Crossroads

[Diggin Deep]

A Cautionary Tale

God, help me to stay focused on you, not the world’s version of success. Help me to realize that work isn’t about getting more, but about moving towards you.

READ
2 Samuel 11

REFLECT
David had it all. He was king. He was powerful. He was respected. He had beautiful wives and unimaginable wealth. By every definition the world has, David was a success. But at the height of his success, he experienced his greatest failure, and in a matter of a few short weeks managed to have an affair, murder someone, and turn his back on both his people and his God. He took all the work he had done, and turned it into something grotesque.

Some things never change. Turn on the news and you’ll see celebrities having breakdowns, athletes getting arrested, and billionaires stealing money. Apparently “having it all” doesn’t mean what we think it does.

RESPOND
Take a few minutes and write down your personal version of “having it all.” Now write down what you think the Kingdom version of “having it all” might be. How do the two compare?

 

[purpledove]

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.

So what happens if at a forum like this and the members you've easily grown attached with and mainly trusted are fellow believers but in the end would be the first ones to chastise you and be unforgiving?? Seemingly through their actions they dont go by the flow to protect their fellow Christians or understand them instead go with the flow of other non-believers ? I mean no one is perfect hence the forgiveness bit. So how is one able to separate that from being too righteous against one's fellow believers? Judgmental? How is one able to balance that with bible teachings? How can one understand the rationale behind that ??

If the first people to make you lose trust in this forum are fellow believers, how is one able to trust others with same faith more so unbelievers for that matter?

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 do remember that you posted that in one of the threads in Religion. What I have always wondered though is: If someone at a forum like this- the other believers don't defend their faith as SSadie mentioned. And am understanding your explanation a bit-however, how would the people who don't speak up ( even if maybe they pray which is only God knows of course) how will we/they be able to answer when that time comes and Jesus asks: What have you done for me?....or Jesus is also gonna reject us and say- "I dont know you coz you've not done your part to defend me or defend your brothers/sisters" ( I know there's a story like this in the Bible)

 

[Diggin Deep]

So what happens if at a forum like this and the members you've easily grown attached with and mainly trusted are fellow believers but in the end would be the first ones to chastise you and be unforgiving?? Seemingly through their actions they dont go by the flow to protect their fellow Christians or understand them instead go with the flow of other non-believers ? I mean no one is perfect hence the forgiveness bit. So how is one able to separate that from being too righteous against one's fellow believers? Judgmental? How is one able to balance that with bible teachings? How can one understand the rationale behind that ??

If the first people to make you lose trust in this forum are fellow believers, how is one able to trust others with same faith more so unbelievers for that matter?

I do remember that you posted that in one of the threads in Religion. What I have always wondered though is: If someone at a forum like this- the other believers don't defend their faith as SSadie mentioned. And am understanding your explanation a bit-however, how would the people who don't speak up ( even if maybe they pray which is only God knows of course) how will we/they be able to answer when that time comes and Jesus asks: What have you done for me?....or Jesus is also gonna reject us and say- "I dont know you coz you've not done your part to defend me or defend your brothers/sisters" ( I know there's a story like this in the Bible)

This is a hard topic for me Dove. It is always much easier to go with the flow instead of taking a stand. Many do not want to stir the pot and would rather remain on the good side of the masses instead of taking a stand and defending their belief - even if that means turning a blind eye. I know how frustrating this is and can be. However, in a forum, it's difficult. Some feel that it is pointless to get involved in discussions of faith and God in a forum. Most discussions of faith in a forum can become counterproductive. Most pastors that I know refuse to even join a forum for that reason. They prefer spreading the word to those who want to and are willing to listen.

I think there is a point when discussing and defending one's faith can become argumentative and chastising. I think some Christians avoid these discussions for that very reason. Some here in OTz are Christians, but prefer to take it from this approach - (after a church service, if there is anyone that needs prayer, is seeking God and has questions, or wants to accept Jesus as their personal savior - they are there to pray for/with them, answer their questions and help them find God.) These people aren't the "pastor", just someone who is there to help them and help them get there if they want to.

There is a difference between spreading the word of God, defending our faith, and arguing.

Unless God is drawing that person who is a non-believer, they are not going to listen. (John 6:44) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."

If you are witnessing to someone and you feel you have exhausted all your efforts and they still deny the truth, God says to back off and go your way. (Luke 9:5) "If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Put them in God's hands. He can deal with them much better than we can. (Psalm 35:1) "Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me."

Jesus himself did not argue. (Matthew 12:19) "He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets."

Does that mean we should never discuss our faith with non-believers, or answer questions that they may have, or even give evidence of Christianity? Not at all! (1 Peter 3:15) " But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

If the person you are trying to witness to has no questions, and only answers - you are using up valuable time that could be used to witness to someone who is honestly seeking. They are not being drawn by God at that time. Plant the seed and move on.

Christians can disagree on some things in a gentle and respectful way, and we'll all find out that we are wrong on some things and right on others. But who is the final authority? God is! Through His word! Without His word, it's just another person's opinion against another's. That doesn't mean we should give up, when we have nothing left to say - we pray!

Having said that...I know exactly where you and SS are coming from. The difficulty with debating God is that you never know who is listening. Many people choose not to comment. I'm torn on this subject. I sometimes choose not to debate with the "usual crowd". However, I feel that I must confront error since I have no way of knowing who is listening. I feel that my silence in the face of error and sometimes - outright heresy could signal to anyone "lurking" that I agree with the detractors. I struggle with between a desire of avoiding pointless debate and offering another side and confronting error. So I pick and choose my battles - but it is a dilemma. We just need to remain gentle and respectful with out we share the Gospel and not risk pushing someone away.

Regardless of the setting, we MUST present the Gospel, because there are always those on the fringe of the crowd who may actually be listening and taking heart to what we're saying...what God is saying through us. And it could be that one person on the fringe who God set us out among the wolves to reach that day. His word will not return void. It will accomplish whatever He sent it out to accomplish; hopefully to draw a soul to redemption.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Just Enjoying Work

God, replace my worries with contentment in the work you’ve set before me. Help me find joy and satisfaction in my work.

READ
Ecclesiastes 5:12

REFLECT
Solomon, said to have been the wisest man ever to have lived, built a huge fortune for himself as King of Israel. Yet he began to realize something—just having stuff wasn’t enough. The more you have, the more you must protect. Or, as Biggie Smalls said, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems.” When we lean less into God and more into hoarding, we may think all of that worrying helps protect our stuff. But we are robbed, nonetheless; robbed of our sleep, our contentment, and our joy, to name a few.

Hard work brings a blessing of satisfaction. We can miss this fact by being distracted with thoughts that the work we’re doing is “beneath us” or “unimportant.” But any work God has laid before us is his work. Solomon realized that working just to work can be enjoyable because there is satisfaction in a job well done. Reclaim work by enjoying the work itself, not what the work brings you. Receive the pleasure and joy from the toilet you cleaned or the report you filed. And enjoy the sweet sleep.

RESPOND
As you go to sleep tonight, reflect on your work. Don’t fret over what you didn’t do, but rather reflect on what you did do. Enjoy the satisfaction that comes with knowing you did work.

 

[sexysadie]

This is a hard topic for me Dove. It is always much easier to go with the flow instead of taking a stand. Many do not want to stir the pot and would rather remain on the good side of the masses instead of taking a stand and defending their belief - even if that means turning a blind eye. I know how frustrating this is and can be. However, in a forum, it's difficult. Some feel that it is pointless to get involved in discussions of faith and God in a forum. Most discussions of faith in a forum can become counterproductive. Most pastors that I know refuse to even join a forum for that reason. They prefer spreading the word to those who want to and are willing to listen.

I think there is a point when discussing and defending one's faith can become argumentative and chastising. I think some Christians avoid these discussions for that very reason. Some here in OTz are Christians, but prefer to take it from this approach - (after a church service, if there is anyone that needs prayer, is seeking God and has questions, or wants to accept Jesus as their personal savior - they are there to pray for/with them, answer their questions and help them find God.) These people aren't the "pastor", just someone who is there to help them and help them get there if they want to.

There is a difference between spreading the word of God, defending our faith, and arguing.

Unless God is drawing that person who is a non-believer, they are not going to listen. (John 6:44) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."

If you are witnessing to someone and you feel you have exhausted all your efforts and they still deny the truth, God says to back off and go your way. (Luke 9:5) "If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Put them in God's hands. He can deal with them much better than we can. (Psalm 35:1) "Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me."

Jesus himself did not argue. (Matthew 12:19) "He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets."

Does that mean we should never discuss our faith with non-believers, or answer questions that they may have, or even give evidence of Christianity? Not at all! (1 Peter 3:15) " But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

If the person you are trying to witness to has no questions, and only answers - you are using up valuable time that could be used to witness to someone who is honestly seeking. They are not being drawn by God at that time. Plant the seed and move on.

Christians can disagree on some things in a gentle and respectful way, and we'll all find out that we are wrong on some things and right on others. But who is the final authority? God is! Through His word! Without His word, it's just another person's opinion against another's. That doesn't mean we should give up, when we have nothing left to say - we pray!

Having said that...I know exactly where you and SS are coming from. The difficulty with debating God is that you never know who is listening. Many people choose not to comment. I'm torn on this subject. I sometimes choose not to debate with the "usual crowd". However, I feel that I must confront error since I have no way of knowing who is listening. I feel that my silence in the face of error and sometimes - outright heresy could signal to anyone "lurking" that I agree with the detractors. I struggle with between a desire of avoiding pointless debate and offering another side and confronting error. So I pick and choose my battles - but it is a dilemma. We just need to remain gentle and respectful with out we share the Gospel and not risk pushing someone away.

Regardless of the setting, we MUST present the Gospel, because there are always those on the fringe of the crowd who may actually be listening and taking heart to what we're saying...what God is saying through us. And it could be that one person on the fringe who God set us out among the wolves to reach that day. His word will not return void. It will accomplish whatever He sent it out to accomplish; hopefully to draw a soul to redemption.

Could our willingness to walk away so easily, make our faith seem weak to others listening or reading? I agree with what you've been saying to a point, but to suggest that we only give testimony to those who want to listen just doesn't feel right to me, and it doesn't seem like something Jesus would have done.

That being said, I know that arguing back and forth like a couple of children isn't something Jesus would have done either, but I'm not Jesus, I'm just human.

 

[HK]

Could our willingness to walk away so easily, make our faith seem weak to others listening or reading? I agree with what you've been saying to a point, but to suggest that we only give testimony to those who want to listen just doesn't feel right to me, and it doesn't seem like something Jesus would have done.

I'm not trying to drag a debate in here and normally I wouldn't respond at all, but since you asked a question that only someone listening or reading can answer, I thought I'd give it a go.

I've known several people of faith over many different forums. The ones who seemed the most secure and logical about their beliefs, and who commanded the most respect from other people, were those who didn't feel the need to defend themselves. I don't think anyone would view staying out of religious discussions as weak - on the contrary, I think it shows that you don't feel the need to try and squash any discussion that disagrees with your views. If someone constantly leaps on others when they discuss faith, it makes that person look insecure in their beliefs, as though they can't bear to hear criticism.

Diggin Deep's last few posts about this have made a lot of sense to me. There really is no point trying to defend faith to people who have no interest in it. You'll only exhaust yourself - I can tell you right now, there is nothing someone of faith can say to someone without that will suddenly convert them, or show them the light. If they eventually change their views, that's their own personal journey and you can't force it on anyone. I understand the desire to defend your beliefs but again, it's probably better to save your energy - most of the questions people without faith will ask are ones that you won't be able to give them an answer to, and this just leads to frustration on both sides.

I don't believe it could ever be viewed as 'giving up' to simply acknowedge when it is not appropriate or useful to try and spread your word. There is a time and a place, and the best thing you can do for yourself is recognise when that is.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Well said HK...very much appreciated.

Sadie - please know that I know exactly where you are coming from. There is a fine line between when witnessing, defending our faith, and discussing God becomes counterproductive. We as Christians can only do so much and it is God and only God that chooses to draw someone to Him. Nothing we as Christians can say can change the hearts and minds of unbelievers - only God. We are called to spread the Gospel and to be a testimony of what He has done for us. We are very emotional about this and because of what He has done in our lives. These emotions are shown when we discuss it with non-believers and when they oppose us, we often times get frustrated. We often times can't understand why they can't see and understand what it is that we see and understand. It seems so obious to us, but it wasn't always that way.

Everyone is different...many people are searching, many are hearing about God for the first time, and many have such a hardened heart because of something in their past. Maybe they were Christians at one time and fell away. Maybe they are from a place in the world where our God isn't the norm. Christianity is a lot to swallow. There is a lot of personal sacrifice that one has to make in order to accept what God has to offer. And to some, that sacrifice - the "rules and regulations" seem greater than the reward of accepting God's salvation. Some see it as a personal loss rather than a personal gain.

We have to approach each situation differently. We can't always know and understand where people are coming from or why they believe the way they do. So it makes it complicated. Not everyone wants to hear what we have to say. Some people may never change their mind, because of how hardened their heart is. They will oppose our belief and find an argument against everything we have to say. And beleive me, some of these arguments can shake our belief at the core. We have to know when enough is enough...when exhausted all efforts and when it is time to move forward. We have to take a step back and gain perspective - fill our cup. We need to let God nurture the seed that we planted in them. We need to give Him time to move in them. We need to let God have room to open their minds, eyes and heart. Again...it's God that draws people to Him, not us.

The best that we can hope for is that the people on the fringe have seen and read what we have to say and that it has affected them in such a way that they want more. And believe me...they will develop a thirst for knowledge of what it is that we are talking about. I can assure you that those on the fringe, though they may not speak up in the thread, do speak up privately. So God is moving and He is using what we have to say to draw them closer. If we push too hard, if we get caught up in senseless arguments, we risk losing those that are truly seeking forever.

Believe me...I have a hard time always knowing when enough is enough. I do not ever consider witnessing and talking about God a waste of time. However, spending time debating and arguing with people who are more content with debating and arguing than seeking Him is a waste of time that could be spent on witnessing to those who are on the fence. I mean that in the best way possible.

You ask how I am so calm when discussing God. I've always been a compassionate person, but my compassion for unbelievers comes a lot from knowing what it means to be an unbeliever and someone who once walked away from God myself. I remember how hard it was for me to intially accept Jesus as my Savior and even more so, how long and hard it was for me to accept Him back into my life after I walked away. There was not a single person on this earth that could have changed my mind, no matter what they said. I believe it was through people praying for me and God Himself that I accepted Him back into my life.

 

[Diggin Deep]

It’s Not About Us

God, help me see your heart for work in my life.

READ
Colossians 3: 22-24

REFLECT
Have you ever wondered why so many of us are workaholics? It seems that once we made work all about us, we became less and less satisfied. Today, many of us operate from that mindset and have decided that if we aren’t helicopter parents, or don’t have the luxury SUV in the driveway, we aren’t doing enough. Instead of working for a living, our discontent enslaves us.

But in his letter to the Colossians, Paul says that if we are working for God, everything is changed. Working for God means we can work in the worst conditions—but still work hard—because it’s a way to honor God. Our work isn’t to satisfy our boss, it’s to satisfy God himself. It’s an act of worship. Reclaim work by understanding that it’s not important who knows what work you did today. God knows every single ounce of work you did, and he is pleased.

RESPOND
Make a list of your daily work. Include both tasks and relational responsibilities. Rank them in order of importance. Now consider how God would rank them. Any similarities or differences? Does this change how you approach your daily work?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Take a Load Off

God, help me see your heart for work, and for rest, in my life.

READ
Exodus 34:21

REFLECT
After God created the world he rested. It wasn’t like he said, “Whew! I just can’t create another universe today, I’m beat!” Rather, God includes rest as a part of the work cycle. God designed us with a need to rest, and so he modeled this discipline for us.

You can work really hard, but no matter what is going on, you need a break. Consider the many laws given to the Israelites that emphasized the need to rest: Harvest season or plowing season, free or slave, Israeli or foreigner—everyone is commanded to rest. Even when our livelihood depends on the work, God still says, “rest.” Reject the temptation to feel guilty, but rather understand that resting is an act of obedience to God. Reclaim work by knowing that you were designed to rest.

RESPOND
This week, set aside a day to rest. Or if you can’t find a day, start with finding a few hours and work your way up to a day. Consider how you can incorporate this discipline into your life.

 

[sexysadie]

Well said HK...very much appreciated.

Sadie - please know that I know exactly where you are coming from. There is a fine line between when witnessing, defending our faith, and discussing God becomes counterproductive. We as Christians can only do so much and it is God and only God that chooses to draw someone to Him. Nothing we as Christians can say can change the hearts and minds of unbelievers - only God. We are called to spread the Gospel and to be a testimony of what He has done for us. We are very emotional about this and because of what He has done in our lives. These emotions are shown when we discuss it with non-believers and when they oppose us, we often times get frustrated. We often times can't understand why they can't see and understand what it is that we see and understand. It seems so obious to us, but it wasn't always that way.

Everyone is different...many people are searching, many are hearing about God for the first time, and many have such a hardened heart because of something in their past. Maybe they were Christians at one time and fell away. Maybe they are from a place in the world where our God isn't the norm. Christianity is a lot to swallow. There is a lot of personal sacrifice that one has to make in order to accept what God has to offer. And to some, that sacrifice - the "rules and regulations" seem greater than the reward of accepting God's salvation. Some see it as a personal loss rather than a personal gain.

We have to approach each situation differently. We can't always know and understand where people are coming from or why they believe the way they do. So it makes it complicated. Not everyone wants to hear what we have to say. Some people may never change their mind, because of how hardened their heart is. They will oppose our belief and find an argument against everything we have to say. And beleive me, some of these arguments can shake our belief at the core. We have to know when enough is enough...when exhausted all efforts and when it is time to move forward. We have to take a step back and gain perspective - fill our cup. We need to let God nurture the seed that we planted in them. We need to give Him time to move in them. We need to let God have room to open their minds, eyes and heart. Again...it's God that draws people to Him, not us.

The best that we can hope for is that the people on the fringe have seen and read what we have to say and that it has affected them in such a way that they want more. And believe me...they will develop a thirst for knowledge of what it is that we are talking about. I can assure you that those on the fringe, though they may not speak up in the thread, do speak up privately. So God is moving and He is using what we have to say to draw them closer. If we push too hard, if we get caught up in senseless arguments, we risk losing those that are truly seeking forever.

Believe me...I have a hard time always knowing when enough is enough. I do not ever consider witnessing and talking about God a waste of time. However, spending time debating and arguing with people who are more content with debating and arguing than seeking Him is a waste of time that could be spent on witnessing to those who are on the fence. I mean that in the best way possible.

You ask how I am so calm when discussing God. I've always been a compassionate person, but my compassion for unbelievers comes a lot from knowing what it means to be an unbeliever and someone who once walked away from God myself. I remember how hard it was for me to intially accept Jesus as my Savior and even more so, how long and hard it was for me to accept Him back into my life after I walked away. There was not a single person on this earth that could have changed my mind, no matter what they said. I believe it was through people praying for me and God Himself that I accepted Him back into my life.

I guess I lose my patience because of those few who don't give a damn about the debate itself or even the issue, but who always feel the need to make fun of anything and everything in their path. When a person is passionate about something, such as I am when it comes to God, it's only natural that they feel the need to discuss it with anybody who will listen.....even if that means discussing it with people who aren't in it for the topic but for the applause from minds as tiny as their own....like you pointed out yourself, it's not necessarily those involved in the debate that will benefit from it but those who may view it. Discussing God has always left me with a great feeling, no matter who I'm having the discussion with, that's why I don't believe that the discussion you're referring to was even about God or religion as much as it was about a battle of wits....and even though I feel a bit guilty for battling with unarmed adversaries, no names needed I'm sure, I still feel the need to say my piece.

Having said that I can only hope that one day I'll learn when to walk away...that is, if that's what God wants me to do, but for now I'll continue to follow my heart.

 

[Diggin Deep]

I guess I lose my patience because of those few who don't give a damn about the debate itself or even the issue, but who always feel the need to make fun of anything and everything in their path. When a person is passionate about something, such as I am when it comes to God, it's only natural that they feel the need to discuss it with anybody who will listen.....even if that means discussing it with people who aren't in it for the topic but for the applause from minds as tiny as their own....like you pointed out yourself, it's not necessarily those involved in the debate that will benefit from it but those who may view it. Discussing God has always left me with a great feeling, no matter who I'm having the discussion with, that's why I don't believe that the discussion you're referring to was even about God or religion as much as it was about a battle of wits....and even though I feel a bit guilty for battling with unarmed adversaries, no names needed I'm sure, I still feel the need to say my piece.

Having said that I can only hope that one day I'll learn when to walk away...that is, if that's what God wants me to do, but for now I'll continue to follow my heart.

I know what you are saying...do what you do and follow Him when and where He leads you.

Know this...when God is trying to do something amazing in our life, answer a prayer or use us for His purpose is when Satan wages war agaisnt us the most. He will put road blocks in front of us, give us every opportunity to stumble, and do anything he can to keep us from God's glory.

When you feel this happening, step back and pray - gain some perspective. God will prevail!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Obedience is a Choice

God, make me mindful of the choices I make, and let me be obedient to your word.

READ
Genesis 2:16-17

REFLECT
God’s instruction was pretty clear —do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Here comes the SPOILER ALERT: Adam and Eve do eat the fruit, put on fig-leaf outfits, and are banned from the Garden of Eden.

Maybe life would have been a little easier if God had not put that tree in the garden, or if God had forced Adam and Eve to follow the rules. But He didn’t. God didn’t desire us to be his little human puppets. He wanted, and still wants, to have a real relationship with us. And that means that we have the opportunity to freely choose Him, or not.

For the next two weeks, we’re exploring the subject of obedience. Obedience is choosing to listen to God’s voice, and then following through because we trust that his way is best.

RESPOND
God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. We don’t have to be perfect, and we will all stumble along the way. Take some time this week to reflect on the decisions you make, even the small ones. How often do you ask God to weigh in on those decisions? How often do you obey Him? How often do you “eat the fruit” anyway?

 

[Diggin Deep]

No Room for Doubt

God, may you open my ears and help me to clearly hear your voice. May you quiet the interfering voices of doubt.

READ
James 1:5-6

REFLECT
A little boy sits in the floor, playing a game. His father instructs him to “go to bed.” Immediately, the little boy stands on his head. His dad asks, “What are you doing?” The boy replies, “Well, you told me to stand on my head.” The father is touched. Smiling, he scoops the boy up in his arms. “No, son. I told you to go to bed.”

Did the boy question or hesitate in his response to such a silly request? No. He just did it. He didn’t need to know why, because he trusted the wisdom of his father. Obeying even what we think God is saying, is still a win. Like the father, God is delighted and proud of our heart’s desire to obey. And if we misunderstand, He is there with clarity, and unconditional love. Our mistake is to allow doubt to interfere -- interfere with our obedience and therefore, interfere with our relationship with our Father.

RESPOND
Spend some quiet time with God and just ask him to talk to you. Write down what you hear. Don’t assume He has a to-do list for you, he may just want to tell you how he feels about you, i.e. good, lovey stuff. Invite His wisdom in, and tell doubt “this is an ‘A/B’ conversation, so ‘C’ your way out of it.”

 

[sexysadie]

Obedience is a Choice

God, make me mindful of the choices I make, and let me be obedient to your word.

READ
Genesis 2:16-17

REFLECT
God’s instruction was pretty clear —do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Here comes the SPOILER ALERT: Adam and Eve do eat the fruit, put on fig-leaf outfits, and are banned from the Garden of Eden.

Maybe life would have been a little easier if God had not put that tree in the garden, or if God had forced Adam and Eve to follow the rules. But He didn’t. God didn’t desire us to be his little human puppets. He wanted, and still wants, to have a real relationship with us. And that means that we have the opportunity to freely choose Him, or not.

For the next two weeks, we’re exploring the subject of obedience. Obedience is choosing to listen to God’s voice, and then following through because we trust that his way is best.

RESPOND
God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. We don’t have to be perfect, and we will all stumble along the way. Take some time this week to reflect on the decisions you make, even the small ones. How often do you ask God to weigh in on those decisions? How often do you obey Him? How often do you “eat the fruit” anyway?

Amen. :thumbup

 

[Diggin Deep]

Obedience More Important Than Sacrifice

God, open my ears and help me to hear your voice clearly.

READ
1 Samuel 15:1-22

REFLECT
God told Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites. He didn’t say, “Destroy most of them, but save the king if you think he’s a nice guy... maybe a sheep or two. I don’t know, Saul... set up a shrine or something... just use your own judgement.”

God grieved because Saul did not completely obey. He started out on the right foot, but somewhere along the way, he began mixing his own way in with God’s way. It didn’t matter that he was saving the best animals for sacrifice. That was not part of the deal. God wants us to obey completely. “Selective listening” is not obedience.

God wants us to listen to his voice and to follow through on his direction. He’s not impressed by how much we sacrifice; He’s pleased by our obedience.

RESPOND
Do you have any areas in your life where you are “selectively listening” to God? Has God given you instruction and somewhere along the way, you worked in your own plan? Ask God to open your eyes to these places. And listen to Him.

 

[Defiant Tuesday]

Have any of you read "The Shack"? It really helped me understand the never ending question, "If God is so good, why does he let bad things happen.

Here's the Book Summary.


The Shack is a fictional story (although presented as truth) about a man, Mack, whose daughter is
abducted and presumably brutally murdered (though her death isn’t confirmed for years). Four years
after Missy’s abduction, he receives a note from “Papa” (his wife’s name for God) asking Mack to meet
him at the shack where evidence of his daughter’s murder was found. It is here where Mack has an
encounter with the triune Godhead through which he is able to come to peace about some of the
deeper questions that have plagued his life and faith, Missy’s death and his own painful childhood of
abuse.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Have any of you read "The Shack"? It really helped me understand the never ending question, "If God is so good, why does he let bad things happen.

Here's the Book Summary.


The Shack is a fictional story (although presented as truth) about a man, Mack, whose daughter is
abducted and presumably brutally murdered (though her death isn’t confirmed for years). Four years
after Missy’s abduction, he receives a note from “Papa” (his wife’s name for God) asking Mack to meet
him at the shack where evidence of his daughter’s murder was found. It is here where Mack has an
encounter with the triune Godhead through which he is able to come to peace about some of the
deeper questions that have plagued his life and faith, Missy’s death and his own painful childhood of
abuse.

I haven't read that D T, but I'll be sure to check it out. Sounds like a good read! Thank you

 

[Defiant Tuesday]

I haven't read that D T, but I'll be sure to check it out. Sounds like a good read! Thank you

It is a really good read.

 

[sexysadie]

I'd like to read it too, thanks for sharing.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Faith is Nothing Without Action

God, may you inject me with your boldness and courage to follow through on what you ask of me.

READ
James 2:26

REFLECT
We’ve spent some time talking about how God desires us to listen to his voice. But hearing is just the first step. Obedience by its nature requires action. In fact, you can have all the faith in the world, but if you don’t do anything, your faith means nothing. It’s dead, according to James.

This doesn’t mean that God is only about our deeds—we don’t have to earn his love. But faith is more than just believing. Faith in God means that we trust him enough to listen to his voice and do what he asks of us. Our actions should be a natural extension of our faith and our desire to be in alignment with God.

RESPOND
Has there been a time in your life where you thought you might have been prompted by God to take action, but failed to do so? Write it down. Ask God for forgiveness and do what He asked of you today... right now... ready, set, go... What are you waiting for? Why haven’t you done it yet? Why are you still reading this?