In & Out | Crosstraining 2.19.15

Acts 4:32-35 When I was a teenager, I went to a friends house one day. As I pulled up, I was in awe of how nice their family’s house looked. It was nicer than most houses I had been in, and much nicer than any of the houses I grew up in. When we went inside, though, it was clear they hadn’t put the same care into the inside of the house as they did the outside. There was junk everywhere and parts of the ceiling were caving in. It wasn’t a big deal, but it struck me because of how nice the house looked on the outside, but the inside told a much different story. We all know as Christians that who we are on the inside is just as important as who we are on the outside. But, what we may forget sometimes, is that our good deeds should serve both those inside and outside of the church. Some people often focus on what they can do to volunteer and serve at church. They will help clean, lead teams, work with kids, and much more, but, when it comes to helping those who do not go to church, they don’t do a whole lot. The other group, though, is the opposite. They’re all about reaching out to those outside of the church. They will help those who are struggling, participate in outreach projects, and more. However, when it comes time to serve inside the church and help with volunteer ministries, they are no where to be found. God’s plan is for His followers to serve other people. This includes people both inside and outside of the church. God’s design is for Christians to come together to take care of each other and to bring others into the fold through being generous in love and good deeds. We can’t neglect the inside or the outside of the church. God has called us to care for those both in the church and out in the world. // TWO-A-DAYS // GO A LITTLE FARTHER WITH YOUR DAILY DEVOTIONS // Go through these questions with your spouse, kids, or friend, or you can even journal about the answers to these questions:

1. What was the best part of your day?
2. What was the toughest part of your day?
3. Where did you mess up today?
4. Where did you see God today?

Reflect: Who’s someone who’s had an impact on your life because they always went above and beyond in good deeds? Why were they so influential to you? Pray: In your prayer time today, spend some time thanking God for those people who have had a good influence on you through good deeds. Ask God to help you be that kind of influence on others. READ THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT: Today’s Reading: Acts 18]]>