Your Daily Crossroad

How Far Is Too Far?

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
 
The church in Corinth was struggling with their newfound freedom in Christ, and with that they were asking a question that Christians have been asking for years “What can I get away with and still call myself a Christian?”

Instead of giving them a nice little list of Christian rules, the Apostle Paul tells them they are not asking the right question. Instead of asking the infamous “How far is too far?” question, Paul challenges them to ask this question instead: “What can I do to benefit others? How can I intentionally seek to help others, even at the risk of some of my freedoms?” It is a totally different question. It is a question that can change our lives.

Ask yourself this question right now: How am I setting up other people to grow in their relationship with Jesus?

That is the heart of what Paul was saying to the Corinthians and it is still applicable to us. Yes, we have a freedom in Christ. Yes, we have the right to eat, drink and be merry. We even have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What would it look like if we were willing to sacrifice those freedoms to benefit others?

It is so profound that Paul uses the word “seek”, because it implies being intentional with your actions. When you played Hide and Seek as a kid and you were the “seeker”, you were very, very intentional at seeking (or else you weren’t very good!).

What can you do today to intentionally seek the good of others? What can you do today to help someone grow closer to Jesus?

I struggled as to weather I should share this or not because I didn’t want to come across as if I was condoning certain things but I realized this is not what it’s about, it’s about putting aside those things to help someone grow closer to Jesus. Doing something to please yourself that you feel you have the right to do to then cause someone to fall away or be consumed by whatever “it” may be isn’t worth it. Nothing in this life is worth missing eternity over nor is anything in this life worth causing someone else to stumble and fall away from Jesus, you will be held accountable for those you led to or away from God. Just remember that the next time you question how far is too far. When in doubt, throw it out.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 3:9-17



Always in His Care

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalm 32:8)

In Psalm 32, David celebrated the marvel of God’s forgiveness, guidance, and concern for us. Unlike a human father, God knows every detail of our lives and the deepest needs of our hearts. The Lord’s promise to us is, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (v. 8).

Whatever our circumstances today, we can rely on God’s presence and care because “he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about” (v. 10).

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for watching over me in love and guiding me along Your path today. Amen.

When I read this today it made me think of the comfort that comes from The Lord. We are never truly alone. We may be separated from family, friends and loved ones but when we have Christ in our life, He is always watching over us. He truly knows every detail of our lives and we can rest in knowing His mercy is round about us. So today when the enemy tries telling you your all alone, remind Him what the scripture says, He will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: He will guide thee with His eye. You are never alone.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 32:1-11



The Lord Will Overcome!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Has the first thought in your mind, as soon as your eyes opened in the morning, ever been “I don’t think I can face today. My heart is too full of hurt/hate/anger/sadness.” If you answered no, I’d like you to do two things. First, please share your secret with everyone else in the world. Second, stop lying to yourself! Everyone has had this thought. I’ve had this thought more often than I’d really like to admit to myself.

We always hear that Jesus lives within us, and that if we call out to Him, He will fill us with peace and love. However, many of us find ourselves turning away from Him when we are feeling defeated. We try to conquer this world by ourselves.

Today’s Bible verse is clear that we will all face trouble. Everyone feels defeated sometimes. Everyone feels lost, scared, hurt and broken sometimes. However, God tells us that He has overcome the world and all of our trouble.

Why should we be of good cheer? God lives in our spirit! He is literally inside of us! So, because He lives in and through us, through Him, we can overcome this world! That is so amazing!

So next time you wake up and start to feel like you can’t face the day, call out to him!

Oh Lord Jesus, I can’t face today. My heart is so full of hurt. Fill me with Your peace and love, and help me to remember that You live in me, and that through You, I can overcome this world! Amen!

Although the day is already about over, after reading this I felt it was worth sharing tonight that we may have a different perspective when we lay our head down tonight and when we wake in the morning. Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone because I know, yes I know He holds my future and life is worth the living just because He lives. May you rest in this truth and remember always, nothing, no thing is to big for God! Amen!

Have a wonderful evening in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is John 16



Win Over Worry

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matthew 6:27)

Jesus knew all about our inclination to worry when He asked, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27).

Maybe worrying is in your genes, you nurture it every time you allow it to take root in your thoughts. I myself have wasted time and energy letting my mind get worked up over situations my heavenly Father had under His control.

Scripture reminds me I have a loving Father who cares even for birds: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26). When I call to mind that God feeds even sparrows, I’m reassured. I remember my heavenly Father sees me, loves me and cares for my needs.

What about you, friend? You might have some pressing uncertainties in your life. Trouble at work may be wearing you down. Concern for your kids can keep you up at night. Bills might look big at the end of the month, and a simple visit to the doctor can turn your life upside down.

Let’s flex our faith muscles today.

Rather than waste time and energy on worry, let’s use it to build our faith. Why replay fears in our minds when we can choose to remember God’s truth instead? What if we look to His Word to find a specific Scripture verse that addresses our concerns?

We can flip fear with the Word of God. Worrying won’t change our situation, but God’s Word can. When anxious thoughts come, let’s call to mind God’s promises and meditate on His faithfulness. Let’s turn our worries into prayers as we proclaim God’s powerful Word over ourselves and the people we love.

After all, our heavenly Father calls each star by name, and He sees each sparrow when it falls. We can trust Him to take care of us.

Lord, I know You love and care for me and the people in my life. Help me learn to trust You. Give me grace to believe that You will work for good in every situation. Help me to lay worry aside and flex my faith muscles instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I pray this touches someone today as it did I when I read it. God is so good about speaking right into my situation. His timing never ceases to amaze me. I’m going to flex my faith muscles today!! Amen! Thank You my Savior!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 5:7