We often think that “big tasks” require “big heroes.” But Nehemiah’s story of rebuilding the wall reminds us that everybody has a part to play! Scripture: Nehemiah, chapters 3-4; Luke, chapter 23 Nehemiah 3:1-8 (NLT): Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel. People from... Read more
There’s an old saying that “seeing is believing.” We need to remember another saying: Things are not always as they seem! Scripture: Nehemiah, chapters 1-2; Psalms 133 and 134; Luke, chapter 22 Luke 22:47-53 (NLT): But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” When the other... Read more
We often face challenges, and even trials, in life. Knowing Jesus allows us to proclaim that even though our enemies attack us, the Lord is good! Scripture: Haggai, chapters 1-2; Psalm 129; Luke, chapter 10 Psalm 129:1-4 (NLT): From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me. Let all Israel repeat this: From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me. My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long... Read more
Jesus doesn’t give us any room to misunderstand what it means to follow him: following Jesus means surrender. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways…” Scripture: Ezra, chapter 4; Psalms 113 and 127; Luke, chapter 9 Psalm 127:1-2 (NLT): Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do not good. It is useless for you... Read more
Our world is filled with voices calling us in all different directions. How can we stay on the right path? By getting our priorities right! Scripture: Ezra, chapters 2-3; Luke, chapter 8 Ezra 3:1-6 (NLT): In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose. Then Jeshua son of Jehozadak joined his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel with his family in rebuilding the altar of the... Read more
When Nebuchadnezzar saw that God had delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he exclaimed: “There is no other God like this!” Scripture: Daniel, chapters 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation, chapter 17 Daniel 3:26-30 (NLT): Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and he shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors,... Read more
When Daniel responds to Nebuchadnezzar about his dream, he makes it clear where the answers come from: There is a God in Heaven who reveals secrets! Scripture: Daniel, chapters 1-2; Revelation, chapter 16 Daniel 2:14-23 (NLT): When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. Daniel went at once to... Read more
Religious Literacy: What Does That Mean? Tomorrow (September 8) is International Literacy Day. I hope we all understand the importance of literacy and education! Several years ago, I was privileged to visit a Nazarene elementary school in Kibera, an impoverished section of Nairobi, Kenya. As I watched the teachers and their students, I was struck at how few resources they had. My reaction was, “We need to raise money and get them computers and proper educational resources!” First, God responded:... Read more
Revelation teaches us about God’s reign, and how heaven proclaims his glory. What can we learn about living as God’s people today? Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 29-32; Revelation, chapter 11 Revelation 11:15-19 (NLT): Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their... Read more
Everyone needs warnings from time to time. Sometimes God tells us, “Go and tell them.” Before we do, we need to listen to God ourselves! They may not listen, but at least they’ll have had the opportunity to respond. Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 1-3; Revelation, chapter 2 Ezekiel 3:1-11 (NLT): The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you – eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” So I... Read more
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