Your Daily Crossroad
28
Feb '19
Following God’s Lead
28
Feb '19
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it . . . (Psalm 127:1)
For months, we on the board of campus ministry were focused on our fundraising auction. As chair of the board, I met frequently with a young woman who had offered to lead our efforts. Then, a month before the event, she said she just couldn’t handle the responsibility and bowed out. After that, the volunteer we had depended upon to manage the decorations had a family emergency and was not able to help after all. My mother went into hospice care, and I became distracted. The week of the event, the auctioneer backed out. As I began to panic, I recalled the story of Gideon. God instructed Gideon to reduce his army in order to show the Israelites that God was delivering the people. Gideon followed God’s instruction and overcame the Midianites. At the board meeting, we realized that God was speaking through our situation. We did not need an army; we needed to refocus on the purpose of the event and depend on God. So we prayed for God to take control. Even though our reservation numbers were bleak, we remained certain that God would provide. Our attendance was much lower than the previous year, yet our income more than doubled. When we listen in prayer and follow God’s lead, God will sustain us.
Remind us, O God, that our plans mean nothing if you are not in them. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of a powerful saying, little is much when God is in it. No matter what you may be facing, even when things may look bleak, as today’s devotion mentions, remember, God will provide. He will sustain us. Listen in prayer and follow God’s lead. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread (Psalm 37:25). Follow His lead, you will not regret it.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Timothy 1:7
27
Feb '19
Quiet Service
27
Feb '19
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:11)
When my mom entered a nursing home, I got the chance to observe the many people who care for those who reside there. I remember the first time that I saw Manny. He looked like a tough guy but proved to be quite the opposite. Each day, Manny helps his mother with lunch. He gently and carefully feeds her, one tiny spoonful at a time. I believe that his patience and compassion sustains her more than anything on the lunch plate. Also, I observe aides who work for little money yet show love and concern to patients who are too weak to care for themselves. Some residents cannot even acknowledge their help. The local news sometimes features heroes who perform great service and deserve to be recognized. However, many other people quietly serve those around them day after day in obscurity. They will never make the evening news. I’m sure that they would hardly consider themselves great; yet in their actions, I see people serving as Christ taught us to serve. Their faithful and steadfast service truly makes them what Jesus called “the greatest among you.”
Open our eyes, Lord, to those who serve with patience and grace. Help us to learn from their example so that we may humbly serve those we meet. Amen.
When I first read this devotion I was reminded of the many people in my life who serve with such patience and grace. Just as today’s devotion said, they may never make the evening news and they would hardly consider themselves great but the example and impact they have made in my life has left footprints and I will never be the same because of who they are as the example they set in my life. Take a moment today and think of those in your life who set such an example, call them, send them a txt and let them know you see them, express your gratitude for there love, patience, faithfullness, steadfastness and quiet service or say a prayer for them. It’s those people that make the world even more beautiful.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:19
26
Feb '19
Surrounded by God
26
Feb '19
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. (Psalm 125:2)
In a busy airport, a young mother struggled alone. Her toddler was in full tantrum mode—screaming, kicking, and refusing to board their plane. Overwhelmed and heavily pregnant, the burdened young mother finally gave up, sinking to the floor in frustration, covering her face, and starting to sob.
Suddenly six or seven women travelers, all strangers, formed a circle around the young mother and her child—sharing snacks, water, gentle hugs, and even a nursery song. Their loving circle calmed the mother and child, who then boarded their plane. The other women returned to their seats, not needing to discuss what they had done, but knowing their support had strengthened a young mother exactly when she needed it.
This illustrates a beautiful truth from Psalm 125. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem,” says verse 2, “so the Lord surrounds his people.” The image reminds us how the bustling city of Jerusalem is, indeed, flanked by surrounding hills—among them the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, and Mount Moriah.
In this same way, God surrounds His people—supporting and standing guard over our souls “both now and for evermore.” Thus, on tough days, look up, “unto the hills,” as the psalmist puts it (Psalm 121:1 kjv). God awaits with strong help, steady hope, and everlasting love.
How have you sensed the Lord surrounding you with His love? Who can you share His love with today?
Lord, when we face tough days, surround our souls with Your comforting love. Amen.
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of our daily scripture in Colossians, Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. Allow yourself to be available today to someone who may need a little extra strength and hope. Even if it’s just a listening ear or a helping hand. You never know the impact you can make by showing love and if your the one facing a tough day, remember your never alone, your surrounded by God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:15
25
Feb '19
Weeping With Us
25
Feb '19
Jesus wept. (John 11:35)
One Sunday when I was young, we were challenged to memorize a Bible verse. I searched through my Bible looking for the shortest verse I could find. Bingo! I found John 11:35 which contained only two words! Even I could remember this! Now that I’m older and have stood beside the caskets of family members and loved ones, now that I have wept as they have been lowered into the grave, I think of this verse in a different light. Oh, the love Jesus had for this family! Standing at the burial tomb of Lazarus, tears running down his face, “Jesus wept.” Oh, the love Jesus has for each of us! Even in the most trying times, even when darkness surrounds us, even when death is knocking at our door, there stands Jesus, loving us and weeping with us.
Dear God, thank you for your love and compassion and your constant presence with us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.
This devotion blessed me. It reminded me of just how real Jesus is. Jesus comforts us with His grace. We may grieve, but not without hope, all because of who He is, a constant in our lives, if we allow Him to be.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 91:1