Welcome to "Cross Fit" Have you ever seen a professional athlete prepare for an upcoming sports season or event? Most players undergo countless hours of rigorous excercise and physical drills, because they know that their hard work and committment will pay off when it finally comes down to "crunch time". Just like physical excercise has its benefits, so too does "spiritual excercise". Training to live a life filled with spiritual growth takes time, effort, and committment - but the rewards are fantastic. Spiritual training develops godliness in our lives, and it gives us the added benefit of being able to take the "hits" that often come to us in a world filled with spiritual battles. And best of all, it brings us closer to Christ. Welcome to Crossroads' new series "Cross fit", where in just eight short weeks, you can become more spiritually fit. Each week we will focus on a basic teaching that we will need in order to be a successful and fruitful follower of Christ. Six days each week we will spend time reading the Bible, answering questions and writing down what Jesus and His Word teaches us. We will have one memory verse per week to hide in our minds and hearts to help us grow, and we will spend time in guided and personal prayer. The Series: Week 1 - April 9-14: "Boot Camp" Week 2 - April 16-21: "In the Zone" Week 3 - April 23-28: "Personal Trainer" Week 4 - April 30 - May 5: "Get Schooled" Week 5 - May 7-12: "The Basics" Week 6 - May 14-19: "Tapped Out" Week 7: May 21-26: "Called to Duty" Week 8: May 28 - June 2: "Focused"
Week 1: Boot Camp Monday, April 9 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Timothy 4: 6-16 Going Deeper: Do you know anyone who seems spiritually mature? What do you notice about their habits and characteristics? Question for Journaling: What do you think will be the benefits of spiritual discipline for you in this life? What do you think will be the eternal benefits?
Tuesday, April 10 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians 9: 19-27 Going Deeper: Describe the training that an Olympic or professional athlete must undergo (in comparison to someone who plays sports recreationally). Question for Journaling: How should you "train" yourself spiritually? What things might be necessary in order to "train" yourself beyond normal expectations, in order for you to "win"?
Wednesday, April 11 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 7: 14-25 Going Deeper: Restate the problem that Paul describes in this passage, in your own words. Question for Journaling: Can you identify any habits in your own life that you believe are probably not in your best interest?
Thursday, April 12 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians 2: 12-30 Going Deeper: Does having a positive attitude, and not "complaining" or "arguing", make hardship and effort seem less difficult? How? Question for Journaling: What are some new habits that you can develop which you can use to replace any old, bad habits that you may have?
Friday, April 13 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy 3: 10-17 Going Deeper: How would you explain the phrase "divinely inspired"? Question for Journaling: In addition to Scripture, what other means has God given us for revealing how He wants us to live our lives? Are these manifested in your life? How do you know?
Saturday, April 14 Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. Bible Reading for the Day: Lamentations 3: 22-30 Going Deeper: From this passage, what can we learn about God, His characteristics, and how He responds to us within certain circumstances? Question for Journaling: Have you "searched" for God, as this passage mentions? Do you continue to do so daily? How has He been good to you?
Week 2: In the Zone Monday, April 16 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 119: 1-16 Going Deeper: Are there any distractions in your life that tend to interfere with you being able to set aside quiet time every day with God? Question for Journaling: Create a plan that will allow you to increase the quality of time that you are able to spend alone with God each day.
Tuesday, April 17 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 119: 97-104 Going Deeper: How can our love of God influence us to concentrate on Him all throughout the day? Question for Journaling: Have you ever encountered a circumstance in which a negative situation could have been resolved better if you had been in a frame of mind that was more focused on God? What happened?
Wednesday, April 18 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 145: 1-7 Going Deeper: What impression of God comes to you most distinctively when you read this passage? Question for Journaling: Spend some time reflecting on the greatness of God, and the miraculous works that He has performed. Are there any new insights about God that you can discern?
Thursday, April 19 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 19: 1-14 Going Deeper: The first half of this psalm describes how God has revealed himself through nature. What is the main theme of the second half? Question for Journaling: Explore the difference between Christian meditation (which focuses the mind on God, His nature, and His precepts) and "eastern" meditation (which seeks to "empty" the mind of thoughts).
Friday, April 20 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Bible Reading for the Day: Joshua 1: 1-9 Going Deeper: What things did God command Joshua to do? Why do you believe that God instructed him to so diligently meditate on His word? Question for Journaling: Why is it important to spend time "listening" to God, and not just "talking" to Him?
Saturday, April 21 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:15-16 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 4: 20-27 Going Deeper: Why do you think that scripture memorization can be of such great assistance to us in our daily walk with God? Question for Journaling: Are there any favorite or notable scripture verses that you have memorized? Have they influenced you in any way?
Week 3: Personal Trainer Monday, April 23 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians 4: 1-6 Going Deeper: What do you believe is the purpose of prayer? Question for Journaling: How does remembering to thank God during prayer strengthen us? How can it help us be confident that we can rely on Him?
Tuesday, April 24 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 6: 10-24 Going Deeper: What does it mean to "pray in the Spirit"? What words does Paul use to describe how Christians should pray? Question for Journaling: Is there someone that you know that you believe needs prayer? Why? Take some time to pray for them, and make a commitment to continue do so over the course of the next few days.
Wednesday, April 25 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Bible Reading for the Day: John 15: 1-17 Going Deeper: From Christ's words in this passage, what should we do in order to have an effective prayer life? Question for Journaling: Have you ever had a prayer answered at a much later time, and in a way that you did not expect?
Thursday, April 26 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 5: 13-21 Going Deeper: In what circumstances do you believe that God might say "no" to something that we were to ask of Him in prayer? Question for Journaling: What is your perspective on the idea that God already knows what you are going to pray for, even before you pray?
Friday, April 27 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 14: 22-36 Going Deeper: Why do you believe that Jesus often prayed in private or isolated areas? Question for Journaling: Is there any secluded place that you make a habit of going on occasion (or would like to go), in order that you can more clearly hear God's voice? What is significant about it?
Saturday, April 28 Memory Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians 4: 1-9 Going Deeper: Paul taught his fellow believers to ask God for what they needed, in prayer. How can we discern between what we "want" and what we "need"? Question for Journaling: Are there times that you can think of in which you have experienced peace through prayer, perhaps in difficult circumstances?
Week 4: Get Schooled Monday, April 30 Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy 3: 10-17 Going Deeper: What do you believe that Paul means when he warns Timothy that "imposters" will flourish, deceiving themselves and others? How can a person defend against being deceived? Question for Journaling: What good works has the Bible prepared you to do?
Tuesday, May 1 Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 22: 41-46 Going Deeper: Here Jesus acknowledges that David wrote Psalm 110 by means of divine inspiration. Why is this important to the lesson that He is trying to teach? Question for Journaling: Do you believe that the Bible is a "divinely inspired" collection of writings? What good reasons do you have for believing so?
Wednesday, May 2 Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Bible Reading for the Day: Ezra 7: 1-28 Going Deeper: Why did God bestow upon Ezra exceptional favor? What happened as a result of Ezra's diligence, and how did he respond? Question for Journaling: For what reason do you think that knowledge of the Bible and God's ways becomes essential to the work that you are called to do?
Thursday, May 3 Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Bible Reading for the Day: Acts 17: 1-15 Going Deeper: Who were the Bereans, and how would you describe them? Question for Journaling: What is the difference between a study of the Bible, and a devotion? Do you ever participate in an active study? Why or why not?
Friday, May 4 Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 4: 1-6 Going Deeper: What are some ways in which a person could be tested in order to make sure that what they are saying is consistent with God's will? Question for Journaling: Have you ever held a doctrinal belief that you later discovered was false?
Saturday, May 5 Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter 2: 1-12 Going Deeper: What is the "nourishment" spoken of here by Peter? What are some ways in which a "baby Christian" can grow into a mature follower of Christ? Question for Journaling: To you, why is it important that believers have the correct ideas and beliefs about God and our relationship to him?
Week 5: The Basics Monday, May 7 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 6: 19-34 Going Deeper: How would you summarize the Christian life? Question for Journaling: In what ways have you seen the Lord fulfill his promise to provide for those who seek first his kingdom and righteousness?
Tuesday, May 8 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Bible Reading for the Day: Mark 16: 9-20 Going Deeper: What sorts of backgrounds did the disciples come from? To whom was the gospel designed to be preached to? Question for Journaling: The gospel has been called theologically complex, yet also very simple in its basic message. What are some simple truths about God's message that He has revealed to you?
Wednesday, May 9 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke 21: 5-38 Going Deeper: This passage is often regarded as a dual prophecy that speaks not just about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. but also about the events just prior to the return of Christ at the end of the world. How does Jesus instruct his followers to conduct themselves? Question for Journaling: Do you believe that we could be living in the last days? Why? What opportunities would those circumstances present to us?
Thursday, May 10 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 46: 1-11 Going Deeper: How has God made himself known throughout the earth? Question for Journaling: Are you able to "be still" and know God's power at all times in your life? How does God give you confidence in difficult or complex circumstances?
Friday, May 11 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke 4: 38-44 Going Deeper: Jesus often sought places of solitude where he could pray. What do you think that He prayed for? Question for Journaling: What do you think can be some of the advantages to spending time with God in a solitary place?
Saturday, May 12 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Timothy 6: 1-21 Going Deeper: What does Paul say that we should be content with? Why? What does he say often happens to people who like to make their life a little too complex? Question for Journaling: Are you content with your life? How can you simplify things in order to be able to "make more room" for God?
Week 6: Tapped Out Monday, May 14 Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 16: 21-28 Going Deeper: What are the ways that Christians "take up their cross" and follow Jesus? Question for Journaling: How does the modern state of society influence the degree to which you are willing to serve Christ?
Tuesday, May 15 Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Bible Reading for the Day: James 1: 1-18 Going Deeper: What is faith? What problems does a lack of faith present in regards to submission towards God? Question for Journaling: What is the state of your faith?
Wednesday, May 16 Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 6: 1-18 Going Deeper: Notice that Jesus does not question the fact that Christians should be practicing the good deeds talked about in this passage. What, rather does He question? Question for Journaling: What can you do in order to make sure that the motives for your actions are pure?
Thursday, May 17 Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Bible Reading for the Day: Acts 20: 13-38 Going Deeper: What sorts of observations can we make about Paul's ministry? Question for Journaling: Should our motives for giving be for selfish reasons?
Friday, May 18 Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Bible Reading for the Day: Jonah 1: 1-17 Going Deeper: What did God want Jonah to do? What was Jonah's response? What eventually happened to Jonah?` Question for Journaling: What do you believe is ultimately the source (or cause) of rebellion?
Saturday, May 19 Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 2: 1-6 Going Deeper: What is the connection between love and submission? Question for Journaling: Is there an area of your life that you need to "give up" in order to trust God more?
Week 7: Called to Duty Monday, May 21 Memory Verse: Mark 10: 43-45 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Bible Reading for the Day: Mark 10: 35-45 Going Deeper: What did James and John ask for? Why were the other disciples angry? How did Jesus respond to them? Question for Journaling: Given human nature, what is your opinion about how much "power" a person should have? What kind of attitude do you think would benefit people who occupy influential positions?
Tuesday, May 22 Memory Verse: Mark 10:43-45 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians 3: 18-25 Going Deeper: The "slavery" often discussed in the Bible existed as a form of voluntary indentured servanthood, similar to that which occurred during the American Colonial period. How is the Christian's relationship to God, in one sense, similar to this practice? Question for Journaling: Are you serving God? How?
Wednesday, May 23 Memory Verse: Mark 10:43-45 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 12: 1-13 Going Deeper: Explore the concept that love is not just a "feeling", but can be, more importantly, an "action". Question for Journaling: Do you believe, as Paul says, that God in his grace has given everyone spiritual gifts? What are your spiritual gifts?
Thursday, May 24 Memory Verse: Mark 10:43-45 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 25: 31-46 Going Deeper: What are some ways in which you could serve others who are "unchurched"? Question for Journaling: Make a commitment to perform a meaningful act of service to someone sometime within the next week. What can you do?
Friday, May 25 Memory Verse: Mark 10:43-45 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah 58: 1-14 Going Deeper: How did Isaiah describe the disparity between the actions of the Israelites and the condition of their heart? Question for Journaling: Try to imagine some of the sacrifices that might be required in service of others. How can acts of service lead to spiritual growth and maturity?
Saturday, May 26 Memory Verse: Mark 10:43-45 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 6: 1-9 Going Deeper: What kinds of things can every person do in order to serve one another within their own family? Question for Journaling: Why do you think that Paul places such emphasis on the strength of the family unit? How does a strong family unit affect the culture at large?
Week 8: Focused Monday, May 28 Memory Verse: Psalm 29:2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 29: 1-11 Going Deeper: How would you define the term "worship"? Question for Journaling: What are some of God's qualities that you believe make him deserving of worship?
Tuesday, May 29 Memory Verse: Psalm 29:2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Bible Reading for the Day: John 4: 1-24 Going Deeper: What insight do you think that Jesus was communicating in verse 21 of this chapter? Question for Journaling: Have you moved beyond earthly things in your worship to connect with God "in Spirit and in truth"?
Wednesday, May 30 Memory Verse: Psalm 29:2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Bible Reading for the Day: John 6: 22-59 Going Deeper: What is the "bread" that Jesus figuratively speaks about in this passage? What is the spiritual application of His words? Question for Journaling: Do you believe that communion is a form of worship? What is your understanding of communion?
Thursday, May 31 Memory Verse: Psalm 29:2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Bible Reading for the Day: Ephesians 5: 1-20 Going Deeper: In what way is worship described in this passage? Question for Journaling: How can you bring worship into every area of your life?
Friday, June 1 Memory Verse: Psalm 29:2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah 6: 1-13 Going Deeper: In Isaiah's vision, who or what reveres God? What imagery stands out to you in this passage? What can we learn about reverence? Question for Journaling: When was the last time that you truly revered God? What were the circumstances like? How did you feel?
Saturday, June 2 Memory Verse: Psalm 29:2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 96: 1-13 Going Deeper: Who is called to worship God, and why? Question for Journaling: Do you come to church on Sunday with a sincere desire to worship the Lord?