Your Daily Crossroad
Fasting
Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. (Joel 2:12-13)
The beauty of Christ’s far-reaching redemption is illustrated at the start of verse 12. “Turn ye even to me” Even now. The God of all heaven and earth wants you and me, even now. Even at our worst, even when we’ve turned our back on Him, abandoned and betrayed Him. Even now, He wants us to return to Him. And revealing His cards, He even tells us what will happen when we do. He will not send calamity upon us as our just deserts for rejecting Him. He tells us to return to Him for He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Even now, He is abounding in love for you, Sinner. At your worst, He will be slow to anger, even compassionate and gracious toward you. Return, not for the beating which you so richly deserve, but for the mercy, grace and lavish love that He longs to pour out on your head.
Fast in repentance and meditate not on what your body is lacking but what your soul lacks. Weep over the sin that drew you away from such a great Love. Rend your heart in grief over what you have done and return that He may heal your wounds, draw you close and demonstrate His abounding love for you.
I recently read this and wanted to share the importance of fasting with you. I pray it provokes you to fast and draw closer to God. Together, prayer and fasting will transform your life and your relationship with The Lord. If you feel you are not strong enough right now to fast on your own, find an accountability partner to fast and pray with you and for you. We are to lift each other up on our leaning side.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Joel 2:12-13
The Rock!
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. (Psalm 61:2)
Psalm 61:2 continues to be at the forefront of my mind, it has been on my heart throughout the day yesterday and again when I woke this morning so when I came across this devotion I knew it was worth sharing. I don’t know who needs this word today but I do and I pray it also meets someone right where they are today. Thank You Lord for meeting me right where I am and being faithful through your word to uplift me and encourage me today. No matter what comes you are the rock that is higher than I. You are my strong tower and I and my family are safe.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 18:1-2
Turn to Him!
He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head. (Psalm 110:7)
Before you face your next major task, visit the spring of refreshment that is God Himself. Come to Him with all your weakness, weariness, helplessness, fear, and doubt. Then drink deeply of His power, strength, and wisdom. God knows all your circumstances and will supply a store of comfort, of spiritual strengthening and consolation. He will lift up your head and give you strength to go on.
Father, at this moment I turn to You for strength in my weakness, energy for my weariness, and faith in my doubt. Amen
When I read this I couldn’t help but think how fitting it is to start this week out with such an encouraging word. Not only are we facing an election that may have some fearing and doubting or maybe your just feeling weak, weary and or helpless. We all need to be reminded that if we let Him, God will give you the strength you need to go on and He will lift up your head, He will comfort you and strengthen you no matter what your facing, go to Him and trust Him. He is my strength in weakness, energy for my weariness and faith in my doubt. Amen! Look up!
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. (Psalm 61:2)
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 61
Serve with a Clean Heart!
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
I recently read. We might claim to love others without selfish ambition or vain conceit, but the true state of our hearts isn’t revealed until we put our love into action. Though at times we may feel tempted to grumble, know that as a follower of Christ, our call is to put our love for our friends into practice—with a clean heart.
May we find ways to serve our family, friends, and neighbors for God’s glory.
Read Luke 22:22–27 and consider how you can pattern yourself after Jesus the servant, looking especially at the words, “But I am among you as he that serveth.”
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Philippians 1:27-2:4