Your Daily Crossroad
17
Dec '20
Being a “good” Person
17
Dec '20
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (James 2:14)
Trying to “make” yourself do the right thing or be a good person is a strength in society, but in God’s economy it’s foolishness. The good works spoken of in James refers to the presence of God and the “fruit” of God in a life as evidence of a prior salvation. Being a “good” person or living peaceably does not cause salvation…salvation causes those things.
May the good and right things that flow from me be the overflow of your Holy Spirit and never the “work” of earning your name.
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. (Titus 3:1)
When I read this devotion I was reminded of James 1:22, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Help us God to put what we learn from your word into daily practice. Just being a “good” person doesn’t guarantee eternal life. Remember this, salvation is a true relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship doesn’t begin when you get to heaven: it begins here on earth.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
Dec '20
Doer of The Word
15
Dec '20
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
So what exactly is a doer of the word? What is a listener of the word? The listener hears the word, but fails to live it out or internalize it. Hearing scripture is good, but without revelation it’s like the house built on sand (Matthew 7).
Only someone who is intimate with the Holy Spirit experiences the living word. Jesus was referred to as “the word” (John 1) and will reveal himself in you and to you as you pursue and study Him.
Let me demonstrate your presence because revelation of your word is filling my heart and soul. Amen
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. (Psalm 119:13)
This devotion blessed me. I pray it encourages you to evaluate your true relationship with the Holy Spirit. Is your house built on sand?
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
10
Dec '20
His Power and Omniscience
10
Dec '20
Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail. (Job 38:22)
Have you ever questioned God as to why something is happening in your life? Do you wonder why specific prayers go unanswered? Have you ever felt frustration or even anger with Him for life not turning out the way you hoped or wanted?
At one time or another, we each go through periods of doubt where we question God and wonder what He is up to. In those times, have you ever heard Him speak to you, quietly reminding you of His power and omniscience? Have you heard Him ask you where you were when he formed the earth? Have you heard Him say to you that He controls the stars and dark of night, the world, and the light?
In this passage, God reminds us of His incredible power. He alone is responsible for keeping the world spinning. His magnificence is manifested from the largest to the smallest of things. When He asks Job in this passage if he has considered the storehouses of snow, it might seem like an odd question, until you discover that no two snowflakes are ever the same. Only a spectacular, powerful, creative God could do that!
God, thank you for your creativity. I give you honor and praise for all of your creation. Amen
When I read this devotion it spoke to my heart and I wanted to share it with you today. In those moments of doubt remember this devotion, when you see a snowflake, again, remember this devotion. If you listen carefully, even the silence is beautiful.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
08
Dec '20
Joy
08
Dec '20
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials. (James 1:2)
Joy doesn’t seem possible during trials and hardship, but the outcome of this James verse shifts our understanding. God does not cause hardship but will certainly use our suffering to create the greater prize of depth. Maturity has nothing to do with age in the kingdom of God. Jesus and the disciples all experienced hardship, it was their faith that kept them stable, not the world around them.
Spiritual maturity alone allows us to remain stable and tackle each day… sometimes each moment. Amen.
This devotion blessed me. I felt it was an incredible reminder for each and every one of us. Choose to find the beauty and joy in each day and pray for better days to come.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!