The Daily + Immanuel Midweek Updates
The Daily + Immanuel Midweek Updates
Good morning. We have the joy of praying for our kids.
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)
Over the next six weeks, our Immanuel iKids Director, Taylor Cheek, will be teaching our Kids Discipleship Groups the spiritual discipline of fasting. Every Wednesday during this six-week period, we will share a brief lesson on fasting adapted from her work in The Gospel Project For Kids Leader Bible Study (Lifeway). You are also invited to join her and others for Zoom prayer meetings on Thursdays at noon from March 9th to April 13th as we pray for the children of Immanuel.
Isaiah 58 is one of Scripture’s longest and clearest passages on fasting. God’s people appear to be seeking the Lord, but he decries their actions much like Jesus condemned the religious elite of his day. They did not truly desire God. Perhaps you know what it is like to go through the motions of the Christian faith but feel far from God’s blessing. But if you are truly seeking the Lord in your fasting, you will find Him. As you read God’s words through the prophet Isaiah, think about who is really being described. Who has broken the chains of wickedness and set free the oppressed (Isaiah 58:6)? Who is the Bread of Life preparing an eternal home for us, who clothed Himself in human flesh and covers our shame with His righteousness (v. 7)? Because Jesus poured Himself out to satisfy the afflicted, His light shines in the darkness, and He becomes a spring of living water within us (vv. 10-11)…He is the One in whom we take delight when we turn back from going our own ways (vv. 13-14)…When we delight in the Lord and what He has done for us, we will lay aside our own desires in humility, as Christ did.
Taylor Cheek, The Gospel Project For Kids, Leader Bible Study (Lifeway, 2023). Used with permission by the author.
March 8, 2023 - Immanuel At a Glance
Sunday Resources
THIS PAST SUNDAY
We were overjoyed on Sunday to recognize and celebrate the ordination & installation of Vince Greenwald to pastoral ministry. We are grateful to the Lord for providing shepherds to care for the needs of our flock!
If you missed the Sunday service and sermon from Sam Allberry, you can catch it here.
SIDEBAR SEASON - On this week’s Sidebar, Pastor Barnabas talks about prayer and the fullness of God here.
Things To Know
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Join us tonight as we continue our study time in Acts!
DISCOVER LUNCHEON - If you or someone you know is new or newish to Immanuel, the Discover Luncheon is an excellent opportunity to get a basic introduction to Immanuel, ask questions, and discover your next steps. RSVP for the March 12th Discover luncheon here.
ONLINE PRAYER - Every week, Jenn Ross, one of our Discipleship Groups leaders, facilitates two online prayer meetings that everyone is welcome to join. The Zoom meeting times and links are below:
Every Thursday afternoon from 12:00-12:45 pm
Every Sunday morning from 7:30-8:00 am
LIVE ALBUM RECORDING SINGLE - Friday, March 10th is the much-awaited release of the single “Tis So Sweet” from the upcoming Immanuel Live Hymns Album. Be on the lookout, and let’s spread the word!
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