Crossroads

[purpledove]

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

Ok, am letting the cat out now :24:

Remember, Patch was fascinated by this one elder patient. He had been observing him and noticed something different about him compared to other patients. He asked him why is it that he seems so contented and had a happy demeanor about him. In that movie clip I posted previously :46- :57 he showed him his secret which is looking at life through the principle of the hand. So he asked Patch what he sees.Well initially, Patch was not able to give the answer until this specific scene. As you notice there was that showing of the hand in front of the elder guy's face. So when Patch just looks at the hand, all he sees is just that . But when he looks past the hand, he sees the smiling face of the elder guy.

How does this apply in our life? The hand represent our problems, our troubles/ worries! The face of the elder guy represents God's face. If we concentrate so much on the hand ( problems) we can't see God. But if we look past the hand ( problems) we see God. This then gives us a better outlook in life when we're troubled/ worried.

 

[pjbleek]

Ok, am letting the cat out now :24:

Remember, Patch was fascinated by this one elder patient. He had been observing him and noticed something different about him compared to other patients. He asked him why is it that he seems so contented and had a happy demeanor about him. In that movie clip I posted previously :46- :57 he showed him his secret which is looking at life through the principle of the hand. So he asked Patch what he sees.Well initially, Patch was not able to give the answer until this specific scene. As you notice there was that showing of the hand in front of the elder guy's face. So when Patch just looks at the hand, all he sees is just that . But when he looks past the hand, he sees the smiling face of the elder guy.

How does this apply in our life? The hand represent our problems, our troubles/ worries! The face of the elder guy represents God's face. If we concentrate so much on the hand ( problems) we can't see God. But if we look past the hand ( problems) we see God. This then gives us a better outlook in life when we're troubled/ worried.

I think was not just seeing the other hands...I think it is allowing our minds to see how others perceive and acknowledge that others maybe different than us...and accept those...who are different...
my .02

 

[purpledove]

I think was not just seeing the other hands...I think it is allowing our minds to see how others perceive and acknowledge that others maybe different than us...and accept those...who are different...
my .02

Yes it is too :nod::thumbup

Everyone has their own interpretation(s) of that scene. I just like the way our pastor used that scene to explain it that way which made a lot of sense to me explaining how that elder guy had something in him and his outlook of life that made him stand out among the rest of the other patients.

It can also be that looking past the hand, we see beyond our problems that our family, friends, other people are there if only we're not too selfish to just focus on just our own lives. It lightens up the burden in a sense knowing people are there who care. My $.02 too. L0L

 

[Diggin Deep]

Thank you both...Now I'm going to watch it again! I've always had an optimistic point of view, but your interpretations help bring a lot of things into perspective for me! A great way to start the day!!!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Spring: Awaken

God, here I am. I will remain present and connected with you in this moment.

READ
Isaiah 66:1-2

REFLECT
We don’t usually think of God as a funny guy, but there is sarcasm in this verse. If you missed it, read it again with a sarcastic tone.

It is really easy for us to get immersed in life and forget that we are all just messing about in stuff that God made, that he began. What will we do for Him, when he uses the earth as a footstool? He seems to be joking with us here, as someone might do with a new friend or love interest.

He awakens us out of our small worlds to remind us how big he is. This is the beginning of a new love, and he makes it clear that the groundwork for this new relationship is humility, an awareness of our proper place in the universe. This is a delicious spring love affair that he woos us into.

RESPOND
What have you been doing to impress God? How have you been caught up in finding ways to "earn" His love? Write them down and then ask God to show you what it would look like to, instead, be humble, penitent, and trembling.

 

[purpledove]

Thank you both...Now I'm going to watch it again! I've always had an optimistic point of view, but your interpretations help bring a lot of things into perspective for me! A great way to start the day!!!

You're welcome and pls let us know what's your own interpretation of that scene :nod:

 

[Diggin Deep]

Spring: Awe

God, may you cause my heart to fall deeper in love with the mystery of you.

READ
Hebrews 12:28-29

REFLECT
Have you ever burned with new love? The goose bumps consume your skin. The butterflies consume your stomach. Every part of your life - thoughts, actions, goals-begins to bend toward that infatuation.

New love can feel exciting, awkward or even scary. But God is already head over heels in love with you. This passage reminds us that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. So surrender to Him, and let him consume you. Like falling for your first love, open yourself up to the awe and wonder of God.

Picture falling in love with the Lord, knowing that he will never leave you. You need not worry that he will ever lose his love for you. He’s in. He’s yours. Forever.

RESPOND
Write a letter to God, or speak to him and let him know that you receive his unshakable love.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Spring: Dayenu

God, you have already done so much for me. And I’m thankful.

READ
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

REFLECT
There is a traditional Hebrew word used in Passover meals: Dayenu, which means,"it would have been enough and I’m thankful." When we are in the spring season with God, it is a good time to form a rhythm of gratitude-a habit that can carry on into the other seasons of the year. Thankfulness is the greatest weapon we have against greed, selfishness, entitlement, depression and worry.

Giving thanks is easiest during this season, when we are so close to experiencing God’s new love, a new awe of him, and his rescue and redemption.
The Israelites said "Dayenu" in response to the Lord rescuing them out of Egypt, feeding them in the desert, and giving them the holy day of Passover. We can create our own list of Dayenu: it would have been enough and I’m thankful.

RESPOND
Write a thankfulness list to God. Think through your life up to present day, writing things for which you are thankful. Try out the word "Dayenu," or write out: It would have been enough and I’m thankful.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Spring: Animate the Ground

God, send your Spirit to fill me and make me new.

READ
Psalm 104:30

REFLECT
Spring rains bring us mud puddles, leave us digging through closets for umbrellas and jackets, and send us running inside for cover.
But that spring rain also cleanses and brings about new life from the ground. Within days of those rains, we can see new growth of all kinds springing out of nowhere-completely changing the world around us.

In the same way, the spring rain of the Spirit soaks us and quenches the seeds beneath our soil that in time will sprout and bear fruit. Through Jesus, God created a way for his Spirit to be available to us all. We can delight in His Spirit, receiving it fully and allowing ourselves to be made new, re-created and ready to engage fully in the season of summer.

RESPOND
Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to soak into your heart like soil. Today spend time "soaking" in the Spirit. Be mindful of its presence.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Summer

God, let me be reminded that I am to stay diligent in searching you.

READ
Proverbs 30:25, Psalms 139:23-24

REFLECT
Summer is a season of busy-ness, even for animals as small as the ants. They know their work and they are busy doing it. God has laid work before us, as well.

It’s time to transition from the newness of spring to this season of work. Otherwise, our hearts will turn to idle restlessness and the luster of spring will lose its gleam. Now is our opportunity to put our love into action, to engage in the Kingdom. But equally important is the internal work of summer. Let God refine your heart during this time. Let Him be your motivation instead of doing work for show.

Choosing to move into the season of summer is a choice to sustain the good work that the Lord has begun in us.

RESPOND
Take a few minutes and ask God where he wants to work in your life. He wants to lead you in deep and unique ways, so ask Him what it looks like to engage in the Kingdom.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Motion of Mercy
by Francesca Battistelli

I was poor I was weak
I was the definition of the spiritually
Bankrupt condition
So in need of help

I was unsatisfied
Hungry and thirsty
When You rushed to my side
So unworthy
Still You gave yourself away...

(Chorus)
That's the motion of mercy
Changing the way and the why we are
That's the motion of mercy
Moving my heart

Now I'm filled by a love
That calls me to action
I was empty before now I'm drawn to compassion
And to give myself away

(Chorus)

Living for the lost
Loving 'til it hurts
No matter what the cost
Like You loved me first
That's the motion of mercy

God give me strength to give something for nothing
I wanna be a glimpse of the Kingdom that's coming soon

 

[Diggin Deep]

I'm gonna love you through it
by Martina Mcbride


She dropped the phone and burst into tears
The doctor just confirmed her fears
Her husband held it in and held her tight
Cancer don’t discriminate or care if you’re just 38
With three kids who need you in their lives
He said, "I know that you’re afraid and I am, too
But you’ll never be alone, I promise you"

When you’re weak, I’ll be strong
When you let go, I’ll hold on
When you need to cry, I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes
When you feel lost and scared to death,
Like you can’t take one more step
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it.

She made it through the surgery fine
They said they caught it just in time
But they had to take more than they planned
Now it's forced smiles and baggy shirts
To hide what the cancer took from her
But she just wants to feel like a woman again
She said, "I don't think I can do this anymore"
He took her in his arms and said "That's what my love is for"

When you’re weak, I’ll be strong
When you let go, I’ll hold on
When you need to cry, I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes
When you feel lost and scared to death,
Like you can’t take one more step
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it.

And when this road gets too long
I'll be the rock you lean on
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it.
I’m gonna love you through it.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Summer: Pulling Weeds

God, may you make my heart a fertile place where your Spirit, your Word and your desires take root.

READ
Mark 4:2-8

REFLECT
This is a good time to remember that entering a summer phase in our faith does not mean that we leave the learnings of spring behind. If we move into doing, yet we have bad or untended inner soil, the goodness of summer can’t take root.

Weeds hang out in plain sight above the surface. They can be people or systems in our life that choke out time or a desire for God. You can try to will a plant to grow, but the truth is that our relationship--like a plant--will grow naturally if we set ourselves before God, allowing him to dig up rocks and show us what weeds should be pulled from our lives. The soil of our heart stays soft when we remain humble and thankful.

RESPOND
Today, let’s deal with the weeds. Ask God to show you places in your life where there seems to be distraction or blockage. What’s choking out your desire or time for Him? Maybe it’s how you entertain yourself or spend your time. Or maybe it’s who you choose to be with. Write down your answers. Take a step and remove a weed.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Summer: Turning Rocks

God, may you till my soul. Help me understand and surrender to the season I am in.

READ
Acts 3:19

REFLECT
Rocks require turning up the soil and removing them. And turning is exactly what the word "repent" means. Turning the soil over is good work and repenting isn’t just a crazy statement on a homeless man’s sign by the road. Repenting is good work.

The trouble is, unlike weeds, our rocks are often beneath the surface--like the rocks of unforgiveness, resentment or self-pity. As we set about serving or working, we can still be tempted to return the focus to ourselves and away from God.

We need rain and sun. We can’t grow alone; let’s surrender our growth over to God today through the beauty of turning the soil of our soul in repentance.

RESPOND
Ask God to show you the rocks beneath your soil and repent of them. Say aloud, "I repent for _____."

 

[Diggin Deep]

So...

What is God doing in your life? Are you alone in a valley or standing on top of a mountain? Has He used you lately...maybe to help someone else who was in need? Has He used someone else as a tool to move through your life?

Do you have those days or weeks when you feel that you can almost literally hear God talking to you, moving in and through you, showing you exactly what you need to do and where you need to go?...but what about those times when you can't hear or see anything? What do you do?

 

[Diggin Deep]

I've been struggling lately. I don't have any real Christian friends where I live, which can really be hard when you've just recently given your life back to God. So basically...OTz is about it when it comes to talking about God. The church I attend is awesome, but it's huge and sometimes it's easy to feel like just a number. About the only way to meet people is to join a small groups session during the week or get involved with some of the local mission trips. Work has been extremely busy over the last couple of months and I find myself working later and later in the evening. When I get home, I only have a couple of hours to spend with my family at best...so joining small groups is kind of out of the question, especially with 2 small children.

So about my only real source of spiritual encouragment is music, a book from time to time, attending church and OTz. Do any of you struggle with this?...finding God when life is hectic? Not having any close Christian friends to share with and help keep you accountable?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Summer: Hide and Seek

God, I know you are as close as the air, but help me to spot you.

READ
Matthew 6:28-34

REFLECT
In the spring, God pursues us and we fall in love. In the summer, He calls, "You’re it," and runs to hide nearby. This is not abandonment. This is learning to respond to Him, to not shrink up in fear, but to learn the adventurous and beautiful art of discovery.

Have you ever seen a game of hide and seek won through worry? Of course not. Do not worry. His caring for you is the same. None of His promises have changed.

Now go. You can’t hide alone and discover. Seeking is an action. Look for God today. You might find Him in a tree, or in a friend’s words, in your work, in the Bible, or in a song. He’s not far, and discovering Him will bring joy in unexpected ways.

RESPOND
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you hints on where to find more of God today. If you think of a person or a location or an action, follow through on the next step of looking for God there.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Summer: Ingathering

God, thank you for giving me the ability to work. May you also teach me to rest.

READ
Exodus 20:11, II Timothy 2:6

REFLECT
Your soul is at risk when you forget to rest and let go. No exaggeration. In our American culture, we tend to think we can (and need to) do it all. We worry that everything will fall apart without us--that we are so very, very important. We are, indeed, priceless. But only because the Creator of the universe is planted in us. We can’t earn that value. We must pause, and revel in it. We must rest.

Rest doesn’t necessarily mean lying on the couch, eating Cheetos, and watching TV. It might. But it might also mean getting out and moving around in what God has made. Resting in the Lord means not controlling, but receiving. Take a day to enjoy God.

RESPOND
Plan a Sabbath. Schedule it and decide what you want it to look like. If it doesn’t seem fun enough to motivate you to do it, re-plan a day that will.

 

[purpledove]

I've been struggling lately. I don't have any real Christian friends where I live, which can really be hard when you've just recently given your life back to God. So basically...OTz is about it when it comes to talking about God. The church I attend is awesome, but it's huge and sometimes it's easy to feel like just a number. About the only way to meet people is to join a small groups session during the week or get involved with some of the local mission trips. Work has been extremely busy over the last couple of months and I find myself working later and later in the evening. When I get home, I only have a couple of hours to spend with my family at best...so joining small groups is kind of out of the question, especially with 2 small children.

So about my only real source of spiritual encouragment is music, a book from time to time, attending church and OTz. Do any of you struggle with this?...finding God when life is hectic? Not having any close Christian friends to share with and help keep you accountable?

I am sorry you feel this way Joe *hugs* Your attitude towards this is admirable tho. Not a lot of Christian dudes nowadays see it as a struggle to even seek help/suggestions from others for them to maintain their Christian faith. Kudos :thumbup

I felt that same way when we moved here to Cali. I missed my former church. Even when it's a large church, the small groups made us connect with others in the community. We were lucky too at that point that we had neighbors that belonged to the same church. When we moved here, our church's small group- were all from different towns and there were not a lot in our neighborhood. With our adjustments to the area etc and since we also had to travel quite a ways to meet up with our small group- it became a challenge. This became more so when I separated with my ex where I felt i can no longer attend the couples group

What i did was I re-connected with my Christian friends from out of State. I also contacted our pastor and connected with them via FB. At work, i met with friends who were of same faith and did my best to join activities with them. I also started listening to the radio for messages and songs.

Here's some links that may help:

The Fish radio station: http://www.955thefish.com/showdj.asp?DJID=42428

Willow creek church message archives : http://www.willowcreek.org/home1.aspx

Crosswalk : short videos like this trust fall http://www.crosswalk.com/video/trust-fall.html

Greg laurie : mobile app for messages : http://www.harvest.org/harvest-apps.html

Air1 app music: http://www.air1.com/promodetails.aspx?i=5739

Moody Radio in Chicago : ( messages ) http://www.moodyradiochicago.fm/rdo_schedule.aspx?id=44972

Also: when we were in Chicago, like you we were busy with work, kids etc. We didn't really have enough time for a small group. What helped us- was we found time to join the initial meeting with the small group. We got to know them with few irregular meetings afterwards. We were not consistent but the initial interaction with them is what set us in motion to have some friends in our neighborhood to help us be accountable etc. Hope that helps.

I'm always here if you need someone to talk to esp with your Christian walk. I may not always know the answer but I'll listen , try my best to help you sort things out a bit maybe

 

[Diggin Deep]

Marah...thank you for your reply! I value our friendship and am very thankful for the encouragement!

When I was fresh out of high school and in a local college, I had so much time to spend in our bible study groups and with my Christian friends. We were always doing something. When I left for Bible College, it was the same way. However, once I walked away from Christianity, a lot of the friendships I had acquired became more and more distant. Since I've gotten my life back on track and pursued a passionate relationship with God, I feel the wolf at the door almost every day. Some days are harder than others, especially when you don't have anyone around you that can relate. It's not just the bad days that are frustrating...the good days can be just as frustrating. I want so badly to be able to share what God is doing in my life and share the praises and testimony of certain things...but have no one to share them with.

The good thing is that my relationship with God isn't based upon my friendships or trying to fit in anywhere. It is what it is and it is mine! And sometimes just talking to God and knowing that He is listening is enough.