The rubble of the destroyed City of Jerusalem’s wall represented failure, sin, disobedience, and judgment. The repaired wall symbolized hope, a future, life, power, a real city, more people and a threat to the enemies. Enthusiasm led to hard work, which led to tired, dejected people. However, hearing the Word of God changes things. Seek the truth…
Nehemiah 5-8: Don’t Be Sad! The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength! Read More »
Back in 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida. I witnessed something I’d never seen before — neighbor helping neighbor, strangers helping strangers. If a tree had fallen on a house, a guy with a chainsaw just came and started cutting it up. There were many scenes like that. We were all victims. We were all neighbors. Today’s chapters reminded me of that. We worked, we served, we prayed, we sweated, we helped — together — just like the Jews rebuilding the wall around the holy city. Seek the truth…
Nehemiah 3-4: Beware! When Being Attacked, Pray and Give it to God Read More »
Rebuilding. Because we live in a fallen world, things fall apart easily. It could be a career, home, relationship, town, you name it. Nehemiah is blessed as he has the ear of the King of Persia. When God puts a calling on his heart, he risks it all to obey. Would you? Seek the truth…
Nehemiah 1-2: Ask God for the Help You Need. He Answers Fervent Prayer Read More »
Poor Ezra. He came all the way from Babylon only to find that the exiles who had returned before him, had sinned against the Laws of Moses that he so revered. His reaction is dramatic as is the mass repentance of the sinful Jews. Seek the truth…
Ezra 9-10: Compromise with the World is a Life Away from God Read More »
The narrative in the Book of Ezra now changes to the first person as Ezra himself comes into the picture. Ezra, a scribe and teacher, from an impressive priestly lineage is called to help teach and train the Jews in the rebuilt Jerusalem temple. He is a role model we all should strive to imitate. Seek the truth.
Ezra 7-8: Love God? Love, Study and Learn His Word, Know it in Your Heart Read More »
Apparently, some of the residents around Jerusalem weren’t too happy the Jews returned to rebuild the temple. They offered to
3.4.25: Ezra 4-6: Beware of Satan’s Strategies! Bad Company Corrupts a Good Life Read More »
Apparently, some of the residents around Jerusalem weren’t too happy the Jews returned to rebuild the temple. They offered to help, but it’s the kind of help that nobody wants or needs. Seek the truth…
Ezra 4-6: Beware of Satan’s Strategies! Bad Company Corrupts a Good Life Read More »
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are the stories of the restoration of God’s temple in Jerusalem and the city
3.4.24: Ezra 1-3: God Sends the People to Reclaim, Restore, and Rebuild the Temple Read More »
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are the stories of the restoration of God’s temple in Jerusalem and the city itself. It’s c. 538 BC, the Babylonians who captured the Jews and brought them to Babylon were gone. The Medes and Persians ruled by King Cyrus are in power. It’s time for God’s promise to the Jews of renewal and reconstruction to be fulfilled. Seek the truth…
Ezra 1-3: God Sends the People to Reclaim, Restore, and Rebuild the Temple Read More »
The Eastern Orthodox Church, specifically the Russian one, has been elevated in the news a lot since Russia invaded Ukraine.
3.4.23: Special: The Eastern Orthodox Religion: What are their Beliefs? Are they Saved? Read More »
The Eastern Orthodox Church, specifically the Russian one, has been elevated in the news a lot since Russia invaded Ukraine. I watched videos of Vladimir Putin worshiping in a church in Russia. My first thought was — if he is truly Christian, as his ritualistic worship indicates, how can he be so cruel as to invade a country without provocation? Seek the truth…
The Eastern Orthodox Religion: What are their Beliefs? Are they Saved? Read More »
As we wind down the epic story of Queen Esther, we see again how God humbles the proud and exalts
3.4.22: Esther 9-10: God Fulfills Promises Through Everyday Life and Humble People Read More »
