We’ve all heard the phrase, “God works in mysterious ways.” But why does God do that? And what does it mean for those who are following Jesus? Scripture: Ezra, chapters 7-8; Luke, chapter 20 Ezra 7:11-20 (CEB): This is a copy of the letter that Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest and scribe, a scholar of the text of the Lord’s commandments and his requirements for Israel: Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Instruction... Read more
When the disciples told Jesus, “We’re going to drown!” He asked them, “Where is your faith?” That led them to ask: “Who is This?” Scripture: Ezra, chapters 2-3; Luke, chapter 8 Luke 8:22-25 (CEB): One day Jesus and his disciples boarded a boat. He said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail. While they were sailing, he fell asleep. Gale-force winds swept down on the lake. The boat was filling up... Read more
People want to know how to be truly happy. Advertisers tell us, politicians tell us – but we need to listen to God. Read Psalm 84! Scripture: Ezra, chapter 1; Psalms 84 and 85; Luke, chapter 7 Psalm 84:1-7 (CEB): How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of heavenly forces! My very being longs, even yearns, for the Lord’s courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God! Yes, the sparrow too has found a... Read more
Almost everyone knows the “Golden Rule.” But how does Jesus say that “children of the Most High” should live according to the Golden Rule? Scripture: Daniel, chapters 11-12; Luke, chapter 6 Luke 6:27-36 (CEB): “But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone... Read more
Do you believe in miracles? The answer depends on whether you believe in One who can do them! Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 45-46; Luke, chapter 1 Luke 1:26-38 (CEB): When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one!... Read more
In Ezekiel 44:23, God tells the priests to teach people the difference between the holy and the ordinary. But what is the difference? Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 42-44; Revelation, chapter 22 Ezekiel 44:23 (CEB): They must teach my people the difference between the holy and the ordinary, and show them the difference between clean and unclean. Observations: Symbolic Passages, Concrete Teaching The last chapters of Ezekiel have much in common with the Revelation. Both witnesses (Ezekiel and John) saw visions of... Read more
The idea of “heaven” fascinates people. In Revelation 21, John describes the “New Jerusalem.” What does the Bible say about the “New Jerusalem,” and who will live in it? Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation, chapter 21 Revelation 21:1-5 (CEB): Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven... Read more
Many people claim to speak on God’s behalf. But many of those provide worthless and empty visions. The writer of Lamentations warns us about the dangers of listening to such false prophets. We need to wake up! Scripture: Lamentations, chapters 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation, chapter 14 Lamentations 2:13-14 (CEB): What can I testify about you, Daughter Jerusalem? To what could I compare you? With what could I equate you? How can I comfort you, young woman daughter Zion? Your hurt is as... Read more
People are fascinated by secrets; we want to know something that others don’t. But what about God’s “secrets”? Do we need to know? Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 25-28; Revelation, chapter 10 Revelation 10:1-4 (CEB): Then I saw another powerful angel coming down from heaven. He was robed with a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet were like fiery pillars. He held an open scroll in his hand. He put his right... Read more
What do you think of when you think of “the Judgment”? More importantly, why does the Bible talk about judgment? Scripture: Ezekiel, chapters 22-24; Revelation, chapter 9 Ezekiel 22:13-16 (CEB): I now strike my hands over your ill-gotten gain and blood that’s been shed in you. Will your strength and courage endure when I deal with you? I am the Lord: I speak, and I act! I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you throughout the lands, and... Read more
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