In our exploration of spiritual disciplines, we've uncovered a powerful tool for transformation - fasting. This practice goes beyond mere abstinence; it's about creating space in our lives to seek God more intentionally. We've seen examples from the Old Testament where fasting was used to seek guidance, forgiveness, and courage. But perhaps most striking is Jesus' own 40-day fast, reminding us that even the Son of God saw value in this discipline. As we consider fasting, we're challenged to remember that 'man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' This profound truth invites us to shift our dependence from worldly sustenance to the life-giving power of God's word. How might our lives change if we regularly set aside our physical needs to focus on our spiritual hunger?

This week we look at the wonderful and beautiful spiritual discipline of fasting.

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CCLI # 279146

In exploring the parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15, we're invited to reflect on God's immeasurable love and the true value He places on each of us. This familiar story takes on new depth as we consider not just the wayward son, but also the older brother's perspective. Both sons, in different ways, miss the heart of their father - a poignant reminder of how we often fail to grasp God's unconditional love. The father's extravagant welcome challenges us to see ourselves and others through God's eyes. Are we, like the older brother, struggling to rejoice when the lost are found? This parable urges us to examine our hearts and recognize the image of God in every person, even those we find difficult to love. It's a call to embrace the spiritual discipline of community, investing in deep relationships that reflect the self-giving love of the Trinity. As we commit to journeying with others, we're shaped to see the world more as God does, valuing people over possessions and extending grace beyond our comfort zones.

If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!

If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Thanks for joining us this morning for worship!! Please feel free to comment and interact with us and others this morning!

CCLI # 279146

In our exploration of the spiritual discipline of Sabbath, we uncover a profound invitation to rest in God's presence. Through Jesus' interactions in Luke 14 and 13, we see how the true essence of Sabbath transcends rigid traditions. It's not about following a set of rules, but about entering into God's rest and worship. The Sabbath was made for us, not us for the Sabbath. This perspective shift challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of rest and worship. Are we truly resting our souls, or merely going through motions? The beauty of Sabbath lies in its personalized nature - what's restful for one may be work for another. As we embrace this spiritual discipline, we're called to intentionally set aside time to rest, worship, and enter into God's presence. It's an opportunity to break free from the world's constant demands and remember that our worth isn't tied to our productivity. By practicing Sabbath, we can experience the deep rest and renewal that our souls crave, ultimately drawing us closer to God and reshaping our lives to be more Christ-like.

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If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

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CCLI # 279146

This week, Tim Cole from Waypoint Church Partners challenges us to confront our tendency to judge others based on appearances. The book of James, particularly chapter 2, serves as our guide, reminding us that showing favoritism is not only wrong but also contradicts the very essence of Christ's teachings. We're encouraged to 'stop it' - to consciously resist the urge to discriminate. The story of Samuel anointing David as king reinforces this lesson, showing us that while humans look at outward appearances, God looks at the heart. This insight invites us to see others as God sees them, embracing a more inclusive and compassionate approach in our faith communities. The message concludes with a poignant reminder through communion that we're all equal recipients of God's grace, having been granted access to His presence not through our own merit, but through Christ's sacrifice.

If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!

If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Thanks for joining us this morning for worship!! Please feel free to comment and interact with us and others this morning!

CCLI # 279146

In our journey of faith, we often approach prayer with our own agendas and desires. However, this limits the power of prayer and gives a false sense of connection to God. Today we talk about the heart and core of prayer. That is aligning our hearts with God's heart. Drawing from the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11, we're reminded that prayer is not about manipulating God to do our will, but about transforming ourselves to seek His will. This profound insight invites us to reconsider how we pray and what we pray for. Are we truly seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first? The message encourages us to pray Scripture, engage in fixed-hour prayer, practice prayer walking, and embrace listening prayer. These methods can help us focus on God's desires rather than our own, leading to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. As we align our hearts with God's, we may find ourselves changed in unexpected ways, becoming more forgiving, compassionate, and patient – truly reflecting the character of Christ.

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If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

This week we're invited to explore the vital discipline of engaging with Scripture. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of prioritizing our time with God's Word. Just as Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, we too are called to make intentional choices in our spiritual lives. The sermon presents four practical ways to engage with Scripture: memorization, meditation, exegesis, and intentional reading. Each method offers a unique pathway to deepen our relationship with God and apply His truth to our daily lives. As we reflect on these practices, we're challenged to consider: Are we, like Martha, distracted by the busyness of life, or are we choosing the 'better part' by immersing ourselves in God's Word? This message encourages us to see Scripture not as a chore, but as a life-giving encounter with the living God, essential for our spiritual growth and transformation.

If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!

If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Today we look at the spiritual discipline of witness, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of sharing our faith. The core message revolves around Luke 9:2, where Jesus sends out his disciples to 'proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.' This isn't just about evangelism; it's about our own spiritual growth. By regularly sharing what God has done in our lives, we're not only potentially impacting others, but we're also reinforcing our own faith. The practice of witness becomes a powerful reminder of God's presence and work in our lives, helping us stay centered on Him in a world full of distractions. Just as God instructed the Israelites to set up physical reminders of His faithfulness, our acts of witness become living testimonies that strengthen our own relationship with God. This message encourages us to be intentional about recognizing and sharing God moments, not primarily for others' benefit, but as a discipline that shapes our own hearts and minds.

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If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

In our journey of faith, we often overlook the profound gift of solitude. This message invites us to explore solitude as a powerful spiritual discipline, one that Jesus himself practiced regularly. Through the lens of Luke's Gospel, we see how Christ often withdrew to lonely places to pray, setting an example for us to follow. Solitude isn't just about being alone; it's about intentionally creating space to rest in God's presence, allowing Him to reveal truths about ourselves and His character. As we embrace this discipline, we may find that it becomes a source of strength and renewal, much like the promise in Isaiah 30:15 that 'in quietness and trust is your strength.' This practice challenges us to step away from the noise of our busy lives and truly listen for God's gentle whisper, as Elijah experienced in 1 Kings 19. By incorporating solitude into our spiritual routines, we open ourselves to receive God's guidance, correction, and blessings in ways we might otherwise miss in the hustle of daily life.

If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!

If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Thanks for joining us this morning for worship!! Please feel free to comment and interact with us and others this morning!

CCLI # 279146

In our journey of discipleship, we're called to a profound transformation: becoming like Jesus. This isn't just about superficial changes, but a deep re-formation of who we are. The challenge lies in the fact that we're already formed individuals, shaped by what we consume, our experiences and the world around us. To truly become like Christ, we must be willing to give up parts of ourselves - even aspects we might like. This echoes Jesus' challenging words in Luke 14, where He speaks of 'hating' family and even our own lives to be His disciples. It's not about literal hatred, but about prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. This process of re-formation isn't easy or convenient, but it's far from inconvenient when we consider its eternal value. Like the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13, pursuing Christ-likeness is worth everything we have. As we embark on this journey, let's approach spiritual disciplines not as magical solutions or burdensome tasks, but as powerful tools that create space for the Holy Spirit to work within us, slowly but surely molding us into the image of Christ.

If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!

If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at [email protected]