The Praying Cupbearer

Jeff Gordon

Jeremiah 2:13

There are discrepancies in this world, i.e., noticeable differences between the way things are and the way they should be. How should Christians respond? Should we ignore the issues and go on with our lives or try to help implement change? These are the questions Nehemiah had to answer when he found out how things were going in Jerusalem. Nehemiah decided to turn to God for help because he realized God is always waiting for us to turn to Him. That is the decision God wants us to make too.\r\n

The Work of Prayer

Jim Leffel

Daniel 9:1-19

Great works of God are accomplished by the disciplined intercession of God's people. Prayer is an opportunity to participate in the supernatural and to bring praise to God. Daniel repeatedly pleaded with God in a way that shows three principles on the subject of prayer: 1) pleas should be specific; 2) pleas should be confident; and 3) pleas are rooted in grace.

Thinking Like Jesus

Scott Risley

Isaiah 45:18-24

Paul explains the theological concept of the kenosis. He calls his readers to imitate Jesus, who emptied Himself of the use of His divine attributes in order to glorify God the Father.

Jesus Calms The Storm

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 8:22-25

Jesus taught several lessons when he calmed the storm: 1) following Jesus does not mean immunity from "storms"; 2) "storms" expose our little faith in Jesus; 3) Jesus responds to our little faith in him; and 4) Jesus challenges us to grow stronger in our faith in him. The best ways to grow our faith are to consider God's promises, ponder previous instances of God's faithfulness, and to act in faith during the storms.

A Servant's Lord

Jim Leffel

1 John 3:2

Paul urges Timothy to cling to his standing and hope in God to endure the trials of life, and take real lasting meaning. The relationship we have with God offers true meaning and purpose to our lives. We can trust in God because we have seen His power and knowledge in His Word and through how he has provided for us.

A Servant's Passion

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Paul told Timothy that God gifted him in ministry, likewise he has gifted each of us. God has given us a purpose to go out and share His message of love and salvation to this world, and He wants us to use the gifts He has given us to accomplish this purpose. God has a powerful plan for your life, and if you depend on Him, He can use you to do things that will leave an eternal impact.

A Servant's Discipline

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 13:12

Paul says that we are called to train for holiness like an athlete would train - that we would train with an aim or goal in mind. We should discipline ourselves to live a life that shows God's love. This means we need to depend on Him and His truth as we encounter the troubles of life.

Lessons on Prayer

Dennis McCallum

Acts 12:1-23

Peter is thrown into jail by King Herod, where he encounters the Angel of the Lord. The Angel of the Lord aids Peter in his escape from prison, allows Peter to return the house of Mary, where many had gathered and were praying earnestly to God about Peter's situation. From this miraculous event, there are five key lessons that can be learned about prayer: 1) there is no promise to answer any and all prayers; 2) it's important to be persistent in prayer; 3) corporate prayer is vital; 4) It's not the quantity of their faith that is important to God; and 5) remembering when God answers prayers.

How to Know the Will of God

Dennis McCallum

Acts 11:1-17

Peter's defense of his ministry to the Gentiles with the Gospel highlights the importance of understanding God's Will. When trying to understand God's Will, it's important to distinguish moral versus non-moral decisions, the spiritual significance in our choices and the need for special guidance with an attitude to follow God regardless of the revelation. As Peter recalls his account to the people, several factors are revealed that are important when discerning God's Will: 1) direct divine revelation; 2) providential circumstances; 3) inner spiritual prompting; 4) correlated leading; 5) spiritual fruit borne; and 6) Scripture. Looking to mature counsel is another important factor when trying to figure out what God's Will is, along with our own personal desires.