your daily crossroad

 

True Love

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6) 
 
A few years ago as I attended a church retreat, I sat at lunch with ladies I did not know. The woman in charge opened with prayer and then introduced an icebreaker to share around the tables. The question was: “What do you think true love is?” Six out of the eight of us at my table said that love is unconditional acceptance. Their definition included the ability to accept people right where they are, no matter what they look like or what they do. The seventh woman said that she thought love was telling people the truth about sin and where sin leads them. I heard the others snicker at her answer. However, according to Paul’s statement in First Corinthians 5:6, only one in seven got the right answer. 
 
The Corinthian church was accepting sinful behavior from a church couple and glorying in their ability to do so. Paul is saying that this is not good; this is not love and they should not be proud of themselves for accepting this couple’s behavior. Often we get confused of what love really is when judging others’ sins. We do not want to judge others because we ourselves want to be accepted for our imperfections. So we say that acceptance of sin is love. Jesus says in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth is that sin destroys. The truth is that the wages of sin is death. If we truly love others, we do not want to see them destroyed by choices that the Bible calls sin. Paul then takes it a step further by saying that the consequences of accepting this sin of sexual immorality will permeate the whole church and will destroy the whole fellowship of believers. Why? Because this acceptance allows people to sin instead of helping them to overcome it. It demonstrates the wrong standards of love, sin and the ways of God. 
 
Our choices and behaviors really do impact others, just as a little bit of leaven makes the whole lump rise. We have to know the Word of God so we can love others according to God’s standards. True love speaks out with kindness and compassion, not allowing others to destroy themselves. 
 
What truth today! The key to this devotion is true love speaks out but what’s so important is how love speaks out, with kindness and compassion. To often we try to impact people and situations without kindness and compassion. We must dig deep into the Word of God as today’s devotion says so we can love others according to God’s standards. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). Is there someone in your life today that can use some truth in love about sin and where that sin is leading them? Eternity awaits all of us and once we die, the judgement, there’s no turning back, no changing our mind once we are standing before Him, wouldn’t you much rather lead those in love now while you have the opportunity? Look to God to guide you with kindness, compassion and honesty because that’s what True Love is. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Hebrews 4:16 
 


A Great Power

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33) 
 
When the disciples were left alone as Jesus ascended into heaven, a new beginning was just around the corner. Jesus told them to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise. That Promise came on the day of Pentecost, a day that would change their lives forever. God’s Holy Spirit came upon them with sounds of a mighty wind that came from heaven, a demonstration of supernatural power. Tongues of fire were then dispersed on (“sat upon”) each person (Acts 2:1-4). This event made it very clear that something amazing and indescribable was taking place amongst these people. In the days that followed, this small group of believers came together in one accord, knowing that they had been given gifts from the Lord, and that they had been called to witness to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
The first gift given involved “great power” as the apostles zealously told of their knowledge and personal experience of who Jesus Christ was and what He had done. The second gift, however, is one we sometimes take for granted but it is extremely crucial to the first one: “great grace.” They were not only granted power but also they were given great grace. Without grace, they could not go forth and do what they were called to do. The same is true for us today. We may have gifts, callings, knowledge, experience and all of the right answers, but without grace, we will not get very far in our service or our usefulness to God. Why? Because we will be taken out by our own thoughts and behaviors as human beings. We become too aware of our weaknesses and we try to overcome them in our own strength. We cannot control condemning thoughts of the enemy who tells us we are not worthy. We lose faith, hope and the eternal perspective because our focus shifts to ourselves. Grace, however, steps in and says that the Lord has granted us unmerited favor in His sight. He chose us. He loved us first. He called us to do His work. He gifted us for His purposes. Not of us, but of Him, by His grace. 
 
Grace must accompany power in your life today. Grace must be connected to your faith. Take time today and look up verses on “grace.” Use your Bible concordance and spend some time reading about grace. Make a study of it and take your time, even over several days. Let the Lord minister to you through His Word. If you are suffering or struggling, you need to approach His throne of grace with boldness and receive His mercy today (Hebrews 4:16). And even though we are not worthy, the Lord still uses us by giving us the gifts and grace to minister for Him and by Him and in Him. You will be blessed! 
 
I needed to be reminded of this today, so when I read this I wanted to share it in hopes that someone out there could be just as blessed by it as I was. I fail to remember at times how important it truly is for grace to accompany power in my own life, I deliberately try to offer grace to those around me from day to day and I do falter at times but I must admit I’ve failed to offer it up to myself day to day. Instead we are so quick to judge and criticize ourselves so harshly, when all God wants is for us to bring our faults and failures to Him with a humble heart and give it over to Him so we can then go forth and do as today’s devotion said, minister for Him and by Him and in Him. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 40:31


Blessing in the Mess

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) 
 
I got myself into this mess, so I’d better get myself out, I sometimes find myself thinking.  Although I believe in a God of grace, I’m still prone to act as if His help is available only when I deserve it. 
 
God’s first encounter with Jacob is a beautiful illustration of how untrue this is. 
 
Jacob had spent a lifetime trying to alter his destiny. He’d been born second at a time when firstborn sons typically received their father’s blessing—believed to guarantee future prosperity. 
 
So Jacob decided to do whatever it would take to get his father’s blessing anyway. Eventually, he succeeded—through deceit—obtaining the blessing intended for his brother (Genesis 27:19–29). 
 
But the price was a divided family, as Jacob fled from his furious brother (vv. 41–43). As night descended (28:11), Jacob must have felt as far from a life of blessing as ever. 
 
But it was there, leaving behind a trail of deception, that Jacob met God. God showed him he didn’t need desperate schemes to be blessed; he already was. His destiny—a purpose far greater than material prosperity (v. 14)—was held securely by the One who would never leave him (v. 15). 
 
It was a lesson Jacob would spend his whole life learning. 
 
And so will we. No matter how many regrets we carry or how distant God seems, He is still there—gently guiding us out of our mess into His blessing. 
 
Lord, so often we feel trapped by our mistakes, thinking there’s no future left for us. Remind us that you are the God of Jacob, the God who will never give up on Your purposes for us. Amen. 
 
When I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. So often we allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt and self defeat within us and we stay surrounded by the darkness but that’s not God’s plan for our lives, no matter who you are or what you have done, there is hope, there is light and you are never to far from God’s reach. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s Grace is immeasurable, His Mercy is inexhaustible, His Peace is inexpressible. Always remember, In God’s garden of grace, even a broken tree can bear fruit. God never gives up on His love and purpose for our lives. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 41:10 


Interrupted Fellowship

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46) 
 
The loud, sorrowful cry pierced the dark afternoon air. I imagine it drowning out the sound of mourning from friends and loved ones gathered at Jesus’s feet. It must have overwhelmed the moans of the dying criminals who flanked Jesus on both sides. And surely startled all who heard it. 
 
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” Jesus cried out in agony and in utter despondency as He hung on that cross of shame on Golgotha (Matthew 27:45–46). 
 
“My God,” He said, “my God, why have you forsaken me?” 
 
I cannot think of more heart-wrenching words. Since eternity, Jesus had been in perfect fellowship with God the Father. Together they had created the universe, had fashioned mankind in their image, and planned salvation. Never in the eons past had they not been in total fellowship with each other. 
 
And now, as the anguish of the cross continued to bring devastating pain on Jesus—He for the first time lost the awareness of God’s presence as He carried the burden of the sins of the world. 
 
It was the only way. Only through this time of interrupted fellowship could our salvation be provided for. And it was only because Jesus was willing to experience this sense of being forsaken on the cross that we humans can gain fellowship with God. 
 
Thank You, Jesus, for experiencing such pain so we could be forgiven. 
 
Jesus, we again stand in awe at Your sacrifice. We kneel in Your presence and with gratitude acknowledge what You did for us on the cross. Thank You for making it possible to have fellowship with the Father forever. 
 
When I read this devotion it touched a cord deep down in my spirit. It caused me to reflect on all He sacrificed for you and I because He loves us more than we can even imagine. Willing to sacrifice perfect fellowship with The Father to provide salivation for you and I. What love! How great is our God!! But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 32:17 


The Secret of Peace

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16) 
 
Grace is a very special lady. One word comes to mind when I think of her: peace. The quiet and restful expression on her face has seldom changed in the six months I have known her, even though her husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and then hospitalized. 
 
When I asked Grace the secret of her peace, she said, “It’s not a secret, it’s a person. It’s Jesus in me. There is no other way I can explain the quietness I feel in the midst of this storm.” 
 
The secret of peace is our relationship to Jesus Christ. He is our peace. When Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and as we become more like Him, peace becomes real. Things like sickness, financial difficulties, or danger may be present, but peace reassures us that God holds our lives in His hands (Daniel 5:23), and we can trust that things will work together for good. 
 
Have we experienced this peace that goes beyond logic and understanding? Do we have the inner confidence that God is in control? My wish for all of us today echoes the words of the apostle Paul: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace” And may we feel this peace “always by all means” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). 
 
Dear Lord, please give us Your peace at all times and in every situation. Amen. 
 
My prayer today is no matter what you may be facing, you can find the secret to true peace, just as Grace did, Jesus in you. After reading today’s devotion I feel it is with utmost importance we apply 2 Thessalonians 3:16 to our lives every single day. Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ. To trust in Jesus is peace. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is James 1:17


Advice from My Father

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) 
 
After being laid off from an editorial job, I prayed, asking for God to help me find a new one. But when weeks went by and nothing came of my attempts at networking and filling out applications, I began to pout. “Don’t You know how important it is that I have a job?” I asked God, my arms folded in protest at my seemingly unanswered prayer. 
 
When I talked to my father, who had often reminded me about believing God’s promises, about my job situation, he said, “I want you to get to the point where you trust what God says.” 
 
My father’s advice reminds me of Proverbs 3, which includes wise advice from a parent to a beloved child. This familiar passage was especially applicable to my situation: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). To “direct thy paths” means God will guide us toward His goals for our growth. His ultimate goal is that I become more like Him. 
 
This does not mean that the paths He chooses will be easy. But I can choose to trust that His direction and timing are ultimately for my good. 
 
Are you waiting on God for an answer? Choose to draw near to Him and trust that He will guide you. 
 
Lord, thank You for guiding and caring for us every step of the way. Help us to trust in You daily. Amen! 
 
I felt this devotion was important to share, some days the waiting can feel agonizing and burdensome but we must remember in whom we have believed. His timing is incredibly perfect and if we will find peace in the waiting, we have found all that we need. Why? Because He’s there with us, every step of the way, there is never a moment in waiting that we are alone, if we feel alone it’s only because we chose it. We must remember, God knows what is best for you and I, trust Him on the path He has placed you on today and allow Him to lead and guide you along the way, faith believing that He’s got it all figured out and in His time all will be revealed. Trust Him with ALL your heart. Remember this, if God brings you to it; He will bring you through it. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:13 


A Humble Heart and Willing Spirit

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22) 
 
So many factors are involved in someone sinning against another. Many times, the thoughts and motives of the one who sinned are not as clear as the reaction of the person who was sinned against. Conflict is hard. Conflict takes a toll on both parties. Defensiveness goes up and trust goes down. Both parties though, the one who needs to forgive and the person who needs to ask for forgiveness, have their share of difficulties. The one who would forgive, deals with skepticism. They hope for real change this time, and deal with thoughts such as, “I hope this is the last time you need to ask forgiveness. I hope this time it works for good. By choosing to forgive you, I may just get hurt again.” But the person who continually asks for forgiveness is also in a difficult situation. When we sincerely confess our sin to another, we have to admit to ourselves that we have hurt someone else as a result of our behavior or words. To ask forgiveness repeatedly is to admit that we do not have the ability or power to change that trait in us. So to ask sincerely means that we need to keep seeking ways to change. After a while, it is natural in the flesh to justify and rationalize the sinful behavior instead of continually trying to change. That is why Jesus takes both sides. If someone is repeatedly willing to ask forgiveness, sincerely looking for help, then we need to be willing repeatedly to restore that person back. 
 
I am thankful for Jesus’ teaching because I know that He lives by His own teaching. We sin against Him more than anyone else. If we are repentant, He is willing to forgive us – over and over and over again. We have to pray that our hearts remain soft enough to keep asking for forgiveness. His mercies are new every morning, probably because we use up all His mercy the day before. 
 
If you need to ask forgiveness from someone, ask the Lord to give you a humble heart and a spirit willing to change. If you are being asked to forgive, ask the Lord to help you look to Him to help restore the person back in your heart without bitterness. The Lord will help you. He is on both sides. Let us pray that we keep His focus and His heart during the conflicts, and not our own. 
 
After reading today’s devotion I was reminded of one simple yet powerful word, LOVE, we must love, no matter the hurt, no matter the conflict, love. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44). 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Matthew 5:44


The Arm of Flesh

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8) 
 
Hezekiah was a king who helped focus God’s people back to the pure and true worship of God. He restored the temple, tore down the high places built to other gods, reinstated God’s feasts and celebrations and was known as a king who led people to celebrate the one and only true God. But now, another nation came up to war against him. Hezekiah knew that this other king had the strength and ability to overcome the Israelites in battle. This king also caused a lot of conflicts for King Hezekiah.
 
Hezekiah could have just surrendered to the fear caused by the tactics and overconfidence of the king of Assyria but he didn’t. Instead, Hezekiah started building up his military defenses, working hard on repairing broken parts of the walls around the city and making more weapons. Then he spoke the words of these verses that encouraged the people. These words, however, were not just bursts of intimidation as with the king of Assyria, but came from a heart of passion and purpose from the Lord. By verse 20 of the story, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah were crying out to the Lord, knowing that He has the power to fight the battle for them. And He did. Verse 22 says, “So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side.” 
 
We worship a God who takes care of us on every side. It was good that Hezekiah prepared for battle, but it was better that Hezekiah prepared His heart to turn to the Lord. The arm of flesh is limited. We need to be prepared to fight as we use the weapons God has given us. The strongest weapon is a tender heart that knows the Scriptures and how to turn to the Lord on our knees. No battle is too great for the Lord. 
 
If you are in a situation today in which you need to see the Lord on your side, get on your knees and start asking for help. God is waiting to show His power no matter what circumstance you are facing. 
 
Wow! This blessed me so much. We as children of The One True King have to start getting on our knees in prayer and live with an assurance truly believing and knowing The Lord is on our side. I was so blessed in service yesterday and I want to share three words with you today to go along with this powerful devotion, Let Him Breath. Whatever your facing, whatever your going through, frustration, sadness, anger, hurt, fear, whatever it is, let Him breath into your situation and watch His peace come over you in that very moment. God is waiting, Let Him Breath.  
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Romans 5:3-4


Before the Beginning

Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24) 
 
“But if God has no beginning and no end, and has always existed, what was He doing before He created us? How did He spend His time?” Some precocious Sunday school student always asks this question when we talk about God’s eternal nature. I used to respond that this was a bit of a mystery. But recently I learned that the Bible gives us an answer to this question. 
 
When Jesus prays to His Father in John 17, He says “Father, . . . Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world” (v. 24). This is God as revealed to us by Jesus: Before the world was ever created, God was a trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)—all loving each other and being loved. When Jesus was baptized, God sent His Spirit in the form of a dove and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (whom I love)” (Matthew 3:17). The most foundational aspect of God’s identity is this outgoing, life-giving love. 
 
What a lovely and encouraging truth this is about our God! The mutual, outgoing love expressed by each member of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is key to understanding the nature of God. What was God doing before the beginning of time? What He always does: He was loving because He is love, He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8). 
 
God, thank You for Your overflowing, self-giving love. Amen! 
 
When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of Romans 8:39, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God loves you even in your darkest hours. He comforts you even in your darkest moments. He forgives you even in your darkest failures, why, because God is love. We are created in the image of a God who is loving and relational. To love God is the greatest virtue; to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 43:2


A Change in Perspective

When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. (Psalm 73:16-17) 
 
My hometown had experienced its heaviest winter in thirty years. My muscles ached from hours of shoveling the unrelenting snow. When I stepped inside after what felt like a fruitless effort, weary as I kicked off my boots, I was greeted by the warmth of a fire and my children gathered around it. As I gazed out the window from the shelter of my home, my perspective of the weather shifted completely. Instead of seeing more work to do, I savored the beauty of frosted tree branches and the way the snow blanketed the colorless landscape of winter. 
 
I see a similar, but much more poignant, shift in Asaph when I read his words in Psalm 73. In the beginning, he laments the way the world seems to work, how wrongs seem to be rewarded. He doubts the value of being different than the crowd and living for the good of others (v. 13). But when he enters the sanctuary of God, his outlook changes (vv. 16–17): he remembers that God will deal with the world and its troubles perfectly and, more importantly, that it is good to be with God (v. 28). 
 
When we’re chilled by the seemingly ceaseless problems in our world, we can enter God’s sanctuary in prayer and be warmed through by the life-altering, perspective-changing truth that His judgment is better than ours. Though our circumstances may not change, our perspective can. 
 
Lord, I admit I quickly become frustrated with the way things appear. Help me to see the way You do. Amen! 
 
When I read this it blessed me. You may be going through circumstances that are beyond your understanding and no matter how hard you’ve tried it doesn’t seem to be getting any better but today make an effort to change your perspective and watch everything start to shift. No matter what we go through, no matter what we are facing, He is able and He is faithful. Your current circumstance is not a surprise to Him, He just wants you to trust Him to take you through it victoriously. If you can’t change your circumstances how then can you change your perspective? Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). God gives us the right perspective. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:18


Persevering with Peace

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. (Psalm 3:5) 
 
As I continue trusting God through my struggles with chronic pain, even the simplest setback can feel like a fierce enemy attacker. Problem One jabs me from the right. Problem Two shoves me from behind. Problem Three punches me square in the nose. During these times, when my strength wanes and immediate relief evades me, running and hiding can seem like a good idea. But since I can’t escape my pain, change my circumstances, or ignore my emotions, I’m learning slowly to rely on God to carry me through. 
 
When I need encouragement, comfort, and courage, I prayerfully read through the songs of the psalmists, who honestly bring their situations to God. In one of my favorite psalms, King David flees from Absalom, his son who wanted to kill him and take his kingdom. Though David lamented his painful situation (Psalm 3:1–2), he trusted God’s protection and expected Him to answer his prayers (vv. 3–4). The king didn’t lose sleep worrying or fearing what could happen, because he trusted God to sustain and save him (vv. 5–8). 
 
Physical and emotional pain can often feel like aggressive adversaries. We may be tempted to give up or wish we could escape when we’re weary and can’t see the end of our current battle. But, like David, we can learn to trust that God will hold us up and help us rest in His constant and loving presence. 
 
Lord, thanks for giving us rest in the peace of Your constant presence and assuring us of the victory You’ve already won. Amen. 
 
No matter the trial your facing today, remember, He is faithful. God offers us peace as He holds us up and carries us through every trial. When I read this devotion I was reminded of Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Persevere with peace! 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:33


Are You in His Flock?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (John 10:1-3) 
 
Jesus began speaking to His listeners with a metaphor that was familiar to them. The sheepfold was usually an enclosure made of rocks with an opening for the door. The shepherd (or watchman) would guard the flock at night by lying across the opening. It was common that several flocks could be sheltered together in the same fold. A group of shepherds would share the responsibility at night allowing each other to sleep in their own beds. The system was like a night shift rotation. In the morning, the shepherds would come through the door or gate and assemble their own flocks, just by their voices. Thieves and robbers could not walk through the gate so they would climb in over the walls, attempting to steal the sheep. But the sheep would not follow them because the sheep would not recognize the stranger’s voice. Jesus describes the thieves and robbers as coming to steal, kill and destroy. 
 
During Jesus’ time, there were professional religious men (the Pharisees and Sadducees) who were only interested in the people for their own personal advantage. They were more concerned with perfecting themselves according to their own standards and trying to make everyone else feel guilty for not matching up. That is not Jesus. As a good shepherd, He develops a relationship with His sheep so that He knows them by name, calls them personally and leads them. The sheep’s responsibility is to welcome, listen and follow the shepherd. The relationship is easy and the burden is light. There is also the sense of security and peace in being protected by the Shepherd. 
 
We need to realize that the responsibility of our life and death is in the hands of Jesus. We do not need to carry our own burdens as an attempt to help Jesus. The Good Shepherd knows that it is His responsibility to take care of the sheep, just as the mechanic knows that the car can’t fix itself. We are protected eternally with Jesus for He alone is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. He began a good work in us and He will be faithful to complete it. The responsibility is on Him. There is peace with Jesus as our Shepherd, our Savior. Our responsibility is to hear His voice and follow Him. 
 
When I read this devotion I was reminded of John 10:5, And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (John 10:27-28) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. We must beware of the voice of strangers. Stay close to The Shepherd by reading The Word and allowing Christ to lead and guide you through life. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6). Nothing feels better than knowing God loves you, that He is always there for you, and that He will always take care of you. Trust The Shepherd, He truly loves you and cares about you, more than you can even imagine. Are you in His flock? It’s your choice. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Psalms 33:18


Endurance to the End

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:36) 
 
I turned off my computer and saw a couple of fingerprint marks right in the middle of my screen. I pulled my shirt sleeve over my hand and began to rub the screen. The marks were still there so I used a paper towel and the marks were still there. I grabbed a dish towel and rubbed some more. They were still there but were beginning to fade. I hate to admit it but my wrist began to tire and I had to stop for a moment. I worked diligently for several more minutes to get the fingerprints off my screen. Normally I would not associate this type of task with the word “endurance” but in this case, it took a while to clean my screen. It seems like such a small thing in the big picture. But, in the midst of these kinds of tasks, I sometimes hear the Lord quietly say to me, “Be faithful in (and keep working on) the little things.” 
 
We grow in our walk with the Lord by persevering in the day-to-day tasks that require our patience and endurance. The hardest tests of endurance are often disguised as the monotonous tasks in life. I must admit that I seriously considered just how badly I wanted my computer screen clean. Would I settle for just enough to get by, or would I keep going until the spots were gone completely? Sometimes I think that we are faced with the same question when God begins working on our “spots”. Will we persevere with Him? Do we have the endurance to keep going through the hard times? 
 
The writer of Hebrews mentions more than once our need for endurance. We “have need of endurance” to ultimately receive the promises of God. I wonder how often we get to the edge of the promise land and stop walking. There was a reason the Lord kept telling Joshua to go in and take the land that had been given to them. It took endurance and perseverance to keep walking, to keep taking one day at a time, and to stay focused on the goal. From fingerprint smudges to promise lands, the test for each one of us is whether or not we will keep working until the task is finished. The Lord is so good to give us the goal, and He will lead us every step of the way. However, we must be willing to not only step out but also to keep on stepping forward. 
 
Has the Lord given you a glimpse of the promise land He has for you? Do not stop moving towards it. Pray for endurance and perseverance. The training often comes in the little tasks of the day. Take every opportunity to see a job through to its completion and learn how to lean on the Lord for support and guidance. You never know when the day will come that you take that first step into your land of promise. 
 
When I read this I was so uplifted and encouraged. So often we stop short of the promise land and we miss all that God has for us because we just get tired of pushing. What we must realize is we are never pushing alone, God is always right beside us helping us and even carrying us through our toughest times. Spiritual endurance and perseverance, just keep pushing. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). Encourage yourself today to never give up, the promise land may just be on the other side of the mountain you are facing. Where you are today is no accident. God is using the situation or situations you are in right now to shape and prepare you for the place He wants to bring you into. Trust Him with His plan even if you don’t understand it. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Endure to the end. 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:29


The Thrill of Victory

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) 
 
Did you know that this word “victory” is used only six times in the New Testament? The Greek word for victory is “nike” and it means “a conquest” or “means of success.” For many of us, the word Nike refers to the mega-sporting enterprise that sells shoes and clothing. Victory has been skewed by society standards to now mean something of extraordinary achievements. But Jesus would come and tell us to just have faith, for through faith we will be victorious. 
 
How many of us as Christians today have victory in our lives? How awesome to experience the thrill of victory! But far too often we face the agony of defeat. Jesus did not come to earth, give His life, and leave us His Holy Spirit, just so we could enter heaven. Yes, He came to give us eternal life if we believe in Him, but He wants us to experience heaven on earth–today. Heaven on earth in this day and age? Is such a thought really possible? 
 
Today’s verse tells us that “whatever is born of God overcomes the world.” If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then you have been born of God and are His child. To even accept Jesus indicates a position of faith on your part, for “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). But real victory does not stop here, it begins here. Faith must be grown, matured and developed by the tests and trials of life. One reason prayer is so important is that our faith is increased every time we see God answer our prayers. And we must plant His word on our hearts and in our minds, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Christians who have weak prayer lives and no time in God’s Word will face the agony of defeat more than the thrill of victory. But Christians who pray, who read the Bible, and who seek the Lord with all their heart will have victory simply because of their faith. Just remember, however, that victory in Jesus is not always defined the same as victory in the world. 
 
Does your life reflect more victories or more defeats? Where do you spend your time and what are you seeking after? Start today by asking the Lord to increase your faith. Start praying for God’s help. Confess and repent from any worldly desires that steal your time and attention away from the Lord. Begin reading His Word and praying for more understanding of how to apply it in your life. At some point, we must decide which way we want to live; and then start acting on the faith given to us through Jesus. Then, and only then, will we have victory. 
 
When I read this devotion it blessed me. So often I’ve thought of victory as something that comes only when battles have been won but it’s far greater than that. Christ died that I may live in victory each and every day, good or bad, I am victorious, we are victorious each and every day, through Christ Jesus. I want my life to reflect more victories than defeats, what about you? Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7). 
 
Have a beautiful day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:10