Your Daily Crossroad
Godly Fruit and Character
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Proverbs 20:11)
I was reading an article on a “child centered home” and a major problem is that people refuse to see their children as they really are. For example, a rebellious and stubborn child is referred to as “strong willed” and a manipulative and sneaky child is referred to as “creative.” I’m not saying to speak these things over your child, but rather to recognize that nature and pray against it.
We do this in our own lives, don’t we? We deceive ourselves when we will not examine our heart honestly before the Lord. About 7 years ago I had a realization. I was suffering through something for about 4 years and wasn’t getting any relief or deliverance. I cried out to God, “What’s going on?” He spoke very gently and very clearly, “Crystal, you are not compassionate. I want you to learn compassion.” And I broke down because it was true.
I have always been a “just get over it” person, and God wanted me to realize others are not like me. They need more time and patience from me. It was a tough lesson, but that is how you grow and develop godly character.
Your fruit will find you out. If you are bitter, jealous, unforgiving, everyone around you can see it. Stop deluding yourself! The human nature, apart from Jesus, is rebellious.
Do the hard work! Examine yourself. Don’t be the person who looks in the mirror, walks away and forgets what you look like. Be honest with yourself and with God. He is trying to produce godly fruit and character in you. Let Him teach you, mold you, shape you. I know it hurts, but it’s good for you!
Father, let us recognize our nature apart from you so we can be soft, moldable clay in Your hands, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
When I read this I couldn’t shake the truth behind it. My prayer is it provokes you to take a look in the mirror and not walk away and forget what you look like but allow God to teach you, mold you and shape you.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today Reading is Galatians 5:22-23
Peace
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
We all want peace. We want peace in the world, and sometimes we fight for it. We want peace in our countries, so we vote for the person we think will do the best. We want peace with our friends, so we do what we can to not offend them. We want peace in our family, so we work hard to provide for their needs. Lastly, we want peace in ourselves, so we compare ourselves to others and say we are much happier with what we have. People spend their whole lives working for peace. Unfortunately, true peace is not something that can be achieved, it can only be received.
True peace can only come from God (John 14:27). This peace doesn’t affect our surroundings, it affects our inner souls. Paul says that it will go deep into our hearts and minds. It isn’t something that can be explained in a self help book or with a few simple steps, it is only something that can be received from God.
Ironically he brought us peace through an act that was not peaceful at all, the death of His son (Romans 5:9). As a follower of Jesus, we should be the ones looked to when others need peace. Not because our surroundings are peaceful, but because our hearts and minds are at peace with God through the death of Christ on the cross. We no longer fear death, hunger, or not having enough possessions. We know that our treasure is in heaven and we will one day reign with the one true Peace Maker.
Where does your peace come from?
I’m honestly not sure what more to add to this. When I read it this morning it blessed me and inspired me to hold even tighter to the one true Peace Maker and to reflect on where my peace truly comes from. I pray when others see me they see that my heart and mind is at peace with God that I may help, through Christ, shine light and peace into there lives. Here I am Lord, use me.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:6-13
Long Shadows
For the LORD is good; his mercy iseverlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
Several years ago, my wife and I stayed in a rustic bed-and-breakfast in the remote Yorkshire Dales of England. We were there with four other couples, all British, whom we had never met before. Sitting in the living room with our after-dinner coffees, the conversation turned to occupations with the question “What do you do?” At the time I was serving as the president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and I assumed that no one there knew of MBI or its founder, D. L. Moody. When I mentioned the name of the school, their response was immediate and surprising. “Of Moody and Sankey . . . that Moody?” Another guest added, “We have a Sankey hymnal and our family often gathers around the piano to sing from it.” I was amazed! The evangelist Dwight Moody and his musician Ira Sankey had held meetings in the British Isles more than 120 years ago, and their influence was still being felt.
I left the room that night thinking of the ways our lives can cast long shadows of influence for God—a praying mother’s influence on her children, an encouraging coworker’s words, the support and challenge of a teacher or a mentor, the loving but corrective words of a friend. It’s a high privilege to play a role in the wonderful promise that “His love . . . endureth to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).
Lord, help us to remember that while our lives are short, what we do for You now can have an impact long after we are home with You. Lead me today to invest in the lives of others. Amen.
I recently read this and it made me think, never take advantage of the influence you can make on those you come across for Christ in this life. Even in times when you think your not making a difference, be confident in knowing that God’s word will not return void but it will accomplish that for which He sent it. Be the messenger and allow Him to do the rest. What’s done for Christ will last.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 100
Impossibles, Possible!
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)
He was described as somewhat “asymmetrical.” This was probably due to a knee injury and the awkward way in which he carried himself because of it. He was deaf in one ear, suffered from migraines, epilepsy and a stammer. He was a humble man of God who thought very little of himself.
He was also the man who said it was good to “believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” His pen name was Lewis Carroll. Through Carol’s literary gift, God blessed us with the magic and wonder of…Alice in Wonderland.
How do YOU start your day? What are the thoughts that visit you first thing in the morning? Are you thinking about a debilitating health condition? A conflict at work? A recent family drama?
God says, “Is anything too hard for me?” Start your day by presenting him with a list of six “impossibles” and let him deal with it. You may want to just have one or two to begin with.
1. I will not get stressed and upset while being stuck in traffic this morning.
2. I will offer to make a cup of coffee to the colleague who’s been driving me mad.
3. I will find five minutes for a prayer walk before or after work no matter what.
4. I will leave one unnecessary item in my shopping basket behind in a shop today and
use the money for a small donation.
5. I will resist one sweet treat temptation.
Simple intentions? Yes, and it is often simply impossible to make them happen! Impossible on your own…so hand them over to God.
Make your own list of the impossibles. Look at it throughout the day, every day, to remind God of what needs to be done. (Not yourself, of course. It is He who’s got to do it!) Give God a few days and watch Him make your six impossibles happen for real.
I was encouraged by this when I read it this morning. I had such a rough day yesterday, I was focusing on everything except what God can and will do. I had a list of impossibles running through my head but I wasn’t focused on letting Him deal with it, I was overwhelming myself with the unknowns, bringing myself to tears and feeling like I was alienating myself so much that I didn’t even feel adequate enough to even talk to God about “my” issues but The Lord hears my hearts cry, even when I can’t speak the words and when I woke this morning this devotion was sitting in my inbox and I was so uplifted and encouraged, what a father we have in Christ!! He loves every aspect of us and He wants what’s best for our lives. It’s up to us to allow Him to do it, on my own it’s impossible but with God all things are possible. For He know’s the thoughts that He thinks toward me, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give me an expected end. Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 19:26