Grace Raleigh

In our third week of Obscure Heroes, we take a look at the story of Namaan getting healed of leprosy and ask the question, "How is this healing relevant to us in 2019?"

In week 2 of Obscure Heroes, we explore Deborah's story. What can we learn from her life and leadership that can help us with ours?

The central question running throughout the entire Bible and all of human history is this: "Do you believe, are you completely convinced, that God is both able and willing to provide what's best for you?" Our human struggle is that sometimes our answer is: "No! Not always!" We're simply not convinced... at least not enough to give up complete control. So, we decide for ourselves what's best. And when we do that, we forfeit some portion of the abundant life that God so desperately wants for us. And that's why Gamaliel is a hero. His wisdom and insight remind us again that God is true to His Word -- always -- and is going to do what He promised to do. If I'm going to trust God completely -- not rely on my own wisdom, but surrender control in all areas of my life, not just some of them – I need that assurance.

As we wrap up our series on spiritual disciplines, this week we discuss a few disciplines or practices that sometimes get a little less attention than the others.

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. This instruction feels impossible to many, but what if there were a way to approach or think about prayer that helped us become far more consistent in the discipline?