Reading:

Matthew 7:24-27 and 6:16

Jeremiah 2:2

Notes:

FASTING - willingly submitting ourselves to self-denial so that inwardly we might create space to internally listen for God’s voice in our lives.

REASONS WE FAST:

1. Discernment

2. Preparation

3. Urgent Needs

GUIDELINES to FASTING

1. Avoid Improper Motives

2. Fasting isn’t about being Miserable

3. Fasting isn’t for the “supper spiritual”

4. Fasting is about DEPENDING on GOD

PRACTICAL STEPS to FASTING

1. It doesn’t have to be about food

2. Start small

3. Be kind to yourself

4. Be Focused

Forming a Prayer Routine

1. Pure motives to talk with God and not impress others

2. A trigger of time and place to make routine

3. Remember that God longs to listen

Readings

Matthew 6:5-8

Readings: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Christmas means Jesus Christ the King is here!

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

Topic: Service

Big Idea of the Text: The wise men found Jesus and offered Him gifts as a sign of worship. Like the wise men who worshiped Jesus, we must let our light shine by offering our lives as gifts to God.

"Every work of God comes with two edges - great joy and great pain." Philip Yancey

Luke 1:26-38,41-46

John the Baptist Witness

John 1:6-8,19-28

Ephesians 5:21-33

Topic: Self-sacrifice

Big Idea: Marriage is the foundation of all family relationships; if it’s unstable, all the family members are affected. A godly marriage is one that reflects Jesus’ love relationship with His Bride, the Church.