“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

We have this little tradition of when we are passing someone on the street, in a store, or even at church: we greet others with a “Hi! How are you?” Then, we turn and go about our business.

We have to be careful that we don’t view our relationship with God the same way. We can go to church, and a small group, save and tithe as if we’ve completed just another checklist item, and move on. Our lives become so busy―too busy―that we try to fit God into whatever time we have left over. So how do we grow in communion with our heavenly Father? So how do we experience greater fellowship with God? One way is through regular, purposeful, and persistent prayer.

Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 are so powerful. His encouragement to “never stop praying” reminds us that prayer isn’t about ideal circumstances—a thriving spiritual life is about cultivating a rhythm of trust and connection with God. Like any meaningful relationship, our connection with God grows stronger when nurtured consistently. Prayer becomes a rhythm that sustains us, aligning our hearts with His will and opening our eyes to His presence in every moment. A thriving spiritual life is about cultivating a rhythm of trust and connection with God.

A consistent prayer routine isn’t just another task on a spiritual checklist. It’s a transformative practice that connects us to the One who restores and renews. In quiet moments of prayer, we discover clarity in confusion, peace amidst chaos, and strength during uncertainties. A prayer rhythm plays a pivotal role in this process, providing the framework for us to partner with God through consistent communication with Him. We begin to see His hand at work, transforming our pain into purpose. The good news is that a prayer routine doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be intentional.

The first step in cultivating a prayer rhythm is releasing the pressure to “perform” in prayer. God is not waiting for polished words; He is waiting for our presence. Just as a friend cherishes simple conversation, our Father delights in honest, unguarded dialogue. Begin your day with a simple acknowledgment—“Good morning, Lord. I’m here.” Before the rush, before the noise, anchor your heart to Him.

A true prayer rhythm seeps into ordinary moments—washing dishes, driving, working, walking. Prayer becomes less of an event and more of an atmosphere. You start praying without realizing it: over your thoughts, over your frustrations, over the people who pass you. Life becomes a sanctuary, and every breath becomes worship.

A prayer rhythm is not built in a moment; it is formed over miles of trust. But as it grows, so does your awareness of God’s nearness.

Discussion questions:

    1.    Where can I place intentional prayer touch points in my day?

    2.    What simple prayer can I begin each morning with?

    3.    How can I incorporate Scripture into my daily prayer rhythm?

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2.

In every age, humanity has wrestled with distraction. But perhaps never before has the battle been so fierce. Our days are filled with pings, posts, and endless streams of noise clamoring for our attention. The problem isn’t just that we’re distracted—it’s that we often welcome distraction as an escape. When life feels uncertain, when we fear silence, or when obedience seems too hard, we turn to the quick comfort of screens, entertainment, or busyness. Yet beneath the constant motion lies a quiet ache: the longing for peace and purpose that only God can fill.

In Luke 10:38–42, we see a familiar story—Martha bustling around, distracted by preparations, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha isn’t doing anything wrong. She’s serving. But Jesus gently reminds her, “you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about.” In that moment, Jesus is addressing her anxious busyness over household tasks, highlighting that true necessity lies in a deeper spiritual connection and prioritizing His presence and teachings, as exemplified by her sister Mary.

Escapism takes many forms. For some, it’s the scroll through social media. For others, it’s the pursuit of achievement, entertainment, or endless planning. Psalm 46:10 invites us, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Stillness is not inactivity—it’s intentional presence. It’s choosing to sit at His feet rather than flee to our screens. It’s the practice of renewing rest in God’s presence. Escapism fades when our hearts find something greater to run toward. Worship replaces wandering. Prayer replaces pretense. Silence becomes sanctuary, not threat. When we give God our undivided attention—even for a few sacred moments—He reshapes our priorities and replenishes us.

The best way to ensure that God always has our full, undivided attention is by staying connected with and focused on Him throughout the day. With all our distractions, staying connected to Christ takes intentionality and commitment.

To stay connected, we need to have time with God every day. With our busy schedules, it becomes necessary to dedicate time each day to sit down, rid yourself of distractions, and be with the Lord. While quiet time is a good thing, prayer is also important. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”

God deserves that when we spend time with Him, we shut everything else out and focus entirely on Him. The living God doesn’t want just some of us when we spend time with Him; He wants all of us. Just like we need full attention in a heart-to-heart conversation, God wants the same from us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What distractions or escapes most easily pull you away from God’s presence?
2.  How might you create moments of silence or solitude this week to listen for His voice?
3. What would it look like to replace one habit of escapism with a moment of prayer or gratitude?

 “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” – Hebrews 4:16

In our hurried lives, prayer can easily become background noise. We mutter a quick word before meals or whisper a plea when crisis strikes. But true prayer slows us down. The reality is that God is not a vending machine for blessings or a crisis hotline in times of trouble, but a living presence who listens, loves, and leads. The act of prayer itself shapes us. It aligns our will to His, softens our hearts, and anchors us in His peace.

Prayer should be a regular part of a believer’s life. Jesus said, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private…” (Matthew 6:6). We can pray anytime, anywhere. But God also expects us to set aside time to talk with Him in private. Jesus not only taught about private prayer, He modeled what it looks like. “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (Luke 5:16). As His followers, we should have the same gravitational pull to prayer that Jesus had.

Paul’s command to “Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) isn’t about constant words—it’s about continuous awareness. It’s learning to live with God as our unseen companion, inviting Him into the ordinary: the commute, the meeting, the dishes, the silence.

When we look throughout Scripture, there is a continued narrative that we are not meant to navigate this life on our own. Scripture over and over beckons us to seek after the Lord, not only in reading His words through Scripture but by seeking Him through prayer.

So we pray because it’s necessary. We pray because we serve a God who gives us opportunities every day to bring Him into our joy, our trials, and our pain. And we pray because without Him, we truly can do nothing. John Piper communicates it best when he said, “Prayer is the open admission that without Christ we can do nothing.” A life without prayer means we believe we can manage things on our own, have a firm grasp on the direction of our lives, and will only reach out when things get really bad.

Prayer is not a performance, a checklist, or a ritual to earn favor. The secret of prayer is not eloquence or endurance, but honesty. God would rather hear our raw truth than our polished phrases. He delights in authenticity more than fluency. It is a conversation between a child and their Father—between the finite and the infinite, the weary and the all-sufficient.

You have a personal invitation to spend time with the heavenly Father, the Creator of the Universe. And He’s not just inviting you…He’s expecting you.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does reframing prayer as a conversation with God help you rethink what prayer looks like in your own life? 
2. What keeps most people from praying regularly, and what are some specific ways to overcome these challenges? 
3. What are some next steps you need to take in your prayer life? 

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” – 1 John 3:1. 

When people are saved, our first instinct is to teach them to do. To read the Bible, attend church, become part of a small group, serve, give, and so on. And of course, all these things are essential. But there is a prior step. If we are to navigate living for Christ in today’s complex culture, our first step is to ensure that we know who we are. So who are we? 1 John 3:1 gives us the answer:

No matter what shakes, moves, or changes around us, we know who we are because we know whose we are. Our Creator, Redeemer, and Guide has given us purpose, stability, and identity. The ways we serve Him, the places we shine His love, and the people to whom we live the message may change–but that doesn’t shake who we are in Christ. We are the loved and forgiven children of God. The Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, failures, or societal labels. Instead, we are defined by God’s love and grace.

We are cherished, valued, and accepted by God, not because of what we do, but because of who we are in Him. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  

Living out our true identity also means embracing our God-given worth. Christ calls us to see ourselves through His eyes—loved and redeemed. We are heirs to His kingdom, and as Romans 8:17 says, “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”  

Furthermore, knowing our identity in Christ encourages us to reflect His character and love for others. Our lives become a testimony of His grace, showcasing His light through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and humility. As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Him, we naturally extend His love to those around us, becoming living proof of His transformative power.

 “God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:10-11). 

In conclusion, it’s not who the world says you are; you’re who Jesus says you are.  

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the traditional voices (family, society, profession, etc.) that often define our identity, and how are these identities fleeting compared to the permanence of identity in Christ?
2. How does the concept of being a “masterpiece” created by God (Ephesians 2:10) challenge or affirm your view of yourself?

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” – Psalm 9:9-10.

Many apps offer daily, concise summaries of the news, allowing you to tailor the news you choose to see. But no matter how you customize your news consumption, you will most likely be overwhelmed by the sheer weight of global headlines streaming across your computer or device. Turmoil dominates the news cycles.

Turmoil is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s personal struggles, family challenges, or global crises, moments of upheaval can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and hopeless. But as believers, we are not left to face these storms alone. The Bible offers us timeless truths and promises that can anchor us through any turmoil.

In John 16:33, Jesus reassures us, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” This verse reminds us that turmoil in the forms of trials and difficulties is a part of life, but it does not have the final say. Christ’s victory over sin and death is the foundation of our hope, and His presence gives us strength to endure.

When turmoil surrounds us, it is tempting to focus on our circumstances and allow fear to take hold. However, Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is our direct line to the peace-giving presence of God. When we pour out our hearts to Him, He replaces our anxiety with His calm and clarity.

Turmoil often reveals our dependence on ourselves, on others, or on temporary solutions. But it also presents an opportunity to deepen our trust in God’s sovereignty. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Even in chaos and confusion, God’s purpose is unfolding. He can transform our turmoil into a testimony of His faithfulness.

During days of distress, it’s crucial to anchor ourselves in God’s promises. Psalm 46:1-3 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge.

Turmoil is temporary, but God’s love and promises are eternal. When faced with chaos, turn your eyes to Jesus—our peace, our healer, and our firm foundation. Lean on His word, pray without ceasing, and trust that He is working all things together for good. With Him, we can find peace in the midst of turmoil and emerge stronger than before.

Discussion Questions:

1. What kinds of “storms” or difficult circumstances have you faced in your life? 
2. How did you respond during those challenging times, and what did you learn about your faith? 
3. What does it mean to you to have or to find peace during turmoil? 

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19 (ESV).

A recent survey of Americans shows that most Americans see a country with great and increasing division. The survey reported that eighty-one percent of Americans say America is more divided than united. The things that previously united us together as a society are now fewer than what divides us. The church stands in the midst of this fragmented society as we strive to follow the core command in Scripture for believers to live in peace, love, and unity of mind, setting aside pride and personal differences for the sake of a collective identity in Christ. This unity in the Bible goes far deeper than liking the same sports team, living in the same neighborhood, or hanging with the same group of friends.

How often do you stop for a moment and reflect on the people we are sharing our life with? Are they people just like you?  Do they go to the same church, your kids go to the same schools, you are a part of the same organizations and groups, you go to the same Bible study, you live in similar subdivisions, you drive similar cars, etc.

The Bible teaches that in Christ, there is no distinction between people, such as Jew or Gentile, highlighting a universal call to love and serve all. The gospel invites us into a diverse kingdom, made up of people from “…every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). When we step into Christ’s family, we are called not only to love God but to serve His people—and not just those who look like us, think like us, or share our background. Serving those who are different from us is one of the most visible ways we demonstrate Christ’s love.

Differences can make us uncomfortable. It is easier to serve people who share our culture, political views, or values, because there is less friction. But when Christ walked the earth, He consistently went out of His way to serve those who were unlike Him: Samaritans, Romans, tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and Gentiles. Jesus did not allow cultural, social, or religious barriers to limit His compassion. But when we serve those who are different, we push back against the walls the world erects and show the world a kingdom without borders.

Serving across differences does not erase distinctions, but it does remind us that those distinctions do not divide the body of Christ.  We see more of God’s image reflected in the diversity of His people. We taste the reality of heaven, where difference is not erased but celebrated.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the differences between serving a stranger and serving a family member or a neighbor? 
2. What does it take for us to become aware of people who are different than us around us? Does it require a change in attitude or just a behavior change?

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2.

Almost everyone will experience times in their lives when the burdens of life become overwhelming. Whatever the reasons, however it happened, you wake up feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The joy, the peace, the hope of this life seem so far away.

When we think of the gospel, our minds often go to the personal reality: Jesus died for me, saved me, forgave me, and gave me new life. All of that is true, but scripture reminds us that the gospel is never meant to be a solo competition; it is a team sport. The good news of Jesus calls us into a family, a body, a team.

Think of how a great sports team works. One star player can shine, but the game is won only when teammates pass the ball, cover for each other’s weaknesses, and rally when one falters. The church is no different. None of us is meant to carry the load ourselves. We are knit together so that when one member suffers, all suffer, and when one rejoices, all rejoice:

This is countercultural in a world that glorifies self-sufficiency and personal achievement. Yet the gospel is rooted in the humility of Christ, who “carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4 ESV) and bore the ultimate burden of our sin on the cross. If our Savior stooped that low, how can we not stoop to help shoulder the ordinary burdens of life with one another?

Maybe it is sitting with a grieving friend, not offering quick fixes, but the ministry of presence. Perhaps it’s as simple as bringing a meal, offering childcare, or giving a ride to someone who needs it. Or maybe it is quietly stepping in with generosity when another’s load feels crushing. Every time we do this, we act out the gospel.  God designed His church so that weight is never wasted. A load divided among many is transformed into a testimony of grace. We not only fulfill the law of Christ but display to the watching world that the gospel is a team sport—and that in Christ, no one has to carry the load alone.

The apostle Paul paints this picture vividly in Galatians 6:2: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”  It means taking the weight another person is shouldering, choosing to strain your own back so theirs can straighten. It looks like slowing down to match the pace of the weary, or running ahead to cheer on the fainthearted.

God is telling us to share the burdens of others.  The nature of love is not to be served, but to serve. The nature of love is not to get, but to give.

We carry burdens for others because we love. That’s what the body of Christ does for one another.   

Discussion Questions:

1. What are practical, specific ways we can be more intentional about bearing one another’s burdens? 
2. In what ways can we be available to those in need without feeling overwhelmed by their burdens? 

Take your eyes and your ears and your hands and your feet and your thoughts and your heart: Give them completely and unreservedly to Christ. – Billy Graham.

In a special meal more than two thousand years ago, Jesus sat down with twelve of His closest friends for their last supper together. However, the purpose was more than fellowship. Jesus wanted to teach His disciples an important lesson in leadership.

John 13:4 says Jesus did something highly unusual that night. He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. He then poured water into a basin and began washing the disciples’ feet. Peter was shocked and offended. He couldn’t stand the sight of his Master acting like a servant.

“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Peter asked. Jesus, realizing how scandalous His act seemed to the disciples, said, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter objected, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:6-8). After Jesus finished cleaning the disciples’ feet, He said, “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).

Jesus wasn’t encouraging His disciples to open a foot-washing clinic. He was showing them how they would be most effective in sharing the gospel. Serving others is a spiritual discipline that can be defined as an action motivated by love. First John 3:18 says, “…let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” It’s true: actions speak louder than words.

The Lord calls us to serve because it helps demonstrate to those around us what kind of Savior and Lord we follow. This can be encouraging to those who already know Him and revealing to those who don’t. After all, how do you usually react when you witness or benefit from someone’s example of service?

Following Jesus’s example is worth it. Jesus plainly says in John 13:17, “Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” We are repeatedly told in the Bible that while following Jesus won’t always be easy, it will ultimately lead to our great benefit. It’s why, for example, Paul urges us, “… let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9). God is no one’s debtor. In one way or another, He will always give us far more than we give Him.

Love prompted the King of Kings to humble Himself and wash the disciples’ dirty feet and then the cross. Love is what we need to serve others.

Discussion Questions:

1. When you think about serving others, do you see it primarily as helping people or as serving Christ Himself?
2. What personal sacrifices – time, comfort, resources – has God asked you to make in order to serve others?

“But Jesus replied, ‘My Father is always working, and so am I.’ – John 5:17.   

We say that God is at work — working mightily, working miraculously, working in mysterious ways —still, it’s easy for us as humans to look around at what is happening all over the world and ask, “God, how exactly are you working? And could you please pick up the pace?”

It feels easier to see God working in smaller ways, such as when God answers our prayer to let us make that 3-minute light on 23rd Street. It’s sometimes harder to see God working on a global scale.

But God is at work around the world, and God is equally able to help us navigate a light that turns yellow just as we are halfway through the intersection, as He is transforming whole nations. Nothing is overwhelming and unstoppable when we remember who’s in control.

God is at work in the world today, weaving His divine plan through the fabric of everyday life. His presence is active and evident, even in places where we least expect it. Throughout scripture, we see God’s consistent activity in creation, history, and the lives of His people. Genesis begins with the powerful act of God speaking the universe into existence, demonstrating His sovereignty over all things. Even now, His ongoing work can be seen in the beauty of creation—the changing seasons, the birth of new life, and the intricate design of nature all point to a Creator who is active and present.

God’s work is also evident in the unfolding of history. Throughout the Bible, God’s sovereignty is clear as He raises leaders, intercedes on behalf of His people, and fulfills His promises. In the same way, today, God’s hand is at work amid the complexities of our world—bringing about justice, mercy, and redemption. Sometimes, it is in quiet moments—a gentle answer, a compassionate act—that God’s love is shown. Other times, it is through significant events that He reveals His power and purpose.

We can also see God’s activity through the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit moves in and through us, transforming hearts and empowering us to live out His love. Missions, kindness, and forgiveness are tangible signs of God’s work in the world.

Despite the chaos and suffering in the world, we are reminded that God’s work is never halted. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” This truth comforts us and encourages us to trust that no matter what happens, God’s purpose is being fulfilled and His redemptive plan is still unfolding.

God’s work in the world is ongoing and undeniable. From creation to redemption, His hand is present and active. As believers, we are called to look for His movements, trust in His sovereignty, and participate in His plan. Let us walk in faith, knowing that God is at work in the world today, shaping a future filled with hope and grace.

Discussion Questions:

1. Think of a time you felt God’s presence or work in your life. What was happening, and how did it change you? 
2. When have you had to trust “the invisible hand” of God’s work, even when you couldn’t see it clearly? 

“Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.

In a world often divided by lines of race, class, nationality, politics, and beliefs, the human tendency is to view others as “them” rather than “us.” We tend to hang out with people who agree with us and to see those with whom we disagree as “other.” We do this in both small areas (such as food and sports teams) and large ones (like family and faith). Whether it’s a tiff with a spouse, a disagreement with a friend, or an argument with a boss, we immediately adopt an “us versus them” mentality. It’s just how we’re wired. The “Us versus Them” mentality is rife in the world.  I’m right, you’re wrong. There is no grey.

If we are to practice the way of Jesus, we are called to bridge these divisions and embrace a love that unites rather than separates. The foundation for this is the Gospel truth: God died for everyone.

God’s love is inclusive. John 3:16 says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” This verse reminds us that salvation, grace, and the hope of eternal life are available to all people—regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status. Jesus’ sacrifice was not just for a select group but for the entire world. His death and resurrection broke down barriers and opened the way for salvation for everyone.

The us-versus-them mentality can cause us to view the people in the “them” category as adversaries or enemies rather than as people that God loves and died for. As believers, we are called to mirror God’s love—a love that is patient, kind, and inclusive. Jesus practiced this love by reaching out to Samaritans, tax collectors, sinners, and outsiders—those traditionally considered “them.” His example reminds us that God’s love extends beyond our comfort zones and cultural boundaries.

The Great Commission is to make disciples of all nations. This command emphasizes that the Gospel is for everyone, not just a select group. When we embrace this truth, it naturally counters the us-versus-them mindset. We become witnesses to a love that crosses boundaries and unites us in Christ.

The message of the Gospel is clear: Christ’s death was for everyone. As we work to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what He did, we can work to see others through God’s eyes. There is no us versus them in God’s kingdom.

1. What are some examples of an “us versus them” mentality you’ve seen or experienced in daily life, inside or outside the church? What was the result?
2. Why are people so susceptible to this way of thinking?
3. What can we do to reduce the “us” versus “them” mentality?”