Scripture: He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. -John 15:2 Additional Reading: Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 37:23–24, Isaiah 55:8–9, Romans 8:28, Hebrews 12:10–11, 1 Corinthians 15:33 Intro: Sometimes people don’t leave loudly. There’s no explosion. No final argument. No clear reason. They just… disappear. A relationship ends. A friend grows distant. Someone you trusted walks awa

Scripture: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” -Matthew 6:16 Additional Reading: Isaiah 58:6–9, Acts 13:2–3, Psalm 35:13, Matthew 17:21 Intro: Most people hesitate at the question because fasting has been misunderstood. Many believe it must involve food—and only food. But biblical fasting is deeper than that. It is the intentional

Scripture: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John 7:24 Additional Reading:  Matthew 7:1–5, Proverbs 31:9, Leviticus 19:15, Ephesians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 5:12–13 Intro: Have you ever caught yourself recognizing sin—only to immediately shut the thought down with, “Who am I to judge? That’s God’s job.” It sounds humble. It feels safe. But Scripture tells a different story. What if avoiding judgment isn’t humility at all—but disobedience disguise

Scripture: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. — Proverbs 18:21 Additional Reading: Proverbs 12:18, Matthew 12:34–37, James 3:5–6 Intro: Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? A careless comment. A sharp response. A word spoken in anger. Or maybe you’ve been on the receiving end—listening as someone’s words tore you down, crushed your spirit, or left wounds that lingered long after the co

Scriptures: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." — Matthew 7:15 Additional Reading:  Acts 20:28–30; 2 Timothy 4:3–4; Matthew 18:6; John 10:11–15 Intro: Wolves do not announce themselves. They blend in. In Jesus’ day they wore religious garments. In ours, they wear microphones and teacher badges. The danger isn’t always outside the church — sometimes it stands behind the pulpit or at the front of a clas