Your Daily Crossroad
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Jul '19
Treasured!
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Jul '19
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44)
Many of us have a box or drawer that we keep mementos in—photographs that bring back fond memories, cards with kind and meaningful words written on them, trinkets given by a loved one, or maybe a ribbon, a lock of hair, or a pressed flower. What is in your treasure box?
The Israelites had a history of being conquered and plundered by neighboring nations. Whenever war broke out and the enemy advanced, farmers would hide their valuables in a field in case their house was raided. Often, sadly, the family was swept away by the invaders and their treasure remained hidden until someone might discover it years later—usually while plowing the field or digging for some other reason.
Jesus used that scenario as the backdrop for this parable about the kingdom. And when the man found the treasure, Jesus said, “He hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought the field.”
So what is the value of the kingdom? To the one who finds it, says Jesus, it is worth more than everything he or she has.
Now consider this: The kingdom of heaven’s value is your life, paid for by the life of Jesus. In his joy, upon finding the lost treasure that is you, Jesus went and sold all he had so that he could have you!
Lord Jesus, thank you that you treasure me so much that you gave your life for mine. In your name, Amen.
This devotion blessed me and my prayer is that it is a reminder of just how treasured you are by The King of all Kings. He treasures you and I so much He gave His life willingly. I am brought to tears when I read and think on what today’s devotion says, Jesus went and sold all he had so that he could have you and me, wow! That causes me to stop and reflect on things differently, He chose me!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 1:16
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Jul '19
I CHOOSE Not To Be Offended
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Jul '19
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. (Proverbs 19:11)
What did she mean by that? Why does she always hurt my feelings? Why does she treat me that way?
I didn’t realize these words played through my head on a continual basis until my daughter pointed it out. She ended many of our conversations with, “Why do you get your feelings hurt so easily?” Or, “Mom, you’re so sensitive.
At first, her words angered me. But over time, I began to hear what she was saying. For years, I allowed people’s words to hurt my feelings. In turn, I harbored anger for those words. The anger took root. Satan fed the words to me over and over again. I re-played them in my mind. Each time the anger grew deeper roots.
Listening to a sermon in church, I would think, “I wish ______ was here. They really need to hear this!” Of course, the sermon by-passed my heart all together. The words of others consumed my thoughts and focus, and stole my time.
About this time, God called me to teach a Bible study on the book of Proverbs. I spent days and weeks absorbed in this amazing book of wisdom. One afternoon, this verse leapt off the page and into my heart, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression” (Proverbs 19:11).
I had a choice. Up until now, I heard people’s words, jumped to a conclusion, and chose to be offended. But through His Word, God spoke and said, “Wendy, you can choose to look past their words and not receive them with an offended heart.”
I discovered that I needed to LISTEN objectively and ask: What is driving their words? Do they have a valid point? Do they have a deep hurt? Do they need something I am not giving? Are they generally just plain mean and negative?
The responsibility was on me to stop the words from entering my heart and taking root. I discovered in this process that I WANTED the approval of others. Yet, God’s Word clearly says that He is the only One whose approval I need. When I accepted this, my heart changed.
Yes, it took time, and I am a work in progress. But, now when someone speaks a hurtful word, I check it at the door of my heart. I hear the words, I recognize my issue, and I speak Truth over my heart. I literally say, “It is to my glory to not receive this as an offense.”
It is a win-win for everyone because I do not ruin the rest of the day by pouting and making it all about me or soaking in self-pity. And, each time, I sense God is pleased as I honor Him by choosing NOT to be offended.
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am created in Your image. Thank You I find my identity in You. Thank You that it is only Your Word and Your opinion that matter. Lord, give me Your ears to hear. Help me not to be easily offended and easily angered. Help me lay down any offenses to which I am currently holding. Let me live in the freedom of Your love and forgiveness. Help me live not in my flesh, but supernaturally in the fullness and freshness of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I pray this blesses someone in some way. I know it blessed me. God is so good. He’s always showing me ways to grow in Him. Thank You Lord for You are Faithful. I choose not to be offended.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 12:2
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Jul '19
Giving God Your Best
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Jul '19
Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing . . . (2 Samuel 24:24)
After David had displeased God by holding a census, Israel experienced a plague. When “the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it,” God ordered the angel to stop. The point was a threshing floor that belonged to Araunah.
Because of the importance of this place, the prophet, Gad, told David to build an altar there. Araunah offered to donate the land, but, to David, this was not acceptable. The principle to him was simple: “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.”
Eventually Araunah allowed David to buy the land. An altar was built, and “the Lord was moved by prayer for the land, and the plague was held back from Israel.” But David demonstrated how much he loved God by giving Him something of real value.
David knew that we need to give God our best. Looking at our hearts, He sees what is important to us. And we demonstrate our priorities by what we do with our time, abilities, and possessions.
We remember that Jesus told how a poor widow who had given an offering of two mites had, in His eyes, given more than anyone else (Mark 12:43). She had given God her very best.
In your life, remember that God deserves your best, in everything you do. Show Him how important He is to you by your actions and attitudes. Never compromise, and always seek to serve Him with passion and excellence. Spend quality time with Him in prayer and Bible reading.
And put your energy and resources into the things of God. Don’t hold back. And make His Kingdom your highest priority!
Father, I want to give You the best in my life. I want to spend quality time with You, and give You the best of my time, talent, and treasure. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I pray this devotion inspires you to do just as it says, to put your energy and resources into the things of God. How can you make His kingdom your highest priority today? You always have time for the things you put first. Fill your mind with God’s word and you will have no room for satan’s lies, amen and amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:21
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Jul '19
The Power of Patience
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Jul '19
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
One of the Merriam Webster definitions of patience is: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.” It’s not the most uplifting definition. Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment. Unfortunately, it seems that life is often a test of patience.
I struggle with waiting – whether it’s sitting in traffic or at a restaurant. Why, I’d rather drive five miles out of the way than sit stuck in traffic. I get impatient when I’m facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they’ll do something and then fall through.
Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, “Lord, give me some patience, now!” Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:
- Take a deep breath and pray for self-control.
- When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
- Confront fairly, and seek to listen and understand – first. When needed, be sure to forgive.
- Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us.
Patience is a precious commodity, for it’s a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.
Amen! This devotion blessed me. I pray after reading this devotion you can take something away from it to influence your life for the good. We can all use a little direction and guidance when it comes to patience. I love when it said, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us. Help us today Lord to show patience, for there is power in patience.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today Reading is Romans 8:25