Your Daily Crossroad
The Power of Imitation
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1 Corinthians 4:16)
We are masters at imitation. Whether we are copying someone else or they are copying us, we are continually being influenced and adapting our personality to the conformity of others. We may not realize that the things we do or wear or say are a result of imitating someone or something in our culture.
Paul understands these issues when he says to the Corinthians “follow me.” They were living in the world and enjoying being of the world. Paul knew that they needed a living example to follow. He became their example, a real person from whom to watch and to learn. Paul also knew that their only hope was in Jesus. He was the One they must ultimately learn to imitate.
Second Corinthians 4:18 says that, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Our focus should only be on Jesus Christ our Savior. This world and all that is in it will someday be gone. Where will you be when this happens? Do you choose your friends wisely, those who set the example in Christ as Paul did? Or are you influenced more by the world’s temporary offerings, instead of Christ’s eternal promises? How accountable are you to set godly examples for those who are imitating you? Ask the Lord to help you become the role model and example that He wants you to be for others. His Holy Spirit will guide you in this role.
I recently read this and it blessed me so much. It provoked thought and it challenged me to search deep and answer truthfully, how accountable am I to set Godly examples for those who are watching. Help me Lord to be a better role model and example, guide me Holy Spirit. We can all use improvement. Improve me Lord!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 107
Thanks be to God
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100)
Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God’s people–we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God’s mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let’s start today.
What a great reminder, we as Christian’s must pray for our country and not be discouraged but encouraged. I couldn’t help but think of this scripture when I read this devotion, And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Amen! What hope and until that soon coming day we must pray, pray, pray, for our country and our leaders. Making a difference starts with you and I. Join me today, by spreading love, joy and prayer.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 100, 1 Cor. 1
A Gentle Answer
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
If a gentle answer turns away wrath, why do we choose to say harsh words? We hear harsh words everywhere we go. People seem to be so angry these days. The southern California freeways are notoriously known for drivers having “road rage.” I do not even want to know what kinds of words are being spoken in the cars of others while driving.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Our mouths are speaking right from our hearts. The difficulty with having a “gentle answer” is that the character trait of self-control has to be developed first. If we look at the fruits of the Spirit, the last one is self-control. It starts with love and ends with self-control. We all have the ability to speak gentle and kind words to each other when we want to be kind and loving. However, we do not want to be gentle and kind when we have been criticized or mistreated. These situations require self-control so we can watch our words and answer with gentleness and kindness.
I pray for self-control daily. Not only do I not want to regret my words, but also I really want my heart to reflect the Lord. I see the Lord’s reflection in me when I hear the words that come from my heart. Listen to yourself today. What kind of words do you use? What kind of tone or attitude do you have? Are your words edifying and encouraging or destructive and negative? Then, when you get angry, evaluate your words again. God wants us to have peace: He left it and He gave it. Anger is not a sin but stirring anger up is. Pray for the Lord to take hold of your heart to help you to hold your words. Pray for self-control of your tongue.
God is so good. He always knows how to speak right to the heart or in my case the current situation. I got so frustrated this morning over something so silly, I tried hiding my frustration but I know I didn’t do a good enough job, especially after reading today’s devotion. I don’t know about you but I needed this today. Thank You Lord for keeping me in check. I am going to be in prayer for self-control of my tongue. Gentleness and kindness. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. I pray someone today is moved by this devotion as I was.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 97, Romans 16
A Man who Found His Home
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
Several years ago, I had asked my neighbor if she knew of someone who did handyman work. She immediately replied, “Use Larry. He isa Christian and homeless. He only has a car and a beeper.” I had seen this man frequently in the neighborhood. He was very clean-cut and polite. While speaking to him, I knew that the Lord wanted me to ask him about his home life. I said to the Lord (in my mind), “But Lord he doesn’t have a home.” I heard again, “His home in Heaven.” So, I asked Larry about his home life and that sparked a long response as to what happened to him. Larry told me that he used to be a multimillionaire who lived in a 32-room mansion. At first, I was not sure if I believed him, but my neighbor confirmed that his story was true. She knew Larry during those days. Through a variety of circumstances, he became homeless. Now he lives in his car, doing handiwork jobs for a living and ministering to the homeless. He said to me, “I have lived in the best addresses in Rancho Santa Fe but I’m no longer concerned about those addresses. I constantly keep my mind focused on my next Home address.” He said that many people are living in homes but they are truly homeless because they are empty inside. They have no peace. He quoted me his favorite verses that he claimed on a daily basis:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances may be. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any, and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12 paraphrased).
After we finished talking with each other, I started meditating on those verses. I noticed that “I have learned” is mentioned twice. Learning to be content is a choice. Larry was not immune to fear, loneliness, worry or doubts. Larry had troubles but he trusted in Jesus’ words. We are only passing through earth in these temporary tents to get to our eternal home in heaven. The world’s promises do not bring peace, but Jesus brings peace. Remembering that we have a reservation in heaven keeps us focused on what matters most.
The fruit of Larry’s homeless life has led many homeless and hopeless people to Christ. Larry learned to live for what matters most. Larry is now at his new permanent address as he went home to be with the Lord in his early 60s. Larry lived the second half of his life with nothing but a car and beeper; however, Larry gained everything because he lived his life here for his eternal home.
For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. What a reminder, The Lord has such a way of dropping nuggets like this into my day and I stand in awe of His goodness and the many blessings in my life. Nothing in this life brings peace, only Jesus! Let’s live our life here for our eternal home and nothing else. None of us are immune to fear, loneliness, worry or doubts but we must trust, as this man did, in Jesus’ words. Let’s stay focused on what matters most. Eternity.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 94, Romans 15:14-33