God is called “a man of war” whose robe is dipped in blood? We are freed to do this as Christians because it isn’t our job to judge God’s enemies or make them pay the wages of their sin! We are to love them so that they may come to worship this warrior God.

While our God is holy and just, He is also merciful. Merciful, even to the point of sacrificing His only Son that we, His enemies, may be made into friends. We can weather hardships, trials, and injustice done to us because we know that our God is coming back to “judge the quick and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1), and He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Do you try to judge others instead of loving them and letting God be their judge?

I am so grateful I read this. What truth and power. I want nothing more than to lead others to worship this warrior God!! Let me not judge but love. What a mighty God we serve.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Isaiah 42:24, Revelation 19:12-16



“Here I Am!”

That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. (1 Samuel 3:4)

Sometimes we forget just how big God is. In fact, we even forget the truth that God is unfathomably big. We are short sighted and self-absorbed so often that we neglect a relationship with a God so amazing.

Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart? Have you ever felt the nudging and leading of his hand? That voice that whispers, “Come be with me. Open my word, internalize its truth, I will transform you,” and then rolled over and went back to sleep? Or, decided to keep watching your favorite TV show instead? If so, then think on this simple analogy: The President of the United States of America has just sent for you (imagine it’s the President you have most admired). There is a shiny black SUV, men wearing sun glasses, black ties, and ear pieces who have arrived to take you to him. Question: Do you go? Do you answer the call?

Most of us, if not all, would answer yes to this question. We would quickly respond to the call of someone so powerful and important. I’m sure by now you understand where this is headed, but there is none more important, more powerful, or more worthy of our time than God! Yet so many times we turn to things so unimportant by comparison, and ignore the very God who made and saved us. When God calls us, we should be as Samuel was, responding immediately, “Here I am!”

Think about a time in your life when you immediately responded to the leading or voice of the Lord? Did you regret responding? Nope, and you never will.

Wow! What truth! When I read this it was at three in the morning and instead of going right back to sleep I chose to pray. I am guilty of prioritizing other things above The Holy Spirit as it’s tugging at my heart, are you guilty? Let’s choose to change that starting today, when God calls us let’s be as Samuel was, responding immediately, “Here I am!”

He’s still God!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Samuel 3



Should I Forgive?

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13)

I arrived early at my church to help set up for an event. A woman stood crying at the opposite end of the sanctuary. She’d been cruel and gossiped about me in the past, so I quickly drowned out her sobs with a vacuum cleaner. Why should I care about someone who didn’t like me?

When the Holy Spirit reminded me how much God had forgiven me, I crossed the room. The woman shared that her baby had been in the hospital for months. We cried, embraced, and prayed for her daughter. After working through our differences, we’re now good friends.

In Matthew 18, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who decided to settle his accounts. A servant who owed a staggering amount of money pleaded for mercy. Soon after the king canceled his debt, that servant tracked down and condemned a man who owed him far less than what he’d owed the king. When word got back to the king, the wicked servant was imprisoned because of his own unforgiving spirit (vv. 23–34).

Choosing to forgive doesn’t condone sin, excuse the wrongs done to us, or minimize our hurts. Offering forgiveness simply frees us to enjoy God’s undeserved gift of mercy, as we invite Him to accomplish beautiful works of peace-restoring grace in our lives and our relationships.

Lord, help us give our grievances to You so that You may turn them into something good. Make us ready to forgive completely and earnestly. Give us Your spirit of unity. Amen.
 
When I read this I remembered a time when someone I had known had lost a loved one, I felt compelled to reach out to them but I was faced with asking myself the exact same question, Why should I care about someone who I felt didn’t like me? It was in that moment The Holy Spirit also spoke to my heart and I chose to break down the wall of hurt and anger, I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and you know something, it was in that moment we went from being just acquaintances to true friends and we are very close to this day. I never in a million years thought we would be as close as we are now, but God! My prayer today is that each and every person reading this today will choose to allow Him to accomplish beautiful works of peace-restoring grace in your lives and your relationships. God opened my eyes that day and taught me that YES He can and will, if you allow Him, accomplish beautiful works of peace-He continues to restore grace in my life and in my relationships. Thank You Abba Father!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Matthew 18:23-35



Love: Displayed More Than Defined

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Can you come up with a definition for love (that accurately describes what love is) in two or three sentences?

It’s not an easy task. No matter how we define love, our definition always seems to be lacking. Trying to define love can be like describing chocolate to a tribesman in sub-Saharan Africa who has never heard of nor tasted chocolate before. We may have trouble defining it, explaining it, and even finding it, but we know deep down inside that we need it.

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul wrote one of the most famous descriptions of love. Notice that he does not give a dictionary definition but instead a description of love displayed.The love Paul describes values:

-Giving over getting
-Commitment over feelings
-The long haul over the short term

The scripture is clear. You can see this love displayed in patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, integrity, and ongoing perseverance. This kind of love survives and stands the tests of time and tribulations.

Does this describe the love you’re seeking? More importantly, does this describe the love your sharing?

When I read this today it caused me to stop and ask myself, does this describe the love I’m sharing all the time, every day? Take a moment today and ask yourself that very question. We have been called to love by being patient, showing kindness, humility, forgiveness, integrity, and ongoing perseverance. I don’t know about you but I needed this today, Thank You Lord!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8



Unlighted Paths

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)

After Moses’s death, Joshua inherited leadership of the Israelites and was charged to take God’s chosen people into the Promised Land. Despite his divine commission, Joshua must have felt challenged by the daunting nature of his task. God graciously offered Joshua assurance to be with him on the journey ahead (Josh. 1:9).

The road of life often travels through uncharted territory. We voyage through seasons when the path ahead isn’t clearly visible. God’s plan may not always be apparent to us, but He has promised to be with us “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). What greater assurance could we hope for, no matter what uncertainty or challenge we might face? Even when the path is unlit, the Light is with us.

Lord, thank You for being near me even when I cannot see You. Please comfort me with Your presence. Amen.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think of a recent conversation I had with someone. They said, I don’t understand why God has me here, there is nothing here for me or my family, I don’t understand why. What truth comes from this devotion today, no matter what uncertainty or challenge we are facing, even when the path is unlit and we can’t see the purpose or reason and the path ahead isn’t clearly visible we must never forget, the Light is always with us and His plan and purpose is beyond our understanding or comprehension, our job is to be obedient and find the good in our current situation despite how dark it may look, remember always, The Light is with you. Trust Him and be faithful, even in times of complete darkness. Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Joshua 1:1-9



Prepare the Child

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (Psalm78:4)

A phrase on many parenting websites says, “Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.” Instead of trying to remove all obstacles and pave the way for the children in our life, we should instead equip them to deal with the difficulties they encounter on the road ahead.

The psalmist wrote, “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. He decreed statutes . . . ,which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children . . . who should arise and declare them to their children” (Ps. 78:4–6). The goal is that “they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (v. 7).

Think of the powerful spiritual impact others had on us through what they said and how they lived. Their conversation and demonstration captured our attention and kindled a fire in us to follow Jesus just as they did. 

It’s a wonderful privilege and responsibility to share God’s Word and His plan for our lives with the next generation and the generations to come. No matter what lies ahead on their road through life, we want them to be prepared and equipped to face it in the strength of the Lord. 

Father in heaven, we seek Your wisdom and guidance to prepare the children we know and love to walk with You in faith. Amen.

When I recently read this I felt it’s a subject that needs to be taught more often, followed by action. I believe this is for everyone, with or without children, it’s our responsibility as adults to set the example through conversation and demonstration, we must help prepare children to follow the Lord on the road ahead. They are watching, they are listening and they are living what they see. Let’s be bigger than ourselves and set an example for the future generation. My prayer is that I myself be a better example today to follow than I was yesterday, for my children and to those children in my life whom I have an impact on.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 78:1-8



Questions for God

And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might . . . . Surely I will be with thee . . . (Judges 6:14,16)

What would you do if the Lord showed up in the middle of your workday with a message? This happened to Gideon, one of the ancient Israelites. “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites” (Judg. 6:12–13). Gideon wanted to know why it seemed as if God had abandoned His people.

God didn’t answer that question. After Gideon had endured seven years of enemy attacks, starvation, and hiding in caves, God didn’t explain why He never intervened. God could have revealed Israel’s past sin as the reason, but instead He gave Gideon hope for the future. God said, “And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might . . . . Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (vv.14, 16).

Do you ever wonder why God has allowed suffering in your life? Instead of answering that specific question, God may satisfy you with His nearness today and remind you that you can rely on His strength when you feel weak. When Gideon finally believed that God was with him and would help him, he built an altar and called it “Jehovahshalom (The Lord Is Peace)” (v. 24).

There is peace in knowing that whatever we do and wherever we go, we go with God who promised never to leave or forsake His followers. Amen.

What could be better than getting answers to our why questions? Trusting a good and powerful God.

When I read this I knew without a doubt it needed to be shared. What profound truth, we are so quick to focus on the why when all we need to do it trust God, He is good, He is powerful.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Judges 6:11-16,24



Consumer or Producer?

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)

The other night I was doing my Bible study and started looking at the maps in the back of the Bible. Kind of strange, I don’t think I have studied the maps since childhood Sunday School class. Something jumped off the map page which I believe you will find interesting.

There are two seas in Israel. Both are fed by the same source of life, the Jordan River. The Sea of Galilee is full of life. The area around the Galilee supports an abundance of wildlife. I am told by friends that it is absolutely a beautiful area. In contrast, the Dead Sea is lifeless. Nothing lives in the sea and few living organisms are found around the Dead Sea.

So, what is the difference? Why is one full of life and the other dead? If you look at the map, the answer is quite obvious. One sea gives; the other only consumes. The Sea of Galilee takes what it needs from the Jordan River, multiplies the gifts and then passes the water on downstream. The Dead Sea takes water and hoards the water, never passing any water on. The Dead Sea only consumes. The water in the Dead Sea evaporates, leaving behind salt, thus making the Sea lifeless.

How about you? Our source of life is Jesus Christ. His love flows in us and replenishes us. He restores us. He redeems us. He is our Savior. He is our everything. Are you hoarding His love or passing that love on because of your gratitude to Christ? Are you replenishing others around you or just draining them? How about in church? Are you sitting on the same pew weekend in and weekend out just being a consumer? Is it time to start producing more for the Cause of Christ instead of only consuming?

Make no mistake about what I am saying. We are saved by the grace of God and the faith alone in Jesus Christ. Our works should be a natural outpouring of our gratitude for what Jesus Christ did for us nearly 2000 years ago on that old rugged cross. For us to think we can add to what Christ did is nothing short of blasphemy. Christ did it all for us (John 19:30).

Is your Christian walk one of consuming or producing?

What a thought! This blessed me when I read it and I wanted to share it with you in hopes that it would challenge you to begin this week by asking yourself this very question, then taking action each day to improve the answer.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is James 2:26 & John 19:30



The Price of Admission

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)

Every year some two million people from all over the world visit St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It is well worth the admission fee to experience the magnificent structure designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century. But tourism is secondary at this place of Christian worship. A primary mission of the cathedral is “to enable people in all their diversity to encounter the transforming presence of God in Jesus Christ.” If you want to tour the building and admire the architecture, you must pay an admission fee. But there is no charge to enter and attend any of the daily worship services at St. Paul’s.

How much does it cost to enter the kingdom of God? Entry is free because Jesus Christ paid the price for us by His death. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 3:23–24). When we acknowledge our spiritual need and accept by faith God’s forgiveness for our sins, we have a new and everlasting life in Him.

You can enter a new life today because, by His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, Jesus has paid the price of admission!

You can invite Jesus into your life by praying something like this: Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I want to accept You as my Savior and follow You. Please forgive my sins and help me, from this moment on, to live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen.

There is such an urgency for this message to be spread far and wide for all to read and to then choose to invite Jesus, The One who paid the ultimate price for you and I so if we choose we can enter God’s kingdom where we were truly meant to spend eternity. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth (Luke 15:10). You are not guaranteed tomorrow, nor are you guaranteed your next breath, make the choice NOW, don’t live in someday, choose Jesus NOW!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Romans 3:21-26



When Morning Comes

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

It was very late when we stopped for the night at a country inn outside of Munich. We were delighted to see that our cozy room had a balcony, although an oppressive fog made it impossible to see into the darkness. But when the sun rose a few hours later, the haze began to fade. Then we could see what had been grimly shrouded the night before—a completely idyllic scene—peaceful and lush green meadow, sheep grazing with tiny tinkling bells about their necks, and big white clouds in the sky that looked exactly like more sheep—huge, fluffy sheep!

Sometimes life can get clouded over by a heavy fog of despair. Our situation may look so dark that we begin to lose hope. But just as the sun burns away a fog, our faith in God can burn away the haze of doubt. Hebrews 11 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (v. 1). The passage goes on to remind us of the faith of Noah, who was “warned about things not seen as yet,” yet obeyed God (v. 7). And Abraham who went where God directed—even though he didn’t know where that would be (v. 8).

Though we have not seen Him and cannot always feel His presence, God is always present and will help us through our darkest nights. 

Father, thank You for Your promise to walk with us through all of life. In moments of doubt, help us to have the confidence You are in control and we can trust You. Amen.

When I read this three words came to mind, He is faithful! Yesterday may have been filled with disappointment, sadness and or frustration but Praise God today’s a new day, another day we have been granted to express our love and trust in The One who created us to soar above our darkest nights, we are never alone, God is always present. Trust Him!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Hebrews 11:1-8



Free From Falsehood

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7:18)

Every day we hear and we speak many words. We hear words from our families, our coworkers, television, movies and the radio. And as Proverbs rightly explains, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). So our day, while full of words, is more than likely also full of transgression! We are no strangers to lies and it would seem “falsehood” is as inevitable as the sunrise.

As Christians we should learn from Jesus’ words, realizing that we can avoid falsehood by seeking the Father’s glory rather than our own. When we seek our own glory, we succumb to the trap of lying to cover our wrong deeds or mistakes to save ourselves from humiliation and shame. But when we seek his glory it doesn’t matter what people think of us, only what people know of him.

Just like the one who composes the message is worthy of greater praise than the messenger, so is our God infinitely more worthy of praise than we. If we are abiding in Jesus then, we ought to walk as he walked (1 John 2:5-6). If we are indeed of the truth we are to seek the Father’s glory by always honoring him by walking in truth rather than falsehood.

Walk in truth with your words instead of falsehood by seeking the glory of the Father instead of your own glory. Amen!

After reading this I instantly said to myself, let me not walk in my own glory. My prayer today is that this challenges someone somewhere to reflect on there walk with God and how they reflect the Father’s glory, do others see a self centered, lying individual or do they see someone walking in truth seeking His glory? This may seem like a harsh question but it’s truth, we are living in the last days, He will return and when He does will you be found ready? Be honest with yourself, eternity is forever and He wants you to spend eternity with Him.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 John 2:5-6