(Matthew 4:1-11, 14:23, Luke 6:12)

What is it? Although we may respond in different ways to time alone, solitude is a discipline in which each of us can find fulfillment and freedom. This is because solitude is actually about us seeking a deeper relationship and intimacy with Jesus.

Why should I learn and practice this discipline? Solitude places us in a position to listen to the Holy Spirit and enables us to be present with God without distractions. When we are with God in solitude it draws us to a spiritual place so we can grow and be better present with the Lord and eventually with and for others. 

How do I do it? 

• Schedule a time to be alone with God
• Find a quiet place with limited to no distractions. (a hiking trail, park, lake, front porch, backyard, any place that will not have sound or visual distractions).
• Allow the Holy Spirit access: Say the “Jesus prayer”, scripture, a characteristic of God, or other readings to help quiet you and be more focused and attune to God.  
• Spend time listening to the Holy Spirit in the quiet
• Write in a journal or type on your phone your observations or promptings from God. He may give you a word or a phrase to meditate on. Questions to ask during your time: What am I hearing from the Holy Spirit? What is hindering me from hearing? (Thoughts, worries, tasks to complete, a busy mind, or you are simply tired?)
• If you tend to be a doing/busy person it may take you longer to focus or in a position to be still and listen.
  
  

Share your experience with a mentor, friend or mature believer

Bonus Thoughts: Take advantage of the “little solitudes” throughout your day. These are smaller moments where you can connect with God wherever you are. Time alone in your car to and from work or running errands, a walk in your neighborhood, a cup of coffee and a comfy chair in your home. I love to hike alone, finding places to sit, listen and reflect on a word or characteristic of God. 

For more information on Solitude: https://onelifeleaders.com/blog/celebration-of-discipline-week-6-solitude

(1 Kings 19:11-13, Habakkuk 2:20, James 1:26, 3:5-12, Revelation 8:1)

What is it? 

Silence is being quiet before God, and making the cacophony of voices in our world fade into oblivion. Silent and Listen both use the same letters, and that ‘coincidence’ seems intentional. Silence goes hand in hand with the discipline of Solitude—these two disciplines prepare us to listen and receive what God has for us today. Silence is a form of fasting from noise and talk, but not meant to be a permanent state of being.  Silence is for a season.

 Why should I learn and practice this discipline? 

Silence prepares us for surrender by not bringing our agenda to the front.  Silence allows us to hear the still, small voice of God. Silence allows God the freedom to speak to us through others. Sitting in silence is an act of faith as we believe God will make himself known to us in some way.

 How do I do it? 

• Schedule daily time to be quiet before God.  Begin with 2-10 minutes a day.
• Practice being silent for half a day, working up to a whole day.  Our world is so filled with noise and incessant chatter that it can take our minds and spirits a while to quiet down.  Expect the first hour(s) to be filled with random thoughts, but keep at it.  There is great freedom in trying, and wonderful reward in becoming more attentive to the Holy Spirit.
• Choose to listen to others before you speak.  Silence gives the Holy Spirit time and space to sow thoughts in your mind and heart.
• Sit in the silence with God and listen for what he wants to say to you—be attentive to what he calls you.
• Practice the discipline of actively listening in silence.  

What are some of the obstacles to practicing this discipline? 

• In our culture, studies show that groups can only bear 15 seconds of silence—this discipline may be one of the most challenging and least practiced among believers today.
• We can be tempted to put on music, or read, but that isn’t waiting in silence.  
  • Share your experience with a mentor, friend or mature believer

(Joel 2:15, Ezra 8:21-23, Matthew 6:16-18)

• What is it? Fasting is usually the abstaining of food for a period of time for spiritual focus on and the pursuit of God. Fasting is another companion to and way to express worship to the Lord.

• Why should I learn and practice this discipline? 

• Better focus on the things of God
• Increase effectiveness in prayer
• Guidance in decision making

• Growing in self sacrifice and the denial of unhealthy desires and practices

• How do I do it? 

• Check with your doctor to make sure you are physically able to participate in abstaining from food. 

• • Begin with a partial fast of skipping a meal for the purpose of seeking God in prayer. 
  • Next try a 24 hr. Fast from food. (Lunch to lunch)
  • Attempt once a week for a few weeks before you begin a regular fast
  • Drinking water is necessary and fruit juices are recommended
  • Set times during the day for prayer, Bible reading, worship, and reflection
  • Journal thoughts, feelings, insights from the Lord during the time you fast

Share your experience with a mentor, friend or mature believer

For further information on Fasting: https://onelifeleaders.com/blog/celebration-of-discipline-week-3-fasting

What is it?

Service is a freeing expression of adoration and worship to God and love for others. We have the privilege of ministering to others through simple acts of kindness or the discipline of service, which in turn brings glory to God and furthers his mission.

Why should I learn and practice this discipline? 

Jesus calls us to do this! Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. (John 12:26 NLT). 

Jesus modeled for us this truth of serving others. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 (NLT).” 

Jesus both taught and modeled the importance of being a servant. Serving others is a great way to spread the gospel to our friends, family, coworkers, and our community.  Partnering with the church in serving helps accomplish the mission of Canvas and the biblical mandate that Jesus has placed in our hearts.

How do I do it?

At Canvas we strive to never do ministry at the expense of the volunteer, so we want to help you find your best service opportunity. Here are suggested ways to get started: 

• Ask the Lord: Where do you want me to serve? Has he already placed a desire in your heart for a particular area of ministry?
• Ask your family, close friends and even your co-workers: In what areas do you see me serving or have a gift for?
• Ask yourself: What gifts, talents and life experiences do I have that I can use to help others?
• Ask yourself: What do I enjoy doing that energizes me? 
• Do  you see an opportunity to serve others but you don’t have experience in that area? No problem- we will train you!!
• Talk with people who are involved in an area you have an interest in.
• Once you have served in a ministry for a few weeks, here are questions to consider:
  • Do I see God using me in the lives of others?
  • Am I and the people around me better because I serve in this ministry?
  • Has the Holy Spirit given me ideas and dreams for this and further ministry?

Go to our Serve page https://canvas.church/serve/ and check the service opportunities or ministries you would like to learn more about. A team leader will contact you to provide more information and/or help get you started!

What if it doesn’t work out? Try one of the service opportunities for a few weeks to see if it is something you enjoy doing. If it is…fantastic! If you find it isn’t a good fit for you, that’s ok, you can always try another ministry area. Sometimes you will participate in a ministry for a season and decide to take a break or to explore a new one. We want you to be successful in the area you serve. You might even pitch a new ministry idea to one of our team members and see how we might be able to make it happen. 

Watch The Next Steps Video on Serving: https://canvas.church/test-next-steps/serving

For more information on the discipline of service: https://onelifeleaders.com/blog/celebration-of-discipline-week-8-service

Unlike our western concept of the term “servant” which is viewed through a lens of slavery and in the context of enslavement.  Biblically the word carries more of a freeing expression of adoration and worship to God and loves for others. Paul tells us in Romans 12:1,  Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Because of what God has done for us, his sacrifice for us on the cross, we respond by sacrificing our time and talents as a true expression of worship for him to others.  Another word for servant is minister. We have the privilege of ministering to others through acts of kindness and the discipline of service. We see Jesus served the disciples and the community throughout scripture. In 1 Peter 4:10 it says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” The spiritual gift or gifts that God gives us are not meant just for ourselves but for the benefit and blessing of others.