Crossroads

[Diggin Deep]

Embracing the tension of submission

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 8:1-6

REFLECT
This is a tricky one. How do we compel ourselves to submit to higher authority, even when it seems that doing so runs against our hunches or desires? It’s a difficult directive, indeed, to submit to someone else’s direction.

But Solomon makes a powerful point when he refers not to mortal kings, but to the King over everything: it’s not always easy submitting to God’s will, but submission to the wisest of wise, the highest of all powers, is the only way to find our true missions and purpose in this life.

RESPOND
Submitting to authority, whether it’s a teacher, a boss, a leader or even God’s will, isn’t easy. The next time you’re faced with the tension of having to submit to another’s authority, think about that person’s or institution’s perspective: can he or she see more about a situation than you can, information that could lead to a wiser decision? Does considering this make it easier to go along with the leader’s direction?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Embracing the tension of wisdom

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 9:13-18

REFLECT
The parable in today’s reading touches again on a hard-to-define topic: Wisdom. What constitutes true wisdom? From the readings earlier this week, we know that wisdom comes not from being boastful, loud, brash or from seizing one’s desires at every opportunity. Wisdom, as Solomon describes it, comes from humility, and an ongoing effort to understand God’s plan, which encompasses a far broader perspective than we can comprehend.

Today’s passage adds another aspect of wisdom: it’s often quiet and far too easy to forget. But by seeking to embrace the various types of tension we’ve explored in the past two weeks, we can find a point of clarity where we’re as receptive as possible to the quiet voice of Godly wisdom that helps direct us toward our greater purposes in life.

RESPOND
Think about how it feels to find perfect balance, like riding a bike with no hands, or hitting your stride during a workout. Your mind and body go quiet, and you feel a steadiness that may only last for a second. How can you translate that sense of physical balance into a way to recognize spiritual balance? Explore that concept as you work to embrace the tensions that God has placed in your life; when you strike that point of mental and spiritual balance, what do you hear from God’s quiet voice of wisdom?

 

[Diggin Deep]

We’re Meant to Work

God, help me to understand how you define “work.” Help me to give up my preconceived notions and embrace your truth.

READ
Genesis 2:15

REFLECT
We were created to work. When God placed Adam in the garden, he didn’t give him a Netflix account and an Xbox. He gave Adam work to do. Throughout the Bible, the people God used the most were often the ones who were willing to work. Sometimes that looked like more than “just hard work.” More importantly, they were willing to submit and be obedient to God. Working hard can be as simple as a willingness to submit to God’s plan for our lives, and not throwing temper tantrums when our life doesn’t turn out exactly as we planned. (Although lots of temper tantrums were thrown in the Bible.)

While He does call us to cycles of rest, God doesn’t call his people to avoid hard work. In fact, much of the work Christ-followers do is considered impossibly hard by the rest of the world. Yet that’s where God calls us.

RESPOND
Ask God to open your eyes and ears so that you may hear what he’s saying. Ask Him to show you what hard work he’s calling you to do. And if it doesn’t happen all at once (and it usually won’t), ask Him for patience to see the conversation through to the end.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Using Our Talents to the Fullest

God, teach me about my gifts and talents. Help me to honor you by bringing my whole self to any and all work that I do.

READ
Matthew 25: 14-28

REFLECT
God has given each of us things we’re good at doing. Perhaps your gifts include a knack for increasing the bottom line. Or leading people. Or attention to detail. Whatever the ability, God expects us to put our gifts to work.

Work is meant to be a blessing, not a punishment. When we work, we get to see reflections of God in our labors. Creativity, ingenuity, patience, endurance, sacrifice and promises kept—all things that are needed to do work. And, all things that are a part of God’s character.

God doesn’t expect everyone to become the star athlete, the best cook, or a CEO. He just expects us to bring the fullness of who we are to whatever our work is in the moment, and not to bury the talents that He gives us.

RESPOND
Have you ever considered yourself a resource created by God? Ask God to show you what talents you might be burying. Write them down. Maybe you’re already using that gift, but not to its fullest potential. Or maybe you’re using it for selfish ambition, rather than for God’s intention. Maybe you’re not even aware you have that gift! Acknowledge and thank God for your gifts and talents. Then, try to use them this week as you do your work.

 

[sexysadie]

I get a very good feeling inside when I open this thread.

I don't know if you've had the same experience but I find that when I sit down for the eveninig and I open my bible, the random page and passage that I choose to read somehow relates to something I'm going through or happen to be feeling at that particular time. It always amazes me and I thought I'd share it with you.

 

[Diggin Deep]

I get a very good feeling inside when I open this thread.

I don't know if you've had the same experience but I find that when I sit down for the eveninig and I open my bible, the random page and passage that I choose to read somehow relates to something I'm going through or happen to be feeling at that particular time. It always amazes me and I thought I'd share it with you.

Thanks Sadie. I know what you mean. The daily devotionals that I've been posting are from the church that I attend, and they have in so many ways, related to what I'm going through every day and in almost every aspect of my life. I'm just fairly new at getting back into church. I don't have a lot of Christian friends that I have remained in contact with. Sometimes, this is the only place that I can come and talk about God. It is refreshing, but can be pretty draining at the same time.

Thanks again for sharing!

 

[sexysadie]

I can relate to that. I don't attend a church, I think I've mentioned why, it was a personal decision. I have a few friends who go to church that I talk to all the time, but it seems that they don't really feel comfortable discussing God through the week...lol...anyway, just an observation on my part. I don't go around preaching to my friends, but I find it hard not to come to His defence when the opportunity presents itself. I know what you mean.......sometimes it can be exhausting.

anytime..xx

 

[Diggin Deep]

Work Builds the Kingdom

God, help me to see the meaning you put into work.

READ
2 Thessalonians 3: 7-13

REFLECT
It’s tough to talk to someone about God if you’re just mooching off of them. Being idle leads to disruption, but when we work, we build relationships. It’s no surprise then that Jesus worked as a carpenter, many of his disciples were fishermen, and Paul, who wrote many of the books of the New Testament, worked even as he traveled the world sharing the story of Jesus.

All of them could have demanded money for their services of teaching, but instead they exemplified obedience to God and heeded his direction to work. When we work, others see that we’re not just talk. They see that there’s something different about us, and that invites a conversation about the Kingdom in a way no other method can duplicate.

RESPOND
Working for others isn’t always something that comes easily. In the next week, ask God to show you opportunities to work. Perhaps it’s helping a neighbor carry in groceries, or stepping up for that extra project at work. Or, maybe for the first time in a long time, you just simply do your absolute best on the work you already do everyday. Whatever it is, embrace it as a declaration to God that you’re willing to do any work he lays before you.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Doing the Work

God, help me to see the meaning you put into work.

READ
Proverbs 14:23

REFLECT
God doesn’t call us to just think about or talk about work. He calls us to, y’know, actually work at work. Sometimes the work can seem overwhelming, but we must remember that if God has called us to it, then he will get us there.

This verse is pretty clear: “Just talk” can lead to poverty. And there are many types of poverty—emotional, spiritual, relational, the list goes on... The other side is this: God will bless our hard work, period.

In this community, we’ve learned hard work leads to amazing things. When we work as a church, cities are changed. When we work as individuals, lives are changed. So don’t give up if work gets hard. Stay focused! Remember: doing something is always more challenging than thinking about doing something.

RESPOND
Spend a few minutes reflecting on the fact that work is hard, but that God promises all hard work will be rewarded. Ask Him to give you endurance to overcome hard work, and the eyes to see the reward.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Success is Different in the Kingdom

God, help me understand how you define “success.”

READ
Joshua 6: 22-25

REFLECT
If you haven’t noticed by now, God defines “success” very differently than the world. For Him, success isn’t about money, fame, or prestige. In fact, many people the Bible marks as heroes were those in whom society saw no value. King David was considered the least among his brothers. Rahab was a prostitute. Even Jesus came from a town that had a saying, “nothing good comes from Nazareth.”

Success in God’s eyes is about relationship. It’s about listening to Him above all else, and being willing to risk life, wealth, friends, and even family, to pursue Him. The world is pleased when you work a 60-hour-work week. God is pleased when you put down your iPhone to talk with your kid.

RESPOND
Write down five things that define success in your life. Then write another list of how you think God might define success in your life. Are they the same? Different? Opposite? Why?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Week 2: Lessons about work

Being Number One

God, it’s easy to feel like I don’t measure up. It’s easy to feel like a failure. Remind me that, in Your eyes, I am enough.

READ
Mark 12: 41-44

REFLECT
In our culture, to be number one is to be everything. Or as UCLA coach Red Sanders once said, “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” Society tells us success looks like driving a certain car, or having a certain amount of money or friends on Facebook. Arriving at anything short of that imaginary number one is failure. (Sorry, number two. Sorry, number 6,431.)

All God wants from us is... us. He wants a relationship with us. He wants our obedience and our heart. While it seemed like very little to the world, the widow’s offering was astoundingly rich in the Kingdom.

Being number one is never defined as the biggest pay check or the nicest office. And it’s not defined as striving to join all the PTA committees or coach all the teams. It’s defined by how close we are to God’s heart.

P.S. There’s room for lots of number ones.

RESPOND
What have I sacrificed in my efforts to be number one? Was it worth the cost?

 

[sexysadie]

Week 2: Lessons about work

Being Number One

God, it’s easy to feel like I don’t measure up. It’s easy to feel like a failure. Remind me that, in Your eyes, I am enough.

READ
Mark 12: 41-44

REFLECT
In our culture, to be number one is to be everything. Or as UCLA coach Red Sanders once said, “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” Society tells us success looks like driving a certain car, or having a certain amount of money or friends on Facebook. Arriving at anything short of that imaginary number one is failure. (Sorry, number two. Sorry, number 6,431.)

All God wants from us is... us. He wants a relationship with us. He wants our obedience and our heart. While it seemed like very little to the world, the widow’s offering was astoundingly rich in the Kingdom.

Being number one is never defined as the biggest pay check or the nicest office. And it’s not defined as striving to join all the PTA committees or coach all the teams. It’s defined by how close we are to God’s heart.

P.S. There’s room for lots of number ones.

RESPOND
What have I sacrificed in my efforts to be number one? Was it worth the cost?

Sometimes, I feel like I'm failing God when I can't reach somebody's heart. I try and I try to take advantage of any opportunity to act as a vessel for Him and to pass on to others what I know, but what if they just don't want to listen? What if I do everything in my power not to walk away and in doing so, stay and allow my temper to get the best of me? What am I doing wrong?

Thank you for todays verse....this really IS a wonderful thread.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Sometimes, I feel like I'm failing God when I can't reach somebody's heart. I try and I try to take advantage of any opportunity to act as a vessel for Him and to pass on to others what I know, but what if they just don't want to listen? What if I do everything in my power not to walk away and in doing so, stay and allow my temper to get the best of me? What am I doing wrong?

Thank you for todays verse....this really IS a wonderful thread.

It's easy to come on a little too strong about our faith. We as Christians get a little anxious when we talk about God and His love. Sometimes we end up coming across as preachy. We have to remember that we can either be the one that plants a seed or pushed the person out of reach. The way to give love is how we live love. Know that you will never convince someone with anything you say. You can only hope that maybe they'll see His love in how it is portrayed - simple kindness or a loving sacrifice, simple little things that have the power to change lives.

I think that we have to remember as Christians...we are called to spread the word - plant a seed. We can't produce the fruit that the seed will grow. Meaning...all we can do is share our faith with people with gentleness and respect. What they take from it is of their own choosing - it may be right then that they accept Christianity or many many years down the road.

I do know what you mean...my heart breaks for people that don't believe. I do want others to experience what I have...but it is in their time, not mine. Everyone is different - some people require more time, more understanding, more evidence. The Christian faith is not something that you beat into people's minds and hearts.

Ultimately, we must leave the salvation of those to whom we witness up to God. It is God's power and grace that saves people, not our efforts. Honestly...the best and most a Christian can do is pray for them, witness to them, and live a Christian life in front of them, trusting that the Holy Spirit will do the work of drawing, convincing and converting. I don't mean that a Christian is a better person than a non-believer. Nor do I mean that by praying for them, we are better. It's just what we are called to do.

Remember...it's a gift. No one is obligated to receive it. They can do with it as they choose.

 

[sexysadie]

It's easy to come on a little too strong about our faith. We as Christians get a little anxious when we talk about God and His love. Sometimes we end up coming across as preachy. We have to remember that we can either be the one that plants a seed or pushed the person out of reach. The way to give love is how we live love. Know that you will never convince someone with anything you say. You can only hope that maybe they'll see His love in how it is portrayed - simple kindness or a loving sacrifice, simple little things that have the power to change lives.

I think that we have to remember as Christians...we are called to spread the word - plant a seed. We can't produce the fruit that the seed will grow. Meaning...all we can do is share our faith with people with gentleness and respect. What they take from it is of their own choosing - it may be right then that they accept Christianity or many many years down the road.

I do know what you mean...my heart breaks for people that don't believe. I do want others to experience what I have...but it is in their time, not mine. Everyone is different - some people require more time, more understanding, more evidence. The Christian faith is not something that you beat into people's minds and hearts.

Ultimately, we must leave the salvation of those to whom we witness up to God. It is God's power and grace that saves people, not our efforts. Honestly...the best and most a Christian can do is pray for them, witness to them, and live a Christian life in front of them, trusting that the Holy Spirit will do the work of drawing, convincing and converting. I don't mean that a Christian is a better person than a non-believer. Nor do I mean that by praying for them, we are better. It's just what we are called to do.

Remember...it's a gift. No one is obligated to receive it. They can do with it as they choose.

In the real world, that's easy, but on this forum it is not. Isn't saying nothing to defend Him the same as denying Him? That's how I feel.

 

[Diggin Deep]

On the other hand, we are not obligated to spend our time trying to convince the unwilling. In fact, we are warned not to expend excessive effort on those who are clearly disinterested in any honest discussions (Matthew 7:6). Perhaps the best tactic is to give each person the benefit of the doubt, at least at first. Every question, honestly and truthfully answered, gives that person a chance to hear the gospel. But if that person is just arguing, being hostile, or otherwise not open, it’s probably time to move along. Some people are totally, completely, and absolutely hardened to the gospel (Proverbs 29:1).

They may be rational, or irrational, but there are scriptural reasons to believe that some people are willingly immune to the influence of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 6:3). When we have made a good-faith effort to talk to someone, and he or she is unreachable, then we are commanded to “shake the dust off” of our shoes (Luke 9:5) and spend our time talking to those who are more spiritually open. As in all things, the wisdom of God is crucial. God has promised that wisdom to us if we ask (James 1:5), and we should pray for it and trust God’s prompting to know how and when to break off the dialog.

 

[Diggin Deep]

In the real world, that's easy, but on this forum it is not. Isn't saying nothing to defend Him the same as denying Him? That's how I feel.

While it is much more difficult in a "forum" setting, the same rules apply. We still to need to approach conversations regarding God and faith in a gentle and respectful manner. I'm the first to admit that I will chime in on a thread where there is "God" or "Christianity" bashing. I prefer to offer another side of the story and do my best to leave it at that. I offer my side of the story and what God, Christianity, and faith has done for me...my testimony so to speak. We are still able to witness based on our actions...it just takes a little longer for people to get to know you - in a forum that is.

I offer knowledge that I know regarding the subject, but it can very quickly become redundant - kind of like beating a dead horse. Just be comforted and assured that those who are searching will read what you have to say and will most likely keep it to themselves.

Like my own testimony, everyone has a different story - a different reason of why they feel and believe the way they do. There have been many variables that have affected them and helped form their views and beliefs. Some will be more accepting, some will not. We as Christians just need to share our faith, offer another side of the coin and believe ourselves. God will do the rest.

There are many instances in the Bible when people were persecuted and punished for believing in God. Most of what I have read tells of them just continuing to pray and believe. More people were changed by witnessing someone's unshakable faith.

As I have learned, talking about the Christian faith in an open forum is not easy business. It sucks the life out of you, because it challenges the very core of what and why you believe. In the words of Kenny Rogers..."You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run..."

Keep your head up and keep praying!!! I said it awhile back in a thread when told that it wasn't worth it....It is worth it! Many people, even though they may not speak up are watching, reading, and being affected.

 

[sexysadie]

While it is much more difficult in a "forum" setting, the same rules apply. We still to need to approach conversations regarding God and faith in a gentle and respectful manner. I'm the first to admit that I will chime in on a thread where there is "God" or "Christianity" bashing. I prefer to offer another side of the story and do my best to leave it at that. I offer my side of the story and what God, Christianity, and faith has done for me...my testimony so to speak. We are still able to witness based on our actions...it just takes a little longer for people to get to know you - in a forum that is.

I offer knowledge that I know regarding the subject, but it can very quickly become redundant - kind of like beating a dead horse. Just be comforted and assured that those who are searching will read what you have to say and will most likely keep it to themselves.

Like my own testimony, everyone has a different story - a different reason of why they feel and believe the way they do. There have been many variables that have affected them and helped form their views and beliefs. Some will be more accepting, some will not. We as Christians just need to share our faith, offer another side of the coin and believe ourselves. God will do the rest.

There are many instances in the Bible when people were persecuted and punished for believing in God. Most of what I have read tells of them just continuing to pray and believe. More people were changed by witnessing someone's unshakable faith.

As I have learned, talking about the Christian faith in an open forum is not easy business. It sucks the life out of you, because it challenges the very core of what and why you believe. In the words of Kenny Rogers..."You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run..."

Keep your head up and keep praying!!! I said it awhile back in a thread when told that it wasn't worth it....It is worth it! Many people, even though they may not speak up are watching, reading, and being affected.

I have yet to see a debate where the devil doesn't poke his dirty little head in and push my buttons. I can't help but get angry when somebody keeps referring to my faith as a fairy tale, when it's taken my whole life to get to this point. If I can only make them see that my intentions are good even when the outcome is spoiled with emotions. I don't know how you do it..........you're always so calm.

 

[Diggin Deep]

I have yet to see a debate where the devil doesn't poke his dirty little head in and push my buttons. I can't help but get angry when somebody keeps referring to my faith as a fairy tale, when it's taken my whole life to get to this point. If I can only make them see that my intentions are good even when the outcome is spoiled with emotions. I don't know how you do it..........you're always so calm.

I haven't always been so calm...if I had been in a forum like this when I was younger and young in my faith...I would have been really upset. Don't get me wrong...it upsets me that people say certain things about my faith and moch me for believing that way. It also upsets me that some people put me in a category just because I'm a Christian. It's ok though...we all often generalize people whether we mean to or not. I just try to remain open to things, because I have been there. Life isn't always black and white and people aren't always going to be accepting of my views and beliefs.

Some people are able to approach the topic of religion maturely, regardless of their views and some aren't. I think that's true in every topic of life. You just need to know how to approach it and when to back away. You already have a target on your back - Christianity and those who believe in it are some of the most scrutinized people out there...so you really have to be on your toes and treat the situation/discussion as gentle and respectful as possible (W.W.J.D.)

 

[sexysadie]

What is (W.W.I.D)?

 

[Diggin Deep]

It is W W J D...the J looked like an I since the periods were there. "What Would Jesus Do?"