Crossroads

[Diggin Deep]

Seasons: Autumn

God, teach me to die to my selfish desires.

READ
John 12:23-26

REFLECT
Spring is filled with awe and wonder. Summer is busy with work, external and internal. Inevitably, autumn must follow. Fall is surrounded with color, vibrant with the power of surrender. Consider the skydiver, or someone about to say, "I do." Such huge moments of trust have a strange overwhelming power to them. They’re tear-jerking, joy-bursting, full of exploding beauty in feeling and sight.

Jesus had a season of miracles and ministry, but it would not have changed the world if it had not led up to his death. Through His death, Jesus is the wheat that falls to the ground, dies, and seeds are dispersed around the world. Like Jesus, we too are called to a place of surrender. A life surrendered to Him, instead of our own selfish desires and ambitions. In autumn, we become less. We are humbled and we surrender. And like the seeds, God expands us.

RESPOND
Ask God to reveal to you the things in your life that you hold dearer than him. What areas of your life have you not surrendered to God and his purpose? Maybe it’s your job, or your family, or an unhealthy relationship. What’s keeping you from living in full surrender to God? Maybe it’s fear, or pride, or a need for control. Write down your answers. Repent, and declare today the day that you live in full surrender to God.

 

[sexysadie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjNgn4r6SOA​

 

[sexysadie]

lyrics for DD..xx

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

 

[Diggin Deep]

Thanks for the lyrics Sadie and thanks for thinking of me!!!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Autumn: Forgotten?

God, may you instill in me the truth that you will never leave me. Never.

READ
Psalm 42:1-11

REFLECT
David calls out to God in desperation, feeling abandoned, and alone. Yet, even as David expresses this deep sadness or frustration, he knows that God is from where his help comes.

In the autumn season of faith, we form a deeper dependence on God. This exclusive dependence must happen as it is a relationship that we are in, and it solidifies the bond. If you don’t choose to fall into the arms of God when your life gets tough, you will begin to build a divide. Unlike human relationships that divide through two people growing apart, God doesn’t leave us or forsake us. He has not forgotten you. Even if you don’t always feel Him, you can trust him and he will meet you there.

RESPOND
Remember a time that you felt forgotten or unnoticed. Picture Jesus walking into the memory. Write down what He says to you. Keep this and re-read it if and when you feel this way again. Autumn returns with regular rhythm; be prepared.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Autumn: Rejected?

God, remind me of you, and what you have done for me, especially when life seems hard.

READ
Psalm 77:1-12

REFLECT
David writes in such irony here when he says, "Has his unfailing love vanished forever?"
He questions God even as he calls on his love unfailing. We can know with our heads that God keeps his promises and that his love is unfailing, but that knowledge doesn’t always change the way we feel.

There is a battle inside of David and he realizes what he needs to do is remember with all of his being. He will consider God’s works, and meditate on His mighty deeds, remembering God’s miracles of long ago.

In spring, it’s easy to be thankful for what God is doing. In the fall, being thankful for what God has done is a discipline, as we may not see him at work in the moment. Like David, we can choose to remember with purpose, and the victory is ours.

RESPOND
Take a moment and write about something God has done for you. Remember a time when He saw you through, blessed you, or worked a miracle in your life. Also, watch for opportunities today to tell someone about it.

 

[purpledove]

Autumn: Rejected?

God, remind me of you, and what you have done for me, especially when life seems hard.

READ
Psalm 77:1-12

REFLECT
David writes in such irony here when he says, "Has his unfailing love vanished forever?"
He questions God even as he calls on his love unfailing. We can know with our heads that God keeps his promises and that his love is unfailing, but that knowledge doesn’t always change the way we feel.

There is a battle inside of David and he realizes what he needs to do is remember with all of his being. He will consider God’s works, and meditate on His mighty deeds, remembering God’s miracles of long ago.

In spring, it’s easy to be thankful for what God is doing. In the fall, being thankful for what God has done is a discipline, as we may not see him at work in the moment. Like David, we can choose to remember with purpose, and the victory is ours.

RESPOND
Take a moment and write about something God has done for you. Remember a time when He saw you through, blessed you, or worked a miracle in your life. Also, watch for opportunities today to tell someone about it.

This message is so close to home for me.

Have always wondered what my situation would have been like without Him intervening divinely . That seemingly when i go back to certain specific events, everything seemed to have been placed and happened at that right and perfect moment. I lacked the motivation to do anything. I went into a procrastination mode as I was so overwhelmed. I went into a severe case of que sera sera ......But then, I felt like those certain moments where i would have missed those important things that needed to be done- and IF He was not there to guide/lead me- then I would not have survived it. But here I am! A live testimony to HIS daily miracles. Thank you Lord :nod:

 

[Diggin Deep]

This message is so close to home for me.

Have always wondered what my situation would have been like without Him intervening divinely . That seemingly when i go back to certain specific events, everything seemed to have been placed and happened at that right and perfect moment. I lacked the motivation to do anything. I went into a procrastination mode as I was so overwhelmed. I went into a severe case of que sera sera ......But then, I felt like those certain moments where i would have missed those important things that needed to be done- and IF He was not there to guide/lead me- then I would not have survived it. But here I am! A live testimony to HIS daily miracles. Thank you Lord :nod:

And all of God's people said, "AMEN!" I know exactly what you mean and I can definitely relate! I've needed to hear the past couple of devotionals this week. They've definitely related to where I'm at and what I've been going through. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Autumn: Wrestling Season

God, may you teach me and bless me, like Jacob, to be in relentless pursuit of you.

READ
Genesis 32:22-30

REFLECT
Have you ever wrestled with God? If you are angry, frustrated, sad, or unsure, you can take all of that to God. After all, He made you. He knows your heart, your desires, your pain. Maybe you are wrestling with a promise unfulfilled, or maybe you are wrestling with a question. "Why haven’t you done this, God?" "Why did this happen, God?" "How much longer do I have to wait?" "How much longer do I have to suffer?"

In fact, many of us are uncomfortable with this idea because we are afraid that God will reject us. But the opposite is true. With every bit of fight you have in you, you can go to Him. And assume, quite surely, that He can handle it. You will find out how unfailing His love really is.

RESPOND
If you are in a peaceful season of contentment, you may need to only file this lesson away for another day. But if you are not, then, by all means, make time to write or yell to the Lord. Wrestle Him. Relationships that refuse to work through disagreement get stuck, and so will your faith in God.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Autumn: Not Consumed

God, when I feel overwhelmed, may you remind me that it is because of your great love that I will not be consumed.

READ
Lamentations 3:7-22

REFLECT
The writer of Lamentations, Jeremiah, doesn’t hold back in lamenting. Not only does he sound mournful, but also pretty ticked off. He lets God have it.

Unlike David in the Psalms we read, Jeremiah feels more than just forgotten; he feels like God is against him. Whether this is true or not, Jeremiah comes to an important conclusion by verse 22: the truth that it is the Lord’s great unfailing love that saves us. And the truth that this unfailing love is our source for hope. These conclusions, these truths, are where we also land when, like Jeremiah, we have the faith to let God have it. When we trust Him with the full spectrum of our emotions, and place all that we have in his very capable arms, we experience how very good he is. His love is not contingent on our human capacity to love. His compassion never fails.

RESPOND
Contemplating God’s goodness and compassion actually forms our minds. When we contemplate a good God, we are formed into his image, more compassionate and patient. Write a list of ways that you see God’s love, compassion and goodness at work in the world around you and in yourself. If you need to blurt your anger first, go there, but end with His goodness as Jeremiah does.

 

[purpledove]

When we trust Him with the full spectrum of our emotions, and place all that we have in his very capable arms, we experience how very good he is. His love is not contingent on our human capacity to love. His compassion never fails.

This situational association was shared by a friend for me to ponder on re: trusting God. I was told: When we drop a postcard/mail,package at the post office, we place our trust on the postman that our mail is gonna be delivered to the appropriate recipients and we dont worry about it. In the same way we place trust on the postman whom we don't know- After we've said our prayers, we should also have that same trust and more towards God who has unfailing love and compassion for us. Surrender it all to Him and not to worry about things :nod:

 

[Diggin Deep]

Seasons: Winter

God, I want to breathe in your Spirit like crisp, winter air.

READ
Hosea 6:1-3

REFLECT
This passage is a prophecy of what will happen to Jesus in the New Testament. He is broken and bound, but God restores. In winter, work is happening beneath the surface to prepare for spring. There is rebirth and renewal. There is hope, even if it feels like a tomb. We can be encouraged because we know how Jesus deals with tombs and death: He overcomes.

Yet even while we know this, it is still hard. When we spend time away from someone we love, we may feel abandoned or angry or alone for a time, but then settle into a sense of longing. Winter is that time of longing, of hoping, of meditating on God’s love and identity.

RESPOND
Lectio Devina is an ancient way to meditate on the Word. You can take a Biblical passage one word at a time and meditate on it slowly. Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Break this down into phrases and sit with it, asking God to open it up to you. Be renewed.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Winter: Meditate

Take a moment and picture that you are in God’s temple wherever you are.
Pray: God, be my guide.

READ
Psalm 48:9-14

REFLECT
However you picture the Lord’s temple, it says in I Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. We can meditate on God’s unfailing love inside our hearts and form a dwelling for the Spirit.

In the fall season of faith, we spoke of wheat falling to the ground so the seed could multiply. We need the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, enriching our soil beneath the surface, offering an environment for the seeds to grow. Consider how you are and will continue to grow, as you meditate on God’s Word, surrendering to it. We were broken apart in the autumn, and yet we continued to remain in God. And now we meditate on Him, and pass on his praises to the next generation. We are multiplying.

RESPOND
Take a minute to ask the Holy Spirit to dwell in your temple, and enrich the soil beneath the surface. Watch for opportunities to share the goodness of God "to the generations."

 

[Diggin Deep]

This situational association was shared by a friend for me to ponder on re: trusting God. I was told: When we drop a postcard/mail,package at the post office, we place our trust on the postman that our mail is gonna be delivered to the appropriate recipients and we dont worry about it. In the same way we place trust on the postman whom we don't know- After we've said our prayers, we should also have that same trust and more towards God who has unfailing love and compassion for us. Surrender it all to Him and not to worry about things :nod:

Very good analogy...I've never thought of it that way. I think sometimes we expect God to answer our prayers in our time and if He doesn't then we feel that He hasn't heard us, doesn't care about us, or doesn't exist. Thanks for sharing

 

[Diggin Deep]

In Better Hands
by Natalie Grant​

It's hard to stand on shifting sand
It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night
You can't be free if you don't reach for help
You can't love if you don't love yourself​

But there is hope when my faith runs out
'Cause I'm in better hands now​

It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground​

So take this heart of mine, there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now​

I am strong all because of You

I stand in awe of every mountain that You move
For I am changed, yesterday is gone
I am safe from this moment on​

And there's no fear when the night comes 'round
I'm in better hands now​

It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground​

So take this heart of mine, there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now, yeah​

It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground​

It's like the world is silent
Though I know it isn't true
It's like the breath of Jesus
Is right here in this room​

So take this heart of mine, there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
I'm in better hands now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A57UDPLwrU​

 

[Diggin Deep]

Winter: Remember

God, may you teach me to trust you, obey you, and rest in you alone.

READ
Psalm 127:1-2, Isaiah 30:15-16

REFLECT
Do you ever feel like you are racing around, and life is getting the best of you no matter what you do? It may be that you are trying to do summer work when winter has come. Isaiah calls this out. The more that we try to outwork rest, the more that we feel overtaken. "In quietness and trust is your strength..."

If an oak tree blooms out of season we would call it unnatural or ill. It will die. When we try to keep working when it is time to restore and rest, we are functioning out of rhythm. There are seasons to give and seasons to receive. If we give when we are empty of all that God has poured into us, we function in our flesh, and those works are of no value to God.

The Lord grants sleep to those he loves. Let’s not labor in vain.

RESPOND
How’s your sleep? What could you do to rest better at night, and walk trusting God during the day? Ask God to answer that question for you, and write what you hear.

 

[orion]

Is it okay if i put another religions commentary here? or only Christians?

 

[Diggin Deep]

Is it okay if i put another religions commentary here? or only Christians?

Thanks for stopping in!

Check out the original post on the first page...it will help let you know what this thread is about.

This thread is more for those who may have questions and doubts regarding the Christian faith, are on the fence and seeking answers and help regarding Christianity / God. It is also a way for people to share their story and provide inspiration to others who may be seeking, are new to Christianity, or just needing a friend.

However, I completely welcome questions, input, and healthy discussion. I have no problem with discussing other religions, but I do not want this becoming a debate thread...there is another place for that.

Thanks again!

 

[Diggin Deep]

Winter: Peace

God, may you bless me with your deep contentment.

READ
Psalm 131:1-3

REFLECT
God has filled us through spring’s awe, summer’s work, fall’s surrender, and winter’s contemplation. Like a child just pulled away from mother’s milk, we are full and satisfied. We are at rest in His arms as he blesses us with deep contentment.

No matter how strong or independent or proud you feel, let go. Let God wrap his arms around you. Let Him give you peace that only he can give. Receive His rest and his hope. When you begin to worry or are distracted about what is to come, don’t go there. That’s another season, even if that season is later today.

Right now, declare aloud that your hope is in the Lord.

RESPOND
Picture the things you worry about as weights that are in your hands. Now physically lift your hands toward God, and hand that off to God. That’s it. He’ll take it from here.

 

[pjbleek]

Winter: Peace

God, may you bless me with your deep contentment.

READ
Psalm 131:1-3

REFLECT
God has filled us through spring’s awe, summer’s work, fall’s surrender, and winter’s contemplation. Like a child just pulled away from mother’s milk, we are full and satisfied. We are at rest in His arms as he blesses us with deep contentment.

No matter how strong or independent or proud you feel, let go. Let God wrap his arms around you. Let Him give you peace that only he can give. Receive His rest and his hope. When you begin to worry or are distracted about what is to come, don’t go there. That’s another season, even if that season is later today.

Right now, declare aloud that your hope is in the Lord.

RESPOND
Picture the things you worry about as weights that are in your hands. Now physically lift your hands toward God, and hand that off to God. That’s it. He’ll take it from here.

think about the child who was abandoned at birth for a second who never had the chance to taste his mother's milk....makes you wonder if their lives would be impacted by this...I read this psalm and immediately thought of the song Sometimes I feel like a motherless child

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sdDp8lsA48