Your Daily Crossroad
31
Dec '20
A Tranquil Heart
31
Dec '20
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
The definition of rot is to decay or the action of decomposing. Have you ever smelled spoiled milk or rotting food? It is a putrid stench. It can make you sick to your stomach. Proverbs tells us that envy will rot our bones. Envy looks at another and desires what they have. Envy is so destructive that it robs us of joy. It steals our peace of mind and causes bitterness in our hearts.
When we look at another and ache for their life, we fail to appreciate our own. While someone else’s life may sound great to us, we do not know the struggles they may be facing. However, Proverbs gives us the solution to envy. It tells us that a tranquil heart gives life. Tranquility means we are calm and quiet. We are not fretting over what we don’t have.
Lord, give me a tranquil heart, one that looks to you with gratefulness. Replace any envy I may be experiencing with an appreciation for all you have done for me. Amen.
This devotion is full of such truth. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again and again. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about and times are not always the same, the grass is not always green. The grass is greenest where it is watered so when crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be. Start counting your blessings, big or small and you will quickly realize the grass under your feet has been green the entire time.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
29
Dec '20
Kindness, Compassion and Love
29
Dec '20
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Selfishness focuses on my interests above the needs and interests of others. When we operate out of a place of entitlement, we fail to look at other’s needs. In this verse, Paul says selfishness is related to arrogance, or empty conceit. When we build ourselves up by tearing another down, we fail to show the love of Christ.
However, God is so good. He always has a remedy. He tells us to be kind, compassionate, and loving to one another. When we put the needs of others above ourselves, we become more like Christ. Jesus came to serve and not be served. He is to be our example.
Lord, help me be like you. Let my heart be that of your servant. Help me to love others as you did, appreciating them, showing compassion and kindness to all. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. So often we as a society are me focused. I am reminded of a quote, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Remember that and this devotion, the next time you have an opportunity to show kindness. No act of kindness, compassion or love, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
24
Dec '20
Prayer and Supplication
24
Dec '20
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
Anxiety, stress, and uncertainty are three of the most common struggles plaguing people right now. Loss, fear, and worry surface in uncertain times. As believers, God tells us that we do not have to fear or be anxious about anything. Instead, God wants you to come to Him and tell Him your deepest concerns.
He wants you to trust Him – like a small child who climbs into their father’s lap, curls up and rests. You can give your anxieties and requests to God, knowing that He is working on your behalf. He has your best interest in mind. He is always good, always just, and ever present.
Jesus, I come to you with my burdens. I ask you to remove any heaviness in my heart. Please give me your peace as I trust you to provide for my needs. Thank you for your grace and love. Amen.
When I read this devotion I felt it was fitting for Christmas Eve, 2020 hasn’t been so kind and for some it has come with loss, fear and worry, just as this devotion says but I am reminded of Galatians 6:9, Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. My prayer for you this day is that in those moments of fear and anxiousness you are reminded of this one thing, if you remember nothing else from this devotion, I pray you remember this, He is always good, always just, and ever present.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
22
Dec '20
Hold Your Peace
22
Dec '20
The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14)
What are the things that are competing for your attention today? What is weighing heavily on your heart? Is it a person? Or maybe, it’s your job or lack thereof. Perhaps you have a child who isn’t following the Lord. Each day has struggles of its own. Trials and difficulties vie for our time. But the Lord wants us to trust Him and give Him our cares and concerns. He desires that we come to Him, trusting Him to work on our behalf.
Exodus tells us to be silent and trust the Lord to fight for us. Isn’t that difficult, though? It is not natural to be quiet and trust God. Our flesh wants to complain or fret about our struggles. But, God wants us to rest in Him. He can make a way when we see no way out of our situation. Just think about how many times God has rescued His people from trouble. He parted the Red Sea when there was no escape for the Israelites. He delivered Daniel out of the lion’s den. Over and over again, we see Him work miracles on behalf of those who love Him.
Help me to focus on your incredible faithfulness Jesus. Give me the peace I need to wait on you in quietness and trust. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. The Lord will fight for you, you just need to hold your peace. That’s not an easy ask but I assure you, you will find rest in God’s goodness and presence. He neither slumbers nor sleeps. Leave whatever “it” is to God. Do your best and God will do the rest.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!