Hunger is influencing our lives for better or for worse. There is a hunger hormone in our body called ghrelin. This hormone will grow or shrink based on whether we eat healthy food or unhealthy food. But for many of us, rather than letting hunger drive us to physical food, we should let our hunger drive us to God. 

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves doing without food for a period of time for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is about replacing a natural thing (time spent preparing food, thinking about food, etc.) with a spiritual thing (spending time with the Lord in prayer). Fasting produces spiritual fitness and crucifies the flesh. God’s people fast throughout Scripture. Fasting produces supernatural results.

According to Galatians 4:4, Jesus was born at the fullness of time, meaning He was born at the right time. Still, it didn’t feel like the right time for Mary and Joseph. Mary wasn’t ready, and Joseph was unprepared. They were traveling to their hometown for an important census. To them, the timing of Jesus’ birth felt crazy. But it’s not up for discussion if God wants to birth something in our lives. When God says it’s time, then it’s time.

We don't have to spend money. We don't have to go on vacation. We don't need more friends, a new outfit, or a reservation at the most exclusive restaurant in town. Joy has already appeared among us. It's a supernatural gift that's currently available. 

Have you ever shown up to an event uninvited and unwelcome by the host? If the woman weeping and cleaning Jesus' feet were asked this question, she would say "yes." This woman showed up at the home of a Pharisee who was hosting a lavish meal for Jesus.

Home is God’s design, no matter where you are in your parenting journey. We need to establish a home built on God’s word, God’s ways, and God’s work. We need homes that are steeped in the things of God.

In the face of this opposition and ridicule, Paul "shook the dust from his clothes" and went to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). He went in search of greater things.  What do you do when you’re not experiencing the fruit you’re believing for? 

Faith is like a marathon. Most runners who have endured the 26 mile race will tell you that at some point, no matter their experience, they hit a wall. It feels like they cannot go any further. And much like a marathon, in the race of faith there will be times, tests and seasons when we find ourselves feeling fatigued. Even now, many of us may be spiritually exhausted and tired, like we cannot go on.