“When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.” –  Nehemiah 1:4.

If you read through the passages in the Bible that speak of fasting, you will see that this practice is almost always paired with prayer. Prayer and fasting go hand in hand. Nehemiah fasted and prayed before setting out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4). Moses fasted for 40 days, preparing him to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). As we consider spending time in prayer and fasting, we have no better example than Jesus. Our Savior withdrew from others to spend 40 days communing with His Father (Matthew 4:1-11).

Prayer is a means of expressing what God reveals through fasting. As we intentionally lift our eyes from our earthly appetites to focus on God and to draw near to Him, prayer helps us (in the words of Hebrews 12:1) to “ let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” so that we might “run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

The early church was born in power. Their typical day’s experience was of people being saved daily, of miracles daily, and the power and presence of God in their midst, daily. This was normal. So was prayer and fasting. There is a sense of awe when we read about the early Church and its profound impact. We can read about the rapid expansion of the church, their meeting places, and the extraordinary miracles God performed among them, and we can think, “They were the apostles and extraordinary people.”

The fact is, they were ordinary people. They were people in desperate need of a savior and in desperate need of His help every day of their lives. But, they connected with God through prayer and fasting, using these spiritual disciplines to seek His guidance, strengthen their faith, and prepare for ministry. In the church at Antioch, prophets and teachers fasted and prayed, leading the Holy Spirit to direct them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work (Acts 13:1-3).

This practice fostered a deeper communion with God and demonstrated their dependence on Him for spiritual challenges and divine direction.  Christians fast and pray to draw closer to God, demonstrate desperation for His help, and seek His guidance or power in specific situations like deliverance or healing. Fasting is a form of humbling oneself and a spiritual discipline that strengthens the spirit, weakens fleshly desires, and helps tune into God’s voice for wisdom and a more intimate relationship with Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “fasting,” and is your initial response positive or negative? Why? 
2. What are your biggest concerns or questions about fasting, and how can you pray about them? 

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.” – Psalm 63:1-2.

For thousands of years, biblical fasting has been the practice of abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. If you’re used to a routine of “three square meals a day,” going without food as a spiritual practice may sound strange. But fasting was a common religious practice when the Bible was written.

In his book “Hunger for God,” John Piper writes: “Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God. Christian fasting is not only the spontaneous effect of superior satisfaction in God, it is also a chosen weapon against every force in the world that would take that satisfaction away.” Fasting serves as a spiritual discipline,  directing one’s focus and longing toward God or a deeper spiritual connection. It’s a discipline that teaches us to trust in God for our strength. The Lord made a spiritual hunger within our hearts. David felt this yearning, and throughout the Psalms, we find him meditating on God and praising or crying out to Him. David’s greatest joy was to be with his heavenly Father in intimate communion.

Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to Him. Modern society is filled with a multitude of things that vie for our interest and affection. These pleasures and pursuits vie for our attention, claiming our time and energy.

The good news is that a longing for God can be awakened if we are willing to change our priorities and pursuits. Although cultivating a desire for the Lord takes time, the joy we’ll experience is lasting—and the rewards are eternal: “No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalms 16:9-11). We’ll always get more out of a relationship with God than we put in. And as our hunger for Him grows, He will open our hearts and minds to understand and desire Him even more.

Fasting from food is not a sign of spiritual maturity. It’s a discipline that can help us connect with God. The food is not the issue; the heart is what matters. Fasting is a God-given, biblically-founded opportunity to cultivate a hunger for God, purify our hearts, and/or seek God’s help.

Discussion Questions:

1. Was there a time in your life when you felt a deep hunger for more of God’s presence? What led to that feeling, and what did you learn from it? 
2. What are some obstacles or fears you have regarding fasting? How can you pray about these concerns?
3. How can the discipline of fasting help you align your desires with God’s will and hear His voice more clearly? 

“In fasting, you are learning to be joyful, even when you don’t get what you want. You are practicing suffering and, through it, increasing your capacity for joy in all circumstances. Fasting is hard, especially at first. However, it grows much easier with regular practice. But the “hangry” feelings that come up when we forgo meals often expose the areas of our soul most in need of grace—and, again, open us to God in surprising ways. We begin to feed on what Jesus called the “food to eat that you know nothing about.” – John Mark Comer.

It is day one of your fast, and you are convinced you heard a chocolate bar whisper your name. Day 2, and your stomach emailed you a partnership dissolution letter. Day 3, and you’re wondering if this is what a zombie apocalypse would be like. Day 4 and you’re down to cold-brewed intention and sheer willpower.

If you are unfamiliar with the purpose, process, or benefits of spiritual fasting, it can lead to a fear of the unknown. Chances are, when you hear the word “fasting,” you think about a health fad to cleanse your body, control your diet, and help you lose weight. Others view fasting as an outdated religious practice that makes one holier through self-denial and suffering. Fortunately, spiritual fasting isn’t about either of those things.

God did not design fasting as a burden to be borne or a rule to be followed in an attempt to earn divine favor; instead, the intent was that in denying ourselves that which usually satisfies our appetites, we might turn instead to God – expressing our dependence on Him, our desire for Him, and our delight in Him. In other words, we deny ourselves food to feed our souls.

Fasting, for Jesus, was not an empty religious ritual, but a powerful weapon to lay hold of as He walked upon this earth. The self-denial that left him physically weak was a means of being spiritually strong. His time spent suppressing the desires of the flesh and drawing near to the presence of His Father prepared Him to pursue the course that was set before Him. As we attempt to be with Him, like Him, and do what He does, we should view fasting as a means of denying the physical so that we might focus on the spiritual. When you’re fasting from food, the intention of God for fasting is to realign your life to position you to receive all He has for you.

In Psalm 63:1, David writes that his deepest needs can be met only through God: “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” David wrote Psalm 63 to express his longing for God. He craved God’s presence as he craved food and drink. Just as David yearned for God in the wilderness, we too can acknowledge our dependence on God and develop a deep longing for God. By applying spiritual practices, such as fasting, we can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, just as David did in Psalm 63.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your initial reaction to the idea of fasting? Is it positive, negative, or neutral? Why? 
2. What do you see as the purpose of fasting in the Christian life? 
3. What are the potential benefits of fasting, both for personal spiritual growth and for engaging with God’s work in the world? 

 “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.” – Psalm 139:7-12.

God is big and small” describes two aspects of God’s nature: immeasurable vastness and intimate presence. God is “big” in His infinite power, knowledge, and control over all things, from the universe to the smallest details of life. He is also “small” in that He is intimately involved in the lives of individuals, answering prayers and connecting with people on a personal level.

God is infinite in all aspects of His being and never changes. Only He has no source, no beginning, and no end. God needs nothing, depends on nothing, and owes nothing. He is perfect in every way.

In Job 38:1 we read. “Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind.” In Job 38:1-41, God responds to Job’s challenges by speaking from a whirlwind, not to explain Job’s suffering, but to assert His absolute sovereignty and the incomprehensible complexity of creation. God challenges Job with rhetorical questions about His role in establishing the earth, controlling natural phenomena like storms and light, and caring for creation.  Think about what it would have been like to be there. Suddenly, out of nowhere, God bursts on the scene. It must have taken Job’s breath away.

How big is your God? Big enough to intervene? Big enough to be trusted? Big enough to be held in awe and ultimate respect? Big enough to erase your worries and replace them with peace? There is no one like Him. He is over all, through all, and in all (Ephesians 4:6).  He is so big. But He can be so small.

God is concerned not only about the big things but the small things in our lives? He sent His only Son into the world to purchase our salvation. Jesus said, “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid” (Matthew 10:30-31).

God’s immense, infinite greatness as the Creator and ruler of all things is the big, and His intimate, detailed care for individuals and the small details of their lives is the small. He is present and personal in the lives of individuals, and He cares for the smallest of details.

Discussion questions:

1. How does knowing that God is the creator of the universe affect your daily dependence and trust in Him? 
2. How have you seen God work in “small, seemingly insignificant” ways that had a significant impact on your life? 

“Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]..” – James 4:14 (AMP).

James, the brother of Jesus and author of the book of James, was known for sharing practical wisdom for life. He wrote his letter to encourage believers to live out their faith through actions and challenge them to live with integrity and purpose. In James 4:14, he says, your life is like a vapor—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

Just like a vapor, our lives are short, and we don’t know how long we will live, but compared to eternity, our time is very brief. We are fragile: A vapor can be blown away by the wind or disappear as the sun rises. Similarly, our lives can change rapidly and end unexpectedly. And it is unpredictable because, like a vapor, we can’t control everything that happens in our lives.

The Bible uses other images to illustrate the brevity of life. For example, Psalm 39:4-5 says, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”

The goal is to make each moment count. To take advantage of every moment, we need to have our day sponsored by God. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” God made the day, and He made every moment. When you think about it, this is the only time God has given us.  He has not given you tomorrow. He hasn’t even given you this evening. He’s given you this moment. So, make this moment count for God.

In Job chapter 7, verse 6, we read how some people describe their day. “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope” (Job 7:6). We all have days like that, but rather consider what the day could mean if you make each moment count: accomplish something today.  Put the life of Jesus into your days. He is your life. So, put God’s life into your day.

Every second is a precious gift from God, and we should not waste it by letting days slip by without intentionality. To truly “make every moment count,” we must be present in the here and now. This means actively engaging with our experiences, whether it’s a conversation with a loved one, a beautiful sunset, or a simple task. When we understand that every moment matters, we are naturally driven to live with purpose. This means aligning our actions with God’s will, seeking to use our time to serve others, and working for the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Where in your life are you not making the most of your time or opportunity? 
2. What does it mean to be “wise” with your time? How can you apply this wisdom to your priorities, relationships, and personal goals? 
3. If time is a gift from God, how should that perspective change how you spend your “free” time? 

  But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” –  1 Thessalonians 5:1

What is critical thinking? Let us not be confused by the word “critical.”  While this word is often associated with being negatively judgmental and faultfinding, that is not the only sense of the word.  The type of critical thinking we need involves using all our faculties to evaluate ideas and attempt to determine whether they are true or false.

Critical thinking in a spiritual sense means applying the skills of careful, honest, and open-minded reasoning to spiritual beliefs, experiences, and practices. It balances a sincere search for meaning with disciplined inquiry, so your spiritual life is both heartfelt and grounded.

Scripture has other things to say about the role of thinking in the life of a Christian. Proverbs 14:15 says, “Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.” In other words, we should replace gullibility with careful thinking.

We need to remember that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. Critical thinking grounded in humility is different from cynical skepticism. It asks honest questions, weighs evidence, listens first, tests claims against Scripture and reality, and is willing to change when truth becomes clear. This kind of thinking honors God, who is a God of truth.

When reading the Bible, begin with an open heart, ready for discovery. When you approach the Bible with questions, you invite a deeper understanding and a stronger relationship with God. Questions are not signs of doubt; they are windows to faith, curiosity, and growth. Asking questions demonstrates a desire to understand God’s Word more fully. When questions arise, they lead us to seek answers in prayer, meditation, and fellowship. God inspired His Word for us to engage with it actively.

For example, questions may include: What does this passage reveal about God’s character? How does this apply to my life today? Why did certain events happen? What is God trying to teach me through this story?

God values the questions in our hearts. As you read, don’t be afraid to ask questions—that’s the beginning of wisdom and faith. Seek, knock, and you will find (Matthew 7:7). Approach the Bible with humility, curiosity, and a sincere desire to know Him more.

Reading the Bible with a humble heart is a powerful way to deepen your faith and grow closer to God. Humility opens our hearts to receive His Word without pride or preconceived notions, enabling us to understand His message truly. As James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Approach Scripture with a prayerful attitude, asking God to reveal His truths and soften your heart. Let humility inspire gratitude for His guidance and wisdom, and remember that through humility, we acknowledge our need for His grace and direction in our lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between reading the Bible critically and reading it skeptically?
2. How can a critical reading be an expression of faith rather than doubt?

“We were told technology would make our lives easier and more convenient, but technology just seems to have made it more complicated and confusing. As Christians, what does our faith have to do with these pressing issues of life in a digital age? In Following Jesus in a Digital Age, you will not only be challenged on how technology is shaping your walk with Christ, but you will also be equipped with biblical wisdom to navigate the most difficult aspects of our digital culture—including the rise of misinformation, conspiracy theories, social media, digital privacy, and polarization. God calls his people to step into the challenges of the digital age from a place of hope and discernment, grounded in His Word. How will you follow Him in the digital age?” – Jason Thacker, Following Jesus in a Digital Age.

We were told that technology would make our lives easier and more convenient, but it has made things more complicated and confusing as we try to follow Jesus in the digital age.

Following Jesus in the digital age brings unexpected hazards: constant distraction, quiet erosion of attention, comparison and envy measured in likes, misinformation that clouds truth, and relationships that feel shallower though more numerous. These are more than just technical problems. The very practices that help us connect can also pull us away from the One who calls us to love, worship, and serve with undivided devotion.

The digital age is not all bad. It would be silly to say that Christians, for example, avoid social media entirely. After all, it has its benefits as well as downsides. The internet has made sharing the gospel and spreading Christianity a lot easier. Christian communities can host online Bible study groups and services, share journeys of faith, connect with other believers, and develop stronger relationships with God, all entirely over a computer. Online alternatives are invaluable for those who may not have access to a Christian community in their local area.

But it is not all good either.  The constant barrage of digital activity can easily become consuming, subtly shifting our focus and attention away from what truly matters – our relationship with God, our loved ones, and the world around us. We need to acknowledge the captivating allure of the digital world and that we are susceptible to its distractions and temptations.  We need wisdom and discernment to navigate this age, using technology to glorify God while guarding our hearts against its potential pitfalls.

We need to prioritize God and relationships: Intentionally carve out time for prayer, reading Scripture, and meaningful in-person interactions. Make these the first and last activities of your day, rather than engaging with screens. Be intentional about when and how you use your digital devices.

Discussion Questions:

1. What part of my digital life most easily distracts me from God?
2. Which online habits encourage being with Jesus, becoming like Him and doing what He did?

“Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God.” – Oswald Chambers.

Alignment is a term frequently used in business circles. It mainly involved around shared goals, values, and purpose. When things are in alignment, they work together, often making a process smoother or ensuring that something works as intended.

When it comes to alignment in our lives, we work together with God to pursue His call and purpose. Like anything else, we can try to pursue our own purposes instead of God. However, when we are not aligned with His will and His call, we’re not operating as we were designed or intended.

Aligning with God always means becoming more like Christ. To align with God is not only to agree with His will or to follow His commands — it is to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. God’s goal for every believer is not merely correct doctrine or outward compliance but a heart and life shaped by Christ’s character: humility, love, obedience, compassion, and sacrificial service. As we fix our eyes on Jesus — studying His words, watching His example, and walking in dependence on the Spirit — we are gradually changed to be with Him, become more like Him, and do what He did. Alignment is a lifelong formation process guided by the Holy Spirit, where our desires, thoughts, and actions increasingly reflect Jesus.

To do that requires some practical rhythms in our lives. One is to abide in Scripture daily, essentially meditating on Jesus’ life and teachings and allowing them to reframe our thinking. Another is to pray for the Spirit’s help. If we want the Christlike virtues (love, patience, gentleness, etc),  and for the power to practice them, we need the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Then there is practicing obedience in small things: faithfulness in little choices becomes the pathway to becoming more like Him. We need to serve others sacrificially by putting their needs before our own. And finally, we need to live in Christian community so we can allow other believers to encourage, correct, and model Christlikeness for us.

Two verses in Romans describe the process of alignment. Romans 8:29 says, God predestined us “…to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” But then Romans 12:1-2 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Both verses discuss how we can become more like Jesus.

Thankfully, because of Jesus, we are not expected to perform flawlessly for God. God’s plan and will are perfect, but we don’t have to be. That is the purpose of grace. We won’t always be aligned with God’s plan and purpose, and we won’t always make the right choices. We will make mistakes. We need to keep working at being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does “alignment with God” mean to you personally? How does this differ from simply following rules or traditions?
2. What are some of the world’s values and priorities that are contrary to a life aligned with God? How can we identify these influences in our own lives?
3. How does understanding that God’s ways are perfect and ours are not impact your desire for alignment? 

“All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!” The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” – Exodus 32:1-6.

Few stories in the Old Testament tend to make us feel more superior to the Israelites than the tale of the golden calf in Exodus 32:1-6. But if you understand what happens here, you’ll begin to understand why we’re so prone to go astray.

What is surprising is that the Israelites had seen God take them from being slaves to being free on the way to the promised land. God had provided for them miraculously in the desert. They had seen God move with their own eyes.  But that wasn’t enough because they had a problem. Moses was up in the mountains. They stood in the middle of the desert, feeling exposed, vulnerable, and scared. And Moses was their only connection to God, and who knew if he was even still alive or if he would ever return? And so their solution was, “Make us gods who will go before us.”

Today, it may seem a little silly to think that a statue could bring peace, joy, security, and happiness. The reality is that the most dangerous idols are rarely made of wood or stone—they are the ones that quietly take God’s place in our hearts without us ever naming them. Today’s idols appear to be security, comfort, approval, control, politics, work, entertainment, and even relationships. They are not evil in themselves—many are good gifts from God—but they become idols the moment we look to them for what only God can give: identity, worth, joy, and peace.

The irony is that idols always make promises they can’t keep. They promise satisfaction but leave us empty, promise security but make us anxious, promise joy but lead us to exhaustion. God offers all these things freely.

Dismantling our idols, however, is often difficult because we don’t want to expose them. We don’t want to admit—even to ourselves—that we’ve made an idol out of our politics, our work, our relationships, or our comfort. It’s easier to rationalize that they’re not idols at all, merely good things we sometimes focus on too much.

Once you’ve identified a potential idol, consider whether you’ve put it ahead of or in place of God. Pray that He will help you become more aware of your idols, and that He’ll lead you on the long, hard path of faithfulness.

“Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm you. But you would not listen to me,’ says the Lord. ‘You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer’ (Jeremiah 25:6-7).

Discussion questions:

1. What are some modern-day idols that people struggle with?
2. What do we do when we discover an idol in our life?

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”  – Hebrews 4:15.

Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus is our “high priest,” who entirely understands our reality and what we are facing. Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, knows from a human perspective every temptation we experience as humans. In other words, He is truly the only one who knows how we feel. Jesus went through struggles himself and experienced temptation. And in Him, we are not alone. There is someone we can talk to, who will understand exactly what we’re going through and what we need at any given moment because He’s been there.

As fully man, He knows what it is to be thirsty, hungry, hated, rejected, ridiculed, excluded, embarrassed, abandoned, and misunderstood. He knows what it is to be lonely. His friends abandoned Him when He needed them most; had He lived today, every last Facebook friend would have unfriended Him when he turned thirty-three and was crucified.

Think about your relationship with the President of the United States. Most likely, you will never be able to approach the president independently. If someone gave you a “pass” to get to him, that would be great. But even then, other than for the novelty of it, what would be the point? He is in a different place in life than each of us, and he would probably not be all that interested in our requests. He would listen kindly with the best of intentions, but ultimately, he’s probably not going to be able to help you personally.

Thanks to the cross, we have that “pass” to get to God, our Father in heaven. But what would be the real value of that if we only found God to be some high and mighty king who reigned from a distance, who couldn’t directly connect with His children? It would be an honor to be in His presence, but it wouldn’t be an intimate encounter.  God came close to us by sending His Son as a human just like us. He wanted us to know Him, see Him, touch Him, and have a close relationship with Him.

It is comforting to know that Jesus relates to us on a deeply personal level. He lived among us, yet at the same time, He possessed the power and authority of God to save us and transform our lives. When you’re exhausted, remember that He fell asleep in a storm-tossed boat (Mark 4:38). When friends let you down, remember that His closest disciples deserted Him in His hour of need (Mark 14:50). When you’re tempted, remember that He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus experienced all the feelings, the highs and lows, the positive and the negative that we feel, and was tempted in the same ways by the same things.

So, as we navigate life’s challenges, let’s hold on to the truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully man—the perfect Savior who understands us deeply and loves us completely.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Jesus being fully God and fully man mean to you?
2. How does the fact that Jesus experienced much of what we experience help you in times of trials?