Your Daily Crossroad
Strength in Jesus
The Bible is filled with stories and teachings that go completely contrary to the views of the world. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warned us that we could not serve both God and mammon (money). Later, the apostle John would write: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15) But today’s Scripture verse seems to go even a step farther. Paul tells us to “take pleasure” in the things in our lives that make us weak, such as sickness and all other types of distresses. How many of us can truly say that we find pleasure in being sick, having financial problems, family struggles or even persecution from various sources?
As Christians, we are told not only to believe in Jesus, but to follow Him. In Luke 14:27-28, Jesus speaks of those who choose to follow Him, that they must leave everything else behind. He tells them to count the cost before they make their decision. We live in a world today that promotes “self” and all of the accolades that go along with self gratification and self satisfaction. We want to be comfortable, we do not want to suffer. Even the weather can dampen our spirits. We have our days so well-planned, so tightly-scheduled, that even one deviation from our plan can send us into a frenzy. Add sickness or some other types of problems and we soon find out where our strength is based. If our strength is not in Christ, then we are headed for a fall. Some of us fall several times a day. Jesus says that when we are weak, He is strong. When we truly follow Jesus, we discover just how weak we really are. It is in the weakness of our lives that He is able to show His power and might. Paul learned to glory in his weaknesses because that is when he saw the Lord work in a more powerful way through him.
We will have troubles in this world, despite our efforts to avoid them. We will have sickness, needs, and distresses, but contrary to the world’s teachings, we can take pleasure in these times of weakness. Why? Because Jesus will show us His strength and power in glorious ways. Sin brings these bad things into our world, but Jesus has made a way for us to live through them with peace and joy. Today, instead of complaining about your circumstances, regardless of how painful they may be, ask the Lord to give you His strength through them. Allow yourself to be weak and dependent on Jesus. And, finally, give Him thanks for all that is happening in your life. Look up and see the glory of the Lord, for He is above and controls the activities of this world.
I feel we can all take a little something from today’s devotion. It touched on so many truths that we all face from day to day in one aspect or another. I am guilty of having my days well planned and scheduled and at times I’ve allowed myself to get frustrated when things don’t go “as planned” but God has been working on me to be open to opportunities and to allow myself to grow even through the disappointments. I am not who I once was, He has brought me so far and I know He can work through you to make you a better you. Trust Him and follow his lead every single day. Be open to change, disappointment, hurt but above all else be open to Him for He is above all things and controls all things and He will guide you, teach you and strengthen you if you allow Him the opportunity. He’s waiting for you today to be open and sup with Him. Strength in Jesus!! Amen!!!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 2:8
What God Calls You
Have you ever thought of yourself as royalty? Most likely, you have not. We think of kings and princes as royalty, with luxuries and extravagances that far exceed our ways of life. But what is “holy” royalty? Have you ever thought of yourself as holy royalty? Did you know that you are considered holy – special– chosenby God? Look closely at the verse and you will see that the second word is “you.” The Lord is speaking to you, personally. So often we tend to see ourselves in the negative. We may believe that Jesus saved us from our sins, but to believe that He sees us as royalty is much harder to accept. Today, Jesus wants you to know and believe the truth of this verse. You are His own special person. He chose you; He loves you; and He calls you His royal priesthood. Jesus called you out of darkness so you can live in His marvelous light.
If we could only truly grasp how much Jesus loves us! While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). When God looks at us, He sees His Son, Jesus. Because we are covered in the blood of Christ, we are holy and blameless (Philippians 2:15) before God. What are we to do in return? We are to proclaim the praises of God. We should be singing God’s praises from the rooftops, giving glory and honor to His unfailing love and unending mercies. Despite being in the midst of a crooked world, He has set us apart to glorify Him.
Take time today to thank the Lord for choosing you as His own and for calling you out of the darkness. Spend time worshiping and praising Him for His goodness. The Lord has clothed you in royalty and righteousness. Look up, see His glory and believe with all of your heart that He has a plan and a purpose for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11) Proclaim your praises of Him to others and let your light shine so that others may see.
This devotion blessed me. So many times we allow the enemy to beat us up mentally, discourage us emotionally and we become complacent. God wants so much more for our lives, if we would only grasp today’s verse, He has set us apart. Let’s start praising Him from the roof tops with our head held high. I am reminded of a verse in Psalms 35:28, And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. May this be our anthem today. One small change can change everything. Start today by giving glory and honor to His unfailing love and unending mercies and remember you are royalty.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 36:5-7
Dealing with Delay
One of the Bible’s great examples of patience is Joseph, who was sold to slave traders by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by his employer’s wife, and imprisoned in Egypt. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him” (Genesis 39:20–21). Years later, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, he was made second in command in Egypt (ch. 41).
The most remarkable fruit of his patience occurred when his brothers came to buy grain during a famine. “I am your brother Joseph,” he told them, “the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. . . . So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:4–5, 8).
In all our delays, brief or long, may we, like Joseph, gain patience, perspective, and peace as we trust in the Lord.
Father in heaven, in all of our delays may we trust Your faithful hand of guidance and experience Your presence with us in every situation. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me and I wanted to share it with you today. No matter what your facing, no matter what sort of week you’ve had, He has been present with you in every situation. Keep your head held high and take on today knowing He is right by your side guiding you despite what it may look like, trust Him. Don’t get angry and impatient with those who you feel may have messed things up or done you wrong, trust that God is working all things out for your good and for His plan towards a greater purpose for your life. Confidence in God enables us to live out our faith patiently. Delays are not defeats!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Genesis 45:1-8
Seek His Promises
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Matthew 11:6)
God’s Word is filled with promises He gave in the past which can be applied to my present circumstances. I can give a very simple way of how I get a promise from God. First, I start by praying to Him about a burden while asking for His will to be done in it. It is not God’s will for me to be stressed out and unsettled, so I start reading the Word, looking for a passage that addresses what I am praying about. If a verse pops out, I will start meditating over it, asking God about it and looking up the cross references for it. I know that it is a promise from God if it addresses the burden on my heart in future terms while giving me a present day peace. I also know that it is a promise and not a command if I can’t do anything to fulfill it by myself. God wants me to trust and have faith and He will accomplish the rest.
Today, try to read segments in the book of Isaiah. God has given me so many promises in that book. Keep seeking the Lord’s will until He gives you a verse. Then trust Him. He is more than able to address and accomplish all that concerns you today and every day!
After reading this devotion I was reminded of a scripture in Psalms 105:4, Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. No matter what your facing today, no matter what your going through, seek His strength and His face. Go to The Word and you will find the peace and direction you are looking for. Seek His promises and wait on Him. He is able!!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Timothy 3:16