Tag Archives: Christianity

Momentum Leads to Celebration

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Mark Shields

Reading in Ezra 6, King Darius orders that research be done to find the decree concerning the rebuilding the temple of God. Once found, Darius added to the decree that no one can interfere with the work to be done. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Celebration, Christianity, Ezra, Feast of Unleavened Bread, God, Israel, Israelite, King Darius, Momentum, Passover, Praise, Religion and Spirituality, Temple | Leave a comment

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 →