Crossroads

[Diggin Deep]

Stay Focused

God, keep me focused on you and protect me from distraction.

READ
Joshua 3:1-4

REFLECT
The Israelites knew this day was coming. Somehow this entire nation was going to cross the Jordan River at flood stage with everyone intact. Their instructions were simple: follow the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God’s power and presence. If the ark turned South, Israel should turn South. If the ark turned West, Israel should go West.

Have you ever been unsure about which direction you should take? Or, have you felt like God was calling you to do something daunting and scary? Next time, take a cue from the Israelites - stay focused on God and follow his presence.

RESPOND
Write down answers to the following questions: Do you have patterns in your life that invite God’s presence? Are there behaviors or patterns cause you to be distracted and "stray from the ark?" Ask God to show you his presence and go where he says to go.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Mark the Remarkable

God, remind me of your power, presence and goodness in my life.

READ
Joshua 4:1-7

REFLECT
God called Joshua and the Israelites to do something remarkable, even impossible. Basically, God told them to "take the Promised Land from the big scary giant people. To get there, cross the Jordan River, which happens to be at flood stage. When you step into the water, the river will stop flowing and you will cross on dry land. Do exactly what I say. Trust me." And they did. And God showed up, just like he said he would.

After God showed up in a big way, he led the Israelites through the process of setting up a memorial. Even today, God wants his miracles known and celebrated. He wants his story told. And notice how He wants to be involved not just in how the miracles happen, but also in how they are celebrated.

RESPOND
Consider a time in your life when God did something remarkable. Maybe He healed a loved one, or gave you a child you thought you couldn’t have. Maybe He asked you to do something terrifying, but you did it anyway. Today thank Him for that miracle, ask him what kind of memorial he would like for the miracle, and then create it. Maybe plant a tree, or make a garden stone as a family. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just something that sparks the re-telling of the story - "This is to remember the day that God did this in my life."

 

[purpledove]

RESPOND
Consider a time in your life when God did something remarkable. Maybe He healed a loved one, or gave you a child you thought you couldn’t have. Maybe He asked you to do something terrifying, but you did it anyway. Today thank Him for that miracle, ask him what kind of memorial he would like for the miracle, and then create it. Maybe plant a tree, or make a garden stone as a family. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just something that sparks the re-telling of the story - "This is to remember the day that God did this in my life."

In my life, I can name lots where God had intervened many times that I feel sometimes He loves me so much that i dont deserve it. Thinking of those divine interventions which i never expected makes me stick to him much more than make Him a regular ATM where i only withdraw $$ ( association for my prayer requests for selfish needs) when i need him. Reminds me too of this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6i5rLv8xbc



Lyrics for DD


The Katinas : Thank You

Just a little while longer I wanna pray
Can't get You off my mind so I came to say
Thank You Lord just for loving me
Many times as I do forget
Every need that You have met
Oh thank You Lord, I know You're showing me
You are there when I am down and out
You're holding me, Your love is so amazing
Oh it changed me

Chorus:
Here I am with all I am
Raise my hands to worship You
I wanna say thank you, oh thank you
For everything, for who You are
You cover me, You touch my heart
I wanna say thank you

I could have died in my sin but You saved me
Didn't have any hope at all
You gave me peace divine, strength to carry on
I should have been the one to pay
But instead You took my place
My Jesus, words cannot explain
Even though I don't deserve Your love for me
You look beyond my fault and You showed mercy

CHORUS

I wanna say thank you for the sun
I wanna say thank you for the rain
Everything You do is beautiful
I'm so grateful for Your love

 

[NuckingFuts]

In my life, I can name lots where God had intervened many times that I feel sometimes He loves me so much that i dont deserve it. Thinking of those divine interventions which i never expected makes me stick to him much more than make Him a regular ATM where i only withdraw $$ ( association for my prayer requests for selfish needs) when i need him. Reminds me too of this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6i5rLv8xbc



Lyrics for DD


The Katinas : Thank You

Just a little while longer I wanna pray
Can't get You off my mind so I came to say
Thank You Lord just for loving me
Many times as I do forget
Every need that You have met
Oh thank You Lord, I know You're showing me
You are there when I am down and out
You're holding me, Your love is so amazing
Oh it changed me

Chorus:
Here I am with all I am
Raise my hands to worship You
I wanna say thank you, oh thank you
For everything, for who You are
You cover me, You touch my heart
I wanna say thank you

I could have died in my sin but You saved me
Didn't have any hope at all
You gave me peace divine, strength to carry on
I should have been the one to pay
But instead You took my place
My Jesus, words cannot explain
Even though I don't deserve Your love for me
You look beyond my fault and You showed mercy

CHORUS

I wanna say thank you for the sun
I wanna say thank you for the rain
Everything You do is beautiful
I'm so grateful for Your love

They played at a church mass I went to this past Easter.

 

[purpledove]

I watched this a couple of weekends ago...for like the 4th time, but still missed the part you were talkign about. I'll try to view this later Thank you!!!

Shall I let the cat out of the bag now? Or are you gonna keep on trying?? :unsure:

They played at a church mass I went to this past Easter.

Yeah they do music tours and visit lots of churches in the mainland including ours too :nod: They're from Hawaii and a family friend of our pastor. I love all their songs and I have all their albums. They're an amazing group and have a down- to-earth personality despite their fame.

 

[NuckingFuts]

Shall I let the cat out of the bag now? Or are you gonna keep on trying?? :unsure:



Yeah they do music tours and visit lots of churches in the mainland including ours too :nod: They're from Hawaii and a family friend of our pastor. I love all their songs and I have all their albums. They're an amazing group and have a down- to-earth personality despite their fame.

We were going to stop after the service and buy some cd's but the service was in a arena so you could just imagine how many people were in line by the time we got up to the top.

 

[purpledove]

This is an Acapella song of theirs that i love esp the mixing of their voices just like Selah :nod:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckHtFaZzsW0&NR=1



Lyrics: One More Time- Katinas


Lord, I saw your face last night
When I looked in the sky
You were smiling
You told me it would be okay
You would make a way
In my dark times

CHORUS:
Every time I hear your voice
Every time I feel your touch
It makes me know that I can face tomorrow
One more time

When all my friends go away
I'll be glad to say
You're still near me
Even when the wind blows by
I feel warm inside
You're so lovely

CHORUS

I need you, don't leave me
Without you I can't survive

CHORUS

I know that I can face tomorrow
'Cause you will walk me through
My pain and sorrow
I know that I can face tomorrow
One more time

I can face tomorrow
You can face tomorrow
We can face tomorrow
One more time

 

[purpledove]

We were going to stop after the service and buy some cd's but the service was in a arena so you could just imagine how many people were in line by the time we got up to the top.

Oh yes I can imagine that given that happens at our church too hence they give out pre-order slips and the CDs gets delivered in a week. Their albums are always sold out even the old ones. Make sure to get their greatest hits too. It's worth your money.

 

[NuckingFuts]

Oh yes I can imagine that given that happens at our church too hence they give out pre-order slips and the CDs gets delivered in a week. Their albums are always sold out even the old ones. Make sure to get their greatest hits too. It's worth your money.

Do they have a web site? So I can order them.

 

[purpledove]

Yup :nod:

https://missinginkshop.com/thekatinas/store

It doesn't show their greatest hits though. Maybe it's out of stock or something. I bought mine 4 years ago.

Hey they've got new ones which I don't have. Collage and live at San Diego :eek

 

[NuckingFuts]

Yup :nod:

https://missinginkshop.com/thekatinas/store

It doesn't show their greatest hits though. Maybe it's out of stock or something. I bought mine 4 years ago.

Hey they've got new ones which I don't have. Collage and live at San Diego :eek

Thank you for the link. I forgot all about them until you posted that first video today.

 

[purpledove]

Thank you for the link. I forgot all about them until you posted that first video today.

No probs

 

[Diggin Deep]

Battle Weapons

God, please show me the power of my prayers.

READ
Joshua 6:1-21

REFLECT
Just after they crossed the Jordan River, the first city the Israelites had to conquer was the powerful city of Jericho. Standard military tactics would probably call for the Israelites to lay siege to the city. But once again, God shows us that his ways are not our ways. God chose to win this battle through the weapons of prayer and worship, not swords and shields. He instructed Joshua to fight this one differently, while also promising him that the battle had already been won.

When we’re faced with challenges, we can be tempted to think we should always be doing something. This can be overwhelming, and we don’t know where to start. God offers us battle weapons that are far mightier - prayer and worship.

RESPOND
Today, face your challenges from a context of worshipping God. As you pray about your obstacles, instead of asking God what you should do, just worship. Tell God how awesome he is, play some worship music, whatever feels like worship for you. As you "march and blow the trumpets," trust that God will "topple the walls."

 

[Diggin Deep]

Those are some great lyrics...I haven't heard much of their music, but I have heard a lot about them. I guess it's time to check them out!!! And thank you Marah for adding the lyrics just for me

 

[purpledove]

Those are some great lyrics...I haven't heard much of their music, but I have heard a lot about them. I guess it's time to check them out!!! And thank you Marah for adding the lyrics just for me

Yup, their songs are worth your money.

Sure. Anytime Joe

Shall I let the cat out of the bag now? Or are you gonna keep on trying?? :unsure:

Am quoting myself to bump for response

 

[NuckingFuts]

Yup, their songs are worth your money.

Sure. Anytime Joe






Am quoting myself to bump for response

Huh??

 

[purpledove]

Huh??

Did i state it wrong? L0L

We have this guessing game going on with DD re: a Patch Adams scene. I think he missed my post hence i quoted myself so he can reply

 

[Diggin Deep]

Whom Will You Serve?

God, remind me of the ways you’ve been faithful in my life. Thank you for keeping your promises.

READ
Joshua 24:8-15

REFLECT
Throughout his life, God asked a lot of Joshua. He asked him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and through many battles for the Promised Land. Joshua always obeyed, and God always kept his promises.

As he approached the end of his life, Joshua continued a life-long pattern of speaking boldly to the people. This time, he presented them with a simple challenge, "Whom will you serve?"

We all make decisions. Some are more critical than others. But the reality is our choices point to what’s most important to us. In some cases, maybe even our "idols." Like Bob Dylan said, "It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody."

RESPOND
As you go through your day, consider each choice you make no matter how small. Ask God to show you the idols in your life, and who or what you are serving. It may be yourself, or your money, or your Facebook profile. Jesus said that no one can serve two masters. Ask God’s forgiveness for any idols in your life. Make a new covenant with Him that "you and your house will serve the Lord."

 

[Diggin Deep]

Shall I let the cat out of the bag now? Or are you gonna keep on trying?? :unsure:

LOL...ooops....yes please let the cat out of the bag! That's just inhumane!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Week 1: Seasons

Spring

God, I choose to believe that you work through all seasons of my life. Teach me to live fully in each season of faith.

READ
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

REFLECT
It’s an old adage (and a groovy song), but there really is a time for everything in our lives. A time for building, a time for moving, a time for happiness, a time for pizza, a time for the Bengals to win (well, maybe not everything), and so on.

There are things that God wants to grow in us, prune in us, and strengthen in us. Yet he doesn’t do these things all at once-they happen in various seasons of our lives. Great Biblical figures throughout time have been awakened in the spring of their faith, grew and worked in a spiritual summer, understood harvest and beautiful death in the vibrant colors and enriched soil of autumn, and waited, deepening in meditative winters.

Over the next few weeks, we will look at these seasons of life- starting with spring. Spring is a time of new love.

RESPOND
Take a moment and look again at Ecclesiastes 3. Which statement did you resist the most? Write down the phrase that stood out to you, and ask God if it might be time for that in your life.