The post emphasizes the importance of fasting and simplicity as spiritual practices rooted in early Methodist traditions, particularly by John Wesley. These disciplines are seen as means to deepen one’s relationship with God and enhance empathy for the poor. Practicing these concepts today encourages generosity and gratitude over consumerism, fostering true sustenance in faith.
Category Archives: spiritual disciplines
When God Seems Distant
When God feels distant, believers are called to trust in His promises and seek Him through His Word, persistent prayer, and reflection on His faithfulness. These seasons are not signs of His absence but opportunities to grow in faith, relying on His timing and purpose. By staying connected to Christian community and choosing faith over feelings, we can continue to walk faithfully, confident that God is closer than we realize.
Is AI Technology Helping Us?
Chat GPT and all these other AI (artificial intelligence) tools are pretty cool. You can get incredible information and creative content based on the gazillion data stored online for many years. Combining your thoughts or prompts with the “genius” of brilliant people through the years can help you post great stories, blogs, essays, you nameContinue reading “Is AI Technology Helping Us?”
CROSSROADS DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE!
My name is Ryan Stratton and I wrote a book called “Crossroads.” It’s a forty day devotional and I am really excited about it! You’ve been in a position and situation where you have had to make a big decision. You may have felt an overwhelming sense of dread or anxiety because you keep tryingContinue reading “CROSSROADS DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE!”
Preparing a Sermon
Pastors know this. Sunday’s coming whether we are ready or not. The question is, are you ready to preach and proclaim the Word of God with confidence and humility? In this video, I outline the “steps” I have learned to understand the scripture. I hope this helps. Even if you are not preaching, this videoContinue reading “Preparing a Sermon”
How to Read the Bible
The Bible is the book that has changed millions of lives over the last few thousand years. It is a life changing book. This “book” has changed my life. Yet, the Bible can be challenging to read. John Wesley, the 18th century founder of the Methodist Movement, called “searching the scriptures” (reading and studying theContinue reading “How to Read the Bible”
Beginning a Disciplined Life
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “If you could change anything anything about yourself, what would it be?” These are questions we all get asked, or we ask ourselves. These are good questions, but I think a better question would be “how much are you willing to do/change to achieve theContinue reading “Beginning a Disciplined Life”
On The Lord’s Prayer
Making An Eternal Impact
READ SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:13-21 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance ofContinue reading “Making An Eternal Impact”
Waiting
Do you like to wait? There are times I have trouble waiting for my drink at McDonald’s to be poured, and I’m the one pouring it! Waiting is important and is something that is good for us to practice.
Let’s take a journey through the book of Acts.
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 