Church, we're at the end of another year of 21 days of prayer and fasting. This season always reveals a lot about our faith doesn’t it? For many of us, it has been a rich, grace filled time with the Lord. For others, it has been a challenge to “do” what we committed to do. For me, this season always sets the tone for my year and many times over the years, I have allowed it to set an unhealthy tone because I felt like I had failed to really honor God through fasting and prayer.

Lamentations 3:23 reminds us, “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” I’m so grateful for the grace of God in my life. He’s faithful, even when we haven’t been. I’m reminded again this year, that if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

Friends, you can search the world over, and you will never find anyone more “for you” than our God. So start fresh again. Draw near to God and watch Him draw near to you. 2022 will be your greatest year ever if it's your greatest year spiritually. Dig in, and discover what it means to live your life on purpose!

Brandon Doss
Lead Team Pastor

Song: Homecoming

What if the ending were only the beginning? What if after the credits roll on 21 days of prayer and fasting, there was a teaser of more to come? What if everything you just experienced was only a setup for something more?

Galatians 6:7 tells us that we will reap what we sow, or we will harvest what we plant. 21 days of prayer and fasting is not something that just ends, it's actually the opposite. You have been planting seeds that now need to be tended to, cared for, and cultivated so that you can harvest it over the course of 2022.

So as we end, let's begin. Let's cultivate everything that God has given us and honor Him with by living life on purpose in 2022.

Brandon Matthews
Lead Team Pastor 

Song: Jireh
Artist: Elevation Worship & Maverick City

I'll admit as I was trying to find what I needed to give up for this year's fast I felt kind of stuck. I usually have something specific that I feel the Lord has put on my heart to give up to feel closer to him but this year all I truly heard from him was hunger and that "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God." So, I began to try and hear more from him than to listen to my hunger. I know, pretty basic fasting guidelines but stay with me here.

It wasn't until last week in my alone time with God that he began to truly show me that my physical hunger was nothing compared to the hunger my spirit has been in for more of him and that no matter how close and deep we are in love with him there's always more. There's always a new facet of His love and power for us. That deep calls unto deep in his love and fasting and prayer just exposes and shows us just how much more there can be for us to explore of His love.

So Cultivate, as we push and press for this final week I challenge you to allow that hunger, that desire for social media, or whatever God has laid on your heart to fast to be filled by his presence. Press into the deeper state of relationship that the Father longs for you to have with him.

Chris Adams

Song: Fixed On You
Artist: Soul City Worship

Welcome to the final week of prayer and fasting, friends. Can you feel it? The final push of the last days, that extra distraction the enemy wants to throw at you? Press on!

I was talking with a friend about a particularly challenging couple of days last week. I shared that while it was heavy, I truthfully had peace in it because anything I’m holding is the Lord’s anyway. Then I continued, shining light on my own insecurities with every word... “Do you think that sounds irresponsible? Does it sound like I’m not taking things seriously or like I’m naive to the weight of heavy issues? Do I seem dismissive? When I say it out loud it just sounds like I’m cheating at life or something.”

“You’re not cheating,” they said. “You have the spiritual gift of faith, and it’s for you and the church. It’s a great thing!”

Of course it is - like my own personal life hack; a gift, freely given to me, from a Father who loves, to help equip me to live out His purpose - in my life and in His church. Deep down I knew that - scripture teaches us so, but the enemy had me so busy overthinking the appearance of God’s good gift, that I wasn’t fully recognizing it. I was very nearly ashamed of it. A clever tactic of the enemy to distract and disarm.

How many times do we squander away our Father’s good gifts because it might be misunderstood by the world? How many times do we beg God for his hand, and then hide the very light He’s given us? How many times have we compared our own gifts to others and decided that ours isn’t special enough to share? In these final days, I challenge us to go before our Father with open hearts and open hands, willing and able to receive with our hearts, minds and spirits whatever He has for us. Our churches, families and communities are counting on it. His gifts for you aren’t JUST for you - they’re for the good of His church, but He’s counting on us to use them.

1 Corinthians 12

Becca Poe

A lot of us are reading through the Bible this year. My plan has me in the middle of Exodus, so I’m learning a lot about how to deal with my neighbors’ oxen. I’m also learning a huge lesson:  God wants us to live WITH Him, not just FOR Him.  The Old Testament is full of rules that may seem outdated and like they don’t apply to us today. However, we have to remember that when God sent us Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, everything changed.  The veil that separated us from directly approaching the presence of God was literally torn in two.  We can now go directly to the Father with our needs, fears, and desires.  God is with us as a father, counselor, protector, peacemaker, teacher, and so much more.  

It’s easy to get wrapped up in working for God—we serve our hearts out, find ways to help others, read our Bibles—but we absolutely must remember to make time to be WITH God.  Our relationship with Him is just that—a relationship.  He has put each of us here for a purpose to bring glory and honor to His name, and he didn’t just drop us here alone.   Through prayer and time with Him, He’ll gladly show us the path He has set for us.    

As we prepare to end our 21 days of Prayer and Fasting, I encourage you to make sure you’re spending time WITH God in conversation.  You’re not in this life alone.

Jen Lane

Song: Who You Say I Am
Artist: Hillsong Worship

Recently, I've found myself thinking back to my late teens when I read what became some of my favorite books ever, The Chronicles of Narnia. I'm sure many of us have read them, or have seen the movies. In these stories, C.S. Lewis created a character intended to represent Jesus. A lion, named Aslan. In this character, he gave a very true way to describe who Jesus is. As the story goes, the main characters of the book are visiting a family of beavers, aptly named “The Beavers”, and had just found out they were to meet Aslan for the first time. This encounter reads-

Lucy: "Is—is he a man?"
Mr. Beaver: “Certainly not. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion... THE Lion... the GREAT Lion!”
Susan: "Ooh! I'd thought he was a man. Is he...quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion...
Mr. Beaver: “Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe! But he IS good. He's the King, I tell you.”

In this time of prayer and fasting, God compels us to give up some measure of our time, and treasure (I miss you hamburgers) to draw closer to Him. In this world we live in now, being a Christian isn't exactly the most safe, popular, or trendy thing to do. One reason for that is these things like fasting may seem strange to the world. Our friends, coworkers, and family just may not quite understand. But remember, that while it's true that Jesus may not always be safe...He IS still good! It's because of His goodness that we have nothing to fear in this world. Whatever battle you are facing in your life, know He will honor and bless the time you have spent with Him!

Matt Lauderdale

Song: I Am Your Beloved
Artist: Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser

In some of Jesus’ final remarks to the disciples in the vineyard, he gives them this message: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Notice what Jesus doesn’t say…Whoever strives. Whoever works hard. Whoever stresses. Whoever does good works. No, Jesus says, “Whoever ABIDES in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit...”

I want us to get this…culture today tells us that we have to work hard. We have to strive. We have to remain busy. We GLORIFY busyness. Don’t believe me? Literally ask anyone how they’re doing. I guarantee you 9 out of 10 people will say they’re “busy” or “tired”.

Many Christians, (and for a long time, me included) believe that by busying ourselves with “good and honorable things”, it will make us higher in the kingdom of God; more liked or more favorable. We assume we are making God proud because of our work ethic. We check the boxes of all our good deeds. Been on a mission trip? Check. Serve in the church choir? Check. Serve at a homeless shelter? Check. (Do not get me wrong, none of these things are bad things, but we have to make sure we are doing these things for the right reason, with the right heart) Sooner or later, we are burnt out, frustrated, and dreading opening our Bible or even attending church. And we wonder where we ever went wrong. It’s because somewhere we stop listening to the Word of God and begin following what culture (whether it be church culture or worldly culture) deems important.

Abiding, or remaining in the Lord is what ultimately produces fruit in our lives. If we are abiding, we are including more of God in our lives; not just during our morning devotionals or on a Sunday morning, but throughout every aspect of our day.

In his book, ‘Secrets of the Vine’, Bruce Wilkinson says, “God doesn’t want me to do more for Him. He wants me to be more with Him.” What are your spiritual priorities? Are you working FOR God or are you spending time WITH God? God wants relationship. He wants us to draw near. He wants us to remain. Isn’t that such a relief? Doesn’t that take the pressure off? Remain. Abide. Rest in His ever-present, unconditional love. Because when we abide in Him, everything becomes clearer and we are able to pour from an overflowing, fruitful vine, instead of an empty cup.

Lindsay Efferson

Song: Abide
Artist: Kingdom Culture Worship

Today is January 22, 2022, which means there are only 7 days remaining in the 21 days of prayer and fasting. In previous years of fasting, by now I would have made a countdown clock of the remaining time because I would've been dying to have all the things I couldn't have during the fast. Sweets, sodas, social media, fast food, certain types of music, cursing, shopping, yelling, RedBull, and the list can go on and on of things you may fast but this year, for me, I needed a major change.

Song: Million Little Miracles

Sometimes we can become stagnant within our faith. Not on purpose, it can just happen. We go through the motions without the emotions. What better time than 21 days of prayer and fasting to revisit or learn for the first time what living life on purpose means for yourself?

I love this verse [really all of chapter 12] in the book of Romans to help guide back to that purpose. “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans‬ ‭12:6-8‬ ‭

When I read this I can immediately pick out some spiritual gifts the Lord has given me. I know I can encourage people. I know I can be kind, even when people aren’t kind to me. And serving others -WOO WEE- that’s on a totally different level! Serving others is what gives me purpose!

When I started serving, with a full heart, the Lord changed me in ways I didn’t know that needed changing. My other spiritual gifts became more fine tuned. I grew in kindness and patience. I was able to encourage more! Take the rest of our fast to pray over your spiritual gifts and purpose. If you don’t know what they are, pray for the Lord to reveal them to you. If you do know what they are, pray for the Lord to help you grow in those areas! And if you have become stagnant, pray for the Lord reactivate your passion and purpose! It will be life changing for you and for those around you!

Katelyn Albritton

Song: Gracefully Broken
Artist: Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
James 1:19‭-‬21 NLT

This year during 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting I've been focusing on slowing down and observing what I let into my mind. I've noticed that, as a parent, if I don't feed my mind on good things (worship music, the Word, wisdom from Godly sources) I tend to have a very short fuse.

I get frustrated and flustered and worn down far too quickly. I don't listen to my kids' needs, I only see their behavior and I become reactive instead of responsive I have to periodically filter out the things that creep in and destroy my peace. When I get rid of the "filth and evil" in my life, I am able to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. These are things that come with the sanctification we receive through Jesus. They aren't a requirement for salvation, but a result of his perfect, unique, purifying love for each one of his unique and beautiful children.

Karis Watts

Song: Wash Over Me
Artist: Brave Worship (feat. Baily Hager)

I don’t know if you taken a second to look around recently, but life is kinda scary right now. Every day seems to bring something new to worry about or be afraid of. But can I share something with you?

"God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God of angel armies protects us."
Psalm 46:1-3 MSG

That’s pretty comforting to me. And I get that right now, that may be hard to grasp. That’s what these 21 days are about. Learning that no matter what, we have a safe place.

Kevin Roland

Song: The Safest Place
Artist: North Point Worship

I have a question. Does anyone else feel their quiet time isn't so quiet? Whether it's in the morning when we are praying over the things to come or at the end of the day when we feel like we have to give God a play-by-play of everything that happened, sometimes our quiet time can be pretty loud with us doing all of the talking.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says ,"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

"Never stop praying." Continuously praying can change so much. We don't feel like we have to dump everything that is going on at once. We let God into the moments as they happen and He can guide us along the way. By fasting with our prayers, we understand how much we need Him, and how He will gladly help us in all of those moments. When we do get to our quiet time, it can become a time of rest and presence with Him. That continual prayer and presence builds our relationship in the way only it can. It builds a knowing and understanding beyond what the words can explain. 1 Corinthians 8:3 ESV "But if anyone loves God, he is known by God."
Jordan Graves

Song: Tauren Wells
Artist: Known

Years ago, in the midst of a particularly chaotic season of life, God showed me a vision of a carousel. The very center of the carousel was cut out and I was standing in the middle. All around me, the carousel was packed full of stuff - packed to the brim with all kinds of knick knacks and junk, the random things of life. Suddenly, the carousel began to spin at warp speed, with things flying right and left, and there in the midst of the chaos, completely consumed by my surroundings, was me. All of a sudden a light shown down on me from directly above. When I looked up, I began to rise above all the chaos that surrounded me. It was still there, and I was still
in the middle of it, but I was no longer affected by it.

Over the years, I’ve gone back to this image many times as a reminder that when life feels overwhelming I usually need to adjust my focus. When my focus was on the carousel, I was consumed. But when I shifted my focus towards God, that’s when things started to change. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) states, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Choosing to focus on God despite the problems we’re facing isn’t a sign of naive, blind faith but rather a declaration of total dependence and trust in God and Who He is. When we trust fully in God, we don’t have to know how every little detail will work out because we know that
He is working all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

During those moments where life feels overwhelming and uncertain, take a moment to stop and refocus your attention. Put some praise music on, quote your favorite scripture, or reflect on some of the ways God has been faithful in your life. We do have a scriptural promise after all that as we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us (James 4:8).

Heather Roland

Song: Hallelujah Even Here
Artist: Lydia Laird

The first year I decided to take part in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, I did the Daniel Fast with some friends from a church small group. Although I knew it would be challenging I was excited and eager to see my relation with God grow. Within a week of the fast the accountability was in full swing. There was pictures of food labels being sent in messages to make sure certain foods were safe to eat, and whenever we were around each other we talked about the foods we missed as if it had been years since we last tasted them. It was safe to say we were missing the point of fasting.

Luckily for us though we also did a Daily Devotion along with the fast, and the devotion shared Matthew 6:16-18:  “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

This scripture transformed the way I looked at fasting. Now when fasting comes around I work on making it a special thing between God and myself. On top of fasting something physical like food I also work on diving deeper into God’s word. I have found that not only does this strengthen your relationship with God, but it turns God into an accountability partner. Whenever I am faced with temptation during my time of fasting or even outside of fasting I turn to scripture to help keep me strong. So as we dive into this season of fasting remember that it’s not as much about what you are going without as it is as what God is doing inside.

Mark Browning

Song: Always Loved Me
Artist: Iron Bell Music

Have you ever been driving your car looking for a destination and turned down the radio to see better? Well I have and right now in todays world the noise is so loud and scary that I pulled my car over and turned my radio off.

This past year was so hard for many of us and sometimes we just need a reset and what a great chance to begin than the next 21 days. God is with us day in and day out and recently I was doing yard work and I was admiring my craft when I had a feeling and I said out loud “ God, you have been so faithful to me even when I haven’t been faithful to you!” It was a moment I will never forget as I knew God loved me so much he was willing to wait on me while looking for that parking spot and turn down the noise to find him.

"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

So for the this 21 days of PRAYER let’s dig in deeper than we have ever been in the word of God, and FAST the things that cause the distractions. God is going to do amazing things and I cannot wait to see life change in 2022.

Jeremy Kelley

Song: Rest On Us (feat. Brandon Lake & Eniola Abioye)
Artist: Maverick City Music | UPPERROOM | TRIBL

Time is such a funny word. It is something, at this point in my life, there never seems to be enough of. With two kids, a husband, earning a degree and just the many tasks of being a wife and mom, time is everything.

Someone told me the other day there is no better gift that you can give than time. Time spent with someone is to be cherished. Time is important and I value it but what time have I given to my Jesus lately? Have I spent time in his word? Have I spent time with him in prayer? I think we can look at what we choose to spend time on and realize what we value most.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about how we spend our time and before we know it, our time on earth is done. Completed. This 21 days of prayer I want to focus on time. Time spent on my relationship with Jesus, my husband, kids and myself. I will not be finding time for Jesus, he is my time. Instead, I will be finding time for everything else that comes second to him. I want to take time to see the things he has done for me and around me. Time is fleeting, friends, and I do not want to look back and realize I never got to know my Savior because I ran out of time.

Aubri McClendon

Song: Jireh
Artist: Elevation Worship & Maverick City

When it comes to God’s timing it can be described with a variety of adjectives. We often think of God’s timing as slow, frustrating, disappointing, infuriating, and the list can go on and on. One word we have a difficult time using to explain God’s timing is perfect. But of all the ways to describe His time, the only word is perfect. I compare waiting on God like being a kid and waiting for Christmas or for school to finally be over. The wait seems to take forever. But when it comes to our relationship with God, it’s forever. We see in the Bible that, “at just the right time,” God shows up, God rescues, God delivers. His perfect timing grows our faith, it grows our trust that He will come through. Psalm 31:15 says, “My times are in your hands.”

We trust in every minute of every hour of every day is in His hands. Every weak moment, every temptation, every urge, he will give us the strength to remain in Him. As you reflect on your life and every single time God showed up, know that it was precise, calculated, and perfect. When it's not time, you can’t force it, but when it is time, you can’t stop it.

We are still in the early stages of our 21 days of prayer and fasting. I want you to be encouraged that whatever you might be fasting, that it begins as a fast, but becomes a habit. Something that doesn’t last 21 days, but for years to come. Then when you look back at the 2022 21 days of prayer and fasting, you realize that was a moment that propelled your relationship with God into a new height. The best is yet to come, so keep on waiting.

Matt Powers

Song: Wait on You
Artist: Elevation Worship & Maverick City

"29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:29-32 NLT

This scripture is a great reminder that not even the ones identified as His own (hello follower of Jesus) will be perfect. We are all flawed, and we will always need help from God and just like this scripture points out- help from other believers. The challenge to us is to get rid of the feelings of the flesh and instead display the fruit of the Spirit. That's easier said than done - especially when you are fasting and denying what can sometimes take root in your life. As you dig deeper the next few weeks, I want to challenge you to reach out and encourage those around you or maybe someone you've been praying for. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgive one another - and thank God He is always so faithful to forgive us!

Danielle Doss
Directional + Admin Pastor

Song: Taste and See
Artist: Here Be Lions

18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

At each new year this verse always feels empowering and encouraging. It's a reminder of a new season with new possibilities. However, after reading this year the word "dwell" stood out to me. I want to encourage you to be detailed about your dwelling. To dwell means to live in a specified place. Where are you dwelling? Are you dwelling in the past? Are you dwelling in fear? Or, are you dwelling in the power and potential of what Jesus can do in you and through you this year? So as you begin 2022, be detailed about your dwelling. If you don't like where you live, this is the time to move. Dwell in the new thing God wants to do in 2022.

Brandon Matthews
Lead Team Pastor

Song: Walls
Artist: Fellowship Creative

10 in the Bible represents 2 primary things, First it represents testimony. As I sit and think of the last ten years, I’m just so thankful for all God has done. Over 1,300 have accepted Jesus as Savior, We’ve helped plant over 500 churches, launched a second campus to further the mission of reaching Shelby County with the Gospel, given hundreds of thousands to missions. We’ve seen marriages restored, addictions broken, and so many people begin to live their lives on purpose! Our church is a living testimony of the faithfulness of God in every season. Second, Ten represents responsibility. While it’s so good to look back and remember Gods goodness, I’m reminded now more than ever that we’re really just getting started… The best is yet to come! Church, we have a responsibility to move into this next season with passion and purpose. As we’re stepping into 2022 together through prayer and fasting, my prayer is that the Lord will clearly reveal Himself to us like never before. That we gain a fresh zeal to lead those far from God into fully committed relationships with Jesus. It’s going to be an incredible year, Cultivate!

Life on Purpose,

Brandon Doss
Lead Team Pastor

Song: We the Kingdom
Artist: Sing Wherever I Go

Welcome to day 1, Cultivate! I hope you are so expectant of what God is going to do through our 21 days of prayer and fasting together this year... But I want you to expect more.

Our family has been through a particularly difficult season recently. I see it. I feel it. But I don’t feel singled out in it. I see people all around me in very hard seasons.

What something like 21 days set aside to be close to the Father can do for you is give you peace no matter what the season looks like around you. No matter what it feels like. Just like shade and fruit and anything a tree can provide you, you have to be close to the tree to experience it’s shade.

Just the same, you have to be able to be close to the Father to experience his peace. His provision. The closer we are, the more we’re in His word, the more in tune with His spirit we are, the less anything around us has power over us.

”So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Let these 21 days be truly set apart. Don’t just casually get through your Bible plan or devotion, let it come alive. Speak it. Talk about it. Let it come alive so you can come alive.

God is going to move in a new and amazing way this year but it will be easy to miss if we’re not ready. If we’re not set apart. If we’re not close to the Father.

Jen Matthews
Worship + Creative Pastor

Song: House of Miracles
Artist: Brandon Lake

The launch of our new Alabaster facility was incredible. Hundreds of people joined us, 8 people said yes to Jesus, 6 people were baptised, and many found a new church home.

Cultivate, we are getting close to the end of construction! Here are some recently completed projects:

• Sign installed
• Sheet Rock on all walls
• AC installed and running
• Kids rooms are painted
• Electrical completed
• Plumbing completed

There are still a lot of projects to be completed in the new few weeks. Here are some that are in progress or about to start:

• Sprinkler system installation (in progress)
• Drop ceiling installation (in progress)
• Auditorium platform (in progress)
• Auditorium media booth (in progress)
• Flooring (tile, stained concrete, carpet, rubber)
• Paint rooms (in progress)
• Third set of front doors (arriving mid July)
• Bathroom fixtures (arriving July)
• Sound/Lighting install (July)

The projects above and more will be happening in the coming days and week. The biggest challenges have been people not showing to do work they were hired for and a shortage of supplies when things are ordered. We are making great progress and are currently on track for our August grand opening.

After a few months of construction delays, a lot has been accomplished in only a few weeks.
The exterior has been renovated with doors and glass installed. The entire building has been framed, sheet rock is being installed, and plumbing lines are being prepared.

Our All Team are leaders who are responsible for leading teams. Each third Monday night of the month we gather for dinner, community, leadership, and vision. Tonight we took our time together to walk through the building, pray, and celebrate what’s ahead.