Crossroads

[purpledove]

The church I attend does a lot of the same things. They go on about 6 mission trips a year, not to mention a lot of inner city work. It's truly amazing how many lives they are reaching out to and touching. I definitely want to get involved in it somehow...when God calls, hopefully I'll listen!

Regarding my past...I stepped away from church and cursed God for so long. The amazing thing though is that despite how much I tried to find reasons not to believe and exclude the possibility of His existence - there was never a day that I did not feel Him yanking on my heart. It's one of those things that you can't explain, but you most likely understand exactly what I'm talking about.

I'm so glad He never gave up on me! And it pains me to hear that people believe in a god, but don't believe that He desires a personal relationship with us. I believe that I know differently.

Hence I love that song- Who am I by Casting Crowns.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt7OZyBj5Ik&feature=related

 

[purpledove]

Who am I

by Casting Crowns

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.


I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.


I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
Cause I am yours..
I am yours..​

 

[purpledove]

Embracing the tension of relationships

God, please help me trust that even though life sometimes feels uncertain, the changes and challenges that occur in my life are all part of something much bigger, a plan you’ve made that goes beyond what I can see or comprehend.

READ
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

REFLECT
Is there a bigger source of tension in our lives than relationships? Friendships, romance and family relationships all come with their own challenges. But they also provide some of the most powerful, uplifting joys in our lives. Even though we sometimes can’t stand our friends and family, we certainly can’t live without them.

Today’s reading takes a very pragmatic view of relationships: life’s much easier to handle when you have someone with you to share the load. And it’s not just spiritual talk: studies have shown that people who keep healthy social lives into older age have better odds of reaching 80, 90 or 100 years old.

Just as you can’t paint a house without spilling paint on your jeans, you can’t build healthy, lifelong relationships without occasionally running into conflict. Part of making a relationship great is embracing the inevitability of conflict, and finding healthy ways to deal with and grow from the tension.

RESPOND
Think about your best friend. It could be a long-time friend, a significant other or a family member. Write a list of the ways this relationship makes you a better person. Then, write a list of the ways you and your friend tend to butt heads.

Compare your lists side-by-side. How do you balance the benefits and conflicts in this relationship?
_____________________________
Week 1 Discussion Questions

This week we explored what it looks like to balance the many tensions of life. Which day most connected with your current situation and why?

After this week, do you have any new perspectives on how to balance this tension in your life?

This has spoken to me today. As you're aware I struggle with a lost friendship on this site. It's unfortunate it had happened which makes me push away at times my desire to come back to Otz. I was told by dear friends here though ( Stripedcat and Willow ) and of course YOU to concentrate on the positive attitude members which helps me deal with it. Thanks for sharing this passage/ message :thumbup

 

[Diggin Deep]

This has spoken to me today. As you're aware I struggle with a lost friendship on this site. It's unfortunate it had happened which makes me push away at times my desire to come back to Otz. I was told by dear friends here though ( Stripedcat and Willow ) and of course YOU to concentrate on the positive attitude members which helps me deal with it. Thanks for sharing this passage/ message :thumbup

I'm very glad that this series has helped you this week. It has helped me a lot too. That's what we're here for and why it is so important to surround ourselves with good friends and fellow believers. There are so many things that I just can't do or get through on my own. It's good to know that I have someone that I can lean on!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Hence I love that song- Who am I by Casting Crowns.

I love that song!!!! :nod:

 

[purpledove]

I turned my back on God for years, because I thought He had turned His back on me. Like you, I felt Him tugging at my heart on a daily basis and it wasn't until I allowed myself to let go of some anger that I realized that He, not only was with me the whole time, but He helped me through those years. I came to terms with my anger and eventually I was able to move on. Without Him I don't know where I'd be today and I'm so grateful to Him for not giving up on me. That's how I define my personal relationship with God.

Hey a very pleasant addition to Crossroads :nod: Though this is not my thread- I welcome you here. Hope you can post everyday! Right DD?

I didn't know about this SS. I myself have dealt with anger and pain related to what I have opened up that I struggle with as an after effect of the DV. Until, I was able to let go of what I was feeling (though it comes back every now and then given it's still fresh- God had kept me Strong!) it had brought me back to Him.

I rebelled against God initially given i can't understand why He would allow such suffering for me and my son. I cried hard to him in prayer asking Qns just like Job did. All my Qns - were WHY??? Why this ?? Why that ??Asking Qns like "If you're a good God, why would you allow this to happen."?? I questioned Him and told Him= "All I had been was loyal to you and yet in the end you bring me to this state in life? Why??"

When I let forgiveness flow in me! My analyzing and seeing patients everyday who have allowed themselves non-forgiveness to have in them too much rage to hurt other people- I saw the pattern. I contemplated looking back at what God had led me is only when I came into terms with God that all He had been doing was leading me on to the things He knew I can't handle on my own. He was guiding me to a good path in life! Given, I was so soft spoken b4, i don't think i will have the strength to face trials against my ex. I never thought that it took those years as He knew that I wont be able to do to be strong without my son testifying against him so he can be persecuted.

I blamed God for Him allowing me to move here to Cali away from all my close friends. I felt lost. I felt alone! But when I went back to realize God's main Purpose! That without me being here in Cali to earn the money I am earning now with the State job that I wont be able to manage to support my son on my own! Is only when I was able to understand His plans for me and my son which makes so much sense. Now I can't stop to thank Him everyday for his Blessings !

Kudos to you SS! Love yah friend

 

[purpledove]

I'm very glad that this series has helped you this week. It has helped me a lot too. That's what we're here for and why it is so important to surround ourselves with good friends and fellow believers. There are so many things that I just can't do or get through on my own. It's good to know that I have someone that I can lean on!

i guess that's what we can call now as Fellowship @ Otz

I am very glad too to be surrounded by people I can lean on! Makes me strong! Helps me to hang on :thumbup

I love that song!!!! :nod:

That was the Intro song at church when I first came back to worship after I rebelled. This song always touches me to the core and always leave me teary eyed

 

[Diggin Deep]

I have to admit...there are a few songs that get me choked up and really touch my heart when I hear them. That song is definitely one of them.

I'm really enjoying the fellowship Sometimes, the only "church" I get is on Sundays. The rest is through this thread and music. It's funny...I hadn't listened to inspirational "Christian" music in so long. A couple of months ago I posted about a friend of mine who was atheist who came to know God through a song I heard on the radio by chance. Now I can't stop listening to it.

Don't get me wrong...I still love my "secular" music

And yes I agree....SS should come hang out more often!

 

[purpledove]

I have to admit...there are a few songs that get me choked up and really touch my heart when I hear them. That song is definitely one of them.

I'm really enjoying the fellowship Sometimes, the only "church" I get is on Sundays. The rest is through this thread and music. It's funny...I hadn't listened to inspirational "Christian" music in so long. A couple of months ago I posted about a friend of mine who was atheist who came to know God through a song I heard on the radio by chance. Now I can't stop listening to it.

Don't get me wrong...I still love my "secular" music

And yes I agree....SS should come hang out more often!

I only get church nowadays on Sundays too. At times if i am not able to go I watch the video satellite of the message from church via online.

Definitely, some songs speak to non believers in an unimaginable way. That's why they had been utilizing the good Christian bands like Mercy Me, The Katinas, David Crowder Band,Steven Curtis Chapman etc @ the Crusades. It allures teens most of the time and lots come forward to accept Jesus. Which is a good thing of course :thumbup

There is that radio station in IL, I used to listen to in the car. You must be aware of that. Lots of songs and messages throughout the whole day. It helps revive us esp mid week when we get lost in the routines of the work days.

 

[purpledove]

These are one of the topics I love listening to

Atheists most potent arguments against Christians. It states Pascal's wager- which is very interesting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Eba9Ro3HI8&feature=related

 

[sexysadie]

That is good to read. I am happy for you.

Thank you.

Very good read indeed! Your situation, mine and many others that I know remind me so much of the Parable of the Prodical Son. No matter where I run or how long I stay away, my heavenly Father always hopes for my return - he's always with me. And when I find myself letting go of everything and falling on my knees - lost in the valley, he's the one who shows me how to get back home. He is a forgiving father and his character remains constant. It's such a humbling experience and story of hope and joy. It's a testimony of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Like you...I am thankful beyond explanation that He has always remained faithful to me, even when I wasn't.

The Lord moves in mysterious ways.......I think most of us can attest to that. I went from asking Him 'why' to thanking Him for giving me reasons for getting up in the morning. Gods love not only helped me through some very rough patches in my life, it carried me through it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPgJKCTeh3M

 

[purpledove]

One More Time

by: The Katinas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brpxJldwR-U​

 

[sexysadie]

Hey a very pleasant addition to Crossroads :nod: Though this is not my thread- I welcome you here. Hope you can post everyday! Right DD?

I didn't know about this SS. I myself have dealt with anger and pain related to what I have opened up that I struggle with as an after effect of the DV. Until, I was able to let go of what I was feeling (though it comes back every now and then given it's still fresh- God had kept me Strong!) it had brought me back to Him.

I rebelled against God initially given i can't understand why He would allow such suffering for me and my son. I cried hard to him in prayer asking Qns just like Job did. All my Qns - were WHY??? Why this ?? Why that ??Asking Qns like "If you're a good God, why would you allow this to happen."?? I questioned Him and told Him= "All I had been was loyal to you and yet in the end you bring me to this state in life? Why??"

When I let forgiveness flow in me! My analyzing and seeing patients everyday who have allowed themselves non-forgiveness to have in them too much rage to hurt other people- I saw the pattern. I contemplated looking back at what God had led me is only when I came into terms with God that all He had been doing was leading me on to the things He knew I can't handle on my own. He was guiding me to a good path in life! Given, I was so soft spoken b4, i don't think i will have the strength to face trials against my ex. I never thought that it took those years as He knew that I wont be able to do to be strong without my son testifying against him so he can be persecuted.

I blamed God for Him allowing me to move here to Cali away from all my close friends. I felt lost. I felt alone! But when I went back to realize God's main Purpose! That without me being here in Cali to earn the money I am earning now with the State job that I wont be able to manage to support my son on my own! Is only when I was able to understand His plans for me and my son which makes so much sense. Now I can't stop to thank Him everyday for his Blessings !

Kudos to you SS! Love yah friend

Thank you sweetheart, I love yah too:nod:

 

[Diggin Deep]

Embracing the tension of humility

God, please help me trust that even though life sometimes feels uncertain, the changes and challenges that occur in my life are all part of something much bigger, a plan you’ve made that goes beyond what I can see or comprehend.


READ
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

REFLECT
It might seem surprising that Solomon, a king with all the power granted royalty in biblical times, would write these passages about humility in word and deed. But the fact that he discusses humility drives home the points we covered last week about God’s plan being large and complex beyond our comprehension. Losing a sense of humility, much like failing to embrace the other tensions surrounding friendship, work and patience, can make us lose track of our unique place in God’s bigger plan.

It’s a very human act to think of ourselves as superior: to lesser creatures, or even to other humans. But this passage reminds us that there is a much, much greater power at work in our lives, and that by staying humble, keeping our egos in check and listening, we may learn more about the plan God has put in place for our lives.

RESPOND
The tension of humility isn’t as straightforward as other tensions mentioned in Ecclesiastes. Consider situations where it’s tempting or advantageous to be proud, vocal or opinionated. Can you come up with ways you might handle such situations while still showing the humility Solomon recommends in today’s reading?

 

[purpledove]

Thanks for sharing that about humility. It's a good reminder as a mere human that I am, I often forget this :nod:

I wonder tho how one is able to maintain humility esp given the facts of like competitiveness of people online? Like, if you remain humble and not go with the flow of arrogance of others with knowledge/info shared etc- they see you as weak. Mere reading of words doesn't provide much info as to tone which at times leads to misunderstandings even if that wasn't the intention at all :willy_nilly:

I am willing to learn of course

 

[Diggin Deep]

Thanks for sharing that about humility. It's a good reminder as a mere human that I am, I often forget this :nod:

I wonder tho how one is able to maintain humility esp given the facts of like competitiveness of people online? Like, if you remain humble and not go with the flow of arrogance of others with knowledge/info shared etc- they see you as weak. Mere reading of words doesn't provide much info as to tone which at times leads to misunderstandings even if that wasn't the intention at all :willy_nilly:

I am willing to learn of course

Maintaining humility in all aspects of life can be quite a challenge, at least for me. I sometimes find it hard to be humble in certain sports and in my line of work. I'm very humble in regards to my belief in God. One thing that is difficult is relaying that humility when I talk about that belief in a forum setting. It is very easy to come across as patronizing. I try very hard to never come across as being better than anyone or above them regarding my beliefs and opinions.

This devotional also spoke to me in many ways and is one that I can learn a lot from

 

[purpledove]

Maintaining humility in all aspects of life can be quite a challenge, at least for me. I sometimes find it hard to be humble in certain sports and in my line of work. I'm very humble in regards to my belief in God. One thing that is difficult is relaying that humility when I talk about that belief in a forum setting. It is very easy to come across as patronizing. I try very hard to never come across as being better than anyone or above them regarding my beliefs and opinions.

This devotional also spoke to me in many ways and is one that I can learn a lot from

I love coming back and forth to read this Embracing series. It helps attune myself to what's really important to do and focus in life! Thanks. It's awesome :thumbup

 

[Diggin Deep]

Embracing the tension of desire

God, please help me trust that even though life sometimes feels uncertain, the changes and challenges that occur in my life are all part of something much bigger, a plan you’ve made that goes beyond what I can see or comprehend.

READ
Ecclesiastes 6:7-9

REFLECT
This passage’s use of food and hunger is an apt metaphor: despite all that God provides for us, we can easily be consumed with desires. Beyond the obvious deadly-sin type desires like lust or greed, there are other desires that may take over our lives without our being fully aware of their power. Consider the drive that sends a person into the office on a weekend, or causes someone to forego a family occasion so he or she can get in an extra workout at the gym. We may feel that we’re bettering our lives, but in reality we’re being pulled in the wrong direction by desire.

The problem with desires - even ones that improve our health or financial standing - is that they can distract us from God’s ultimate purpose in our lives. We may even feel that we’re moving in the direction God wants us to go, when in reality we’re using His will as an excuse to chase a desire. It’s hard to let go of our passions, but without balance in our lives, it can be difficult to follow the paths God has planned for us.

RESPOND
Look at your calendar: how balanced is it? If you had complete control over your schedule, would you change it from how it is now? What changes would you make? Are there changes you can make to balance your work, social, family and spiritual commitments in an even manner?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Embracing the tension of perspective

God, please help me trust that even though life sometimes feels uncertain, the changes and challenges that occur in my life are all part of something much bigger, a plan you’ve made that goes beyond what I can see or comprehend.

READ
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

REFLECT
This passage in Ecclesiastes seems at first to be pretty negative; almost an anti-poem to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. But reconsider the final verse of today’s reading:

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other, so that mortals may not find out anything that will come after them."

With that in mind, the passage takes on a different meaning: it’s less about pointing out the hardships in life than it is a reminder that there’s far more to God’s plan than we can comprehend. The pain and adversity we encounter, if we embrace them as part of that plan, serve as reminders that we’re part of something much, much greater.

RESPOND
If someone asked you, "what’s the most important life-lesson you’ve ever learned," what would you say? Make note of your answer, and then think about where you learned that lesson: did it come from a time of adversity? Did you realize the importance of the lesson at the time you were learning it? What does that experience tell you about how God sometimes works in our lives?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Here is a pretty cool picture...it's called The Story. I have a copy that can used for desktop wallpaper too if anyone is interested.