Crossroads

[Diggin Deep]

It’s All About Love

God, remove any obstacles from my life that prohibit me from receiving more of you and your love.

READ
John 14: 21-24

REFLECT
As children, we often show our parents’ affection through hugs, kisses and handmade gifts. But one of the best ways to show them love is by obeying them. That’s because love is more than a warm feeling; it’s an attitude that reveals itself in action. When we love someone, we become willing to set aside our own feelings and desires for the other person. We naturally want to please them and make them happy.

Obedience is also the way that we show God that we love him. Jesus is pretty clear about it, and he even repeats it several times. And as we obey, we experience Jesus’ love in deeper ways. More of God’s character is revealed to us and we can draw even closer to him.

RESPOND
On paper, reflect on all the ways that God has shown his love for you-maybe it’s how he has watched out for you, or prospered you through unexpected success in a business, or maybe you’re especially thankful for your family and friends. Write down the ways you feel blessed. Also, highlight blessings you’ve received as a direct result of obedience to God.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Obedience is Foundational

God, help me to make you the foundation of my life.

READ
Matthew 7:21-27

REFLECT
God is not interested in how "churchy" we sound, or how many Bible verses we have memorized. And He is not impressed by our good deeds-unless they are done out of obedience to him. We can do seemingly great things, like speak prophecies, cast out demons and perform miracles, but if we’re motivated by anything other than God’s will, we’ve missed the boat.

Jesus is not only warning the crowd against the danger of false prophets, he’s again highlighting the importance of obedience. He says that following the will of the Father is foundational to knowing Jesus, foundational to the Kingdom. Obedience to God equals a spiritual foundation that will withstand the tough times.

RESPOND
So the word of the day seems to be "foundation." On what is your foundation built? What motivates how you move through your day? How do you make decisions, big and small, about your life? As you go through your day today, practice making your decisions based on what you think God is saying you should do. Consider it "practicing obedience," or strengthening your foundation.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Obedience Grows Faith

God, soften my heart towards you and your will, and take away my desire to be rebellious.

READ
Matthew 25:14-28

REFLECT
Often when we hear this passage, it’s in reference to talents or gifts. But it’s also about obedience. In any relationship, either with your parents or a boss or spouse, when you constantly rebel or ignore the other persons’ wishes, you tend to butt heads and argue, and your relationship suffers. But when you are obedient, your relationship strengthens and their trust in you grows.

The same is true with God. When you follow through on a prompting from God, more often than not, you begin hearing him more often and more clearly. When you do His will, God trusts you with more. Your obedience allows you to grow closer to Him, and your faith naturally increases. Obedience isn’t just the foundation of our faith, it can grow our faith as well.

RESPOND
Consider and write down a time when you have rebelled. What led you to rebel? Was it fear? Laziness? Pride? What happened as a result? Today, look for opportunities to be obedient. When they appear, say ’yes’ to submission and ’no’ to rebellion.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Through It All
by Selah

I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong

I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own
And, oh, it was

CHORUS
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word

So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
For if I'd never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
Wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do
That's the reason I say

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word

 

[purpledove]

Through It All
by Selah

've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong

I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own
And, oh, it was

CHORUS
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word

So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
For if I'd never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
Wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do
That's the reason I say

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word

One of my favourite group. Love this song and all their other songs too :thumbup

 

[purpledove]

I am guilty Joe, I haven't visited this thread in a while Been too busy! Will catch up reading but kudos for the continued messages :thumbup

 

[purpledove]

This is one of my fave songs of theirs. It's a short song but lyrics speak so much truth!
I like this video too due to the many life touching quotes/words to live by :thumbup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etq-jE8IJco

 

[Diggin Deep]

Selah is an awesome group. You are correct...their songs speak so much truth. Almost all of their songs and remakes of hymns truly grab ahold of your heart strings. Their voices are amazing and their harmonies give me chills!

 

[Diggin Deep]

I am guilty Joe, I haven't visited this thread in a while Been too busy! Will catch up reading but kudos for the continued messages :thumbup

No worries!!! We all get busy and it's not like you are under any obligation to visit this thread Thank you for your thoughts though...I know they are sincere! However...you are missed!

 

[Diggin Deep]

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect

God, do not let my fear of failure get in the way of doing your will.

READ
Joshua 2:1-24

REFLECT
Rahab was a prostitute, rejected by society. She was not a person who most of us would expect to be used by God. But God worked through Rahab, and because of her help, Joshua and the Israelites eventually toppled the walls of Jericho.

Rumors about the coming invasion were all over the city, and living on the city wall, Rahab was especially vulnerable. But she didn’t let her fear get the best of her. She knew that God was in charge, and that he wanted the Israelites to conquer the land of Jericho. So, she put her trust in the Lord and hid the spies at great personal risk. As a result, God rewarded her. This prostitute became one of God’s people and even became a part of the lineage of Jesus.

RESPOND
None of us are perfect, and we all sin. Yet God has big plans for us, and desires us to advance the Kingdom. There is no sin in your life that changes God’s mind about you or his plans for you. Do you have a specific sin in your life that is keeping you from being obedient to God? If so, ask for His forgiveness and ask him what his will is for you in that area of your life.

 

[Diggin Deep]

There’s No Room For Negotiation

God, do not let my desire for comfort get in the way of doing your will.

READ
Genesis 22: 1-14

REFLECT
This story of Abraham is perhaps the greatest story of obedience. Not just because he was willing to sacrifice his only son, but because it was so immediate. Abraham didn’t hesitate for a moment to do what God had asked of him. No whining, bargaining or questioning. Just pure obedience.

God never wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. God is not sadistic-he didn’t wait 100 years to give Abraham a son, only to take him away. Instead, God was testing Abraham’s heart: Did he love God more than anything, even his promised and long-awaited son?

Through his willingness to obey God so immediately and without question, Abraham not only proved his love, but he also strengthened his commitment to obey God, and he learned about God’s provision. The result was astounding and abundant blessings for Abraham and his generations.

RESPOND
Has God ever asked you to do anything that was difficult or made you uncomfortable? Maybe it was forgiving someone who hurt you, or sacrificing financially to help others. Did you follow through? What happened?

 

[darkcgi]

i have seen real signs
almost everyday

 

[Diggin Deep]

Obedience is Rewarded

God, continue to teach me to submit to your will, and grow my heart’s desire towards obedience.

READ
Genesis 22:15-18

REFLECT
Our motivation for obedience should always stem from a desire for deeper relationship with God, but know that obedience also comes with a bonus-a promise of blessing.

God rejoiced over Abraham for his obedience, and he promised to richly bless him and all of his descendants. And Jesus, one of Abraham’s descendants, would go on to bless all the nations of the earth, by dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus’ obedience through laying down his life was rewarded by providing a way for all people to be reconciled to God.

Remember, God just wants relationship with us. He wants us to choose to obey him out of love, and ultimately our faithful obedience is rewarded.

RESPOND
Think of a time God blessed you for your obedience. Take some time to thank Him for his kindness, his blessing, and for keeping his promise.

 

[pjbleek]

thinking of the old testament and how people had to really be shown God's work, disbelief ran rampant throughout the then known world. I think those who believed had it harder to convince those of God's work.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Week One: The Power of the Tongue

A Matter of Life and Death

God, teach me about the power of the tongue.

READ
Proverbs 18:21

REFLECT
It’s possible that the originator of the infamous nursery rhyme "Sticks and Stones" had the best of intentions. However, this little saying has been a twisted source of one of the biggest lies ever spoken. Not only can "words hurt," the Bible says that they carry the power to speak life or speak death.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll look at where these powerful words come from: the tongue. The Bible has much to say about this mysterious little muscle, with all its power and tricks. We’ll consider questions such as, "What should my tongue be producing? When should it be still? And why does it like the taste of my foot so much?"

RESPOND
Has anyone ever hurt your feelings with words? Did you try to seek comfort in the nursery rhyme, "Sticks and Stones?" Or have you ever used that rhyme to justify hurting someone else? Spend some time today considering the truth that words have real power. Write down your thoughts.

 

[Diggin Deep]

A Tree is Known by its Fruit

God, purify my heart and grow your good fruit in me.

READ
Luke 6:43-45

REFLECT
Imagine if every conversation you had every day, all day, was one big job interview. Keep smiling, have good posture, make eye contact. Say smart, good things. Don’t say stupid, bad things. Ask interesting questions, don’t tell dirty jokes. Seems exhausting, doesn’t it?

No matter how hard we work at making a good impression, eventually the truth comes out. So the question is, what is the truth? Jesus says here that anyone can see to the very core of us by listening to us speak. It’s inevitable. If we are cultivating our hearts with spiritually healthy things, then our mouths will bear delicious, inviting fruit. Rather than one big life interview, wouldn’t it feel so much better to be ourselves?

RESPOND
Consider the following questions and write down your answers: Why do you say the things you do? What’s motivating your tongue to speak? What’s motivating your tongue to remain silent?

 

[JosephCross]

Hi!
Just to post something here on the side of subscribing to this: at the parish of the town where I was raised we had a common hobby of writing and composing rock gospel songs with my friends. Later on I started making "raps of faith". I've lost the lyrics I wrote, but if/when I find them, might it be okay to put them up here? :/

S.D.G.
Soli Deo Gloria

 

[purpledove]

Selah is an awesome group. You are correct...their songs speak so much truth. Almost all of their songs and remakes of hymns truly grab ahold of your heart strings. Their voices are amazing and their harmonies give me chills!

True the harmony/mixing of their voices give me the chills too :nod:

Another one of my fave songs from this group



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPaU7jJvqRc&feature=related

 

[purpledove]

No worries!!! We all get busy and it's not like you are under any obligation to visit this thread Thank you for your thoughts though...I know they are sincere! However...you are missed!

L0L! I wanna make it a habit to read them though as your messages are great daily devotionals. They speak to me everyday to remind me of my weaknesses, how to correct them as am not perfect of course and what's real important in life----> HIM above! #1

 

[Diggin Deep]

Hi!
Just to post something here on the side of subscribing to this: at the parish of the town where I was raised we had a common hobby of writing and composing rock gospel songs with my friends. Later on I started making "raps of faith". I've lost the lyrics I wrote, but if/when I find them, might it be okay to put them up here? :/

S.D.G.
Soli Deo Gloria

Hi JC and thank you for stopping in! Your experience sounds like it would have been a lot of fun. You are more than welcome to post the lyrics. I look forward to reading once you find them.