As members of one great family, are we praying not for ourselves alone, but in the same breath for others? By this one little word, our, we are reminded of the bond we share which links us together as children of the same Father, the bond of the Spirit, sent into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

When you pray, bear the fruit of the mature, old wood. Ask the spirit to lead you. Ask whatever you desire aligned with God’s will. Believe. Have faith. For his best for you. God’s not your genie. He knows and desires the best for you. Believe that. When you pray believe, by faith, God has the best in mind for you, and you will receive that from him.

Pastor Pat shares with us the importance of prayer and forgiveness, reminding us that forgiveness is not just a gift that we have to offer someone else, but also ourselves; forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation, restitution, or removal of debt or punishment, but it allows our hearts to adopt an attitude worthy of God’s mercy and grace.

Perhaps you’ve heard some rumors about your job, and it scares you. What if...? Or something coming in community, neighborhood, family? You’re on edge. What are we supposed to do when we hear something that shakes us?

We give to God. When our gift is given in the church, see it as a gift to God, not to an organization/person. God has entrusted to the leaders a responsibility to steward what is given to his church. Taken seriously. To maintain all of the buildings and grounds so we can continue the many ministries in our mission to bring people to repentance and disciple them to know, and live and spread his Word, and fulfill the Lord’s vision.

Pastor Pat reminds us that our current series “When You…” is a reminder about how to conduct regular habits in your life. When you pray, when you give, and this week: when you fast. This week is a reminder to fast not for the outward appearance of being holy, but for the inward reward of being obedient to God. Matthew 6:16-18.

When you give, pray, fast: Do you need to train in these areas, especially fasting? What you practice, you will become an expert at… And when it is spiritual things that we apply and practice, the benefits are a deeper, stronger, relationship with our God.