The Bible in a Year “And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday… and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.” Nehemiah 8:3 There is something refreshing about the scene described in Nehemiah 8. The walls of JerusalemContinue reading “When the Word Holds Our Attention”
Category Archives: Faith
Building While the Battle Rages
The Bible in a Year “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.” — Nehemiah 4:6 The story of Nehemiah is one of the clearest reminders in Scripture that God’s work is often accomplished during difficult seasons rather thanContinue reading “Building While the Battle Rages”
A Prayer Between Questions
The Bible in a Year “Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.” — Nehemiah 2:4 The book of Nehemiah presents one of Scripture’s most practical examples of a life rooted in prayer. Nehemiah was not a prophet standing before a congregation orContinue reading “A Prayer Between Questions”
When Sin Takes More Than It Gives
The Bible in a Year “Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusionContinue reading “When Sin Takes More Than It Gives”
The Four Steps of a Faithful Life
The Bible in a Year “For Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” — Ezra 7:10 Among the many leaders God raised up in Scripture, Ezra stands out as a model of spiritual dedication. He was not a king,Continue reading “The Four Steps of a Faithful Life”
Building What Lasts Forever
The Bible in a Year “In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded… and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid.” (Ezra 6:3) The decree of King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem mayContinue reading “Building What Lasts Forever”
Building the Altar Before the Walls
The Bible in a Year “They set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries.” — Ezra 3:3 One of the most insightful moments in the book of Ezra is the realization that the returning exiles built the altar before they rebuilt the city. Jerusalem stillContinue reading “Building the Altar Before the Walls”
When Evil Becomes Normal
The Bible in a Year “He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done; he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.” — 2 Kings 15:9 As I read through the history of Israel’s kings, one truth becomesContinue reading “When Evil Becomes Normal”
When Grace Finds the Worst of Us
The Bible in a Year “And prayed unto him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.” — 2 Chronicles 33:13 The story of Manasseh is one of the most surprising testimonies in all ofContinue reading “When Grace Finds the Worst of Us”
When Faithful Voices Are Mocked
The Bible in a Year “The posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun; but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.” — 2 Chronicles 30:10 One of the difficult lessons we learn while walking through Scripture is that obedience to God does not always produceContinue reading “When Faithful Voices Are Mocked”