Paul is preparing for the next stage in his work for God – travelling to Jerusalem, then on to Rome and then to Spain. He is concerned about some of the things that might happen and so shares what is on his heart and mind with the believers in Rome. And he asks them to […]
Daniel had been a prisoner in a strange land for about 60 years. He had done well for himself, he was a senior civil servant and had the trust of the king. But he was still a prisoner and his people were prisoners. And, then, as he studied the sacred writings of his people he […]
Readings: Isaiah 55:1-13, Colossians 1:9-20 Questions: Through these questions remember the words of the Isaiah 55 reading about God’s ways not being ours… How do you understand the idea of living filled with the life of Christ? Is this attainable for us, or is this something that we are given? In what ways do you […]
This was a high point in the life of Solomon and his people. After his father David had died he prayed for wisdom and was given it in great measure. He also became very rich and powerful. He built himself a palace and also the first great temple – a ‘house of the Lord.’ It […]
In these powerful prayers, Paul asks for many things for his friends at Ephesus – not that they will be kept safe or be successful or become well-known – but that they will get to know God better and to experience more of the love and power God had available for them. How much is […]
David, having been confronted about his sin, comes to God and prays for forgiveness. (The context for this is the story in 2 Samuel 11-12). In spite of having committed adultery and inciting murder David realises that the person he had most wronged, most sinned against, was God. And he recognised that the first priority […]
Continuing our series on prayers in the Bible, this evening we are looking at a prayer of the early church and how these first believers respond to pressure to stop witnessing and preaching about Jesus. Acts 4:23-31 Questions to think about What are the main issues facing the church today if it is faithful in […]
Hannah’s life had turned around – the son she had wanted to long was here and the future looked so much brighter. And so she rejoiced. But her rejoicing wasn’t primarily in her renewed personal situation but in God: for His unique greatness and what He was doing in the world around her and for […]