I am often caught between trying to be in control, budgeting, planning, goal setting, and being totally surrendered to God with little thought about best practices or next steps. To set goals all on my own is to leave God out of the equation. But to not set goals seems to fail to be a… Continue Reading
2 Samuel 1:12 “They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan…because they had fallen by the sword.” Fasting is about a deeper commitment to God, answered prayer, guidance and direction. But often in scripture, fasting is associated with mourning. In 2 Samuel, King Saul and his son, Jonathan, have… Continue Reading
Matthew 6:16-18. When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not… Continue Reading
Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” Fasting does as much for my ears as it does for my heart. As I go through the exercise of consistent, intentional sacrifice and surrender to God,… Continue Reading
Daniel 10:3 “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” One of the most asked questions when it comes to fasting is about the what. Fasting is giving up something for a period of time in order to… Continue Reading
When you Fast! January 1, 2024 Matthew 6:16-18 says, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/kFJKrQcVnnc?feature=shared We talk a lot about finishing well but on this first day of the New Year, beginning well is an important topic. How do you make a good start? What things should you put in place to insure a good beginning? Here are 7 things that we should try to do to begin… Continue Reading
“I’m going to keep preaching this one until you start doing it, then I’ll move on to the next one.” I don’t know if you remember but I preached on this Sunday last year, the Sunday after Christmas. Last year it was January 1. This year, of course, December 31. I preached a message I… Continue Reading
Like all attitudes, the attitude of gratitude is a choice. I can decide and then practice being thankful. Here are 7 keys to practicing Thanksgiving this holiday season. 1. Decide to be thankful. I Thessalonians 5:18 says it’s God’s will for us and He is not going to command us to do something that we… Continue Reading
https://youtu.be/Vb8pA3OQBvw?feature=shared The discipline of serving changes us like no other. When we realize that our lives are not about us but rather, about Him and them, we begin to experience the “abundant life” that Jesus offered. We serve in three areas. We serve God. We serve people. And we serve the church. In Matthew 25,… Continue Reading