Haggai The captives of Israel in Babylon did not really “get it” at first when the Lord told them it was time to go rebuild the temple.  They had built up new lives for themselves and their families.  But God sent a message to them through the prophet Haggai that sparked obedience in the governor of Judea, the high priest, and the people.  So they began to rebuild the temple, with the Lord’s blessing. God greatly encouraged  them, Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the … Continue reading Get to Work!

Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137 The Lord’s will shall be done.  The enemies of Judah and Israel soon discovered that they were no match against the Lord when they attempted to stop the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem by appealing to the king.  These enemies twisted the truth and told the king that if he allowed the rebuilding to continue, the people in Jerusalem would stop paying taxes. So…the work came to a grinding halt, momentarily. Then those in Judah urged the king to look back in recorded history and find that the rebuilding had been commissioned by King Cyrus … Continue reading His will be done

Ezra 1-3 King Cyrus sent the Israelite captives back to Jerusalem so they could rebuild the Temple of the Lord.  This decree happened about seventy years after the exile…that is a long time to wait for deliverance. But deliverance came. There is a lesson in that for all of us who are waiting for the Lord to deliver us from our captivities. I’ve been somewhat depressed this weekend because my prayers for complete healing don’t appear to have taken effect over my body, at least as far as the level of pain is concerned.  Yet this story is encouraging to … Continue reading Deliverance

Daniel 10-12 So many of Daniel’s visions have elements that seem to be reflected in Revelation and also in the words of Jesus.  In a future time, a king from the north will set himself up over the world, and there will be great persecution for those who continue to follow the Lord rather than this king. I can’t even begin to understand these words.  Perhaps one day the Holy Spirit will show me what I need to know from these pages…for now, I know that God is Sovereign.   I know that Daniel was precious to Him, and I … Continue reading Praising through the pain