Your Daily Crossroad
23
Apr '20
Kindness
23
Apr '20
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:12-13)
When we feel hurt, irritated or angry it can be easy to give into our frustrations and let others know exactly how we feel…
During this unprecedented time, we are all dealing with extra time at home with our spouses, kids, and extended family members.
And as each day turns in to the next, we may find ourselves especially irritable, frustrated, and scared.
But, as soon as we give into our emotions and react in the flesh, we almost always regret it,…or we will later!
Colossians tells us to “put on” compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.
By putting on we make these attributes a part of ourselves, almost like an article of clothing.
Paul tells us these things because he knows how hard it is to respond in humility and kindness; especially when we feel hurt.
It is much harder to live a Godly life, than it is to give into our feelings.
However, as believers, we don’t have to do it alone.
God knows our humanness, and He knows how hard these things are to do on our own.
That is why He tells us to equip ourselves, and put them on.
When we pray and read God’s Word, we learn how to rely on God to accomplish what we can’t on our own.
You and I have an opportunity to make a difference…in our families lives…right now! This can be a time of change!
Re-read Colossians 3:12-13. Let the words sink in. When you get dressed this morning, think also about putting on compassion, humility, kindness, meekness, patience, forgiveness, etc.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I felt it hit close to home for many of us. Typically our first instinct is to react in the flesh, instead of allowing the spirit to guide our reactions. I pray today you are open and honest with yourself and you do a self check and let the words of Colossians 3:12-13 sink in, just as the devotion says. Choose to be the light in someone’s darkness, be kind, always, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
21
Apr '20
In A Dry and Weary Land, My Soul Thirst for God
21
Apr '20
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. (Psalm 63:1-5)
Have you ever noticed that no matter where you go, you can see the evidence of God all around you? When you go for a walk, you see the squirrels scamper about and the birds singing and you think of all of the marvelous creatures created by God. When driving down the highway, you look all around you and see the ever changing landscapes displaying their beauty before you and think of God who made this beautiful earth.
Here was David in the desert; his first thoughts were of God: My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. In thinking of his physical thirst in this dry and parched desert, he thinks of his dry and parched soul thirsting for God. He sees God in the sanctuary, beholding His power and glory causing his soul to burst in praise: Your love is better than life. When in his bed, he thinks of God throughout the watches of the night and sings in the shadow of God’s wings. The 63rd Psalm is such a glorious testimony of a life so filled with the praises to God, that everything around David constantly reminded him of God’s love, protection, and help!
Pray today that God will give you a spirit of praise to Him, and that wherever the day takes you, you will be reminded of your great and wondrous God.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I couldn’t help but think of that old Hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness. No matter if your day looks like a dry and deserted desert, I pray your first thoughts are of God. No matter what lies ahead, God is faithful still. To Him be the glory! Let us rise and Praise Him for He is worthy to be praised.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
16
Apr '20
Pride & Control
16
Apr '20
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Proverbs 19:20)
You’ve heard the expression, “no man is an island.”
Be careful not to get isolated emotionally during the trials of life.
Feelings seem like facts when we are upset.
When we don’t allow others to give us feedback, our blindspots don’t get called out!
It’s pride to think we always know what to do or no one understands our situation like we can.
Lord, your voice has often come through the people around me. Forgive me for any pride or control that has prevented the help you send.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22)
When I read this devotion I knew it would hit close to home for many of us. I pray after reading this short but powerful devotion that you are honest with yourself and with God about how much pride and control you have been choosing to hold tightly to. Let go and Let God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
14
Apr '20
Mercy & Love
14
Apr '20
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. (Job 6:14)
In Job 6 we are instructed to give kindness to our friends, even when they don’t deserve it.
It is our job to speak truth and be merciful, and it is God’s job to decide what correction another person needs.
Human condition is to give punishment and allow God to give the love and comfort.
But the word says: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
Initially, God shows us unusual mercy and tenderness so we can learn about him and heal.
Ultimately, God shows us mercy and tenderness to draw that same response out of us towards others.
- Let us be known for our love not our insight.
- Let us be known for our love not our authority.
- Let us be known for our love not our prophetic gifts.
God comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Father let me give mercy out of the abundance of mercy I have been given!
Let me be known as a disciple of Christ by the mercy I show others!
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)
What a powerful devotion on love. I pray it inspires you to love a little deeper and show mercy, even to those you may feel don’t deserve it. It’s easy to love those who love us but far more powerful and beautiful to love the unloveable.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!