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?

I. Jesus People Belong Together

II. Jesus People Carry One Another

III. Jesus People Live Life Together

Talk with God: Meditate on Ecclesiastes 4:12 and thank the Lord for the people He’s placed in your life.

Talk with others: Ask your friends and family how you can pray for them this week.

Talk with kids: Why did Solomon ask for wisdom?

Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. But he was also the one responsible for Moses’s success as a leader over the people of God. Jethro provides five ways for leaders to thrive. Whether you lead a family, a small group, a large organization, or a fast-paced business, these five practices are imperative.

I. Change Your Approach (vv. 13-18)

II. Instruct the People (vv. 19-20)

III. Build a Team (v. 21)

IV. Trust the Team (vv. 22-23)

V. Take Good Advice (v. 24)

Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 19:30 as you ask the Lord to strengthen you in each of these five areas.

Talk with others: As a Connect Group, discuss how you can apply these practices to your daily life.

Talk with kids: How did David respond to God’s forgiveness?