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You never know the difference you will make
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esth. 4:14, NIV) Esther’s place as the queen was not seen as an accident by…
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Early Thoughts on Esther
Right off the bat, this thought: If you got it, flaunt it. It’s not just an American “value.” 4 For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. 5 When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s…
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The hand of God with Ezra
One thing that has always stood out to me with Ezra was his commitment to the Law of the Lord. He gave himself to seeking the kingdom. There is this last line in Ezra 7:9 — “…for the gracious hand of his God was on him.” Followed by this explanation in v. 10: For Ezra had devoted himself to the…
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Quick thoughts from Proverbs
A couple of verses from Proverbs 14 and quick thoughts: Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. (v. 13, NLT) I think of this one as I grieve today over the news of a college student who died Monday night. I knew him from classes he took from me and can remember a…
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Does God’s Word WORK?
Reading Nehemiah 8, I am struck by the reaction of the people when they actually heard the Book of the Law taught to them. They wept. They were sorry. Something struck them in such a way they knew they had lived in disobedience and they wanted to get it right… and it grieved them. There is still a place of conviction. We…
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Early Thoughts on Nehemiah
First of all, it’s not a good idea to be in a sour mood around the king, especially if you’re the cupbearer. But besides that… When the king asked what Nehemiah needed, Nehemiah was ready to respond. What are you dreaming in prayer? What are you asking for along the way so that when the opportunity comes, you know what…
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Early Thoughts on Ezra
We are reading through Ezra and Nehemiah this week as we journey through the Old Testament Historical Books this summer in our church. Early thoughts on Ezra: that whole “intermarriage” thing should be a fun discussion.
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Bible readers
The past few years I have used digital Bibles more and more. I have Logos and also use Olive Tree. Logos is fabulous for study. But I drift more toward Olive Tree. I can use Olive Tree across all platforms easily. Logos is good for that as well. Where Olive Tree works better for me is keeping notes. Olive Tree…
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Worst King EVER
2 Chronicles is a repeat of the ups and downs of kings in Judah (mostly). This time through I noticed there were a few kings who actually started “well.” They followed God. They wanted to follow God. They tried to follow God. Then… they faded in the stretch. Many ended poorly, often struck down by pride. Then there is Manasseh. In 2…
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A Heart That is Fully Toward God
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chron. 16:9, NLT) Asa started strong as a king of Judah. He got rid of the idols, the high places, and cleaned out the Temple. He took on enemies coming against Judah and won as he cried out…
Category: Bible Study
