We are joined once again by Robbie Poff to consider what it looks like for us to be citizens of the kingdom of God first and foremost in the midst of the political turmoil here in our country. What does it look like to follow Jesus in our politics? Robbie helps us think about how the Spirit wants to shape us into people He can use to bring His kingdom more fully into our world.

Questions for reflection:

Practices:

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This week we are joined by Robbie Poff as we start our two part series on being shaped by the election.  Robbie is one of the pastors of NLCF and a prophetic voice in our church.  He shares about how the election shapes us, what that shaping accomplishes in us and the opportunities he sees for believers in this cultural season.  Next week we will be following up with Robbie on ways we can be shaped for Kingdom Citizenship in the second part of this series.

Resources:

Jennie and Christian are finally back with a new episode of Shaped! This week, we discuss what we've been up since the last episode of Shaped (4 months ago!). We also recap season 1 and preview what's to come in season 2.

Next week: How the presidential election shapes us

Shaped is back! Join us as we explore the ways that the Lord, our habits, and our culture shape who we are. This season, we're expanding our scope to consider the influence that things like COVID-19, the presidential election, and more have on the types of people we become. And of course, we're continuing to discuss practices that we can take up in order to make space for the Holy Spirit to transform our lives to look more like Jesus's. Season 2 of Shaped will be coming your way every Monday morning starting on October 19!

Apologies for the weird audio! We'll have it worked out for next week.

This week we are joined by Meg Hearl to talk about the practice of lectio divina. Meg is one of the parents of Maroon Family and a part of NLCF's staff team. Meg shares about how God has used lectio divina to help her truly encounter Him in her times in the Word and to turn her eyes to His presence and movement throughout the day.

Practicing Lectio Divina:

1. Begin by inviting Jesus to be present in the time.

2. If it's a new practice, consider picking a passage from one of the Gospels.

3. Read the passage asking the Spirit to give you a word or phrase from what you read. Give space to listen and receive what He has.

4. Read it again and ask God how that word or phrase connects with your life today.

5. Read it again and ask God what He wants you to be or know or do in response to that word or phrase He's given you.

6. Read it one last time and rest in His presence.

7. Come back to that word or phrase throughout your day.

Resources:

Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson

Kristal and Robbie have a conversation about mental health, stress, and Christian hope -- acknowledging the difficult while seeking and living into the good all around us. Even right now as things are unpredictable, we have a God who is moving to reconcile all things to himself - what are some ways we can anchor ourselves in this hope?

Resources

NLCF is New Life Christian Fellowship - a mission-minded church serving the community in and around the Virginia Tech campus. You can find us at www.nlcf.net, facebook.com/nlcfvt, and instagram.com/nlcf.net

Practicing Simplicity:

NLCF is New Life Christian Fellowship - a mission minded church focused on the community in and around the campus of Virginia Tech. You can find us at www.nlcf.net, facebook.com/nlcfvt, and instagram.com/nlcfnet

This week, we are joined by Shea McCormic, one of our Engage Group leaders, to talk about the practice of fasting. Shea shares about how fasting causes him to look to God to sustain him and how it builds in him a sense of desperation for God.

Practicing Fasting:

1. Write down the why.

NLCF is New Life Christian Fellowship - a mission minded church serving the community in and around the campus of Virginia Tech. You can find us at www.nlcf.net, facebook.com/nlcfvt, and instagram.com/nlcfnet

This episode of Practical Theology is all about the topic of Hearing God, why it's important and some practical ways we can begin to discern what He *sounds* like. Jim Pace, one of the pastors at NLCF, joins us to share a bit of his experience and journey. Stay tuned for Part 2 in a couple weeks!

Resources:

NLCF is New Life Christian Fellowship, a mission-minded church serving the community in and around the campus of Virginia Tech. You can find us at www.nlcf.net, facebook.com/nlcfvt, instagram.com/nlcfnet.

This week, we are joined by Wendy Chinn to talk about intercession, that is praying for others. Wendy is one of the pastors of our church. In this episode, she shares her vast wisdom and experience of intercession, how to listen to the Lord in the midst of praying for others, and how God uses this practice to accomplish His purposes in the world and even in us.

Practicing Intercession:

Resources:

NLCF is New Life Christian Fellowship - a mission minded church serving the community in and around Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. You can find us at www.nlcf.net, facebook.com/nlcfvt, and instagram.com/nlcfnet.