Weekday Devotionals - Samantha
“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”
– Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)
Getting Out of the 1-Hour Sunday Morning Block to Become the Disciple God Intends You to Be…..
For years Ron and I we were the classic "1-hour Sunday morning attendees." Almost eight years ago Ron felt a pull to find a different church (listen to your husband, sometimes he knows a thing or two). We showed up, listened, and went about our week. But over the years, something began to shift. Little by little, we realized that following Jesus is not just about attending church or even serving (although serving has it’s own rewards, we’ll dive into that another time); it’s about becoming. Becoming who God intends for us to be as His disciples.
This realization didn’t happen overnight. It came through small, intentional steps, like participating in fasting and prayer weeks. Each year, we challenged ourselves to a different type of fast. It was never about impressing others or even earning favor with God. Instead, it became a powerful tool to draw closer to Him, to let His Spirit transform us, and to lay a stronger foundation for our lives.
Our very own Pastor Pete said just this past week, "Discipleship is not about what we know or do; discipleship is about who we are becoming." This week, as we embark on fasting, let’s remember this truth. Fasting is not about perfection; it’s about surrender. It’s about letting go of distractions and letting God refine us.
Here are some practical steps as you prepare for your fast:
Go in with an open heart and mind.
Let God lead you in what to fast from and how long.
Be steady in prayer and His Word. Take time daily to connect with Him.
Trust that He will sustain you.
As you fast, remember that discipleship aligns with the truth in Matthew 7:24-25 (AMP): “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
When we fast and seek God, we are building our lives on the firm foundation of His truth. Storms will come, but a life rooted in Him will stand strong. This is discipleship, walking in step with Jesus, not just on Sundays, but in every moment of our lives.
(He’s my most favorite walking partner)
Self-Reflection to help you dive deeper:
How can fasting this week help you take one step closer to becoming the disciple God intends you to be?
Lord, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. As we prepare to fast, I ask for Your guidance and strength to sustain us all. Help us to focus on You, to let go of distractions, and to open our hearts to the transformation You desire for in each of us. May this week draw us closer to You and build our lives firmly on Your foundation.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Samantha
– Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)
Getting Out of the 1-Hour Sunday Morning Block to Become the Disciple God Intends You to Be…..
For years Ron and I we were the classic "1-hour Sunday morning attendees." Almost eight years ago Ron felt a pull to find a different church (listen to your husband, sometimes he knows a thing or two). We showed up, listened, and went about our week. But over the years, something began to shift. Little by little, we realized that following Jesus is not just about attending church or even serving (although serving has it’s own rewards, we’ll dive into that another time); it’s about becoming. Becoming who God intends for us to be as His disciples.
This realization didn’t happen overnight. It came through small, intentional steps, like participating in fasting and prayer weeks. Each year, we challenged ourselves to a different type of fast. It was never about impressing others or even earning favor with God. Instead, it became a powerful tool to draw closer to Him, to let His Spirit transform us, and to lay a stronger foundation for our lives.
Our very own Pastor Pete said just this past week, "Discipleship is not about what we know or do; discipleship is about who we are becoming." This week, as we embark on fasting, let’s remember this truth. Fasting is not about perfection; it’s about surrender. It’s about letting go of distractions and letting God refine us.
Here are some practical steps as you prepare for your fast:
Go in with an open heart and mind.
Let God lead you in what to fast from and how long.
Be steady in prayer and His Word. Take time daily to connect with Him.
Trust that He will sustain you.
As you fast, remember that discipleship aligns with the truth in Matthew 7:24-25 (AMP): “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
When we fast and seek God, we are building our lives on the firm foundation of His truth. Storms will come, but a life rooted in Him will stand strong. This is discipleship, walking in step with Jesus, not just on Sundays, but in every moment of our lives.
(He’s my most favorite walking partner)
Self-Reflection to help you dive deeper:
How can fasting this week help you take one step closer to becoming the disciple God intends you to be?
Lord, thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. As we prepare to fast, I ask for Your guidance and strength to sustain us all. Help us to focus on You, to let go of distractions, and to open our hearts to the transformation You desire for in each of us. May this week draw us closer to You and build our lives firmly on Your foundation.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Samantha
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