Stewardship reminds us that although we possess much, we own nothing. God is the owner and we are his stewards. Stewardship is about wisely managing the resources God has entrusted to us. That includes using our time, abilities, material and financial assets for the benefit of God and blessing of others.

Practicing simplicity involves untangling our desire for material things so we can increase our desire for spiritual things. It involves loosening our grip on possessions and learning to be content. It involves uncomplicating our lives and letting go of lesser things so that we can pursue what matters most.

Fasting is the act of engaging our physical bodies in our communication with God. We fast in response to serious situations in life by denying ourselves food for a period of time.

Prayer, simply put, is talking to God. Our challenge this week is to make prayer a regular, consistent and vital part of your relationship with God by daily incorporating the acts of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication (ACTS).

Surrender is the process of relinquishing possessions and control to God.  It’s submitting to the power, authority, and control of God in your life.

Find a place where you can be alone with God and schedule a time with God at least once a week. Practice being still and silent before the Lord, being honest with your feelings and being attentive for God to speak into your life.

Sabbath-keeping involves setting aside one day a week where you stop working, slow down, rest, and let God restore your energy, passion and joy for living in relationship with Him and others.

Being in the Scriptures is spending time in the Bible: reading, studying, meditating and even memorizing. It’s not so much about information as transformation. Reading the Bible is not something to check off your “to do” list, but it’s a way of connecting daily with God.

Celebration is pursuing things and activities that bring gladness and enjoyment to your heart before the Lord. Delighting in the attentions, blessings and activities of God in your life, relationships, and world.

Contrary to what many people believe, the goal of the Christian’s life is not heaven.  That may be the desired destination but it’s not the goal.  God’s number one priority for every Christian is Transformation.  Whatever else is going on in your life, you can know this for sure:  God is always up to your transformation.