Desire can fuel our growth and success, or it can destroy our lives. The healthiest Christians are not those with the least passion, but those whose passion has been surrendered and formed by Jesus.
READ: Psalm 103:2-5: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
DISCUSS:
What is the difference between holy and unholy desires and which desire do you feed the most?
DISCUSS:
How do we determine what desires we are feeding?
READ: Galatians 5:24-25: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."
DISCUSS:
What areas in your life do you struggle to give up control? Is it a matter of surrender or behavior management?
What else from this week’s message was particularly memorable?
Jesus, you have shown us that your desire to have relationship with us stretches beyond this life and conquered dearth itself. Teach us to lay our passions and desires at your feet. Let our worship be guided by your heart. Help us to bring our lives to a place of surrender. In Your name we pray, Amen.
This week take a step to choose to evaluate your desires and allow worship and fasting to direct them to the heart of God. For example choose a fast: A meal, media, a day, etc.
What shapes you: This week ask yourself during your daily moments with Jesus, “What is shaping my desires most right now?”
Your Diet: Take the time to identify what you are feeding yourself spiritually as well as who or what you are worshiping?
Exercise: Make fasting and worship a part of your lifestyle: Pick a day, a meal, media, noise, or constant stimulation.
Develop: Choose "His" desire by engaging in daily worship and a community that encourages you to grow and align your passion and desire with Jesus.
Purpose: Take the time to give purpose to your pursuit by joining a group. We do this by calling into practice His rhythms of daily worship and spiritual practices.
Some people need to worship because their hearts have grown cold. Some people need fasting because their desires have grown chaotic. Most of us need both.