“We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy.” – C.S. Lewis.  

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Weight of Glory, “We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy, and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.” Most of us have grown accustomed to what truly does amount to being “starved” for solitude. We are bombarded by so much noise that solitude is a scarce commodity, and we can’t find enough time to be with our Creator.

Solitude is a spiritual practice. Solitude can seem a little esoteric, or it may just be that many people are simply out of practice with being alone and quiet, both with themselves and with God. However, solitude is essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

We need solitude for one reason—Jesus needed it. Throughout the New Testament, numerous examples of Jesus going off by Himself to pray are found. Jesus began His ministry with solitude (Matthew 4:1-11). After a long day of ministry, “he went up into the hills by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23). Before the cross, Jesus goes to Gethsemane with His disciples and says, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” (Matthew 26:36). Mark 1:35, tells us “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Jesus, who practiced perfect communion with His heavenly Father while here on earth, still needed to spend time in solitude. Jesus, who was God and man simultaneously, needed time alone. When Jesus was facing His crucifixion, He spent time alone in the Garden of Gethsemane in conversation with His heavenly Father. Solitude is one of the most important and life-giving spiritual disciplines. If we want to hear God, we must practice solitude.

So, how can you practice solitude effectively? First, we need a place where we can spend time with God free from distractions or interruptions. Then, set aside a specific amount of time to spend with God in silence and solitude. It could be two minutes or an hour. Connecting with God in solitude is crucial for spiritual growth, offering a space for introspection, healing, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and purpose. It allows for a quiet contemplation of one’s own life, the nature of God, and one’s place in His story, fostering intimacy and clarity in God’s presence.

The goal of practicing the discipline of solitude is to engage in an extended conversation with God about your life, your relationship with Him, and His perspective on your life together. Your practice is to remove as many distractions as possible so you can give God your undivided attention.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “There is a wonderful power of clarification, purification, and concentration upon the essential thing in being quiet.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your current experience with solitude? Do you intentionally seek it out, or do you tend to avoid it? 
2. What are some of the biggest distractions that keep you from experiencing silence and solitude? 
3. How did Jesus model the practice of solitude, and how can His example shape our pursuit of time alone with God? 

“Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:18-20.

If you read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you will probably conclude that living for God can be pretty dangerous based on some of the stories. Job, Joseph, Moses, David, Isaiah, Ruth, Jeremiah, Peter, and many others all faced major trials. The three Hebrews were thrown into a fiery furnace. Daniel spent a night with hungry lions. John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded, and Paul was stoned and left for dead.

In the book of Daniel, the faith of Daniel and his friends was tested time and again. Taken from their homeland as young men, they were dropped into a different culture and expected to adapt to their new reality. Yet, despite every difficulty they faced, they never wavered in their devotion to the one true God. When King Darius came to check on him after Daniel’s night with the lions, he asked, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions” (Daniel 6:20)? Daniel was able to answer, “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty” (verse 22). What a testimony of God’s power and faithfulness Daniel gave to this pagan king.

There are many modern-day Daniels. No, they weren’t carried away to a strange land or turned a lion’s den into a petting zoo, but they have endured challenging situations. In A Martyr’s Grace, Marvin Newell tells the biographies of 21 Moody Bible Institute alumni who gave their lives for Christ. The book describes where they served and how their legacy and testimony live on in the rainforests, villages, churches, and cities where they died.

A Christ-like response to trials validates what Jesus is accomplishing in a believer’s life. A testimony is your story of how God has transformed your life, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very dramatic, with wild turning points and big “ah-ha moments.”  Others are some are far less so and have a slow build, but they are no less inspiring. Some testimonies may involve great struggles and the story of how Jesus helped them through it. Some may involve a few different incidents that make far more sense after some time and reflection enables you to see the hand of God working in your life.

Trials and tribulations, though challenging, can deepen our understanding of faith, strengthen our character, and provide powerful stories to share as part of our testimonies. James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some practical ways to prepare a testimony that is both authentic and impactful? 
2. How can our trials help make the point when sharing our testimonies? 

“ Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” – Matthew 21:8-11.

Halftime in sports is crucial for a variety of reasons, primarily offering a strategic and physical advantage to teams. They provide an opportunity for coaches to assess the game, make necessary adjustments to strategy, and offer a breather for players to recover and refuel.

Jesus has been busy. Numerous miracles have been performed. Hundreds of people have been healed. Lazarus has been raised from the dead. When Jesus and the disciples arrive in Jerusalem, the crowd is waiting, shouting “Hosanna.” Everyone is expecting Jesus to soon proclaim Himself as the King. The disciples probably thought this was half-time and the second half was going to be epic. It’s the Passover meal, and they are celebrating the feast that honors God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt. In the midst of high fives and smiles Jesus tells them that one of the people there will betray Him (Mark 14:18-20). Then he says all of you will desert me (Mark 14:27-31). They were probably taken back, and Peter declared emphatically. “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the others vowed the same.

Think about this half-time talk. The 12-man team is going to fall apart because they are not ready to handle the latter part of the game. Their opponent is probably too much for them to handle. And you have to finish the game without your leader because Jesus is arrested in the garden. How does his “team” react? They did exactly what Jesus said they would do, including Peter. The realization of defeat settled in and the old life-style came back John 21:3:” Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” Peter seemed to be throwing in the towel and reluctantly going back to their old life. But they had forgotten about the new coach Jesus had promised them.

In John 16:7, Jesus says, “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” Jesus had tried to prepare them: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you” (John 14:16-17).

He left them with a power. We see that power manifested in the team. Peter preached a sermon under the power of the Holy Spirit that resulted in the birth of the church. And what a second half it has been.

Discussion Questions:

1. If it’s halftime, what should we do going forward?  

“But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48.

Jesus called us to live a perfect, sinless life in righteousness. But as we discover, righteousness does not come without a fight. And sometimes that fight is not a fight you win because even though you do your best to follow Jesus, you fall. You sin. You lose the battle. But the good news is you haven’t lost the war.

Christianity is war. But this war is unlike any war that’s been fought before. Our war is not against people but against evil spiritual powers and the rulers of darkness. (Ephesians 6:12) A war tends to be a messy affair. There’s a lot of back and forth. You win some, you lose some. You fire a shot. You fire another. You hit. You miss. You take a bullet. You give in to sin. A war, you may think, is not won without a few losses.

If you’re a Christian, you know war. War with your pride, war with your lust, war with your anger. War at home, war at work, war when you’re alone. War in your head, war in your heart, war in your mouth. Defeat one enemy, and another seems lined up to take its place. Fight your way up one hill, and another hill needs to be scaled. It is easy to wonder if this is the Christian life. In those moments, we must remember that war is winnable and that it will ultimately come to an end.

Yes, the battle against sin is winnable. Though sin is a powerful force, the victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus decisively defeated sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection. This victory is the foundation for believers to experience freedom from sin’s power.  The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist temptation and live a life pleasing to God, and the Bible provides principles and strategies for overcoming sin, including abstaining from sinful desires, meditating on God’s Word, and remaining in constant prayer. Believers can have confidence that they can win the battle against sin by relying on God’s power.

He will be with you in every battle (Matthew 28:20). He will uphold you with His victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10). He will sanctify you completely (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

The “war against sin” will ultimately culminate in a future state of complete freedom from sin and its consequences. This belief is rooted in Jesus’s return and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. In this future state, sin will be eradicated, and believers will experience perfect fellowship with God and one another. We can find hope in Revelation 21:1-8, which describes a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.

While we acknowledge our ongoing struggle with sin in this life, we also believe that in Christ, we are already freed from the penalty of sin and empowered to overcome its influence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can you actively resist temptation and put sin to death? 
2. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against sin? 
3. How can you use the Word of God and prayer to fight sin? 

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God,  the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.They will soar high on wings like eagles.They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:28-3.

 I just committed a sin. It doesn’t matter what it was. It does matter that I knew it was wrong; I tried not to do it, and did it anyway. What was wrong with me that I couldn’t stop myself from doing evil? And how did I get from a place of wanting to obey God to doing the very thing He hates?

It wasn’t the first time I’ve sinned and asked those questions, and it sure won’t be the last. Those questions pop up when we feel stuck in a cycle of sin, seemingly unable to break a pattern that we tried to break over a period of time. It brings Romans 7:18-19 to memory: ”And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

Ever since Eve gave in to temptation, sin has been a part of human nature. We all sin every single day. However, God is forgiving of all sins, big or small, because He loves us and wants to save us from all things evil and all of our sin. Whether it is lying, cheating, stealing, or anything else, God views all sin the same. Sin breaks His heart and separates us from Him. So God made a way for us to be restored to a relationship with Him. Jesus paid the penalty for sin through His substitutionary death. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, proving that God accepted His payment for sin. Jesus was punished for our sins so that we could be forgiven and escape the punishment of sin.

Jesus offers forgiveness for sins to those who sincerely ask for it. This forgiveness is rooted in God’s grace and mercy so no matter what you do, you can be forgiven. God wants to forgive you and love you. He wants to have a relationship with you.  “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” – 1 John 1:9

We therefore need to learn not to underestimate the seriousness of sin; instead, we must watch out for its subtleties and insinuations. To fight against sin, we must come to understand its addictive and enslaving power.  We make a grave mistake if we think that we are the ones who can overcome sin’s indwelling power. On our own, we are powerless to fight sin. Our only option is to surrender to the One who can.  Our ability to achieve total victory over sin will never come in this life. But it will come. It will come because Christ will return.

As Christians, we can live in hope — hope that God’s grace is sufficient for our fight against sin, hope that the Spirit is renewing us and restoring our ability to fight sin day by day, and finally, hope that we will one day be remade entirely. It is Christ’s ability that is behind each of those hopes. He conquered sin and death to rescue us. He sent His Spirit to redeem us. And He will return again to restore us fully.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your definition of sin? How does it differ from a mistake or error in judgment? 
2. How does sin impact our relationship with God and with others?
3. What can you do better in your struggle with sin?
   

  “Most people want to hear or tell a good story. But they don’t realize that they can and should be the good story. That requires intentional living. It is the bridge that crosses the gap to a life that matters. “If you want to live a life that matters, don’t start when you get good; start now so you become good.” – John Maxwell, Intentional Living.

We can sing together, and listen to God’s word spoken and learn together as members of the Body of Jesus Christ. We can leave with new insights into Scripture. But there’s one thing we cannot do among several thousand people, and that is to have fellowship. For real fellowship, you need a small group. Small groups provide an opportunity for members to grow spiritually and deepen their faith. The intimacy of a small group setting enables open discussion, prayer, and Bible study in a way that may not be possible in a larger church setting. Small group Bible studies provide an opportunity for members to receive more personalized attention and support. But none of that happens without intentionality.

God made us not just as individuals, but as individuals who are part of a community. You cannot grow spiritually unless you’re connected relationally. God wants to use other people to grow us, and He wants to use us to develop other people. Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” The writer uses the words “us,” “our,” “together.” It’s not “me” but “we.”

It takes intentionality to build community. Relationships don’t automatically happen; they develop over time. Community is about doing life together. At the end of the book of Romans, Paul mentions more than 30 names of people he traveled with, stayed with, visited, worked alongside, and sang with in prison. He encouraged his friends and was encouraged by his friends. Community takes time, energy, and effort. But it is worth it.

Small groups are crucial in large churches because they foster discipleship, build meaningful relationships, and create a sense of community where individuals can experience personal growth and accountability. They offer a more intimate setting for engaging with faith, learning, and serving one another, which can be harder to achieve in a large congregational setting.

Small groups provide a space for individuals to connect with others on a deeper level and receive personalized encouragement and guidance. They can help create a sense of belonging and foster strong relationships among members, which can be vital in a large church where individuals might feel anonymous. Small groups provide a platform for members to hold each other accountable, offer support during challenging times, and encourage one another’s spiritual growth.

Rick Warren said, ”Once people are in a small group, I stop worrying about them because I know their needs are going to be taken care of.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the risks of not having biblical fellowship in your life? How honest are you willing to be with others in your community?
2. What is one tangible step you can take this week to build more intentional community with others?

“Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:18-20.

Throughout history, people have found a deep and meaningful connection with God through music and song. There are some 200 references to singing and/or songs in the Bible. Exodus 15:1 says, “I will sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.” Psalm 150 invites us to celebrate that journey by making music with every instrument we can find: “Praise him with the trumpet and with lute and harp. Praise him with the drums and dancing. Praise him with stringed instruments and horns. Praise him with the cymbals, yes, loud clanging cymbals” (Psalm 150: 3-5 TLB).

Music has the unique ability to connect with us on an emotional and spiritual level. The act of singing praises, meditating on the lyrics, and opening our hearts to God is creating something that God can use to draw people to Himself. There’s nothing better than hearing people worshipping with a song of praise. Music is powerful, and it can be a communal experience. When we come together to sing and worship, we can help create a sense of community. This is especially important in times of crisis or hardship, when we may feel alone or disconnected from the world around us. Another important aspect of worship is that it can help us to surrender our worries and fears to God. When we sing and worship, we are reminded that we are not alone. We can trust in God’s love and guidance.

Music holds a profound value, acting as a powerful medium for expression, spiritual connection, and community building. It can bring joy, comfort, and unity, serving as a bridge to God and others. Ultimately, the power of music lies in its ability to connect us with something greater than ourselves. When we sing and worship, we open ourselves up to God and allow ourselves to be transformed by the experience.

Worship music is often a central and expected part of religious services and practices, leading to it being seen as a routine element rather than something to be deeply appreciated. We, the church, are blessed to be surrounded by those who are not only talented but who love the Lord and have a heart for serving His people through their musical gifts.

Appreciating church musicians is essential because they play a vital role in shaping the worship experience, leading the congregation in praise and worship, and contributing to the overall spiritual atmosphere. They invest significant time and effort, often volunteering, to guide and inspire others through music. Showing gratitude for their dedication and talent can be a powerful act of encouragement and recognition.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we engage with music in worship in a way that is both meaningful and enjoyable, while also promoting a sense of reverence and respect? 
2. How can we use music to deepen our understanding of God’s character and His love for us? 

“In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” – Matthew 3:1-3.

Sorrow and joy are not mutually exclusive. They are not necessarily opposites that cancel each other out, but rather can co-exist and even be interwoven. People can experience both happiness and sadness simultaneously.

John the Baptist experienced both joy and sorrow. He experienced a profound joy in knowing he was preparing the way for the Messiah. This joy was also present in the womb, as he “leapt for joy” when Jesus was near (Luke 1:44). However, he also experienced sorrow, particularly during his imprisonment and execution.

In the lead-up to Jesus’ birth, John the Baptist is one of the most vital characters, promised as a forerunner to the Messiah.  John preaches to the crowds in eye-catching outfits, and his diet is more than a little interesting. He talks about another way to joy, a way that is found in Jesus the Messiah, who has come and will come again. He proclaims that Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” and “the Son of God”. In Mark 1: 7-8 (RSV) he says, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In John 3:29,  John the Baptist who is speaking uses the metaphor of a wedding to illustrate his role and the role of Jesus. He identifies himself as the “friend of the bridegroom” (Jesus) and expresses his joy in the bridegroom’s (Jesus’) voice and presence. ”It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.” There must have been a joyous time to witness Jesus’ ministry and the fulfillment of his role as the Messiah’s forerunner.

But that joy turned to sorrow when his life took a distressing turn. King Herod had him arrested and placed in a dark prison cell.  In short order. Herod had him beheaded. John’s disciples have kept him informed about what’s been happening in the outside world, but in the darkness of his prison cell, John has begun to have serious doubts.  Had he been mistaken regarding what he had once been so certain, that Jesus was the long-awaited messiah?  He is tempted to despair.  And so he sends a delegation of his followers to Jesus with a simple, understated question:  “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3).

Jesus does not rebuke John the Baptist for asking the question. If John had doubts, Jesus’ response demonstrates the caring and tender way He handles wavering faith. “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor” (Matthew 11:4–5). All the works that John’s disciples witnessed that day indicated that Jesus was the chosen One.

Discussion questions:

1. What lessons have you learned through sorrow and suffering?  Have you ever experienced a time when pain sharpened your character?
2. Have you ever seen someone who was suffering extraordinarily but demonstrated extraordinary confidence in God? If so, how did it change the way you think about suffering and faith?

“I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. – Psalm 138:1-3.

Psalm 138 highlights a powerful truth about God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. King David speaks from personal experience, recounting how, when he cried out to God in a time of need, God responded. God did more than provide what David needed; He filled David with new strength, courage, and confidence to face whatever challenges lay ahead. This verse reminds us that God is not a passive observer. He is actively involved in the lives of those who seek Him. When we call upon Him, He doesn’t just hear us; He strengthens us from within, giving us the boldness to move forward with faith.

The Bible doesn’t tell us, but you can speculate that David wrote this psalm during a time of personal difficulty or when Israel was under threat. David faced countless trials, whether in the form of enemies, political turmoil, or even personal failures. Yet, in each of those circumstances, David turned to God in prayer, and this psalm reflects David’s deep trust in God’s responsiveness. He had seen firsthand that God was always ready to answer, even in the darkest of times.

We will all have failure and sorrow in our lives. But Psalm 138 reminds us that God is both near and responsive to those who call on Him. David reveals that God’s answers to prayer often go beyond the immediate request. God not only responds but also transforms us, giving us strength and courage to face whatever lies ahead.

David’s testimony here reflects the character of a loving God who is deeply involved in the lives of His children. God’s response to David’s prayer was not just to solve a problem but to fortify him with strength and courage. This reflects God’s loving desire not just to fix our circumstances but to transform us so that we can grow and thrive. His love is not passive but active, empowering us to face the world with confidence in Him.

For modern believers, Psalm 138:3 serves as a comforting reminder that God is always ready to listen to us. In times of stress, uncertainty, fear, or sorrow, we can turn to God, knowing that He not only hears us but will also empower us to face our challenges. The promise of strength and courage is especially relevant in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world. When we feel weak, God’s presence can fill us with the boldness we need to keep moving forward.

One of the paradoxes of Christianity is that God uses pain for our good. Meaning that our biggest sorrows can result in our greatest joy. When you think about Jesus’ greatest sorrow – suffering the shame, punishment, and death for our sin, the result was great joy – the redemption of humanity and the opportunity for a relationship with the living God.

Discussion questions:

1. What lessons have you learned through sorrow and suffering?  Have you ever experienced a time when pain sharpened your character?
2. Have you ever seen someone who was suffering extraordinarily but demonstrated extraordinary confidence in God? If so, how did it change the way you think about suffering and faith?