Your Daily Crossroad
Our Tongue
A soothing, nurturing word plants seeds of life where the perverse, obstinate tongue crushes and destroys. We know, or at least can know with a little thought, which result our words will have. There are very few things that can be said that could go either way, especially when context is applied. It is so simple to pause momentarily and ask ourselves if what we are about to say will give life or crush it. And in those rare cases in which we aren’t sure of the answer, we probably ought to err on the side of caution and silence our tongues altogether.
As beings created in the image of God, we have an incredible and ultimate example before us in the Lord. He who spoke life itself into existence, who called the sun and moon into their places, the same One who stilled the stormy seas with a word, is the One whose example we ought to follow when we speak. You and I may not be capable of issuing forth galaxies with our tongues, but we can bring light into the life of another and reflect our Heavenly Father as we speak to His children.
Heavenly Father, may we be mindful of our words and plant seeds of life today. Help us to build up and not tear down. Even in the moments when we feel what we have to say is justified may we stop for just a moment and ask ourselves, will these next words build up or tear down, will I be bringing light into this individuals life today? May we choose to reflect You today by what we choose to say. Amen.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 15
Seasons of Trial
James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4).
It is in the season of trial that God’s purposes are often realized, for there the conditions are right for us to grow into spiritual maturity. This growth not only equips us for living, but it also enables us to more accurately reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.
In the hands of our Father, our trials can achieve His purposes for our good and for His honor. They can shape us into the likeness of His Son.
Father, teach me to trust You for the strength to endure difficulties and the faith to wait for Your good purposes to be accomplished in me. Amen.
Amen and Amen!!! It is in the seasons of trial that God’s purposes are often realized. Wow!! That right there is so powerful, if we would just grasp the truth in that, He and He alone is our strength. He has a purpose for everything we go through, we may not realize the why at the time but He is faithful and true and He doesn’t just allow us to go through trials to watch us struggle but to build purpose out of it and even if we don’t see the purpose in the moment there will come a time when we will realize the why and we will be able to touch many lives because of that season of trial. God is so faithful! Trust Him, even in the midst of your trial.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:2-12
A Safe Resting Place
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
Certain situations in life require us to spend our mental, physical, or emotional energy in a way that we can’t sustain. David described a time when his enemies were threatening him and he felt the emotional weight of their anger. He needed to escape the distress he was experiencing.
As he processed his feelings, he found a way to rest in his troubled thoughts. He said, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee” (Ps. 55:22). He recognized that God supports us if we dare to release our problems to Him. We don’t have to take charge of every situation and try to craft the outcome—that’s exhausting! God is in control of every aspect of our life.
Instead of trying to do everything in our own effort, we can find rest in God. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking Him to handle our problems. Then we can pause, relax, and enjoy the knowledge that He is sustaining us.
God, today I give my problems to You. I know that You are in control of everything and I believe You are willing to help me. Please help me to find peace in You. Amen.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord.
Today’s Reading is Psalm 55:4-23
I needed this today and I wanted to share it. My prayer is that this blesses you and encourages you as much as it did me.
Fragrance of Christ
I recently read, When writing to the followers of Christ in the city of Corinth, Paul at one point used an example that would have reminded them of a victorious Roman army in a conquered city burning incense (2 Cor. 2:14). The general would come through first, followed by his troops and then the defeated army. For the Romans, the aroma of the incense meant victory; for the prisoners, it meant death.
Paul said we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ’s victory over sin. God has given us the fragrance of Christ Himself so we can become a sweet-smelling sacrifice of praise. But how can we live so we spread this pleasing fragrance to others? We can show generosity and love, and we can share the gospel with others so they can find the way to salvation. We can allow the Spirit to display through us His gifts of love, joy, and kindness (Gal. 5:22–23).
Do others observe us and say, “This is Jesus’s work”? Are we allowing Him to spread His fragrance through us and then telling others about Him? He is the Ultimate Perfumer—the most exquisite fragrance there will ever be.
Do others recognize the work of God in my life? Am I spreading the fragrance of Christ? How?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 2:12-17