Kneeling at the Crossroads
Though Peter vehemently denied Christ
his repentance was equally strong
and he became a great pillar
to the faith all believers belong
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Though Judas Iscariot knew Jesus
his pride remained his stronghold
and he fell into anger’s bitter arms
as Christ’s own words had foretold
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When I walk through a pain-filled valley
my faith will be refined as gold
if I follow the path of repentance
and kneel humbly at the crossroads.
~
Wendy ❀ 2015
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Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken:
“Before the rooster crows,
you will disown me three times.”
And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:75
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I had a crossroads experience last week.
People from the past started popping up in my life again.
Memories and pain resurfaced,
causing me to close off my heart.
And as the inner door slammed shut
I sensed I was not alone,
and I wept bitterly because—
God was in this.
He pointed out my destructive pride.
Pride has an I in the middle of it.
Sin has an I in the middle of it too.
Judas chose the path of pride,
and it hung him.
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So Judas threw the money into the temple and left.
Then he went away and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:5
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Both these disciples had spent time with Jesus,
but when the crossroads of the crucifixion was dawning
they each chose a different direction.
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I want to choose the path of joy.
It’s the road that tells us to focus on Jesus, others and yourself.
~ JOY ~
If I worry about what others are thinking of me
instead of what Jesus says about me first,
I’ll be hanged.
~
Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD
is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25
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Yes,
I have over-functioned and under-functioned.
I have over-reacted and under-reacted.
And I make mistakes–daily.
I’m a sinner.
Pride is a dandelion with deep roots.
I have to keep pulling it out.
Actually, its God who pulls it out
when I’ve given Him permission.
He can only weed a humble and contrite heart.
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A man’s pride brings him low,
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
Proverbs 29:23
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To weep bitterly before the LORD is a good thing;
it’s better than
spilling your own blood.
~
Crossroads Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Have you given God all of your pain, your pride, and your past?
Do you have a favorite verse or quote
that helps you to stay focused on joy?
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I have linked today’s post with author Janis Cox and other inspirational writers.
I hope you have time to visit her lovely and encouraging blog.
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Here is a link to a free e-book by Mary DeMuth.
In this book she shows us how we can break free from our past
no matter how painful it may have been.
I follow her on Facebook and absolutely love her inspiring posts.
Live Uncaged–find the freedom you’ve always wanted
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The crocus in the final picture is growing out of the side of a tree.
It’s not in ideal growing conditions—but it’s blooming gloriously nonetheless.
I believe God can make something beautiful out of us
regardless of our roots (past).
~
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Out of the hundreds of crocuses I saw at the park ,
this was the one that made my heart leap.
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Very important words. Thanks for writing and reminding us of God’s truth! Blessings, Ellen
His truth is the best light to walk by since our feelings sometimes mislead us. Thank you, dear Ellen. ❀
Beautifully said, Wendy! I have recently been challenged with similar experiences, and I agree it is so important to choose joy! I have so many verses that have sustained me, but here’s a couple: Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength
This really renewed my resolve this morning. Thank you. Be blessed!
Thank you, dear Marisa. Anger, fear, or grief are signals for me to look deeper into a situation for the blessing. God continually wants to bless us. I love Phil. 4:13. And Nehemiah 8:10 goes perfectly with this post. ❀
Funny how a face from the past can drag up so much hurt and pain – But I can do all things through Him who gives me strength – Phil 4:13
That’s one of my favorite verses. It’s enabled me to take on projects I never would have otherwise. Thank you for sharing. ❀
I know that sometimes when the past revisits me, I too, can clearly see where I’ve closed my heart. Love this post Wendy! <3
Diana xo
❀ Thank you, Diana. The past can be a tutor to help us navigate the present. <3
Lovely comforting post Wendy. And that crocus is very special. I saw a quote this morning about being whole even though we are not perfect. I see pride as one of the imperfections and resentment too, for things that happened in the past. But as we say in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, “We aim for progress, not perfection” and that helps me when I am beating myself up. Thank you fortis lovely post x
Christine, I have such great respect and admiration for all that AA does. Years ago I attended a meeting with a friend who’d confessed her need of help. She’s been sober ever since. She just needed someone to go with her the first time. I’d happily do it again if I ever come across someone else who had admitted their need. ❀
We’re all in need of a strong shoulder. Love the quote you mentioned. <3 I regularly read AA quotes since I read a recovery Bible with my morning coffee.
AA can work wonders Wendy. Ive been sober 13 years in AA and it saved my life. When you get my book you will read about the journey in my section About the Author’. I’m so pleased your friend got the message and recovers; sadly many don’t and I have been to a few funerals. But it is an illness and one we can recover from if we make that first leap of faith and ask for help. x
I look forward to reading it. ❀ And how kind and generous of you to donate the proceeds to charity. xo You rock, Christine.
😊 x
It’s lovely to read how you are tying together nature and God here – such a beautiful post ♥
<3 Thank you, Christy. Creation and the Creator are a natural born fit. ❀
Another excellent and thought-provoking post, Wendy.
Joy really is a choice. I think it’s the choice between being led by the Spirit and being led by the flesh. For me, the latter has always resulted in fear, worry and despair, but the former results in peace, joy and hope.
I love your wonderful words of Truth, Bill. There’s no better way to walk than in the Spirit. You run the race in a manner that inspires hope to all that read your blog. So glad to have discovered your writing. Blessings to you & Mary. ❀
Be still, and know that I am God. My dad and I used to discuss quotes from the Bible and this was one of my favourites in times of trouble. I find it truly comforting.
Wendy, when I look at your beautiful flowers I am touched again by the glory of Nature. As hard as life can sometimes be, there is much in the world to love and admire and to give us hope. <3
Jennifer, that’s a simple but powerful verse. It’s in stillness we hear and see so much more clearly. Being out in nature helps me be still. I’ve always enjoyed the serenity in the outdoor pictures you post. Yes, there is plenty of beauty for us to focus on (and for our cameras to capture). <3
Dad used to say that too, but he also said we can interpret as a plea for us not to worry over whatever was troubling us, because God would take care of it in the end.
Wendy, when my dad first passed away, the only time I felt that my heart wasn’t so heavy and I felt half-way “normal” was when I spent time outdoors. Everything that belonged to nature made me feel better somehow. Even if it was just a neighbour’s little dog or cat walking along. I will never forget the day a little bunny hopped out of the woods, unafraid, near the cemetery where Dad was buried. He stopped and looked at me for a solid minute before disappearing. Dad always adored animals, more than most people I know, and I like to think he sent that bunny out to show me he was alright. <3
Yes, I can relate to the need for being outdoors during grief. I believe in the comfort creation gives us–such as the bunny that greeted you.
If there is ever a time when the window of heaven is open, it seems to be during grief. We need the comfort of knowing our loved ones are safely home. When my dad died suddenly, I found his bible open on his kitchen table. It was like a note saying my dad was in Good Hands. <3
That’s beautiful! <3
The crossroads is an excellent image for the believer needs to come to the end of himself to take the road that is his built in Christ.
“choose for yourselves today whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
So nice to meet you 🙂
So nice to meet you too, Leslie. 🙂 The song that’s based on Joshua 24:15 is one of my favorites. It always gives me goosebumps when I hear it. ❀
Wendy, what a beautiful post. I’ve been the one who walks in prIde more times than I care to admit. You’re right. When I follow the path of repentance and kneel humbly at the crossroads, Jesus can act.
Your pictures are, as always, gorgeous!
Thank you, Jeanne. I’ve been learning this lesson from so many different angles. Just when one class is done I find myself in another one. Same Teacher though. ❀
Beautifully written wise words and photos, Wendy. 🙂
Thank you, Tracy. Your recent “Friends always love” art/post is beautiful. ❀
Well darn, darn and double darn. I just wrote a great reply to this and when I hit the comment, the internet dropped. If that’s not the father of lies trying to keep the Lord’s business from happening I don’t know what is.
I’ll send it again soon. Right now my knee has begun to hurt and I need to get up from here. Love, N 🙂 <3
Natalie, that has happened to me so many times. Someone told me once that it’s the “Poof Monster,” but I suspect it’s more devilish than that too.
<3 Take care of your knee, sweet friend. I'm counting on seeing you post pictures of Italian gardens etc. later this year. 😉
Loved this.
Thank you. ❀ I like what you wrote about “His Grace Covering” on your latest post.
Thank you.
I could relate very much to this today. Faced with reconciling with someone who has been out of my life for almost 5 years. I move slowly forward one step at a time trusting that God will do the work I can’t. Thank you for the wisdom you shared.
Karen, I think your strategy of “move slowly” is wise. Specific prayers help me find the right pace–otherwise I botch it up all over again. ❀ Blessings as you walk in wisdom.
Not much can throw us like people from our past. Ugh. I know that, friend. Especially ones that don’t believe the way we do … even family members. Keep your sweet chin up. You are so loved.
Shelli, my husband and I both come from families with a different world view than what we now have. I love them more because of what I believe—but it’s not reciprocal. But God. But grace. And so many prayers. This is a ‘gift’. <3 I appreciate you.
Thank you, dear Wendy, for being so genuine with us, so we can be genuine too . . .and bring it all to Him. One verse that He is using for me right now, to help me, is Philippians 4:8 . . .”Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, what ever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
God bless you! I loved the photos and your special crocus! God speaks through these photos too!
Debbie, that’s a great verse. Even while reciting it one is drawn away from darker thoughts. There’s always something we can be praising Him for–always. Just in writing this my heart is overflowing with joy. God is so good. ❀
This was a beautiful post for this time of year–Lent. Reflecting on why–the “I”, of course–that led our dear Savior to the Cross. Because of Him we have never ending hope and healing. God bless you! Laura
Thank you, dear Laura. Amen to “never ending hope and healing.” ❀
Such inspiration – and consolation too.
Thank you, Wendy. I am always moved by your writing.
And I am always blessed by your blog and your visits, dear Cynthia. Thank you. ❀
This is lovely, Wendy. Thanks you!
Thank you, dear Rita. ❀
Beautiful photos and words, Wendy. Thanks for the reminders from Scripture. I needed that. 🙂
Thank you, Daisy. I like how you captured the bird in flight on your March 1 post. Lovely. ❀
I think the part that touches me the most is, right as Peter had finished denying the Lord and the rooster had crowed,Scripture says that the Lord turned and looked at him. In the midst of His own trials, the Lord had time for Peter. How much more now that He is glorified?
And we know that it wasn’t a look of contempt, since Jesus later asked Peter three times if he loved Him. What a gracious God He is–Who never gives up on us. I love your comment, Clarence. ❀ Thank you.
I never thought of it as a look of contempt, but a look of compassion and love for one who was “brave” beyond his ability.
So true. The before and after ‘pictures’ of the disciples are a testimony to the filling of the Holy Spirit. The flesh fails. But with Christ we can do all things. Glory to God.
Peter still had some difficulties.
Wendy I trust you found your inner strength through your strong faith. My father had a very strong faith in the Lord and would break it down to one simple sentence, for those not so familiar with him. God is love…….thats it, if we can love and accept our fellow man, even when they are not who or what we expect them to be. We are on the right track. Compassion for others is the biggest lesson I learned from my Dad through his faith. That and learning not to judge others and that is one of the hardest things we humans struggle with because we all fall short at any given moment. Thats part of the learning whilst we are here. Happy day to you and thank you for the beautiful words and stunning images.
Kath, your dad sounds like he was a wonderful father and mentor. To spend time with those you love unconditionally and who love back unconditionally is a taste of heaven. Thank you for your visit. ❀ I thought of you and your beautiful bird paintings when I was out taking bird pictures this morning. Spring has sprung in our valley.
Wendy he truly was a treasure. Enjoy the birds and remember to share them . Im sketching a cat today.
Wendy,
This is beautiful and I love your photos. I would love to try to paint some of them, if you give me permission.
The words you have chosen are powerful in their simplicity. Truth doesn’t have to be complicated – just true.
This would be a wonderful addition to Sunday Stillness if you haven’t linked before. http://www.janiscox.com
Blessings,
Janis
Thank you, dear Janis. I’d be honored if you would like to paint from any of these (or from elsewhere on my blog). I also occasionally paint from my pictures and have posted some on http://thesketchypoet.wordpress.com
How do I link up to Sunday Stillness? I’m definitely interested. ❀ Thanks again. Blessings.
Love the way you explain JOY as Jesus, Others, Yourself. 🙂
Thank you. I learned about it church many years ago and I’m still learning what it means to practice it. ❀
Yes, to implement it and really know it is probably a life-long exercise.
“To weep bitterly before the LORD is a good thing; it’s better than spilling your own blood” is a great truth. Peter cried and was given his second chance. Jesus gives second chances to those who believe in his mercy. Never give up 🙂
I’m thankful that the LORD never gives up on us. ❀ Easter blessings to you and yours.