Acts 16:22-24, 35-40

As the nation and the world are filled with civil unrest, Christians wrestle with how to respond as light in the darkness. As we look at the teachings and experiences of Paul, we see he makes it clear that we are to submit to and pray for the governing authorities. Yet through his own experience, Paul shows that we should still stand on God's Word and against injustice. Also, we must beware of letting the thinking of the world water down our understanding of God's Word. Half truths are actually false.

2 Kings 20:1-6

We learn two more things from King Hezekiah: 1) Our failures don't define us. God looks on our heart. 2) Faithfulness in serving God does not bring a trouble-free life, but, in our times of adversity, remember the battle belongs to the Lord.

2 Chronicles 29:3-19

As we continue the study of the life and reign of King Hezekiah, we see that one of his first acts as king was to cleanse the Temple of all the abominations that had been done to it by previous kings. He knew the nation needed to be purified before it could move on with God. So we also, must examine ourselves and allow Jesus to cleanse us, so that we can be more effective disciples.

Proverbs 3:5-6

As we begin our study of King Hezekiah in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, we find that he trusted and clung to the Lord, and as a result, he prospered in the Lord, and became known as Judah's greatest king. As we cling to the Lord, we realize that we can trust Him with our life, even as Hezekiah did.

1 Peter 2:9

As we examine Exodus 19:1-12, we see that God's intention for the Israelites was not just to take them to the promised land, but to make them "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Our journey's end is to be brought to Christ and united with Him.

Exodus 17:8-16

As we deal with big battles in our lives, we can learn from the Israelites as they fought the Amalekites: Be faithful in the little things and learn from them. Enter the battle with the correct weapons - prayer and God's Word. Ask help from others. Remember that Jesus is interceding for us.

Exodus 15:22-27

As the Israelites traveled through the desert, they came upon the waters of Marah, but they were bitter. The people grumbled, but Moses obeyed God, and the water became sweet. In bitter times, do we grumble and complain, or do we pray? Faithfulness during Marah times will result in God's provision of an oasis.

Hebrews 2:1

As we study Hebrews 10:19-39, we're reminded that the blood of Jesus gives us access to God. Nevertheless, we must stay focused on that fact, so we don't slip away. Proper faith displays a proper patience. He remains faithful. Will we?

Mark 16:1-8

As we celebrate Easter, we look at Mark's account of the resurrection. The women who came to anoint the dead body of Jesus were alarmed when they found the empty tomb. An angel assured them that Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, had risen. May we respond in faith to this life changing event.

Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus prayed that He wouldn't have to go through suffering, but submitted himself to the Father's plan. When life doesn't seem fair, will we respond like Jesus? God's plan seldom makes sense in the midst of pain, but we can receive strength and peace if we trust in our heavenly Father.