Category Archives: Ezra

Shelter From Storms

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Mark Shields

In a previous post Roadblocks We Face, I mentioned that God can provide shelter from the storms we face. Sometimes when we feel down, a song can lift our spirits. Here’s one for today: Shelter Me – Bruce Carroll, Billy … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Bob Bennett, Bruce Carroll, God, God Provides Shelter, God’s Will, Prayer | 10 Comments

Roadblocks We Face

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Mark Shields

When the enemies of the returned exiles heard about the rebuilding of the temple, they asked if they could help but their past idol worship was known. The Israelites had absolute confidence in God but didn’t trust their enemies so … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Adversaries, Book of Ezra, Christianity, confidence in god, Difficulties, Ezra, God, Integrity, Israelite, Jerusalem, Leaders, Motives, politics, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Shelter, Storms, Temple, Wisdom | 6 Comments

Questions for Reflection – Ezra 4-6

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Mark Shields

The first activity of the Israelites after returning from exile was to build the altar of God. We can learn from their example of putting God first. Small things become big things when we go to God and plan to … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Altar of God, Book of Ezra, Celebration, Christ, Christianity, Difficulties, Ezra, Faith, God, God First, Israel, Israelite, Lessons, Light, Obstacles, Prayer, Road Map, United Methodist Church, Work | 5 Comments

Small Things Become Big Things With God

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Mark Shields

The first activity of the Israelites after returning from exile as recorded in Ezra 3 was to build the altar of God. Then they resumed a detailed schedule of offerings and sacrifices. Let us also learn to begin with God … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Alter of God, Christianity, Devotional, Direction, Ezra, God, God’s Mercy, Guidance, HolySpirit, Israelite, Israelites, Jerusalem, Jesus, Offering, Path, Planning, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Sacrifice, Sermon, Sermon Podcast, Worship | 5 Comments

God’s Love is Constant

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Mark Shields

After reading in Ezra 2, the thought occurred to me that the only thing that doesn’t change is God’s love for us and how He carries those that trust Him, who follow His will, and aim to glorify His name. … Continue reading →