On Baptism Sunday this summer I was here putting things back in storage after the picnic and just marveling in what was a wonderful day anointed by God. That’s when I happened to notice that someone had left a voicemail on our church phone line. All the person said was something like, “I’m asking for prayer. Thank you.”
It was May 1940. The Nazi’s have just overrun France. 338,000 Allied troops were trapped on the beach at Dunkirk (Western France on the English Channel). British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is gearing up for the annihilation of the British army and the last line of defense against the Nazi’s and England.
One of this week’s core passages is Jesus’ own definition of discipleship—the foundation for our three pillars of spiritual formation at Formation Church: Denying Self. Surrendering Fully. Following Daily. (Matthew 16:24). The spiritual discipline—or Practice—of Fasting invites us into this very posture.
The practice of fasting is not merely about abstaining from food—it is about offering our whole selves, body and soul, to God. When we feel hunger, it reminds us of something missing, an emptiness. In fasting, that physical longing becomes a spiritual longing, redirecting our desire toward God Himself.
As we look back over these past four weeks of the Scripture Practice, I believe we can all see how our appreciation for God’s Word has grown. There is a reason the Bible remains the best-selling book of all time and is found in nearly 78% of American households.
The Scripture Practice is the slow, prayerful, contemplative reading of Scripture with the goal of formation, not only information. This week, we focus on storing the truth of Scripture deep within our hearts, minds, and even our bodies. Memorizing Scripture is far more valuable than the speed.
The Scripture Practice is the slow, prayerful, contemplative reading of Scripture with the goal of formation, not only information. This week, our focus is not only on knowing Scripture but on understanding it deeply and applying it to the kind of people we are becoming in Christ.
I’m thrilled for us to embark on our next ancient Practice of Jesus—Scripture. This is not just a habit or a discipline; it’s an intentional act of weaving the Word of God into the very fabric of our lives. Jesus and Scripture are inseparable. To follow Him is to immerse ourselves in the words that reveal His heart, His mission, and His way.
As we look back on these past four weeks of our Community Practice, I wonder—has this been easy for you, challenging, or maybe a little of both? For me, two practices have been especially challenging and impactful so far: Solitude and Community.