Deep Change, Part 3: Deep Destiny

Getting prepared

• Select Your Bible Translation: This should be one you easily understand, but is also accurate. If you select the Message or Voice it would be wise to use the NIV or NAS/ESV to confirm accuracy. Additionally, read in whatever format is easiest for you to comprehend as much as possible (DVD, Audio, Digital, Print, or have someone read to you).
• Select Your Journal: Make this fun. Find one that combines writing space with an opportunity to create or paste visuals.
• Select Your Pen: Multiple colors add clarity and vibrancy to your study.
• Select Your Music Device: You can use any digital device or music service. If you don’t have access to one of these, borrow one from a friend, or visit a local spot, where you can engage in “Deep Reflection,” while enjoying their soundtrack or radio station.
• Create Your “Spiritual Advisory Circle:” a combination of 3-6 family or friends, who you trust to help you change (See Stage Number 4 in Deep Change). Your progress toward change is greatly enhanced when you share your daily journey with others.

Understanding the theme

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, [12] in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:11-12 NIV

“Deep Destiny” is our theme for the day. The question you will be asking is whether or not you believe God has a destiny for your life.

Daily reading

Read Ephesians chapter 1 at a moderate to slow pace. Read it again, but this time underline or circle words that help you see and understand that God has a destiny for your life.

Select a verse or set of verses to write in your journal to remind you that God has chosen you for something unique and special.

3 big questions

1. Do you really believe God has a destiny for your life? Reflect on your answer to this question, and spend time writing a couple of sentences to explain your “yes” or “no” answer.
2. Do you believe you need to change to fulfill God’s destiny for your life? If your answer is “yes,” write a few sentences explaining what you think you need to change. If your answer is “no,” write a few sentences explaining the thinking behind your answer.
3. What do these questions about destiny and change teach you about your view of God?

One big paragraph, one big prayer

Now is the perfect time to pray, but before you pray write a paragraph describing the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs you want to share with God. These should include your thoughts and feelings toward God, about destiny, and about changing.

Develop your soundtrack

After your prayer, spend a few minutes selecting one song to begin your spiritual soundtrack. This song should explain something of how you have felt during this quiet time, and will be the first of many songs you will use to create your own spiritual soundtrack.

This soundtrack will provide background sound, so even when you are in the midst of a number of people, or a significant amount of noise, you can allow your mind and heart to enter “Deep Reflection.”

Create your visuals

Select, draw, or take a picture so you can place it in your journal. Your goal with this visual is to be able to take one look at the picture, and remember exactly what you learned, how you felt and what you were thinking today.

Share your discovery

Share whatever lessons you have learned today with your “spiritual advisory circle.” It doesn’t matter whether your thoughts are positive, negative, or neutral. The key is knowing you’ve discovered something about God and yourself today, which will ultimately draw you closer to him; if you share it, you will then grow closer to people as well.