Your Daily Crossroad
Be Mentored, Be Mentoring
For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1 Corinthians 4:15-16)
A good guide points out interesting pieces of art, culture, and history.
In fact, a guide worth his or her salt can even keep you safe from danger, as in the case of white water rafting. No doubt, then, guides fill a beneficial role. But what happens when your trip is over? What happens when it’s time to go home and return to daily living? Does a guide do life with you?
No, but a father does.
A father, mother, or mentor doesn’t simply provide temporary insight but steady counsel. Spiritual mentors impart timely wisdom through consistent relationship. The difference between a mentor and a guide is one of depth, quality, and longevity. A mentor actively, prayerfully, and biblically develops disciples in the kingdom.
Do you have a spiritual mentor, or are you simply relying on the occasional guide? Do you have a spiritual father or mother you can imitate and learn from? If not, prayerfully seek for a person to fill this role for you, just as Paul did for the Corinthians.
Are you a spiritual mentor? Who is young in the faith that you can pour into? Who is struggling in an area that God has given you victory in? Can you walk with someone through addiction to pornography? Can you disciple and love someone struggling to better know God and his word? Chances are, you have areas in your life where you have the capacity and the calling to be a spiritual mentor to others.
Be challenged to be mentored and be mentoring. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into these relationships.
After reading this I’ve pondered on what I can add and honestly nothing is coming to me. I feel what has been said is so fitting, so important and so true that today and into the weekend I want you to ponder this one question, What areas in your life do you have the capacity and the calling to be a spiritual mentor to others? Only you can answer that and I know the Holy Spirit will lead you into relationships that you can be mentored and mentor others in return.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 4:15-16
A People of Grace
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:4)
It is hard to imagine why Paul was telling the Church at Corinth that he was thankful for them.
…the church in Corinth had serious “issues.”
Among them, a man was sleeping with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). Fellow believers were suing each other (1 Corinthians 6:1). People were getting drunk off of the communion wine (1 Corinthians 11:21). And the list went on.
What did he see in those people that made him thankful?
Paul saw what only a follower of Jesus Christ could see; God’s grace at work in their lives.
Generally, the more time a person spends with another, the more obvious sin in their life becomes. This can either bring them closer together, or rend them further apart. Unfortunately, in many relationships it separates or even creates mistrust and a pride in one’s life as they judge the other person’s faults.
As we look for God’s grace in the lives of those around us, rather then their faults, we will begin to view them as a blessing in our lives instead of a curse. Seeing God’s abundant grace in others should be what separates the church from those outside of it.
We are sinners full of grace, instead of sinners full of pride.
Look for God’s grace in the lives of those around you today.
When I read this I knew it needed to be shared. What truth! Take a look around you today and extend God’s grace to those around you. I don’t know about you but I needed this reminder today! Who in your life have you seen as a curse instead of a blessing. Go beyond your flesh and find the good in those God has placed in your life. I’m certain you will find the good if your heart is open and honest. Look beyond there faults and extend grace. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits (Romans 12:16).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
A Call to Courage
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27)
Does life frighten you? Do you feel surrounded by those who would do you harm—computer hackers, dishonest business people, and even neighbors who take advantage of you? The easiest thing in this type of environment would be to hide behind the walls of our homes and protect ourselves from the dangers that lie in wait.
But Jesus called His disciples to something different. He asked them to have courage and strength in the face of some very frightening situations. When Jesus walked on the water toward them as they sailed across the sea, He asked them to believe that this ghost-like figure was really their Savior. He asked them to go out in pairs and preach in His name. And finally, He asked them to go to Jerusalem with Him for His final days.
The opportunities that God wants to bring your way will take courage. When faced with opportunities that frighten us, we should remember that God makes us strong in our weakness. God uses the very challenges that make our knees tremble to use us for greatness, and as His hands and feet on earth. Step out today in courage, no matter what you’re facing, and know that God has you.
With so much fear, hate and anger in this world, when I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. It’s so important that we remember and be reminded that God makes us strong in our weakness and it’s up to us to spread love and joy. Small lights have a way of being seen in a dark world, it just starts with one. I read this quote and I wanted to leave you with it today to ponder. There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Be of good cheer, be not afraid!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 14:27
Sweet Company
The elderly woman in the nursing home didn’t speak to anyone or request anything. It seemed she merely existed, rocking in her creaky old chair. She didn’t have many visitors, so one young nurse would often go into her room on her breaks. Without asking the woman questions to try to get her to talk, she simply pulled up another chair and rocked with her. After several months, the elderly woman said to her, “Thank you for rocking with me.” She was grateful for the companionship.
Before He went back to heaven, Jesus promised to send a constant companion to His disciples. He told them He would not leave them alone but would send the Holy Spirit to be in them (John 14:17). That promise is still true for believers in Jesus today. Jesus said, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (v. 23).
The Lord is our close and faithful companion throughout our entire life. He will guide us in our deepest struggles, forgive our sin, hear each silent prayer, and shoulder the burdens we cannot bear.
We can enjoy His sweet company today.
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us Your Spirit as our constant companion. Amen.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think the companionship that the elderly lady and young nurse had is such a beautiful example of the companionship we can have and or do have in Christ. When we go to The Lord it’s okay to be silent at times and just enjoy his presence. He knows you better than you know yourself, bask in His presence today and remember He hears our silent prayers. He is our guide, our burden bearer, our protector and our companion, even in the moments when we don’t know what to say, He knows just what you have need of. He is our safe place, if we will allow Him to be. Love Him and keep His words. Let us make our abode/home with Him today and every day and have a desire for Him to dwell in us and with us each and every day.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 14:15-26