“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

School-age children often dislike seeing summer end, while many adults welcome its conclusion due to the heat. But both will acknowledge and accept the fact that another season has changed and that change has brought the beauty of autumn. Along with the tree leaves changing colors, the temperature grows colder, and the daylight starts growing shorter.

God takes out His brush and paints the landscape of creation with the most vibrant colors, using shades of gold, orange, red, and deepening hues of green and brown.

As summer’s heat fades and autumn’s cool air drifts in, creation quietly reminds us of God’s rhythms. Trees surrender their leaves, gardens slow their growth, and nature seems to take a deep, peaceful breath. Autumn is not about death—it’s about preparation. It’s the season where roots go deeper, storing strength for the spring to come.

Our spiritual lives also need these autumn moments. Sometimes we push through without pausing, running on spiritual fumes. But the Lord invites us to renew—to release the burdens and busyness of the past season, and to sink our roots deeper into Him. This might look like a slower morning with your Bible, a quiet prayer walk under changing leaves, or simply a willingness to rest in His presence without an agenda.

Autumn can be a particularly fitting time for reconnecting with God and embarking on a journey of spiritual renewal. The natural world around us undergoes a beautiful transformation, providing powerful metaphors for our own spiritual lives. Jesus Himself modeled this rhythm—stepping away to pray, to be alone with the Father, to recharge. Autumn whispers that we should do the same.

Autumn is an exciting time – but amidst all the activities that occur during this season, it is essential to stay focused on God and make the most of every precious moment.

Busy seasons require us to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. We may have several. The solution is to focus on one thing at a time. While you focus on one thing, also stay focused on the One who holds your day and your heart in His hands.

When we focus our attention on God in every season, when we remember that this life isn’t just about accomplishing and achieving, but about being devoted to a relationship with God, we’re able to follow Him as seasons change.

Discussion Questions:

1. Just as trees shed their leaves in autumn, what are some things you might need to “let go of” in your life to make room for deeper spiritual growth?
2. How can we find comfort and trust in God’s plan, even when facing uncertainty or a “season of letting go”? 
3. What lessons can we learn from the natural changes that occur in nature during the fall about embracing transition and trusting in God’s timing? 

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.” – Matthew 4:1-2.

Think about it for a second. The number forty in the Bible is a powerful symbol that points to significant periods of testing, trial, and ultimately, transformation or resolution. For example, in Noah’s day, the flood came for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12).  But then day forty-one came, and the rain stopped, signaling a fresh covenant between God and man. Moses committed murder and then hid in the desert for forty years. This division of Moses’ life into three forty-year periods (Egypt, Midian, wilderness) is a common understanding derived from biblical accounts and commentaries, highlighting periods of preparation, humility, and leadership. But then day forty-one came, and God called him to rescue Israel. Twice, Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai with God, receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28-35). On day forty-one, he received the Ten Commandments.

Israel wandered for forty years because of disobedience (Joshua 5:6).  But in year forty-one, they walked into the promised land. Elijah traveled forty days to Mount Horeb, exhausted and discouraged, yet it was there he heard God’s whisper (1 Kings 19:8–12).

Goliath taunted Israel for forty days, but on day forty-one, David defeated him.  Jonah preached a message that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days, and when God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.

Before His public ministry, Jesus spent forty days fasting and being tempted, emerging victorious and Spirit-empowered (Luke 4:1–14). After rising from the dead, Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples, strengthening their faith before ascending to heaven (Acts 1:3).

So what’s the takeaway of all this? The number forty-one represents the dawn of a new day. The rain will stop, the giant will fall, and you will enter your “promised land.” Don’t give up at forty. You might want to ask yourself, forty what? Your “40” may not be literal days or years—it might be a prolonged season of uncertainty, a waiting period you don’t understand, or a trial you didn’t choose. But if the Bible teaches us anything about the 40s, it’s this: God always uses them for transformation.

It could be forty seconds, forty minutes, forty days, forty months, or forty years, but what if it is something else? What if it is forty times to turn the other cheek or repent or say you are sorry? What if it is forty times to pray for direction in your life? What if it is forty times to invite someone to church?

Whatever it is, forty-one is coming.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is there a “forty” in your life?
2. How can the church community help you deal with any forties in your life?

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” – Colossians 3:17.

On September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon, occurred. A blood moon eclipse is one of those rare celestial moments where the ordinary night sky transforms into something almost otherworldly.  There’s a haunting stillness in the way the colors shift, as if the sky is holding its breath. The moon, usually so constant and unchanging, takes on a fragile, burning glow, suspended like an ember in the vast blackness of space. It is breathtaking to see.

Everybody wants to see it because we are indoctrinated to look for the special. The unique. The one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s art or looks, nature or experiences, the less common, the more we revel in it. And why not, there is amazing everywhere. However, if we only assign worth and praise based on the spectacular, we miss God in the mundane.

Somewhere along the way, we have been led to believe that we have to do amazing things for God. While being a follower of Jesus involves actions and not just belief, the emphasis is on humility and obedience rather than grand gestures or worldly accomplishments. Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of a surrendered heart, a willingness to serve others, and a commitment to His word, rather than prioritizing fame or worldly success.

However, it is easy to become frustrated by the repetitive cycles of daily life and wonder why more amazing things aren’t happening. However, the reality is that God is glorified just as much in the mundane tasks of everyday life as in the activities traditionally considered holy or religious. Glorifying God extends to all aspects of life, including the ordinary and routine. When these tasks are performed with excellence and a heart focused on God, they become acts of worship.

Finding blessings in the mundane involves recognizing and appreciating the small, everyday moments as gifts from God, rather than taking them for granted. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking grand, extraordinary experiences to finding joy and purpose in the ordinary tasks and routines of life.

It is essential to remember that God uses each of our experiences here on earth to prepare us for something greater. Following God is a process, as He transforms our hearts every day, allowing us to develop a deeper relationship with Him.

If you feel stuck in a mundane routine, ask God to give you the eyes to see the purpose behind your life. While these things may not be immediately apparent now, trust that as His children, God has a plan for us that is greater than anything we could have imagined. By cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness, we can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary and find joy in the simple things.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some examples of mundane or ordinary tasks or routines in our daily lives? 
2. Why do we often struggle to find meaning or joy in these ordinary moments? 
3. How can we shift our perspective to see the divine presence and purpose in the seemingly unspiritual or routine parts of our lives? 

“After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone”  – Matthew 14:23.

Solitude is not simply being alone; it is the intentional choosing of space where noise, distraction, and performance fall away so we can be present with God. Jesus modeled this repeatedly — withdrawing from crowds, from success, and even from His closest friends — to pray, listen, and be renewed. In those quiet places, He discerned the Father’s will and received strength.

Solitude differs from loneliness. Loneliness is an ache, an unwanted isolation that leaves us empty. Solitude, chosen and guided by the Spirit, can be a restorative experience. It gives the heart a chance to name fears, talk to God, receive grace, and hear the gentle voice of God that is often drowned out by busyness and noise.

In the rush of responsibilities, noise, and constant input, finding quiet time alone with God is not an optional luxury — it’s nourishment for the soul. By getting still and sitting with Him, we have the honor of hearing from Him, receiving revelation through the Holy Spirit, pouring out our hearts to Him, and experiencing comfort, joy, and peace that surpass our understanding. Simply put, a “quiet time” is a way to intentionally seek God and connect with Him on a personal level. “After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone” (Matthew 14:23).

Ideally, carving out intentional time to spend with God should be a regular occurrence, a daily one. The most important thing is to give God what you can. Start with the time you have. If that looks like once a week, until you build it up to a few times, and eventually daily,

We can think of solitude as a duty or ritual, but in reality, it is a privilege. The astonishing truth is that the Creator and Redeemer of the world welcomes our voice. To speak with our Savior is not a transaction but a relationship — an intimate conversation where mercy meets honesty, where grace meets need, and where rest meets the weary.

When Jesus said, “Come to me,” He didn’t add conditions about eloquence, achievement, or spiritual resume. He opened space for the honest heart — the tired, the doubting, the joyful, the confused. Hebrews reminds us we may “approach with confidence” precisely because we approach not as strangers but as children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

So how do we live the privilege: Make a small, regular appointment: five to ten minutes at the same time each day to speak and to listen. Choose a regular time and place — morning is helpful for many, but any consistent time works. Start small — 5–10 minutes daily, then build. Consistency matters more than length. Remove distractions: put your phone on Do Not Disturb or leave it in another room.

Quiet time becomes a place where anxieties are brought before a loving Father, where hard decisions are clarified, and where ordinary days are transformed.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do your daily choices and commitments align with or diverge from what God truly cares about?
2. What habits or spiritual routines in your life might need to be reevaluated to honor God with your time better?
3. What are some ways to create more space for God?

“” – Mark 1:35.

What is the official definition of solitude? Google defines solitude as “the state or situation of being alone, a lonely or uninhabited place.” The Bible refers to solitude as a practice of withdrawing from the distractions and demands of daily life to spend intentional, focused time alone with God in prayer.

Culture today has a different view. Who wants to sit in silence and listen to their thoughts or empty their mind? Who has time to slow down in the business of life to reflect and look inward?  Believers struggle with those same questions from time to time. In those times, we should remember Jesus’ practice of solitude and silence.

Jesus continually withdrew from people, daily life activities, and the demands of His ministry to be alone with the Father and pray. Jesus’ solitude and silence are significant themes in the Gospels. His ongoing, intimate relationship with His Father was the source of His compassion, wisdom, and power that we see on every page of the Gospels.

Jesus knew that plugging into His Father meant occasionally unplugging from the world’s demands. So, Jesus sought out the time and the space for solitude. “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray” (Mark 1:35). Jesus’ time in solitude was not a one-time event. He frequently sought out times and places. For example, Jesus spends time in solitude before He chooses the disciples (Luke 6:12); He seeks a lonely place (Mark 6:31); He spends time praying alone following the feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:46); and seeks time alone in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36). Through the course of His ministry, Jesus frequently engaged in times of solitude.

These Scriptures, along with others, should serve as a personal compass and source of encouragement for us to practice solitude in our own lives. Solitude offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the noise and busyness of the world, allowing for a deeper connection with God. It’s a space to reflect on God’s Word, pray, and listen for His guidance.

In the quiet of solitude, we can discern God’s voice and leading more clearly, gaining perspective and wisdom for our lives.  Our culture is often filled with external noise and internal distractions. Solitude helps us quiet the noise and create space for reflection and spiritual awareness.

John Mark Comer writes, “The wilderness isn’t a place of weakness; it’s a place of strength. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness because it was there, and only there, that Jesus was at the height of His spiritual powers. It was only after a month and a half of prayer and fasting in the quiet place that He had the capacity to take on the devil himself and walk away unscathed.”

Find a quiet place, free from distractions, and spend time with God, just being with Him in silence and reflection. Even a short period of solitude can be beneficial.

Discussion Questions:

1. Solitude is one of the most neglected spiritual disciplines in modern Christianity. While not often practiced, it is much needed by followers of Jesus. Is solitude something that is a regular rhythm for you?
2. What are some practical steps you can take to integrate the spiritual discipline of solitude into your faith walk?

“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18.

We live in an age where people can be overly sensitive, easily offended, and triggered. Most people are “sensitive” to being isolated, excluded, and treated differently because of their race, gender, sex, disability, or other characteristic. The question is, should Christians be overly sensitive?

While it depends on the situation, in most cases, the answer should be no. Being overly sensitive can lead to unnecessary offense, bitterness, or a lack of forgiveness. It can hinder our ability to grow spiritually, forgive others, and extend grace to others. Instead, Christians are encouraged to develop an emotional guardrail that will enable them to be with Jesus, be like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

James 1:19 advises us to be “…quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James reminds us to approach life with patience and understanding, rather than rashness or overreaction.

As Christians, we are called to be compassionate, understanding, and empathetic. So how do we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry? When facing hurt or criticism, seek God’s perspective before reacting. Practice forgiveness and remember that our identity is firmly rooted in Christ, not in the opinions of others. Cultivate a gentle spirit that reflects Christ’s love, but also develop emotional strength to handle life’s challenges with grace.

Grace makes us open and receptive to God, and God’s love makes us sensitive people. A sure sign of a sensitive heart is a steady posture of kindness and tenderness towards everyone you meet. To be kind is to embody the very life of God and His grace and mercy to us.

Being highly sensitive is not uncommon, and just like any other God-given personality trait, it can be used as a strength or become a weakness. God gives us grace, but also the tools and tasks that enable us to not only function well in society but also to thrive as highly sensitive Christians.

Discussion questions:

1. What does it mean to be a “sensitive” person? What’s the difference between healthy, godly sensitivity and being overly sensitive?
2. Can you think of a time when being sensitive was a blessing? Can you recall a time when being overly sensitive was a hindrance to you?

“This is what the LORD says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters … ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16,18-19 (NIV).

Throughout time, people have been intrigued by their tomorrows. Predicting the future helps people feel in control, make better decisions, avoid danger, and gain an advantage — even though it’s often impossible and, as a result, is error-prone. From speculations about our personal destiny to educated guesses about things like the economy, people long to know what’s around the dark, unknown corner of “what will be in the future.”

In some cases, the future of the church appears challenging. However, on a global scale, Christianity continues to grow robustly, creating a more diverse and expansive future for the church worldwide. As the Church, we face a rapidly changing world marked by technological advances, shifting demographics, political realignments, and cultural shifts. While it would be wonderful to foresee certain aspects of our future, the reality is that much of our future is being shaped by the decisions we make, the priorities we pursue, and the activities we engage in today. While some things are beyond our control, there are many things that we have the opportunity to influence. In lots of ways, we can positively shape our future. This requires doing the right things now.

One thing is for sure: the church will never be destroyed. Jesus said, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18). Daniel said, “During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

Isaiah reminded the people about God’s incredible deliverance in the past. “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea” (Isaiah 43:15-16). As a church, we too need to take time to recall God’s faithfulness to us. God has never once failed, and He never will.  God is capable of bringing us through anything. After recalling the past, Isaiah tells the people to forget it — because God is doing something new.  Isaiah’s words remind us that we serve a creative God who loves us and delights in surprising us in imaginative ways.

The church of the future will extend beyond Sunday services through a commitment to meeting physical needs and demonstrating kindness, compassion, and spiritual well-being in daily life. The future church will be a group of people who are with Jesus, like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

God, who holds the future in His hands. His plans are perfect, and His love never fails. No matter what the future holds, we can face it with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father is guiding, providing, and bringing His purpose to pass in our lives and the life of the church.

Discussion Questions:

1. What emotions—hope, fear, uncertainty—arise when you think about the future of the church, and why do you feel that way?
2. What do you envision the church of the future looking like, and what role do you hope to play in shaping it?

“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?