Crossroads

[Diggin Deep]

A Time to Be Silent

God, give me discernment to know when to speak and when to be quiet.

READ
Exodus 14:10-21

REFLECT
God is about to do something very big-part the Red Sea and rescue the Israelites. But the Israelites are terrified and oblivious. Nothing coming out of their mouths is helpful. In fact, they are blurting out so much fear and anger, they could very well be messing up the miracle that’s about to happen! In verse 14, Moses is firm and clear, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." And The Message translation of this verse is even more direct: "God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!"

Sometimes the kindest, most loving thing God can do is to give us someone who is willing to look us in the face and tell us to shut it.

RESPOND
The Bible tells us there is a time for everything, including "a time to be silent and a time to speak." These moments aren’t determined by our mood or whether or not we think we have something to say. Rather, we listen to the Holy Spirit and, in faith, we do what we think he is saying. Today, practice asking God to guide you through every sentence. Whether it’s at work, at home or with friends, err on the side of silence until you feel He wants you speak. Treat this assignment as an experiment and record your findings.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Part The Waters / I Need Thee Every Hour
By Selah

When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me
Lord and hold out Your hand
Touch my life
Still the raging storm in me

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford

REFRAIN

I need Thee, O I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now, my Savior
I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain


​

 

[sexysadie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=775yhAx7b8g​

 

[Diggin Deep]

Use It For Good

God, keep my heart pure and my tongue humble.

READ
Ephesians 4:29-32

REFLECT
Ah, the great and mighty tongue. Made up of sixteen little muscles, it’s celebrated as the one of the strongest, most versatile organs in our body. We know that its power is great and can change the course of lives around us by simply speaking words. Left to its own nature, though, the tongue will choose evil, speaking lies and spiritual death. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the tongue can speak truth and love.

Remember, we can try our best to fake it, but the tongue will inevitably show our true characters. God wants to clean the junk out of our hearts, so that speaking forgiveness and compassion comes naturally, like fruit. And before we know it, Super Tongue is using its power for good.

RESPOND
While "Sticks and Stones" was a lousy childhood lesson, "think before you speak" was actually quite brilliant. Even better, let’s try asking before we speak. Today, and as long as you have a tongue, practice asking God for his input before you open your mouth and unleash that wild tongue.

 

[JosephCross]

I finally found the lyrics to one of our songs, or rather just the first verse and the chorus(es). The second and third verses got themselves smudged off due to us using ink to write them down. Oh well, here is what I found anyway:

Forevermore by Joseph Cross & Co.

The tall skies grow above our heads
as shadows grow together.
They take our hearts, they weave blind thoughts
and seal our minds forever (in darkness).
But through the dark pierces a light
so powerless, but oh, so bright.

With that light as our guide
We don't need to run, nor do we need to hide.
We may cross our hands
throughout these dark lands
And send our prayers to God Almighty

(Chorus)
With all our might: "Hallelujah!"
We cut the ropes that hold us back
and craft ourselves a new beginning.
"Hallelujah, Forevermore!
The world can never take us down
as we walk hand in hand with our king."

(Final Chorus)
Shout it out: "Hallelujah!"
We cross our hands and pray to God
and sing and dance on our ways.
"Hallelujah high above!
We'll use the gifts given to us
'til we meet the end of our days."

 

[sexysadie]

Wow! What beautiful words.....I love it.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Great song...very powerful lyrics!!! Thank you very much for sharing!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Week One: Lesson from Joshua
Warriors

God, teach me how to be a warrior for your Kingdom.

READ
Exodus 17:8-16

REFLECT
Moses is the general, Joshua is the field commander. To fight the battle, Moses spells out a simple strategy - "you fight, I’ll pray." Joshua didn’t question or doubt. He did exactly what he was told - fighting the battle with the sword, trusting that Moses was handling his end. And the battle was won.

For the next two weeks, we’ll be looking at the life of Joshua, a warrior and leader in the Old Testament. Today, we can see that no matter how strong we are, we’re not meant to face our battles alone. We need a Moses praying for us as we fight. And likewise, we can be the Moses for others as they face their own challenges.

RESPOND
Consider and write about a battle you are currently facing. Do you have "a Moses on the hilltop" praying for you? If so, call that person today with gratitude and encouragement. If not, ask God to bring to mind someone who could pray for you as you fight. Call that person, and ask them to pray for you.

 

[purpledove]

no matter how strong we are, we’re not meant to face our battles alone. We need a Moses praying for us as we fight. And likewise, we can be the Moses for others as they face their own challenges.

Good points :thumbup

Which comes to mind the quotation: NO man is an island. Also the importance of fellowship and having someone to catch us during our downfall e.g. sincere, loyal friends :nod:

'Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly'....... Anonymous

 

[purpledove]

I finally found the lyrics to one of our songs, or rather just the first verse and the chorus(es). The second and third verses got themselves smudged off due to us using ink to write them down. Oh well, here is what I found anyway:

Forevermore by Joseph Cross & Co.

The tall skies grow above our heads
as shadows grow together.
They take our hearts, they weave blind thoughts
and seal our minds forever (in darkness).
But through the dark pierces a light
so powerless, but oh, so bright.

With that light as our guide
We don't need to run, nor do we need to hide.
We may cross our hands
throughout these dark lands
And send our prayers to God Almighty

(Chorus)
With all our might: "Hallelujah!"
We cut the ropes that hold us back
and craft ourselves a new beginning.
"Hallelujah, Forevermore!
The world can never take us down
as we walk hand in hand with our king."

(Final Chorus)
Shout it out: "Hallelujah!"
We cross our hands and pray to God
and sing and dance on our ways.
"Hallelujah high above!
We'll use the gifts given to us
'til we meet the end of our days."

You've got talent in writing songs!

I wanna hear it sang too

 

[Diggin Deep]

Rules of Engagement

God, teach me more about your presence and power.

READ
Numbers 11:24-30

REFLECT
Regardless of our church background or lack thereof, it’s easy for us to fall into a thought pattern of the way things ought to be. The same was true for Joshua. It wasn’t that he wanted the men to stop because they were saying anything wrong; rather, Joshua was concerned they were breaking rules by doing holy things outside of the place that was established for them.

The truth is that God can and will show up anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Like Joshua, we can learn from Moses, who insists that receiving God outside of the box is a good thing.

RESPOND
Are you sometimes distracted by rules of when and where God can show up? For example, you might think He only speaks through a pastor on Sunday morning, or through a devotional you receive daily in your inbox. But God wants to speak to you all the time, in both expected and unexpected places. Today, ask God to reveal himself to you in a new way. Look and listen for Him in unexpected places.

 

[Diggin Deep]

In the Minority

God, speak your direction for my life clearly, and build my faith in you.

READ
Numbers 14:5-9

REFLECT
Joshua and Caleb, among others, had been selected to scope out the land of Canaan. This was the Promised Land for the Israelites who had been wondering in the desert for forty years. The men returned with good news (the land flowed with milk and honey), and bad news (lots of giant, scary people already live there). The people were angry and terrified, convinced defeating the Canaanites would be impossible. Even at the risk of death, Joshua spoke up. With everything he had, he sought to convince the Israelites of what he believed was God’s will. He spoke encouragement and faith, despite the fact that he was in the minority.

Seeking God’s will does not guarantee that we will be in the majority. And speaking out about what we believe is God’s will doesn’t guarantee us warm fuzzies from those around us. But we can’t let that stop us.

RESPOND
Consider a time when you were faced with the decision to either speak up at the risk of ridicule, or follow the majority knowing they were wrong. What did you do? Why? How did you feel after? Where was God in the midst of the decision?

 

[sexysadie]

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr​

 

[Diggin Deep]

Great Prayer!!! I find myself saying that quite often!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Answered Prayers

God, give me humility. Please use me as a vessel of your love in someone else’s life.

READ
Numbers 27:12-23

REFLECT
Moses is nearing the end of his life. He knows that, because he has disobeyed God, he won’t be entering the Promised Land. But rather than argue with God, or sit in bitterness, Moses’ heart is for the Israelites. He advocates for them, asking God to send them someone to replace him. Not just a leader to give direction, but also a shepherd who will care for them. God’s answer is immediate: "Take Joshua."

How encouraging to see Moses leave on such a selfless high note. How awesome to see God honor Moses so instantly. And how humbling to be Joshua-the answer to a prayer.

RESPOND
Can you imagine yourself as the answer to someone’s prayer? Perhaps you’ve actually been told that you were. Of all the people on the planet, God picked you to be a vessel for him in that person’s life. Today ask God to use you in someone else’s life. And thank Him for the opportunity.

 

[sexysadie]

Great Prayer!!! I find myself saying that quite often!

I do as well

 

[purpledove]

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr​

I used to have a Precious moments figurine ( got lost with the storaged items ) with that prayer engraved at the back. It's good to look at it from time to time and be reminded of those words to guide us in our daily endeavors :nod:

 

[sexysadie]

I used to have a Precious moments figurine ( got lost with the storaged items ) with that prayer engraved at the back. It's good to look at it from time to time and be reminded of those words to guide us in our daily endeavors :nod:

Awww I'll bet that was a beautiful figurine, I'm sorry you lost it sweety:nod:

 

[purpledove]

This is my theme song for today. For having accomplished things as I have planned despite that it had been a rough road......still He had always been there on my side and have not left me. Thank you Lord!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X43XXpItGk0

***** For DD who can't view the videos .......here's the lyrics

MATTHEW WEST – YOU ARE EVERYTHING LYRICS

I’m the one with two left feet
Standing on a lonely street
I can’t even walk a straight line
And every time you look at me
I’m spinning like an autumn leaf
Bound to hit bottom sometime

Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won’t let me fall
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in

Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart

I’m the one with big mistakes
Big regrets and bigger breaks
Than I ever care to confess
Oh but, You’re the one who looks at me
And sees what I was meant to be
More than just a beautiful mess

Where would I be without someone to save me
Someone who won’t let me fall
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open
All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again

Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
You’re everything good in my life
Everything honest and true
And all of those stars hanging up in the sky
Could never shine brighter than You
You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can’t believe is happening
You’re standing right in front of me
With arms wide open

All I know is
Every day is filled with hope
You are everything that I believe for
And I can’t help but breathe you in
Breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart
You are
You are
Jesus, You are
You are everything

 

[purpledove]

Awww I'll bet that was a beautiful figurine, I'm sorry you lost it sweety:nod:

Thanks! It's okay though...soon I know i can get one again. In His time eh