Your Daily Crossroad
Disciple Maker – Everyone
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Who do you look like? As you ponder that question, reflect on 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul tells us that we “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As we seek to honor Jesus with our lives, one of our goals is to take on His image. Of course, this doesn’t mean we have to grow a beard and wear sandals—it means that the Holy Spirit helps us demonstrate Christlike characteristics in how we live. For example, in attitude (humility), in character (loving), and in compassion (coming alongside the down and out), we are to look like Jesus and imitate Him.
As we “contemplate the Lord’s glory,” by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can grow more and more like Him. What an amazing thing it would be if people could observe us and say, “I see Jesus in you”!
Lord, help us to gaze on You, to study You, to know You. Transform us into Your image by what we say, how we love others, and how we worship You. May others see Jesus in us. Amen.
Wow! When others see you do they see Jesus in you? Do you show Christlike characteristics or only when it’s convenient? We must strive every day to show love, humility and compassion. When I read this I couldn’t help but think, I may be the only bible some people read. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you demonstrate Christlike Characteristics!! Love is the family resemblance the world should see in followers of Christ.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:2
Living With Lions
. . . He is the living God, and stedfast for ever . . . his dominion shall be even unto the end. (Daniel 6:26)
When I visited a museum in Chicago, I saw one of the original Striding Lions of Babylon. It was a large mural-type image of a winged lion with a ferocious expression. Symbolizing Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and war, the lion was an example of 120 similar lions that would have lined a Babylonian pathway during the years of 604–562 bc.
Historians say that after the Babylonians defeated Jerusalem, the Hebrew captives would have seen these lions during their time in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. Historians also say it’s likely that some of the Israelites would have believed Ishtar had defeated the God of Israel.
Daniel, one of the Hebrew captives, did not share the doubts that might have troubled some of his fellow Israelites. His view of God and his commitment to God stayed steady. He prayed three times a day—with his windows open—even when he knew it would mean entering a den of lions. After God rescued Daniel from the hungry animals, King Darius said, “[Daniel’s God] is the living God, and stedfast for ever . . . . He delivereth and rescueth” (Dan. 6:26–27). Daniel’s faithfulness allowed him to influence Babylonian leaders.
Dear God, give me the strength to continue to trust in You when I am discouraged. Help me to experience Your never-ending love and stay close to Your side. Amen.
Wow, what truth, when I read this I couldn’t help but think, there are always those watching our walk with God even at times testing our faithfulness in Him. May we continually show our faithfulness to God so we can inspire others. God can soften even the hardest of hearts through our faithfulness in Him. No matter the kind of day your having, stay close to His side and remember, He’s still God!!! Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Daniel 6:19-28
The Wise Graciously Take Criticism
Taking criticism can be difficult. Nobody likes to be told that what he is doing is wrong, especially when he thinks he is right. However, a wise person takes criticism graciously. A wise person understands that he does not know everything.
If you’re acquainted with individuals who believe they know everything, chances are they aren’t truly as wise as they perceive themselves to be.
When someone approaches a wise person and shows him faults or areas for improvement, that person will graciously listen and change accordingly; the text even says the wise person will love the observer for it. We must learn to look at criticism as a loving way for others to help us to be more like Jesus. Obviously, there will be times when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love. But, the majority of times it will be for our good.
Take a hard look at your life. How do you handle criticism? Do you have a hard time because you think you know best? Are there relationships that have been broken because of the way you have taken criticism?
Remember Proverbs 9:8-9 as others show you areas you need to work on.
Wow! When I read this I honestly hesitated to share it but I couldn’t shake the importance and truth of it all. Let’s take time today and ask ourselves this very question, how do I handle criticism? When I’ve gotten criticism is times past, as hard as it may have been to swallow and I may have had tears in private, I took it to The Lord and I said what does the word say about this, there is direction through scripture for everything we face in this life and it will guide you on the path you are to take and it will confirm or deny the criticism you receive. So, when you are criticized, take it to The Lord and have an honest look at yourself and allow God to do a new work in you and no matter what, love and in those moments when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love the word says in Luke 6:28, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:8-9
Comfort & Security
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Luke 9:57-58)
When we think of God having a plan and purpose for our lives, we can easily think that somehow His plan for us fits nice and neatly in the American Dream. Maybe God’s plan for you does include a three bedroom/two bath house in the suburbs, two cars, a nice income, and a couple of kids. BUT maybe it doesn’t.
-What if following Jesus meant you had to let go of your dreams and your plans or the comfort and the security you’ve worked so hard to attain?
-What if following Jesus and living out His mission meant you wouldn’t have a home or even a bed to call your own?
Would you still say “yes” to following Him?
This man who wants to follow Jesus has heard His teaching and witnessed His miracles. He believes Jesus is the Messiah and wants to join His mission. But is he willing to give up his comfort and security to go where Jesus goes and do what Jesus does? As a believer in Jesus, our comfort and security should come only from Him. He tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11:28-30). Following Jesus is not following the American dream. It is taking up your cross daily as he has demonstrated for us (Luke 9:23).
Where do you find comfort and security? Would you give it up to follow Jesus and join His mission?
When I read this I felt it was fitting for today, the beginning of the week. Let’s start our week out by asking ourselves that very question, Where do I find comfort and security? When things arise this week, and they will, just remember, He’s still God!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 9:57-58