I want to take you back to December of the year 458 B.C. It would be a pivotal moment for the people of God in Jerusalem. Ezra, a Jewish scribe who worked for the pagan King Artaxerxes in Babylon, had
Conviction and Confession
Ezra 9
Conviction and Confession
What’s In Store for 2020?
Joshua 24:14-15
What will the New Year bring about for you and me? That’s a huge question looming in the minds of many people as we get ready to turn the page on the calendar and begin a brand new year. Many
An Unforgettable Gift!
Luke 2:8-18
Christmas is almost here. Little ones have been waiting, anxiously waiting for the big morning to arrive. They are expecting to find some of the things…no, let’s face the facts, they are expecting to see everything under the tree they’ve
Christmas Secrets
Matthew 1:1-16
The Christmas season is upon us. Christmas is an interesting time of the year here in the United States. Mention the word, “Christmas” and automatically it stirs images of nativity scenes, beautifully decorated homes with lights and tinsel, and Santa
A Grateful Disposition
Psalm 106
The dispositions of the human heart are varied. A “disposition” is the predominant or prevailing tendency of one’s heart, a habitual inclination, or characteristic attitude. When we stop to think about our own heart, our own tendencies concerning how we
Plan and Pray
Ezra 8
Last week we were finally introduced to Ezra, the man for whom the book is named. After six chapters and so much having taken place in Jerusalem, we met Ezra. In the first six chapters we witnessed the journey to
Here Comes Ezra!
Ezra 7
In 2008, Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book called, “Outliers.” In the book he says that 10,000 hours is the secret to success. Gladwell says that if you want to master something then you have to commit the time to practicing
Keep Working and Trust God
Ezra 6
Last week, as we took a look at Ezra 5, we were able to see such a clear demonstration of the kindness and love of God. The people had grown stagnant and dissatisfied with life because of their neglect of
God Sends Help
Ezra 5
It can be tough on a boy growing up in a home where one parent loves the Lord with all their heart and the other is antagonistic towards anything to do with God. Mixed messages from those closest to us
Opposition and Discouragement
Ezra 4
It comes at us even though we have no desire for it. It is no respecter of age, race, nationality, economic status, or gender. It comes as frequently to the followers of Jesus as it does to those who proudly