“…The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you….” 2 Chronicles 15:2 This series looks at seven ways to attract God’s supernatural presence. As you put these seven principles into regular practice, something happens: • You will notice significant changes in your life – with more goodness • Your decision-making will be more consistent with God’s plans • You will have greater power over sin • You will hear God’s voice more clearly and experience the presence of Jesus more intimately Message: (is the promise that) God draws near to the humble What is humility? What does it mean to be humble or to live a humble lifestyle? Matthew 18:4 Genuine humility is not a self-help plan but a response to the divine presence of God. In one word: humility is “responsiveness.” Simple Q: Am I responsive to God? How does humility draw God closer to us? • Humility gets God’s gaze. Isaiah 66:2 • Humility receives God’s help. 2 Chronicles 16:9a • Humility opens the door to salvation. I Peter 5:6–7 • Humility grows us to be and live like Jesus. Philippians 2: 5–8 How do you “humble yourself” in a practical sense? Dallas Willard — three helpful answers. • First, never __________________. • Second, never __________________. • Third, never __________________. Humility cannot be achieved, but one of the ways it can be cultivated is by fasting. It awakens a responsiveness to God’s presence. Humility is the greatest fruit of any given fast. God, who is above all earthly powers, loves to draw especially close to those who willingly humble themselves. Humility and Fasting | Joel K. Johnson | February 7, 2021February 7, 2021 Need Prayer? Our pastors and prayer team would love to pray for you during the week. You do not need to give us your name if you don’t want, and all requests are handled confidentially. You can submit a prayer request any time on our website at westwoodcc.org/prayer. Let’s Meet Let’s Meet is a time to connect with Westwood attenders and meet Westwood pastors and staff. Stop by after the last service for a casual time to get to know each other and grab a treat on the way out! Kids are welcome. Sunday, February 21. Bush Lake Campus: 11:00–11:30am Chanhassen & Online: 11:30am–12:00pm Bible Reading Plan Reading the Bible every day is a great way to grow in your faith. After you read, take time to journal or reflect on these questions: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I live this out today? On our website, under Publications, you can find online resources for reading through the Bible in one year: westwoodcc.org/publications Want to go deeper? Check out the attached discussion questions to engage more with the sermon. Closer Series Humility in Fasting February 7, 2021 1. Can you think of a time you took credit for something you didn’t do? Or maybe you exaggerated an accomplishment? Reflect and explain why you chose to do so. 2. Listening to Pastor Joel’s message, did God prompt you to make any changes to how you’re living your life? The way you perceive yourself or others? 3. What word did Pastor Joel use to define the core of humility? Does this clarification change the way you think about what it means to be humble before God and others? How so? 4. Read Philippians 2:1-8. What is one key truth from this passage that you sense the Holy Spirit is urging you to embrace? How does this passage change the way you see God? The way you see others? 5. What steps do you notice Paul is calling us to pursue in Philippians 2:2-4? How might you begin to better realize these calls to action in your life? 6. Dallas Willard offers these practical steps to humble yourself: never pretend, never presume, and never push. Which is most challenging for you to embrace? How might God be calling you to make necessary changes? 7. Have you ever fasted? What did you learn from that experience? In what ways does fasting develop humility? 8. We encourage you throughout the Closer series to engage with the prayer guide each day, and practice drawing near to God regularly. Next >