Your Daily Crossroad
Unseen Heroes
Stories in the Bible can make us stop and wonder. For instance, when Moses led God’s people into the Promised Land and the Amalekites attacked, how did he know to go to the top of the hill and hold up God’s staff? (Ex. 17:8–15). We aren’t told, but we learn that when Moses raised his hands, the Israelites would win the battle, and when he lowered them, the Amalekites would win. When Moses got tired, his brother Aaron and another man, Hur, held up Moses’s arms so the Israelites could triumph.
We aren’t told much about Hur, but he played a crucial role at this point in Israel’s history. This reminds us that unseen heroes matter, that supporters and those who encourage leaders play a key and often overlooked role. Leaders may be the ones mentioned in the history books or lauded on social media, but the quiet, faithful witness of those who serve in other ways is not overlooked by the Lord. He sees the person who intercedes daily in prayer for friends and family. He sees the woman who puts away the chairs each Sunday in church. He sees the neighbor who reaches out with a word of encouragement.
God is using us, even if our task feels insignificant. And may we notice and thank any unseen heroes who help us.
Dear Father, thank You for creating me and gifting me in my own unique way. Help me to serve You and others faithfully and to appreciate those You have sent to help me. Amen.
When I recently read this I could think of many folks in my life who serve Him faithfully and are unseen heroes but Praise be to God they are always seen by God, The One that truly matters. Today I want to make a conscious effort to show my appreciation to those God has sent into my life to help me. It’s not about me but the unseen heroes in my life. I am so blessed.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Exodus 17:8-15
Do Not Lie To One Another!
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. (Colossians 3:9-10)
Have you met a believer who lies? I have. Lies to get a contract, lies to their spouse, or just seems to lie for no reason.
Why do we lie? Because we respect people’s opinion more than the opinion of God. We don’t know who we are. That we are princes/princesses of God.
In my personal life, God dealt with me on this issue – that when I lie, I am siding with the devil. I am saying He is not big enough to care for me. In ALL of my experiences when I lied, I never got the result I was looking for. It eventually made me depressed and distant from the One who loves me.
We must have absolute trust in God as our source in order not to lie. We must commit to a decision that no matter what, we will not lie. Whenever you are tempted to lie, tell yourself: “The old man that loves lying is dead.” Scripture says, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”
When it seems easier to lie than face the consequences, remember you are renewed in the image of your creator. Amen!
When I recently read this I instantly thought this subject isn’t popular, most people don’t want to be called out when it comes to lying and some may even think it’s only a small lie from time to time but those small lies fester and produce rotten spiritual fruit. We must be willing to look at ourselves and be honest about who we have become but also know that is not who we have to be. God can and will help you see your weakness and if that’s lying, He can help you overcome lies, big or small, sin is sin, no one person is perfect, He died on the cross for us but we mustn’t worry because He rose again on the third day to allow us opportunity and a chance, because of His sacrifice overcoming lying is possible. With God, you can win this battle. Start today, when the moment arises, stop and make the choice to be honest not only about the situation but with yourself and say NO!! Not anymore!! I’m renewed in the imagine of my creator and His love for me is far more important than lying in this or any situation. He chose me, I choose Him! Thank You God that nothing is to big for You.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:9-10
Power To Save
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)
We look to God in times of trouble and heartache, and for some of us that’s about it. The problem is that we have too many little “g” gods. These little gods are idols that we worship and sacrifice to everyday. We do so with our time, effort, and money. These gods, i.e. status, luxury, money, things, serve a very temporary service. They save us from whatever we dread at the moment. If we dread being poor and not having things, we worship the god of money to save us; if we dread being “less important” than someone at our high school reunion, the altar of status is right around the corner.
These idols promise the power of salvation, but never deliver. They are powerless, mouthless and earless (Isaiah 40:12-20). However, the good news is that there is a living God who will never forsake us and does have the power to save eternally. Working hard is not bad, wealth is not bad, but worshipping, or devoting, ourselves to those idols is.
Worship Jesus today, the only God who can save forever, and not just today.
When I recently read this I felt it was short but powerful. Filled with so much truth. Let’s do a self check today and find out what little “g” is consuming our day, our mind or our thoughts. Let’s choose today to put our faith and trust in The One who forever saves and not just today. He is faithful, trust Him above all things. Everything and everyone will disappoint you in this life but He will never fail you, never disappoint you. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:12-20
Bearing Fruit with Patience
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)
The parable of the sower and the seed is ever popular, and it’s likely you’ve heard it before. After telling the parable, Jesus proceeded to explain it’s meaning to the disciples. It is the last sentence in his explanation that we will focus on today: the seed that falls on the good soil is the seed that bears fruit in accordance with the Gospel. It is the seed that decides to follow Jesus during thick and thin.
What we learn through is that this seed takes time to bear fruit. This seed “brings forth fruit with patience”. We don’t like to read this. Aren’t we supposed to die to ourselves and be new creatures right away (Romans 6:6-7)? Doesn’t the Gospel produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24)? The answer to these is “Yes”! But, it takes time.
Often, we want to produce the good fruit in our lives immediately, and we get discouraged when we feel we are falling short. Jesus knows this about us, and in that we must realize that we don’t have to fake perfection for those around us. In fact, lack of honesty and humility in our journey can lead to sinful pride that separates us from God. How much better is it for us to be honest in our journey, and realize that with patience we will bear all the fruit that accompanies the Gospel.
As followers of Jesus, we all have different struggles and vices. Some we can overcome right away, while others may take years or even a lifetime. Be encouraged today that Jesus doesn’t expect you to bear all your fruit in one day, but take it day by day, as you put your faith in Him.
Be grateful today for God’s patience towards you. Pray that you may continue to grow, and to bear fruit.
Wow! I needed this today, I’m a bit late in the day getting this posted because today has been busier than usual with the unexpected and I was beating myself up over it but it amazes me how God knows just how to speak to the heart, even in what may seem like the small things, to the individual it’s a big thing. Thank You Lord for speaking to my heart today and uplifting me in my time of need. I must take it day by day as I put my faith in Him!! God is so good!!
Have a wonderful evening in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 8