Tag Archives: Israelite

Courage to Change

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Mark Shields

Not only do we need inspiration to change as I wrote about in the previous post but we also need to have the courage to change. Reading in Ezra 10, the Israelites were getting stuck in the same old rut. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Casting Crown, Christ, Courage, Ezra, God, Inspiration, Israelite, Jerusalem, Leadership, Prayer | Leave a comment

Do It For God

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Mark Shields

It’s important to trust God with the help we need for each task. Pray for people around you like a spouse, a parent, a leader at your place of work, or a colleague. Ezra asked for help, prayed, and took … Continue reading →

Posted in Ezra | Tagged Applied Faith, Christianity, enthusiasm, Excitement, Ezra, God, Israelite, Jerusalem, Jesus, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Reward | 1 Comment

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

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 →