Your Daily Crossroad

God’s Love

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 in Devotions | Tags: 1 John, God's Love, His Love Stands

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)

I recently read about how God’s love is certainly at the heart of the mission and message of Jesus. In his earlier gospel account, John recorded the words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The apostle Paul tells us that God’s love is at the core of how we live, and he reminds us that “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).

God’s love is so strong, available, and stabilizing that we can confidently step into each day knowing that the good things are gifts from His hand and the challenges can be faced in His strength. For all of life, His love is what matters most.

Thank You, O Lord, that Your love is rich and pure, measureless and strong! I ask that you hold my hand on this journey called life. May I rest assured in knowing all my challenges can be faced in Your strength and Yours alone. Your love stands when all else has fallen. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:7-19

Sep '16

Words

Posted on Sep 8, 2016 in Devotions | Tags: ephesians 4:29, time and place, uplift, words

Sep '16

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)

Saying only what is helpful to others would be transformative for many of us. Speaking what is helpful doesn’t mean only saying things that make others feel good. It will sometimes mean speaking hard truths in love and constructively criticizing others for their own good and for the glory of God. Building human beings up, much like construction of any type, takes hard work, sweat and tears. It’s not all easy compliments and flattery. Building up our brothers and sisters requires a strong foundation of truth and love and a desire to see the other grow in the Lord.

What may build up one person could tear down another. We cannot make sweeping declarations and assume that our words are beneficial for all. The saying, ‘there’s a time and a place’ exists for a good reason. When, how and even where we speak to someone can dramatically change how our words are received and their end effect. If I criticize someone in front of others at their birthday party, it doesn’t matter how true and constructive my words are because I’ve humiliated them and ruined a special time. But if I take that person aside on a different day and speak to them privately, my words could encourage and ultimately build them up.

Will it benefit those listening? Ask yourself that every time you’re about to open your mouth in the coming days. It will dramatically alter your conversations. If I’m asking myself that question before opening my mouth, I’m going to have to change the sound of frustration in my voice when I talk to my children, I’m going to have to complain less about others. I’m going to have to soften criticism by pairing it with encouragement. And I’m probably going to end up sharing the gospel a lot more. Because really, what could benefit those listening more than hearing about a Savior who offers the words of eternal life to those whose tongues have known only destruction? Talking about our Jesus will always benefit our listeners and it will equally benefit our own hearts. The infallible redeemer is the ultimate subject of wholesome, helpful and beneficial talk and hearing about Him is the only thing that fits according to all our needs.

Heavenly Father, help us to be mindful of our words today, help us to realize there truly is a time and place for everything to be said. It’s not what you say it’s how and when you say it. Use me today to make a difference in my children’s lives and those I come in contact with just by how, what and when I speak. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 29:14-19

Sep '16

Opportunities

Posted on Sep 7, 2016 in Devotions | Tags: mark 14:8, opportunities

Sep '16

She hath done what she could . . .(Mark 14:8)

During the week in which Christ would be killed, Mary of Bethany anointed Him with expensive perfume (John 12:3; Mark 14:3). Some of those present were appalled, but Jesus applauded her. “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me,” He said. “She hath done what she could. She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:6–8).

“She hath done what she could.” Christ’s words take the pressure off. Our world is full of broken, hurting people. But we don’t have to worry about what we can’t do only what we can do. The rest is in His capable hands.

There are rare moments that come into our lives, when we have the opportunity to do something that can only be done in that one moment. Mary believed, understood, and acted on what Jesus had been saying, seizing that moment to offer the gift of anointing His body for burial, a moment in time that would not come again.

Lord, show us how we can show Your love to others. May we not miss any opportunities to serve You this day. May You give us spiritual sensitivity to grasp the moment and may we be in a place where we are ready and waiting for that opportunity and willing to serve in the moment. I don’t want to miss my opportunity today. Amen..

Today’s Reading is Mark 14:3-9

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Sep '16

God’s Gift

Posted on Sep 6, 2016 in Devotions | Tags: God's Gift, Romans

Sep '16

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

God has given us more than we deserve through Christ. We deserve death because of our sin (Rom. 3:23). Yet, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8). We were unworthy, yet Jesus—sinless and holy—gave up His life so we could escape the penalty for our sin and one day live forever in heaven.

Eternal life is a gift from God. It’s not something we earn by working for it. We are saved by God’s grace, through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8–9).

Dear God, Your undeserved favor has made it possible for us to be saved from our sin. You have shown us amazing grace. Thank You for the gift You gave. Use me to tell others about You and what You have done. Amen.

Today’s Reading is Romans 5:6-15

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

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