your daily crossroad
07
Nov '18
I’m Sorry
07
Nov '18
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13)
In 2005, Collins falsified a report that resulted in McGee being thrown in prison for four years, and McGee vowed to find Collins when he got out and “hurt him.” McGee was eventually exonerated, but not before he lost everything. Meanwhile, Collins’s many falsified reports were uncovered, he lost his job, and he too spent time behind bars. But both men came to faith in Christ while in prison.
In 2015, the two discovered they were working together in the same faith-based company. Collins recalls, “I [told McGee], ‘Honestly, I have no explanation, all I can do is say I’m sorry.’” It was “pretty much what I needed to hear,” said McGee, who graciously forgave him. The men were able to reconcile because both had experienced the incomparable love and forgiveness of God, who empowers us to “forgive as the Lord forgave [us]” (Colossians 3:13).
Now the two are great friends. “We have this joint mission . . . of letting the world know that if you owe an apology to somebody, put your pride down and go apologize,” said Collins. “And if you’re holding something against somebody, let go of the bitterness because it’s like drinking poison and hoping it’s hurting them.”
God calls believers to live in peace and unity. If we have “a grievance against someone,” we can bring it to Him. He will help us to reconcile (vv. 13–15; Philippians 4:6–7).
Dear Father, thank You for forgiving us when we come to You in sorrow over our sins. Help us to receive Your forgiveness and to extend it to others. Amen.
This devotion blessed me, what a reminder. If there is someone your struggling to forgive remember How much Christ has forgiven you. It’s incredible how far I’m sorry can go when it’s genuine. Christ sets us free to forgive.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Timothy 2:1-2
06
Nov '18
Who’s Driving?
06
Nov '18
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
My neighbor Tim has a figurine on his dashboard of a “wild thing” based on Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book Where the Wild Things Are.
Not long ago Tim was following me through traffic and made some abrupt moves to keep up. When we arrived, I asked, “Was that the ‘wild thing’ driving?”
The following Sunday I forgot my sermon notes at home. I “flew” out of the church to retrieve them, passing Tim along the way. When we met later, he joked, “Was that the wild thing driving?” We laughed, but his point hit home—I should have paid attention to the speed limit.
When the Bible describes what it means to live in a relationship with God, it encourages us to “yield yourselves unto God” (Romans 6:13). I took Tim’s response to me that day as a gentle reminder from God to yield my “lead foot,” because I am to give all of myself to Him out of love.
The question of “who’s driving?” applies to all of life. Do we let the “wild things” of our old sin nature drive us—like worry, fear, or self-will—or do we yield to God’s loving Spirit and the grace that helps us grow?
Giving in to God is good for us. Scripture says that God’s wisdom takes us down “ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17). Better to follow where He leads.
Loving Lord, thank You for the grace You give us to obey You, and the peace You give us as we stay near. Amen.
When I initially read this devotion I was going to pass it up but I felt a nudge to post it, I was hesitant as it was mentioning “wild things” but if we are honest we all have “wild things” in our lives that we must be open and honest with ourselves about and then turn them over to God, who is ever patient, loving, gentle and kind. Things may not be as you would like to see them but when we turn everything over to Him, He fills us with wisdom as today’s devotion says, that leads to pleasantness and peace. What God requires He also inspires. Follow where He leads, even if the path going the opposite direction looks much more inviting. Who’s Driving? He will never lead you astray.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 1:14
05
Nov '18
Still The King
05
Nov '18
Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. (Psalm 74:22)
One news report called it “the single deadliest day for Christians in decades.” The pair of attacks on Sunday worshipers in April 2017 defies our understanding. We simply don’t have a category to describe bloodshed in a house of worship. But we can find some help from others who know this kind of pain well.
Most of the people of Jerusalem were in exile or had been slain when Asaph wrote Psalm 74. Pouring out his heart’s anguish, he described the destruction of the temple at the hands of ruthless invaders. “Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations,” Asaph said (v. 4). “They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground” (v. 7).
Yet the psalmist found a place to stand despite the awful reality—providing encouragement that we can do so too. “For God is my King of old,” Asaph resolved. “Working salvation in the midst of the earth” (v. 12). This truth enabled Asaph to praise God’s mighty power even though His salvation seemed absent in the moment. “Have respect unto the covenant,” Asaph prayed. “O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name” (vv. 20–21).
When justice and mercy seem absent, God’s love and power are in no way diminished. With Asaph, we can confidently say, “But God is my King.”
Lord, with the psalmist we pray for the honor of Your Name. Show Yourself strong and compassionate. Rise up and defend Your cause. Amen.
When I read this devotion I thought, what a way to start your day!! But God is my King! No matter what you face today remember these words, But God is my King. No matter the outcome, But God is my King!! When justice and mercy seem absent, But God is my King! Find joy today in what is and don’t focus on the what if’s.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:2-3
02
Nov '18
Catching Foxes
02
Nov '18
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. (Song of Solomon 2:15)
While talking on the phone with a friend who lives by the seaside, I expressed delight at hearing seagulls squawking. “Vile creatures,” she responded, for to her they’re a daily menace. As a Londoner, I feel the same way about foxes. I find them not cute animals but roaming creatures that leave smelly messes in their wake.
Foxes appear in the love poetry of the Song of Solomon, an Old Testament book that reveals the love between a husband and wife and, some commentators believe, between God and His people. The bride warns about little foxes, asking her bridegroom to catch them (2:15). For foxes, hungry for the vineyard’s grapes, could tear the tender plants apart. As the bride looks forward to their married life together, she doesn’t want vermin disturbing their covenant of love.
How can “foxes” disturb our relationship with God? For me, when I say “yes” to too many requests, I can become overwhelmed and unpleasant. Or when I witness relational conflict, I can be tempted to despair or anger. As I ask the Lord to limit the effect of these “foxes”—those I’ve let in through an open gate or those that have snuck in—I gain in trust of and love for God as I sense His loving presence and direction.
How about you? How can you seek God’s help from anything keeping you from Him?
Lord God, You are powerful and You are good. Please protect my relationship with You, keeping out anything that would take my eyes off You. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. We all have different “foxes” in our lives and it’s up to us to identify what those are that cause us to take our eyes off of God. We need to protect our relationship with God and take this seriously. Today, seek God’s help, read your word and you will be able to identify those “foxes”. Don’t allow them to spoil the beautiful vines in your life any longer. God can guard our relationship with Him.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 2:9
01
Nov '18
He is Worthy
01
Nov '18
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? (Revelation 5:2)
Who is worthy? Who is worthy to do the work of God? Who is worthy to fulfill the plans of God? John tells us in verse 3 that, “no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” When I first read that verse I thought, “Where is Jesus? Isn’t He worthy?” But I was wrong in comparing Jesus to any other created being. Those who are in heaven, on earth or under the earth are all created by God. No created thing is worthy or equal to God Himself.
Next we find John weeping, filled with sorrow that no one could open the book. Do you frequently find yourself weeping over your own inadequacies as well as over the shortcomings of others? It fills our hearts with grief that we can’t do all that needs to be done, be all that we know we have the ability to be, or serve the Lord with limitless devotion. We are limited by physical boundaries: our flesh, our sin and time. So when one of the elders said to John, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (verse 5), we find such hope and joy that Jesus is not limited. He has overcome, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, He is helping us to overcome our shortcomings also. Jesus is God and He is worthy to accomplish all the works of God.
We stand before the Lord as a saint only because the blood of Christ covers our sin. The Lord Jesus gives us, unworthy sinful man, the strength to stand before a Holy God. On earth, we too cry with John but one day, we will stop crying. The Lord Jesus will come to our side to say to the Father, “They are worthy—because I died for them.”
Oh, trust the Lord today. Allow His power to flow through you. Tell Him you are willing to be that vessel for Him to accomplish all His works.
He is worthy to accomplish all you need, if you are willing to allow Him to work.
When I read this devotion I asked myself that very question, am I willing, and I would challenge you today to stop, take a moment and ask yourself that very question. Allow His power to flow through you and remember one day every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). When that day comes I want to be on the winning side with The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. Remember, you are worthy, He died for you and me. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). He is Worthy!!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 42:11
31
Oct '18
The Lesser Blessed the Greater
31
Oct '18
And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh. (Genesis 47:7-10)
Joseph brought his family to Egypt and introduced his father to Pharaoh. Pharaoh is the head guy…he is the President, the Commander in Chief, the main man. In contrast, Jacob is a wanderer, a sojourner, the father of shepherds and a very old man who had to leave his homeland because he and his family would have died of starvation from the famine. But why do the Scriptures say two times: “Jacob blessed Pharaoh?” How does that happen? How does the empty bless the full? How does the lesser bless the greater? How does the poor possess more than the rich? How does the average overrule the superior? The answer—GOD.
God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). God reveals His will and His blessings to the childlike. God empowers everyday people to fulfill abundant promises without money, without power and without titles. The prayers and praises of the saints have higher ratings and rewards than the most powerful, self sufficient persons on earth.
We have our logic all mixed up down here. If we really understood the ways of the Lord, we would not be held down by difficulty nor be lifted up with pride. When we fix our eyes on the things that matter, we understand that Jacob’s “evil” years of pilgrimage have an eternal value that weighs more than this nameless Pharaoh who lived a life of luxury on earth.
Do you bless others? You are a child of God, just like Jacob. Jacob blessed Pharaoh because of Jacob’s position in the heavenlies. He blessed Pharaoh because Jacob knew what being blessed really meant. Jacob blessed Pharaoh and today, his life still blesses me. Jacob has done more for me than Pharaoh because Jacob’s family brought to us the greatest blessing of all…Jesus. When we really know Jesus, we truly understand what it is to be blessed so that we can freely bless others. Ask the Lord to use you to bless someone today.
I love today’s devotion. What a reminder, when you feel you have nothing to offer based on materialistic offerings, remember Jacob. As today’s devotion says, God empowers everyday people to fulfill abundant promises without money, without power and without titles. Don’t look down on your current circumstances but use it as an opportunity to bless someone today in whatever way you can. A kind word, a smile, a helping hand, a listening ear, prayer. Allow God to use you, His ways are endless, we just have to be willing and available.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 John 4:18
30
Oct '18
What We Can Do
30
Oct '18
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)
Even though confined to his bed, 92-year-old Morrie Boogaart knit hats for the homeless in Michigan. He had reportedly made more than 8,000 hats in fifteen years. Instead of focusing on his health or limitations, Mr. Boogaart looked beyond himself and did what he could to place the needs of others above his own. He declared that his work made him feel good and gave him a purpose. He said, “I’m going to do this until I go home to the Lord”—which happened in February 2018. Though most recipients of his hats won’t know his story or how much he sacrificed to create each cap, Morrie’s simple act of persevering love is now inspiring people across the world.
We too can look past our struggles, place others before ourselves, and imitate our loving and compassionate Savior, Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1–5). God in the flesh—the King of Kings—took on the “form of a servant” in genuine humility (vv. 6–7). Giving His life—the ultimate sacrifice—He took our place on the cross (v. 8). Jesus gave everything for us . . . all for the glory of God the Father (vv. 9–11).
As believers in Jesus, it’s our privilege to show love and demonstrate concern for others through acts of kindness. Even if we don’t think we have much to offer, we can adopt the attitude of servanthood. We can actively seek opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives by simply doing what we can.
I pray today, after reading this devotion, you are inspired to have more of a servants heart. We can model Christ’s love by doing what we can to serve others. Lord, create in me the heart of a servant, choosing to work for your glory and not my own. Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 12:21
29
Oct '18
A Hidden Ministry
29
Oct '18
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11)
A big academic project was weighing on me, and I was fretting over whether I could complete it by the deadline. In the midst of my anxious thoughts, I received three notes of encouragement from friends who were cheering me on. Each one said, “God brought you to mind today when I was praying.” I felt humbled and encouraged that these friends would contact me without knowing what I was going through, and I believed God had used them as His messengers of love.
The apostle Paul knew the power of prayer when he wrote to the people in the church of Corinth. He said he trusted that God would continue to deliver them from peril “as ye also helping together by prayer for us” (2 Corinthians 1:10–11). And when God answered their prayers, He would be glorified as the people gave Him thanks for the “answer to the prayers of many” (v. 11).
My friends and Paul’s supporters were engaging in the ministry of intercession, which Oswald Chambers calls “a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit through which the Father is glorified.” As we focus our minds and hearts on Jesus, we find Him shaping us, including how we pray. He enables us to give the gift of true intercession to friends, family members, and even strangers.
Has God put someone on your heart and mind for whom you can pray?
This devotion blessed me. Today, if God lays someone on your heart and mind, pray for them and if He leads you to reach out and let them know to uplift and encourage them then do so. You never know the positive impact you can make in that persons current situation. Be obedient today. Be His messenger.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 5:7
26
Oct '18
Confident Hope
26
Oct '18
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
Dr. William Wallace was serving as a missionary surgeon in Wuzhou, China, in the 1940s when Japan attacked China. Wallace, who was in charge of Stout Memorial Hospital at the time, ordered the hospital to load his equipment on barges and continue to function as a hospital while floating up and down rivers to avoid infantry attacks.
During dangerous times, Philippians 1:21—one of Wallace’s favorite verses—reminded him that if he lived, he had work to do for the Savior; but if he died, he had the promise of eternity with Christ. The verse took on special meaning when he died while falsely imprisoned in 1951.
Paul’s writing reflects a deep devotion we can aspire to as followers of Jesus, enabling us to face trials and even danger for His sake. It is devotion enabled by the Holy Spirit and the prayers of those closest to us (v. 19). It’s also a promise. Even when we surrender ourselves to continued service under difficult circumstances, it is with this reminder: when our life and work end here, we still have the joy of eternity with Jesus ahead of us.
In our hardest moments, with hearts committed to walking with Christ now, and with our eyes firmly fixed on the promise of eternity with Him, may our days and our acts bless others with the love of God.
Make of me, Father, a willing servant in times of weakness and times of strength. Amen.
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of my former pastor who has since gone on to be with The Lord. He undoubtedly surrendered his entire life to Christ under difficult circumstances and fought the good fight to the very end, never giving up on what he was called to do, be a willing servant. My family, my dad, my mom, my sister and I were saved under his ministry, our lives forever changed for the good and I am who I am today because of His commitment to Christ and my prayer is that I can strive to carry on his love for Christ, his passion and zeal for winning souls, so one day when my time is through I can say with assurance, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, just as he did. How I loved my Pastor, James F White. He was a true example of a willing servant. Let’s remember today, sacrifices offered to God are opportunities to showcase His love.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 6:27-28
25
Oct '18
Hearts Full of Thanks
25
Oct '18
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-20)
Hearts full of thanks — that’s what makes for good singing! With Jesus as the source of our salvation and center of our future, how can we not sing! But singing is not just for us and God. God wants our songs to bless others. It is our ultimate spiritual talk.
O Lord my God, you are awesome and wondrous. Your works are magnificent and your deeds are beyond comprehension. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart ever declare your praises. May my heart be filled with thanksgiving for all that you have done to save us from sin, shame, law, and death. You alone are worthy of my praise, my songs, and my life. In the holy name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
This devotion blessed me, although shorter than usual it spoke to my heart and I pray it encourages someone to sing. No matter what you face never loose that song in your heart and declare His praises. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise (Psalm 57:7). Have a heart full of thanks today!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 5:1-3
24
Oct '18
Impossible to Hold
24
Oct '18
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (Acts 2:24)
Jesus delivered a blow to death, ending its power to intimidate and defeat His followers. According to Peter, “having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he (Jesus) should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24).
Peter said these words to a crowd in Jerusalem. Perhaps many of them had been the ones yelling out, “Crucify him!” to condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:22). As a result, Roman soldiers fastened Him to a cross where He hung until they confirmed He was dead. Jesus’s body was carried to a tomb where it stayed for three days until God resurrected Him. After His resurrection, Peter and others spoke and ate with Him, and after forty days they watched Him ascend into heaven (Acts 1:9).
Jesus’s life on Earth ended amidst physical suffering and mental anguish, yet God’s power defeated the grave. Because of this, death—or any other struggle—lacks the ability to keep us in its grip forever. One day all believers will experience everlasting life and wholeness in God’s presence. Focusing on this future can help us find freedom today.
Dear Jesus, Your victory over death gives me hope! I praise You as the resurrected One who died so that I could have eternal life. Amen.
This devotion blessed me because it’s an incredible reminder of eternal hope in Christ. No matter what we face here and now, we have a hope of eternal life. The key is this, if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). The grip of the grave is no match for the power of God.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:10
23
Oct '18
Choosing the Trail
23
Oct '18
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:14)
I have a beautiful autumn photograph of a young man on horseback in the Colorado mountains as he contemplates which trail ahead to follow. It reminds me of Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” In it, Frost ponders two pathways that lie before him. Both are equally inviting, but he doubts he will return to this place again, and he must choose one. Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
In Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), the Lord told His listeners, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (7:13–14).
On our journey through life, we face many choices about which road to travel. Many pathways seem promising and attractive but only one is the pathway of life. Jesus calls us to travel the road of discipleship and obedience to God’s Word—to follow Him instead of the crowd.
As we ponder the road ahead, may God give us wisdom and courage to follow His way—the road of life. It will make all the difference for us and those we love!
Lord, as we go through this day, give us eyes to see the narrow road that leads to life and the courage to follow it. Amen.
What a beautiful devotion, full of truth. I have found that even when the pathway in life to choose seems unpromising, unattractive and a bit narrow, if you seek God and He says go this way, then it will indeed be rewarding and you will find what seemed not so attractive will soon reveal beauty that you never imagined. It just takes obedience and sacrifice but worth every obedient step taken. Choose to walk the road of life with Jesus.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Galatians 6:2
22
Oct '18
Treasure in a Pumpkin
22
Oct '18
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
As a young mother, I was determined to document my daughter’s first year of life. Each month, I took photos of her to illustrate how she had changed and grown. In one of my favorite pictures, she is gleefully sitting in the belly of a hollowed-out pumpkin I purchased from a local farmer. There she sat, the delight of my heart, contained in an overgrown squash. The pumpkin withered in the ensuing weeks, but my daughter continued to grow and thrive.
The way Paul describes knowing the truth of who Jesus is reminds me of that photo. He likens the knowledge of Jesus in our heart to a treasure stored in a clay pot. Remembering what Jesus did for us gives us the courage and strength to persevere through struggles in spite of being “troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). Because of God’s power in our lives, when we are “persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed,” we reveal the life of Jesus (v. 9).
Like the pumpkin that withered, we may feel the wear and tear of our trials. But the joy of Jesus in us can continue to grow in spite of those challenges. Our knowledge of Him—His power at work in our lives—is the treasure stored in our frail clay bodies. We can flourish in the face of hardship because of His power at work within us.
Dear Father, thank You for putting Your truth into my heart and life. Help me to bear up under the challenges I face with Your power. May others see Your work in my life and come to know You too. Amen.
After reading today’s devotion I am uplifted. I just love 2 Corinthians 4, what encouragement, no matter what your facing today, look up. God’s power is at work within us. I read this exact devotion a few weeks back but today it struck a coard within me and it blessed me. I love how God’s word does just that. Never stop returning to God’s word for understanding and encouragement. Even if you have read the same scripture over and over one day you will find a treasure in those words when you need it most. He is faithful.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 15:23
19
Oct '18
The Right Way to Pray
19
Oct '18
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6)
I admire people who record prayer requests in journals tattered from daily handling, those who keep track of every prayer and praise and then faithfully update their lists. I’m inspired by those who gather with others to pray and whose kneeling wears out the carpet at their bedsides. For years, I tried to copy their styles, to emulate a perfect prayer life, and to imitate the eloquence of the so-much-more-articulate-than-me folks. I strived to unravel what I thought was a mystery, as I longed to learn the right way to pray.
Eventually, I learned that our Lord simply desires prayer that begins and ends with humility (Matthew 6:5). He invites us into an intimate exchange through which He promises to listen (v. 6). He never requires fancy or memorized words or phrases (v. 7). He assures us that prayer is a gift, an opportunity to honor His majesty (vv. 9–10), to display our confidence in His provision (v. 11), and to affirm our security in His forgiveness and guidance (vv. 12–13).
God assures us He hears and cares about every single spoken and unspoken prayer, as well as the prayers that slip down our cheeks as silent tears. As we place our trust in God and His perfect love for us, we can be sure praying with a humble heart that’s surrendered to and dependent on Him is always the right way to pray.
Lord, thank You for reminding us You hear every prayer. Amen.
What I love about today’s devotion is it’s an incredible reminder that everyone’s “prayer closet” looks different and it’s not for us to strive to be like any one person when we pray. Our relationship and time with God looks different from person to person but as today’s devotion states one thing should be the same and that’s praying with a humble heart that’s surrendered to and dependent on Him. Today, stop looking at your neighbor and judging yourself based on there relationship with God and focus on your own relationship with God and He will meet you right where you are when you surrender all to Him. All to Jesus I surrender and that includes my prayer life. Calling on Jesus as our loving Savior and Lord is the right way to pray.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 12:13
18
Oct '18
Walking God’s Way
18
Oct '18
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
“We’re going this way,” I said as I touched my son’s shoulder and redirected him through the crowd to follow his mom and sisters in front of us. I’d done this more often as the day wore on at the amusement park our family was visiting. He was getting tired and more easily distracted. Why can’t he just follow them? I wondered.
Then it hit me: How often do I do exactly the same thing? How often do I veer from obediently walking with God, enchanted by the temptations to pursue what I want instead of seeking His ways?
Think of Isaiah’s words from God for Israel: “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). Earlier in that chapter, God had rebuked His people for their rebelliousness. But if they would trust His strength instead of their own ways (v. 15), He promised to show His graciousness and compassion (v. 18).
One expression of God’s graciousness is His promise to guide us by His Spirit. That happens as we talk to Him about our desires and ask in prayer what He has for us. I’m thankful God patiently directs us, day-by-day, step-by-step, as we trust Him and listen for His voice.
Father, You’ve promised to guide us through the ups and downs and decisions we face in life. Help us to trust and follow You, and to actively listen for Your guiding voice. Amen.
As I was preparing to post a devotion for today I thought I had what I wanted to post but I quickly realized it wasn’t what God intended for today. I deleted what I had planned to post and went back to the drawing board, aka His word and I chose to be still and wait for His guidance and within moments He directed me to this devotion. It couldn’t have been more appropriate for what I needed to hear today and my prayer is this devotion touches someone in such a way that they find peace in there situation. Trust Him today, be still and listen for His voice and remember Isaiah 55:8-9, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 119:11