Gather in Stillness
Small, Christ-centered gatherings that make room for Scripture, honest conversation, prayer & friendship — without the influnce of culture, social media, or hurry of everyday life.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
A better path of living + learning
Disconnect from the noise. Connect with God.
Still Fellowship is a disconnection ministry — an invitation to walk away from the noise of the modern world so we can better connect with God, family, and one another. We believe that life becomes clearer and fuller when we loosen the grip of screens, social media, cultural influences, distractions, and any force that pulls our attention away from the voice and nudges of the Holy Spirit. In stillness, we rediscover the abundance and simplicity that God intended for our lives.
Learn at Home
Still Learning House encourages parents to homeschool- seeing learning as worship and discipleship. We help families build creative, faith-filled rhythms of home learning.
Still App · Coming Soon
A powerful devotional + study app designed to help you disconnect from the noise, stay rooted in Scripture, and walk out a slower, more intentional life with God.
Today’s Study
12/11 — Denying Self to Live in Christ
Scripture
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, ESV)
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6, ESV)
Study
To deny oneself, as Jesus commanded, is not merely an external action or a denial of certain desires. It strikes at the core of what it means to be truly alive in Christ. The call to “deny yourself” challenges every person who follows Jesus to surrender the independent claim to one’s own will, preferences, and understanding. This ‘self’ that demands autonomy and self-assertion is what the original Greek word ἀρνέομαι (arneomai) points toward—a resolute refusal to let the ego or independent self-rule override God’s lordship.
Individuality, though often seen as valuable and celebrated in modern culture, can become a barrier to spiritual life when it insists on separating itself from God and others. The shell of individuality can isolate because it values personal rights and self-assertion above fellowship and unity in Christ. True personality, rooted in the new creation in Jesus, blooms when this shell cracks open through gospel surrender.
Romans 8 contrasts the mindset of the flesh with the mindset of the Spirit. To live by the Spirit means to reject the enslaving demands of the self that resists God’s will. The cross is the ultimate expression of this denial, where Jesus sets aside His rights—even life itself—to bear our sin and restore our life. When believers take up their cross, they enter into this pattern of dying to self so that they may live in God’s life.
Christian discipleship is therefore not self-assertion but self-denial; not independence but dependence on God; not division but deep fellowship with Christ and His people. The Holy Spirit works to humble and break down the defensive walls of individuality so the true personal life—godly character and union with Christ—may emerge. This spiritual transformation requires willingness to relinquish one’s own ‘rights’ and control so God can form a life that reflects His glory.
As we yield to Jesus and follow Him, we begin to live by faith, not by sight or by our own limited understanding. Our spiritual vitality depends on letting go of the self-centered life and embracing the new life shaped by Christ’s love, death, and resurrection.
Today From Proverbs
Proverbs 22:4 - “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”
Proverbs 27:5-6 - “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
Today From Psalms
Psalm 25:8-9 - “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
Psalm 119:33-34 - “Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.”
Reflect & Pray
- What areas of ‘self’ do you tend to hold on to most tightly, resisting God’s call to surrender?
- How does identifying with Christ’s cross shape your understanding of true life and freedom?
- In what ways might an emphasis on individuality hinder your fellowship with other believers or your trust in God?
- How can humility and openness to correction enrich your walk with God and others?
Lord Jesus, help me to deny my own desires and to take up the cross daily. Teach me to surrender my independent will so that your Spirit may guide me into true life and fellowship with you and your people. Keep my heart humble and my mind fixed on your truth. Amen.
Scripture References
- Matthew 16:24
- Romans 8:6
- Proverbs 22:4
- Proverbs 27:5-6
- Psalm 25:8-9
- Psalm 119:33-34
Still Fellowship is a non-profit founded by Aaron Tomberlin, created to help people and families live and learn differently — in peaceful resistance to the system and in freedom with Christ.