Hidden Heroes: Quiet Lives, Lasting Impact - 18 Sessions

This Bible study is for people like us—those who may feel small, ordinary, or unknown in our community or in God’s kingdom. Through the stories of lesser-known men and women in Scripture, we’ll see how God delights in using people the world overlooks to accomplish His purposes. Each will remind us that our quiet acts of faith, our steady obedience, and our willingness to say “yes” to God—no matter how hidden—are part of His great story of redemption. In God’s eyes, there are no insignificant people, and no act of faith is ever wasted.

1: "Courage in Crisis"- Exodus 1:15-21, 2 Kings 5:1-4
The Midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) and Naaman's Servant Girl

2: "Compassion Across Boundaries"- Exodus 2:5-10, 1 Kings 17:8-16
Pharaoh's Daughter and the Widow of Zarephath

3: "Wisdom That Protects"- Exodus 18:13-26, 2 Samuel 20:16-22
Jethro and the Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah

4: "Bold Faith in Action"- Numbers 27:1-11, Joshua 2:1-21
The Daughters of Zelophehad and Rahab

5: "Speaking Truth in Power"- 2 Kings 22:14-20, Esther 4:12-16
Huldah and Mordecai

6: "Unexpected Service"- Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Acts 10:7-8
Simon of Cyrene and Cornelius' Servants

7: "Grace in the Final Hour"- Luke 23:39-43
The Penitent Thief

8: "Overcoming Fear to Obey"- Acts 9:10-19
Ananias of Damascus

9: "The Ministry of Encouragement"- Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:22-26
Barnabas

10: "Partnership in Ministry"- Acts 18:2-3, 24-26, Romans 16:3-4
Priscilla and Aquila

11: Creative Service for God's Glory - Exodus 31:1–11; 35:30–35
Bezalel and Oholiab

12: Hidden Courage That Preserves Hope - 2 Kings 11:1–3
Jehosheba

13: Faithful in the Shadows - 2 Timothy 1:16–18
Onesiphorus

14: Prayer That Moves Heaven - 1 Chronicles 4:9–10
Jabez

15: Obedient in the Ordinary - Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7
Tychicus

16: Faith That Crosses Cultures - Book of Ruth
Ruth

17: A Bold Voice in a Silent Crowd - Judges 3:31
Shamgar

18: The Legacy of the Forgotten -Mark 2:1–5, Hebrews 11:32–40
Reflection on unnamed or briefly mentioned faithful servants 

Full Session Audio with Script

Session 1: "Courage in Crisis" - Exodus 1:15-21, 2 Kings 5:1-4

Study Notes — Personal Study  — Discussion — Audio

Focus: The Midwives (Shiphrah and Puah) and Naaman's Servant Girl

Purpose Statement: To encourage believers that simple acts of courage and faith, even in difficult circumstances, can have far-reaching consequences for God's kingdom.
Key Truth: God honors courageous obedience, even when it comes from the overlooked and unnamed.

Hymn to Hum: It is Well With My Soul-Choir — Blessed Assurance -Chris French-Piano — He Lives-Congregational

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how ordinary people made brave choices when faced with hard situations. Watch for the way God blessed their courage even though they weren't famous or powerful. Pay attention to how their small acts of faith changed big things in history.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think about a time when you had to choose between doing what was easy and doing what was right. What helped you make your decision?

If you could have dinner with any person from history who showed great courage, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Exodus 1:15-21

15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”

19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”

20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

2 Kings 5:1-4 Naaman Healed of Leprosy

1 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

2 Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said.

Overview

These two stories show us something amazing about how God works through regular people. In Exodus, we meet two midwives who refused to follow a king's evil orders. In 2 Kings, we see a young girl who spoke up to help her master find healing. Both stories remind us that in our world today, we don't need to be famous or have important titles to make a difference. Whether we're standing up to unfair treatment at work, speaking truth when others stay silent, or showing kindness to difficult people, God can use our courage to change lives.

This May Surprise You

The Hebrew midwives may not have been Israelites themselves. Some Bible scholars believe Shiphrah and Puah were actually Egyptian women who served the Hebrew community. If this is true, it makes their courage even more remarkable. They risked everything to protect babies who weren't even from their own people group. This shows us that God's heart for justice crosses all boundaries, and He can work through anyone who chooses to do what's right.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: The midwives feared God more than Pharaoh (Exodus 1:17)
Comment: When we truly understand who God is, earthly authorities lose their power to control us through fear. The midwives knew that answering to God was more important than pleasing a human king.

Point 2: They found a creative way to resist evil (Exodus 1:19)
Comment: Sometimes courage doesn't look like a dramatic confrontation. The midwives used wisdom and cleverness to protect lives while avoiding direct conflict with Pharaoh's soldiers.

Point 3: God rewarded their faithfulness with families of their own (Exodus 1:21)
Comment: God doesn't forget those who risk everything to serve Him. The midwives' reward wasn't just personal blessing, but the knowledge that they helped preserve the nation through which the Savior would come.

Point 4: The servant girl spoke with confidence about God's power (2 Kings 5:3)
Comment: Even as a captive in a foreign land, this young girl maintained her faith. She didn't let her circumstances destroy her belief that God could work miracles.

Point 5: Her simple words started a chain of events that led to healing (2 Kings 5:4)
Comment: The girl couldn't have known that her suggestion would lead to Naaman's physical and spiritual healing. God used her small act of faith to accomplish something far greater than she could imagine.

Take-Home Thought

God's kingdom advances through the courage of ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things. The midwives and the servant girl weren't trained theologians or powerful leaders. They were simply people who believed God was bigger than their problems and more trustworthy than their fears.

Today, God is still looking for people who will take small steps of courage. He doesn't need us to be perfect or have all the answers. He just needs us to be willing to speak up, stand up, and show up when He calls. The ripple effects of our faithful choices may not be visible to us right away, but they matter deeply to God and to His eternal plan. When we choose courage over comfort, we join a long line of faithful people who discovered that God's strength shows up best in our weakness.

Quote

Charles Spurgeon: "Courage, brother! do not stumble, though thy path be dark as night; there's a star to guide the humble: trust in God, and do the right."

Corrie ten Boom: "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. When we are in the will of God, we need fear nothing, neither the hatred of men nor the power of death."

Biblical Connections

"Fear God rather than man" echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:28: "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

God blessing the faithful connects to Proverbs 11:18: "Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last."

Speaking truth to power parallels Daniel's courage before King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:16-18) and Peter's boldness before the religious leaders (Acts 4:19-20).

God using the humble reflects 1 Corinthians 1:27: "Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise."

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When life puts us in difficult situations where doing right seems risky or costly, we can remember these stories. God sees every act of courage, no matter how small it seems to us. He honored two midwives who simply refused to kill babies, and He used a young girl's simple suggestion to heal a powerful general. If God can work through them in their challenging circumstances, He can certainly work through us in ours. We don't have to wait until we feel brave enough or strong enough. We just need to take the next right step and trust Him with the results.

Devotional Thought: The Ripple of Faithful Courage

In Exodus 1:15-21 and 2 Kings 5:1-4, we see ordinary people—midwives Shiphrah and Puah, and Naaman’s servant girl—acting with courage. They weren’t powerful, yet their faith changed lives. Picture a stone dropped in a pond, sending ripples far beyond the splash. The midwives defied Pharaoh to save Hebrew babies, preserving God’s people. Their quiet stand sent ripples through history. The servant girl, far from home, spoke up, leading Naaman to God’s healing. Her small words had a big impact.

We may feel our days of making a difference are past. We don’t get out much, but God sees our small acts—a kind word, a prayer, a stand for what’s right. These are like stones in a pond, creating ripples we may not see. God doesn’t need us to be famous; He honors simple obedience. Shiphrah, Puah, and the servant girl didn’t know how far their faith would reach, but God did. Let’s trust Him with our small steps, knowing He’ll carry the ripples for His glory.

Reflection Question: When has a small act of courage or kindness touched your life? What step might God be calling you to take today?

Culture Connection

Today, people are often praised for being loud, bold, or having power, especially on social media or in politics. But these Bible stories remind us that real courage doesn’t always look dramatic. Shiphrah, Puah, and the servant girl didn’t have big platforms or influence. They were regular people, living in difficult situations, and yet their quiet obedience to God made a huge difference. In a culture that often overlooks the elderly, the poor, or those without status, God still sees and uses people who trust Him—no matter their age or role. Their stories remind us that faithfulness in small things still matters today.

Changed Life

These stories challenge the way we think about what it means to make a difference. The world says you need a title or platform to do something big. But these women had neither—and God still used them. This can change how we think about our own usefulness, especially later in life. Retirement doesn't mean we retire from God's work. Our phone call, a prayer, a kind word, or even just staying faithful in a tough time can be a powerful act of obedience that God can use.

Suggestions

Practice Courage in Conversation: If you hear someone speak fear or hopelessness—whether in person or on the phone—take a moment to speak a word of faith. You don’t have to preach. Just say something like, “I trust that God’s going to help us through this,” or “He’s still in control.” That simple act can shift someone’s mindset.

Encourage the Younger Generation: Consider writing a short note or calling a young parent or teenager in your church. Let them know you're praying for them. You never know how much courage that might give them in their own challenges.

Into Action

Courage doesn’t always look like standing on a battlefield. Sometimes, it looks like speaking up when it’s easier to stay silent. Or doing the right thing when no one is watching. That’s the kind of courage Shiphrah, Puah, and the servant girl showed. They weren’t famous. They didn’t hold power. But they made a big difference by trusting God and doing what was right.

So how can we put this into action today? Start small. Ask God to show you one place in your life where He wants you to act with courage. Maybe it’s making a phone call to someone you know is hurting. Maybe it’s speaking a word of truth, gently, to a family member. Maybe it’s standing firm in faith when others around you doubt.

If you’re praying for someone and feel discouraged, keep praying. That’s courageous. If you’re holding on to hope when life feels dark, that’s courageous too.

Real-life example

Think of Corrie ten Boom. She was an ordinary woman from the Netherlands who helped hide Jews during World War II. She wasn’t a soldier or a politician. She was a watchmaker and a believer in Jesus. Her family’s quiet courage saved lives. Even after being arrested and sent to a concentration camp, she forgave her captors and spent the rest of her life sharing God’s love and forgiveness. That’s the power of simple, faithful courage.

Let’s ask God to give us that kind of heart—ready to act when He calls, even in small ways, trusting Him to do something big with it.

(This section is for deep research and may not be needed)

Key Background Information for Exodus 1:15-21

Context of Oppression: The Israelites, who had settled in Egypt during the time of Joseph, had multiplied greatly. The new Pharaoh, who "did not know Joseph," felt threatened by their numbers and forced them into brutal slavery. When that failed to curb their population, he escalated his efforts.

Pharaoh's Command (Exodus 1:15-16): The king of Egypt ordered the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to commit infanticide. Their command was to kill all newborn male Hebrew babies upon the birthstool (or "delivery stool") but to let the female babies live.

Motivation: Killing the males would ensure the ultimate destruction of the nation (as they would be unable to reproduce among their own people) and prevent the rise of a male leader or a military force.

The Midwives' Action (Exodus 1:17): Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than they feared the Pharaoh, who was considered a god himself by the Egyptians. They refused to carry out the murder, saving the male children alive. This act is often cited as a profound early example of civil disobedience based on a higher moral law.

Deception and Confrontation (Exodus 1:18-19): When Pharaoh summoned the midwives and questioned their failure to follow his order, they provided an excuse: "The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them."

This explanation played on Egyptian prejudices or a lack of knowledge about the Hebrew women, and it successfully deflected Pharaoh's suspicion and anger, at least temporarily.

God's Blessing (Exodus 1:20-21): Because the midwives "feared God," He dealt well with them and provided them with families ("made them houses"). This reward is a sign of divine approval for their courage and moral choice to preserve life over obeying an evil ruler.

Immediate Result: The immediate failure of this plan led Pharaoh to enact a final, more public, and widespread order for all his people to throw every newborn Hebrew son into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). This sets the stage for the dramatic entrance of the main character of the book: Moses, who is saved from this decree.

Background information for 2 Kings 5:1-4

This passage introduces the main characters and the primary conflict, setting the scene during a period of intense geopolitical tension between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the neighboring kingdom of Aram (Syria).

1. Geopolitical Context: Israel and Aram (Syria)

Hostile Neighbors: The Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Aram were frequent enemies. Aram, centered in Damascus, was often the militarily superior power, constantly engaging in raids and warfare against Israel.

The Prophet Elisha: The prophet Elisha was the successor to Elijah and was active in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His ministry, recorded throughout 2 Kings, often involved powerful miracles that demonstrated the supremacy of Israel's God, Yahweh, even over the affairs of foreign nations and kings.

2. Introduction of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1)

A Mighty Man: Naaman is introduced as a man of immense power, prestige, and success. He was the commander of the army of the king of Aram, meaning he was the second most powerful man in the kingdom.

Highly Esteemed: The text explicitly states he was "a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded."

Divine Irony: The verse contains a striking theological statement: "...because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram." This reveals the biblical narrator's perspective—that the God of Israel is sovereign and uses even a foreign general (an enemy of Israel) to accomplish His purposes.

The Fatal Flaw: Despite his power, Naaman had a devastating personal problem: "but he was a leper."

Note: The Hebrew word for this condition, tzara'at, covers a range of severe skin diseases, which often led to ritual uncleanness and social isolation, although Naaman's high status may have mitigated the social effects. His condition, however, rendered his great power meaningless.

3. The Unlikely Messenger (2 Kings 5:2-4)

Spoils of War: Naaman's household contained a living reminder of the conflict: a young girl from Israel who had been taken captive in a raid and served Naaman's wife as a maid. She was a powerless slave in the house of her nation's greatest enemy.

The Servant Girl's Faith: This unnamed, insignificant girl initiates the entire plot. She tells her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

This is the turning point: healing for the great commander is offered not by a grand priest or general, but by the confident testimony of a powerless, foreign slave.

Naaman's Desperation: The commander, having exhausted all his own great resources, is desperate enough to heed the word of an enslaved girl. He immediately relays her information to the King of Aram.

The initial four verses thus set up the central contrast of the chapter: the great power and pride of the world (Naaman and the King of Aram) is brought low by an incurable disease, while the only solution comes from the most humble and unexpected source: a voiceless, captive girl whose God is more powerful than any king.

Session 2: "Compassion Across Boundaries" - Exodus 2:5-10, 1 Kings 17:8-16

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion — Audio

Focus: Pharaoh's Daughter and the Widow of Zarephath

Purpose Statement: To demonstrate how God uses compassionate hearts to preserve His purposes, even through unexpected people and circumstances.
Key Truth: God's compassion often flows through unlikely vessels, crossing cultural, social, and spiritual boundaries to fulfill His redemptive plan.

Hymn to Hum: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace-Solo — Rock Of Ages-Quartet — There Is A Fountain -Solo

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how God used people from outside His chosen nation to care for His people. Watch for moments when compassion overcame social rules and religious differences. Pay attention to how God provided for His servants through the kindness of strangers.

Personal Reflection Questions

Tell about a time when someone you didn't expect showed you unexpected kindness. How did it make you feel about God's care for you?

What's the biggest barrier you've had to cross to help someone - was it distance, money, fear, or something else? What motivated you to help anyway?

Exodus 2:5-10

5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.

7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”

1 Kings 17:8-16

8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”

15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.

Overview

In our divided world, these stories remind us that God's love doesn't recognize the boundaries we create. Pharaoh's daughter was part of the very system that oppressed the Israelites, yet she became the instrument of Moses' rescue. The widow of Zarephath was a foreign woman living in poverty, but God chose her to sustain His prophet during a terrible drought. Today, we still see God working through people who don't look like us, think like us, or worship like us. He uses Democrats to bless Republicans, uses people of different faiths to show kindness, and often provides for our needs through the most surprising sources.

This May Surprise You

Pharaoh's daughter knew exactly what she was doing when she rescued Moses. The text says she recognized him as "one of the Hebrew babies," yet she chose to save him anyway. This wasn't an accidental act of kindness - it was deliberate rebellion against her own father's orders. She risked her position, her safety, and possibly her life to save a baby from the people group her father was trying to destroy. Sometimes the most powerful acts of compassion require us to go against family expectations and cultural norms.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Pharaoh's daughter felt compassion when she saw the crying baby (Exodus 2:6)
Comment: True compassion doesn't ask about background or politics first - it responds to human need. Her heart was moved before her mind could create reasons not to help.

Point 2: She provided not just rescue but opportunity (Exodus 2:9-10)
Comment: The princess didn't just save Moses from death; she gave him the best education and position available in Egypt. God used her compassion to prepare Moses for his future role as Israel's deliverer.

Point 3: The widow shared her last meal despite having almost nothing (1 Kings 17:12-13)
Comment: It's one thing to give from our abundance, but quite another to share when we're desperate ourselves. Her willingness to trust Elijah's promise showed remarkable faith.

Point 4: God multiplied her resources as long as the need lasted (1 Kings 17:14-16)
Comment: When we step out in compassion, trusting God with our own needs, He proves faithful to provide. The miracle lasted exactly as long as the drought - God's timing is always perfect.

Point 5: Both women acted without knowing the bigger picture (Exodus 2:10, 1 Kings 17:16)
Comment: Neither woman could see how their compassion would fit into God's grand plan of salvation. We don't need to understand God's purposes to participate in them.

Take-Home Thought

God's compassion has no respect for human boundaries. He works through Egyptian princesses and foreign widows just as powerfully as He works through pastors and missionaries. This should humble us when we start thinking God can only use people who look, think, and believe exactly like we do.

These stories also challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we open to being God's instruments of compassion, even when it costs us something? Are we willing to cross uncomfortable boundaries to help others? The princess risked her relationship with her father. The widow risked starvation for her son. Both discovered that when we trust God with our sacrifices, He multiplies our resources and uses our compassion for purposes far greater than we can imagine. God is still looking for people whose hearts are bigger than their fears and whose compassion is stronger than their prejudices.

Quote

John Wesley: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

Henri Nouwen: "Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears."

Biblical Connections

God using foreigners connects to Ruth's loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16) and the Good Samaritan's kindness (Luke 10:33-34).

Sharing last resources echoes the widow's mite in Mark 12:42-44 and the early church sharing everything in Acts 2:46-47.

God's provision during scarcity parallels the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) and Jesus' promise in Matthew 6:26: "Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?"

Crossing cultural boundaries reflects Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-11) and Peter's vision about clean and unclean in Acts 10:9-16.

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we're facing needs that seem impossible to meet, we can remember that God's supply lines often run through unexpected places. He might provide through people we never thought would help us, or He might ask us to be His provision for someone else even when our own resources seem stretched thin. We don't have to figure out how it all works - we just need to keep our hearts open to both giving and receiving compassion. God's love is bigger than our categories, and His provision is more creative than our limitations.

Devotional Thought: Compassion That Crosses Lines

In Exodus 2:5-10 and 1 Kings 17:8-16, we meet two women—Pharaoh’s daughter and the widow of Zarephath—who show compassion in unexpected ways. Pharaoh’s daughter, an Egyptian princess, saw a Hebrew baby in a basket and chose to protect him, raising Moses as her own. She crossed cultural lines, acting with a kind heart to save a life. The widow, poor and starving, shared her last bit of food with Elijah, trusting God’s promise. Her compassion, despite her own need, blessed her household with God’s provision.

These women weren’t part of God’s chosen people, yet He used their kindness to fulfill His plans. Their actions remind us of a bridge over a wide river, connecting people who seem far apart. We might feel limited by age or circumstance, but God can use our compassion to touch lives across divides—whether it’s a neighbor, a stranger, or someone different from us. A small act, like listening or sharing what we have, can build bridges for God’s love. Let’s trust Him to use our kindness, knowing He works through unlikely hearts to do great things.

Reflection Question: When has someone’s unexpected kindness blessed you? How can you show compassion to someone different from you today?

Culture Connection

In today’s world, people are more divided than ever—politics, race, income, beliefs, even generations. It’s easy to care only for those who are like us or agree with us. But in these scriptures, Pharaoh’s daughter (an Egyptian princess) saved a Hebrew baby, and a Gentile widow cared for Elijah, a Jewish prophet. These were unexpected acts of compassion that crossed major social and spiritual lines. God still works this way today—He moves through people who are willing to look past labels and extend help, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Changed Life

We may sometimes think, “I don’t have much to give,” or “That person is too different from me.” But these stories show that when we offer what little we have—time, kindness, food, a listening ear—God multiplies it for His purposes. It shifts our thinking from what do I have to offer? to how can God use what I already have? Compassion is less about resources and more about willingness. A changed life is one that starts seeing needs and responding, even if the person on the other side doesn’t look, think, or live like we do.

Suggestions

Reach Across a Boundary: Think of someone outside your usual circle—a neighbor, a younger person at church, someone new to town. Send a note, make a phone call, or invite them for coffee. Your kindness could be the bridge God uses to encourage or guide them.

Use What You Have: Like the widow who gave her last bit of flour and oil, ask God how He might use what’s already in your hands—maybe your time, your stories, your hospitality. Offer it freely, and trust that He will do more with it than you expect.

Into Action

God’s compassion doesn’t stop at borders. It crosses lines—nation, race, religion, even personal comfort. Pharaoh’s daughter wasn’t an Israelite, but she had a heart that was moved when she saw a helpless baby. The widow of Zarephath was outside of Israel too, but she opened her home to Elijah when she barely had enough for herself. Both women showed compassion, and God used it to carry out His plan.

How can we live this out today? Look around for someone outside your usual circle—maybe a neighbor, a caregiver, a delivery driver, or someone from a different background. Compassion starts when we truly see someone and respond with kindness, even when it costs us something.

You don’t have to fix everything. Just take a step. Send a card. Make a meal. Listen without judgment. Pray for someone who believes differently than you. That’s how God’s compassion moves—person to person, heart to heart.

Real-life example

Think of Mother Teresa. She didn’t come from India, but she spent her life there, caring for people no one else wanted to touch. Her compassion crossed boundaries—religious, cultural, and social. She saw the face of Jesus in every person, especially the poor and the dying. She didn’t wait for perfect circumstances. She just loved people where they were, and God worked through her in powerful ways.

Ask God today to give you eyes like His—to see people not as strangers, but as someone He loves deeply. And then ask for the courage to respond with compassion, even when it stretches you.

(This section is for deep research and may not be needed)

Key Background Information for Exodus 2:5-10

This account is set by the brutal oppression of the Israelites and the desperate measures taken by his mother to save his life.

1. The Threat: Pharaoh's Genocide Decree

The immediate context is found in Exodus 1:22. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing the rapidly increasing population of the Hebrew slaves, escalates his attempts at ethnic cleansing:

First Decree (Failed): Pharaoh initially commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn male babies, but they disobeyed him out of fear of God (Exodus 1:15-21).

Second Decree (Active): In response, Pharaoh issued a sweeping public decree to all his people: "Every son who is born you are to cast into the Nile, but every daughter you are to keep alive" (Exodus 1:22). This made it an official, national policy of infanticide.

2. Moses's Protection and Exposure (Exodus 2:1-4)

The story leading up to the finding of Moses details his mother's (Jochebed's) efforts to defy this decree:

Hiding the Baby: Moses was born to a man and woman of the tribe of Levi. His mother hid him for three months until she could no longer conceal him.

The Ark: She then devised a plan that complied with the letter of the law (placing the child in the Nile) but subverted its purpose (saving his life). She constructed a small basket (tevah in Hebrew, the same word used for Noah's Ark), waterproofed it with tar and pitch, and set it among the reeds on the bank of the Nile.

The Watcher: Moses's older sister, Miriam, was stationed nearby to watch what would happen to the baby (Exodus 2:4).

3. The Discovery and Irony (Exodus 2:5-10)

This section of the story (2:5-10) is a masterful display of divine irony and providence:

The Finder: Pharaoh's daughter, the one person whose very existence represents the power attempting to destroy the Hebrew babies, came down to the Nile to bathe.

Note: The Nile was sacred to the Egyptians, and she likely descended from the palace which would have been situated nearby.

The Act of Compassion: She found the basket, opened it, and "saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying." She took pity on him and immediately recognized him as one of the Hebrews' children (Exodus 2:6). This single act of compassion directly defied her own father's murderous decree.

The Arrangement: Miriam, Moses's sister, cleverly stepped forward and asked the princess if she should find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. The princess agreed, and Miriam brought Moses's own mother to nurse him for a wage.

Through this incredible twist of fate, Moses's mother was not only legally permitted to keep her son safe, but she was paid by Pharaoh's household to do so.

The Name: When the child was older, his mother brought him back to the princess, who adopted him as her own son and named him Moses, saying, "Because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). This name, which sounds like the Hebrew verb "to draw out," foreshadowed his future role as the one who would draw the entire nation of Israel out of Egypt.

The entire episode shows how God used the most vulnerable people (a mother, a sister, and a compassionate Egyptian princess) to defeat the most powerful man on earth and ensure the survival of Israel's future deliverer.

The account of Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8-16 is set against a backdrop of national apostasy, divine judgment in the form of a severe drought, and the Lord's unique provision for his prophet and a desperate foreigner.

Key Background Information for 1 Kings 17:8-16

1. The Political and Religious Context (The Reign of Ahab)

The events occur during the reign of King Ahab of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (9th century BC).

Wicked Rule: Ahab is described in the Bible as doing "more evil in the sight of the Lord than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30).

Apostasy and Idolatry: His main sin was marrying Jezebel, a princess from Sidon (Phoenicia), who imported the worship of her native gods, Baal (the god of storm and fertility) and Asherah, into Israel. Ahab actively promoted this idolatry, building a temple for Baal in the capital, Samaria, and setting up an Asherah pole (1 Kings 16:31-33).

The Clash of Gods: The entire narrative of Elijah's ministry is a confrontation between Yahweh (the God of Israel) and Baal.

2. The Divine Judgment (The Drought)

The chapter opens with the prophet Elijah dramatically confronting King Ahab:

The Prophecy: Elijah declares to Ahab, "As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word" (1 Kings 17:1).

The Challenge to Baal: Since Baal was worshiped as the god who provided rain and fertility, the drought was a direct, prolonged demonstration that Yahweh alone controlled the heavens, making Baal utterly powerless. The drought causes a severe, widespread famine across Israel and surrounding lands.

3. The Preceding Narrative (Elijah's Hiding)

Before coming to the widow, Elijah was in hiding:

The Cherith Ravine: Following his prophecy, God instructed Elijah to hide near the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan, to escape Ahab's wrath (1 Kings 17:2-7).

Miraculous Provision: During his hiding, God provided for Elijah miraculously: he drank from the brook, and ravens brought him bread and meat morning and evening.

The Setting for Chapter 17:8: The brook eventually dries up because of the severe drought, signaling that Elijah must move to the next place of God's provision.

4. The Immediate Context of 1 Kings 17:8-16

This passage begins with God sending Elijah to a new, unexpected location:

The New Destination: God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath (vs. 9), a town that was outside of Israel in the region of Sidon (Jezebel's homeland). This is highly significant: in a famine sent to punish Israel's idolatry, God sends his prophet out of Israel to be sustained by a foreigner.

The Host: The person God chooses to sustain Elijah is a widow. In ancient society, widows were among the most vulnerable and poorest people, completely dependent on the charity of others. The irony is that in the worst of times, God does not send Elijah to a wealthy, powerful home, but to the home of a destitute, non-Israelite woman.

The Widow's Despair: When Elijah asks the widow for water and bread, she reveals that she has only a handful of flour and a little oil—enough for one final, tiny meal for herself and her son before they resign themselves to starvation and death (vs. 12). This establishes the extreme level of desperation and the magnitude of the coming miracle.

The background, therefore, is one of national rebellion, divine punishment (famine), and a demonstration of God's sovereign power to provide life (endless food) and extend grace (to a foreign widow) in the very territory of his rival, Baal.

Session 3: "Wisdom That Protects" - Exodus 18:13-26, 2 Samuel 20:16-22

Study Notes — Personal Study  — Discussion — Audio

Focus: Jethro and the Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah

Purpose Statement: To show how godly wisdom and practical counsel can prevent disaster and preserve communities.
Key Truth: Godly wisdom, when humbly received and boldly spoken, can avert destruction and bring peace to entire communities.

Hymn to Hum: Be Thou My Vision-Solo — Faith Is The Victory-Congregational — How Firm a Foundation-Bluegrass

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how wise advice prevented bigger problems from developing. Watch for the humility it took for leaders to listen to counsel from others. Pay attention to how speaking up at the right moment saved entire communities from destruction.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think of the wisest person you know. What makes them wise - is it their age, experience, education, or something else? How do they share their wisdom with others?

When was the last time you had to choose between keeping quiet to avoid conflict or speaking up to prevent a problem? What helped you decide what to do?

Exodus 18:13-26

13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.”

17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.

2 Samuel 20:16-22

16 a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him.” 17 He went toward her, and she asked, “Are you Joab?”

“I am,” he answered.

She said, “Listen to what your servant has to say.”

“I’m listening,” he said.

18 She continued, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Get your answer at Abel,’ and that settled it. 19 We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord’s inheritance?”

20 “Far be it from me!” Joab replied, “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bikri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I’ll withdraw from the city.”

The woman said to Joab, “His head will be thrown to you from the wall.”

22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bikri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.

Overview

In our busy world, we often rush into decisions without seeking advice or thinking through the consequences. These two stories show us the power of godly wisdom to protect and preserve. Jethro saw that Moses was burning out from trying to handle every problem alone, and his practical solution saved Moses' health and served the people better. The wise woman of Abel saw that her entire city was about to be destroyed over one troublemaker, and her bold negotiation saved thousands of lives. Today, we need the same kind of wisdom - people who can see solutions others miss and who have the courage to speak truth even in tense situations.

This May Surprise You

Jethro was Moses' father-in-law, but he wasn't an Israelite. He was a Midianite priest who worshiped God but came from a different cultural background. Yet Moses, the great leader who spoke with God face to face, listened carefully to this outsider's advice and put it into practice. This shows us that wisdom doesn't always come from the people we expect, and true humility means being willing to learn from anyone God puts in our path, regardless of their background or position.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Jethro observed the situation before offering advice (Exodus 18:14)
Comment: Real wisdom starts with careful observation. Jethro watched Moses work all day before suggesting changes. Good counselors take time to understand the problem before jumping to solutions.

Point 2: He pointed out the consequences of the current approach (Exodus 18:17-18)
Comment: Sometimes we're so focused on doing good that we don't see we're heading for burnout. Wise friends help us see the long-term effects of our choices, even when our intentions are good.

Point 3: Moses listened without getting defensive (Exodus 18:24)
Comment: Great leaders know they don't have all the answers. Moses could have dismissed Jethro's advice as interference, but instead he recognized wisdom when he heard it.

Point 4: The wise woman immediately grasped the real issue (2 Samuel 20:18-19)
Comment: She understood that Joab wasn't really trying to destroy their city - he just wanted one man. Her wisdom cut through the confusion to find the heart of the matter.

Point 5: She convinced her community to make a hard but necessary choice (2 Samuel 20:22)
Comment: Sometimes wisdom means making unpopular decisions for the greater good. It took courage for her to persuade the city leaders, but her leadership saved everyone.

Take-Home Thought

True wisdom isn't just about knowing the right answers - it's about knowing when and how to share them. Both Jethro and the wise woman understood that timing and approach matter as much as the message itself. They didn't force their wisdom on others, but they spoke up when silence would have been costly.

These stories also teach us about receiving wisdom. Moses was secure enough in his leadership to accept help from his father-in-law. Joab was professional enough to honor the woman's negotiation and keep his word. When we're humble enough to listen and wise enough to act on good counsel, we protect not only ourselves but often entire communities from unnecessary suffering. God still uses ordinary people with practical wisdom to prevent disasters, heal relationships, and guide important decisions. The question is: are we paying attention to the wise voices around us, and are we willing to be those voices when others need guidance?

Quote

Charles Spurgeon: "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool."

Warren Wiersbe: "Wisdom is not the accumulation of more facts or the exploring of more experiences. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge skillfully, to make the right decisions and choose the right goals. Wisdom involves understanding people, situations, and opportunities."

Biblical Connections

Seeking counsel from elders echoes Rehoboam's mistake in 1 Kings 12:6-8 when he rejected wise advice from older counselors and followed foolish advice from his peers.

Wise words preventing destruction connects to Proverbs 27:5-6: "An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy."

Speaking truth to power parallels Nathan confronting David (2 Samuel 12:1-7) and Abigail's wise intervention with David (1 Samuel 25:23-31).

Delegation of leadership reflects Jesus appointing the twelve disciples (Mark 3:14) and the early church selecting deacons (Acts 6:1-6).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we're overwhelmed by responsibilities or facing difficult decisions, we can remember that God often provides wisdom through the people around us. We don't have to figure everything out alone. He may speak through a friend, a family member, or even someone we didn't expect to help us. At the same time, God may want to use us to offer wisdom to others who are struggling. We can trust that when we seek His guidance and listen to godly counsel, He will help us make decisions that protect and preserve what matters most.

Devotional Thought: Wisdom That Saves

In Exodus 18:13-26 and 2 Samuel 20:16-22, we see Jethro and the wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah using godly wisdom to protect others. Jethro saw Moses overwhelmed, judging disputes alone, and offered practical advice: share the load with trustworthy leaders. His counsel saved Moses from burnout and strengthened the community. The wise woman, facing a city under siege, spoke boldly to Joab, suggesting a peaceful solution. Her wisdom spared Abel Beth Maacah from destruction.

Think of wisdom like a sturdy umbrella in a storm—it shields those under it. Jethro and the wise woman didn’t seek attention; they saw a need and spoke up with clear, God-guided thinking. We may feel our voices don’t carry much weight anymore, but God uses simple, wise words to make a difference. Sharing a thoughtful idea, offering a calm perspective, or suggesting a practical step can protect and uplift others. Whether it’s advising a family member or speaking up in a tough situation, our wisdom, rooted in faith, can be a shield. Let’s trust God to guide our words, knowing He can use them to preserve and bless.

Reflection Question: When has someone’s wise advice helped you? How might God use your wisdom to protect or guide someone today?

Culture Connection

Today’s world is filled with noise—strong opinions, quick decisions, and pressure to act fast. But we don’t always value wise counsel or take time to listen before we act. In Exodus, Jethro gave Moses practical advice that protected him and the people. In 2 Samuel, a wise woman’s calm, direct words stopped a battle and saved her city. These stories remind us that wisdom still matters. God often speaks through people who are calm, thoughtful, and Spirit-led—not necessarily the loudest voice in the room. In a culture that prizes speed and strength, God honors wisdom that seeks peace.

Changed Life

These stories challenge us to slow down, listen, and be willing to receive advice—even if we’re used to being the ones who give it. Whether we’re offering wisdom to others or receiving it ourselves, humility is key. A changed life is one that values godly wisdom over pride or quick fixes. It means choosing peace over power, and counsel over control. When we respond this way, we can help prevent unnecessary conflict in our homes, churches, and communities.

Suggestions

Offer Wisdom Gently: If someone in your life is making a difficult decision—maybe a family member or church leader—offer your insights gently, like Jethro or the wise woman. Start with, “Have you thought about…?” or “May I share something that might help?”

Be Willing to Listen: Sometimes wisdom comes from unexpected sources—a grandchild, a new believer, a neighbor. Be open to hearing what God might be saying through them. Ask God for discernment, and be ready to receive guidance, not just give it.

Into Action

Sometimes, the wisest thing we can do is speak up—or listen. Jethro wasn’t trying to take over Moses’ job. He simply saw that Moses was worn out and that the people were frustrated. His advice was practical, wise, and rooted in care for others. And Moses listened. The wise woman of Abel Beth Maacah didn’t have an army, but she used her voice to save her entire city. She acted with calm, courage, and clarity—and it made all the difference.

How can we live this out today? First, don’t underestimate the value of your wisdom. Years of walking with God, learning from life, and seeing how choices play out—that’s a gift. Share it. Maybe someone younger needs your perspective, or a friend just needs someone to help them think clearly. Be ready to speak wisdom in love.

At the same time, be willing to receive wisdom from others. Like Moses, we don’t always see our blind spots. A humble heart is teachable. Even a simple suggestion from someone else might be God’s way of steering us toward peace instead of burnout or conflict.

Real-life example

Think of Billy Graham. For decades, he offered wise, godly counsel not just to the church, but even to U.S. presidents. He didn’t chase power, but when asked, he shared wisdom that pointed people toward peace, humility, and godly leadership. He also surrounded himself with wise advisors and avoided many of the scandals that plagued others in ministry. His example shows what can happen when wisdom is both spoken and received with humility.

Ask God to help you be a vessel of wisdom—speaking it when needed, and receiving it when given. One conversation, one good word, one wise decision—it might just keep someone from walking into disaster.

(This section is for deep research and may not be needed)

Key Background Information for Exodus 18:13-26

This account is situated immediately after the Israelites have been miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt and are encamped in the wilderness, on their way to Mount Sinai. This passage marks a critical transition from miraculous deliverance to the practical organization of the newly formed nation.

1. Geographical and Chronological Setting

Location: The Israelites are encamped in the wilderness at the Mountain of God (Mount Horeb/Sinai), which is the place where Moses received his divine commission (Exodus 3:1).

Time: The events follow the miraculous exodus from Egypt (Exodus 1–14), the provision of manna and water in the wilderness (Exodus 15–17), and the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). The giving of the Law (the Ten Commandments) at Mount Sinai will soon follow in Chapter 19.

A Nation in Transition: The massive group of former slaves is now a large, unorganized community in the desert, having just experienced divine deliverance. They are in desperate need of a stable governmental and judicial structure.

2. The Visitor: Jethro, Moses' Father-in-Law

The events of Exodus 18 are precipitated by the arrival of an important, non-Israelite figure:

Who He Is: Jethro (also called Reuel or Raguel) is a Priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. Moses had lived with Jethro for 40 years before the Exodus, tending his flocks.

His Purpose: Jethro brings Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons back to him. He has heard of all the wondrous deeds Yahweh (the Lord) did for Israel, and he offers a sacrifice to God, acknowledging Him as "greater than all gods" (Exodus 18:11-12).

The Observation: Jethro observes Moses the next day and sees a completely unsustainable system.

3. The Crisis: An Unsustainable Judicial System (The Context for the Advice)

The scene described in verses 13-16 is the immediate problem that prompts Jethro's counsel:

Moses' Burden: Moses is acting as the sole judge and mediator for the entire nation (estimated to be over two million people). He sits "from morning till evening" (vs. 13) to hear every single dispute, large and small.

The People's Need: The people stand around all day, waiting their turn, because they believe they must come to Moses "to inquire of God" and "to know the statutes of God and His laws" (vs. 15-16).

The Problem: Jethro recognizes that this practice is devastating for both the leader and the led: "You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it yourself alone" (vs. 18).

4. Jethro's Advice and Its Implementation (Exodus 18:19-26)

The core of the passage is Jethro's suggested solution, which Moses humbly adopts:

Moses' Role (The Un-delegatable): Moses must keep his primary, unique role: representing the people before God (bringing their difficult cases to the Lord) and teaching the people God's statutes and laws.

The Criteria for Delegation: Moses is to appoint "able men" with high moral character to be judges. They must be men who:

Fear God: Are trustworthy (men of truth), Hate dishonest gain (incorruptible)

The Structure: These men were to be organized into a hierarchy of Rulers of Thousands, Hundreds, Fifties, and Tens.

The New System: The appointed judges would handle the "minor case[s]" themselves, and only the "difficult case[s]" would be brought to Moses. This structure immediately alleviates Moses' crushing workload and provides more timely justice for the people.

Key Background Information for 2 Samuel 20:16-22

This passage is the dramatic conclusion of the Rebellion of Sheba, a conflict that immediately followed the defeat and death of King David's son, Absalom.

1. The Immediate Political Context

The rebellion of Sheba arose directly from the tribal divisions that flared up after Absalom's revolt was crushed (2 Samuel 19:41-43).

Division and Discontent: After Absalom's death, a quarrel erupted between the men of Israel (the northern tribes) and the men of Judah regarding who had the greatest right to bring King David back to Jerusalem. The men of Israel felt slighted and disrespected.

The Instigator (Sheba): A "worthless fellow" named Sheba, son of Bichri, a Benjamite, seized on this tribal resentment. He blew the trumpet and called for secession, proclaiming: "We have no portion in David, nor any inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!" (2 Samuel 20:1). Being a Benjamite, he likely harbored loyalties to the previous dynasty of Saul, who was also from Benjamin. Most of the northern tribes immediately deserted David to follow Sheba.

The Pursuit: David, recognizing this new revolt as a more severe threat than Absalom's, ordered his nephew Amasa (whom he had just appointed as the new army commander) to assemble the men of Judah. When Amasa was delayed, David sent his loyal forces under the command of Abishai (Joab's brother), with Joab joining the pursuit.

2. Joab's Treachery and Reassertion of Power

Leading up to the siege, a critical event occurred:

The Murder of Amasa: As the forces gathered at Gibeon, Joab, still bitter over being replaced by Amasa (who was Absalom's former general), approached Amasa under the pretense of a greeting and murdered him with a hidden dagger (2 Samuel 20:9-10).

Joab's Command: With Amasa dead, Joab immediately regained his position as the effective commander of the entire army and continued the pursuit of Sheba.

3. The Setting for the Negotiation

The narrative leads directly to the location of the pivotal event:

Sheba's Refuge: Sheba fled to the northern part of the kingdom and barricaded himself inside the fortified city of Abel of Beth-maachah (also called Abel Beth-maacah), located near the northern border of Israel.

The Siege: Joab and his army arrived and began to besiege the city (2 Samuel 20:15). They built a siege ramp to reach the city's defenses and were actively working to batter the wall down, putting the entire city and its population at risk of utter destruction.

This scene of imminent collapse—a wise city about to be destroyed over one rebel—sets the stage for the intervention of the wise woman of Abel in verses 16-22.

Session 4: "Bold Faith in Action" - Numbers 27:1-11, Joshua 2:1-21

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion  — Audio

Focus: The Daughters of Zelophehad and Rahab

Purpose Statement: To inspire believers to step forward in faith when justice and righteousness are at stake.
Key Truth: Bold faith challenges injustice, reclaims dignity, and opens the door for God's redemptive work—even through unexpected voices.

Hymn to Hum: Trust and Obey-Quartet — Victory in Jesus-Congregational — Power In the Blood -All Star Quartets

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how both groups of women took huge risks to do what they believed was right. Watch for the way their bold actions changed laws and saved lives. Pay attention to how God honored their courage even though they came from very different backgrounds.

Personal Reflection Questions

Describe a time when you had to stand up for what was right even though it felt scary or uncomfortable. What gave you the courage to speak up?

If you could ask God to change one unfair situation in today's world, what would it be? What small step could you take to be part of the solution?

Numbers 27:1-11

1 The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward 2 and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. 4 Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord, 6 and the Lord said to him, 7 “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.

8 “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter. 9 If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. 10 If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 11 If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to have the force of law for the Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses.’”

Joshua 2:1-21

1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

2 The king of Jericho was told, “Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.”

4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.” 6 (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.) 7 So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut.

8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

12 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”

14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”

15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 She said to them, “Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.”

17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”

21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.”

So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

Overview

These two stories show us that God honors bold faith, even when it comes from unexpected places. The daughters of Zelophehad were grieving women who challenged an unfair law that would leave them homeless. Rahab was a prostitute who risked everything to protect God's people. Both stories remind us that in our world today, God is still looking for people who will step forward when they see injustice. Whether it's speaking up against discrimination, helping refugees, or fighting for fair treatment of the elderly, God uses ordinary people who refuse to stay silent when righteousness is at stake.

This May Surprise You

The daughters of Zelophehad weren't just asking for their father's land - they were challenging a fundamental law about women's rights in their society. Women couldn't own property, and when a man died without sons, his land went to his brothers or nearest male relatives. These five sisters essentially said, "This law isn't fair, and it doesn't reflect God's heart for justice." Their boldness not only helped their own family but changed the law for every woman in Israel who would face the same situation. Sometimes our acts of faith create pathways for others who will follow behind us.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: The daughters approached Moses, the priest, and the leaders publicly (Numbers 27:2)
Comment: They didn't complain in private or just accept their situation. They took their case to the highest authorities, showing that bold faith often requires going through proper channels with courage and dignity.

Point 2: They based their argument on fairness and family honor (Numbers 27:4)
Comment: Their request wasn't selfish - they wanted to preserve their father's name and legacy. Sometimes the boldest faith comes from caring more about righteousness than personal comfort.

Point 3: Moses took their case to God (Numbers 27:5)
Comment: Even great leaders sometimes need to seek higher wisdom. Moses didn't dismiss their request or make a quick decision - he asked God what was right.

Point 4: Rahab acted on incomplete information but complete faith (Joshua 2:9-11)
Comment: She had heard stories about God's power, and that was enough for her to risk everything. Bold faith doesn't wait for all the details - it acts on what it knows about God's character.

Point 5: Both situations resulted in changed laws and saved lives (Numbers 27:11, Joshua 2:18-21)
Comment: God honored their faith by bringing about real, lasting change. When we step out in bold faith, the results often reach far beyond what we could have imagined.

Take-Home Thought

Bold faith isn't about being loud or pushy - it's about being willing to act when we see a need that matches God's heart for justice and mercy. The daughters of Zelophehad saw an unfair law and challenged it respectfully but firmly. Rahab saw people in danger and protected them despite the cost to herself. Both groups of women understood that faith without action isn't really faith at all.

What strikes me most about these stories is that neither group of women had official positions of power, yet both changed history. The daughters weren't judges or leaders - they were just women who refused to accept injustice. Rahab wasn't a religious leader - she was a businesswoman with a questionable reputation who chose to bet everything on the God of Israel. This should encourage us that God doesn't need us to have impressive titles or perfect backgrounds to use our faith in bold ways. He just needs us to care enough about what's right to take the next step, trusting Him with the results.

Quote

Corrie ten Boom: "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. Faith is like radar that sees through the fog - the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see."

Martin Luther King Jr.: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Biblical Connections

Challenging unjust systems echoes Esther's bold approach to the king to save her people (Esther 4:16) and Daniel's friends refusing to bow to the golden image (Daniel 3:16-18).

God changing laws for justice connects to the early church's challenge to circumcision requirements (Acts 15:1-29) and Jesus' confrontation of religious traditions that hurt people (Mark 7:9-13).

Faith from unexpected people parallels the Canaanite woman's persistence (Matthew 15:22-28) and the Roman centurion's remarkable faith (Matthew 8:5-13).

Taking risks to help others reflects the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) and the friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof (Mark 2:1-5).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we see injustice or need around us, we don't have to wait for someone more qualified to act. God can use our voices, our resources, and our courage to make a difference right where we are. We might not change entire legal systems like the daughters of Zelophehad, or save whole families like Rahab, but our bold faith can still open doors and protect people in ways we never expected. The key is trusting that God honors courage even when we can't see the full picture of what He's doing.

Devotional Thought: Bold Faith That Changes Things

In Numbers 27:1-11 and Joshua 2:1-21, we meet the daughters of Zelophehad and Rahab, two unlikely voices who acted with bold faith. The daughters stood before Moses, asking for their father’s inheritance when the law didn’t yet allow it. Their courage led to a new rule, ensuring justice for others. Rahab, a woman outside Israel’s community, risked her life to hide the spies, trusting in God’s power. Her faith saved her family and wove her into God’s story.

Picture bold faith like a key that unlocks a door to justice and hope. These women didn’t wait for permission; they stepped forward, trusting God to use their actions. We might feel our time for bold moves has passed, but God still calls us to speak up for what’s right—a kind word to defend someone, a stand for fairness, or sharing hope with a struggling friend. These acts, rooted in faith, can unlock change we may not see. The daughters and Rahab didn’t know the full impact of their courage, but God did. Let’s trust Him to use our bold faith to open doors for His work.

Reflection Question: When have you seen bold faith make a difference? How can you step out in faith for justice or kindness today?

Culture Connection

We live in a time when many people feel powerless—like their voice doesn’t matter. Some are afraid to speak up, especially when it comes to issues of right and wrong. But in both stories, unexpected women stepped forward: the daughters of Zelophehad spoke up for their family’s future, and Rahab risked her life to protect God’s people. Neither had status or power, yet their bold faith led to justice, protection, and even redemption. Today, when truth is often ignored and injustice goes unchallenged, their courage reminds us that speaking up in faith can still make a difference.

Changed Life

This kind of faith changes how we think about ourselves and others. It reminds us that we are never “too small” to act in faith. A changed life begins to recognize when something isn’t right—and instead of staying silent, it steps forward, prayerfully and respectfully, to make it right. Whether it's standing up for someone who is overlooked, or making a decision that honors God even when it's risky, bold faith brings God’s redemptive plan into real life.

Suggestions

Speak Up When It Counts: If you see someone being mistreated—or a decision that could harm others—don't ignore it. Pray first, then speak up with grace and courage. Even a quiet voice can lead to change when led by the Spirit.

Support the Forgotten: Like Rahab welcomed the spies, we can offer support to those others might avoid or look down on. Reach out to someone in your church or neighborhood who’s on the margins—whether due to age, health, or reputation—and remind them they are seen and loved by God.

Into Action

Bold faith isn’t loud or flashy—it’s choosing to speak up when it would be easier to stay quiet. The daughters of Zelophehad didn’t demand anything unreasonable. They simply asked for what was right, with courage and respect. And God honored their faith. Rahab, a woman with a past, risked everything to protect God’s people because she believed He was the true God. Her bold faith saved lives—and gave her a place in the family line of Jesus.

How can we live this out today? Don’t let fear silence your voice when something is wrong. If you see unfairness, or if someone is being mistreated, ask God how you can respond with both grace and truth. Sometimes bold faith means writing a letter, making a phone call, or having a hard but loving conversation. Other times it’s standing beside someone who’s hurting, even if others walk away.

You don’t have to be young, loud, or well-known to make a difference. Faith that’s rooted in trust and moved by justice is powerful at any age.

Real-life example

Think of Rosa Parks. She was a quiet woman with deep convictions. One day, she refused to give up her seat on a bus—not because she wanted attention, but because she believed in justice. Her bold faith helped spark a movement that changed history. Like Rahab and the daughters of Zelophehad, she didn’t know all that would come from her actions, but she trusted that doing what was right mattered.

Ask God today where He might be calling you to step forward in faith. It may not be easy. It may even feel risky. But bold faith, even in small acts, opens the door for God to move in powerful ways.

(This section is for deep research and may not be needed)

Key Background Information for Numbers 27:1-11

This account is the imminent division of the Promised Land and the patriarchal structure of Israelite inheritance law. This passage records a groundbreaking legal and social precedent set by the five daughters of Zelophehad.

1. Context: Preparation for the Promised Land

The events take place in the wilderness, just before the Israelites are about to enter Canaan.

The Census: The second census of Israel has just been completed (Numbers 26). The primary purpose of this census was to determine the size of the tribes so that the Promised Land could be apportioned by lot to each family's male descendants.

The Problem: The existing system decreed that land inheritance passed from father to son. If a man died without sons, his land was to pass to his closest male relative, effectively erasing his family name and inheritance from his tribal allotment.

2. The Daughters' Petition

The five daughters of Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh, whose names are Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, brought a case before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the whole assembly.

Their Father's Situation: Their father, Zelophehad, had died in the wilderness. They emphasize that he did not die in the great rebellion of Korah (and thus was not a notorious rebel) but "died in his own sin" (as part of the older generation under divine judgment). Crucially, he had no sons, only them.

Their Argument: They argued, "Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father's brothers." Their plea was one of justice and the desire to preserve their father's name and portion of the tribal land.

3. The Divine Decree

Moses, faced with a legal gap, presented the case to the Lord.

God's Ruling: God declared, "The daughters of Zelophehad are right in what they are saying; you shall indeed let them possess an inheritance... and pass the inheritance of their father on to them" (Numbers 27:7).

A New Statute of Law: This specific case led to the establishment of a general law of inheritance for all Israel, expanding property rights to women:

If a man dies and has no son, the inheritance goes to his daughter.

If he has no daughter, it goes to his brothers.

If he has no brothers, it goes to his father's brothers (paternal uncles).

If his father has no brothers, it goes to the nearest kinsman of his clan.

This decision was a significant step, granting women a legal right to family property when male heirs were absent. The subsequent chapter (Numbers 36) later adds a caveat to this new law, requiring a daughter who inherits land to marry a man from within her own tribe to ensure the tribal land boundaries remain intact.

The book of Joshua, chapter 2, verses 1-21 tells the story of Rahab and the two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city of Jericho before the planned invasion of the Promised Land.

This narrative is a critical turning point that highlights themes of faith, divine protection, and salvation for an outsider.

Key Background Information for Joshua 2:1-21

Centered on a clandestine reconnaissance mission before the Israelite invasion of Canaan and introduces a key figure in the conquest of Jericho, a woman named Rahab.

The Context of the Book of Joshua

Setting: The Israelites, led by Joshua, are camped at Shittim on the plains of Moab, just east of the Jordan River. They are on the verge of entering the Promised Land, having completed their 40 years of wilderness wandering. This chapter takes place right before the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3).

The Mission: Learning from Moses' disastrous earlier experience of sending twelve spies (Numbers 13), Joshua secretly sends two spies to Jericho, a heavily fortified city that stood as the first major obstacle to entering the central highlands of Canaan. The names of the spies are not given in the text, though later traditions speculate on their identity.

Strategic Choice: The spies chose to lodge at the house of a woman named Rahab. The text specifically identifies her as a prostitute (Hebrew: zonah), whose house was built into the city wall. This location was likely chosen because it offered anonymity for strangers and was a place where travelers, and potentially informers, frequented, making it an ideal spot to gather intelligence.

The Role of Rahab

Confrontation: The presence of the Israelite spies was quickly reported to the King of Jericho. The king sent men to Rahab's house to demand that she turn over the spies.

Deception and Faith: Rahab demonstrates remarkable faith and shrewdness. She hides the two spies under stalks of flax drying on her roof. She then lies to the king's men, claiming the men had already left the city just before the gate closed, sending the pursuers on a wild goose chase towards the Jordan River fords.

Confession and Covenant: Rahab goes up to the roof and confesses her belief to the spies, stating, "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us... for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:9-11). She reveals that the Canaanites' hearts have "melted" in fear due to hearing about God's past miracles, such as drying up the Red Sea and defeating the Amorite kings Sihon and Og.

The Sign of the Scarlet Cord: Based on her kindness and faith, Rahab asks the spies to swear an oath to spare her and her entire extended family (father, mother, brothers, and sisters) when the Israelites conquer the city. The spies agree, instructing her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for the Israelite army to identify her house and ensure their safety.

The Outcome

Rahab helps the spies escape by lowering them down through her window with a rope, since her house was built into the city wall.

The spies hide in the hill country for three days until the pursuers return. They then cross the Jordan River and report their findings back to Joshua, confirming that the inhabitants of the land are terrified of the Israelites.

Rahab’s inclusion is significant as a Gentile woman, and a former prostitute, who is brought into the community of Israel through an act of faith and later becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

Session 5: "Speaking Truth in Power" - 2 Kings 22:14-20, Esther 4:12-16

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion  — Audio

Focus: Huldah and Mordecai

Purpose Statement: To encourage believers that God positions His people to speak truth and influence leaders for His glory.
Key Truth: God places His people in strategic moments to speak truth with courage, shaping destinies and advancing His purposes—even in the face of power.

Hymn to Hum: A Mighty Fortress is our God-Choir — Send The Light-Congregational — Were Marching to Zion-Congregational

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how God used ordinary people to speak truth to the most powerful leaders of their time. Watch for the way both Huldah and Mordecai delivered difficult messages without backing down or softening their words. Pay attention to how their courage to speak truth changed the course of entire nations.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think about a time when you had to tell someone in authority something they didn't want to hear. How did you find the courage to speak up, and what happened as a result?

If you could have a private conversation with any world leader today, what truth would you most want them to understand? What would give you the boldness to say it?

2 Kings 22:14-20

14 Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.

15 She said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 18 Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19 Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”

So they took her answer back to the king.

Esther 4:12-16

12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Overview

In our world of careful political language and diplomatic double-speak, these stories remind us that God still needs people who will speak truth clearly and boldly. Huldah was a prophetess who didn't soften God's message even when speaking to the king's officials. Mordecai refused to stay silent when he learned about a plot to destroy his people, even though speaking up could have cost him his life. Both understood that there are moments when keeping quiet is not an option. Today, God still positions His people in places where they can influence leaders, speak up for the voiceless, and challenge systems that oppose His justice.

This May Surprise You

Huldah was not just any prophet - she was the prophet that King Josiah's officials chose to consult when they found the lost Book of the Law. This means that in a time when there were other well-known male prophets available, the royal court specifically sought out this woman's wisdom and spiritual authority. She lived in Jerusalem, was married, and apparently had such a reputation for hearing from God that the most powerful men in the kingdom trusted her completely. Her influence helped spark one of the greatest religious revivals in Israel's history.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Huldah spoke God's message exactly as she received it (2 Kings 22:15-17)
Comment: She didn't try to make God's hard words easier to hear or add her own opinions to soften the blow. Truth-telling requires us to be faithful messengers, not creative editors.

Point 2: She balanced judgment with mercy in her prophecy (2 Kings 22:18-20)
Comment: While God's judgment was certain, Huldah also delivered His promise of mercy to the repentant king. Speaking truth doesn't mean we can't also speak hope.

Point 3: Mordecai refused to bow down despite the consequences (Esther 3:2-4)
Comment: His integrity wasn't for sale, even when bowing would have been the easy way to avoid conflict. Sometimes speaking truth starts with refusing to compromise our convictions.

Point 4: He challenged Esther to see her purpose clearly (Esther 4:13-14)
Comment: Mordecai helped Esther understand that her position wasn't just for her own benefit, but for God's greater purposes. Truth-speakers help others see beyond their immediate comfort to their eternal calling.

Point 5: Both risked everything to be faithful to their calling (2 Kings 22:16, Esther 4:16)
Comment: Neither Huldah nor Mordecai could guarantee how their truth-telling would be received, but they spoke anyway because they trusted God more than they feared people.

Take-Home Thought

God doesn't place His people in positions of influence by accident. Whether we work in schools, businesses, government offices, or neighborhoods, He positions us where we are for specific purposes. Sometimes that purpose is to speak truth that others are afraid to voice. Sometimes it's to challenge decisions that would hurt innocent people. Sometimes it's simply to represent His character in places where His voice isn't often heard.

The key insight from both Huldah and Mordecai is that speaking truth to power requires both courage and wisdom. They didn't speak recklessly or angrily, but they also didn't stay silent when silence would have been easier. They understood that God had given them access and influence not for their own benefit, but to serve His greater purposes. When we find ourselves in positions where our voices could make a difference, we have a choice: we can use our influence for our own comfort and safety, or we can risk it all to speak the truth that needs to be heard. God honors those who choose faithfulness over safety.

Quote

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."

John Chrysostom: "A comprehended god is no god at all. We must speak the truth about God even when it makes us uncomfortable, for comfortable lies serve neither God nor man."

Biblical Connections

Prophets speaking to kings echoes Nathan confronting David about his sin (2 Samuel 12:7-9) and Elijah challenging Ahab about Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21:17-24).

Refusing to compromise convictions connects to Daniel's friends refusing to bow to the golden image (Daniel 3:16-18) and Daniel continuing to pray despite the king's decree (Daniel 6:10).

God's people in strategic positions parallels Joseph's rise in Egypt (Genesis 41:37-45) and Daniel's influence in Babylon (Daniel 2:46-49).

Speaking for the voiceless reflects Jesus' defense of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) and His cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we feel intimidated by powerful people or systems that oppose what's right, we can remember that God specializes in using ordinary people to influence extraordinary situations. He doesn't need us to be perfect or fearless - He just needs us to be faithful. Whether our influence reaches one person or a whole nation, we can trust that when we speak His truth with courage and love, He will use our words for purposes far greater than we can see. Our job is to be faithful with the platform He's given us, no matter how big or small it seems.

Devotional Thought: The Right Place

Think about the last time you had to deliver difficult news to someone important—maybe telling your boss about a problem, or having a hard conversation with a family member. Your stomach probably twisted in knots. Now imagine being asked to speak truth to a king.

Both Huldah the prophetess and Mordecai faced this exact situation. When King Josiah needed God's word about the discovered Law scroll, his officials didn't seek out the famous male prophets. They went to Huldah—a woman living quietly in Jerusalem's Second District. She could have softened God's message or stayed silent. Instead, she spoke truth clearly: judgment was coming, but the king's heart pleased God.

Similarly, Mordecai refused to let Esther hide in palace comfort when genocide threatened their people. "Maybe you were made queen for such a time as this," he urged.

Here's the beautiful truth: God doesn't always choose the obvious people for crucial moments. He positions ordinary folks—a neighborhood prophetess, a palace outsider—exactly where they need to be. Your influence might not reach kings, but God has placed you where you are for reasons beyond your understanding. That conversation with a struggling neighbor, that moment when someone needs encouragement, that time when truth needs speaking—God has been preparing you for "such a time as this."

Culture Connection

In today’s world, people often stay quiet when facing authority—afraid of saying the wrong thing, upsetting someone, or being ignored. But the Bible shows us that speaking truth is still part of God's plan, even when it’s uncomfortable. Huldah, a prophetess, boldly spoke God’s word to a king. Mordecai challenged Queen Esther to use her influence to save their people. Neither backed down in the face of power. In our culture, truth is often watered down or avoided, especially around those in charge. But God still uses people—like us—to speak truth, even to those in positions of influence.

Changed Life

This session reminds us that no matter our age or status, God may place us in moments where our words matter. Speaking truth might look like reminding a friend of God’s promises during a hard time, sharing wisdom with a family member facing a big decision, or even writing a note of encouragement to a pastor or leader. A changed life is one that sees truth not just as a belief, but as a responsibility. When we speak truth in love and courage, we become part of God’s work in shaping lives—and even history.

Suggestions

Use Your Voice Where It Matters: If you’re concerned about a situation—in your family, church, or community—take time to pray, then speak up in love. Don’t underestimate the power of a letter, a phone call, or a face-to-face conversation filled with grace and truth.

Encourage Truth in Leadership: Leaders carry heavy burdens. Take time to encourage them to seek God’s wisdom and stay true to His Word. Send a note or let them know you’re praying for them. Like Mordecai to Esther, your voice may give them the courage they need to do the right thing.

Into Action

Sometimes God puts us in the right place at the right time—not to stay silent, but to speak truth. Huldah was a prophetess in a time of spiritual decline. When the king’s messengers came to her, she didn’t water down God’s message. She spoke clearly and faithfully, and her words helped spark a national turning back to God. Mordecai wasn’t in the palace, but he saw the danger coming and urged Esther to speak up—for such a time as this.

You don’t have to be in politics or hold a high position to speak truth. God uses everyday people to influence situations, whether it’s in a family, a church, or a community. Speaking truth might mean standing up for what’s right when others are compromising. It could mean encouraging a leader to seek God’s will, not just popular opinion.

How can we live this out today? Be willing to speak truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Don’t hide what God has put on your heart—especially when it can help someone else or keep them from harm. Also, don’t underestimate the power of your influence. A single conversation, a well-timed word, or a bold prayer can have ripple effects you’ll never see on this side of heaven.

Real-life example
Think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor during World War II. He spoke out against Hitler’s regime and stood up for truth when many others stayed silent. He paid a high price, but his courage continues to influence the church today. Like Huldah and Mordecai, Bonhoeffer didn’t shy away from truth—even when it cost him.

Ask God to help you recognize those “for such a time as this” moments in your own life. And when they come, speak with courage, trusting that He will use your voice to shape hearts, decisions, and even history.

Session 6: "Unexpected Service" - Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Acts 10:7-8

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion  — Audio

Focus: Simon of Cyrene and Cornelius' Servants

Purpose Statement: To show how God can use our ordinary moments of service, even when reluctant or routine, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Key Truth: Sometimes our most significant contribution to God's kingdom happens when we simply show up and serve, regardless of our initial willingness.

Hymn to Hum: Here I Am, Lord-Solo — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — I Surrender All-Country

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how ordinary people got pulled into God's bigger story through simple acts of service. Watch for the way their willingness to help, even when forced or just doing their jobs, became part of history's most important moments. Pay attention to how God uses both reluctant service and faithful duty to accomplish His purposes.

Personal Reflection Questions

Tell about a time when you helped someone and later realized it was more important than you first thought. How did that change your view of everyday kindness?

What's one routine task or responsibility you have that sometimes feels unimportant? How might God be using that ordinary work for purposes you can't see?

Matthew 27:32

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Mark 15:21

21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Acts 10:7-8

7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Overview

These stories remind us that God doesn't waste anything - not even our reluctant help or routine duties. Simon of Cyrene was probably just trying to get through Jerusalem when soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. Cornelius' servants were simply doing their jobs when their master sent them to find Peter. Yet both moments of service became crucial parts of God's salvation story. Today, God is still using our ordinary moments of service in extraordinary ways. Whether we're helping a difficult neighbor, doing our job faithfully, or being forced to help when we'd rather not, God can use our willingness to show up for purposes far greater than we realize.

This May Surprise You

Simon of Cyrene wasn't a volunteer - he was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross. The word used in the original text is the same one used for forcing someone into military service. Simon was probably in Jerusalem for Passover and got caught up in the crowd when soldiers grabbed him to help with Jesus' execution. Yet this moment of forced service connected him forever to the most important event in human history. Mark even mentions that Simon was "the father of Alexander and Rufus," suggesting these sons became well-known Christians later. Sometimes God uses our most unwilling moments of service to change our lives completely.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Simon was available when needed (Matthew 27:32)
Comment: He was simply in the right place at the right time. God often uses people who are just showing up to life, going about their normal business when He needs them most.

Point 2: He carried the cross when Jesus couldn't (Mark 15:21)
Comment: Sometimes our service fills a gap that no one else can fill at that exact moment. What seems like random timing to us is often God's perfect timing.

Point 3: Cornelius' servants were faithful in small things (Acts 10:7)
Comment: They didn't know they were about to help open the gospel to the Gentile world - they were just doing what their master asked them to do with excellence and care.

Point 4: They delivered the message accurately and completely (Acts 10:8)
Comment: Their faithfulness in communication helped Peter understand the importance of the invitation. Good service pays attention to details and takes responsibility seriously.

Point 5: Both situations required people to step outside their comfort zones (Matthew 27:32, Acts 10:7-8)
Comment: Simon had to carry the cross of a condemned criminal. The servants had to approach a Jewish religious leader as Gentiles. Service often asks us to do things that feel awkward or uncomfortable.

Take-Home Thought

God has a way of turning our ordinary service into extraordinary significance. Simon probably went home that day thinking he'd just had a terrible experience helping execute a criminal. He had no idea he'd participated in the salvation of the world. Cornelius' servants probably thought they were just running an errand for their master. They couldn't have known they were helping launch the greatest missionary expansion in history.

This should encourage us when our service feels routine, forced, or insignificant. The elderly person we help with groceries, the coworker we cover for when they're sick, the extra hours we work to finish a project - these moments matter more than we know. God sees every act of service, every moment we show up when we'd rather stay home, every time we help when it's inconvenient. He weaves all of it into His grand design in ways we may never fully understand this side of heaven. Our job isn't to understand how it all fits together - our job is simply to serve faithfully when the opportunity comes, trusting that God knows what He's doing with our willingness.

Quote

Mother Teresa: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

Albert Schweitzer: "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Biblical Connections

Reluctant service becoming significant echoes Moses' hesitation at the burning bush (Exodus 3:11-4:17) and Jonah's unwilling journey to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1-5).

Ordinary people in extraordinary moments connects to the shepherds at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8-20) and the boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6:8-11).

Faithful service opening doors parallels the woman at the well becoming an evangelist (John 4:28-30) and Philip's obedience leading to the Ethiopian's conversion (Acts 8:26-39).

Servants being honored reflects Jesus washing the disciples' feet (John 13:3-17) and His teaching that "whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

Cross-bearing service directly connects to Jesus' teaching in Luke 9:23: "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me."

Gentile inclusion links to Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26) and His healing of the Roman centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When our daily tasks feel meaningless or when we're asked to help in ways that inconvenience us, we can remember that God specializes in using ordinary service for eternal purposes. We don't need to see the big picture to participate in it faithfully. Whether we're serving willingly or reluctantly, enthusiastically or dutifully, God can use our availability to accomplish things we never imagined. The key is showing up and serving when the opportunity comes, trusting that He knows how to weave our small acts of faithfulness into His grand story of redemption.

Devotional Thought: Drafted into God's Plan

Picture being pulled from a crowd to help a stranger carry something heavy. That's exactly what happened to Simon of Cyrene—grabbed by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross. He didn't volunteer. He was just visiting Jerusalem for Passover when his normal day got completely hijacked.

Meanwhile, across town, Cornelius had household servants running errands—probably thinking they were just delivering messages. Little did they know they were participating in one of history's biggest moments: the gospel going to the Gentiles.

Both situations show us something powerful about how God works. Simon's unwilling service became part of the crucifixion story. Those servants' routine task helped break down the wall between Jews and Gentiles forever. Neither group saw it coming.

Sometimes we think serving God requires dramatic decisions—moving overseas, changing careers, making grand gestures. But often God uses our most ordinary moments. The reluctant help you give a difficult neighbor. The routine visit to someone lonely. The simple task you do without enthusiasm.

God doesn't need your perfect attitude to accomplish His purposes. He needs your availability. Simon carried the cross grumbling, but he carried it. The servants probably just wanted to finish their errand, but they delivered the message. Your reluctant "yes" might be exactly what God is waiting for to do something extraordinary.

Culture Connection

Our culture tends to celebrate big accomplishments—awards, titles, and public recognition. Quiet, everyday acts of service often go unnoticed. But in Scripture, Simon of Cyrene was just passing by when he was pulled into helping Jesus carry the cross. Cornelius’ servants were simply following orders, but their obedience set the stage for the gospel to reach the Gentiles. These stories show us that God often does His most meaningful work through moments that feel routine—or even inconvenient. In a world that overlooks simple service, God sees and uses it in powerful ways.

Changed Life

This kind of service shifts how we think about interruptions and everyday tasks. A changed life starts to see that no moment is too small for God to use. Whether it’s driving someone to an appointment, listening to a friend on the phone, or bringing a meal to a neighbor—these "ordinary" acts may be part of something much bigger than we realize. Even if we feel tired, reluctant, or unqualified, God can still use our willingness to serve.

Suggestions

Say Yes to Interruptions: The next time someone asks for help—or a situation comes up that wasn't part of your plan—pause and ask, “Could God be in this?” Like Simon, you might be stepping into something that has lasting impact.

Serve Faithfully in the Small Things: Whether it’s setting up chairs at church, making a phone call to check on someone, or helping a neighbor with groceries—these small acts of service are never wasted. Keep showing up, even when it feels unseen. God is using it.

Into Action

God often works through the ordinary moments we don’t plan. Simon of Cyrene was just passing by. He didn’t volunteer to carry Jesus’ cross—it was forced on him. But that moment became one of the most sacred acts of service in history. Cornelius’ servants were simply following orders, going to find Peter. They weren’t famous or in charge, but they played a key part in opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles.

Service doesn’t always feel heroic. Sometimes it looks like driving someone to an appointment, folding bulletins at church, or calling to check on a neighbor. We might not feel eager or even qualified, but when we show up with a willing heart, God can do something eternal through it.

How can we live this out today? Don’t wait for a big assignment. Ask God to show you the opportunity that’s right in front of you. Be open to interruptions. You might be helping someone move a piece of furniture or delivering a meal—and find out later that God used it in a much bigger way than you imagined.

Real-life example

Think of Edward Kimball. He was a quiet Sunday school teacher who led a young shoe salesman named Dwight L. Moody to Christ. Kimball didn’t know that simple act of obedience would lead to one of the most influential evangelists in history. He just showed up and did his part.

So today, ask yourself: Where can I serve? Even if it feels small or inconvenient, trust that God sees it—and He just might be using it to change someone’s life.

Session 7: "Grace in the Final Hour" - Luke 23:39-43

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion  — Audio

Focus: The Penitent Thief

Purpose Statement: To demonstrate that it's never too late for genuine repentance and that God's grace extends to the very last moment.
Key Truth: True faith recognizes Jesus even in His darkest hour, and God's mercy is available until our final breath.

Hymn to Hum: Amazing Grace-Group — God of Grace and God of Glory-Church Choir — Love Divine, All Love Excelling-Group

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice how the thief's heart changed even while he was dying. Watch for the way he defended Jesus when everyone else was mocking Him. Pay attention to how Jesus responded with immediate grace and acceptance, even in His own moment of greatest suffering.

Personal Reflection Questions

Have you ever had a complete change of heart about something important in your life? What caused that change, and how did it affect your actions?

Think about someone you know who seems far from God. What would it take for you to believe they could genuinely change, even at the last minute?

Luke 23:39-43

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Overview

This story gives hope to everyone who thinks they've waited too long or gone too far to find God's forgiveness. The thief on the cross had lived a life of crime and was paying the ultimate price for his choices. Yet in his final hours, he saw something in Jesus that changed everything. He recognized Jesus as Lord when Jesus looked least like a king, and he received the promise of paradise when it seemed like all hope was lost. Today, this story reminds us that God's grace has no expiration date and His mercy reaches even the most desperate situations.

This May Surprise You

Both criminals initially mocked Jesus along with the crowd (Matthew 27:44), but somewhere during those long hours on the cross, one of them experienced a complete transformation. We don't know exactly what changed his heart - maybe it was watching how Jesus responded to His tormentors with forgiveness instead of anger, or hearing Him pray for His executioners. Whatever it was, this man went from mocking Jesus to defending Him, from despair to hope, from rebellion to faith, all while hanging on a cross. It shows us that genuine repentance can happen anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: The thief recognized his own guilt and Jesus' innocence (Luke 23:41)
Comment: True repentance starts with honest self-evaluation. He didn't make excuses or blame others - he admitted he deserved his punishment while acknowledging that Jesus didn't.

Point 2: He defended Jesus when no one else would (Luke 23:40)
Comment: Even while dying, he found the courage to speak up for Jesus against the mockery of the other criminal. New faith often shows itself in unexpected boldness.

Point 3: He asked to be remembered, not rescued (Luke 23:42)
Comment: He didn't ask Jesus to save him from the cross or change his circumstances. He simply wanted to be part of Jesus' kingdom. Sometimes faith means accepting consequences while still trusting God's goodness.

Point 4: Jesus gave him an immediate, complete assurance (Luke 23:43)
Comment: Jesus didn't put him on probation or tell him to prove his sincerity. His promise was instant and certain: "Today you will be with me in paradise." God's forgiveness is immediate and complete.

Point 5: He received paradise without baptism, good works, or church membership (Luke 23:43)
Comment: His salvation was based purely on faith in Jesus. This shows us that while these other things are important for Christian growth, they're not requirements for God's acceptance.

Take-Home Thought

The thief on the cross gives us one of the most powerful pictures of grace in all of Scripture. He had no time to make up for his past crimes, no opportunity to live a better life, no chance to serve in ministry or help others. All he had was a moment of recognition that Jesus was who He claimed to be, and that was enough.

This story should give incredible hope to anyone who feels like they've waited too long to turn to God. It doesn't matter how old you are, how much you've messed up, or how little time you think you have left - God's grace is always available to those who genuinely turn to Him. At the same time, this story shouldn't be used as an excuse to delay making things right with God. The thief repented when he did because it was his last opportunity. We don't know when ours might be. The beautiful thing is that whether someone turns to God at age eight or eighty, in perfect health or on their deathbed, God's response is the same: "Today you will be with me in paradise."

Quote

Augustine: "Do not despair; one of the thieves was saved. Do not presume; one of the thieves was damned. The difference between them was not their circumstances, but their response to Jesus."

Charles Spurgeon: "The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day; and there may you, though vile as he, wash all your sins away. The fountain of Christ's blood is as full and free today as it was then."

Biblical Connections

Last-minute salvation echoes the workers hired at the eleventh hour who received full wages (Matthew 20:1-16) and the father welcoming the prodigal son immediately upon his return (Luke 15:20-24).

Recognizing Jesus in weakness connects to the centurion's declaration at the cross (Mark 15:39) and Thomas's confession after seeing Jesus' wounds (John 20:28).

Immediate forgiveness parallels Jesus' words to the paralyzed man: "Your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5) and His acceptance of the woman who anointed His feet (Luke 7:47-50).

Paradise promised reflects Jesus' teaching about the Good Shepherd: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life" (John 10:27-28).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we feel overwhelmed by past mistakes or worry that we've waited too long to make things right with God, we can remember the thief on the cross. His story shows us that God's grace is bigger than our worst failures and His mercy reaches us even in our darkest moments. It's never too late to turn to Jesus with genuine faith and repentance. At the same time, when we're tempted to give up on someone else because they seem too far gone, we can remember that the same God who saved a dying criminal can transform any heart that turns to Him in faith.

Devotional Thought: The Last-Minute Miracle

We've all heard the phrase "deathbed conversion" used with a hint of skepticism—as if somehow grace earned in life's final moments doesn't count as much. But hanging next to Jesus was a man who proves God's mercy has no expiration date.

This thief wasn't some misunderstood Robin Hood. He admitted his crimes deserved death. Yet while everyone else—religious leaders, soldiers, even the other criminal—mocked the bloodied man beside him, this thief saw something different. Somehow, looking at Jesus beaten and dying, he recognized a king.

"Remember me when you come into your kingdom," he asked. Not "if" you become king someday, but "when." That's remarkable faith from someone watching what looked like complete defeat.

Jesus' response was immediate: "Today you will be with me in paradise." No probation period. No making up for lost time. Just instant, complete acceptance.

Here's the beautiful truth: it's never too late while there's still breath in your lungs. Maybe you've been carrying guilt for years, thinking you've missed your chance with God. Maybe someone you love seems too far gone, too hardened. This thief reminds us that God's grace can break through in the final hour.

The ground is level at the cross. Whether you've followed Jesus for decades or discover Him in life's last moments, His arms are equally wide open.

Culture Connection

We live in a world that often says, “Too late”—too late to change, too late to make things right, too late to matter. But this story of the penitent thief on the cross goes completely against that thinking. While the world gave up on him, Jesus didn’t. Even in His own suffering, Jesus extended grace to a dying man who simply asked in faith. In a culture that often writes people off—especially the elderly, the sick, or those with a messy past—this passage reminds us that God's mercy reaches further than we imagine, even in our final moments.

Changed Life

This scripture challenges the idea that our worth is based on what we’ve done or how much time we have left. The thief had nothing to offer—not a lifetime of good works, not a chance to “make it up.” Yet Jesus welcomed him. A changed life begins to rest in the truth that salvation is by grace alone. It also shifts how we view others. We stop assuming it's “too late” for someone to come to Christ and instead look for ways to share hope—even at the eleventh hour.

Suggestions

Pray for the “Final Hour” Opportunities: Ask God to open your eyes to someone who may be nearing the end of life or going through a dark time. Don’t assume it’s too late. A simple conversation about faith or a reminder that God is still listening could be life-changing.

Keep the Door Open: Be willing to share your faith story, especially with family or friends who haven’t yet trusted Christ. Like the thief on the cross, they may be more open than you think—especially in moments of pain, loss, or reflection.

Into Action

The penitent thief didn’t have time to fix his life, prove his faith, or do good deeds. He was dying—and yet, in that final hour, he turned to Jesus with a simple request: “Remember me.” And Jesus didn’t hesitate. He gave the man the promise of paradise that very day.

This story reminds us that no one is ever too far gone, and it’s never too late. God’s grace isn’t earned—it’s received by faith, even at the last possible moment. That’s good news for us, and it’s good news for the people we love.

How can we live this out today? First, don’t give up praying for those who seem far from God. As long as there’s breath, there’s hope. Keep planting seeds of grace with your words and actions, and trust that God is working—even if you don’t see it.

Second, live as a person who believes in grace. Be quick to forgive. Be gentle with those who are struggling. Remember, none of us earned God’s mercy—we all received it.

Real-life example

Think of John Newton, the former slave trader who became a preacher and wrote Amazing Grace. His transformation didn’t happen overnight, and for years he lived far from God. But when grace finally broke through, it changed everything. His life became a testimony that no one is beyond redemption.

Ask God to keep your heart soft—toward Him, and toward others. And remember, one moment of true faith can change an entire eternity.

Session 8: "Overcoming Fear to Obey" - Acts 9:10-19

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion  — Audio

Focus: Ananias of Damascus

Purpose Statement: To encourage believers that God often calls us beyond our comfort zones, and our obedience can launch movements that change the world.
Key Truth: When God asks us to minister to unlikely people, our faithfulness can become the hinge point of history.

Hymn to Hum: Faith of Our Fathers-Church Choir — When we all get to Heaven-Congregational — Sweet Hour of Prayer -Solo

What to Look For

As you read this passage, notice how Ananias questioned God's instructions at first because they seemed so dangerous. Watch for the way God patiently explained His bigger plan while still expecting obedience. Pay attention to how one man's courage to reach out to an enemy became the starting point for world evangelism.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think of someone who seems completely unlikely to become a Christian. If God asked you to share His love with that person, what would be your biggest fear or concern?

Describe a time when God asked you to do something that scared you at first, but you obeyed anyway. What happened as a result of your obedience?

Acts 9:10-19
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Overview

Ananias faced every believer's worst nightmare - God asking him to help his greatest enemy. Saul had been hunting down Christians and dragging them to prison. The last thing any believer wanted was to be alone in a room with this man. Yet God chose Ananias for one of the most important assignments in church history: welcoming the future apostle Paul into the family of faith. Today, God still asks us to reach out to people who seem like unlikely candidates for His grace. Whether it's the hostile coworker, the difficult neighbor, or the family member who mocks our faith, God specializes in transforming His enemies into His champions through the faithful obedience of ordinary believers.

This May Surprise You

Ananias wasn't an apostle, pastor, or famous church leader. He was simply described as "a disciple" - an ordinary believer living in Damascus. Yet God entrusted him with one of the most crucial moments in Christian history. When the newly converted Paul needed someone to welcome him, pray for him, and help him take his first steps as a Christian, God didn't send Peter or John. He sent a regular church member whose name appears only in this story. This shows us that God often chooses the most ordinary people for His most extraordinary assignments.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Ananias expressed his fears honestly to God (Acts 9:13-14)
Comment: He didn't pretend to be brave or spiritually mature. Instead, he told God exactly why this assignment terrified him. Honest prayer about our fears is often the first step toward courage.

Point 2: God shared His bigger plan with Ananias (Acts 9:15-16)
Comment: God didn't just say "trust me and go." He explained that Saul would become His chosen instrument to reach the Gentiles, kings, and the Jewish people. Sometimes our obedience makes more sense when we understand the bigger picture.

Point 3: Ananias called Saul "brother" immediately (Acts 9:17)
Comment: This single word shows incredible faith and grace. The man who had been hunting Christians was instantly welcomed into the family. True obedience often requires us to see people the way God sees them, not the way they used to be.

Point 4: He laid hands on Saul and prayed for his healing (Acts 9:17)
Comment: Ananias didn't just deliver God's message and leave - he ministered with compassion and care. Obedience often includes showing practical love to people God sends us to help.

Point 5: His simple act of faith changed the course of Christianity (Acts 9:18-19)
Comment: Without Ananias' willingness to overcome his fear, Paul might never have been welcomed into the church community. Sometimes our small acts of obedience have consequences we can't even imagine.

Take-Home Thought

God has a way of asking us to love the people we least want to love. Sometimes it's because they've hurt us personally. Sometimes it's because they represent everything we stand against. Sometimes it's simply because they seem so far from God that reaching out feels hopeless. But these are often the very people God wants to use in powerful ways.

Ananias shows us that we don't have to eliminate our fears before we obey - we just have to act despite them. He was honest about his concerns, listened to God's explanation, and then stepped out in faith. His willingness to overcome his fear and minister to Saul became one of the most important moments in church history. We may never know this side of heaven how our acts of obedience - visiting that difficult person in the hospital, inviting that hostile neighbor to dinner, praying for that antagonistic coworker - might fit into God's larger plan. Our job isn't to understand all the reasons why God asks us to reach out. Our job is simply to overcome our fear with faith and trust Him with the results.

Quote

Elisabeth Elliot: "The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse than you thought, or it may seem to be much better. But you can be sure that whatever happens, you can trust the will of God."

Hudson Taylor: "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies. When God calls us to step out in faith, He always provides what we need to accomplish His purposes."

Biblical Connections

God calling unlikely messengers echoes Moses' hesitation at the burning bush (Exodus 3:11-4:13) and Gideon's fear when called to lead Israel (Judges 6:15-16).

Ministering to former enemies connects to Joseph forgiving his brothers (Genesis 45:4-5) and Jesus praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).

Simple obedience changing history parallels Mary's "yes" to the angel's announcement (Luke 1:38) and the boy offering his lunch to Jesus (John 6:9).

Welcoming the unlikely reflects Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:30-32) and the early church's struggle to accept Gentile converts (Acts 11:1-18).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When God prompts us to reach out to someone who seems unlikely or even unsafe, we can remember Ananias' example. We don't have to be fearless to be faithful. We can tell God our concerns, listen for His guidance, and then step out in obedience even when we're nervous. God specializes in transforming His enemies into His champions, and He often uses ordinary believers like us to welcome these unlikely converts into His family. We may be called to be the "Ananias" in someone's conversion story - the person who shows them their first taste of Christian love and acceptance.

Devotional Thought: When God Asks the Impossible

Imagine getting a phone call asking you to visit the most dangerous person in your city—someone who's been threatening people just like you. That's essentially what happened to Ananias when God told him to find Saul of Tarsus.

Ananias knew exactly who Saul was. Everyone in Damascus did. This wasn't some case of mistaken identity. Saul had been dragging Christians from their homes, throwing them in prison. He'd come to Damascus with arrest warrants. And now God wanted Ananias to walk right up to him and pray for his healing.

"Lord, are you sure about this?" Ananias basically asked. "This man has done terrible things to your people." It's the kind of honest pushback we might give God when He asks us to reach out to that difficult family member, forgive that person who hurt us, or help someone we'd rather avoid.

But Ananias went anyway. His obedience became the hinge point between Saul the persecutor and Paul the apostle. Without that frightened Damascus believer stepping past his fear, we might not have half the New Testament.

Here's what's remarkable: God could have healed Saul directly, but He chose to use Ananias. Sometimes our scariest assignments become our most significant contributions. That person you're reluctant to help might be exactly who God wants to use next. Your nervous "yes" could launch something bigger than you ever imagined.

Culture Connection

Today, fear keeps many people stuck—fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of rejection, fear of stepping into the unknown. Our world tells us to stay in safe places, surround ourselves with people like us, and avoid risk. But in Acts 9, Ananias was asked to do something that felt dangerous and uncomfortable—go lay hands on Saul, a man known for persecuting Christians. Yet his obedience opened the door for Saul’s transformation into Paul, one of the greatest missionaries in history. In a culture focused on comfort and self-protection, this story reminds us that God's plans often begin outside our comfort zone.

Changed Life

This passage can change the way we respond when God nudges us to act. It’s easy to think, “I’m not the right person,” or “That situation is too risky.” But like Ananias, our obedience—even when we feel afraid—can lead to something much bigger than we see in the moment. A changed life becomes more willing to say yes to God, even with trembling hands. It trusts that God knows what He’s doing, and that our small act of obedience might set something in motion that impacts many.

Suggestions

Say Yes, Even If You're Scared: The next time you feel God prompting you to reach out to someone—especially someone you wouldn’t normally talk to—pause and pray like Ananias did. Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable. You never know what God might do through that moment.

Encourage Someone Others Avoid: Look around for someone who might be misunderstood or even avoided—maybe because of their past, their personality, or their struggles. Your words of encouragement or a simple visit could be exactly what God uses to draw them closer to Him.

Into Action

Ananias had every reason to be afraid. Saul was known for hunting down Christians, and now God was telling Ananias to go lay hands on him? It didn’t make sense—but Ananias obeyed anyway. That simple act of courage helped launch the ministry of Paul, one of the most influential voices in church history.

God still calls His people to step out of their comfort zones. He may ask you to reach out to someone who intimidates you, forgive someone who’s hurt you, or love someone others have written off. It might feel risky, awkward, or even a little scary—but your obedience could be the very thing God uses to begin a new story in someone’s life.

How can we live this out today? Start by asking God: Who are you calling me to reach? Maybe it’s someone others avoid. Maybe it’s someone with a rough past. Maybe it’s someone who just needs a word of encouragement, a visit, or a prayer. Don’t let fear hold you back—God is already working behind the scenes.

Real-life example

Think of Elisabeth Elliot. After her husband Jim was killed by the very people he was trying to reach, she didn’t walk away. Instead, she returned to the same tribe, bringing the message of Christ—and they eventually came to faith. Her obedience, even through fear and pain, became part of a movement of redemption.

Today, ask God for the courage to obey, even when it’s uncomfortable. You never know how your “yes” might change someone’s eternity.

Session 9: "The Ministry of Encouragement" - Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-27; 11:22-26

Study Notes — Personal Study — Discussion  — Audio

Focus: Barnabas

Purpose Statement: To inspire believers in the powerful impact of believing in others and providing encouragement when it's most needed.
Key Truth: Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is to see potential in others that they can't yet see in themselves.

Hymn to Hum: Bless Be The Tie that Binds-Congregational — Because He Lives-Congregational — Majesty-Praise Chorus

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how Barnabas consistently saw the best in people and took risks to help them succeed. Watch for the way he used his reputation and resources to lift others up. Pay attention to how his encouragement changed the lives of people who became major leaders in the early church.

Personal Reflection Questions

Who was the most encouraging person in your life when you were young or going through a difficult time? How did their belief in you make a difference in your choices?

Think of someone in your life right now who could use encouragement. What specific thing could you say or do this week to help them see their own potential?

Acts 4:36-37

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 9:26-27

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 11:22-26

22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Overview

In our world of criticism and competition, Barnabas shows us the incredible power of encouragement. His real name was Joseph, but the apostles nicknamed him "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement." He lived up to that name by consistently believing in people when others had given up on them. He vouched for the newly converted Paul when everyone else was afraid of him. He gave Mark a second chance after the young man had failed on his first missionary journey. He used his own money to help struggling believers. Today, God is still looking for people who will be encouragers - those who see potential in others and invest in helping them reach it.

This May Surprise You

Barnabas was actually the senior partner when he and Paul first started traveling together as missionaries. The early church sent Barnabas to investigate what was happening in Antioch, and he was the one who went to find Paul and bring him to help with the ministry there. For years, when people referred to their missionary team, they called them "Barnabas and Paul," not "Paul and Barnabas." Yet Barnabas seemed perfectly comfortable stepping into the background as Paul's gifts became more prominent. True encouragers care more about others' success than their own recognition.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Barnabas was generous with his resources (Acts 4:36-37)
Comment: He sold land and gave the money to help other believers. Encouragement often costs us something - our time, money, or reputation. Real encouragers are willing to invest in others.

Point 2: He risked his reputation to vouch for Paul (Acts 9:27)
Comment: When everyone else was afraid to trust the former persecutor, Barnabas put his own credibility on the line. Sometimes encouraging others means taking risks when they can't take risks for themselves.

Point 3: He recognized Paul's potential and brought him into ministry (Acts 11:25-26)
Comment: Barnabas saw that Paul's gifts were exactly what the growing church in Antioch needed. Good encouragers know how to match people's strengths with the right opportunities.

Point 4: He gave Mark a second chance after failure (Acts 15:37-39)
Comment: When Mark had abandoned their first missionary journey, Paul didn't want to take him again. But Barnabas believed in restoration and took Mark on a separate mission. His investment paid off - Mark later wrote one of the Gospels.

Point 5: His encouragement shaped the leaders who shaped the church (Acts 11:26; 15:39)
Comment: Both Paul and Mark became major figures in Christianity partly because Barnabas believed in them when they needed it most. Encouragement has a multiplying effect through history.

Take-Home Thought

The ministry of encouragement might be the most undervalued gift in the church today. We're quick to point out problems and slow to celebrate progress. We focus on people's failures and forget to mention their potential. But Barnabas shows us that believing in others can literally change the course of history.

What strikes me most about Barnabas is that he seemed to have a gift for seeing people not just as they were, but as they could become. He saw past Paul's violent history to his passionate heart for God. He saw past Mark's failure to his future faithfulness. This kind of vision requires both spiritual insight and practical love. It means being willing to invest in people before they prove themselves worthy of the investment. It means using our influence to open doors for others instead of just advancing ourselves. In a world that seems increasingly harsh and critical, we desperately need more people who will follow Barnabas' example of looking for the gold in others and helping them mine it.

Quote

John Maxwell: "People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. The greatest gift you can give someone is to believe in them when they can't believe in themselves."

William Barclay: "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. There is a regulation of the Royal Navy which says: 'No officer shall speak discouraging words to another officer in the discharge of his duties.'"

Biblical Connections

Believing in unlikely people echoes Jesus calling the fishermen to be disciples (Matthew 4:18-22) and choosing Matthew the tax collector (Matthew 9:9).

Giving second chances connects to Jesus restoring Peter after his denial (John 21:15-19) and the father welcoming back the prodigal son (Luke 15:20-24).

Using resources to help others parallels the Good Samaritan caring for the wounded man (Luke 10:33-35) and the early church sharing everything in common (Acts 2:44-47).

Mentoring and developing others reflects Moses training Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) and Paul's relationship with Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:1-2).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we feel discouraged about our own potential or when others seem to have given up on us, we can remember that God often sends us "Barnabas people" - those who see what we can become and help us get there. At the same time, God may be calling us to be a Barnabas for someone else. We don't need special training or perfect wisdom to encourage others. We just need eyes to see their potential and the willingness to invest in helping them reach it. Whether it's a struggling friend, a difficult family member, or someone who has failed before, our encouragement might be exactly what God wants to use to change their life and, through them, change the world.

Devotional Thought: The Gift of Believing in Someone

Have you ever had someone believe in you when you couldn't believe in yourself? That person who saw something good in you during your worst moment? That's exactly who Barnabas was—a professional encourager who changed the course of Christianity by believing in the right people at the right time.

When Paul showed up in Jerusalem claiming to be a Christian, nobody bought it. Would you? This was the same man who'd been hunting down believers just months before. The apostles wouldn't even meet with him. Too risky, too suspicious. But Barnabas stepped up, vouched for Paul, and opened the door that launched Paul's ministry.

Later, when young John Mark abandoned Paul's missionary team and headed home, Paul was done with him. "Too unreliable," Paul essentially said. But Barnabas saw potential in this young quitter. He invested in Mark anyway, mentoring him through his failure. That "unreliable" young man became the author of the Gospel of Mark.

Barnabas never wrote a book of the Bible. He never planted famous churches. His superpower was simpler: he believed in people when others had given up on them. He saw diamonds in the rough and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty polishing them.

Look around your world. Who needs someone to believe in them? That struggling grandchild, that neighbor going through a hard time, that person everyone else has written off? Sometimes the most powerful ministry happens when we simply say, "I believe in you."

Culture Connection

In a world where criticism is common and people are quick to point out flaws, encouragement often feels rare. Social media, news, and even conversations tend to focus on what's wrong instead of lifting others up. But in the book of Acts, Barnabas—whose name means “Son of Encouragement”—chose to believe in others when no one else would. He supported Paul when the early church was afraid of him, and he brought in new believers like Mark when others had given up on them. In a culture quick to cancel and slow to forgive, encouragement stands out—and changes lives.

Changed Life

This kind of encouragement isn’t just about being “nice”—it’s about seeing what God sees in someone and helping them grow into it. A changed life starts looking for ways to build others up instead of tearing them down. Barnabas didn’t preach big sermons or perform miracles (at least not that we’re told). His ministry was quieter—but just as powerful. He believed in people. Our encouragement can do the same—especially in a time of discouragement, failure, or fear. God can use our words to lift someone into their calling.

Suggestions

Speak Life into Someone's Potential: Think of someone in your church or family who may be overlooked—maybe a young person trying to serve or someone recovering from failure. Tell them what you see God doing in their life. A simple sentence of encouragement could shape their future.

Write It Down: Take time this week to write a short note to someone who’s serving faithfully or going through a hard season. Thank them. Encourage them. Let them know they’re not forgotten. You may be the Barnabas they didn’t know they needed.

Into Action

Barnabas wasn’t flashy, but he had a gift that changed lives—he believed in people. When others were afraid of Paul, Barnabas stepped in and spoke up for him. Later, when a young man named John Mark failed, Barnabas gave him another chance. Over and over, he stood beside people when they needed someone to believe in them. Because of his encouragement, the church grew stronger, and future leaders got a second chance.

Encouragement might seem small, but it can be life-changing. A kind word, a listening ear, or simply telling someone, “I see what God is doing in you,” can give them the courage to keep going. You may never know the full impact of your encouragement—but God does.

How can we live this out today? Look around your life: Who could use a little encouragement right now? Maybe it’s someone who feels unnoticed, someone who’s new to faith, or someone who’s trying again after failure. Call them. Write them a note. Speak words of life. Be generous with encouragement—it costs little, but it gives much.

Real-life example

Think of Fred Rogers—Mister Rogers. He wasn’t a preacher in the traditional sense, but his whole life was built on encouraging others, especially children. He believed every person had value and made sure they heard it. His quiet encouragement shaped generations.

So today, ask God to help you see others the way He does—not just who they are now, but who they can become. Then, speak that life over them. You just might be the Barnabas they need.

Session 10: "Partnership in Ministry" - Acts 18:2-3, 24-26, Romans 16:3-4

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio
Focus: Priscilla and Aquila

Purpose Statement: To demonstrate how couples and ministry partners can multiply their impact through faithful teamwork and hospitality.
Key Truth: God uses ordinary homes and workplace relationships as launching pads for extraordinary ministry.

Hymn to Hum: Take My Life and Let It Be-Duet — We Gather Together-Congregational — You'll Never Walk Alone -Quartet

What to Look For

As you read these passages, notice how Priscilla and Aquila worked together as a team in both business and ministry. Watch for the way they opened their home to serve others and used their workplace to build relationships. Pay attention to how they took time to invest in one person's spiritual growth and how that investment multiplied throughout the early church.

Personal Reflection Questions

Think about the most effective team you've ever been part of - at work, in your family, or in ministry. What made that partnership work so well? How did you each contribute differently?

If you could use your home or workplace to help one person grow spiritually, who would it be? What practical steps could you take to invest in that person's development?

Acts 18:2-3

2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Acts 24-26

2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Romans 16:3-4

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Overview

Priscilla and Aquila show us that some of the most powerful ministry happens not in formal church settings, but in ordinary homes and everyday workplaces. This husband and wife team built their whole life around serving God together. They worked as tentmakers alongside Paul, opened their home for church meetings, mentored young leaders like Apollos, and even risked their lives to protect other believers. Today, God is still looking for ministry partners - whether married couples, business partners, or close friends - who will use their resources, relationships, and skills to serve His kingdom together.

This May Surprise You

In Bible times, it was extremely unusual for a woman to be mentioned before her husband, but in four of the six times this couple is referenced in Scripture, Priscilla's name comes first. This suggests she may have been the more prominent teacher or leader in their partnership. Yet there's no hint of competition or tension between them. They seemed to understand that their individual gifts were meant to complement each other, not compete. Their marriage and ministry partnership shows us what it looks like when people are secure enough in their own calling to celebrate their partner's strengths.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: They shared both work and ministry together (Acts 18:2-3)
Comment: They didn't separate their business life from their spiritual life. Their tentmaking shop became a place where they could build relationships and share the gospel while earning a living.

Point 2: They opened their home for ministry (Acts 18:26, Romans 16:3-5)
Comment: Their house wasn't just their private space - it was a tool for kingdom work. They hosted churches, mentored leaders, and provided a safe place for believers to gather and grow.

Point 3: They invested personally in Apollos' development (Acts 18:26)
Comment: When they heard this gifted young preacher, they didn't criticize his incomplete understanding. Instead, they invited him home and helped him grow in his knowledge of Jesus.

Point 4: They were willing to risk their lives for others (Romans 16:4)
Comment: Paul mentions that they "risked their lives" for him. True ministry partnership sometimes means being willing to sacrifice for the sake of others and the gospel.

Point 5: Their ministry had a multiplying effect (Acts 18:27-28)
Comment: After they mentored Apollos, he went on to powerfully impact the church in Corinth. Their investment in one person touched many more lives through his expanded ministry.

Take-Home Thought

The beautiful thing about Priscilla and Aquila is that they didn't wait for perfect circumstances or official positions to start serving God together. They used what they had - their home, their business, their friendship with Paul, their knowledge of Scripture - and turned it all into ministry opportunities. They show us that partnership in ministry isn't about finding someone exactly like us, but about finding someone who shares our heart for God's kingdom and complements our strengths and weaknesses.

What encourages me most about their story is how natural their ministry seems. They weren't trying to build their own kingdom or make themselves famous. They were simply faithful with the relationships and resources God gave them. They worked hard in their business, opened their home generously, invested in people personally, and supported their friends sacrificially. This kind of partnership - whether in marriage, friendship, or working relationships - multiplies our impact far beyond what we could accomplish alone. When we combine our gifts, resources, and energy with someone who shares our vision, God can use us to touch lives in ways we never imagined.

Quote

Billy Graham: "A good marriage is the union of two forgivers. When couples work together in ministry, they multiply not only their effectiveness but also their joy in serving God."

John Chrysostom: "The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together. When that love is dedicated to God's service, it becomes a powerful witness to the world."

Biblical Connections

Couples serving together echoes Abraham and Sarah's journey of faith (Genesis 12:1-5) and Mary and Joseph's role in Jesus' birth and upbringing (Luke 2:41-52).

Using homes for ministry connects to Lydia opening her home to Paul (Acts 16:14-15) and the upper room where Jesus shared the Last Supper (Luke 22:7-13).

Mentoring through hospitality parallels Jesus' teaching in people's homes (Luke 10:38-42) and the early church's practice of meeting in houses (Acts 2:46).

Workplace ministry reflects Daniel's influence in government (Daniel 6:1-3) and the early Christians' reputation for honest work (Ephesians 4:28).

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When we wonder how God could use our ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes, we can look to Priscilla and Aquila's example. We don't need to choose between having a successful career and serving God - we can do both by seeing our work as a mission field. We don't need perfect homes or complete theological training to help others grow spiritually - we just need open hearts and willing spirits. Whether we're married or single, business owners or employees, God wants to use our relationships, resources, and everyday opportunities to build His kingdom. The key is being willing to share what we have and work together with others who share our passion for serving Him.

Devotional Thought: The Power of Two

Ever notice how some couples just work well together? They finish each other's sentences, complement each other's strengths, and accomplish more as a team than either could alone. Priscilla and Aquila were that kind of ministry couple—always mentioned together, always working side by side.

They were tentmakers by trade, nothing fancy. But when they met Paul, they didn't just offer him a job—they opened their home and their hearts. Their workshop became a training ground. Their dinner table became a place where ministry was planned and prayers were shared.

When they heard young Apollos preaching in Ephesus—brilliant but missing some key pieces about Jesus—they didn't embarrass him publicly or write him off. Instead, they invited him over for a meal and "explained the way of God more accurately." One conversation in their living room helped shape one of the early church's most gifted teachers.

Later, Paul would write that this couple literally "risked their necks" for him. They weren't playing it safe or keeping ministry at arm's length.

Here's the beautiful truth: God doesn't need perfect people with seminary degrees to make a difference. He uses ordinary homes, everyday jobs, and simple hospitality. Your kitchen table conversations matter. The way you treat people at work matters. That couple you encourage, that young person you mentor, that friend you listen to—these aren't small things. They're the building blocks of God's kingdom, one relationship at a time.

Culture Connection

In today’s fast-paced world, people often separate faith from daily life—work is one thing, church is another, and home is just for rest. But Priscilla and Aquila’s story shows us something different. They used their home, their jobs, and their relationships to serve the Lord—together. As tentmakers, they welcomed Paul into their workplace and home. Later, they helped disciple a young preacher named Apollos. In a culture that often treats ministry like it only happens at church or on a stage, this couple reminds us that ministry happens around the dinner table, in conversations at work, and in quiet acts of partnership and faithfulness.

Changed Life

This story encourages us to see our relationships, especially in marriage or friendship, as tools for ministry. A changed life begins to ask, “How can we serve together?” rather than, “What can I do alone?” Whether it’s praying together, showing hospitality, or mentoring someone younger in the faith, partnership multiplies impact. It also reminds us that ministry isn’t limited by age. Priscilla and Aquila were faithful for years—and their quiet, steady work helped build the early church.

Suggestions

Open Your Home—or Your Time: Like Priscilla and Aquila, consider how your home (or even a simple coffee visit) could be used to encourage others. You don’t have to host a Bible study—just being a warm, welcoming presence can open the door to ministry.

Serve Side-by-Side: If you're married or have a close friend in the faith, ask God how you can serve together—write notes to missionaries, encourage a young couple at church, or partner in prayer for your church leaders. Teamwork brings strength, and your combined influence may go farther than you realize.

Into Action

Priscilla and Aquila weren’t famous pastors or prophets—they were tentmakers. But they opened their home, used their skills, and partnered together in ministry. They didn’t need a platform or a pulpit. They simply made space—for people, for teaching, and for God's work to grow. When they met Apollos, they didn’t criticize him for what he didn’t know. They took him aside, taught him with kindness, and helped shape a strong leader for the early church.

God still works this way. Ministry doesn’t just happen on a stage—it happens around kitchen tables, in quiet conversations, in shared work. When we partner with others in faith and use what we have, God multiplies the impact.

How can we live this out today? Open your home or your heart. Invite someone in for a meal or a conversation. If you’re married, ask how God might want to use your relationship for His purposes. If you’re not, look for a ministry partner—a friend, a neighbor, a church member—and serve together. Hospitality, encouragement, teaching, and mentoring don’t require a title—just a willing heart.

Real-life example

Think of Billy and Ruth Graham. Billy preached around the world, but Ruth’s faith, wisdom, and steady support were part of every message he shared. She prayed, counseled, and helped hold the family together while he ministered. Their partnership made the ministry stronger than it could have been alone.

Ask God how He wants to use your relationships—your marriage, your friendships, your workplace connections—for His kingdom. Don’t underestimate what He can do through simple faithfulness, offered together.

Session 11: Creative Service for God's Glory

Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1–11; 35:30–35)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: God equips ordinary people with extraordinary gifts to build His kingdom through creativity and craftsmanship.
Purpose Statement: To recognize that artistic skill and practical talent are sacred when surrendered to God's purposes, and to encourage participants to see their own abilities—however humble—as part of God's design for worship and service.

Hymn to Hum: Let All Things Living-Solo — To God Be the Glory-Congregational — Glory to His Name-Congregational

What to Look For

As you read about Bezalel and Oholiab, notice how God calls people by name for specific work. Watch for the different types of skills God gives to build His tabernacle. Pay attention to how God fills people with His Spirit to do creative work.

Personal Reflection Questions

If God asked you to help decorate His house today, what skill or talent would you hope He might use?

What's something you've made with your hands that brought you the most joy?

Exodus 31:1–11

Craftsmen: Bezalel and Oholiab

31 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

6 “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:

7 the Tabernacle;
the Ark of the Covenant;
the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;
all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;
8 the table and its utensils;
the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories;
the incense altar;
9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;
10 the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;
11 the anointing oil;
the fragrant incense for the Holy Place.

The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”

Exodus 35:30-35

30 Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 32 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 33 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. 34 And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. 35 The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.

Overview

In our world today, we often separate "spiritual" work from "regular" work. We think pastors and missionaries do God's work, while artists, builders, and craftspeople just have jobs. But God's calling of Bezalel and Oholiab shows us something different. These men weren't priests or prophets. They were skilled workers—carpenters, metalworkers, and designers. Yet God chose them and filled them with His Spirit to create beautiful things for His worship. This reminds us that every talent we have can be used to honor God, whether we're cooking a meal, fixing a car, or painting a picture.

This May Surprise You

Many people think artistic ability is just natural talent, but the Bible shows us something deeper. When God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, He gave him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge along with skill. This means creativity isn't just about having good hands or a good eye. God gives people the ability to think through problems, understand materials, and know how to make beautiful things. Every time we use our skills well, we're reflecting God's own creative nature.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: God calls specific people for specific work (Exodus 31:2)
Comment: God knew Bezalel by name and chose him personally. This wasn't random. God has specific work for each of us too.

Point 2: God fills people with His Spirit for practical work (Exodus 31:3)
Comment: The same Spirit who gives spiritual gifts also gives practical skills. There's no separation between sacred and ordinary work when it's done for God.

Point 3: God gives both skill and wisdom (Exodus 31:3)
Comment: It's not enough to be talented. We need God's wisdom to use our gifts well and for the right purposes.

Point 4: God provides helpers and teammates (Exodus 31:6)
Comment: Bezalel didn't work alone. God gave him Oholiab and others to help. God's work is usually team work.

Point 5: Every detail matters to God (Exodus 31:7-11)
Comment: God cared about the lampstand, the altar, and even the priests' clothes. Nothing is too small when it's part of worship.

Take-Home Thought

God's plan has always included beauty, creativity, and skilled work. From the very beginning, He made a world full of colors, textures, and intricate designs. When sin entered the world, it didn't destroy God's love for beautiful things or His desire to work through human hands. The tabernacle project shows us that God wants to partner with us in creating things that point people toward Him.

This partnership continues today. Every time a Christian teacher prepares a thoughtful lesson, a musician plays with excellence, a cook prepares a loving meal, or a gardener tends plants with care, they're joining the same tradition as Bezalel and Oholiab. Our skills become holy when we offer them back to the One who gave them to us in the first place.

Quotes

Charles Spurgeon: "Every faculty you have, my friend, was given you by God, and ought to be used for God."

Francis Schaeffer: "A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God."

Biblical Connections

Genesis 1:27 - Humans created in God's image as creative beings

1 Chronicles 28:12, 19 - David's plans for the temple given by God's Spirit

2 Chronicles 2:13-14 - Huram-Abi, skilled craftsman for Solomon's temple

Ephesians 2:10 - We are God's workmanship, created for good works

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever we do, work at it with all our heart as working for the Lord

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel like your abilities are too ordinary or your work doesn't matter much, remember Bezalel and Oholiab. God sees value in every skill He has given you. You can trust that He has equipped you with exactly what you need to serve Him in your unique way. Whether you're good with your hands, have a way with words, or can organize details that others miss, God can use those gifts to build His kingdom and bring Him glory.

Devotional Thought – Creative Service for God’s Glory

When we think of serving God, our minds often go first to preaching, teaching, or singing hymns. But in Exodus we are reminded of something beautiful: God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit so they could build and craft. They weren’t priests or prophets. They were ordinary men with steady hands and creative minds. Yet their work was holy because it was offered to God.

It’s much the same with us. Maybe your skill is baking bread, repairing something around the house, writing a thoughtful card, or simply listening well. These may not seem “spiritual” at first glance, but when given to God, they become sacred. Just like the gold and wood in the tabernacle, our everyday skills can shine with His glory.

Think of it this way: a patchwork quilt may just be scraps of fabric, but in loving hands it becomes a blanket that warms a grandchild on a cold night. In the same way, when we give our skills—no matter how small—they become part of God’s larger work of care and beauty.

God delights in using our creativity, not only to build structures of stone or wood, but to build up people, relationships, and faith. Every skill, every act, every gift surrendered to Him becomes part of His living temple.

Culture Connection

In today’s world, creativity is everywhere—on social media, in home projects, in music, and even in the way we solve everyday problems. But our culture often uses creativity to draw attention to ourselves, to make a name, or to sell something. The story of Bezalel and Oholiab reminds us that creativity is at its best when it points people to God. Whether it’s quilting, woodworking, gardening, or cooking, our skills can be more than hobbies—they can be acts of worship. In a time when many feel their contributions don’t matter, this scripture shows that God values every skill when it’s offered for His purposes.

Changed Life

This passage can change how we see our own abilities. Instead of thinking, “I’m too old” or “My skills aren’t important,” we can begin to see every talent as a tool God can use. For example, someone who enjoys baking might start making bread for a neighbor who is lonely, turning a simple recipe into a ministry of encouragement. Or a person who likes fixing things could help maintain the church building, quietly serving in a way that honors God. When we shift our thinking from “What can I do for myself?” to “How can I use this for God’s glory?” our actions naturally follow—and our service becomes part of His ongoing work in the world.

Into Action

Bezalel and Oholiab were craftsmen, skilled with their hands and creative minds. God didn’t call only priests or prophets to build His kingdom—He called artists and workers too. Their talents were gifts from God, and they used them to create things that honored Him and helped the people worship. What they made wasn’t just decoration—it was part of God’s plan.

This reminds us that our own skills—whether it’s painting, cooking, organizing, listening, or fixing things—can be acts of worship when offered to God. No gift is too small or ordinary. When we use our abilities with a heart surrendered to God, we join in building His kingdom in practical and beautiful ways.

How can we live this out today? Look at the talents God has given you. Are there ways to use them for His glory? Maybe you can volunteer to help with church events, write encouraging notes, create something meaningful for someone, or simply do your daily tasks with excellence and love. Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone who wants to serve God with their hands and heart.

Real-life example

Think of George Müller. He used his practical skills and faith to care for thousands of orphans. His organization and stewardship of resources were creative acts of service that glorified God and showed His love to many. Like Bezalel and Oholiab, he used his gifts for God’s purposes.

Ask God to help you see your talents as sacred tools for His work. Whatever you do today—big or small—offer it as worship, trusting God to use your creativity and skills for His kingdom.

Session 12: Hidden Courage That Preserves Hope

Jehosheba (2 Kings 11:1–3)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: Quiet acts of bravery can safeguard God's promises and shape the future.
Purpose Statement: To highlight how Jehosheba's hidden courage preserved the Davidic line, reminding us that even behind-the-scenes faithfulness can have generational impact.

Hymn to Hum: Standing on The Promises of God-Quartet — Higher Ground-Congregational — I Love to Tell Story-Congregational

What to Look For

As you read about Jehosheba, notice how she acted quickly in a dangerous situation. Watch for the quiet way she protected someone who couldn't protect himself. Pay attention to how one woman's brave choice affected the entire future of God's people.

Personal Reflection Questions

When have you done something brave that no one else noticed or thanked you for?

If you could protect one important thing for future generations, what would it be?

2 Kings 11:1-3

Queen Athaliah Rules in Judah

11 When Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah of Judah, learned that her son was dead, she began to destroy the rest of the royal family. 2 But Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash, and stole him away from among the rest of the king’s children, who were about to be killed. She put Joash and his nurse in a bedroom, and they hid him from Athaliah, so the child was not murdered. 3 Joash remained hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled over the land.

Overview

We live in a world that celebrates loud heroism—the kind you see in movies with dramatic rescues and cheering crowds. But most real courage happens quietly, when no cameras are rolling and no one is watching. Jehosheba's story reminds us that some of the most important acts of bravery happen in secret. She wasn't a queen or a warrior. She was a woman who saw evil happening and decided to do something about it, even though it put her own life at risk. Her hidden courage literally saved the future of God's promises to His people.

This May Surprise You

Jehosheba was caught between two worlds that were at war with each other. She was the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel, who hated God and His people. But she was also married to Jehoiada, the high priest who served the Lord. When her own mother-in-law, Queen Athaliah, began killing all the royal children to grab power, Jehosheba had to choose sides. She chose to protect her nephew Joash, even though it meant going against her own family. Sometimes following God means making hard choices that others don't understand.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Evil often attacks the most vulnerable (2 Kings 11:1)
Comment: Queen Athaliah went after children who couldn't defend themselves. Evil always targets what is weak or innocent first.

Point 2: Someone has to take action when others won't (2 Kings 11:2)
Comment: Jehosheba didn't wait for someone else to step up. When she saw wrong happening, she acted quickly and decisively.

Point 3: Hidden protection can be more powerful than public fights (2 Kings 11:3)
Comment: Instead of confronting Athaliah directly, Jehosheba quietly hid Joash for six years. Sometimes wisdom means working behind the scenes.

Point 4: One person's courage can preserve God's plans (2 Kings 11:3)
Comment: Without Jehosheba, the line of David would have ended, and there would be no Messiah. Her faithfulness kept God's promise alive.

Point 5: Faithful people often work in teams (2 Kings 11:2)
Comment: Jehosheba and her husband Jehoiada worked together to protect Joash. God often uses partnerships to accomplish His purposes.

Take-Home Thought

God's biggest promises sometimes hang on the smallest acts of faithfulness. Jehosheba probably never imagined that hiding one little boy would preserve the entire line that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ. She just saw a child in danger and decided to help. That's how God often works—through ordinary people who do the right thing when no one is watching.

This story encourages us to be faithful in the small, hidden things. We may never know how God will use our quiet acts of courage. The elderly person we visit, the child we mentor, the truth we speak when it's unpopular—these things matter more than we realize. God sees our hidden faithfulness, and He can use it to change the world in ways we never imagined. Sometimes the most important thing we do is something no one else will ever know about.

Quotes

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our neat little plans."

Corrie ten Boom: "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

Biblical Connections

Exodus 1:15-21 - Hebrew midwives secretly save baby boys from Pharaoh

Joshua 2:1-6 - Rahab hides Israelite spies at great personal risk

1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Michal helps David escape from Saul

Esther 4:14 - "For such a time as this" - hidden preparation for public action

Matthew 1:1-16 - Genealogy showing how God preserved the line to Jesus

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel like your quiet acts of faithfulness don't matter much, remember Jehosheba. God can use your hidden courage to preserve hope for others and protect His plans for the future. You can trust that even when no one sees what you're doing, God sees it and can use it in ways that reach far beyond what you imagine. Your faithfulness today might be exactly what someone needs to make it through tomorrow.

Devotional Thought – Creative Service for God’s Glory

When we think of serving God, our minds often go first to preaching, teaching, or singing hymns. But in Exodus we are reminded of something beautiful: God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit so they could build and craft. They weren’t priests or prophets. They were ordinary men with steady hands and creative minds. Yet their work was holy because it was offered to God.

It’s much the same with us. Maybe your skill is baking bread, repairing something around the house, writing a thoughtful card, or simply listening well. These may not seem “spiritual” at first glance, but when given to God, they become sacred. Just like the gold and wood in the tabernacle, our everyday skills can shine with His glory.

Think of it this way: a patchwork quilt may just be scraps of fabric, but in loving hands it becomes a blanket that warms a grandchild on a cold night. In the same way, when we give our skills—no matter how small—they become part of God’s larger work of care and beauty.

God delights in using our creativity, not only to build structures of stone or wood, but to build up people, relationships, and faith. Every skill, every act, every gift surrendered to Him becomes part of His living temple.

Culture Connection

In our culture, courage is often linked to public recognition—medals, headlines, or viral stories. But most acts of real courage happen quietly, without applause. Jehosheba’s bravery was hidden from the public eye, yet it changed the course of history. Today, quiet courage might look like standing up for what’s right in a family dispute, protecting someone’s reputation, or offering steady support to a struggling friend. In a world that celebrates the loudest voices, this passage reminds us that God sees and values the unseen acts that preserve hope and keep His promises alive.

Changed Life

This scripture can shift how we think about influence. We may believe that only leaders or public figures make a difference, but Jehosheba shows that behind-the-scenes faithfulness can shape the future. For example, a person who prays daily for their grandchildren may never see the full results, but those prayers can protect and guide generations. Or someone who quietly mentors a younger believer may be planting seeds that will bear fruit long after they’re gone. When we realize that God uses even our hidden acts of courage, we begin to live with a deeper sense of purpose, trusting Him to multiply what we offer.

Into Action

Jehosheba’s courage was quiet but powerful. In a time of danger and fear, she stepped in to protect a child who was God’s promise for the future. She didn’t seek recognition or reward—she simply did what needed to be done, trusting God to work through her. Her brave act behind the scenes kept hope alive for generations to come.

How can we live this out today? Sometimes courage isn’t about standing in front of a crowd. It’s about the choices we make in our homes, in our families, or in our small daily actions. Maybe it’s praying faithfully for grandchildren, mentoring a young person, or standing firm in God’s truth when no one else does. Your quiet faithfulness matters.

Don’t underestimate the power of your unseen acts of courage. God uses them to preserve His promises and shape the future in ways we can’t always see.

Real-life example

Think of Corrie ten Boom, again. She hid Jewish people during World War II, risking her life quietly and faithfully. Like Jehosheba, she didn’t seek the spotlight, but her courage preserved lives and gave hope to a hurting world.

Ask God to help you be faithful in the small, hidden places where courage is needed. Remember: what you do today may protect hope for generations to come.

Session 13: Faithful in the Shadows

Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16–18)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: Loyalty and encouragement in difficult times reflect Christ's love and strengthen the body of believers.
Purpose Statement: To explore how Onesiphorus' ministry of presence and support to Paul models the power of companionship and faithfulness, especially in seasons of suffering.

Hymn to Hum: Nearer My God to Thee-Solo — Precious Memories -Quartet — He Walks with Me-Solo

What to Look For

As you read about Onesiphorus, notice how Paul describes what this friend did for him. Watch for the contrast between those who abandoned Paul and the one who stayed loyal. Pay attention to how simple acts of friendship brought Paul comfort during his hardest time.

Personal Reflection Questions

Who has been an "Onesiphorus" in your life—someone who stuck by you when times got tough?

When someone you care about is going through a hard time, what's the first thing you want to do to help them?

2 Timothy 1:16-18

16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

Overview

In our connected world, we have hundreds of online friends but often feel lonely when life gets hard. We live in a culture that celebrates success but tends to avoid people who are struggling. Onesiphorus shows us a different way. When the apostle Paul was in prison, facing possible execution, and feeling abandoned by many who once supported him, Onesiphorus didn't run away. He didn't make excuses or wait for better times. He searched for Paul, found him, and brought him comfort. In a world that often forgets people who are down, we need more friends like Onesiphorus.

This May Surprise You

Being loyal to Paul wasn't just socially awkward—it was dangerous. In Rome, associating with prisoners, especially those charged with crimes against the state, could get you in serious trouble. Onesiphorus knew this, but he came anyway. He wasn't ashamed of Paul's chains or worried about his own reputation. True friendship sometimes means taking risks to stand with people when everyone else walks away. It's easy to be someone's friend when they're successful, but real friends show up when the world turns its back.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Some people refresh others just by being present (2 Timothy 1:16)
Comment: Onesiphorus didn't need to say profound words or fix Paul's problems. His presence alone brought refreshment and hope.

Point 2: Loyalty means not being ashamed of someone's troubles (2 Timothy 1:16)
Comment: When people face hard times, they often feel like damaged goods. True friends see past the circumstances to the person inside.

Point 3: Sometimes love means searching for those who need it (2 Timothy 1:17)
Comment: Onesiphorus didn't wait for Paul to contact him. He actively looked for ways to help, even when it was difficult.

Point 4: Past kindness creates lasting gratitude (2 Timothy 1:18)
Comment: Paul remembered how Onesiphorus had helped him in Ephesus too. Consistent faithfulness builds deep relationships over time.

Point 5: God sees and rewards faithful friendship (2 Timothy 1:18)
Comment: Paul prayed that God would show mercy to Onesiphorus. God notices when we care for His people, especially during their suffering.

Take-Home Thought

The Christian life isn't meant to be lived alone, and it's especially hard to face suffering without faithful friends. Onesiphorus understood something many of us forget: being present with someone in their pain is one of the most powerful ways to show God's love. He didn't try to fix Paul's situation or give him advice about how to get out of prison. He simply showed up, stayed close, and reminded Paul that he wasn't forgotten.

We all go through seasons when we feel like Paul did—abandoned, discouraged, and wondering if anyone cares. During those times, God often sends us an Onesiphorus—someone who searches us out, sits with us, and reminds us we're not alone. But we're also called to be that faithful friend for others. When someone we know is walking through deep waters, we can choose to be their Onesiphorus. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up and stay.

Quotes

Charles Spurgeon: "A true friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

Henri Nouwen: "When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand."

Biblical Connections

Job 2:11-13 - Job's friends initially comfort him by sitting with him in silence

Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth's loyalty to Naomi in difficult circumstances

1 Samuel 23:16 - Jonathan strengthens David's hand in God during danger

Matthew 25:36 - "I was in prison and you came to me"

Hebrews 13:3 - "Remember those in prison as if you were together with them"

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel forgotten or alone in your struggles, remember that God sees your pain and often sends faithful friends like Onesiphorus to remind you of His love. You can trust that He will provide companionship in your darkest seasons. And when others around you are suffering, you can trust that showing up and staying close is exactly what God wants to use to bring His comfort to their hearts. Your faithful presence might be the very thing someone needs to keep going.

Devotional Thought – Faithful in the Shadows

When Paul sat in prison, many of his friends pulled away. It was risky to be connected with him. But not Onesiphorus. He sought Paul out, visited him, and refreshed his spirit. His faithfulness was quiet, steady, and costly. He didn’t preach great sermons or write letters that would be read for centuries—he simply showed up.

Sometimes we forget how powerful “just being there” can be. A listening ear, a visit to someone who feels forgotten, a note in the mail—these small acts can breathe life into weary hearts. They may seem ordinary, but in God’s eyes they reflect Christ’s love.

It’s like a porch light shining at night. It doesn’t light up the whole world, but it gives enough light to remind you you’re not alone, that there’s a safe place to come home to. Onesiphorus was that kind of light for Paul. And we can be that kind of light for others, offering companionship and faithfulness even when the shadows grow long.

Culture Connection

In our culture, friendships can be shallow and short-lived, often based on convenience or shared interests that fade over time. When someone faces hardship, many people quietly step back, unsure of what to say or do. Onesiphorus’ example pushes against that trend. He sought Paul out in prison, unashamed of his chains, and brought refreshment to his spirit. Today, that kind of loyalty might mean visiting someone in the hospital, calling a friend who is grieving, or simply showing up when it’s uncomfortable. In a world that often avoids the messy parts of life, this passage reminds us that true encouragement is most powerful when it costs us something.

Changed Life

This scripture can change how we view our role in the lives of others. Instead of waiting for the “right words” or the “perfect time,” we can choose to be present in someone’s struggle. For example, a believer might decide to regularly check in on a friend who is caring for a sick spouse, offering prayer and a listening ear. Or someone might visit a shut-in from church, bringing not just a meal but genuine companionship. When we begin to see encouragement as a ministry—one that reflects Christ’s love—we stop worrying about doing it perfectly and start focusing on simply being there. That shift in thinking can turn ordinary visits into life-giving moments that strengthen the body of Christ.

Into Action

Onesiphorus wasn’t a famous preacher or a leader, but he was faithful. When Paul was in prison, many turned away, but Onesiphorus came alongside him. He brought encouragement, comfort, and hope. His presence showed Christ’s love in a practical way—and it made a difference when Paul needed it most.

Faithfulness often means being there—steadfast and steady—even when it’s hard or when no one notices. Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply showing up and walking through difficult seasons with someone else.

How can we live this out today? Look for people who are struggling—whether in illness, loneliness, or hardship—and find ways to encourage them. A phone call, a visit, or a prayer can remind them they are not alone. Faithfulness isn’t always dramatic; it’s often quiet and steady, but it reflects Jesus’ heart and strengthens the church.

Real-life example

Think of Dorothy Day, who faithfully cared for the poor and suffering, often in the shadows, without fanfare. Her loyalty to those in need showed Christ’s love and inspired many. Like Onesiphorus, she demonstrated that faithful presence can be a powerful ministry.

Ask God to give you a heart like Onesiphorus—ready to stay, encourage, and serve, even when it’s hard or unseen. Your faithfulness might be the lifeline someone needs today.

Session 14: Prayer That Moves Heaven

Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9–10)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: Bold, heartfelt prayer invites God's blessing and protection into our lives.
Purpose Statement: To inspire participants to pray with confidence and trust, using Jabez's brief but powerful prayer as a model for seeking God's favor and guidance.

Hymn to Hum: The Lord is My Shepherd (Ps 23)-Solo — Praise Him Praise Him-Congregational —Sweet Hour Of Prayer -Guitar

What to Look For

As you read about Jabez, notice how his name meant trouble but his prayer changed his story. Watch for the specific things he asked God to do for him. Pay attention to how God responded to this honest, bold prayer.

Personal Reflection Questions

If you could ask God to change one difficult thing about your life, what would it be?

What's the boldest prayer you've ever prayed, and how did God respond?

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

Overview

We live in a time when many people are afraid to ask for too much. We've been taught to be humble, not to want more than we have, and certainly not to bother God with personal requests. But Jabez shows us a different way to pray. He didn't hold back or apologize for wanting God's blessing. He asked boldly for what he needed and trusted God to answer. In our culture of polite prayers and careful requests, Jabez reminds us that God invites us to come boldly before His throne and ask for great things.

This May Surprise You

Jabez's name literally meant "pain" or "sorrow" because his birth caused his mother great suffering. In ancient times, people believed names shaped destiny. Jabez could have accepted a life of trouble and hardship because that's what his name predicted. Instead, he decided to pray his way out of the limitations others placed on him. His prayer wasn't just asking for nice things—it was asking God to rewrite his story. Sometimes the most powerful prayer is asking God to do something bigger than what others expect from our lives.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: We can ask God to bless us beyond our circumstances (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Comment: Jabez didn't let his difficult name or background limit what he asked God for. Our past doesn't have to determine our future.

Point 2: It's okay to pray for more territory and influence (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Comment: Jabez asked God to enlarge his borders. God isn't offended when we ask for greater opportunities to serve Him and impact others.

Point 3: We need God's hand upon us for daily strength (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Comment: Jabez knew he couldn't succeed in his own power. He asked God to actively work in his life, not just bless him from a distance.

Point 4: We should pray for protection from evil and harm (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Comment: Jabez asked God to keep him from evil and pain. It's wise to pray for God's protection over our hearts, minds, and circumstances.

Point 5: God delights to answer bold, faithful prayers (1 Chronicles 4:10)
Comment: The Bible simply says "God granted what he asked for." When we pray with faith and pure motives, God loves to say yes.

Take-Home Thought

Prayer is not about getting God to give us everything we want like some cosmic vending machine. But it's also not about tiptoeing around with tiny requests because we're afraid to bother God. Jabez shows us the beautiful middle ground—bold prayers that come from a heart that truly trusts God's goodness and loves His purposes.

The key to Jabez's prayer wasn't that he used magic words or special techniques. It was that he approached God with complete honesty about what he needed and complete confidence that God cared about his life. He asked for blessing, opportunity, strength, and protection—all things that would help him serve God better and impact others more effectively. When our prayers align with God's heart for our growth and His glory, we can pray with the same boldness that Jabez showed. God is not stingy with His blessings, and He delights to do great things through people who dare to ask Him.

Quotes

E.M. Bounds: "God shapes the world by prayer. Prayers are deathless. The lips that uttered them may be closed to death, the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God."

Andrew Murray: "God's willingness to answer our prayers exceeds our willingness to give good and necessary things to our children."

Biblical Connections

Matthew 7:7-8 - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find"

James 4:2 - "You do not have because you do not ask God"

Ephesians 3:20 - God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine

1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in prayer when we ask according to God's will

Matthew 21:22 - "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer"

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel hesitant to ask God for big things or when you think your circumstances limit what God can do in your life, remember Jabez. You can trust that God wants to bless you, expand your opportunities, strengthen you for service, and protect you from harm. Your background, your name, or what others think about your potential doesn't limit what God can do through bold, faithful prayer. He's waiting for you to ask Him for great things so He can show you just how good He really is.

Devotional Thought – Prayer That Moves Heaven

In a long list of names in 1 Chronicles, Jabez almost slips by unnoticed. Yet we pause at his short prayer: “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And Scripture tells us, “God granted him his request.”

What makes Jabez stand out is not his status or accomplishments—it’s his willingness to ask boldly. He didn’t whisper timid hopes; he lifted a confident request, trusting God’s goodness. His prayer reminds us that heaven moves when God’s children pray with open hearts and courageous faith.

We may think our prayers are too small, or that God has more important matters to attend to. But Jabez shows us otherwise. Prayer is not about the length of our words, but the posture of our hearts. When we pray, we invite God’s presence, power, and protection into the ordinary details of our lives.

It’s a little like opening a window on a warm day. The fresh air was always there, waiting—but it rushes in only when the window is opened. Prayer is that open window, allowing God’s blessing and guidance to flow into our lives.

Culture Connection

In our fast-paced world, prayer can easily become an afterthought—something we squeeze in when we have a moment or when trouble strikes. Many people treat it like a quick request list rather than a heartfelt conversation with God. Jabez’s short but sincere prayer stands out because it was bold, specific, and rooted in trust. In a culture that often tells us to rely on ourselves, his example reminds us that real blessing and protection come from turning to God first. It challenges us to approach prayer not as a last resort, but as our starting point for every decision, challenge, and hope.

Changed Life

This scripture can change how we think about asking God for help. Instead of feeling hesitant or unworthy to ask for His blessing, we can learn to pray with confidence, knowing He delights in hearing from His children. For example, someone might begin each day by asking God to guide their steps, protect their heart, and open doors for service. Over time, this habit can shift our focus from fear of what might go wrong to trust in what God can do. When we pray boldly and expectantly, like Jabez, we begin to live with greater peace, purpose, and readiness to follow where He leads.

Into Action

Jabez’s prayer was simple but bold. He asked God to bless him, expand his territory, protect him from harm, and keep His hand on him. And God answered. This teaches us that it’s okay to pray big prayers—to ask God for His blessing, protection, and guidance with confidence. Prayer isn’t just about asking for help when we’re in trouble; it’s about inviting God to work powerfully in our lives every day.

How can we live this out today? Start by making prayer a regular part of your day, not just when things are hard. Pray boldly, like Jabez. Ask God to bless your family, your church, your community. Ask Him to guide your steps and protect your heart. Don’t be afraid to bring your biggest needs and hopes before Him.

Remember, prayer changes things—not because we control God, but because He delights to hear and answer the prayers of His children.

Real-life example

Think of George Müller again, known for his faith-filled prayers. He trusted God to provide for thousands of orphans without ever asking for money directly—he simply prayed and trusted. His prayers moved heaven and brought real, practical blessings.

Ask God today to help you pray boldly, trusting that He hears you and is at work. Your prayers matter more than you know.

Session 15: Obedient in the Ordinary

Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: Faithful service in everyday tasks builds up the Church and honors God.
Purpose Statement: To affirm that consistent obedience in small roles—like delivering messages or supporting leaders—is vital to the health and mission of the Church.

Hymn to Hum: Have Thine Own Way, Lord — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — I Exalt Thee-Praise Chorus

What to Look For

As you read about Tychicus, notice how Paul describes him with honor and respect. Watch for the ordinary but important work he did for the early church. Pay attention to how Paul trusted him with precious cargo—his letters to the churches.

Personal Reflection Questions

What's one ordinary task you do that might mean more to others than you realize?

When have you been thankful for someone who faithfully did a job that seemed small but helped you in a big way?

Ephesians 6:21

Final Greetings

21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work.

Colossians 4:7

Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings

7 Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work.

Overview

We live in a celebrity culture that celebrates the famous and flashy while overlooking the people who do everyday work that keeps our world running. We notice the star quarterback but forget the offensive line that protects him. We remember the famous preacher but forget the sound technician who made sure everyone could hear. Tychicus reminds us that God's kingdom runs on faithful people doing ordinary tasks with extraordinary love. He wasn't a famous apostle or miracle worker, but the early church couldn't have thrived without people like him.

This May Surprise You

In Paul's day, being a messenger was dangerous, difficult work. There were no postal services, phones, or email. If you wanted to send a letter to another city, someone had to carry it by foot through bandit-filled roads and harsh weather. Tychicus didn't just deliver mail—he risked his life to carry Paul's most important letters, including Ephesians and Colossians. These weren't casual notes between friends. They were inspired Scripture that would shape the church for thousands of years. God trusted ordinary Tychicus to safely deliver His Word to future generations.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: Paul calls him "dear brother and faithful servant" (Ephesians 6:21)
Comment: Paul didn't see Tychicus as just a delivery boy but as family. Ordinary work done with love creates deep relationships.

Point 2: He was "faithful in the Lord" not just to Paul (Colossians 4:7)
Comment: Tychicus served Jesus first, which made him reliable for earthly tasks too. The best workers serve God through their daily duties.

Point 3: Paul trusted him with precious cargo (Ephesians 6:21-22)
Comment: You don't give important jobs to unreliable people. Tychicus earned trust through faithful service in smaller tasks first.

Point 4: His job was to encourage and inform the churches (Colossians 4:8)
Comment: Tychicus didn't just drop off letters and leave. He stayed to comfort people and answer their questions about Paul's situation.

Point 5: He worked alongside other faithful servants (Colossians 4:7-9)
Comment: Tychicus was part of a team that included Onesimus and others. God's work gets done through people who support each other.

Take-Home Thought

The church today needs more people like Tychicus—folks who faithfully do the work that doesn't get applause but makes everything else possible. Every church runs on people who set up chairs, count offerings, teach children, visit shut-ins, and handle a thousand other details that most people never notice. These aren't lesser callings or consolation prizes for people who couldn't do "real ministry." They're essential roles that God honors and the church desperately needs.

Tychicus shows us that there are no small parts in God's kingdom, only small thinking about those parts. The letter carrier who safely delivered Ephesians contributed as much to the spread of the Gospel as the apostle who wrote it. Without faithful Tychicus, those life-changing words might never have reached their destination. When we serve faithfully in ordinary roles, we become part of God's plan to reach and encourage people we may never meet. Our simple obedience today might impact eternity in ways we'll only understand in heaven.

Quotes

D.L. Moody: "The place for the ship is in the sea, but God help the ship if the sea gets into it. The place for the Christian is in the world, but God help the Christian if the world gets into him."

Mother Teresa: "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

Biblical Connections

Matthew 25:21 - "Well done, good and faithful servant" - faithfulness in little things

1 Corinthians 4:2 - "It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful"

Luke 16:10 - "Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much"

Acts 6:1-7 - Seven men chosen to serve tables so apostles could focus on teaching

Romans 16:1-16 - Paul's appreciation for many ordinary servants in the church

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel like your daily work doesn't matter much or when you wish God had given you a more exciting role to play, remember Tychicus. You can trust that God sees every faithful act of service, no matter how ordinary it seems. He's using your reliability, your kindness, and your willingness to help others as part of His great plan to build His kingdom. The work you do today in simple obedience might be exactly what someone else needs to stay encouraged in their faith tomorrow.

Devotional Thought – Obedient in the Ordinary

Most of us don’t remember Tychicus as easily as Paul or Peter. He wasn’t known for great sermons or dramatic miracles. His main task was simple: carrying letters, delivering news, and encouraging believers. Yet Paul trusted him with these responsibilities because Tychicus was faithful. His obedience in small, ordinary tasks helped spread God’s Word and strengthen the Church.

We often think service to God must be big and impressive. But the truth is, God treasures steady, unseen obedience. Every encouraging word, every meal prepared for someone in need, every prayer whispered on behalf of another—these acts may seem ordinary, but they carry eternal weight when done for the Lord.

It’s much like the nails in a house. No one admires them, yet without them the whole structure would fall apart. Tychicus was like those hidden nails—holding things together so the Church could grow. And in our own quiet, consistent obedience, we too honor God and strengthen His people.

Culture Connection

In our culture, people often measure value by visibility—how many followers you have, how much attention you get, or how public your role is. Quiet, dependable service rarely makes headlines, yet it’s the backbone of healthy families, communities, and churches. Tychicus didn’t preach to crowds or write letters that ended up in Scripture, but his reliability kept the early church connected and encouraged. Today, the Church still depends on people who faithfully do the “ordinary” things—setting up chairs, making phone calls, delivering meals, or checking in on someone who’s been absent. In a world that prizes the spotlight, this passage reminds us that God prizes faithfulness, even when no one else notices.

Changed Life

This scripture can change how we view our daily responsibilities. Instead of thinking, “It’s just a small job” or “Anyone could do this,” we can begin to see each task as an offering to God. For example, someone who regularly drives an elderly member to church may realize they’re not just providing transportation—they’re helping that person stay connected to the body of Christ. Or a person who quietly keeps the church grounds tidy is creating a welcoming space for worship. When we understand that God uses our steady, behind-the-scenes obedience to strengthen His people, we approach even the smallest tasks with greater joy and purpose.

Into Action

Tychicus wasn’t a famous apostle or preacher, but he was faithful in the small, ordinary tasks God gave him—delivering letters, encouraging churches, and supporting Paul’s ministry. His obedience helped keep the early church connected and strong. It reminds us that no task is too small when done with a heart to serve God.

Sometimes we want to do something big and noticeable, but God often asks us to be faithful in the everyday duties—showing up, helping behind the scenes, encouraging others, and being reliable. These ordinary acts, done consistently, build up the body of Christ and honor God.

How can we live this out today? Look around your church and community. Where can you serve faithfully—even if it seems small? Maybe it’s greeting people on Sunday, helping with the offering, sending cards, or just being dependable in your commitments. When you say “yes” to the ordinary, you are part of God’s bigger plan.

Real-life example

Think of someone like Florence Nightingale. Though not a preacher, her faithful service in nursing, often in difficult and overlooked roles, transformed healthcare and showed Christ’s love in action. Like Tychicus, her ordinary obedience made an extraordinary difference.

Ask God to help you be faithful in the small things. Your obedience matters more than you realize—it helps build the Church and glorifies God.

Session 16: Faith That Crosses Cultures

Ruth (Book of Ruth)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: God welcomes those who seek Him, regardless of background, and weaves their story into His redemptive plan.
Purpose Statement: To celebrate Ruth's journey of faith and inclusion, encouraging participants to embrace outsiders and trust God's providence in unfamiliar places.

Hymn to Hum: Great is Thy Faithfulness-Congregational — Let Others See Jesus In You-Congregational — This World is Not My Home-Congregational

What to Look For

As you read Ruth's story, notice how a foreign woman becomes part of God's chosen people. Watch for the way Ruth shows loyalty to Naomi even when it costs her everything. Pay attention to how God provides for Ruth through the kindness of Boaz and the community of Bethlehem.

Personal Reflection Questions

When have you felt like an outsider trying to fit into a new group or community?

What draws you most to Ruth's character—her loyalty, her courage, or her faith in an unfamiliar God?

Scripture: The Book of Ruth

Overview

We live in a world divided by nationality, race, politics, and countless other barriers. People often stick with their own kind and view outsiders with suspicion. But Ruth's story shows us God's heart for inclusion long before it became a modern buzzword. She was a Moabite woman—a foreigner whose people were traditionally enemies of Israel. Yet God not only welcomed her into His family but made her the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. In our divided world, Ruth reminds us that God's love crosses every human boundary and that outsiders often become the most faithful believers.

This May Surprise You

Ruth's decision to follow Naomi wasn't just about family loyalty—it was about choosing a completely different way of life. Moabites worshipped false gods like Chemosh, which sometimes included child sacrifice. When Ruth said "Your God will be my God," she was turning her back on everything she'd been taught about religion and embracing the one true God of Israel. She was also choosing poverty over comfort, since Naomi had nothing to offer her. Ruth's faith wasn't born from prosperity or convenience but from seeing something real in Naomi's relationship with God, even during her suffering.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: True loyalty goes beyond personal benefit (Ruth 1:16-17)
Comment: Ruth chose to stay with Naomi even when it meant leaving her homeland and facing an uncertain future. Real love makes sacrifices.

Point 2: Faith can be found in unexpected places (Ruth 1:16)
Comment: Ruth, a pagan Moabite, showed more faith than many Israelites. God looks at the heart, not the background.

Point 3: Hard work and integrity open doors (Ruth 2:11-12)
Comment: Ruth's reputation for faithfulness and diligence reached Boaz before she did. Good character speaks louder than words.

Point 4: God provides through the kindness of His people (Ruth 2:8-16)
Comment: Boaz showed extraordinary generosity to Ruth, going far beyond what the law required. God often meets our needs through others' obedience.

Point 5: Outsiders can become central to God's plan (Ruth 4:13-17)
Comment: Ruth, the foreign widow, became the great-grandmother of King David and ancestor of Jesus. God loves to use unlikely people for His purposes.

Take-Home Thought

Ruth's story teaches us two powerful lessons about crossing cultures for faith. First, it shows us that God's arms are wide open to anyone who seeks Him, regardless of where they come from or what they've done before. Ruth wasn't born into the right family or raised in the right religion, but when she encountered the God of Israel through Naomi's life, she recognized truth and embraced it completely. Her foreign birth didn't disqualify her from God's blessings—it actually positioned her to show the world that God's love has no boundaries.

Second, Ruth's story challenges those of us who are already part of God's family to welcome outsiders with the same grace God showed us. Boaz didn't treat Ruth as a second-class citizen or make her prove herself before showing kindness. He saw her faith and character and opened his heart and home to her. The people of Bethlehem eventually embraced her so completely that they celebrated when she married Boaz. When we welcome others the way God welcomed us, we become part of His plan to draw all people to Himself.

Quotes

John Chrysostom: "Ruth was a foreigner, yet she became the ancestor of Christ. This shows that God does not look at our origins but at the disposition of our hearts."

Charles Spurgeon: "Ruth clave unto Naomi. Oh, for a heart that will cleave unto Jesus with a Ruth-like resolve! The text says she 'clave'—she stuck fast, she was glued to her, so to speak."

Biblical Connections

Genesis 12:3 - "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Abraham)

Isaiah 56:3-7 - God's house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations

Matthew 1:5 - Ruth mentioned in Jesus' genealogy

Acts 10:34-35 - God accepts people from every nation who fear Him

Ephesians 2:11-22 - Breaking down the wall between Jew and Gentile

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel like an outsider or wonder if God could really use someone with your background, remember Ruth. You can trust that God's love for you isn't based on where you came from but on your heart's desire to follow Him. And when you encounter people who seem different from you or your church community, you can trust that God might be drawing them to Himself just as He drew Ruth. Your kindness to outsiders might be exactly what God uses to show them His love and welcome them into His family.

Devotional Thought – Faith That Crosses Cultures

Ruth’s story begins with loss and uncertainty. She was a widow in a foreign land with no guarantees of security or future. Yet when Naomi urged her to return home, Ruth chose instead to cling to her mother-in-law and to Naomi’s God. That decision of faith—simple yet bold—set her on a path that would weave her life into God’s great story of redemption.

Ruth reminds us that God’s family is not limited by culture, heritage, or background. He welcomes all who seek Him. Ruth, a Moabite outsider, became the great-grandmother of King David and part of the family line of Jesus. What seemed unlikely became a testimony to God’s grace and providence.

Sometimes stepping into the unknown feels frightening. But Ruth’s faith shows us that God is already at work in unfamiliar places. He can take our small acts of trust and use them to bless not only us, but generations after us.

Think of a quilt stitched from many different fabrics. Alone, each piece may seem ordinary or out of place, but together they form something strong and beautiful. In the same way, God gathers people from every background and culture, weaving their lives into His redeeming plan.

Culture Connection

We live in a time when people are often divided by culture, background, or personal history. It’s easy for communities—even churches—to form circles that feel hard for newcomers to enter. Ruth’s story breaks through those barriers. She was a Moabite, an outsider by birth, yet she chose to follow the God of Israel and became part of His plan for redemption. In today’s culture, her example reminds us that God’s family is open to all who seek Him, no matter where they come from. It challenges us to welcome others with open arms, trusting that God may use their story to bless His people in ways we can’t yet see.

Changed Life

This scripture can change how we respond to people who are different from us. Instead of holding back because someone’s background, customs, or life story feels unfamiliar, we can choose to extend friendship and inclusion. For example, a church member might invite a new neighbor from another country to a Bible study, not just to teach them, but to learn from their perspective. Or someone might intentionally sit with a visitor at church who seems alone, making them feel part of the family. When we begin to see others through God’s eyes—as potential partners in His work—we open the door for His providence to weave their lives and ours into something greater than we could imagine.

Into Action

Ruth was a foreigner, living in a culture very different from her own. Yet she chose to follow God’s people and trust in His plan, even when it meant stepping into the unknown. God welcomed her faith and used her story to bless many—including becoming part of Jesus’ family line. Ruth shows us that God’s kingdom isn’t limited by culture, background, or past mistakes.

This teaches us to welcome others—those who might look or think differently—and to trust God even when we face unfamiliar situations. Sometimes faith means stepping outside our comfort zone and embracing the new, knowing that God is at work.

How can we live this out today? Look for ways to welcome people who feel like outsiders—maybe a new neighbor, someone from a different culture, or a person who struggles to fit in. Offer kindness, listen, and share God’s love without judgment. Also, trust God when He calls you to try something new or reach beyond your familiar circles.

Real-life example

Think of Mother Teresa, who left her homeland to serve the poorest in Calcutta. She crossed cultures, languages, and social barriers, trusting God’s call to love those in need. Like Ruth, her faith crossed boundaries and brought hope to many.

Ask God to help you have a heart like Ruth’s—open, brave, and full of trust. God’s plan is bigger than we imagine, and He often uses faith that crosses cultures to change the world.

Session 17: A Bold Voice in a Silent Crowd

Shamgar (Judges 3:31)

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Focus: God can use anyone, anywhere, with whatever they have, to bring deliverance.
Purpose Statement: To reflect on Shamgar's brief but bold stand against oppression, reminding us that courage and availability matter more than status or resources.

Hymn to Hum: Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus-Choir — On Jordan's Stormy Banks-Congregational — Tell Me the Story of Jesus-Congregational — Jesus Is Coming Soon -Quartet

What to Look For

As you read about Shamgar, notice how little the Bible tells us about him personally. Watch for the simple tool he used to fight Israel's enemies. Pay attention to how one man's courage made a difference when everyone else stayed silent.

Personal Reflection Questions

What everyday tool in your life could God use to help someone if you were willing?

When have you seen someone take a brave stand when everyone else was staying quiet?

Judges 3:31

Shamgar Becomes Israel’s Judge

31 After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.

Overview

We live in a time when many people see problems but wait for someone else to fix them. We think we need perfect qualifications, the right resources, or official permission before we can make a difference. But Shamgar shows us a different way. He wasn't a king, a priest, or even a professional soldier. He was probably just a farmer who got tired of watching his people suffer under enemy oppression. When no one else would act, he picked up the tool he had—an ox goad used for farming—and did something about it. In our world of committees and credentials, Shamgar reminds us that sometimes one person with courage can change everything.

This May Surprise You

An ox goad was basically a long stick with a metal point used to guide stubborn oxen while plowing fields. It wasn't designed as a weapon, but Shamgar turned his farming tool into an instrument of deliverance. This tells us something important about how God works. He doesn't always wait for the right person with the right equipment at the right time. Sometimes He uses ordinary people with ordinary things to do extraordinary work. The same God who used David's slingshot and Moses' staff was perfectly willing to work through Shamgar's ox goad. What matters isn't what you have but whether you're willing to let God use it.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: God notices when His people are oppressed (Judges 3:31)
Comment: The Philistines were making life miserable for Israel, but God saw their suffering and raised up a deliverer. He always sees when His people need help.

Point 2: Deliverance can come from unexpected sources (Judges 3:31)
Comment: No one was looking for a farmer with a farm tool to be their hero, but that's exactly who God used. He specializes in surprising solutions.

Point 3: You don't need perfect weapons to do God's work (Judges 3:31)
Comment: Shamgar didn't wait to get a sword or spear. He used what was in his hand. God can make any tool effective when it's surrendered to Him.

Point 4: One person's courage can inspire a whole nation (Judges 3:31)
Comment: After Shamgar's victory, Israel had peace. Sometimes it only takes one person willing to act to change everything for everyone.

Point 5: God remembers and honors bold faith (Judges 5:6)
Comment: Years later, Deborah mentioned Shamgar in her victory song. God doesn't forget when people step up in crucial moments.

Take-Home Thought

Shamgar's story is both an encouragement and a challenge. It encourages us because it shows that God can use anyone who's willing to act when others won't. You don't need a seminary degree, a leadership position, or special equipment to make a difference in God's kingdom. What you need is a heart that sees problems and decides to do something about them instead of waiting for someone else to step up.

But Shamgar's story also challenges us because it forces us to ask hard questions. When we see injustice, suffering, or spiritual darkness around us, what do we do? Do we complain about how bad things are and wish someone would fix them? Or do we ask God how He might want to use us—right where we are, with whatever we have—to bring His light into dark situations? Shamgar reminds us that the world doesn't need more people pointing out problems. It needs more people willing to be part of the solution, even when the tools seem small and the odds seem impossible.

Quotes

Dwight L. Moody: "God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called."

William Carey: "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."

Biblical Connections

Judges 4:21 - Jael uses a tent peg to defeat Sisera

1 Samuel 17:40 - David uses a slingshot against Goliath

Exodus 4:2 - "What is that in your hand?" - God uses Moses' staff

John 6:9 - A boy's lunch feeds five thousand

1 Corinthians 1:27 - God uses the weak things to shame the strong

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you feel too ordinary or unqualified to make a difference for God, remember Shamgar. You can trust that God is more interested in your availability than your ability. The same God who used a farmer's ox goad can use whatever tools, talents, or opportunities you have right now. When you see problems that break your heart or situations that need someone to speak up, you can trust that God might be calling you to be His Shamgar for this moment. Your willingness to act when others stay silent could be exactly what He's waiting for to bring deliverance and hope.

Devotional Thought – A Bold Voice in a Silent Crowd

Shamgar’s story is told in just one verse: “After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel” (Judges 3:31). That’s it—no long speeches, no famous lineage, no army at his side. Just one man, an ordinary farm tool, and the courage to act when others remained silent.

His life reminds us that God doesn’t need perfect circumstances or impressive resources to work through His people. What He looks for is availability. Shamgar took what was in his hand and trusted God with the outcome. That was enough to bring deliverance.

We may feel small, unqualified, or under-equipped. Yet God often does His greatest work through ordinary people who are willing to step forward. It’s like a single match that can light up a dark room—small in itself, but powerful when used at the right moment.

Shamgar’s brief story reminds us that one act of courage, offered to God, can ripple far beyond what we see. The question is not “Do I have enough?” but “Am I willing to be used?”

Culture Connection

Today’s culture often tells us that only those with special training, large platforms, or impressive resources can make a real difference. Many people stay silent because they feel unqualified or under-equipped. Shamgar’s story challenges that thinking. With nothing more than a farmer’s tool in his hand, he stepped forward when others stayed back. In our world, that might look like speaking up for someone being treated unfairly, offering help when no one else will, or using a simple skill to meet a real need. His example reminds us that God isn’t looking for the most impressive résumé—He’s looking for willing hearts ready to act with what they already have.

Changed Life

This scripture can change how we see our own limitations. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, we can start asking, “What has God already placed in my hand?” For example, someone who feels they have little to offer might realize they can use their phone to encourage a discouraged friend, or their car to give a ride to someone in need. Another person might use a basic hobby—like sewing, fixing things, or gardening—to bless a neighbor. When we stop waiting for perfect conditions and start offering what we have, God can multiply our efforts in ways we never imagined. Shamgar’s life shows that courage and availability are often the only qualifications God requires.

Into Action

Shamgar’s story is short but powerful. He wasn’t a king, a soldier, or a well-known leader. He was just a man with an oxgoad—a simple farming tool—and yet God used him to deliver his people from their enemies. This shows us that God doesn’t need us to have great status, training, or resources. What He wants is a willing heart and courage to act.

Sometimes we feel like we don’t have much to offer, or that we’re too old, too quiet, or too ordinary to make a difference. Shamgar reminds us that God can take whatever we have—our skills, our time, our courage—and use it to bring breakthrough and hope.

How can we live this out today? Be ready to step up when God calls—even if you don’t feel prepared. Use what you have, whether it’s a kind word, a simple prayer, or a practical help. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect gift. Your boldness and availability matter most.

Real-life example

Think of Clara Barton, who started as a simple teacher but became the founder of the American Red Cross. She used her courage and practical skills to bring relief and hope during war and disaster, showing that one person’s bold action can make a huge difference.

Ask God to give you courage and willingness to be His instrument today. You don’t need a big stage—just a willing heart and bold faith.

Session 18: The Legacy of the Forgotten -Mark 2:1–5, Hebrews 11:32–40

Study Notes — Personal Study — Audio

Theme: Reflection on unnamed or briefly mentioned faithful servants

Focus: God sees and honors those whose names may be forgotten but whose faith shaped eternity.
Purpose Statement: To close the series with a meditation on the countless unnamed individuals in Scripture whose obedience mattered deeply, encouraging participants to live faithfully even when unnoticed.

Hymn to Hum: Holy Ground-Praise Chorus

What to Look For

As you think about the unnamed servants throughout Scripture, notice how many critical moments depended on people we never learn much about. Watch for how God chose to include their brief stories in His eternal Word. Pay attention to how their simple acts of faith had lasting consequences.

Personal Reflection Questions

If someone wrote the story of your faith journey, what unnamed person would you want them to remember and thank?

What act of faithfulness are you doing right now that might seem small but could matter for eternity?

Mark 2:1-5

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

2 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

Hebrews 11:32-40

32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death.

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

Overview

In our social media world, everyone wants to be famous, remembered, and celebrated. We measure success by how many people know our names and follow our stories. But Scripture is filled with people who changed the world without ever getting their names in the headlines. The widow who gave two coins, the boy who shared his lunch, the servant girl who told Naaman about God's prophet, the unnamed believers who first shared the Gospel with Gentiles—these people shaped eternity, but most of us don't even know their names. Their stories remind us that faithfulness matters more than fame, and God sees every act of love, no matter how small or unnoticed.

This May Surprise You

Some of the most important people in the Bible get just one verse or even part of a verse. But God made sure their stories were preserved forever in His Word. The Ethiopian eunuch who Philip baptized went back to Africa and likely started the church there, but we don't know his name. The Philippian jailer who asked "What must I do to be saved?" changed his whole family's destiny, but he's just called "the jailer." This shows us that God doesn't measure importance the way we do. He cares more about hearts that trust Him than about names that people remember.

Seeds for Thought

Point 1: The widow with two coins showed true generosity (Mark 12:42-44)
Comment: Jesus noticed her small gift when everyone else was watching the rich donors. God measures giving by sacrifice, not by size.

Point 2: A servant girl's simple testimony led to healing (2 Kings 5:2-3)
Comment: This young captive could have been bitter, but instead she helped her enemy find God's prophet. Forgiveness opens doors for miracles.

Point 3: The boy who shared his lunch fed thousands (John 6:9)
Comment: He probably had no idea what Jesus would do with his small meal. Our offerings become miracles in God's hands.

Point 4: Unnamed disciples first preached to Gentiles (Acts 11:20)
Comment: These men from Cyprus and Cyrene started the mission to non-Jews without official permission. Sometimes faith means taking the first step.

Point 5: Faithful women supported Jesus' ministry (Luke 8:1-3)
Comment: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna used their resources to help Jesus. Behind every great ministry are faithful supporters.

Take-Home Thought

As we finish this study of forgotten heroes, it's worth remembering that most of the people who matter most in our lives will never be famous. The parents who sacrificed for their children, the teachers who stayed late to help struggling students, the neighbors who checked on elderly folks, the church members who quietly served for decades without recognition—these are the people who actually change the world one life at a time.

God's kingdom runs on people like this, and it always has. For every Moses or Paul whose name we remember, there were dozens of unnamed people who made their ministries possible. Someone taught Moses to read, someone made Paul's tents while he was learning the Gospel, someone cooked meals for the disciples while Jesus was preaching. Their names aren't in our Bibles, but their faithfulness is woven throughout the story of salvation.

The beautiful truth is that God sees every act of love, every moment of faithfulness, and every sacrifice made in His name. Your quiet service may not make the church newsletter or get posted on social media, but it's precious to the One who matters most. The widow's two coins, the boy's small lunch, and the servant girl's simple words remind us that in God's economy, nothing done in love is ever wasted or forgotten.

Quotes

Charles Spurgeon: "A great many persons are able to become Sunday School teachers, far more than do become such. Why should not the graves of all our villages be as fragrant with the dust of departed Sunday School teachers as our cemeteries are with the flowers that bloom above them?"

Mother Teresa: "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."

Biblical Connections

Hebrews 11:32-40 - "And what more shall I say?" - unnamed heroes of faith

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor in the Lord is never in vain

Matthew 10:42 - Even a cup of cold water given in Jesus' name matters

Revelation 20:12 - Books are opened recording all deeds, great and small

Matthew 6:3-4 - Secret giving that the Father sees and rewards

How Does This Help Me Trust God Today?

When you wonder if your quiet faithfulness really matters or when you feel forgotten by others, remember all the unnamed heroes whose simple obedience shaped eternity. You can trust that God sees every act of love you do in His name, even when no one else notices. Your faithful service today—teaching a child, helping a neighbor, or simply living with integrity—might be exactly what God uses to change someone's life forever. You don't need fame to make a difference; you just need faithfulness. And that's something every one of us can offer to the God who never forgets His faithful servants.

Devotional Thought – The Legacy of the Forgotten

All through Scripture, we meet people whose names are never recorded. A servant girl in Naaman’s household who pointed him toward the prophet. The boy who offered his small lunch to Jesus. The men who carried their paralyzed friend to the rooftop so he could meet the Lord. Their names may be forgotten to history, but their faith still echoes through eternity.

God reminds us that His kingdom is not built only by the well-known, but also by the countless faithful who live and serve quietly. Each unseen prayer, each unnoticed act of kindness, each moment of steady obedience matters to Him. Heaven keeps records differently than we do.

It’s like the stones in a foundation. No one admires them, yet without them the house could not stand. In the same way, God uses the “forgotten” to uphold His work across generations.

One day, when all is revealed, we may discover that the faith of those who never stood in the spotlight carried more weight than we ever imagined. Until then, we are called to live faithfully—seen or unseen—knowing that God never forgets.

Culture Connection

We live in a time when recognition is often measured by likes, followers, or public praise. If no one notices, it can feel like what we do doesn’t matter. But Scripture tells a different story. Hebrews 11 lists heroes of the faith, yet many are unnamed—ordinary people whose obedience still shaped eternity. In Mark 2, we don’t know the names of the friends who carried the paralyzed man to Jesus, but their faith changed his life forever. In today’s culture, where being “seen” is often valued more than being faithful, these examples remind us that God notices every act of obedience, even when no one else does.

Changed Life

This scripture can change how we measure the value of our service. Instead of asking, “Will anyone remember this?” we can begin to ask, “Is this pleasing to God?” For example, a person who quietly prays for their church each morning may never be recognized, yet their prayers strengthen the whole body. Or someone who regularly visits a shut-in may not make headlines, but they bring the presence of Christ into that home. When we shift our focus from human applause to God’s approval, we find freedom to serve with joy, knowing that nothing done for Him is ever wasted.

Into Action

The Bible often highlights well-known heroes of faith, but Hebrews 11 reminds us of many others whose names we don’t know—ordinary people whose faith and obedience made a lasting impact. They might have been forgotten by history, but God remembers. Their quiet faith shaped God’s plan and paved the way for the future.

This encourages us to remember that faithfulness doesn’t always come with recognition or applause. Sometimes it’s the small, unseen acts of obedience—praying when no one else does, showing kindness in daily life, quietly supporting the church—that matter most to God.

How can we live this out today? Embrace your role in God’s story, no matter how small or hidden it seems. Be faithful in the everyday—show up for church, encourage others, pray without ceasing, and serve where you can. Trust that God sees every act of love and obedience and that your faithfulness matters for eternity.

Real-life example

Think of someone like Corrie ten Boom’s family—ordinary people who quietly obeyed God’s call to hide and protect others during a dark time. Their faithfulness, though not widely known, changed lives and helped preserve hope.

Ask God to help you stay faithful, even when no one notices. Your obedience is part of a bigger story—one that God honors and uses to shape His kingdom forever.