“Crossroads: Seeking God to Discern Next Steps: A Forty-Day Devotional”

Ryan Stratton’s Crossroads is a deeply moving and spiritually enriching devotional that serves as a guide for those facing pivotal moments in life. Through its forty-day journey, the book offers readers a space to pause, reflect, and seek God’s direction with clarity and intention.

Stratton writes with authenticity and warmth, drawing on his pastoral experience and personal insights to connect with readers on a profound level. Each devotional entry is thoughtfully crafted, blending Scripture, relatable anecdotes, and thought-provoking questions to inspire deeper self-examination and spiritual growth.

What sets Crossroads apart is its emphasis on transformation and hope. Stratton’s stories of God turning hopeless situations into good resonate deeply, offering encouragement to anyone wrestling with uncertainty. His approachable writing style ensures that readers feel guided rather than lectured, creating a sense of partnership in the journey.

The book is perfect for individuals, small groups, or anyone seeking direction during challenging seasons. Its structure makes it easy to integrate into daily routines, with each day providing just the right amount of content to reflect on and pray through.

In Crossroads, Stratton reminds us that life’s uncertainties are opportunities for divine intervention. By the end of the devotional, readers will feel equipped not only to discern their next steps but also to trust more fully in God’s plan for their lives.

This book is a must-read for those seeking guidance, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose in their spiritual journey.

Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/1lUGqRz

When God Seems Distant

As believers, we all encounter seasons when God feels distant. The prayers seem unanswered, the comfort feels absent, and we’re left wondering if He’s really there. Yet, the truth of Scripture assures us that God never leaves or forsakes His children (Deuteronomy 31:8). These seasons of perceived distance are not a sign of His absence but an invitation to grow in faith and trust.

Here are some biblical truths and practical steps to help you live faithfully when God feels distant.

1. Remember the Truth of God’s Presence

Feelings can be misleading. When God feels distant, it’s essential to anchor ourselves in the truth of His Word:

• “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

• “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Even when you don’t feel His presence, God’s promises remain unchanged. Cling to these truths and remind yourself that He is closer than you realize.

2. Seek Him in the Word

When God feels far away, Scripture becomes our lifeline. His Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and provides reassurance when we feel lost. Read Psalms of lament, like Psalm 13 or Psalm 42, where the writers express their struggles but ultimately place their hope in God.

As you meditate on His Word, you’ll discover His presence through the pages of Scripture and be reminded of His unchanging love.

3. Pray Persistently

It’s tempting to withdraw from prayer when God feels distant, but this is the time to lean in even more. In Luke 18, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow to encourage us to pray without losing heart. Even when you don’t feel like it, pour out your heart to God.

Your prayers don’t have to be perfect or eloquent. Romans 8:26 assures us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes on our behalf.

4. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

In times of distance, look back on moments when you clearly experienced God’s presence and provision. Journaling these memories can help you recall His faithfulness during challenging times.

Psalm 77:11-12 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Reflecting on what God has done will remind you that He is still at work, even if you can’t see it now.

5. Trust in God’s Timing

God’s silence or perceived distance is never accidental. Often, He uses these seasons to deepen our faith, refine our character, and teach us to rely on Him. James 1:2-4 encourages us to count it joy when we face trials, knowing that they produce perseverance and maturity.

Trust that God’s plan for your life is unfolding perfectly, even if it feels unclear in the moment.

6. Stay Connected to Community

When you feel distant from God, surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and pray for you. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of the importance of gathering together to spur one another on in faith.

Share your struggles with trusted friends, a pastor, or a small group. Sometimes, God uses His people to speak His truth into our lives when we’re struggling to hear His voice.

7. Choose Faith Over Feelings

Walking in faith means trusting God even when you don’t feel Him. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

God’s presence is not dependent on our emotions; it’s a reality grounded in His promises. Choosing to trust Him in the silence honors Him and strengthens your faith.

Conclusion: God Is Closer Than You Think

Even in seasons of spiritual dryness, God is working. He’s using the silence to draw you closer, teach you patience, and build a deeper relationship with Him. Keep seeking, praying, and trusting, knowing that He is faithful and will reveal Himself in His perfect timing.

Remember, God may feel distant, but He is never far away. Continue to walk in faith, holding onto the truth that His love for you is steadfast and unchanging.

Priorities for 2025

How Was 2024 for You?

Did you accomplish what you set out to achieve? Did you grow into the person you hoped to become? How much stress did you endure along the way?

Every year, I hear people reflect on how difficult the previous year was. We long for smooth sailing, but life rarely goes exactly the way we hope. So how do we respond when things don’t work out as planned?

There are major life changes that we cannot control—such as the death of a loved one or the end of a significant relationship. Yet, there are also challenges we bring upon ourselves—financial struggles due to poor decisions or losing a job because of a lack of focus.

The reality is simple: life happens.

Take a moment to reflect on the past year:

• What consumed most of your focus?

• What did your daily routines look like?

• How valuable were your relationships?

• How would you describe your relationship with God?

As a new year begins, it’s easy to set big aspirations—promising ourselves to “be better” or “do better.” Yet by mid-January, many of us fall back into familiar habits and routines.

If there’s one thing you could change this year, one area to prioritize above all else, let it be this:

Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God.

Now, before you start thinking, “I’ve got this—I just need to (insert plan here),” consider this: perhaps the first step is aligning your priorities with God’s.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

This verse is powerful because it reveals that God has already envisioned something extraordinary for each of us. Our role is to take the time to listen and discover what He has purposed for us.

When we live into who God says we are—using the gifts, talents, and passions He’s given us—we find purpose and meaning. Our lives become a reflection of His image and glory.

So, how can this be accomplished?

1. Pray – Prioritize communicating with God. Share your heart—your hopes, fears, and desires, big or small.

2. Read – Dedicate time to scripture to understand God’s character and how He is shaping you to reflect Christ.

3. Worship – Make worship a central part of your life, celebrating who God is and all He has done.

4. Speak – Tell others about the ways God is working in your life.

5. Serve – Take intentional steps to make someone else’s life better.

Be patient with yourself. Studies show it takes about six weeks for new habits to take root. There will be days you miss the mark, but don’t give up. Start again and keep going. Growth takes time—just as a seed takes time to sprout and grow leaves, your journey with God requires persistence and care.

Imagine what your year could look like if you shifted your priorities to align with God’s. Imagine the transformation that could take place as you grow closer to the person He created you to be.

So, as we look ahead, ask yourself:

• What will you prioritize in 2025?

• What steps will you take to focus on God this year?

This could be the year your life takes a new direction—one led by His purpose and guided by His grace.

Is Peace Possible?

Is Peace Truly Possible? A Reflection on Mark 1:1-8

The concept of peace often feels elusive in today’s fast-paced, chaotic world. We long for it in our hearts, our relationships, and our communities, yet true peace seems like an unreachable ideal. However, the Gospel of Mark opens with a bold proclamation of good news that promises a path to genuine peace—not just fleeting moments of calm, but a deep and abiding peace grounded in God’s kingdom.

Mark 1:1-8 introduces us to John the Baptist, the one sent to prepare the way for Jesus, the Prince of Peace. John’s message was one of repentance and renewal. He called people to turn from their sins, be baptized, and align their hearts with God’s will. In this passage, we find profound truths about how peace is not only possible but accessible to all who seek it in Christ.

1. Peace Begins with Preparation

John’s role was to prepare the way for Jesus, and his ministry reminds us that peace requires intentional preparation. Just as a rough road must be smoothed out for a king’s arrival, our hearts need to be cleared of the obstacles that block peace—pride, unforgiveness, and fear. Repentance, as John preached, is the first step toward inner peace. By turning away from sin and surrendering to God, we make space for His peace to reign in our lives.

2. Peace Is Found in the Presence of God

John’s message was not about himself but about the One who was coming after him—Jesus. He declared, “After me comes one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie” (Mark 1:7). This points us to an essential truth: peace is not something we can manufacture on our own. It is found in the presence of Jesus.

Jesus came to reconcile humanity with God, offering a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from the assurance of God’s love and sovereignty. When we invite Jesus into our lives, we receive the gift of His peace—a peace that calms our anxieties and anchors us in hope.

3. Peace Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit

John baptized with water, but he foretold of Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). The Holy Spirit is the source of true peace, working within us to transform our hearts and minds. Through the Spirit, we are empowered to live in harmony with God and others.

The Spirit helps us let go of past hurts, heal broken relationships, and extend grace where it’s needed most. This divine empowerment is what makes lasting peace possible, even in a world marked by conflict and division.

Living in the Reality of Peace

So, is peace truly possible? The answer is a resounding yes, but only through Jesus Christ. The good news of Mark’s Gospel is that peace is not a distant dream; it is a present reality for those who prepare their hearts, embrace God’s presence, and walk in the Spirit’s power.

As we continue in this season of Advent—a time of waiting and preparation—let John’s message inspire us to seek the peace that only Christ can bring. It starts with repentance, grows through relationship, and flourishes in the Spirit’s work within us.

May we be reminded today that peace is not just possible; it is promised. And in Jesus, that promise is fulfilled.

What obstacles might be blocking God’s peace in your life? How can you prepare the way for Christ to bring His peace into your heart today?

Look Up, Look Out

What do you carry with you when you walk into a room? When you wake up in the morning, what’s on your mind? Are there burdens from your past that still weigh you down, shaping how you see others and how you interact? How often do you find yourself focusing on the things that are broken, the things that need fixing? And how hard is it to shift your gaze toward the good around you, to see the opportunities instead?

In Genesis 12 and 13, we meet Abram, later called Abraham. I encourage you to take some time to read these chapters.

Abraham is known for his great faith in God—the God who called him out of his homeland, away from his family, security, and all that was familiar. In Genesis 12, God invites Abram on a journey of faith, instructing him to leave everything behind. But Abram brings along his nephew Lot.

As they travel, both Abram and Lot become wealthy, and the land they share can no longer support them. So, Abram offers Lot the choice of where to settle. Lot chooses the fertile plains near the cities of Sodom. Abram, on the other hand, receives a vision from God. God tells him to lift his eyes and see the vast land that will belong to him, a promise of safety, prosperity, and blessing. With this assurance, Abram continues on his journey, confident that God will provide all he needs.

What about us today? What are we focused on? Do we fixate on what’s wrong, on the problems that demand our attention? It’s easy to focus on the immediate, the obvious. But maybe we should pause and ask ourselves where we’re struggling to trust God. Are there places in our lives where we’re so eager to take control, to rely on our own abilities, that we forget to lean on Him?

Notice how Abram didn’t see the promise until God told him to look. It was only then that he noticed the potential, the hope, and the future that God had for him. In the same way, it’s not just about what we think needs to happen. It’s about waiting for God to lead, trusting Him to reveal the path forward.

So, where in your life are you struggling to trust God? And how can you learn to wait, to trust that God will show you the way in His time?

God will reveal what He has in store for you. Trust Him. Wait on Him. Keep your eyes fixed on what God is doing now, and what He has promised to do. Trust in God, always.

DEEP DIVE: The Prodigal Son

The gospel message is clearly found in the parable of the Prodigal Son that Jesus tells in Luke 15. The reality is this parable is so much more than just a “lost son.” This parable is about the compassion of the Father.

These three videos are from a three-part sermon series on the Lost Son (Prodigal Son) parable. Take time to watch and see where you are in the story. What might God be saying to you those the scripture and through the sermons today?

The Journey Home (Luke 15:11-21)
The Heart of the Father (Luke 15:22-24)
Rediscovering Grace (Luke 15:25-31)

Limitation of “I”

“I said…” “It is mine…” “I can do…” “I have to do…”

These phrases are all part of our everyday vernacular. We tend to focus on “I/me/self” over anyone else. We’ll over exaggerate our part and what we have to do, and (possibly?) inadvertently discredit the work of others which elevates our own self in the eyes of others and causes ill feelings and attitudes toward those we may be in relationship with.

If we are truly doing everything we say, or think we are, that’s one thing. But I have observed our own notion of what we accomplish, or “have to do”, isn’t nearly as big or busy as we may think. Part of this comes from, I think, the notion we have to appear busy so we maintain credibility with others.

However our intentions may be, there does seem to be a need to shift our vocabulary. Instead of “I”, we should remember that we are actually part of a community, a group of other people, and should be saying “We” more often.

“We” is actually a more empowering word to use. Why? Because “we” are not as strong, as smart, as funny, as accomplished, as we are when we are connected with other people. Simply stating “I” all the time leaves the impression life is all about you and what you can do. That’s not how we are supposed to live. We are supposed to live in community.

There are people, most likely, thinking they have risen to their position in life on “their own merits” and “nobody helped them.” In fact, our entire American society seems to be focused on the “I” and individuality. Because of this, we have lost what it means to live collectively.

Every single one of us is who we are because of other people. There is no such thing as a “self-made person.” We have all had people guide, mentor, help make connections, etc., for us to achieve what we have achieved. We are always looking to connect and network with people. But, when we get rushed or when we get too focused on our own tasks, we can easily “forget” to ask for help. What this does is give people the chance to feel sorry for us because of all we have to get done. We can make it seem like no one is there to help. But is this true?

This is why we should take the focus off of “I” and place it back on the “We.” It’s not really about what you and I can accomplish on our own. In fact, we miss out on the opportunity for others to help, get recognition, or to strengthen their own gifts if we do not include them in what we say.

We can easily become so narrow minded and focused that we miss opportunities to let others see how we can live in community, and that’s the only way we can be successful.

There are many limitations we place on ourselves when we focus on “I.”

One of the biggest limitations is that we end up taking God out of the equation. Face it. You and I would not be here, or who we are, if God had not created us. We have been given the greatest gift, the gift of life, and we forget the One who created, who empowers, who gifted, who is with us always. Forgetting God ultimately puts us as the god(s) of our own life and we will miss the bullseye of who we were meant to be.

This post barely skims the surface of how limiting the over use of “I” is. So now, I invite you to pay attention to your words. What do you say most often? What/Who do you think about the most? How to others feel about those who “should be there to help?” Where do you see God in your everyday life?

My hope is that “we” begin to shift the focus so we can become a closer community, all working together to build each other up and to see the working of God in and through each one of us, especially as a community.

Remove the Fig Leaves

The book of Genesis is fascinating. The origins of the universe. The purpose of humanity. Worldwide catastrophe. Spreading out of humanity. Singling out one particular family and family line. That’s just the first twelve chapters.

Chapters 13-50 give us famine, war, circumcision, disjunction, murder, wealth, growing family, protection from famine, slavery, and so much more. 

The point of Genesis is not to give a detailed account of how the world, and everything in it, formed, but that God, the Lord Almighty, is the One who created everything, called it good, and gave it purpose. Through everythign that happens we see what happens when the focus of peoples’s lives is taken off of God and is, instead, focused on self-protection, the self.

Everything that happens in Genesis 3-50 could be described by one word—Shame. Why shame? Because shame causes us to focus on our selves, our insecurities, our perceived lack, how we are dishonored. What happens is we begin to devalue humanity and find ways to make sure we feel safe, secure.

So how did we get here?

Look at the end of Genesis 2. Adam and Eve were naked and felt no shame. Not only that but, they were both completely comfortable with their divine purpose and relationship with the Almighty. What does this tell us? Their lives were completely open and honest with God and with each other. They had nothing to hide.

It wasn’t until the serpent came on the scene when everything started to go away from the original intent. It. Was here when doubt entered the scene and Eve and Adam began to doubt and disbelieve God was who he said he was and would do what he said he’d do.

Right after they ate from the forbidden fruit, Adam and Evelyn covered themselves with fig leaves. They felt like they had to cover up what has been exposed. They felt unworthy to be so vulnerable in the presence of God and in the presence of each other.

Because of this shame, and the need to cover up sin and lives lived away from God, we get the stories and events in the rest of the Old Testament.

Now, here’s the part I love about what the New Testament teaches—Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost. He came to bear our shame and bear our curse. The beauty of Jesus is that we get a clear picture of God in flesh. We get a clear picture of how God desires to make us whole. In the process of being made whole, we see how God is making us holy (whole, complete).

We do not have to hide anything in God’s presence because he knows we have made a mess of our lives. In other words, we can be completely vulnerable and exposed (naked/bare) in our relationship with God.

I know it feels as if we have done wrong, and are wrong. Guilt tells us “we have done wrong,” and shame tells us, “we are wrong.” But God, though Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, invites us to live a life free of shame, free of guilt. When we get to this kind of freedom, we learn how the chains of sin and death have truly been broken.

So, what are you hiding? What do you feel shame over? What would it take to open your eyes, ears, and heart to the One who knows and loves you beyond anything you ever dreamed or imagined? 

What “fig leaves” do you need to remove? 

Do you go to the bottle to hide a hard day/life? Do you go to the needle, or other drugs to escape reality? Do you over work yourself to make sure you’re seen as valuable? Do you sleep with other people just to keep some sort of pleasure in your life? Do you resort to comedy or sarcasm to hide your real feelings? Do you just try to hide from everyone because you’re too sacred they can see the “real” you?

What are your “fig leaves” that keep your whole self hidden from the rest of the world?

I pray we all can learn to be completely honest with God, and honest with ourselves and others, so we can drop our “fig leaves” and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. The truth is, when we learn to embrace our vulnerability, we no longer have to expend energy trying yo cover up where we believe we have failed and we can completely be ourselves.

Showing the world the real you is what leads others to freedom and learning to be completely open and honest which leads to true wholeness, completeness, holiness. 

Hear the voice of God calling out to you asking, “Where are you?” How will you answer? Can you allow yourself to bring all of the broken pieces to God and allow him to work through your brokenness and demonstrate his grace and unconditional love for you?

Remove your fig leaves and just see how God begins the healing process by showing who you are and allowing your real self to live openly in his presence.

If this helped you, I’d love for you to share this post with others.

May your life be so completely open that God’s grace shines through and you witness the transforming power of being completely open and honest with God, yourself, and others.

A GOD OF NEW BEGINNINGS: Revelation in Pictures

Revelation in a fascinating letter. There are visions, destructions, dragon, death, resurrection, hope, a future glory. This letter has just about everything that drives people to the movies. Great cast, great adventure, lessons and reassurances, hope. What else would you want?

For a recap of where we have been in this journey through Revelation, you can read the blog posts:

Beginning with the End, A Vision for Worship, A Vision for the Church

Revelation shows the difficulty in fully describing God, the heavenly realm, complete perfection.

The scripture for this blog is no different. Take time to read Revelation 21 & 22.

Keep in mind, this vision of a new heaven and a new earth is after all of the destructive events in Revelation 8 – 20. Here is a quick chart for the summary:

A big thing to remember is in between ALL scenes of destruction and chaos, there is a vision of worship in the heavenly realm. This is to show how keeping our focus on God and worshipping him and him alone allows us to be able to handle everything we face in this world. Worship keeps us grounded. Worship keeps our perspective.

Through all of the letter of Revelation, the original readers and hearers were being comforted to know God had not forgotten them. They were encouraged to remain faithful because they were given the promise the Church would never cease. The Church is triumphant, even through all kinds of evil and chaos, because of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we should live as people of hope and victory because we know and follow the One who was and is and will always be victorious!

As you look at Revelation 21 & 22, notice how we are shown the ending of all evil, of all sin, of all rebellion. We are being shown there is a definite point in history when all will be made perfect and the heavens will descend upon the earth.

Take some time and draw a picture, like this to remind you of this truth.

Now, draw a circle, like the picture below, to show and remind us how God is transforming and recreating the world. All of this is done in the power and presence of God, which is why this picture looks like a power button.

All things will be made new because of the power and presence of God.

Now, here’s the reality. Something has to end for a new beginning to happen. What ended? Sin, rebellion, chaos, all animosity/indifference to God.

It’s almost as if God picked up his brush, from the picture in Genesis 1 & 2 and reworks the world to compete, transform, fix everything. Revelation 21 & 22 is a picture of bringing the story of God and humanity full circle to show how we were made to follow and represent God in the original order of creation and how God is making it a reality, when the time is right.

Not only all of this, but we also see God’s creativity, power, and grace in action. We are given a picture of what paradise looks like. In other words, we go back to the picture of God living with humanity uninterrupted and in a complete, non-broken state.

Our challenge is this—to not focus on the negative we see all around us. There is so much beauty and grace we will miss if we take our focus off of God. So, be encouraged to stay focused on the One who holds everything together. Stay focused on the One who is working to make everything new.

The letter of Revelation is a call to all faithful Christians to respond to Christ and live as an example of the New Jerusalem here and now.

Stand strong. Stay focused on Jesus. Be the people of Jesus here and now so the world gets a taste of what is to come!

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.Amen.” (Revelation 22:21 NIV)

A VISION FOR THE CHURCH: Revelation in Pictures

Read Revelation 7:9-17

For a review of where we have been, read the blog post on Revelation 1 and the one on Revelation 5.

Revelation 6 opens with all chaos breaking out. There are the 7 seals of destruction (similar to the plagues in Egypt). There is also the “sealing” of the 144,000 people of God representing the perfect number of Jews and Gentiles as part of the kingdom of God. (This is also something similar to the Old Testament. See Ezekiel 9:4).

https://visualunit.me/2016/12/28/the-7-seals-of-revelation/

Starting in verse 9, in chapter 7, we see another “intermission” to demonstrate the worship that is going on in the heavenly realm. All of this points us to the fact worshipping God keeps our focus on the One who gives us the peace and strength to endure what comes at us.

https://www.lovinggrace.org/single-post/2017/08/16/see-how-the-redeemed-souls-in-heaven-immediately-minister-to-the-lord

Quick note: Just about every time, in Revelation, you see something about destruction, there is always worship before and after. This is because we should focus on Jesus.

Since Revelation was written to strengthen and edify believers in Christ, we can see how important worship is. Living a life of worship helps to keep our perspectives correct and focused on Jesus. The believers needed to remember all about how God has worked in the past, and how God is working in the present, and will work in the future.

When John wrote to them, he had to be pictorial in his language so the Romans would not be able to fully grasp what John was saying. The original readers would have been cognizant of the fact John was writing in code to help them see the troubles they are going through are not the end. Things will truly be okay because God is working to bring about the transformation and grace needed for the believers to withstand the trials they were facing.

These believers are now reminded they have been marked by God. Not only that, but they are together. They are part of something bigger and grander than anything they could have imagined. So what we see here is a picture of those who worship Jesus as Lord, the true Lord.

In other words, the picture we have in Revelation 7 is what the church should be. We also see how God is faithful…how God provides…how God protects his people. (See also Psalm 23, Psalm 91, John 10).

See, the church is God’s people. The church is the body of Christ. The church has been “washed in the blood.” The church (God’s people) have been saved for Jesus and from sin by the work of Jesus. In the end, the church is pure and spotless and the mission of the church brings all people together to praise Jesus and works for and toward reconciliation. The church also knows that God is on the other side of hardship. (See Romans 8:28). This is the church surviving and persevering through anything the world throws at her.

So what does the church do?

2 Corinthians 5 says the church is in the ministry of reconciliation. Our job, as the church, is to bring people to Jesus Christ, to help them experience his joy, his presence, his grace, his forgiveness, his salvation.

The Church is also in the business of joining in the work God is doing here on earth (see John 5).

The church is to proclaim the triumphant victory of Jesus in everything we do!

The Church can do all this because:

  • God “seals” his people with the promised Holy Spirit
  • God protects his people
  • God cleanses his people from sin
  • God provides for his people in ways they/we may not know

So Revelation 7? This is the picture of how the church should be and is being transformed to be.

Two things that are important for the church:

  1. Christ is the focus
  2. Christ hold all things together.

How will your worship (individual and in community) be different now?