God Gives You Direction
The Holy Spirit personally communicates with you, and fasting heightens your hearing. Real worship is when you make the shifts God wants and align with His plan. God wants you to incorporate fasting into your work, as you serve God and empower more people.
We Can't Just Watch
Taking Action: 1 God has both placed you and prepared you for this opportunity. 2 It's wise to regain a sense of urgency. 3 God works mightily through people who have reliance and a willingness to suffer.
You Have My Attention
Drawing Near To God: 1 God has many ways of gaining your attention in a distracted culture. 2 Listening to God usually involves slowing down, sincerity, and seeing what needs to change. 3 Returning to God includes repenting from sins, receiving His grace, and a renewed purpose.
Why Fasting?
Reasons to fast: 1 The condition of your soul 2 The cultural moment 3 The calling of God
True and False Fasting
Fasting is more than an action, a ritual, or a box to check. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is relational with God and should bolster our walk with God. It’s an opportunity to seek God, repent, and love our neighbors. Fasting brings a new start and spiritual power which we need as we start the year and dedicate ourselves to the Lord. Isaiah 58 vividly shows us how not to fast, God’s desire for our fasting, and why we need to fast. The goal is a deeper intimacy with God, enjoyment of His blessings, and shalom in the land.
The Four Ins of Christmas
Why was Jesus born in a manger? What was the experience like for Mary? How is his birth linked to our identity?
The Upside Down Christmas
God is with you when: 1 It's not what you planned 2 It's not what you wanted 3 It's not making sense to you Christmas carries upheaval and glory!
The Arrival of Jesus
Prepare Your Heart: 1 Why does Jesus pursue us? 2 What is true about Jesus? 3 What shifts become holy moments in your life?
Preparing Your Heart
Persecution and Perseverance
When you know that you won’t see someone for a long period of time, what will you want to tell them? What is most important? Knowing that his time is limited before he is put to death, the Apostle Paul wants to make sure that Timothy stays focused on what matters most. Over the years, Paul has spent a considerable amount of time with Timothy. His relationship with Timothy is close. Timothy is a spiritual brother to Paul. More importantly, the relationship is also viewed as one as a father/son relationship. Paul has invested time, instruction, and has given so much of himself to Timothy. He is equipping Timothy to continue the work that Paul began in so many cities, as the Good News of Jesus spread and churches began to be established. Ultimately, in this final passage, Paul is reminding Timothy to remain focused on Jesus and to rely on His Strength.