Journey of Faith Messages Podcast

What if your faith was meant to be fueled by delight, not driven by duty? This week, as we finish our series on Palm Sunday, we’ll explore the ancient rhythm of celebration. We’ll see how celebration is both a response to God’s goodness and an anticipation of what He is still doing. And we’ll be invited to see that our greatest joy can be found in placing our trust in Jesus above all else. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a spring break, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post Celebrate Jesus! appeared first on Journey of Faith.

What if the key to deeper faith isn’t getting more, but giving more away? In a world shaped by scarcity, fear, and self-protection, generosity can feel risky and even countercultural. This week, we’ll explore the ancient rhythm of sharing. We’ll see how sharing our story, our spaces, and our resources opens us to deeper connection with God and with one another. Along the way, we’ll be challenged and inspired to reimagine what a truly open-handed life can look like. Watch Full Service Our Groups take a spring break, so there’s no new discussion material available right now. In the meantime, feel free to explore additional studies, guides, and resources here. The post Learn to Share appeared first on Journey of Faith.

What if your hunger could do more than make you crave food? What if it could actually draw you closer to God? This week we’re exploring the ancient spiritual practice of fasting. As we step back from the things that usually satisfy us, we create space to notice God’s presence and grow in compassion for others. Fasting isn’t about deprivation or religious performance. It’s about reordering our hearts and learning to desire what God desires. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, take a slow breath together. Use this time to quiet your mind, heart and body to be open to hearing from God and each other. Begin your time together with prayer.   Introduction   Last week we explored how intentional rest can renew our bodies, souls, and relationships and encouraged one another to experiment with a weekly period of intentional body and soul rest. How did that go this week?  Connect   What do you usually reach for when you feel depleted?  What assumptions come to mind when you hear the word fasting?  Where do you most notice your appetites right now?  Opening   Hunger can become an invitation to deeper connection with God rather than something to avoid or control. When we fast, we intentionally create space to notice our dependence on God and to pay attention to what is happening in our hearts. Sometimes fasting reveals cravings, emotions, or distractions we didn’t realize were there. Those moments can become opportunities to turn our attention back to God and allow him to shape us.  This leads us to our Main Idea for this week:  We can let our hunger draw us closer to God and others.  Unpack   Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses.   You’ll notice this week that we’re reading one passage at a time and answering a few questions before reading another passage of scripture.   Read  Joel 2:12–13  In this passage, Joel speaks to the people of Israel during a time of crisis and calls them to return to God, reminding them that God is gracious and ready to forgive.  What kind of heart posture does God desire?  How does this passage describe returning to God?  What helps someone recognize when God is inviting them to return to him? Have you ever experienced a moment when you sensed God inviting you to return or renew your relationship with him?  Read   Psalm 63:1–5  How does the writer describe longing for God?  What imagery stands out?  When we experience physical hunger, how could that moment help us turn our attention toward God?  Read  Acts 13:1–3  In this passage, leaders in the early church at Antioch are worshiping, praying, and fasting together when the Holy Spirit directs them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work.  What stands out to you about how the leaders in Antioch were seeking God?  What role do prayer and fasting seem to play in listening to the Holy Spirit?  How might practices like prayer and fasting help people discern God’s direction today?  Discovery & Application  This is a new reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these verses reveal and how they invite you to respond.  What do these verses reveal about who God is?  What do these verses reveal about us/others?  What do these verses invite/inspire you to think/feel/do?  Action Step   Experiment with one simple act of biblically-based fasting this week.  Examples could include:  Skipping one meal and using that time for prayer.  Taking a break from social media or another activity that normally takes your attention, creating space to reflect and pray.  You may also choose to fast together as a group, like the early church did in the book of Acts. Consider skipping a meal on the same day this week and using that time to pray. You might pray for one another, for the needs of our church and community, or for God’s guidance in your lives. If fasting from food isn’t an option for you, consider fasting fromsomething else that regularly fills your time or attention, and use that space to pray.   As you think of these and other ideas, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group what you plan to try so we can encourage and pray for one another.   Closing   Fasting is not about punishment but about making space for deeper connection with God. As we create that space, we begin to notice our dependence on Him and the deeper longings of our hearts. When we allow those moments of hunger to draw u

Why do we keep pushing ourselves past our limits when God designed us to live with rhythms of rest? In a culture that never slows down, it is easy to treat exhaustion as normal, even spiritual, without realizing how much it pulls us away from the life God wants for us. This week we will explore the ancient practice of Sabbath rest. We will look at how Jesus lived with rest, how he invites us into it, and how that kind of rest can renew us and bless the people around us. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide  To view the Leader Guide, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, take a slow breath together. Use this time to quiet your mind, heart and body to be open to hearing from God and each other.  Introduction   Last week, we looked at being more aware of God’s presence in our everyday lives and encouraged each other to takes steps to be remember that God is always present with us. How did that go this week?  This week, we’ll explore the spiritual rhythm of rest. In a culture that celebrates constant activity, Jesus invites us to rediscover rhythms of renewal that help us live with greater peace and trust.  Connect   What helps you feel genuinely rested?  What makes it hard for you to stop working or producing?  What messages about rest shaped you growing up?  Opening   Many of us live at a pace that leaves little room for rest. We push through exhaustion and assume that slowing down means falling behind. The Bible Scripture shows us a different way. God created us for rhythms of activity and rest that help us live more fully and remain connected to him.  This leads us to our Main Idea for this week:    We should enjoy regular spiritual rhythms of physical rest.  Unpack   Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses.   You’ll notice this week that we’re reading one passage at a time and answering a few questions before reading another passage of scripture.   Read  Exodus 23:12  In this verse, we see God’s instruction to the ancient Hebrews about a weekly day of rest.  Who is included in God’s invitation to rest?  Why do you think rest is connected to refreshment and renewal?  How do you personally respond to the idea that your rest can benefit others too?  Read   Isaiah 30:18–21  In this passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks to people who feel pressure to keep working, especially in pursuing justice.   What does this passage show us about God’s desire to help us?  What is the relationship between waiting and resting?  Where do you feel tension between resting and feeling responsible?  Read   Hebrews 4:9–11  Here, the writer urges early Jewish followers of Jesus to learn that true rest comes through seeking God’s way, not through disobeying (as their ancestors did).  How is God’s rest described in this passage?  What might it mean to enter God’s rest practically?  What fears or expectations make resting difficult for you right now?  Discovery & Application  This is a new reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these verses reveal and how they invite you to respond.  What do these verses reveal about who God is?  What do these verses reveal about us/others?  What do these verses invite/inspire you to think/feel/do?  Action Step   Experiment with a weekly period of intentional body and soul rest. This is not simply about collapsing from exhaustion or filling free time with more activity. Instead, consider choosing a small window of time where you intentionally stop striving and allow God to renew you. Here are some examples:  Examples could include:  Setting aside a few hours with no productivity goals or digital distractions.  Turning off notifications and creating a quiet space for reflection or prayer.  Spending time outdoors, journaling, or listening to worship music without multitasking.   As you think of these and other ideas, what will you commit to this week for rest?  Closing   God has built us for rhythms of work and rest. These are both gifts from God. Developing a regular rhythm of physical rest is not only good for our bodies, but also for our souls and relationships. Sabbath rest can help us grow closer to God and be more ready to love others.  Pray Together  Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in praye

Why does it feel so hard to be fully present? In a world that constantly scatters our attention, many of us move through our days distracted, disconnected, and spiritually depleted. But the life of Jesus shows us a different way. This week, we’ll well learn about the ancient rhythms of practicing God’s presence and prayer. We’ll see Jesus’ example or prayerful awareness invites us to greater prayerful presence in our everyday lives. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide  To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before we begin, let’s take a quiet moment together and pray, asking God to help us slow down and become more aware of his presence.  Introduction   Last week, we began discovering spiritual rhythms by inviting Jesus into one area of your life through regular time in God’s word.  This week, we’ll be looking at how to be more prayerfully present with God. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in different directions, Jesus can show us how to live with a steady awareness of God’s presence in every moment.  Connect   What’s a topic that can usually distract you or send you down a rabbit hole?  Do you find yourself thinking more about the past, the future, or what’s happening right now?  Opening   Our world moves quickly, and our attention is often scattered. Many of us live on autopilot, reacting to whatever comes next instead of being fully present. Jesus lived with a deep awareness of God’s presence, even in busy and demanding seasons, and he invites us into that same rhythm today.   This leads us to our Main Idea for the Week  We can connect with God by being more prayerfully present in our lives Unpack   Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses.   Read  Psalm 16:8–11  In these verses, King David, one of the most famous ancient kings of Israel, reflects on what it is like for him to live with a steady awareness of God’s presence and guidance.  What stood out to you about these verses? How does the author pay attention to the presence of God here?  What do you think these verses suggest about the emotional impact of living close to God?  When or where have you felt especially aware of God’s presence in your everyday life? What did you experience?   Read  1 Thessalonians 5:16–18  Here, the Apostle Paul encourages early Christians to experience God’s presence by developing rhythms of joy, prayer, and gratitude.  What do you think Paul means by “pray continually” or “without stopping?” What might it look like to do this in your life?  How could gratitude help someone become more aware of God’s presence?  Which of the rhythms in these verses seem easier for you to put into practice in your life? Which feels more challenging?   What makes these rhythms easier or more challenging?  Read  Lamentations 3:22–26  This passage was written during a season of deep grief and uncertainty.   What do these verses suggest about God’s presence during difficult seasons?  What might it look like to “wait quietly” for the Lord? What does this not mean?  Where do you think God be inviting you to slow down or trust him more deeply right now?  Discovery  This is a reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these passages reveal and how they invite you to respond.  What do these passages reveal about who God is?  What do these passages reveal about us/others?  What do these passages invite/inspire you to think/feel/do?  Action Step   This week, take time daily to remind yourself that God is present with you right now.  What is one specific way you plan to practice God’s presence this week?   Try bringing awareness of God into ordinary moments instead of waiting for a “perfect” spiritual time. Share with your group which specific way you plan to practice God’s presence this week. Here are some examples for what it could look like:  Pause before meals, meetings, or conversations and acknowledge God’s presence.  Set a gentle reminder on your phone that simply says, “God is here.”  Take a short walk outside and notice God through creation and your surroundings.  Have regular conversations with God throughout the day about your everyday life – your worries, your joys, or the things your grateful for.   Closing   Being present with God is not about escaping real life. It is about

Are you living on autopilot, shaped more by the rhythms around you than the ones you choose? In a world where most habits are set for us, we often end up shaped by patterns that drain us rather than give life. This week, we’ll explore the ancient rhythm of living by Scripture. We’ll see how God’s Word brings the stability, clarity, and nourishment our souls need. And we’ll discover how inviting Jesus into even one disordered area can open the way to healthier, life-giving rhythms. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide  To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before beginning, take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction of your time together  Introduction   Last week, we finished our Milestones series, and we were invited to allow our relationship with God to shape our identity and meaning in life. How did that go this week?    This week, we’re talking about finding “spiritual rhythms” in our lives, like prayer, Bible reading, sharing our faith, and worship. God wants us to have these kinds of rhythms, forming us into the people God created us to be.   Connect   What is one routine you follow almost automatically?   Do prefer predictability or flexibility?  Why do you prefer this? What habit has helped you feel grounded? When has one left you feeling drained?   Opening   We all live by rhythms – some we choose, some we inherit, and some that just seem to happen to us. Think of your calendar, when and what you eat, your bedtime, or how you manage your money. Sometimes rhythms help us become who God created us to be while others may quietly shape us in unhealthy ways. Jesus invites us into intentional rhythms rooted in God’s Word. This leads us to our Main Idea for this week  We should build intentional spiritual rhythms that are rooted in God’s word.   Unpack   Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses. You’ll notice this week that we’re reading one passage at a time and answering a few questions before reading another passage of scripture.   Read  Joshua 1:7–9   In this passage, the importance of hearing from God is shown as Joshua is stepping into becoming the new leader of God’s people following the death of Moses.   How do you think God’s words would have impacted Joshua in that moment?   How might reading this passage be connected to courage in your life?   Where in your life do you feel most in need of guidance right now? How might reading passages of scripture like this shape that area of your life?   Read James 1:22–25   In this passage, James, a leader in early Christianity, writes about the importance of not just reading the Bible but doing what God says.   What difference do you see between reading the Bible and living it?  What is James trying to communicate with this mirror illustration?   Has anything you’ve learned about Jesus reshaped one of your habits or daily rhythms, or are there areas that Jesus needs to shape?  Read Isaiah 55:10–11   This passage was written by a Hebrew prophet describing the benefit that God’s word brings to our lives.   How is God’s word described in terms of growth and nourishment?   Where in your life does it feel like the ground is dry or growth has stalled? Where might you need fresh renewal from God?  What does this suggest about how knowing Jesus can change us over time? Discovery & Application  This is a new reflection section we’ll be using throughout this series. Take a few minutes to consider what these passages reveal and how they invite you to respond.  What do these passages reveal about who God is?  What do these passages reveal about us/others?  What do these passages invite/inspire you to think/feel/do?  Action Step   Choose one area of your life and intentionally invite Jesus into it through regular time in God’s word this week.    Think of a normal rhythm in your life, like work, friendships, school, or personal time ,that Jesus would like to be more a part of. How could you invite him in? What is one idea that comes to mind that you can do? Here are some examples:   Notice where “doing” has replaced “being.” Try reading a short Bible passage before starting your day or before bed.   You have a strained relationship. Bring that to God in prayer and look for biblical wisdom about forgiveness or patience.   Busyness and hurriedness define you. Take regular short breaks throughout the day and during those breaks, slowly read a short Bible passage and reflect on it, or take a walk and talk to God.   If you don’t&n

Where is God in your spiritual life, and how do you know if you’re actually growing? We all want a faith that’s real and moving forward, but it’s easy to let our identity be shaped by busyness, success, or what others think instead of who God says we are. This week as we wrap up the Milestones series, we’ll discover how anchoring our identity in God and living out our purpose leads to steady, lifelong spiritual growth. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer  Introduction  Last week, we talked about social milestones and how Jesus can help us nurture healthy relationships.   This week, we are discussing the spiritual milestones of identity and purpose. Connect   If your life had a theme song, what would it be?  What’s something you had to learn over time instead of being good at right away?  Opening  A lot of what makes us who we are is shaped over time. We’re influenced by what we’ve learned, the roles we’ve stepped into, and the relationships that have shaped us along the way. God invites us, instead, to view ourselves through how he views us and how he calls us to live.   This leads us to our main idea for this week  We can discover our true self in relationship with God.  Unpack  Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses:  Read  1 Corinthians 3:16  Romans 8:16  Galatians 3:26-27  Ephesians 5:1-2  What stood out to you from the verses you just read?  Why is it important that we are children of God? How often do you remind yourself that you are a child of God?   Why is reminding yourself and others of this something we should remember to do regularly?  What do you think you find your identity in? What do these verses say our identity is?  What should our identity as God’s children lead us to do?   What are some ways we can do this, practically?  Read  2 Peter 1:5-8  1 John 4:7  Ephesians 4:2  John 13:35  How can reminding ourselves that our identity is in Christ help us grow spiritually?   What does spiritual growth eventually lead to, according to the verses we read in 2 Peter?   Why do you think the author of these verses wrote that “love for everyone” is last step to become “productive and useful” in our knowledge of Jesus?  Share with your group what is most difficult for you when it comes to loving others? Why is this challenging?  Action Step   Cultivate one area of spiritual growth you struggle with  What is an area of spiritual growth that challenges you? Do you view yourself as a child of God or see your identity through the lens of Jesus? Do you struggle with loving others or moral excellence or self-control?   Share with your group your initial impression of what this could be but also spend time in prayer about which area of spiritual growth you should work on. Check in throughout the week with each other about your progress!  Bring someone else into this process! This may take some time. Growth is gradual and can sometimes be difficult or painful. Having someone beside you along the journey is helpful and sometimes necessary.  Closing   Who we are is often shaped gradually by our experiences, the expectations placed on us, and the relationships we carry with us. Without realizing it, these things can begin to define how we see ourselves. God invites us, instead, to see ourselves through his eyes, allowing that truth to shape how we live and how we grow. This week, cultivate that growth in one area of your spiritual life so we can discover our true selves in relationship with God instead of the world around us.   Pray Together  Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group.  Missionary Focus  Rich and Debbie Frazer  **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.  Rich serves as the president SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International which focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and compassion.  Prayer Requests:   That Rich and Debbie would continue to utilize God’s discernment as the ministry grows.   For

Why do some relationships feel life-giving while others leave us drained? We all want meaningful connection, yet we often fall into patterns that keep our relationships from growing in healthy ways. In this message, we’ll see how Jesus models both mutual care and healthy boundaries, showing us a better way to relate to one another. We’ll learn how small, intentional steps can strengthen our connections—not only for our own well-being, but in ways that shape our kids and the next generation toward healthier relationships as well. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide  To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Before you begin, spend some time together in prayer  Introduction  Last week, we talked about emotional milestones and how we can work through them with God; our action step was to let God guide your responses to your stressful situations. Spend some time discussing how everyone has been able to put this into practice this week. This week, we are discussing social milestones, specifically awareness, reciprocity, ownership, and boundaries.  Connect   What helps you feel comfortable and appreciated in your friendships?  Opening  We all bring different experiences and expectations into our relationships, which shape how they feel and function. Often, we carry habits, both positive and negative, that we’ve picked up along the way without even realizing it. Because of this, it can be easy to settle for connections that are one sided or inconsistent because that is what we are used to. God’s vision for our friendships, however, is that they be built on a foundation of mutual respect and individual responsibility, rather than just convenience or habit.   This leads us to our main idea for this week  Jesus can help us nurture healthy relationships.  Unpack  Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses:  Read  Colossians 3:12-14  John 15:12  Romans 12:10-13  Romans 15:2  Galatians 6:4-5  What stands out to you in the verses you just read?  What do these verses show are some markers for healthy friendships?  Which one of these markers do you think is the hardest for you to practice consistently in your relationships with others?   Pastor Jason, during his message on Sunday talked about the idea that most healthy relationships practice reciprocity, meaning they are mutual beneficial to each other, as well as ownership, meaning each person knows and keeps track of their own responsibilities and obligations.   Why do you think mutual care is important in relationships?   What could make mutual care in your friendships difficult?  Reflect for a moment on some of your relationships. What are some ways you could reciprocate more in your friendships?    If you feel comfortable, share one relationship with your group that you need to approach with more reciprocity.   How do we keep track of what our responsibilities and obligations in a relationship should be?  What area of personal growth do you need to take more ownership of within your relationships?  Action Step   Take a step toward healthier connection in one relationship by practicing reciprocity and ownership. This can be sending an encouraging message, checking in and listening, follow through on something you said you’d do but haven’t yet, or take responsibility for a needed conversation.   This could even be that one of your relationships lacks reciprocity with you. What can you do to start a gracious conversation about this over the next week?  Closing   Our social health can many times be shaped by patterns we’ve learned over time in our relationships, even without realizing it. This can cause us to stick with friendships that don’t fully support or challenge us. God, however, invites us to rethink how we view our friendships to have healthier and more balanced relationships.   Pray Together  Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group.  Missionary Focus  Mark and Lisa De Neui  **For some of our missionaries, certain details are kept private to protect their safety and the sensitive nature of their work. Thank you for understanding as we share what we can.:   Mark trains church leaders and church planters. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Languag