People's Church

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)

  

1. Jesus never promised you would not get weary and burdened

   

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

   

2. Come to Jesus

  

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)

   

3. Allow Jesus to give you rest

   

3A. Jesus can take away your struggles

   

Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

   

1 Peter 2:24 "'He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed.'” (NIV)

   

3B. Jesus can take you through your struggles

  

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV)

  

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)

    

4. Stay yoked with Jesus 

    

5. Learn from Jesus

  

5A. Pick your people

  

Mark 14:32-34 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (NIV)

  

5B. Focus on your purpose

Proverbs 5:22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. (NLT)

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV)

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (ESV)

Romans 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV)

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

6 Steps To Break Free From Addictions

1. Look to Jesus for hope and help

Mark 5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. (NIV)

2. Be honest about your addiction

Luke 8:30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (NIV)

3. Build healthy boundaries

Luke 8:33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Stay away from every kind of evil. (NLT)

4. Replace bad habits with good habits

Luke 8:35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

5 HOLY HABITS

1. Daily time with God

2. Attend Church every Sunday

3. Serve on the Dream Team

4. Give God the first 10 percent

5. Attend a small group

5. Surround yourself with godly friends

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV) 

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)

Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV)

6. Take it one day at a time

Luke 8:39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)

Proverbs 5:22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. (NLT)

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV)

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (ESV)

Romans 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV)

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

6 Steps To Break Free From Addictions

1. Look to Jesus for hope and help

Mark 5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. (NIV)

2. Be honest about your addiction

Luke 8:30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (NIV)

3. Build healthy boundaries

Luke 8:33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Stay away from every kind of evil. (NLT)

4. Replace bad habits with good habits

Luke 8:35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

5 HOLY HABITS

1. Daily time with God

2. Attend Church every Sunday

3. Serve on the Dream Team

4. Give God the first 10 percent

5. Attend a small group

5. Surround yourself with godly friends

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV) 

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)

Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV)

6. Take it one day at a time

Luke 8:39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)

1. Ask God for wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)

2. Wisdom to go talk to the person 

Matthew 5:23–24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (NIV)

Matthew 5:25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (NIV)

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (ESV)

Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV)

3. Wisdom to go with the right approach

3A. Wisdom to choose the right time and the right place

Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT) 

3B. Wisdom to have the right tone

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)

4. Wisdom to speak the truth in love

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

4A. Speak the truth about what you did

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

4B. Speak the truth about what they did

 

5. Wisdom to listen

 

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV)

6. Wisdom to forgive and to be patient with people

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

1. Ask God for wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)

2. Wisdom to go talk to the person 

Matthew 5:23–24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (NIV)

Matthew 5:25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (NIV)

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (ESV)

Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV)

3. Wisdom to go with the right approach

3A. Wisdom to choose the right time and the right place

Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT) 

3B. Wisdom to have the right tone

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)

4. Wisdom to speak the truth in love

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

4A. Speak the truth about what you did

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

4B. Speak the truth about what they did

 

5. Wisdom to listen

 

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV)

6. Wisdom to forgive and to be patient with people

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

How to Find Hope When You're Hopeless

Genesis 15:1-4 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” (NIV)

Romans 4:18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (NLT)

Romans 4:19-21 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)

Romans 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (NLT)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

1. Focus on Faith not Facts

Romans 4:19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV)

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV)

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV)

Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

2. Focus on how good God is not on how bad you are

Romans 4:20-21 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (NIV)

Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. (NIV)

Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)

3. Focus on what you can do and not on what you can't do

How to Find Hope When You're Hopeless

Genesis 15:1-4 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” (NIV)

Romans 4:18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (NLT)

Romans 4:19-21 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)

Romans 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (NLT)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

1. Focus on Faith not Facts

Romans 4:19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV)

Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV)

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV)

Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

2. Focus on how good God is not on how bad you are

Romans 4:20-21 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (NIV)

Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. (NIV)

Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)

3. Focus on what you can do and not on what you can't do

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (NIV) 

Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV)

Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:13"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV)

6 Huge Reasons Why You Need Hope 

1. Hope helps you get through dark days

Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (NIV) 

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P ain

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2. Hope brings you a source of joy and peace

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

3. Hope produces patience in you

Romans 8:24-25- For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV)

4. Hope strengthens your faith 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV)

Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)

5. Hope provides a future perspective 

Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

6. Hope is the anchor for your soul 

Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (NIV)

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (NIV)

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (NIV) 

Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV)

Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:13"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV)

6 Huge Reasons Why You Need Hope 

1. Hope helps you get through dark days

Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (NIV) 

H old

O n

P ain

E nds

2. Hope brings you a source of joy and peace

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

3. Hope produces patience in you

Romans 8:24-25- For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV)

4. Hope strengthens your faith 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV)

Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)

5. Hope provides a future perspective 

Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

6. Hope is the anchor for your soul 

Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (NIV)

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (NIV)

Acts 4:23-24  On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. (NIV)

Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)

1. What is fasting?

2. Why should we fast?

A. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.

Matthew 6:16 – And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. (NLT)

B. Spiritual leaders throughout scripture fasted.

Moses fasted – Deuteronomy 9

David fasted – 2 Samuel 12

Elijah fasted – 1 Kings 19

Ezra fasted – Ezra 10

Nehemiah fasted – Nehemiah 1

Esther fasted – Esther 4

Daniel fasted – Daniel 10

Paul – Acts 9

Jesus fasted - Matthew 4

C. Some things only happen as a result of prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21 - But this kind of demon won’t leave unless you have prayed and gone without food. (TLB)

3. How do you know what to fast?

Isaiah 58:3-5 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? (NIV)

4. What should you expect when you fast?