Your Daily Crossroad

Never Alone

Posted on May 8, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: John 14

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17)

While writing a Bible guide for pastors in Indonesia, a writer friend grew fascinated with that nation’s culture of togetherness. Called gotong royong—meaning “mutual assistance”—the concept is practiced in villages, where neighbors may work together to repair someone’s roof or rebuild a bridge or path. In cities too my friend said, “People always go places with someone else—to a doctor’s appointment, for example. It’s the cultural norm. So you’re never alone.”

Worldwide, believers in Jesus rejoice in knowing we also are never alone. Our constant and forever companion is the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Far more than a loyal friend, the Spirit of God is given to every follower of Christ by our heavenly Father to “give you another Comforter” (John 14:16).

Jesus promised God’s Spirit would come after His own time on Earth ended. “He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” Jesus said (v. 18). Instead, the Holy Spirit—“the Spirit of Truth” who “dwelleth with you, and shall be in you”—indwells each of us who receives Christ as Savior (v. 17).

The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, Encourager, and Counselor—a constant companion in a world where loneliness can afflict even connected people. May we forever abide in His comforting love and help.

As a believer in Christ, how does it encourage you to know that the Holy Spirit lives inside of you? How have you neglected God’s comfort?

This devotion blessed me. What a reminder, Jesus promised we will always have companionship with the Holy Spirit, who never leaves us. What a mighty God we serve, to know He cares so much for us that before we were even born He desired to comfort us and sent The Holy Spirit. How blessed we are when we abide in His love. Do you know Him? He desires to dwell in you. Your never alone.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Colossians 4:5-6

May '19

We Need Each Other

Posted on May 7, 2019 in Devotions |

May '19

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

While on a hike with my kids, we discovered a light, springy green plant growing in small clumps on the trail. According to a signpost, the plant is commonly called deer moss, but it’s not actually a moss at all. It’s a lichen. A lichen is a fungus and an alga growing together in a mutualistic relationship in which both organisms benefit from each other. Neither the fungus nor the alga can survive on its own, but together they form a hardy plant that can live in some alpine areas for up to 4,500 years. Because the plant can withstand drought and low temperatures, it’s one of the only food sources for caribou (reindeer) in deep winter.

The relationship between the fungus and the alga reminds me of our human relationships. We rely on each other. To grow and flourish, we need to be in relationship with each other.

Paul, writing to believers in Colossae, describes how our relationships should look. We are to clothe ourselves with “bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12). We ought to forgive each other and live in peace “as members of one body” (v. 15).

It’s not always easy to live in peace with our families or friends. But when the Spirit empowers us to exhibit humility and forgiveness in our relationships, our love for each other points to Christ (John 13:35) and brings glory to God.

In what ways do your relationships point to Jesus? How can you pursue peace?

This devotion blessed me. I pray it encourages you to cry out to the the Holy Spirit to fill you with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward each other so the world may see His love in you.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May '19

Fearless Love

Posted on May 6, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: 1 John 4:19, Love

May '19

We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

For years I wore a shield of fear to protect my heart. It became an excuse to avoid trying new things, following my dreams, and obeying God. But fear of loss, heartache, and rejection hindered me from developing loving relationships with God and others. Fear made me an insecure, anxious, and jealous wife, and an overprotective, worrying mother. As I continue learning how much God loves me, however, He’s changing the way I relate to Him and to others. Because I know God will care for me, I feel more secure and willing to place the needs of others before mine.

God is love (1 John 4:7–8). Christ’s death on the cross—the ultimate demonstration of love—displays the depth of His passion for us (vv. 9–10). Because God loves us and lives in us, we can love others based on who He is and what He’s done (vv. 11–12).

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, He gives us His Holy Spirit (vv. 13–15). As the Spirit helps us know and rely on God’s love, He makes us more like Jesus (vv. 16–17). Growing in trust and faith can gradually eliminate fear, simply because we know without a doubt that God loves us deeply and completely (vv. 18–19).

As we experience God’s personal and unconditional love for us, we grow and can risk relating to Him and others with fearless love.

What fears are found in your heart? As you ponder God’s great love for you, how does this help alleviate them?

Lord, thank You for pouring limitless love into us so we can love You and others without fear. Amen.

This devotion blessed me. I pray it encourages someone in need of fearless love. Remember today, He first loved you and His love for you is unwavering His love is all you need but be willing and open to love others without fear because no matter what, He loves you with a limitless love.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is James 5:16

Apr '19

My Redeemer Lives

Posted on Apr 29, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: believe, Job 19:25

Apr '19

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. (Job 19:25)

What a thrill to KNOW that my Redeemer lives! Jesus Christ is just as alive today as He was right after the resurrection. In fact, He is just as much alive today as He was before the crucifixion, and even before He came to earth and was laid in the manger.

What difference does it make whether we serve a living God or one made of stone? Isn’t it just a practice we believe in? Is it a crutch to help us along our way? No! Absolutely not!

A living God knows right where you are day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. He sees your every need, hears your every cry, and longs to hold you close to Himself. He is present to walk with you through the valley. He provides a song in the night. He takes your feet from the muck and mire and plants them on a rock. He blesses you with hope and gives joy for Life’s journey. A god with no life is unable to do these things. He cannot see, or hear, or reach, or touch, or provide. He simply cannot.

But my God is alive! The joy and the assurance that we celebrate on Easter doesn’t end when the holiday is over and the decorations are all packed away. Why? Because Christ is alive. So rejoice, my friend, and live each day with the hope and joy that Easter brings. Walk with Christ. Talk with Him, and allow His joy to penetrate your heart and fill your soul. Don’t live in defeat and agony as if Christ is still on in cross, or in the tomb. HE is alive! He IS alive! He is ALIVE!

Lord, I praise and worship You because You are alive and because You share Your magnificent self with me as Your child. Thank You for the constant day by day fellowship I have with You. Thank You for being alive! Amen.

How blessed we are. When I read this devotion I was reminded of what Jesus said to Thomas, blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see. He saved me! My redeemer lives!

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Job 19:25

Crossroad Fellowship

Your Daily Crossroad

Never Alone

We Need Each Other

Fearless Love

My Redeemer Lives