Your Daily Crossroad
25
Jan '19
Making Something Out of Nothing
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Jan '19
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
As a young mother, I often found it difficult to find time for a devotional with God. When it came to my relationship with God, I found myself believing that I would have to sustain it on my own. I hadn’t realized that while I thought I’d been upholding our relationship in the past, it was God doing the work in me all along—in His strength, my weakness was made perfect.
I believe in a God who specializes in making something out of nothing. When I carve out a moment to come to Him now, I know it will never be enough. But I come in faith, trusting that He will multiply the little time I have and provide me with enough nourishment for that moment, with some to spare.
This devotion blessed me. We all have busy lives but if we take time and make something out of what we may feel is nothing, to Him it’s everything because you chose to take the time to spend with Him and He will meet you right where you are.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:6
24
Jan '19
Success in God’s Eyes
24
Jan '19
And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. (Mark 1:37-38)
How do you define success? According to the dictionary, success is ‘meeting, or achieving a desired outcome.’ Therefore, success is measured by our achievements, accomplishment, or talents. This often translates to money, fame or power. But, how does GOD define success?
God defines success as fulfilling His will and purposes in our lives. Based upon this definition Jesus was the most successful person to ever live, being the only one to have perfectly fulfilled God’s will. So, how exactly did Jesus live?
- Jesus put His Father first.
- Jesus never lost sight of His mission.
Jesus’ entire purpose was to bring humanity, us, back to God. He wanted as many people as possible to experience God’s grace and forgiveness. But, the disciples didn’t always get it.
In Mark, we read that as Jesus went to spend time with God, putting God first, the disciples begin to worry. When Jesus returned, Peter had a few concerns: “Everyone is looking for You,” he said. Now what Peter was really saying was – “Jesus, where have you been? There are 200 people outside looking to be healed! We have the largest church in the region and the momentum is really taking off! Let’s stay focused and get to work.” (My paraphrase).
But Jesus, having spent time with God, remained focused on His mission – instead of catering to the growing crowd, He told Peter that it was time to move on. Yes, miracles are important, ministry is important, helping is important – but nobody’s heart is changed by miracles alone. Jesus remained focused on His calling by staying connected to God, even in the face of His disciples’ good intentions. This is how He was successful.
Our lives are full of distractions: family, friends, work, obligations, social media. Not all distractions are bad, but if we aren’t careful we can lose sight of God’s purpose for our lives. So how do you define success? Is the success you’re seeking only temporary, or is it an eternal success that lasts? May each of us BE SUCCESSFUL – God’s way!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Galatians 5:14
23
Jan '19
Spirit-Led Control
23
Jan '19
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
It’s true that when we get caught up in life, it’s easy to mimic the often selfish and corrupt behaviors of the world around us. But when we genuinely seek to know God and what His Word says about our lives, then over time—even during difficult times—the Holy Spirit changes our thoughts and attitudes to be more like Christ (Ephesians 4:21–23).
When the Spirit leads us, our desires become the opposite of the temptations of the world. What once felt like sacrifice becomes a grateful act of self-control. It becomes easier to ignore our selfish wants, lustful desires, and everyday burdens for Christ to bear on our behalf, allowing us to focus on the things in our life that are pleasing to God, leading to a life of purpose (Galatians 5:16–26).
Is this always easy for Christians? No. Do believers and followers of Christ still allow themselves to succumb to the pressures of this world? Yes, far too often. But if we continue to keep the door open for God by intentionally pursuing and applying his Word to our lives, then when we do stumble and fall, we’re not likely to fall as far, and it’s much easier to find our way back onto the path He has laid out for us.
Have you sought to sacrifice every aspect of your life to God? If not, what do you need to give up today to grow closer to Him?
I pray today’s devotion inspires you to take a look at your life and ask yourself this very question, what do I need to give up to grow closer to God? Take comfort in the fact that God’s plan is always bigger and better than your own.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
22
Jan '19
All That You Need
22
Jan '19
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26)
For some reason, my home has been chosen as the nesting place of several families of birds, particularly under the eaves of our house. I have never seen so many birds’ nests lodged right above our windows and doors. As I walked out my back door the other day, I looked up at a bird nest just as the momma bird was flying away. The next thing I saw were three little bird mouths opened wide and waiting for their next meal. I was reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:26 in that the birds do not have to worry about their next meal because our heavenly Father feeds them.
Jesus then says to us: “Are ye not much better than they?” I must admit I have spent many days worrying about earthly needs. I have wasted precious time trying to figure out how to provide for the things I need, or my family needs, or the needs of someone else in my life. I was even tempted to somehow try and provide for those baby birds. Even as I stood there looking at their little mouths crying out for food, I knew the Lord was cautioning me not to get involved. To interrupt their nest could be a death sentence for them, not a rescue. I realized that when I try so hard to intervene in what God is trying to do in my own life, I often end up causing more harm than good. I just need to trust Him and get out of His way. He will take care of all of my needs. We should act only when we know it is God moving us to act!
Take time and thank the Lord today for taking care of your needs. He already knows everything you want and need. Just as those baby birds are completely taken care of (even being sent to my welcoming house), our heavenly Father is taking care of us too. We are more valuable to the Lord than all of the birds of the air put together. If He cares for them, He will absolutely care for us!
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of how we are truly loved beyond measure. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful and broken. He is the definition of love and He genuinely cares for you and I. Put your trust in Him.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 10:23