Tag Archives: Christianity

Encouragement

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Mark Shields

The rebuilding of the temple was put on hold as recorded in Ezra 4 but the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged that the work continue in Ezra 5; with vision, confidence, and a desire to fulfill God’s command. The lesson … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Christ, Christianity, Encouragement, Ezra, God, Haggai, Jerusalem, Prayer, Zechariah | 3 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 Word is Powerful – Ezra 1

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Mark Shields

God’s Word is powerful in human life. Because of the Word found in Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to let the exiles return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The Temple had been destroyed … Continue reading →