Your Daily Crossroad

To Believe is to Live

Posted on Sep 11, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: His glory, John 8:24

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:24)

The Pharisees were always trying to catch Jesus off guard. Regardless of what Jesus was teaching, they would test Him. The Pharisees were the religious leaders and teachers of the day. They knew the Scriptures better than anyone and were always ready to tell others how to live by them. They were superior in their righteousness, or so they thought. They enjoyed their status, their power and the honor given to them by man. Jesus however, created problems for them in His teachings. The people wanted to hear more of what Jesus had to say. The Pharisees were threatened as they saw their power diminishing, as more and more people followed Jesus. How sad to realize that the very One whom they had been waiting for their whole lives was in their midst and they did not recognize Him!

The people who denied Jesus would die in their sins because they refused to believe that He is the Son of God. When all is said and done, the verse above sums up the truth. If we do not believe in Jesus, we will die in our sins. Sadly, there are still Pharisees in our world today who think that by knowledge and good works they have the answers. There are those who can recite Scripture to justify any argument or prove any point and are always instructing others on how to live godly lives. Then, there are those who truly try hard to do what is right. They volunteer for ministry services, give freely to others in need and are kind-hearted to everyone. On the outside, both types look very godly and religious. But what about on the inside?

Jesus is not impressed with our “good” works. Our best intentions mean nothing in the kingdom of God. We are born of sin, live sinful lives and will die in our sins, unless we do one thing—believe in Jesus. It is not the kind of belief that acknowledges His existence or His role. James 2:19 tells us that, “the devils also believe, and tremble.” The word “believe” means to adhere to, rely on, trust in, and depend upon. Do you believe in Jesus Christ according to His definition of the word? Do you absolutely depend upon Him for your salvation? Do you know that there is nothing you can add to your salvation and that there is no good work that you can do for eternal security? The only requirement is faith. The only One who can cleanse us from our sins is Jesus Christ, and the only way we can be cleansed is by believing in Him alone. Today, you can know Him. Dear Lord, I want to know Your Son Jesus. I know that I am a sinner who cannot do enough good works to earn my salvation. I am lost without You. I want You to be my Lord and Savior forever more.

After reading today’s devotion it reminded me of the severity of our salvation, it’s time we take a good hard look on the inside. Time is short, we must depend upon Him for our salvation and Him alone. Take time today and evaluate what’s on the inside because in the end when you stand before God, that’s what will matter most, be sure everything you say and do is for His glory not your own. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Chronicles 16:11

Sep '18

Aroma of Christ

Posted on Sep 10, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: 2 Corinthians 2, choose wisely, scent

Sep '18

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:13-14)

Isn’t it interesting that Paul uses words that relate to our sense of smell to describe how we should be seen by others (or smelled by others)? Most of us notice when a person passes by wearing cologne or perfume, especially when it is a strong scent. There are certain fragrances that evoke memories in us. The smell of spices and evergreen are most common at Christmas. Floral smells hint of springtime. And even someone’s scent (good or bad) stirs emotions within us if we relate that fragrance to a particular time or event in our lives.

As Christians, Paul is saying that we, too, have a scent about us —”the aroma of Christ.” The origin of the word “aroma” brings us back to Old Testament times when the sacrificial offerings of burning animal flesh were common. Our lives as Christians are offered as that living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). As we live for Christ (and are willing to die to ourselves), we become a sweet-smelling aroma to God. Not by our good works, but because of the offerings and sacrifices we are willing to make in our daily lives. But we live in a world of indulgence to self, not sacrifice. How can we be the fragrance of Christ in the world today?

The first step is in being aware of who you are in Christ. As a believer, you represent Him wherever you go and whatever you do. What does that look like in real life? Maybe by forgiving someone who has hurt you. Maybe by giving up something you want just to bless someone else. The root of sacrifice and unselfishness goes back to love. It is the love of Christ in us and through us that leaves that sweet aroma on others.

Take time today and think about the fragrance you are wearing. Put it in the perspective of being an offering and a sacrifice unto the Lord for the sake of others. What better role model for us than the apostle Paul? Of course, the ultimate sacrifice was given through God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, and it is now up to us to make that sacrifice known to the world. Ask the Lord today to help you be the aroma of Christ everywhere you go. May you leave a scent of love on everyone that you pass.

After reading today’s devotion it provoked me to stop and ask myself that very question and my hope is that you will take a moment today and evaluate your spiritual scent. I realize this may sound silly but it’s truth. What fragrance have you chose to wear today? It’s a choice each and every day, choose wisely.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Todays Reading is Psalms 16:8

Sep '18

Unchanging Love

Posted on Sep 7, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: 1 John 2:17, unchanging love

Sep '18

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)

When I was in high school I played on the varsity tennis team. I spent many hours of my teenage years trying to improve my skills on four concrete courts located just two blocks from my home.

The last time I visited that city, one of the first things I did was drive to the tennis courts, hoping to watch others play and reminisce for a moment. But the old courts, so familiar to my memory, were nowhere to be seen. In their place was a vacant field, inhabited only by an occasional weed waving silently in the breeze.

That afternoon remains in my mind as a stark reminder of the brevity of life. One of the places where I expended some of my best youthful strength no longer existed! Reflecting on that experience later brought me to this truth, expressed by an aging King David: “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;” (Psalm 103:15–17).

We grow older and the world around us may change, but God’s love doesn’t. He can always be trusted to take care of those who turn to Him.

Faithful Father, thank You for Your love that never changes! Help me to love You by serving You faithfully today. Amen.

This devotion blessed me. I am encouraged in knowing His love for me never changes, may we serve Him ever so faithfully today and every day. He is faithful. Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them (Psalm 89:9).

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 3:11

Sep '18

Serve Humbly in Love

Posted on Sep 6, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: Galatians 5:13-14, Love of Christ

Sep '18

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Galatians 5:13-14)

Servitude is not a glamorous concept. Who in their right mind would sign up for a life of servitude? And yet that is what God has in mind for his people. God knows how service to others will bless us as well as the community around us.

Service is a great way to put aside our self-centeredness and notice how we are connected, even indebted, to others. When we start seeing the genuine needs of others, it deters our own sense of entitlement. None of us became the people we are alone, but by the sacrifice and investment of many others from our earliest years. And that doesn’t take into account what Christ has done for us.

Serving others not only reveals the bonds between us; it reflects the love of God. When we notice service to us, and when we serve others, we experience God’s grace. It points people to Christ. Jesus modeled grace that goes way beyond our understanding. He emptied himself for us, though we deserved nothing. His example calls us to “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21). In our “me-first” culture, God calls us to put others first. What a challenge!

Are we looking out for others the way we look out for ourselves? Can we put their needs ahead of our own? How are you serving in your community?

Lord, teach us how to serve one another. Help us to put the needs of others first, as you did for us. Show us ways to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus name, Amen.

When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of Ephesians 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. May our lives always reflect Christ.

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Crossroad Fellowship

Your Daily Crossroad

To Believe is to Live

Aroma of Christ

Unchanging Love

Serve Humbly in Love