Your Daily Crossroad
20
Apr '21
The Meek
20
Apr '21
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Our Lord Jesus calls those blessed who are meek. He means those who are of a patient and kind spirit. Those who are willing to suffer much on this earth and do so with little honor or fanfare.
They suffer offense without going on the offensive.
They bear injuries without resentment.
Their finances, families, friends, and life may fail them, but they do not lose heart. They are never losers in the long run. One day they shall “reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
In a word, the meek are people willing to be called fools for Christ. When the Bible speaks of the word fool, it speaks in one of three types.
The first type is the fool-proper. This fool says in his heart, “there is no God” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). This type of fool rejects God and rejects all godly wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7).
The second type of fool is the fool-bearer. This is someone willing to be called a fool for the sake of Christ (1 Cor. 4:10). Much like the apostles who were shamed as fools in Acts 5:41. The Bible tells us that “they left the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be shamed for the name.”
Men like Paul, who said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, I am content with insults… The same Paul who was beaten with rods, thrown in jail, and at midnight he and Silas start singing (Acts 16)! The guards must have thought that they were crazy— fools for Christ!
Because of their meek spirit, these men and women suffered much for the cause of Christ. Their reward? They will inherit the earth. The very world that humiliated and shamed them, they will rule!
The fool-bearers will rule because of Jesus Christ, the fool-maker. Christ is the third type of fool, He is a fool-maker. He is the one that, in the end, makes everyone else foolish.
The Christ who said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Who is fooling now?
The Christ who said, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” Who is fooling now?
The Christ who they thought to be just a man, but He claimed to be God (John 10:33)… who is fooling now?
When Jesus rose from the grave and went to sit a the right hand of the Father, anyone, anywhere, at any time who has ever doubted him, He made them a fool.
As fool-bearers, we follow the Fool-maker. And it is our meekness that keeps us. A meek spirit that allows us to suffer much for the One who suffered most. A meek spirit that enables us to receive shame and humiliation with joy! A meek spirit that is shaping us, forming us, helping us get ready for our inheritance. For the meek shall inherit the earth!
Your prayer today, “Lord, allow me to be counted a fool for you. When humiliation and shame come my way, give me meekness Lord, that I would patiently endure for you.”
When I read this devotion I was reminded of Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Patiently and proudly endure for Christ.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
Apr '21
More Than Just Being Happy
15
Apr '21
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
What comes to mind when you think of being blessed? Is it a peaceful existence? Perhaps it is financial gain.
Whatever comes to mind, you might be surprised to learn that being blessed is more than just being happy.
It is experiencing hope and joy despite your circumstances.
So many times in the Bible, we are given promises that contradict the world’s standards. By earthly terms, we typically think of being blessed as having something, someone, or some measure.
But the Bible tells us it is having joy in Christ and following His ways—despite our circumstances.
As we seek God’s ways, our hearts and minds are transformed to be more like Him and less like the world. Today ask God to direct your heart to Him.
Therein lies true peace of mind!
When I read this devotion one word came to mind, hallelujah! I pray you are filled with hope and joy today. Seek Him and you will find Him every single time.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
13
Apr '21
Perfectly Just
13
Apr '21
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (Psalm 103:13)
Did you know that God’s love is based on His character? He is holy, just, merciful, and compassionate all at the same time. His characteristics are too many to name.
Because He is perfectly just, the Psalms tell us that He does get angry over our sin.
However, He lets go of it when He forgives us. And He forgets the sin!
God is merciful, and He withholds judgment. He is not passive-aggressive because He relates to us in love.
As far as the East is from the West, we are told that we are separated from our sin. How is this possible?
Because when we ask for God’s forgiveness, He sees us through the sacrifice His Son made for us. This should never be an excuse to sin, but instead, should prompt us to want to do what is right—out of gratitude for Jesus’ incredible sacrifice.
Thank you Jesus for your incredible sacrifice for me today. Renew my spirit and create in me a clean heart. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me, I pray it blesses you too.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
08
Apr '21
When We Praise God
08
Apr '21
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1)
Praise is defined as the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something.
What’s something in your life that you have praised recently? Maybe a song you heard, an outfit you saw, a show you watched, or a friend’s actions you admired.
When we share that praise with others we have a purpose. Maybe not a life goal, but there is a reason we are sharing it.
“Did you see that new movie? It’s so great! You guys have to see it.”
“Have you heard her new song? It’s amazing, you need to stream it now.”
“Did you see how he helped that family? Don’t you just admire him more than ever?”
In each case, the person giving praise has a purpose. He wants you to go see that movie or listen to that song. She wants you to see the goodness of that generous person.
We don’t praise to entertain or pass the time, we praise to bring attention to something worthy of that attention.
When we praise God, we bring the attention of the world to the Creator who is indeed worthy of ALL of our attention. We prompt those who may not know Christ at all to take notice of Him.
Can you think of a time when someone else’s praise drew your attention to God?
When I read this devotion it blessed me. He is worthy of ALL our praise and attention. I am reminded of Luke 19:40, And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!