The title of today’s lesson is “Life Begins @ 40 and the scripture we’ll be looking at is Deuteronomy 2:7.
Here’s a number that will provoke a little thought, the number 40. In Biblical numerology it is a big number, among the most repeated in Scripture. What it means and how it applies to our lives is the topic of this introduction to our 40 Days of Prayer emphasis, and the beginning of the fortieth year of ministry for Northwood Baptist Church. Does life really begin at 40? Get your Bible ready to find out.

The title of today’s lesson is “Your Father in Heaven” and the scripture we’ll be looking at is Matthew 7:9-11.
Biblical faith is a relationship.  It is not a set of religious standards, a creed, or a code of conduct.  At heart, our faith involves a Heavenly Father who loves His children in incredible ways, and who goes to extraordinary lengths to redeem us and draw us close to Him. Our 40 Days of Prayer begins with the simple yet profound discovery of a Father who listens to our prayers and provides Fatherly oversight over us all the time.

The title of today’s lesson is “The Kingdom of Heaven” and the scripture we’ll be looking at is Matthew 13:44-46.
It’s a simple fact of life: we pursue the things we love. This explains why a highly pressurized culture will find the time, money, or resources to achieve the things we value most, even when we are squeezed to do it. Of course, Scripture warns about losing perspective. Today, we encounter a Kingdom parable that reveals the value of the Kingdom. It is a treasure. Are you pursuing it?

The title of today’s lesson is “People of the Kingdom” and the scripture we’ll be looking at is Matthew 5:1-12.
Christians are Kingdom people. The values of the Kingdom should guide our lives. This week we are studying the Beatitudes, an important teaching of Jesus about Kingdom living and the character of Kingdom people.  This text provides a sharp departure from the values and ideals of pop culture and the religion that a secular world-view espouses. Ours is a calling to a distinct lifestyle. Listen to what your Heavenly Father says to you about living as people of the Kingdom.

The title of today’s lesson is “The Way of the Kingdom” and the scripture we’ll be looking at is Matthew 17:20.
“Believe” is one of the cultural buzz words these days.  New agers, pop religionists, and the health-wealth crowd all speak of the inherent power of belief, you know, having faith in faith.  Of course, Biblical faith is directed toward God as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.  Faith isn’t something we conjure within us. It isn’t in our ability to believe. Faith is about him and not us. It’s not about “how much?” but about “who?” This week we understand that faith is the way of the Kingdom,  and a key to our prayer life.

The title of today’s lesson is “The Stuff of the Kingdom” and the scripture we’ll be looking at is Philippians 4:13.
Scripture speaks often about people who lose heart.  Fear and timidity rule so many lives and dictate our approach to the Kingdom assignment entrusted to us. Of course, the Bible speaks of our faith in terms of power. Not personal power, mind you, the mind games of control freaks and power mongers. Rather, the confidence that is ours because we are children of the King.  Praying for world-wide revival involves restoring the sense of confidence in God. It is our lesson for the week. Or, maybe for life.