Your Daily Crossroad
Move Mountains
The word “faith” has numerous definitions and interpretations. From the intellectual to the philosophical to the spiritual, I found myself back at square one trying to understand its meaning to my personal life. If “faith as a mustard seed” can move a mountain, then I want more faith. Can it be that easy? After reading pages of explanations, I seem to make it more complicated, which in turn, dampens my faith. What happens when we really search for true faith?
Paul says in Romans 10 verse 17 that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It makes sense then that our search for faith must start in God’s Word. It is interesting to note that Paul uses the word “hearing” instead of reading. When we read, study and meditate on God’s Word, then we begin to hear it, as it penetrates our hearts and minds. To grow in faith, we must grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. When we put the Word in our minds every day, we hear it in our thoughts all day long. Another component of faith is found in James Chapter One. James says that our faith will be tested. If we ask for things without having the faith to believe in the answer, then we will deal with doubt and unbelief. James Chapter 5 verse 15 says that “the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” So, once again we come back to the Word and prayer as being the key components to our growing in faith.
Do you want to move mountains in your life and see God do the impossible? All you need is faith. Sounds easy enough – but is it? For me personally, I have learned that being in God’s Word every day puts me in a place of hearing Him more clearly about things on my heart and in my prayers. I find the strength to step out in faith, even when I have nothing tangible to cling to. I have a confidence that is not based on what I know or what has been proven to me. And, every time that I have acted or stepped out in faith, I have seen God do amazing works. Not once have I been disappointed in the Lord; He has always been faithful. I have been disappointed in myself, but not when I have the foundation of Scripture and prayer to guide me in faith. Make it a priority of your day to not only read the Word but also to hear it all day long. Let it guide your prayers and lead your steps. At that point, you just might see those mountains begin to move.
What truth, this blessed me. I pray through this devotion you are inspired to not only read God’s word but also hear it. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). Strengthen your faith by daily digging deep into The Word. Remember, satan’s target is your mind, satan’s weapon is lies, satan’s purpose is to make you ignorant of God’s will, but your defense, The inspired Word of God!! Equip yourself, dig deep. By faith you can move mountains! Move Mountains today!!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Who do you say Jesus is? Many of us would agree with Peter that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. But do we know what that looks like in our daily lives?
Even though Jesus was Peter’s friend and teacher, Peter was very aware that the religious leaders did not believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Despite all ?the miracles?, Jesus did not come as the Jewish people envisioned. Jesus seemed to purposely perform miracles and teach things that bothered others and contradicted their lifestyle. People had conflicting views on who Jesus was. However, when Peter was asked who Jesus was, his answer was firm and Jesus rewarded Peter’s words.
There are difficulties and conflicts in our lives today that do not reflect the Holy God, in whom we believe. Those things are placed in our lives as tests to examine what we will declare about Jesus. Can you say that despite the hardships, conflicts, struggles and stresses in your life, Jesus is your Christ, the Son of the living God? Does Jesus impact your life daily, making a difference in the way you think, feel and what you say? If your faith is wavering in belief, ask the Lord to reveal to you who Jesus is, just as He did with Peter. People and circumstances will change with seasons and times of life; but when all is said and done, we want our faith and convictions to be as solid as rocks so that the gates of hell shall not prevail against us.
When I read this I was reminded of Psalms 23, a very well known setting of scripture filled with such solid faith and truth. May we live our lives with that setting of scripture at the forefront of our minds. No matter the circumstances or seasons that come and go there will always be a constant in your life, Christ, He is your solid rock, now and always. Trust Him despite what you may be going through, remember, there’s no testimony without the test. He is worthy to be praised!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 23
Listen to What You Hear
Have you ever thought about the difference between hearing and listening? Did you know there was a difference? To “listen” means that we are paying attention to the sound, thoughtful and considerate attention to the sound. To “hear” refers to perceiving something with our ears, kind of like seeing with our ears. In life today there are literally thousands of noises a day that compete for our attention. There are so many different noises and sounds that most of us do not pay attention to most of them. The television can be on, the phone ringing, and everyone in my house talking at once and I can still tune most of it out. It is not that I am not hearing the noise, but I am not listening to it.
God gave us ears to hear the beauty of sound and He gave us the ability to listen so that the sound can be understood. When both hearing and listening work together, we have an understanding of the purpose of the sound. You can hear music but not listen to the words. When both music and lyrics are understood, the beauty and meaning of the whole song is revealed to you. You can hear the words of a person speaking to you, but if you truly listen to the person, you will better understand their heart and the meaning behind their words. The same principle holds true with God’s Word. We can hear the Word preached, taught and read. We can read the Word ourselves and hear our own voices speak it. But, when we really listen to God’s Word, then our understanding begins to change. So many times, people leave church after having heard a sermon and not remember anything about it. When we are listening and giving consideration to what we are hearing, we will leave thinking about what we just heard. The next step is to start talking back to God, asking Him to open up more of our understanding.
Take time today and think about how much you hear versus how much you listen. How much are you missing of what God has for you? Is He talking to you but you are not paying attention? Take your Bible and read today’s chapter in Isaiah. Instead of just reading the words and hearing them in your head, pray the Holy Spirit will give you the power to listen and to understand the message God has for you. When the Word of God truly becomes His voice in your life, then your hearing and listening will open up a new world of understanding for you. Your life will change. But it all begins with understanding the difference between hearing and listening–start listening to God today.
When I read this it caused me to stop and ask myself that every question, what am I hearing and listening to from day to day? I would challenge us all to stop and ask ourselves that very question, write down our answer then strive to be better and do better for His glory. We should all have a desire to have a deeper understanding of His voice in our lives, to lead and guide us in the paths of righteousness. Proverbs 8:14 says, Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. In a study Bible I read it goes on to say just after that verse, He really doesn’t “have” Counsel, but, in fact, He “is” Counsel. Think on that today, what a powerful statement. He is! He is everything we could ever ask for, He is our constant, He is our strength, He is faithful, He is Alpha and Omega, He is The Beginning and The End. He is incredible, He is! Hallelujah. Listen to what you hear. . .
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 8:13-21
The Last Word
One day during a university philosophy class, a student made some inflammatory remarks about the professor’s views. To the surprise of the other students, the teacher thanked him and moved on to another comment. When he was asked later why he didn’t respond to the student, he said, “I’m practicing the discipline of not having to have the last word.”
This teacher loved and honored God, and he wanted to embody a humble spirit as he reflected this love. His words remind me of another Teacher—this one from long ago, who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. Although not addressing how to handle an angry person, he said that when we approach the Lord we should guard our steps and “be more ready to hear” rather than being quick with our mouths and hasty in our hearts. By doing so we acknowledge that God is the Lord and we are those whom He has created (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).
How do you approach God? If you sense that your attitude could use some adjustment, why not spend some time considering the majesty and greatness of the Lord? When we ponder His unending wisdom, power, and presence, we can feel awed by His overflowing love for us. With this posture of humility, we too need not have the last word.
Lord God, I want to honor You and I bow before You now in silence. Teach me how to pray and how to listen. Amen.
When I read this it blessed me. We are all guilty at one point or another in our lives of wanting to have the last word weather that be towards others or towards God but I am reminded of the scripture that says, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). It’s so important that we humble ourselves in moments when we feel we deserve the last word and remember that sometimes silence is more powerful than having the last word. Allow God to mold you into His image. Meaningful silence is always better than meaningless words.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 5:1-7