Welcome to Friday, August 13th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Road Trip

Thanks for listening!

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Road Trip

My wife and I just returned from a short road trip to visit our oldest daughter and family in Wisconsin. Ten months had passed since we found the opportunity to visit with them. I like road trips. There is something about the planning process, the packing, and the miles spent on the road.

A quirk of mine is that I like to take the most indirect route to wherever I am traveling. For example, earlier this summer, we visited with two other daughters and their families in the State of Utah, and for the 4200-mile trip, we only drove about 400 miles on four-lane interstate roads. All additional miles traveled were on secondary and out-of-the-way roads.

Even though it was out of our way, we saw the real America in these areas, such as small towns, museums, parks, and regional farm life. We talked with the folks that make up the backbone of our country. Of course, some of the roads were terrible, while others were just fine. But the fact is, we had a great time traveling in this fashion. We did so in the same manner on this most recent 700-mile trip.

Years ago, we would take out the road atlas and plan out our trip. Today, we plan it using Google Maps. Once you have it planned, you can even print out the whole trip.

How about our lives? Could we describe our lives as a road trip? I think so!

As believers, our road map is God's Word.

Psalms 119:105 NAS95

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

This verse describes life as a path. The light of God's Word shines just far enough ahead to keep us on the trail. Therefore, we need to constantly read and consult the Word of God as we live out our lives.

Sometimes, the journey or road trip includes a few bumps and a flat tire or two. These experiences cause us to be even more adamant about completing the journey.

God also allows bumps and flat tires in our lives. Those times cause us to increase our reliance on Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NAS95

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  [6]  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

We do find ourselves on secondary roads at times. Sometimes, it is a road we never thought we would travel but know God has led us. At other times, these secondary roads can be ones traveled due to our wandering from the will of God.

When we find ourselves getting lost, we usually stop and evaluate where we are. If the same thing occurs in our spiritual lives, we should do the same thing. Then, we can get back on the path by confessing our sins.

1 John 1:9 NAS95

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

How are you doing on your road trip? Are you following the map laid out in God's Word, or are you deviating a little?

Don't forget that when you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you accepted His version of the road trip for your life.

Taking a moment to evaluate our lives is always valuable.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We ask that You bring conviction to our hearts when we deviate from the path You have laid out for our lives.

Strengthen our faith in the plans that You have laid out for our lives.

Guide our paths this day.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.