Growing with Jesus

A Biblical Guide to Fasting: Preparing Your Heart to Seek God Fasting is not about proving our spirituality or forcing answers from God. Biblical fasting is about humility, surrender, and drawing closer to the Lord. When fasting is done with prayer, repentance, and expectation, it becomes a powerful time of spiritual renewal and clarity. 1. Begin With Purpose Before you fast, ask yourself an important question: Why am I fasting? Is it for guidance, healing, repentance, spiritual growth, or intercession? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you pray according to God’s will. Scripture reminds us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit helps us (Romans 8:26–27). 2. Decide the Details of Your Fast Prayerfully determine: How long you will fast The type of fast God is leading you to do (water, juice, partial, or another form) Which social activities you may need to limit or avoid How much time each day you will devote to prayer, God’s Word, and worship ...

Etta Mae Bradshaw, now she just gets on my nerves! Nosiest busy body in town. You know, she just goes to church to find out who's not there so she can call somebody up and dig up dirt on them. Etta Mae Bradshaw, she just gets on my nerves. Ain't got nothin good to say about nobody. She'll call you up on her sick bed just to get the goings on. Etta Mae Bradshaw, She just gets on my nerves. Why, the devil himself is liable to rise up any minute out of that hole she calls a home, and get a hold of her and take her on back to hell with him. Etta Mae Bradshaw, she just gets on my nerves. Well, hello Etta Mae. Why you're looking so good today. Just the picture of perfection. Why I saw your husband the other day, and he was looking mighty dapper. I wonder where he was off to. I bet he just thanks the Lord everyday for blessing him with a wife like you. Why Etta Mae, if we could all be as humble and virtuous as you we'd have no problem getting into Heaven. By now,...

How to Pray God’s Word for Whatever You’re Believing Him For First, go to the Word of God . Feelings change, circumstances change—but God’s Word does not. One of the most effective ways to pray is to let Scripture shape how you pray and what you believe. 1. Start with the Bible, not the problem The first thing I do is open my Bible and begin reading—usually starting in the Book of Matthew , reading through the four Gospels , and also spending time in Psalms and Proverbs . As I read, I highlight and write down every Scripture that speaks to my heart or stands out to my spirit. This matters because: Faith comes from God’s Word, not from emotions Romans 10:17 God’s Word gives direction and light Psalm 119:105 Scripture strengthens, corrects, and equips us 2 Timothy 3:16–17 If you’re facing a specific situation, you can also use the Bible index or concordance in the back of your Bible and look up words like faith, peace, healing, fear, forgiveness, salvation, or whatever applies to wha...

I don’t like hurting people, and I never like hurting someone’s feelings. But sometimes, if you cannot truly get along with someone, it is best to let the friendship go—especially when you sense it is not in God’s will. Jesus was a friend to sinners, but He also walked in peace and truth. Not every relationship is meant to continue, and not every connection is meant to be close. If someone consistently rubs you the wrong way, like sandpaper on your spirit, it is okay to step away. The goal should always be to do it peacefully and without bitterness. For years, I kept certain people on my Facebook whom I rarely spoke to. When they did comment, it was often snarky or judgmental. I held on far longer than I should have, not wanting to let go of the small connection we once had. But eventually, through prayer and reflection, I realized it simply wasn’t God’s will for those relationships to continue. Our spirits did not match. Letting go was not easy, but it was necessary—for me and for t...

Standing on God’s Promises for Our Children As parents, few things weigh on our hearts more than the salvation and spiritual well-being of our children. When they struggle, wander, or make choices that grieve us, it is easy to fall into fear, guilt, or self-blame. But God has not left us without hope. His Word gives us promises to stand on, encouragement to keep praying, and assurance that He is faithful. While the Bible does not teach that salvation is automatic or forced—because our children, like all people, have free will—it does reveal God’s heart toward families. Scripture shows us that God contends for His people, pursues the lost, and works mightily through prayer, faith, and His Word. The Lord Himself says: “For I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” (Isaiah 49:25, KJV) This verse was first spoken to Israel, yet it reveals something unchanging about God’s character: He is a defender, a deliverer, and a God who fights for His people. ...