Read Ezra 9:1 through 10:44 Today more than ever before the Bible is being questioned. Many argue that its truths are no longer relevant in our postmodern society that believes there are no absolutes. A growing “pick and choose” mentality has even invaded some churches. How are we to respond? When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, the leaders came to him …
Rebellion or Repentance
Read 代下 2 Chronicles 32:1 through 33:25 How do you react to adversity? Can you think of a time when hardship or suffering changed your life for the better? How should you react to adversity? It is easy to let hardship make us bitter, especially if that hardship or suffering touches our deepest needs or comes to someone we deeply …
Lost People
Read Luke 14:1 through 16:31 When Arlene and Jerry became separated from their friends while hiking in a remote mountainous area, a search was called. Helicopters flew over the wilderness. Rescue teams armed with blankets, water, and food were dispatched. After eight hours huddled in the cold, the couple was found safe and alive. Suppose a woman has ten silver …
Seek His Face
Read 代上 1 Chronicles 13:1 through 16:43 ________________________________________________________________ “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always (1 Chronicles 16:11). King David wanted to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem. The first attempt to move the ark was disastrous because he didn’t follow God’s commands for transporting it. Putting the ark on an oxen-drawn cart was …
What’s the Use?
Read 2 Kings 21:1 through 25:30 “I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place” (2 Kings 22:20). This word was given by God to Josiah near the middle of the record of his reign as king of Judah. …
Washed and Cleansed
Read 2 Kings 5:1 through 8:29 Hazel’s face froze in thought. My wife, Nancy, had just finished telling her, for the hundredth time that afternoon, God would forgive a lifetime of her sins, right there, in her living room, if she repented and apologized to God. “That’s all?” Hazel scoffed. “Surely there’s more a person has to do.” We could …
The True You
Read 王上 1 Kings 14:1 through 16:34 But the Lord had told Ahijah, “Jeroboam’s wife is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill, and you are to give her such and such an answer. When she arrives, she will pretend to be someone else” (1 Kings 14:5). How often do you pretend to be someone else? …
Fairy Tale Feats
Read 2 Samuel 23:1 through 24:25 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion (2 Samuel 23:20). When we read about great warriors and heroes from the Bible, it seems like …
Giant Killers
Read 1 Samuel 16:14 through 19:11 John worked for the same company for over 20 years. He loved his job and worked hard at it. However, when the company experienced a major restructuring, John was laid off. Despite dealing with creditors, prolonged unemployment and job hunting, and the pressure of supporting a family, John remained optimistic in God’s ability to …