When Jesus withdrew in Luke 5, we see the word 'wilderness' used in some translations. A word that speaks to things lacking cultivation or off limits to most. But this is where Jesus went to pray. In this message, Ps Brandon speaks to what happens between the withdraw and the return. When we go into a place of silence or solitude, what is running wild in the wilderness of our lives? The places we rarely go or hide from others.

It is in the wilderness that God wants to begin to heal, renew, and strengthen you. When you return to normal, everyday life the wilderness is not scary but has actually strengthened you.

This year we will focus on the Withdraw & Return pattern of Jesus. That we leave to pace and demands of life to abide in the peace and power of Jesus. It is what Jesus did even as the crowds surrounded him and the sick came to him.. he often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).

Check out our digital prayer guide or download the pdf.

As John Mark Comer says, “In the chaos of the urban, digital age, it’s easier than ever before to “gain the whole world, and yet lose your soul.” How do we stay emotionally and spiritually alive and awake? Among the ancient practices of the way “silence and solitude” is the number one practice for apprenticeship to Jesus. Simply put, it’s a moment of intentional time in the quiet to be alone with God. In the modern era, this just might be the first step to a life well lived.”

What a way to start the new year with special guest Lucas Connell! It was a powerful day hearing the way Jesus sets us free and how we can activate that in our own life. Take a listen and then check out afreedomexperience.com for more on what Lucas Connell does around the world.

Also, join in on our 21 Days of Prayer and our first Pattern of Jesus in 2020: Withdraw + Return: https://www.c3fortworth.com/upcoming-events/january-2020-21-days-of-prayer-and-fasting-mrjay

This year and as we continue our journey toward 2020, our hope is for our city to Jesus in you, me, and us. To see Jesus in the stories of people who have overcome, found identity, discovered calling, and find freedom in community. We are convinced that the more you, me, and us look like Jesus, the more our city will. The more our streets will. The more our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families will.

Jesus will be our pattern. Our model. We will create space in our lives through the patterns of our life to see and become like Jesus. Our posture will be upright as we see him and we will go into every place of our lives looking like Jesus.

We believe we were born for more than just the status quo, and the world is in desperate need of people who will be front-footed their generosity and faith. By committing to give faithfully and freely, we step out to see lives changed for eternity and the church shining brightly as a light to the city!

Find out more about the vision of C3 Fort Worth at c3fortworth.com/visionbuilders

Paul told young Timothy to "fan into flame the gift". We should all live with passion. With a fire in our gut that fuels our lives. And that gift sits between faith and fear. What will fuel your passion and gift in life?

We are created to be a reflection of Jesus on the earth. To be responsible for his creation. And being responsible is what gives you the ability to respond! We are called to reflect.

Why are we here? And who are we while we're here? This week we stepped into a new series around living a life of purpose and calling. But we wanted to make sure we didn't get ahead of ourselves.. so we started at step one. For every destination, there is a call to transformation. Listen as we get into one a key idea when it comes to calling... the forming of our lives happens in the following of Jesus.

This will inspire, encourage, and challenge you to step into a new, unlimited life.

One of the hallmarks of the people in Acts was boldness when empowered by the Holy Spirit! Is that what our life is marked by? How can we exhibit boldness as we live out our lives being led by the Holy Spirit? His fullness in our lives should bring about boldness in our life.

Jesus said wait. He said it would be better when he left. That the disciples would receive POWER when the Holy Spirit shows up. But what happens? Why is it better? Why should we wait?

Because as the Holy Spirit works in our lives, He produces fruit and gives gifts. Both different. Both necessary.