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The Why & How of Fasting Why We Fast Jesus didn’t say if you fast—He said when you fast (Matthew 6:16). Fasting is a normal part of following Him. It’s not about rules or formulas; it’s about intentionally laying something down so we can pursue God more deeply. We fast because: • • • •

We want God, not attention. Fasting is done for the Father, not for people. We need clarity and nearness. When distractions are removed, our hunger for God becomes clearer. We want to refocus our hearts. Fasting interrupts autopilot living and reorients us toward what matters most. We depend on God more fully. With our bodies we say, “I need You more than food.”

Fasting isn’t a way to earn anything from God—it’s a way to create space for prayer, repentance, Scripture, and attentiveness to Him. The reward isn’t guaranteed outcomes, but a deeper awareness of God’s presence, peace, and guidance.

How We Fast Jesus teaches us to fast normally, quietly, and sincerely: • • • •

Don’t perform your spirituality. Don’t draw attention to your sacrifice. Show up to life the same way—clean, present, and faithful. Let fasting turn your heart toward God, not others toward you.

What Fasting Looks Like Biblical fasting always involves food, but the form can vary: • • •

Normal fast: No food, water (or juice) only. Partial fast: Restricting certain foods (like a Daniel Fast). Short or extended periods: The length matters less than the hunger for God.

Fasting should always be paired with prayer and Scripture. If food leaves your schedule but prayer doesn’t fill the space, you’re dieting—not fasting.

A Cultural Fast In addition to food, many choose to fast things that steal attention: • • • •

Social media TV or streaming Video games Excessive phone use or apps

These can be especially helpful for families, teens, and anyone learning to quiet their mind before God.

The Heart Behind the Fast We’re not fasting to get God’s attention. We’re fasting to give Him ours. As a church, fasting is our shared way of saying: “Lord, we want You more than the things we reach for first.”

Sunday Sermon Notes - Week 1

Sunday Sermon Questions WEEK 1 — Can We Trust the Bible? Icebreaker 1. What’s the first thing you usually look at on your phone in the morning? Why do you think that is? Discussion 2. When you hear the phrase “the Bible is God-breathed,” what does that actually mean to you? 3. Growing up, what were you taught or not taught about the Bible? How has that shaped your trust in it today? 4. Which of the evidences discussed this week helps you trust the Bible the most: history, archaeology, prophecy, unity, or Jesus’ view of Scripture? Why? 5. Why do you think it matters that the Bible was recognized rather than invented? 6. Luke was careful to record eyewitness accounts. How does that affect the way you read the Gospels? Application 7. If God really has spoken, what’s one way that should change how you approach the Bible this week? 8. What would it look like for your family or group to treat Scripture less like advice and more like authority?

Day 1 Blessed in Obedience Scripture: Psalm 119:1–8 Before you scroll, Scripture invites you to think about the path you’re walking. Psalm 119 opens by calling “blessed” those who walk in the Lord’s ways—not just those who know about them. God’s commands are not a cage, they’re a path to life, joy, and freedom. Many of us wake up and immediately reach for our phones, letting notifications set the tone of our hearts. This psalm reminds you that the first voice you need isn’t social media, email, or the news— it’s the voice of the God who made you, loves you, and knows what leads to your blessing. Today is an invitation to align your steps, your thoughts, and your choices with His Word. Reflection • •

Where do you sense your life drifting away from God’s ways? What would it look like to start your day by walking in obedience instead of distraction?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, I want to listen to You. Help me delight in Your ways and walk in obedience today. Lead my steps in the path that brings real blessing.

Day 2 Scripture as Your Foundation Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14–17 Paul reminds Timothy that Scripture is God-breathed— alive, powerful, and useful for every part of life. Before you scroll, remember that your mind will be discipled by something: your feed, your friends, your favorite voices, or God’s Word. The Bible is not just a religious book; it is God’s authoritative voice, teaching, correcting, and training you to live like Jesus. In a world where “truth” can feel flexible, Scripture remains steady. When you open your phone, you get countless opinions; when you open your Bible, you get God’s wisdom. As you build your life, you need a foundation that won’t shift with trends or moods. Reflection • •

How has God used His Word to correct, encourage, or equip you recently? What might change if you consistently let Scripture shape your thinking before anything else?

Prayer Father, thank You that Your Word is living and true. Before I scroll, build my life on what You say. Train my heart, mind, and actions through Scripture today.

Day 3 Guarded by the Word Scripture: Psalm 119:9–16 “How can a young man keep his way pure?” the psalmist asks—and the answer still applies to all ages and stages: by guarding our way according to God’s Word. Before you scroll, you’re choosing what will influence your heart— purity or pollution, wisdom or foolishness. God’s Word doesn’t just give you rules; it gives you a new desire. As you treasure Scripture in your heart, it begins to reshape what you love, what you notice, and what you say yes or no to. Instead of letting your phone set your standards, let God’s Word guard your way. Reflection • •

What habits, voices, or content are shaping your purity—internally and externally? Is there a verse you can memorize this week to guard your heart and mind?

Prayer God, I want my life and thoughts to be pure before You. Help me store up Your Word in my heart and use it to guard my mind before I scroll.

Day 4 How Jesus Fought Temptation Scripture: Matthew 4:1–11 When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, He didn’t argue with Satan using His feelings or willpower. He responded with Scripture. Before you scroll, remember that you are stepping into a spiritual battlefield, not just a normal day. Temptations will come—toward comparison, anger, lust, envy, distraction, or unbelief. Jesus shows you that the way to fight back is by knowing and using God’s Word. The Bible is not a prop; it’s a weapon. Every time you say, “It is written,” you anchor yourself in what is true, even when your emotions or circumstances are shouting something else. Reflection • •

Where are you most tempted to believe lies instead of God’s truth? What verse can you hold onto today when that temptation comes?

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to fight with Scripture. Before I scroll, arm me with Your Word. Bring specific verses to mind when I face temptation today.

Day 5 Open My Eyes Scripture: Psalm 119:17–24 The psalmist doesn’t just read Scripture; he prays, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Before you scroll, pause and ask God to help you see. So often, we skim pages or verses the same way we scroll our feeds—quickly, shallowly, distracted. But God’s Word is full of wonders: reminders of His character, His promises, and His purposes for your life. You don’t need more information; you need revelation. When God opens your eyes, familiar passages come alive in new ways, and you begin to see your situation through His perspective, not your own. Reflection • •

Do you tend to read the Bible slowly and prayerfully, or quickly and distracted? What “wondrous things” about God have you recently seen in Scripture?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, open my eyes. Help me see what I would normally miss. Show me something beautiful, convicting, or encouraging in Your Word today.

Day 6 Hearing and Doing Scripture: James 1:19–25 James warns us that it’s possible to hear God’s Word and walk away unchanged, like someone who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they saw. Before you scroll, remember that the goal isn’t just to “get through” your reading—it’s to let God’s Word get into you. The blessing is not in hearing alone, but in doing what God says. A thousand sermons and verses won’t produce maturity if you never respond. God’s Word exposes anger, pride, selfishness, and impatience, not to shame you, but to invite you into transformation. Reflection • •

Is there anything God has been showing you in Scripture that you’ve been slow to obey? How can you turn today’s reading into one concrete action?

Prayer Holy Spirit, don’t let me be just a hearer of the Word. Before I scroll, soften my heart. Show me how to live out what You’re teaching me today.

Day 7 When Your Soul Feels Heavy Scripture: Psalm 119:25–32 “My soul clings to the dust,” the psalmist says—he’s honest about feeling low, stuck, and worn out. Yet even in that state, he runs to God’s Word for life and strength. Before you scroll, consider where you go when your soul feels heavy. It’s easy to numb out with endless content, but distraction doesn’t revive your heart—God’s Word does. In Scripture, you find real hope, real honesty, and real promises for dark days. God invites you to lay your discouragement before Him and let His truth lift you. Reflection • •

When you feel discouraged or drained, where do you tend to run first? When our hearts are heavy, we need to cling to His testimonies. What testimony are you clinging to? What song is on your heart?

Prayer Lord, You see when my soul clings to the dust. Before I scroll, I bring You my weariness. Use Your Word to revive me and strengthen me to run in Your ways.

Sunday Sermon Notes - Week 2

Sunday Sermon Questions WEEK 2 — Why Is the Bible Important? Icebreaker 1. Where do people today usually go for truth, guidance, or comfort? How reliable has that been in your experience? Discussion 2. Jesus trusted the Scriptures. Why do you think trusting the Bible is connected to following Jesus? 3. How have you seen ignoring God’s Word lead to confusion or instability, either personally or culturally? 4. Which area stood out most this week: truth, identity, emotions, or purpose? Why? 5. The Bible speaks honestly about emotions like fear, anger, and joy. Why do you think God included that? Application 6. Can you think of a time when Scripture helped steady you emotionally or spiritually? 7. What’s one lie or half-truth culture often feeds us that God’s Word corrects? 8. What would it look like to build your decisions this week on Scripture rather than feelings or opinions?

Day 8 The Word That Sees You Scripture: Hebrews 4:12–13 God’s Word is “living and active,” cutting deep and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before you scroll, remember that Scripture doesn’t only inform you—it searches you. It reveals motives you didn’t know were there, exposes sin you’ve excused, and uncovers fears you’ve buried. This can feel uncomfortable, but it’s actually good news. God’s goal is not to crush you but to heal you. When His Word exposes what’s hidden, it’s an invitation to bring those things into the light of His grace. Reflection • •

Is there anything God has been bringing to the surface in your heart through His Word? How can you respond honestly instead of avoiding what He’s revealing?

Prayer God, before I scroll, I invite You to search me. Use Your Word to cut through my excuses and defenses. Help me confess, repent, and receive Your grace today.

Day 9 Teach Me, Lord Scripture: Psalm 119:33–40 The psalmist repeatedly asks God to teach him, give understanding, and incline his heart toward God’s Word. Before you scroll, take a posture of humility—a willingness to be taught. In a world where everyone wants to broadcast opinions, Scripture invites you to first receive truth. You don’t come to God as a critic or customer, but as a disciple. As you ask Him to turn your eyes from worthless things and give you life in His ways, He reshapes your desires and priorities from the inside out. Reflection •

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Do you approach Scripture more as a student eager to learn, or as a critic evaluating what you like? What “worthless things” is God asking you to turn away from in this season?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, teach me. Give me understanding, turn my heart toward Your ways, and turn my eyes away from what is worthless. Give me life through Your Word.

Day 10 The Word Made Flesh Scripture: John 1:1–14 John tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh—the ultimate revelation of who God is. Before you scroll, remember that the goal of reading the Bible is not to check a box; it’s to meet a Person. Every page of Scripture points to Jesus, the One who stepped into our darkness as light, into our brokenness with grace and truth. When you open your Bible, you are not just reading about Christ— you are being invited to know Him, love Him, and follow Him. The more clearly you see Jesus, the more clearly you see everything else. Reflection • •

How does knowing Jesus as “the Word” change the way you think about Scripture? What about the character of Jesus stands out to you most right now?

Prayer Jesus, before I scroll, I want to see You. Help me read Scripture not as a chore, but as a way of drawing near to You, the Word made flesh. Reveal Yourself to me today.

Day 11 Confidence from the Word Scripture: Psalm 119:41–48 The psalmist asks for God’s steadfast love and salvation so that he can answer those who taunt him. His confidence doesn’t come from his personality or strength—it comes from God’s Word. Before you scroll, think about where your sense of security comes from. Is it your image, performance, approval, or the steady promises of God? When you root your identity in what God says, you can face criticism, uncertainty, and pressure without crumbling. His Word gives you something solid to stand on, speak from, and hold onto. Reflection • •

What voices or opinions have the most power to shake your confidence? Which promise from God do you need to lean on today?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, remind me who I am in You. Let Your Word be my confidence and courage. Help me speak and live from the truth of what You’ve said.

Day 12 Let the Word Dwell Richly Scripture: Colossians 3:12–17 Paul calls believers to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly, not barely. Before you scroll, ask yourself: is God’s Word just visiting my life—or living in it? When Scripture dwells richly, it shapes how you think, respond, forgive, and encourage others. It fills your conversations, your songs, your prayers, and your decisions. Instead of starting the day with noise and then trying to “fit God in,” you’re invited to let His Word be the atmosphere of your life. Reflection • •

What could I say to someone today to express His tender mercies, kindness and humility? How might your words to others change if Scripture was more present in your heart?

Prayer Father, before I scroll, I invite Your Word to dwell richly in me. Fill my mind, speech, and actions with the truth and grace of Jesus today.

Day 13 Comfort in the Promises Scripture: Psalm 119:49–56 The psalmist finds comfort in God’s promises even when circumstances are hard and people mock his faith. Before you scroll, think about what you use for comfort. It’s easy to turn to distraction when life is stressful, but distraction only numbs—it doesn’t heal. God’s promises remind you that He is with you, for you, and working even when you can’t see it. When you cling to His Word in the night, you discover a deeper, steadier comfort than anything your phone can offer. Reflection • •

When you feel stressed or sad, where do you instinctively run for comfort? My comfort is that your word has given me life. What promise can you hold onto and praise God for that is breathing life into you today?

Prayer God, before I scroll, I run to Your promises. Be my comfort in every fear, disappointment, or confusion. Let Your Word steady my heart today.

Day 14 Faith Comes by Hearing Scripture: Romans 10:8–17 Paul says that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Before you scroll, remember that your faith doesn’t grow accidentally—it grows as you consistently hear, read, and meditate on the gospel. Every time you listen to Scripture, your heart is being shaped. The more you expose yourself to God’s Word, the more you learn to trust Him, and the more ready you are to share that Word with others. If you want stronger faith, start with a stronger intake of truth. Reflection • •

How much of what you “hear” each day is God’s Word versus everything else? What change could you make this week to increase your exposure to Scripture?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, I want to hear from You. Use Your Word to build my faith and make me ready to share the good news with others.

Sunday Sermon Notes - Week 3

Sunday Sermon Questions WEEK 3 — How Does the Bible Change Us? Icebreaker 1. What’s something in your life that changed you over time rather than all at once? Discussion 2. Hebrews says God’s Word is “alive and active.” What do you think that looks like in real life? 3. Why do guilt and shame stick around so long if God promises forgiveness? 4. Which passage mentioned this week speaks most directly to where you are right now? 5. How does obedience play a role in spiritual growth, not just knowledge? Application 6. Is there a verse or truth from Scripture that has shaped the way you think or live? 7. What’s one area where God’s Word might be inviting you to change your thinking or behavior? 8. How can this group help each other move from reading the Bible to doing what it says?

Day 15 The Lord Is My Portion Scripture: Psalm 119:57–64 “The LORD is my portion,” the psalmist says—meaning God Himself is his treasure, not just His gifts. Before you scroll, ask what your heart is truly hungry for. It’s easy to start the day looking for affirmation, distraction, or entertainment. But none of those things can satisfy your soul. When God is your portion, your day is not defined by likes, comments, or outcomes, but by His presence. His mercy meets you every morning, and His steadfast love surrounds you, no matter what your notifications say. Reflection • •

What do you most often look to for satisfaction or security at the start of your day? What would it look like practically to treat God as your “portion” before you scroll?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, I choose You as my portion. Satisfy my heart with Your presence. Help me value You above everything competing for my attention.

Day 16 Abide in the Word Scripture: John 15:1–11 Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches—our life, joy, and fruitfulness depend on staying connected to Him. Before you scroll, remember that you were not designed to live spiritually “unplugged.” Abiding is not a quick moment; it’s a daily posture of dependence—listening to His Word, talking to Him in prayer, and obeying His voice. When you abide in Christ, His words abide in you, shaping what you desire and ask for. The result isn’t emptiness but fullness—His joy in you, and your joy made complete. Reflection • •

Do you feel more like a branch abiding in the vine or one trying to live on its own? What simple habits help you stay aware of Jesus throughout the day?

Prayer Jesus, before I scroll, I want to remain in You. Let Your words live in me. Help me draw my strength, joy, and direction from You today.

Day 17 Learning Through Trials Scripture: Psalm 119:65–72 The psalmist says something surprising: “It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Before you scroll, consider how God might be using hardship as a classroom. Trials can make you bitter or they can make you teachable. When you bring your pain to Scripture, God shows you more of who He is and what He’s doing. His Word becomes more precious than comfort or ease, because it anchors you when everything else is shaking. Reflection • •

How has God used a difficult season to teach you something you could not have learned otherwise? Is there a current struggle where you need to ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me?”

Prayer Father, before I scroll, I bring You my trials. Use them to drive me deeper into Your Word. Help me say, “It is good,” as You use hardship to grow my faith.

Day 18 Armed for the Battle Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–18 Paul reminds believers that they are in a spiritual battle and need the full armor of God, including “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Before you scroll, recognize that you’re not just managing a schedule— you’re stepping onto a battlefield. Fear, lies, accusation, and temptation will come. You can’t fight spiritual battles with human strategies. You need truth buckled around you, righteousness guarding you, and the Word of God in your hand and heart. Reflection • •

What “battle” are you facing today—internally or externally? How could a specific passage of Scripture help you stand firm in that battle?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, clothe me in Your armor. Fill my mind with truth and my heart with faith. Help me use Your Word to stand firm against every scheme of the enemy.

Day 19 Shaped by His Hands Scripture: Psalm 119:73–80 “You have made and fashioned me,” the psalmist says, asking God to give him understanding to learn His commandments. Before you scroll, remember that the One who wrote the Word also formed you. He knows your personality, your weaknesses, your story, and your needs. His commands are not a bad fit for your life; they are perfectly suited to shape you into who you were created to be. As you let His Word correct and guide you, you’re not losing yourself—you’re becoming the truest version of who He made you to be. Reflection • •

Where do you resist God’s correction because it feels uncomfortable or limiting? How might seeing God as your Maker change the way you receive His Word?

Prayer Maker God, before I scroll, I surrender to Your hands. Use Your Word to shape my thoughts, desires, and choices. Let those who see my life see Your faithfulness.

Day 20 The Word That Endures Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22–25 Peter contrasts the temporary nature of human life with the permanence of God’s Word: “The word of the Lord remains forever.” Before you scroll, consider how much energy you give to temporary things—impressions, trends, opinions that will be forgotten. Scripture stands when everything else fades. God’s promises will still be true when this season of your life is over, when your current worries are resolved, and even when your name is forgotten. Building your life on the Word is the only way to live with eternal perspective in a temporary world. Reflection • •

What are you most tempted to obsess over that won’t ultimately last? How can you practically invest more of your heart into what is eternal?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, lift my eyes above the temporary. Help me build my life on what lasts—Your Word, Your kingdom, Your purposes.

Day 21 Hope in His Word Scripture: Psalm 119:81–88 As this section of Psalm 119 closes, the psalmist is still waiting, still struggling, but still hoping in God’s Word. He feels worn out and surrounded, yet he refuses to let go of God’s promises. Before you scroll, recognize that victory in the Christian life doesn’t always look like instant relief. Sometimes it looks like clinging to God’s Word when you don’t feel anything and don’t see the outcome yet. Hope is not positive thinking; it’s a settled trust in the God who speaks and keeps His Word. Reflection • •

Where do you feel like you’re “at the end” of your strength or patience? What specific truth or promise can you cling to as your hope today?

Prayer Lord, before I scroll, I put my hope in Your Word. When I feel weak, remind me that You are strong and faithful. Hold me fast as I cling to Your promises.

Sunday Sermon Notes - Week 4

Sunday Sermon Questions WEEK 4 — How Do I Read the Bible? Icebreaker 1. What’s been your biggest struggle with reading the Bible consistently? Discussion 2. Why do you think starting with a plan works better than relying on motivation? 3. How does scrolling train our brains differently than Scripture trains our souls? 4. Which part of the REAP framework feels most natural to you? Which feels hardest? 5. Why do you think many people quit when they don’t understand something in the Bible? Application 6. When and where would Bible reading realistically fit into your daily rhythm right now? 7. What’s one small, achievable step you can take this week to put Scripture first? 8. As a family or group, how can you encourage consistency without pressure or guilt?