Most of us have a hard time saying this man’s name, but Paul knew it well. He was a loyal friend to the apostle, especially in his darkest hour. In just three verses we find six characteristics of this wonderful man who’s been overlooked for far too long. If you have a friend like this, you’re blessed.

I. Refreshing

II. Repetitious

III. Risk-Taking

IV. Resolute

V. Renowned

VI. Rewarded

Talk with God: This week, take time to thank the Lord for the true friends He’s blessed you with, as you pray over their lives.

Talk with others: Ask your friends how you can come alongside them as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) in their walk through this season of life.

Talk with kids: What is the wise way to live?

I. He Was a Genuine Disciple

II. He Was a Gentle Disciple

III. He Was a Generous Disciple

Talk with God: Ask the Lord how He’s inviting you to greater generosity with your time, resources, attention, and compassion.

Talk with others: In your Connect Group, discuss practical ways you can be known for your love for others (see John 13:35).

Talk with kids: Why was the queen amazed by Solomon’s kingdom?

Anna is one of the Bible’s most unusual women. She, along with a man named Simeon, had spent a lifetime in loyal service to God and was finally able to meet her Messiah. Though only three verses give us all the information we have about her, it’s sufficient to get a profile of her.

I. Spiritual

II. Venerable

III. Single

IV. Faithful

V. Vocal

Talk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:25–26 this week, and surrender the things you’ve been holding too tightly, trusting the Lord and His perfect timing.

Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group to remain deeply rooted in God’s Word as they walk through their present season.

Talk with kids: Why is knowing God and following Him most important?

Many a transformative event can be traced to the influence of one person. Mordecai was one such person in the lives of the Jews living in Persia. By inspiring Queen Esther, Mordecai turned a blasting into a blessing; he changed a national catastrophe into national continuity for the Jews.

I. A National Tragedy (3:13-15)

II. An Expected Anxiety (4:1-3)

III. A Strategic Opportunity (4:10-14)

IV. An Inspired Bravery (4:15-16)

Talk with God: Reflect on God’s work in your life (recently or across several years) and thank Him for His providence in guiding your steps (see Proverbs 16:9).

Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer or your Connect Group by reminding them the Lord has a plan in every difficult situation they face this week.

Talk with kids: What was special about the temple?