“” – 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? 

 “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?