Tag Archives: Book of Ezra

Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 1-3

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve completed the book of Ezra and at this link is an index of the studies published so far. Along the journey, it was noticed how Ezra encourages the returned-exiles in the building of the temple. He teaches them how … Continue reading →

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Accomplishment, Adjustments, Application, Book of Ezra, Celebration, Christ, Community, Confidence, Courage, Cross, Discipline, Dreams, Encouragement, Ezra, God, Ideas, Inspiration, Jerusalem, Lessons, Nehemiah, Plans, Possibilities, Praises, Prayer, Reading (process), Sermon, Spirit, Temple, Thankfulness, Thoughts, United Methodist Church, Worship | 6 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

Questions for Reflection – Ezra 1-3

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Mark Shields

I’ve finished traveling through Matthew. Along the journey, I noticed how Matthew presented Jesus Christ as the Messiah long promised by God. The Christian faith is built on records that prove and link the Old and New Testaments; God’s purposes … Continue reading →