Your Daily Crossroad
In Time
The key word in today’s verse is the word “time.” When the Lord says, “the time is near,” He is referring to time from His perspective, not from the perspective of time that we have. Our minds cannot comprehend God’s concept of time, which puts us in a place of trusting Him for His perfect timing in all things.
Time seems so finite to us on earth, but in the kingdom of God, time is very different from what we know today. Even setting the clocks back one hour throws our schedules and internal systems off. It takes many of us all week to get adjusted to the time change. How can we begin to even imagine time being eternal? But it will be eternal for our spirits, and the choice of where we will spend it is up to us. For those in Christ, eternity in Heaven awaits us and the concept of time will no longer matter. For those who die without knowing Christ as their Savior, eternity consists of a Hell too terrible to comprehend.
Today, we should value time from the perspective that it is too short and is running out fast. Let’s get out and spread the Good News before time runs out. The book of Revelation is written so that we will know of what is to come and to believe that the “time is near.” We must never become complacent or apathetic regarding the Lord’s prophecies and promises. His words will come to pass…in time.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think, find me ready Lord, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Time is short and we must focus on what truly matters in life. I challenge you this week or even this month, to read Revelation with me. We must equip ourselves with God’s word. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).
Make today beautiful!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 23
Unexpected Grace
It was an early Saturday morning in my sophomore year of high school, and I was eager to get to my job at the local bowling lanes. The evening before, I had stayed late to mop the muddy tile floors because the janitor called in sick. I hadn’t bothered to tell the boss about the janitor so I could surprise him. After all, What could go wrong? I thought.
Plenty, as it turns out.
Stepping in the door, I saw inches of standing water, with bowling pins, rolls of toilet paper, and boxes of paper scoresheets bobbing on top. Then I realized what I had done: While doing the floors, I had left a large faucet running overnight! Incredibly, my boss greeted me with a huge hug and a big smile—“for trying,” he said.
Saul was actively punishing and harassing Christians (Acts 9:1–2) when he came face to face with Jesus on the road to Damascus (vv. 3–4). Jesus confronted the soon-to-be-called apostle Paul with his sinful actions. Blinded by the experience, Saul/Paul would need a Christian—Ananias—to restore his sight to him in an act of courage and grace (v. 17).
Both Saul and I received unexpected grace.
Most people know they’ve messed up. Instead of lectures, they need a hope for redemption. Stern faces or sharp words can block their view of that hope. Like Ananias, or even my boss, followers of Jesus must become the face of grace in these life-changing encounters with others.
We have all come face to face with this reality and I’m certain we can all recall the individual who showed us grace and forgiveness in a situation where we know we didn’t deserve it. What an impact we can make in someone’s life by showing grace and forgiveness. Today lets do as this devotion mentions and find someone in our lives that deserves the face of grace. As followers of Christ lets choose to give someone hope for redemption and pray for them and with them instead of throwing out anger, judgement and condemnation. We have all messed up. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). A Christian’s grace-filled actions can smooth someone’s path to the Savior’s presence. Let’s choose today to show love and forgiveness.
Make today beautiful!
Today’s Reading is Acts 9:1-19
Trusting God Even If
Due to an injury that occurred in 1992, I suffer from chronic pain in my upper back, shoulders, and neck. During the most excruciating and disheartening moments, it’s not always easy to trust or praise the Lord. But when my situation feels unbearable, God’s constant presence comforts me. He strengthens me and reassures me of His unchanging goodness, limitless power, and sustaining grace. And when I’m tempted to doubt my Lord, I’m encouraged by the determined faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They worshiped God and trusted He was with them, even when their situation seemed hopeless.
When King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace if they didn’t turn away from the true God to worship his golden statue (Dan. 3:13–15), these three men displayed courageous and confident faith. They never doubted the Lord was worthy of their worship (v. 17), “even if” He didn’t rescue them from their current predicament (v. 18). And God didn’t leave them alone in their time of need; He joined and protected them in the furnace (vv. 24–25).
God doesn’t leave us alone either. He remains with us through trials that can feel as destructive as Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. Even if our suffering doesn’t end on this side of eternity, God is and always will be mighty, trustworthy, and good. We can rely on His constant and loving presence.
Lord, thank You for being with us, no matter what we’re going through. Amen.
When I read this I couldn’t help but be reminded, just because God didn’t remove the situation from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they still went into the furnace, faith believing “even if” they knew He would be with them in the fire. The same goes for you and I, even if God allows us to walk through the fire, even after asking and begging him to remove it from us, don’t loose faith in knowing even if, He is still with you in the fire. He never leaves you, He always gives you a way of escape, even if that means enduring the fire but knowing He is right beside you going through it with you. Your never alone. No matter what your facing, He is right there facing it with you, always present.
Make today beautiful!
Today’s Reading is Daniel 3:13-25
God’s Favor
Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. (Daniel 1:9)
I love the Old Testament stories that illustrate how God brought someone into favor in an unfavorable situation. Daniel was given favor in the king’s palace, even though he was a captive and taken prisoner. Joseph was given favor with the guards as a prisoner in Egypt. And even David, before he was king, was given favor when he sought refuge in enemy territory with the Philistines. Why such favor with these people in these situations? Was it because of what they had done to earn it? No. It was because of who God is.
Even today, we see God’s favor upon us. There are many times that I ask God to give me favor in certain situations or with certain people. Sometimes we hold back from asking for such things because we feel unworthy or undeserving. But the Lord wants us to ask because He loves to answer. I have been given favor in situations where I felt I didn’t deserve it. When we truly embrace God’s grace, then we can begin to understand a snippet of how much He loves us.
God is so good! He always has a way of showing His grace in so many different ways and it’s through devotions like this that I read when I am reminded of just how good God is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He brought favor to Daniel, Joseph and David in the most unfavorable situations then He can and will do the very same for you and I. If our lives are in line with God’s word and what He has called us to do, you can guarantee He will find you favor, even in the most uncertain situations. Be merciful, loving and kind, no matter your situation and watch what God will do. Be reading your word, praying, fasting and faithful in your tithes. He is faithful that promised.
Make today beautiful!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3