C l a s s i c S e r i e s
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1 Fasting & Feasting
Most of us can give up chocolate or coffee for a few weeks, but a daily helping of pessimism is a much harder habit to break.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul calls us to a deeper fast: laying down negativity and filling our minds with what is true.
What we feed grows and what we starve weakens, so choose what goes on your plate.
2 Fasting on Fear & Feasting on Faith
This sermon from Covington Community Church, titled "2026/03/01 Fasting on Fear & Feasting on Faith," focuses on how believers can actively replace fear with trust in God through practical spiritual disciplines [01:49 Opens in a new window ].
Here are the main points:
1. Faith is Not the Absence of Fear
- Fear is a Natural Emotion: Fear itself isn't necessarily a bad thing—it is a God-given response to real dangers [04:26 Opens in a new window ]. However, the goal is not to be completely fearless overnight, but to choose where to place our focus when fear arises [03:11 Opens in a new window ].
- Honest Surrender: Using the example of the father in Mark 9:24 ("I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"), the speaker emphasizes that God isn't offended by our honest fears and doubts [08:16 Opens in a new window ]. Instead of pretending we aren't afraid, we must surrender our anxieties rather than trying to carry them alone [09:58 Opens in a new window ].
2. Cultivating Faith Intentionally
- Faith is Active, Not Passive: Faith grows through attention, action, and community [02:20:04 Opens in a new window ]. Just as the paralyzed man in Mark 2 needed his friends to carry him to Jesus, we often need community when we are too weak to walk through our struggles alone [01:33:34 Opens in a new window ].
- Guarding Your Focus: The sermon warns against "doom-scrolling" or constantly rehearsing worst-case scenarios, which feeds anxiety. Citing Philippians 4:8, the speaker reminds the congregation to intentionally dwell on things that are true, noble, and pure [03:26 Opens in a new window ].
3. Trusting God with Outcomes
- Moving Beyond the Crisis: True discipleship means seeking a relationship with God, not just looking for a quick fix or relief from a temporary crisis [02:48:00 Opens in a new window ].
- Two Practical Action Steps:
- Hand worries over repeatedly: Consciously cast your cares on God and refuse to pick them back up [03:21:00 Opens in a new window ].
- Feed your faith: Fill your mind with truth through scripture, prayer, worship, and remembering God's past faithfulness [03:23:00 Opens in a new window ].
3 Fasting of Grumbling & Feasting on Gratitude
This sermon from Covington Community Church, WA focuses on the sermon series theme of "Fasting and Feasting," specifically examining how to move away from complaining and toward a heart of thanksgiving [05:21].
The main points of the message include:
- The Danger of Grumbling: Grumbling acts like kryptonite, draining our strength and damaging both our witness as "beacons of light" and our relationships with one another [07:16, 08:23, 12:09]. Drawing on the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, the speaker notes that complaining romanticizes the past, criticizes the present, and blinds us to what God is currently doing [10:11].
- Gratitude as Spiritual Vision: Gratitude is more than just a positive attitude; it is a spiritual discipline that helps us see God's goodness even in the midst of hardship [11:02, 18:45]. Jesus modeled this by giving thanks over meager provisions (like a boy's sack lunch) before the feeding of the 5,000 [15:47].
- Shifting the Spiritual Atmosphere: Just as Paul and Silas praised God while imprisoned, practicing gratitude realigns our hearts with God's presence rather than inviting despair [19:08].
Practical Takeaways for the Week:
- Fast from Grumbling: Try going a full week without complaining about traffic, work, or the weather [21:48].
- Start Your Day with Gratitude: Put your feet on the floor and name three things you are thankful for before checking your phone or focusing on daily stressors [22:45].
- Replace Grumbling with Prayer: Bring frustrations directly to God and ask Him to help you see your situation through His eyes [23:36].
- End Your Day in Reflection: Cap your evening by reflecting on where you saw God working throughout your day [24:42].
What specific area of your daily routine do you think would be easiest—or hardest—to apply a "fast from grumbling" to?
4 Fasting on Unbelief / Feasting on the Promises
This sermon from Covington Community Church, WA, titled "Fasting on Unbelief / Feasting on the Promises," serves as the finale of their series on fasting and feasting [01:06Opens in a new window]. The message focuses on overcoming internal doubt, fear, and quiet whisperings that God might not come through [01:56Opens in a new window].
The main points of the sermon include:
- Unbelief Weakens Spiritual Resistance: Unbelief and anxiety do not just affect our emotions; they make us question if prayer matters and cause us to stop standing in faith [06:04Opens in a new window]. However, Jesus taught that even "mustard seed" faith—small faith in a big God—can move mountains [07:05Opens in a new window].
- Exposing What We Feed: Anxiety and constant negative information can become louder than God's promises, distorting how we interpret delays, silence, or struggles [12:29Opens in a new window]. Fasting unbelief means refusing to agree with the darkness or hopelessness of a situation [08:50Opens in a new window].
- Feasting on God's Promises: Faith is active confidence in who God is. When anxious thoughts arise, we must counter them with specific scriptural promises (such as God never leaving us, His grace being sufficient, and working all things for good) [15:09Opens in a new window].
- Sharpening Spiritual Hearing: Rehearsing God's promises repeatedly anchors our hearts, calms our minds, and sharpens our ability to hear His voice over the noise of fear [16:40Opens in a new window].
Practical Takeaways for the Week:
- Identify Unbelief: Pinpoint one area of fear or doubt that has been whispering in your ear [22:30Opens in a new window].
- Apply the Rhythm: When anxious thoughts hit, label the thought, reject its agreement, replace it with a biblical promise, and respond in prayer [19:46Opens in a new window].
- Rehearse the Word: Write down God's promises and meditate on them regularly to grow your faith [20:52Opens in a new window].
What specific promise of God do you find most helpful to lean on when doubt or anxiety creeps in?