The Man God Used Greatly

Ezra : God’s Man

Ezra serves as proof God can partner with just one person to accomplish His will in earth. Ezra “set in his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (7:10). His vocation was priest, scribe, leader. His whole life was dedicated to God’s purposes. He served God in humility and obedience. “His knowledge of the Scriptures was obvious even to the king that he was appointed to lead the second wave of returnees; teaching them and administering national life” (Nasb). Ezra was trustworthy. Modeling true stewardship. God rewarded Ezra’s efforts, “placing His hands upon him” (7:9b). Imagine you and me living at this level!

When We Face Tough Times

Faith To Get Through

What happens to my faith when faced with a critical decision, a trying time? Some people abandon God. Some conveniently exchange Him for a lie. Still, there are those who dig their heels in an embrace their faith in the Sovereign God of the Universe. Such was the case with Esther. Facing the edict of Haman Esther, Mordecai and the Jewish people “refused to believe that the cruel evidence of darkness, hate and evil was the final explanation” (Larson, 321). Instead, “The power to reject the conspiracy of violence and lies, and the strength to persist in the midst of despair came from embracing God” (Larson, 322). 

It is faith in God, and a stubborn determination to rely on Him, making petitions through fasting and prayer that Gets the Christian Through.

Reference:

Larson, K. Holman Old Testament Commentary. Nashville: B & H (2005)

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Written by Kevin A. Hall

My New Favorite Book - Haggai

Haggai - Encouragement for the Journey

I have to say, the Book of Haggai has become my new favorite of the Old Testament. Just conducted a study of the book - only two chapters. Short, but packed with so much encouragement for the Christian walk. Haggai is used by God to whip the people back into priority. Just a few initial thoughts from study:

• This book encourages us to “Consider ourselves” (1:5)
• Reminds me that there’s always a remnant who are committed to God despite the current state of world affairs
• Just as the temple of God was paramount to worship, so too is the maintaining of our spiritual and physical temple in this day
• The people were not blessed because of disobedience and selfishness. Divine judgment was also tied to their actions…the same applies to us today (Deut. 28)
• God will accomplish His work (Hag. 2: 4-5; Zech. 4:6)
• Association with the wrong crowd can bring spiritual defilement (Hag. 2:10-19)
• The Christian walk is one that requires commitment – this can lead to blessings

There will be an extensive study of this chapter to come. I am so excited about this one!

Blessings!