your daily crossroad

 

Looking for God’s Wisdom

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. (Proverbs 2:2-9)

As King David was facing his death, he appointed his son, Solomon, as the new king of Israel. In the beginning of King Solomon’s reign, the Lord spoke to Solomon in a dream and said: “Ask! What I shall give thee?” (1 Kings 3: 5) His reply greatly pleased the Lord, as he asked for wisdom and discernment so that he could rightly judge God’s people. The Lord gave Solomon such an abundance of wisdom that he became famous throughout Israel and other lands, attracting the attention of many who came just to hear his wisdom. His own people feared and respected Solomon because of the power of his words.

The Proverbs are filled with Solomon’s nuggets of wisdom, which are still applicable for our lives today. However, this man of wisdom begins this book of wisdom by instructing us to seek for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Solomon tells us to “seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures.” He obviously was thankful that he had the right answer when God asked him years earlier, “What shall I give you?”

We need to get in the habit of asking the Lord for wisdom, knowledge and understanding every day. The New Testament writer, James, also instructs us to ask for wisdom as he says in Chapter 1 verse 5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” In other ways, anyone can ask for wisdom at any time and the Lord will give it liberally regardless of our shortcomings and faults. Asking for wisdom is a gift as much as begin the recipient of the wisdom that He gives. There are no prerequisites or strings attached. There will be tangible fruit in your life as you begin to understand things from a different perspective. Certain habits will break and your own words will inspire you as they bring edification and counsel to others.

Oh Lord, please give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding today so I can think Your thoughts as You direct my words, hands and feet. Amen.

When I read this I thought about how often times we have jerk reactions and responses to situations that occur throughout our day, not allowing much thought as to how God would have us handle the situation or situations but if we would stop, take a moment every morning before we even begin our day and ask God for wisdom, knowledge and understanding, we just might be surprised at how with God’s help we are able to redirect our words, hands and feet for His good. Let’s inspire and bring edification and counsel to others today. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 1, 1 Corinthians 16

 



Praise Him and Find Victory

 

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 150:2,6)

As we meet and talk with women, we often hear of their struggles, especially in their own thoughts. They feel unworthy to be serving the Lord. Thoughts like, “Who are you to be doing this?” or “Why are you working on this–someone else could do it better?” are common components of mental attacks. These thoughts then trigger certain emotions and the next thing for women is a pit of depression and hopelessness, just what the enemy had planned. The enemy wants you to feel so condemned and depressed that you quit or are too demoralized to minister effectively and powerfully.

Some Christians recognize that these types of thoughts are not of the Lord but they do not know how to stop them. Some of us quote verses, rebuke the devil, and attempt to reason our way out of it with logical comebacks, but still have no real victory. Instead of fighting back, we begin to justify the bad thoughts, thinking that maybe these self-condemning behaviors are from the Lord to keep us humble. Wrong!

Jesus came to give us life to the fullest. He wants us to share in His joy, not wallow in our flesh. We are sinners. We are unworthy to do anything to please God. We are to love Him and to worship Him. Our faith is the only way to please God. It is not for us to dwell on our unworthiness but to praise Him for His willingness to save us.

How can we change this process? Start praising the Lord! Put on praise music, read the psalms aloud (as if you wrote them to the Lord) and worship the Lord. The key is to get our eyes off ourselves and focus on Him. He is worthy and by His blood that cleanses us, we can do all things through Christ, even change those negative thoughts.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think of how mighty God is, I’ve had a few people call or txt me this week with these exact struggles, asking for prayer or just a listening ear. It amazes me what happens when we pray, God provides the answer, an uplift for our spirit man. Wow!! What a mighty mighty God we serve. We are so beyond blessed being loved by Him. Praise Him and Find Victory!! Amen! 

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalms 148, 1 Cor. 15:29-58



Hold Fast

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

One day, I spent time with a patient who had just been diagnosed the day before with breast cancer that had spread to her brain, liver and lungs. She was a young woman in her forties. I met her on the Oncology Unit in the hospital where doctors were just beginning a treatment plan. This patient seemed to have a peace. She spoke to me about her signs and symptoms that led up to this diagnosis; she was honest with her emotions and heart’s desires to get better. When I had asked her what her source of strength was during this time, she told me that over 300 people were praying for her and that she had wonderful family members and friends to see her through this difficult time. As the conversation continued, I asked her if she had the assurance of her salvation. I asked her if she had ever accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Her answer was quick and confident as she said, “I don’t need to do that because my father is a minister. I have the church’s support.” My heart was grieved for there aren’t any grandchildren in heaven. God wants to adopt sons and daughters into His Kingdom. God desires to personally raise each one of us, to call us each by name and for His kids to call back to Him, “Daddy,” knowing that His arm isn’t too short too save or ear too dull to hear the cry of His own children.

Becoming a child of God and receiving the assurance that you are His child is so easy. However, we resist so hard. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul lays down the basics of salvation again. A child of God accepts that Jesus came to earth, fully God and fully man, and that He died on a cross for our sins, He was buried and rose from the dead three days later. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Him. His death on the cross allowed sinful man to have a relationship with a Holy God. His resurrection gives us the power to live this earthly life for His purposes, instead of our own. Romans 10:9-13 says, “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. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you want to be sure that you have come to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way, pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and forgiving me. I want you to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want to live for You as I believe You died for me. Thank You for hearing my prayer. I want Your Spirit to fill me. Amen.

When I read this it touched me. I knew it had to be shared. Time is short, we need to be bold, we need to be honest about the importance of salvation. There are so many living this life deceived and confused and headed straight for hell, where they were not created to be. As I have said in the devotions past, we must be His hands and feet extended to save those who are lost. Have you missed an opportunity or just been too busy to change someone’s life for eternity? It’s not to late, start today, share your salvation story with someone today, let them know where God has brought you from and be a light in this dark world. Salvation, it’s so beautiful, hold fast. 

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 146, 1 Cor. 15



Which Way Do I Go?

One of the biggest questions every follower of Jesus asks is: “What is God’s will for my life?”

Today’s devotional verses speak directly to this question:

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 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. (Isaiah 55:6-9)

We can be reassured from Isaiah 55 that as we seek God, he wants to be found and he wants us to know his path.

We are also challenged that our desires may be radically different from God’s. This Scripture has several implications.

Our perspective is limited. We cannot see anything beyond our five senses. We cannot see into people’s hearts around us. We don’t know what the future holds—not even 10 minutes from now. At any given time, we only see a small part of the big picture.

Our perspective is broken. Due to selfishness, pride, and sin’s impact on us, we have a skewed perspective concerning ourselves and the surrounding world. Our inner compass points toward what we want. The problem is that what we want may not be what is right and best.

God’s perspective is perfect. God can see everything going on in the world right now. He sees everything going on in every person’s mind and heart. He views everything from eternity past and in eternity future with one glimpse. Additionally, his path is set on everything that is right and best.

As you pray about God’s direction for your life, do you let go of what you think you know? Have you offered to God your mind and heart as a blank slate?

As I read this I couldn’t help but be reminded of the very thing God has been speaking to my heart over the past few days. In fact Isaiah 55 has been resounding back to me every day, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. We must never underestimate God, we must let go of what we think we know and trust Him to lead and guide our every footstep. Allow His word to be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Isaiah 55:6-9

 



Free From Fear

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

Fear sneaks into my heart without permission. It paints a picture of helplessness and hopelessness. It steals my peace and my concentration. What am I fearful about? I’m concerned about the safety of my family or the health of loved ones. I panic at the loss of a job or a broken relationship. Fear turns my focus inward and reveals a heart that sometimes finds it hard to trust.

When these fears and worries strike, how good it is to read David’s prayer in Psalm 34: “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (v. 4). And how does God deliver us from our fears? When we “look to him” (v. 5), when we focus on Him, our fears fade; we trust Him to be in control. Then David mentions a different type of fear—not a fear that paralyzes, but a deep respect and awe of the One who surrounds us and delivers us (v. 7). We can take refuge in Him because He is good (v. 8).

This awe of His goodness helps put our fears into perspective. When we remember who God is and how much He loves us, we can relax into His peace. “For there is no want to them that fear him” (v. 9), concludes David. How wonderful to discover that in the fear of the Lord we can be delivered from our fears.

Lord, I’m aware of my worries and fears, and I place them in Your hands. Give me peace as I face the day. Amen.

After reading this I couldn’t help but think of this scripture, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). Face each fear, each problem and say, My God Is Bigger!!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 34:1-10

 

 



Seeing to Tomorrow

For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I enjoy gazing up at a cloudless blue sky. The sky is a beautiful part of our great Creator’s masterpiece, given for us to enjoy. Imagine how much pilots must love the view. They use several aeronautical terms to describe a perfect sky for flying, but my favorite is, “You can see to tomorrow.”

“Seeing to tomorrow” is beyond our view. Sometimes we even struggle to see or understand what life is throwing at us today. The Bible tells us, “ Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).

But our limited visibility is not cause for despair. Just the opposite. We trust in the God who sees all of our tomorrows perfectly—and who knows what we need as we face the challenges ahead. The apostle Paul knew this. That’s why Paul encourages us with hopeful words, “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

When we trust God with our day as well as our unseen tomorrows, we don’t need to worry about anything life throws at us. We walk with Him and He knows what is ahead; He is strong enough and wise enough to handle it.

Lord, I know I can trust You for today and tomorrow because You are kind, good, loving, wise, and powerful. Teach me not to worry. Amen.

As I read this I couldn’t help but be reminded, He has always been faithful, He has always been good and no matter what comes my way, my hope is and always will be in Him alone. He sees all of our tomorrows perfectly. Amen! I don’t have to see to tomorrow, He sees to tomorrow and that alone should give each and every one of us peace that passes all understanding.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 5:1-9

 



The Homeless King

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Matthew 8:20)

Most homeless people have strong feelings of isolation and aloneness. In words and actions, they express a sense that they are somehow less than everyone else, that they are beneath them. So different, so unlovely, so small that not even God can love them.

But Jesus clearly stated that he had no home on earth – the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head – not even a foxhole or a bird’s nest. This Scripture is a powerful tool for breaking through to those who, isolated in life due their homelessness, also imagine they are isolated and cut off from God’s mercy, love and compassionate care.

Jesus, our merciful and compassionate Savior, not only lived among us and died for us all; he even lived as a man without a home. A wanderer with no place to lay his head. Here is a King from whom no one need feel isolated! Our Lord and King is the King of the Homeless, too. As we serve those who are lonely, defeated, and in despair, may we always remember whose precious people they are, and share the good news of their King.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think, what a mighty God we serve. He is no respecter of persons, He truly loves each and every one of us and His love isn’t based on the amount of money in our checkbooks, where we live or our status quo. He desires to reach each and every one of us if we will allow Him to. Extend an outreached hand to those in need. Be His hands and feet extended. He died for everyone, not just some.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Romans 12:9-13



Surprised by God

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Ephesians 3:20)

After 10 years of renting in a charming location, we discovered that our landlord suddenly needed to sell the house. I asked God to change the circumstances and make it possible for my wife and me to stay in this place we’d made home, where we’d watched our children grow up. But God said no.

When it comes to my needs, I worry that I’m asking for the wrong thing or that I’m not worthy of the request I’m making. But God’s no doesn’t need to shake our faith when we’re grounded—surrounded I like to say—in His love. In Ephesians 3, Paul understood that those who know the love of Christ intimately (vv.16-17) can trust God to have a loving reason for saying no.

Shortly after hearing “no” from God about my request, friends from church offered to rent us a home they were vacating. Our new location—with new appliances, new plumbing, new electrical wiring, and an extra bedroom—sits on the ocean, an idyllic scene of ships, sails, and sounds that daily remind us that God is bigger than any issue we face. Our loving Father used loving friends to give more than we asked.

Whether God gives us more than we imagined or far less than we desired, we can trust that His plans are much better than ours.

Lord, we know that You are good whether Your answers to our prayers are abundantly more than we asked or much less than we desire. Help us to accept whatever comes to us from Your hand. Thank You.

When I read this I thought, what a reminder. At times we get frustrated that God didn’t answer our prayers the way we asked Him to but we must 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. Trust Him!

When God says no to our request, we can be sure it’s for the best. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Ephesians 3:14-21



Nothing But Jesus

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

A word of admonition to us all: don’t be a “wannabe” theologian!

Paul was straightforward with the church in Corinth. He didn’t yammer on endlessly; he cut straight to the source of life, Jesus. As Christians, we should be all about Him. We should wake up with a craving to be like Jesus everyday and we should long to walk as He walked.

But how exactly did He walk?

Great question.

He walked through mobs of people shouting, spitting, and jeering at Him while carrying a cross.

That’s how Jesus walked, that’s how Jesus lived. He allowed Himself to be humiliated, mocked, and ridiculed all for our good. Paul realized a simple yet powerful truth: when we know Jesus, our pride should evaporate.

There is no room for arrogance when you’ve met Jesus. Paul didn’t need to use impressive words or flex his vocabulary, he needed to proclaim nothing but “Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

This mindset can work in us in two different ways:

* Firstly, if we’re constantly looking to impress others with our knowledge or holiness, we’ve completely missed our purpose. The point is not us, it’s Jesus.

* Secondly, we’ve also missed it if we neglect sharing Jesus with others because we’re worried that we don’t know enough. If we do this, we’ve also missed the heart of the matter. Again, the point is not us, it’s Jesus!

Get to know Jesus, get excited about Him. The point of our lives is to point to Him. Amen.

When I read this it both blessed me and challenged me today. We should indeed wake up with a craving to be like Jesus everyday and we should long to walk as He walked. Wow! Help me today Lord to walk as You walked, to love as You love, to forgive as You forgive. What a pure and true example we have to follow after. Make Christ a priority! He shows no partiality or favoritism. We are all given the same Holy Spirit, and one day, we each will behold our Lord face to face. But as of today His promise stands that if you seek Him, you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart. Whom are you seeking?

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:101-105

 



Be Mentored, Be Mentoring

For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1 Corinthians 4:15-16)

A good guide points out interesting pieces of art, culture, and history.

In fact, a guide worth his or her salt can even keep you safe from danger, as in the case of white water rafting. No doubt, then, guides fill a beneficial role. But what happens when your trip is over? What happens when it’s time to go home and return to daily living? Does a guide do life with you?

No, but a father does.

A father, mother, or mentor doesn’t simply provide temporary insight but steady counsel. Spiritual mentors impart timely wisdom through consistent relationship. The difference between a mentor and a guide is one of depth, quality, and longevity. A mentor actively, prayerfully, and biblically develops disciples in the kingdom.

Do you have a spiritual mentor, or are you simply relying on the occasional guide? Do you have a spiritual father or mother you can imitate and learn from? If not, prayerfully seek for a person to fill this role for you, just as Paul did for the Corinthians.

Are you a spiritual mentor? Who is young in the faith that you can pour into? Who is struggling in an area that God has given you victory in? Can you walk with someone through addiction to pornography? Can you disciple and love someone struggling to better know God and his word? Chances are, you have areas in your life where you have the capacity and the calling to be a spiritual mentor to others.

Be challenged to be mentored and be mentoring. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into these relationships.

After reading this I’ve pondered on what I can add and honestly nothing is coming to me. I feel what has been said is so fitting, so important and so true that today and into the weekend I want you to ponder this one question, What areas in your life do you have the capacity and the calling to be a spiritual mentor to others? Only you can answer that and I know the Holy Spirit will lead you into relationships that you can be mentored and mentor others in return.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 4:15-16



A People of Grace

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:4)

It is hard to imagine why Paul was telling the Church at Corinth that he was thankful for them.

…the church in Corinth had serious “issues.”

Among them, a man was sleeping with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). Fellow believers were suing each other (1 Corinthians 6:1). People were getting drunk off of the communion wine (1 Corinthians 11:21). And the list went on.

What did he see in those people that made him thankful?

Paul saw what only a follower of Jesus Christ could see; God’s grace at work in their lives.

Generally, the more time a person spends with another, the more obvious sin in their life becomes. This can either bring them closer together, or rend them further apart. Unfortunately, in many relationships it separates or even creates mistrust and a pride in one’s life as they judge the other person’s faults.

As we look for God’s grace in the lives of those around us, rather then their faults, we will begin to view them as a blessing in our lives instead of a curse. Seeing God’s abundant grace in others should be what separates the church from those outside of it.

We are sinners full of grace, instead of sinners full of pride.

Look for God’s grace in the lives of those around you today.

When I read this I knew it needed to be shared. What truth! Take a look around you today and extend God’s grace to those around you. I don’t know about you but I needed this reminder today! Who in your life have you seen as a curse instead of a blessing. Go beyond your flesh and find the good in those God has placed in your life. I’m certain you will find the good if your heart is open and honest. Look beyond there faults and extend grace. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits (Romans 12:16).

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 1:4-5



A Call to Courage

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (Matthew 14:27)

Does life frighten you? Do you feel surrounded by those who would do you harm—computer hackers, dishonest business people, and even neighbors who take advantage of you? The easiest thing in this type of environment would be to hide behind the walls of our homes and protect ourselves from the dangers that lie in wait.

But Jesus called His disciples to something different. He asked them to have courage and strength in the face of some very frightening situations. When Jesus walked on the water toward them as they sailed across the sea, He asked them to believe that this ghost-like figure was really their Savior. He asked them to go out in pairs and preach in His name. And finally, He asked them to go to Jerusalem with Him for His final days.

The opportunities that God wants to bring your way will take courage. When faced with opportunities that frighten us, we should remember that God makes us strong in our weakness. God uses the very challenges that make our knees tremble to use us for greatness, and as His hands and feet on earth. Step out today in courage, no matter what you’re facing, and know that God has you.

With so much fear, hate and anger in this world, when I read this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. It’s so important that we remember and be reminded that God makes us strong in our weakness and it’s up to us to spread love and joy. Small lights have a way of being seen in a dark world, it just starts with one. I read this quote and I wanted to leave you with it today to ponder. There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Be of good cheer, be not afraid!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Matthew 14:27



Sweet Company

Even the Spirit of truth . . . dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17)

The elderly woman in the nursing home didn’t speak to anyone or request anything. It seemed she merely existed, rocking in her creaky old chair. She didn’t have many visitors, so one young nurse would often go into her room on her breaks. Without asking the woman questions to try to get her to talk, she simply pulled up another chair and rocked with her. After several months, the elderly woman said to her, “Thank you for rocking with me.” She was grateful for the companionship.

Before He went back to heaven, Jesus promised to send a constant companion to His disciples. He told them He would not leave them alone but would send the Holy Spirit to be in them (John 14:17). That promise is still true for believers in Jesus today. Jesus said, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (v. 23).

The Lord is our close and faithful companion throughout our entire life. He will guide us in our deepest struggles, forgive our sin, hear each silent prayer, and shoulder the burdens we cannot bear.

We can enjoy His sweet company today.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us Your Spirit as our constant companion. Amen.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think the companionship that the elderly lady and young nurse had is such a beautiful example of the companionship we can have and or do have in Christ. When we go to The Lord it’s okay to be silent at times and just enjoy his presence. He knows you better than you know yourself, bask in His presence today and remember He hears our silent prayers. He is our guide, our burden bearer, our protector and our companion, even in the moments when we don’t know what to say, He knows just what you have need of. He is our safe place, if we will allow Him to be. Love Him and keep His words. Let us make our abode/home with Him today and every day and have a desire for Him to dwell in us and with us each and every day.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is John 14:15-26



The Power of Imitation

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1 Corinthians 4:16)

We are masters at imitation. Whether we are copying someone else or they are copying us, we are continually being influenced and adapting our personality to the conformity of others. We may not realize that the things we do or wear or say are a result of imitating someone or something in our culture.

Paul understands these issues when he says to the Corinthians “follow me.” They were living in the world and enjoying being of the world. Paul knew that they needed a living example to follow. He became their example, a real person from whom to watch and to learn. Paul also knew that their only hope was in Jesus. He was the One they must ultimately learn to imitate.

Second Corinthians 4:18 says that, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Our focus should only be on Jesus Christ our Savior. This world and all that is in it will someday be gone. Where will you be when this happens? Do you choose your friends wisely, those who set the example in Christ as Paul did? Or are you influenced more by the world’s temporary offerings, instead of Christ’s eternal promises? How accountable are you to set godly examples for those who are imitating you? Ask the Lord to help you become the role model and example that He wants you to be for others. His Holy Spirit will guide you in this role.

I recently read this and it blessed me so much. It provoked thought and it challenged me to search deep and answer truthfully, how accountable am I to set Godly examples for those who are watching. Help me Lord to be a better role model and example, guide me Holy Spirit. We can all use improvement. Improve me Lord!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalms 107



Thanks be to God

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100)

Let us all be thankful for our freedom and for our founding fathers who laid the God-fearing foundation for this great nation. But above everything else, let us not forget the One who made us. We are God’s people–we are His sheep and this nation is still His pasture. Take time today to give Him praise and thanksgiving for the true freedom that we have in His Son Jesus Christ. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! Pray for our nation today. As Christians, we should all be greatly concerned at how our lawmakers are turning away from God in their choices and decisions. God’s mercy is everlasting but there is a day of judgment coming. Pray that our nation will turn back to the Lord. One by one, as Christians, we can make a difference. Let’s start today.

What a great reminder, we as Christian’s must pray for our country and not be discouraged but encouraged. I couldn’t help but think of this scripture when I read this devotion, And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Amen! What hope and until that soon coming day we must pray, pray, pray, for our country and our leaders. Making a difference starts with you and I. Join me today, by spreading love, joy and prayer.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Psalm 100, 1 Cor. 1