Trial Period | Crosstraining 5.4.15

Proverbs 1:5-7 A few years ago, Amazon convinced me to try out their prime membership. I don’t remember what I signed up for the trial for, maybe it was to watch movies or read free books, but, whatever it was, I no longer used that feature. However, I quickly fell in love with their free two day shipping benefit. When my free trial had expired, I did what I had no intentions of doing – sign up for the yearly prime membership. Now, I’m not trying to sell you on getting an Amazon prime membership, but we’ve all been there. We take a free sample or do a free trial and eventually pony up the dough to get the real thing. We may have never purchased it had we never taken that free first step of trying it out first. When it comes to your spiritual life, we all have a next step to take. Whether we’ve never walked into a church or have been going to church since we were born, there’s always room to grow. What makes it tricky, though, is that none of our next steps are the same. If you’re someone who doesn’t know if you even believe in God, you’re next step may be to simply show up to a church service and listen or just pepper a Christian friend with questions you may have. Whatever it is, you don’t have to feel guilty about wrestling with questions of the faith. God understands it and even expects it! Many times, just showing up and listening while you’re trying to figure out what all this is about is the exact step God wants you to take. Whether you’re a brand new Christian, been a Christian all your life, or not yet a believer, God is ready and willing to help you take your next step. It may seem scary and confusing. That’s okay. It’s supposed to. Like a free trial membership, God wants to give you an opportunity to check out what He’s all about before you go all in. // 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: What do you think your next step is in your spiritual life? What is holding you back from taking that next step? Pray: Talk to God today about what you think your next step should be. Ask God to give you guidance and wisdom around that next step and the courage to take it. READ THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT: Today’s Reading: Matthew 18]]>