God Isn t Daily Spiritual Guide March 1, 2010 April 3, 2010 Crossroads Community Church
Welcome to God Isn t. What if someone were to tell you that they had the perfect friend? What if they told you that this friend was always there for them, always completely honest with them, and was great to be around? Or what if they said that their friend was constantly working to improve the richness and depth of their life? Would that make you want to meet this friend, too? Of course, knowing something about a person is a completely different thing than really knowing them. A deep relationship with someone takes time, effort, and commitment, and it involves more than just having some knowledge or information about them. Yet, knowing about someone is a great place to start. Finding out about their personality can make it easier for us to approach them, and can draw us closer to developing a familiar, intimate relationship with them. With God, it is the same way. As we start to understand Him, our lives begin to be changed in a tremendous way. Once we start to grasp his greatness, his holiness, his kindness, and love, then it becomes much easier for us to draw closer to him and respond with that close relationship that he desires. Join us this March for our new four-week series at Crossroads, a series that will inform us exactly who God is, by telling us exactly what he isn t. The Series: March 1-7: God Isn t Dead March 8-14: God Isn t a Liar March 15-21: God Isn t Boring March 22-28: God Isn t Finished March 29-April 3: Easter Week Double Cross
Week 1: God Isn t Dead March 1 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 100: Verses 1-5 Going Deeper: What does the Bible mean when it says to acknowledge that the Lord is God? Question for Journaling: God is described here as a shepherd - we are sheep of his pasture. How does a good shepherd behave towards his sheep? How do sheep respond to the shepherd?
March 2 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 19: Verses 1-6 Going Deeper: Have you ever wondered why the universe exists at all, rather than nothing? Do you believe that in order for the universe to come into existence, it must have had a cause? Question for Journaling: Does God s creation speak to you? What sorts of things does the Lord s creation reveal about him?
March 3 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Bible Reading for the Day: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3: Verses 9-15 Going Deeper: This passage says that God has planted eternity in the human heart. Describe what your own intuition reveals to you about the living God. Question for Journaling: The Bible here tells us that we cannot see the whole scope of God s work from its beginning to its end. What does this tell you about human nature? Contrast this with God s nature.
March 4 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Timothy, Chapter 4: Verses 1-8 Going Deeper: Paul admonished Timothy to patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage his people with good teaching. Why? Question for Journaling: In what ways can you become a better listener when God reveals himself to you through his Word? How can you better apply his teachings in your life?
March 5 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John, Chapter 4: Verses 7-20 Going Deeper: John tells us in this reading that God is the source of love. How does he tell us that God s love is brought to full expression? Question for Journaling: From this passage, how does God reveal to us that he lives in us as Christians? What does this mean to you?
March 6 Memory Verse: Psalm 100:3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Bible Reading for the Day: John, Chapter 14: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: In this narrative, Jesus gives us tremendous insight into his own definite sense of self-awareness. What sorts of things does Jesus claim? Question for Journaling: Do you believe that God has revealed himself through Jesus? How does this affect your life?
Week 2: God Isn t A Liar March 8 Memory Verse: Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 33: Verses 1-12 Going Deeper: What does the author of this Psalm tell us about God s words and his actions? Question for Journaling: Psalm 33 tells us that God has a specific plan for the people of world. What does it say about those plans? What does this reveal about God?
March 9 Memory Verse: Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Bible Reading for the Day: Numbers, Chapter 23: Verses 13-26 Going Deeper: At this time in history, the Israelites were making preparations to enter the land that God had promised to them. The leader of a rival nation asked a prophet, Balaam, to curse the Israelites in order to prevent this. What was his response? Question for Journaling: What sorts of lessons can we take when we view the way that these events took place?
March 10 Memory Verse: Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John, Chapter 5: Verses 1-12 Going Deeper: How can we know that what God has spoken about Christ is true? Question for Journaling: According to this passage of Scripture, how can we know that we love God?
March 11 Memory Verse: Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Bible Reading for the Day: James, Chapter 1: Verses 1-18 Going Deeper: Do you believe that it is good for God to be changeless and perfectly consistent? Why? Question for Journaling: Why is it important for us to have an undivided loyalty towards God?
March 12 Memory Verse: Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Bible Reading for the Day: Daniel, Chapter 9: Verses 1-19 Going Deeper: As a natural consequence of their actions, the nation of Israel grew weaker and was conquered by the Babylonians around 600 B.C. What led to this disaster, which was foretold by God through Jeremiah (and here discussed by Daniel the prophet)? Question for Journaling: As a country, what can we learn from these historical events about how we should relate to God?
March 13 Memory Verse: Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 119: Verses 89-104 Going Deeper: Do you believe that the Lord has truthfully revealed his words to us through the Bible? Question for Journaling: The writer of this Psalm places a great deal of emphasis on applying God s words and His commands. Reflect on how this applies to your life experience.
Week 3: God Isn t Boring March 15 Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Bible Reading for the Day: Acts, Chapter 1: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: Have you come to understand the kind of power that God gives to us as believers? In what way? Question for Journaling: How are you a witness for Christ?
March 16 Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Bible Reading for the Day: John, Chapter 10: Verses 1-10 Going Deeper: What does Jesus say is his purpose for believers? Describe how this is true in the spiritual way that we live our lives. Question for Journaling: In this passage, Jesus uses a figure of speech when he describes himself as a gate. What does he mean by this?
March 17 Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans, Chapter 15: Verses 1-13 Going Deeper: Describe a time in your life when you rejoiced in the Lord. Question for Journaling: God tells us that he is the source of the confident hope that we have. What do you confidently hope for?
March 18 Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter, Chapter 1: Verses 1-12 Going Deeper: For what reason does Peter say that we should be truly glad? Question for Journaling: Do you trust Christ, even though you have never seen him?
March 19 Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John, Chapter 5: Verses 13-21 Going Deeper: The Bible tells us that when we are in Christ, we can live in fellowship with God. In what ways can a relationship with God stimulate your life? Question for Journaling: Is there anything that you might need to keep away from that might take the place of God in your heart?
March 20 Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4: Verses 1-18 Going Deeper: What sort of difficulties did Paul face as a believer? How do you think that endurance and perseverance was developed in his life? Question for Journaling: Is your spirit being renewed every day? Why or why not?
Week 4: God Isn t Finished March 22 Memory Verse: 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5: Verses 12-28 Going Deeper: God is here described as faithful to make us holy and blameless. What does this tell you about the plan that God has for your life? Question for Journaling: Paul advised the church at Thessalonica to never stop praying. Do you pray frequently? How does it affect your relationship with Christ?
March 23 Memory Verse: 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews, Chapter 12: Verses 1-13 Going Deeper: Paul compares living the Christian life to running a race. How are the two similar? Question for Journaling: Paul tells us that having discipline can at first seem painful, but that it reaps great rewards. Has there been a recent situation in your life from which you have learned discipline?
March 24 Memory Verse: 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Bible Reading for the Day: Isaiah, Chapter 25: Verses 1-8 Going Deeper: In Isaiah s lifetime, he was able to witness events that God had planned long in advance. Do you believe that God has planned the events that are happening during your lifetime? Why? Question for Journaling: Isaiah describes the Lord as a tower of refuge. Is God your refuge during difficult times?
March 25 Memory Verse: 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans, Chapter 8: Verses 18-30 Going Deeper: What does it mean to you when Paul tells us that God knew us in advance? Question for Journaling: What are some of the future plans that God has for his creation that are described here in this reading?
March 26 Memory Verse: 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Bible Reading for the Day: Philippians, Chapter 1: Verses 1-11 Going Deeper: What sort of good work do you believe that the Lord has begun in you? Question for Journaling: Paul wanted the Christians at Philippi to understand what really matters. How can you continue to gain understanding and knowledge about God?
March 27 Memory Verse: 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews, Chapter 1: Verses 1-14 Going Deeper: The Bible says that God created the universe and that he sustains everything. What does this say about the attributes of God? Question for Journaling: How are we told in this passage that God designed the universe to be a temporary creation? In what way does this fit into God s plans?
Week 5 (Easter Week): Double Cross March 29 Memory Verse: Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to the crowd, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke, Chapter 9: Verses 18-27 Going Deeper: What do you believe that Jesus means here when he says that we must take up our cross daily and follow him? Question for Journaling: In this passage, Jesus predicts his own death to his disciples. What does this tell you about Jesus, and what does it tell you about why he appeared on Earth?
March 30 Memory Verse: Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Bible Reading for the Day: Galatians, Chapter 2: Verses 11-21 Going Deeper: Compare and contrast what this passage reveals about trying to become righteous by obeying the Old Testament law versus living through faith in Christ. Question for Journaling: How are you living for God?
March 31 Memory Verse: Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians, Chapter 1: Verses 18-30 Going Deeper: Why do you think that God often uses humble means and everyday people in order to communicate the power of His gospel? Question for Journaling: In what ways do you think that God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish?
April 1 Memory Verse: Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5: Verses 11-21 Going Deeper: What motivated Paul to live for Christ, and not live for himself any longer? Are you motivated in a similar way? Question for Journaling: What do you think that Paul is indicating here when he describes our responsibility toward others? Why is it important to have a sincere heart when carrying out this responsibility?
April 2 Memory Verse: Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans, Chapter 6: Verses 1-23 Going Deeper: Paul points out that Christians no longer live under the requirements of the Old Testament Law. Does this mean that we can live a life of lawlessness? Explain. Question for Journaling: How does Christ set us free from the power of sin? Are there any sins that you have been set free from?
April 3 Memory Verse: Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew, Chapter 28: Verses 1-20 Going Deeper: Describe Jesus meeting with his women followers after his resurrection. How did he reassure them? Question for Journaling: Jesus resurrection is a historical event that has special meaning for believers. What sort of hope does it give to us?