Spiritually Disciplined—Learning to Live Jesus-Shaped Lives

Fasting & Feasting

Joel Kelsey

June 4, 2023

With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions:

1. How have you personally practiced or incorporated spiritual disciplines such as fasting? What have been the challenges and benefits you have experienced?
2. How do you currently incorporate celebration into your life? What are some practical ways you can intentionally pause and appreciate God's work in your life and in the lives of others?
3. How do you see the cultural influences of busyness and self-pleasure affecting your own practice of spiritual disciplines? How can we intentionally resist these influences and prioritize spiritual growth?
4. Share an experience when you felt true joy in your faith journey. How did that experience impact your perspective and relationship with God?
5. How can we cultivate a spirit of joy and celebration that is contagious and attractive to those around us? What steps can we take individually and as a group to live out this joyful witness in our daily lives?

Prayer and Action Item

Pick a time to fast this week. Whether it’s a regular meal, a morning or afternoon, or from sunrise to sunset. Use that time to draw closer to God in prayer, reading your bible, reflecting, or solitude. Read through James 1 in that time.

Find a moment to celebrate this week. Take time this week to celebrate. It could be for a big or small reason. Celebrate your child having a good day at school. Celebrate your spouse finishing a project at work, school or at home. Celebrate your friend’s anniversary, birthday or vacation. Take time to rejoice with others.