Posts by Susan Mahaney

Emotional impulsiveness can derail even the strongest of men.  Samson was physically powerful and divinely gifted, but he was emotion-driven rather than Spirit-led. Samson allowed his emotions, particularly anger and pride, to dictate his actions, leading to a cycle of revenge, violence, and, ultimately, loss. We must reject emotional impulsiveness and instead pursue humility, accountability,…

Samson was a man set apart by God from birth, empowered with supernatural strength, and bound by Nazarite vows. Despite his divine calling, Samson repeatedly made destructive choices—he was a powerful man with a dangerously weak will. He had so much God-given potential, yet again and again, he made poor decisions and self-destructed. But while…

Spiritual Gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit and distributed to every believer according  to God’s design and grace for the common good of the body of Christ. The purpose of spiritual gifts is  to glorify God, encourage believers, and build up the body of Christ. Discovering and using our  spiritual gifts is…

The story of Hezekiah offers us a powerful lesson, right living leads to right praying. This isn’t about  earning God’s favor but about living in a way that naturally leads to a deeper, more effective prayer  life. Hezekiah was a king who faced immense pressure, yet he was known for doing what was right  in…

The story of Habakkuk offers profound insights into trusting God even when life doesn’t make sense.  Habakkuk lived during great turmoil as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah faced destruction and  exile. Yet, his journey of faith and prayer provides a roadmap for us today. Whether it’s personal  struggles, economic difficulties, or global crises, we…

Mary is visited by the angel who announces that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Despite  her initial questions and the unexpected nature of this message, Mary responds with faith and  humility, declaring herself the Lord’s servant. This moment illustrates the need to move away from  self-sufficiency and embrace God’s sufficiency by relinquishing…

After God’s people were exiled from the Promised Land to Canaan, God raised up Nehemiah as a  great leader to re-establish them in their land. Nehemiah’s great leadership began in prayer. We  may not feel like leaders, but all of us can be used by God wherever we are. The key to God’s work in…

In one of the most vivid passages of the Old Testament, we see God speaking with Abraham about the wicked towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Although Abraham’s nephew, Lot, lives there with his family, Abraham calls on God to act justly, almost like he is bargaining. with God. From Abraham, we have much to learn…

Jesus rising on Easter morning was more than a showy miracle to shock and awe His attackers and followers. When Jesus rose, He turned the entire order of the universe on its head. The Resurrection shows us that death does not have the last word. God has the last word, and His word is Life.…

Our desire to be popular, even as adults, is normal. This desire emerges from our longing to be in community and feel like we belong. Rather than seeking to be popular, Jesus sought to be unpopular. Popularity and acclaim in the eyes of others are fleeting. If we put all our faith in them, we…