Overdue Spring Cleaning

Read  Nehemiah 11:1 through 13:31 “Look, Jerry,” Dave said, as they explored the education wing of their church building one Saturday. “This room is big enough for a Sunday School class, but it’s filled with so much junk that I can barely open the door.” Jerry agreed. “Paint is peeling, the ceiling is stained, and the carpet is filthy. We …

Change Isn’t Easy

Read  Ezra 1:1 through 2:70 Almost fifty years had passed since Jerusalem had fallen and its inhabitants had been taken captive to Babylon. A new generation with few, if any, memories of Jerusalem was settled in Babylon. When King Cyrus decreed that they could return to Jerusalem, some may have had questions and doubts. Why should they uproot their families …

Blessings of Obedience

Read  Luke 11:14–36 “Blessed . . . are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). Jesus taught frequently about obedience. In today’s passage, He reiterated the message from Luke 8:19–21 regarding His mother and brothers. Those who “hear the word of God and obey it” can have a personal relationship with Jesus and be part of …