Uphill Habits
New Direction for a New Year
The Habit of First
January 6, 2019 • Scotty Priest
"Most people have uphill hopes, but downhill habits." For the first message kicking off our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. "A productive life begins with a prepared heart." Theme verse: "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your truth, we eagerly wait for you; for your name and your renown are the desire of our souls" Isaiah 26:8 In Part 1 our new series, Uphill Habits, Pastor Scotty Priest emphasizes habit #1: The habit of first, and the power of priority. We're not talking about new year's resolutions, but we are talking about setting our lives in a direction towards God for this year that could make all the difference. Proverbs 4:25-27; Haggai 1:2-7
The Habit of Words
January 13, 2019 • Scotty Priest
As we continue in our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, in part 2 our series, Uphill Habits, Pastor Scotty Priest emphasizes Habit #2: The Habit of My Words. "If Jesus is Lord of your life, He needs to the Lord of your lips." Our words are poison or fruit, we get to choose. They have the unique power to script and steer our lives. "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 Psalm 143:3, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 4:25-27; 18:21, and Isaiah 26:8.
The Habit of Sacrifice
January 20, 2019 • Scotty Priest
"I am the church and I am here for the world" As we continue in our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, in part 3 our series, Uphill Habits, Pastor Scotty Priest emphasizes Habit #3: The Habit of Sacrifice, "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship" Rom 12:1. Our sacrifice means giving up one thing for something else we believe is worth more. Where am I sacrificing? What do I need to let go? "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, is sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. but if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal." John 12:24-25 MSG Isaiah 26:8, Proverbs 4:25-27, Romans 12:1, Gal. 2:20
The Habit of Community
January 27, 2019 • Scotty Priest
As we finish our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, in part 4 of our series, Uphill Habits, Pastor Scotty Priest emphasizes Habit #4: The Habit of Community. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 We are created to live in relationship, regularly connecting with people. We need each other to grow and propel us forward. Do you have people in your life who love you enough to tell you your blind spots? Find a group who will encourage and challenge you. Proverbs 4:25-27, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 27:17