Message by Pastor Chuck Tate

January 17 & 18, 2026

We all make resolutions at the start of a new year—but what about our spiritual habits? In Week 1 of our new series HOLY HABITS, Pastor Chuck Tate calls us to something deeper than self‑improvement: spiritual formation.

This message centers on a powerful truth we see in the life of Jesus:

👉 Solitude always comes before service.

👉 Prayer always comes before power.

👉 Presence with God always comes before people.

Before Jesus preached a sermon…

Before He performed a miracle…

Before He chose His disciples…

He withdrew to be alone with the Father.

📖 Key Scriptures in This Message:

Luke 3:22 • Luke 4:1–2 • Luke 6:12–19 • Psalm 46:10 • John 17:15 • Matthew 19:4–6

💡 Key Takeaways from This Message:

✅ Holy Habits aren’t about trying harder—they’re about creating space for God’s grace

✅ Solitude anchors our identity before we step into activity

✅ Satan attacks identity before assignment—know who you are and whose you are

✅ Prayer precedes power, and leadership flows out of time alone with God

✅ Spiritual solitude isn’t isolation—it’s intentional alignment

✅ We don’t stay on the mountain; time with God fuels service to people

✅ Scripture memorization strengthens us for spiritual battles and daily life

🙌 PRACTICAL HOLY HABITS

Solitude:

• Sitting in your car for 10 minutes before going inside

• Going to bed earlier and adding prayer or Scripture

• Journaling, meditating, or memorizing God’s Word

• Daily quiet time, weekly alone time, or a monthly getaway

• Turning your phone off for intentional blocks of time

Service:

• Serving through RockChurch

• Signing up for RC Cares

• Volunteering in the community

• Meeting practical needs—meals, babysitting, helping hands

🔥 HOLY HABITS SHAPE HOLY LIVES

Solitude before service.

Prayer before power.

Presence before people.

Let’s build holy habits—together.

📍 Join us at RockChurch: 1081 Upper Spring Bay Rd, East Peoria

📲 Stream LIVE Sundays at 9 AM & 11 AM on YouTube, Facebook, and rcpeoria.org

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