| May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. Eph. 3:17 (NLT)
We’re praying for you… Here we are in week 2 of Lent (click here to find out about Lent).Our faith community is returning to the roots of our faithin “Radical” ways (click here to find out about Radical). We have heard of people retuning to life groups for the first time in years, starting a new life group, fasting, giving up drinking, praying in ways they never have before, promising tax returns for God’s purposes, giving themselves to serve in ministry… the “returning to God” list goes on! Last Sunday, we watched a young man who has been away from God for a long time come up to the front during worship with tears flowing down his face. We got a note from a woman who has been so broken, saying that she stood up during the song “Arms Open Wide” and felt the love and hope of Jesus Christ for the first time in her life. We know his story, we know her story… we are deeply grateful. What’s your story? How are you returning tothe Radical roots of faith? Here are some ideas that can help us in this powerful season leading up to Easter. Use this list and listen to what God’s invitation is for you to deepen the roots of your faith and draw close to Jesus. We are praying for you to join us in returning to God in ways that will bless your life and your world. 1. Prayer: Set a new prayer rhythm…do a prayer walk, create music or art as a prayer, pray for others you seeas you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work, use CCM’s Bluebook Guide to Prayer: Daily Scripture Readings to guide your prayers(click here). 2. Daily quiet or listening time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer. 3. Fasting: Ask yourself: What do I need to let go of or “fast” from in order to focus on God? What is on my calendar that could use some “fasting” from? You can go without food for a day, days or cut out some of the things in your life that distract you from God. Some people use the whole 40 days to fast from candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes, meat, fast food, tea or coffee.Skip one meal a day and use that time to pray. Fast with CCM’ers from sundown Monday to sundown Tuesday. 4. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it…maybe even yourself. 5. Develop a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way. Let them know you are grateful for them 6. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, texting, e-mail, and all things electronic for one day every week (or everyday of Lent!). Use the time to read & pray. 7. Fellowship. Join a group for the Lenten Season. Encourage others and be encouraged. 8. Serve: Serving others is one way we serve God. Look at volunteer opportunities and return to your roots through loving Christ’s church. 9. Give the money God has given you in Biblical ways. Return to tithing 10% to Christ’s work and giving offerings to the poor. We are praying for you to live in the fullness of Radical, deeply rooted faith all the days of your journey home. Join us this week for Radical Worship. Click here to watch last week: Radical Faith. Click here to watch last week: Radical Faith.
BLESSED are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deepinto the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit. Jer. 17:7-8 (NLT) Sink your roots in him and build on him. |
