Author: everydaycrossliving

Only God

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Have you ever found yourself disappointed? I’m certain we all have. Maybe in a person, a job, yourself, or even church. But, disappointment, has a way of pointing us to the only God, the one who never fails or disappoints. In fact, there are some areas in your life reserved only for God. There are some voids, only God can fill. There are some problems, only God can fix. And, there are some wounds, only God can heal.

Do you have a void in your life that you have tried to fill with people and/or things, but the void still remains? There are certain voids, God-sized holes, that are reserved only for God to fill. He alone, has the missing pieces. In Genesis 29:31-35, we find the account of Leah. She was longing for her husband’s love, but he would never be willing or able to fill the love void in her life. Children couldn’t fill the void either, only God. The naming of her first three sons exemplify her longing for love. However, somewhere along the way, it seems she recognizes God’s unwavering love. She names her fourth son, Judah, which means praise. And she declares, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Today may you praise the Lord and boldly come to the realization that God can and will fill any voids in your life. No spouse, no child, no parents, no job, no house, no car, or bank account will ever fill every void, only God can! Reach out to Him and Praise Him now. He is willing to fill the void or empty spaces in your life.

Is something broken in your life? In 1 Samuel 1, we find Hannah. Hannah was barren and greatly desired a child. Her husband couldn’t understand, and even declared to her, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Her barrenness left her in despair, but more importantly, it led her to pray fervently before the Lord. God, was the only one, who was able to fix it for Hannah. God heard Hannah’s prayers and opened her womb.

What needs to be fixed in your life? Perhaps it is not visible or you are good at hiding it. But, deep in your heart, you know its broken. Maybe your closest family and friends just don’t understand. They think you are overreacting or making a big deal over nothing. Whatever is wrong or broken, call out to God. He can fix it!

Do you need healing? So did the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34.This woman had an issue that was too difficult, too complicated, and too complex for doctors or money to heal. But, she was convinced that regardless of those who couldn’t, Jesus could. This is evident from her words, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And she was healed and made whole! You may be experiencing an area of our life that only God can provide healing. Whatever the illness, it is not too big or too complicated; God can heal. There are some things that medicine can’t fix and the best of doctors can’t resolve, yet God can heal. It doesn’t matter if it is physical, mental, or spiritual, God can heal. God can heal your heart, God can heal your mind, and only God can heal a sin-sick soul.

There are some voids only God can fill, some problems only He can fix, and some ills only God can heal. And most importantly of all, only God can save! Jesus bore our sins on the cross. However, He was adamant that His believers have a cross to bear, as well. What if the greatest cross you could bear, is leading someone to the one and only God?

Peacemakers

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Many have walked this earth. But how many have walked as peacemakers? Without debate, Jesus is the greatest peacemaker this earth has ever and will ever see. But our world has also been blessed with mere men – who made it their lives’ mission to be peacemakers. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tops that list.

What can we learn from the lives of Jesus and Dr. King?

During their time many saw them as troublemakers instead of peacemakers.

Dr. King wasn’t immediately celebrated as a Civil Rights Icon or Hero. No, that took time. His fight for peace was met with much opposition and adversity. Many, during his time, considered him a troublemaker, instead of a peacemaker. It took years, before MLK Day was established as a national holiday and decades before all 50 states made it a state holiday. Now with greater perspective and reflection, we recognize his non-violent actions were paving the way for greater peace in our nation.

Dr. King was not alone. Many of the religious leaders, of Jesus’ time, saw Him as a troublemaker, interrupting the status quo. In Matthew 12, when Jesus healed a man possessed with a demon, the religious leader falsely claimed that His power came from Beelzebub. Another incident, in Matthew 21:12-15, the peacemaker, Jesus, overturns the tables in the temple courts and heals the blind and lame. Some praised him, but the chief priests and teachers of the law were indignant.

What can we learn? Be bold enough to be a peacemaker, even if your peers of today, view you as a troublemaker.

Their pursuit to make peace was full of action.

Perhaps we misunderstand, the true definition of peacemakers. We often envision peacemakers as quiet and void of conflict. However, we learn quite the contrary, from Jesus and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemakers aren’t silent, inactive, pushovers. Often the work of peacemaking requires voices to speak out, loudly and boldly.

Dr. King’s work was full of action and sacrifice. He also compelled others to action and instructed them to use their voices. Here are some of his famous quotes on the dangers of inaction and silence:

“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

Jesus’ pursuit of peace was full of action and the ultimate self-denial and sacrifice. This is the how Romans 5:7-8 describes the ultimate sacrifice, “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

What can we learn? Boldly pursue peace with your voice and actions.

We remember them today as children of God!

The scripture is clear and true. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. -Matthew 5:9 We honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a child of God. And without doubt Jesus is the Son of God. (Matthew 27:54)

Jesus, our peacemaker, bore a cross that took away our sin. Instead of enmity with God, now we have peace! Now we must bear our own cross. A cross, that declares, blessed are the peacemakers. Yes, it might cause others to erroneously see us as troublemakers. Yes, it will require action – peacemakers are not stagnant, but are active in pursing peace. Nevertheless, in the end, blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God!

The Miraculous Love of Christmas

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The Christmas Story is layered with miracles. Prophets of old spoke with clarity and detail about the coming Messiah. (Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:2). However, the miracle we often overlook is the unyielding love of our Savior.

A love that led Jesus to trade in streets of gold for a stable.

A love that compelled Jesus to give up his majestic throne for a mere manger.

A love that led Jesus to give up the presence of complete holiness for a place full of sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

A love that compelled Jesus to trade in the continuous worship of angels, for a lowly position of servitude. (Matthew 20:28)

A love that led Jesus to give up a crown for a cross.

A love that compelled Jesus to give up exaltation for humiliation! The humiliation of death upon a cross (Philippians 2:8).

What a miraculous love. This type of love should lead us to worship at His feet and pick up our cross to follow Him!

A Different Kind of Thanksgiving, but Still the Same God!

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Thanksgiving will look different for many families this year. Some will limit their gatherings to immediate family. Some college students, have elected, to stay on campus in lieu of returning home. Sadly, some will spend Thanksgiving alone, while others, are unable to afford a Thanksgiving meal! Indeed, Thanksgiving will be different, but there is still great hope. There is still a reason to give thanks. Our God is still the same! It may be a different kind of Thanksgiving, but we still serve the same God!

God is still good.

“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Nahum 1:7

These are troubling times. However, we can take refuge in God! He is still good! Maybe, your experiences are tempting you to think differently of God, but His goodness has not and will not dilute.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” – Psalm 34:8

Give Him a try and you will discover that He is still good!

God is still a provider.
Jesus speaks of the goodness of the providing Father in Matthew 7:9-11, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” I don’t know your specific need, but without a doubt, God can provide. He has an impeccable record for providing:

    • In Genesis 22, He provided the ram in the bush.
    • In 1 Kings 17, He provided the widow woman with an unlimited supply of food. The jar of flour and jug of oil did not run out!
    • In the New Testament, He provided a sinful world, redemption, through His Son!

He is a consistent and constant provider! Call out and trust Him with your needs; He is still a provider.

God is still a healer.
God is the healer of all of our diseases (Psalm103:3). May God heal our land from disease, hatred, and division. However, we have a role to play if we want to experience His Healing.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

May we do our part, so our land can experience His perfect healing! He is still a healer.

Yes, this Thanksgiving will be different, across the land, but our God is still the same! He is good. He is a provider. And He is a healer. May you give thanks, to the Father, this Thanksgiving and forevermore!

It is the Season for the Church to Arise

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The fall season is on the horizon and it will usher in a change of scenery. Soon there will be crisp mornings and cool evenings. Lawns will be covered with leaves and mountains will be array of colored trees. The changing of our earthly seasons is a gentle heavenly reminder of Ecclesiastes 3.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” –Ecclesiastes 3:1

Each season demands a response. As fall settles in, soon we will trade in our tank tops for sweaters and flip flops for boots. Many will put up the lawn mowers for rakes. Again, each season demands a response.

What is the season in our world, in our nation? Our world and our nation, is in a difficult season. A season of sickness, death, suffering, strife, discord, race reckoning, economic and financial insecurity, and mental distress. Every season demands a response and this season demands a response from the Church and the people of God. It’s the season for the Church to arise!

Let’s turn our attention back to Ecclesiastes; King Solomon so eloquently expands on the thought that there is a season and time for every purpose under the heaven. 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A time to mourn, and a time to dance
Our nation has experienced unprecedented loss, sickness, and death. Numerous are hurting from the loss of a loved one or friend. Others are mourning the loss of a business or normalcy of life. The people of God are called to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Are we doing our part to mourn with those who mourn? As we mourn today, I’m certain there will come a time to dance! 

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak    
It’s time for the church to speak and stand with the hurting, suffering, and marginalized. Now is not the time for silence. The world needs to see the church and people of God speak up against injustice and racism (no matter how subtle). “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr. If the church, is going to impact the world, for generations to come; the church must show its relevance, by speaking at the most difficult times, for those with the smallest or weakest of voices. 

A time to love, and a time to hate
The world needs to see God’s love. May people experience the love of God through our actions. God commands us in 1 John 3:18, to not love in word or speech, but in action and truth. Those best equipped to display the love God, are those who have experienced His love. It is our time, it is the perfect season, to show forth God’s love in the land. The Church must arise and do the hard work of truly loving, in action not just words.

How does Ecclesiastes 3 speak to your heart? What is God calling you to do, during this season? What cross is God calling you to bear? Now is the season – it is the time for you and the Church to arise!

The Compassion of Christ

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The church often talks about the passion of Christ, but just as relevant, is His compassion. We serve a compassionate Christ who is touched by the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15). Take a moment to read and reflect on the scriptures below and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about Jesus’ compassion.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. And when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion towards them, because they were destitute and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-38

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. Mark 1:40-41

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.  And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Luke 7:11-15

The scriptures make it clear that Jesus was often moved with compassion. His compassion spurred his miracles. Compassion also moves us to action; while a lack of compassion paralyzes. How would our world look different, if the people of God, emulated their compassionate Christ? Sadly, the flesh is prone to be self-centered and self-focused. 

Let us look at Matthew 20:30-34; and think about the intent of the multitude. Instead of caring about the blind men’s unfortunate plight, the crowd was more focused on the ‘noise’ or disturbance they were causing. The crowd annoyed by their screams, responded with rebuke. Contrast the crowd with Christ. The compassionate Christ, wasn’t repelled by the blind men’s insistence, instead their condition moved his heart. His compassion led him to perform a mighty miracle. If we could be moved with compassion, instead of aggravation – what miracles might we witness?

Sadly, even when we don’t respond with blatant aggravation, the body of Christ can fall victim to a more subtle culprit that erodes compassion. Has the body of Christ become complacent or indifferent because of the great need (Matthew 9:37)? We see this conundrum in Mark 8:1-10, even with Jesus’ disciples.

The disciples were immobilized by the magnitude of need; whereas Jesus’ compassion moved him to action. It was the compassion of Christ that preceded the miraculous feeding. How many times have you  sent someone in need away, empty handed? This happens when compassion doesn’t prick our heart to share a prayer, the gospel, or resources. Compassion will compel us to go the extra mile. 

We need to be moved with compassion. Our hearts need to be tender to ALL of our brothers and sisters. Compassion amongst the body of Christ will leave way for God to perform miracles. Compassion amongst the body of Christ will lead to us actively loving our neighbor as ourselves. 

May we pray to have greater compassion for All of God’s people. May God prick our hearts for the least of these. When our hearts are full of compassion, we will carry our cross with a new perspective. 

Perfect Timing

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Our nation is in the midst of turbulence and turmoil. Americans (regardless of gender, race, religion, or political affiliation) are experiencing a range of emotions, many negative. Some are hurt, others are frustrated. Some are overwhelmed, others are angry. Some are fearful and others are confused. But, perhaps this is perfect timing for Christians to arise.

It is the perfect time for Christians to be salt and light.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:13-16

Let us examine ourselves! Have we lost our saltiness? Is our light shining during these dark times? Our light will shine, if we show compassion and operate in love.

It is the perfect time for Christians to show compassion.
We serve a Compassionate Savior, whom we should emulate.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us all in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The woman caught in adultery, in John 8:1-11, was laid at the feet of a Compassionate Savior, by an angry mob. Can you imagine the gratitude she felt, when Jesus showed her compassion, instead of condemnation? He didn’t excuse her wrong, but His actions boldly confirmed that her human worth was greater than her sin!

Have we been too quick to condemn, instead of seeking to understand? Have we been too quick to judge, instead of reaching out with compassion? Have we been too stuck on our political affiliation, instead of diving deep into the plight and pain of our brothers or sisters? Is our lack of compassion repelling the world from Jesus?

It is the perfect time for Christians to operate in love.

“They will know you are my disciples by how you love one another.” -John 13:35

5FFC1157-9CF7-40E2-A69C-F79A02BB4D1B1 Corinthians 13, clearly details that love is a verb, love is an action word. It is perfect timing for Christians to love in our actions. If we fail to display or actively love, sadly we may be accused of just making noise – a resounding gong or clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Ironically, one of the greatest displays of love came from a Good Samaritan. Jesus spoke of this in the parable found in Luke 10:25-37. As you read the parable, you will notice the preacher ignores the needs of another; the religious fails to assist, but it is the Samaritan that stops. Good Samaritan is actually an oxymoron; the Samaritan wasn’t considered good. The preacher was supposed to be good, he is expected to show love, but he keeps going. The religious was supposed to be good, he is expected to show love, but he keeps going. It was the Samaritan who operates in love. It was the Samaritan who loved his neighbor as himself. It was the Samaritan who was willing to move beyond his comfort zone for the good of someone else.

Today, have we witnessed many good samaritans operating in love, while the religious have passed on by. It is perfect timing for Christians to actively love. Let us not miss our time. Without love, we pander in religion, without relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is perfect timing! Perfect timing to be salt and light, perfect timing to show compassion, and perfect timing to operate in love.

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Let us not miss this opportunity. Christians need to arise! It is time for the true Christians to take up the heavy cross and carry it! 

Peace, Power, Presence, & Purpose: During the Pandemic

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These are unprecedented times. The majority, of us, have no reference point for what is taking place. The entire world is in the midst of a pandemic.

The pandemic has interrupted normalcy. Some have been inflicted more greatly than others. Some have loss friends and/or loved ones. While others have loss jobs or businesses. Many have suffered physically, financially, emotionally, and/or mentally. There is no doubt, this is a time to fervently pray. In this time of uncertainty and change, our true hope resides in an unchanging God.

God is immutable. He is the same God! This pandemic cannot and will not change God. Therefore, even in this pandemic, we can experience His peace, power, and presence.

Peace
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
–Isaiah 26:3

He will keep us in perfect peace and His peace flows freely in His Word. This perfect peace isn’t limited to situations, circumstances, or even pandemics. In the darkest of times, His perfect peace remains. This perfect peace is not easily understood or explained, rather it has to be experienced. Philippians 4:7, describes it as a “peace that surpasses all understanding.” I pray, during this pandemic you experience His perfect peace.

Power
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
-John 16:33

You can experience this peace, because of His power! He has overcome the world! Hebrews 1:3, lets us know that everything is sustained or upheld by His power. I pray during these times you are able to witness the power of God. We can be confident that God’s power will transcend this pandemic.

Presence
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
–Psalm 46:1
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
–Psalm 46:11

You can trust His Power, because of His presence. He is an ever-present God. Take a moment to read and reflect on Psalm 46. The first verse of this Psalm, describes Him as a present help in the time of trouble and, indeed, these are trouble times. Psalm 46, ends by, emphatically, declaring that the Lord of Hosts is with us. He is with us, even in this time of trouble! Lean into His presence. In John 14, Jesus promised to never leave us comfortless. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to continually abide with His believers. I pray that you will be able to find comfort and rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Purpose

As children of God, we are beyond fortunate that we can experience His peace, witness His power, and rest in His presence! Although, this pandemic has been life-altering, it does not alter God. Matter of fact, it doesn’t even alter your ultimate purpose. This pandemic may have changed your position, but you still have a God-given purpose. You may have lost your job or even worse your business may have succumbed, but this pandemic cannot take your purpose. Never forget God has called you for a purpose. Perhaps, this pandemic has had negative impacts on your health, but don’t let it negatively impact your purpose. Maybe you’ve loss loved ones and/or friends and you feel this pandemic has unjustly robbed you of time. But, don’t let it rob you of your purpose!

Now more than ever, us, as the people of God, must walk in our purpose. The world needs to see the church, and you, my friend, are a central part of the church! This pandemic, should not stop us from our purpose. In the face of this pandemic, Jesus’ commandment, “pick up your cross and follow me,” still stands true! Don’t allow this pandemic to hinder you from your God-given purpose. Pick up your cross and follow Him!

 

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In a time of social distancing, let us not grow distant from God!

Our mission should be to seek the face of God – He is the God that heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3).

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  – 2 Chronicles 7:14

 People of God, let us do our part in humbling ourselves, praying, seeking the face of God, and turning from wickedness. I’m confident, our Lord, will do His part. He will forgive our sins and heal our land!

 

Reconciliation

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God’s word brilliantly uses metaphors to express the brevity of life.

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
-James 4:14

“As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.”
–Psalms 103:14-15 

Wow, what a way to sum up life! Life is fragile! Sadly, sometimes it takes a tragedy for us to grasp this reality.

Recently, I’ve spent time reflecting on the fragility of life and I found myself reading the story of Jacob and Esau, the twin brothers from Genesis. We often think about the similarity of twins and the bond they share, but this was not so for Jacob and Esau. They were twin brothers who were opposites and always at odds. At odds from birth. An adversarial relationship that was on a fast path to degradation.

Jacob steals his brother’s blessing, by tricking their father. Esau was understandably angered by his brother’s actions. Most would be angered! However, Esau was enraged to the point that he desired to kill his brother.

These brothers ended up estranged for 14 years. 14 years is a long time for a relationship to be broken. However, after 14 years there was a time for them to meet again. After 14 years had Esau’s anger subsided? After 14 years could a broken relationship be repaired?

This story culminates by painting a beautiful picture of reconciliation.

“He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” –Genesis 33:3-5

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Just as the Bible metaphorically illustrates the brevity and frailty of life, the story of Jacob and Esau is proof that broken relationships can be healed and reconciliation in even the darkest of relationships can be achieved. Life is fragile, so what will you chose? Will you chose rage or reconciliation? Will You chose to harbor hatred or actively engage in forgiveness? Again, what will you chose?

Take a moment and reflect on the cross, our Christ, bore to solidify reconciliation with you! 881AEDF8-2A57-4538-99F7-44B871398B7E Perhaps, God is calling you to a bear a cross that could lead to the healing of a broken relationship, the reconciliation of a God-ordained relationship. Seek reconciliation while you have the opportunity. Remember, life is fragile and life is brief!