Your Daily Crossroad
Why Forgive?
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34)
When a friend betrayed me, I knew I would need to forgive her, but I wasn’t sure that I could. Her words pierced deeply inside me, and I felt stunned with pain and anger. Although we talked about it and I told her I forgave her, for a long time whenever I’d see her I felt tinges of hurt, so I knew I still clung to some resentment. One day, however, God answered my prayers and gave me the ability to let go completely. I was finally free.
Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith, with our Savior extending forgiveness even when He was dying on the cross. Jesus loved those who had nailed Him there, uttering a prayer asking His Father to forgive them. He didn’t hang on to bitterness or anger, but showed grace and love to those who had wronged Him.
This is a fitting time to consider before the Lord any people we might need to forgive as we follow Jesus’s example in extending His love to those who hurt us. When we ask God through His Spirit to help us forgive, He will come to our aid—even if we take what we think is a long time to forgive. When we do, we are freed from the prison of unforgiveness.
Lord Jesus Christ, through Your grace and power as You dwell in me, help me to forgive, that Your love will set me free. Amen.
When I read this I felt I needed to share it with someone today. Hurt can linger, rob of blessings and hinder God’s plan for your life. Do not allow the enemy one more day of opportunity to rob you of what’s rightfully yours, freedom. Break the chains of unforgiveness today. God can and will free you from the prison of unforgiveness.
Forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 23:32-34
A Heart of Compassion
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)
Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.
As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.
Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “Forbear one another, and forgive one another” (v. 13).
As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.
Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen!
When I read this I reflected on the times past when showing the gentle touch of grace didn’t come so easy. My prayer today is that in those moments when someone may respond rudely may I in return respond with compassion rather than anger. Putting on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Let’s strive to be a light in this dark world. Help me Lord, today, to have a heart of compassion.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-17
Look To The Rock
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. (Isaiah 51:1)
Each of us has someone on whom we can depend, someone who is our ROCK! But the simple truth is, at some point in time, our human rock will fail us. Our only solid rock is Jesus.
We are told in Exodus 17 that when Moses smote the rock and water came forth, the Hebrew children drank “of that spiritual rock.” The Psalmist understood that the Lord is our only rock: For who is God save the LORD? Or who is a rock save our God?
If we fully depend on Him, Isaiah tells us in chapter 51:1, “Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn . . .”
Did you hear that? We are hewn from THE ROCK! We are literally carved out of God Himself! I know of no other rock we need! Do you?
When I read this I was instantly reminded of the scripture, From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. He is my rock! Christ The Solid Rock on which I stand all other ground is sinking sand. Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 61:2
A Place Called Home
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:16)
We live here, we walk here, we eat and drink here, but may we never call it home. The ground beneath our feet and sky above our heads are the scenery we enjoy momentarily, but they will pass away (Matthew 24:35).
Our family is more than people with the same last name (Mark 3:35), as believers we are united by blood, literally the shed blood of Jesus the risen Savior. We, the family, walk as sojourners (1 Peter 2:11), as travelers, loving and serving the people around us, all the while remembering we will one day be home. A home that has been prepared for us (John 14:3), where we will live in ever increasing joy.
Our lips will never again say, “It was fun while it lasted,” as the smile fades from our faces. In our home there is no sorrow, there is no disease, there is no end to joy (Revelation 21:4). In our home our treasure does not fail, there is no thief to steal, no moneybag to grow old (Luke 12:33). In your heart, and in your head, where is your treasure and your home? For “there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34).
Where is your home?
When I read this I couldn’t help but think of how easy it is in this life to get so caught up in life that we forget this isn’t our home. May we take a moment today and ask ourselves this simple but powerful question, where is your home? We are but travelers passing through, what a reminder today. Let’s start this week out with joy in our hearts and peace in our mind knowing that all this is temporal and one day we will be home. Are you ready?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading Is John 17:14-16