Your Daily Crossroad
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May '19
A Kind Critique
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May '19
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
During a landscape painting class, the teacher, a highly experienced professional artist, assessed my first assignment. He stood silently in front of my painting, one hand cupping his chin. Here we go, I thought. He’s going to say it’s terrible.
But he didn’t.
He said he liked the color scheme and the feeling of openness. Then he mentioned that the trees in the distance could be lightened. A cluster of weeds needed softer edges. He had the authority to criticize my work based on the rules of perspective and color, yet his critique was truthful and kind.
Jesus, who was perfectly qualified to condemn people for their sin, didn’t use the Ten Commandments to crush a Samaritan woman He met at an ancient watering hole. He gently critiqued her life with just a handful of statements. The result was that she saw how her search for satisfaction had led her into sin. Building on this awareness, Jesus revealed Himself as the only source of eternal satisfaction (John 4:10–13).
The combination of grace and truth that Jesus used in this situation is what we experience in our relationship with Him (1:17). His grace prevents us from being overwhelmed by our sin, and His truth prevents us from thinking it isn’t a serious matter.
Will we invite Jesus to show us areas of our lives where we need to grow so we can become more like Him?
How is Jesus using grace and truth to point out issues in your life? Where might He want you to make changes to honor Him more fully?
Jesus, thank You for freeing me from the consequences of sin. Help me to embrace Your correction and Your encouragement. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me and I knew it was meant to be shared over and over again. I pray it blesses you today and is a constant reminder of His love for you and I.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 139:13-14
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May '19
More Than Just Waiting
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May '19
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (Acts 1:4)
While it’s true that waiting can make us impatient, there are also good things to do and learn in the waiting. Jesus knew this when He told His disciples to “not depart from Jerusalem” (Acts 1:4). They were waiting to “be baptized with the Holy Ghost” (v. 5).
As they gathered in an upper room, likely in a state of excitement and anticipation, the disciples seemed to understand that when Jesus told them to wait, He didn’t say for them to do nothing. They spent time praying (v. 14); and informed by Scripture, they also chose a new disciple to replace Judas (v. 26). When they were joined together in worship and prayer, the Holy Spirit descended upon them (2:1–4).
The disciples hadn’t simply been waiting—they’d also been preparing. As we wait on God, it doesn’t mean doing nothing or impatiently rushing forward. Instead we can pray, worship, and enjoy fellowship as we anticipate what He’ll do. The waiting prepares our hearts, minds, and bodies for what’s to come.
Yes, when God asks us to wait, we can be excited—knowing that we can trust Him and the plans He has for us!
Do you find yourself in a season of waiting? How can you see this as a season of preparation instead?
God, when I’m struggling, remind me that the seasons of waiting aren’t for nothing but help to reveal Your loving handiwork in my life. Amen.
I pray this blesses you as it did I. Today, let’s see our season of waiting as a season of preparation and be uplifted and encouraged not discouraged. May we realize it’s more than just waiting.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 7:9
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May '19
Small but Significant
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May '19
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11)
The day started out like any other, but it ended as a nightmare. Esther (not her real name) and several hundred women were kidnapped from their boarding school by a religious militant group. A month later all were released—except for Esther who refused to deny Christ. As my friend and I read about her and others who are being persecuted for their faith, our hearts were moved. We wanted to do something. But what?
When writing to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul shared about the trouble he experienced in the province of Asia. The persecution was so severe that he and his companions “despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8). However, Paul was helped by the prayers of believers (v. 11). Though the Corinthian church was many miles away from the apostle, their prayers mattered and God heard them. Herein lies an amazing mystery: the sovereign One has chosen to use our prayers to accomplish His purpose. What a privilege!
Today we can continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith. There’s something we can do. We can pray for those who are marginalized, oppressed, beaten, tortured, and sometimes even killed for their belief in Christ. Let’s pray for them to experience God’s comfort and encouragement and to be strengthened with hope as they stand firmly with Jesus.
Who can you commit to praying for by name this week? When have you experienced God’s faithfulness during a time of persecution?
When I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. I pray you are encouraged to pray for someone in need today. In prayer, we cast ourselves at the feet of divine power.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 1:20
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May '19
Here for You
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May '19
For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. (Deuteronomy 15:11)
On the outskirts of Paris, as in other cities around the globe, people are coming to the aid of the homeless in their communities. Clothing, covered in waterproof bags, is hung on designated fences for those living on the streets to take according to their needs. The bags are labeled, “I’m not lost; I’m for you if you’re cold.” The effort not only warms those without shelter, but also teaches those in the community the importance of assisting the needy among them.
The Bible highlights the importance of caring for those who are poor, instructing us to be “openhanded” toward them (Deuteronomy 15:11). We might be tempted to avert our eyes to the plight of the poor, holding tightly to our resources instead of sharing them. Yet God challenges us to recognize that we will always be surrounded by those who have needs and therefore to respond to them with generosity, not a “grudging heart” (v. 10). Jesus says that in giving to the poor we receive an enduring treasure in heaven (Luke 12:33).
Our generosity may not be recognized by anyone other than God. Yet when we give freely, we not only meet the needs of those around us but we also experience the joy God intends for us in providing for others. Help us, Lord, to have open eyes and open hands to supply the needs of those You place in our paths!
Are you holding too tightly to your resources? If yes, why? What need can you fill today?
What I love about this devotion is so often people think, well if I only had the money, but what we have to remember is providing for others isn’t just financially, if you don’t have the money but you have time to sow into someone or even just a smile or an encouraging word, do it. We all have something to offer someone in need, even when we don’t even realize it. Generosity displays confidence in God’s loving and faithful provision. Slow down today and take a moment to look around you and see what need you can fill today. Let someone know today that your here for them.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:1-2