Grow
Cultivating the Inner Self
Growing In Silence & Solitude
April 28, 2024 • Brian Offutt • Luke 5:15–16, Mark 1:35
How would you describe your prayer life? Consistent? Inconsistent? Regular rhythms or a bit sporadic? Non-existent? If our prayer life is anything like mine, it probably has ups and downs. In other words, there are times (seasons) when our prayer life is “better” or “stronger,” and then there are times when it’s a bit more “anemic.” Our relationship with God can be described as “peaks” and “valleys.” Well, regardless of where you are in your current “walk,” we can certainly all grow in this area of developing a better prayer life. we will be talking about the connection between developing emotionally healthy spirituality and our prayer life. Ultimately, prayer is about spending time with God, spending time in His presence in order to be with Him, and being transformed by His presence.
Dealing with Fear and Anxiety
April 21, 2024 • Brian Offutt • Mark 4:35–41, Philippians 4:5–9, John 14:27, John 16:33, John 15:11
Fear, worry, and anxiety. Every one of us deals with it at some point in our lives. It is part of what makes us human. Is your heart troubled? Are you struggling with fear and anxiety? The words of Jesus are so important in dealing with anxiety. Jesus wants so much more for your life. “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41