Good Morning “Assured God is Always Working - In EVERY Situation.”  Today we begin the book of Esther with chapter 1.This book takes place after some of the Jews have returned to Jerusalem.  Some, still remain in Media Persia.  Xerxes is King.  Xerxes is a king that for lack of a better description, likes to show off.  180 days of partying followed by a 7 day banquet with more drinking.  On the 7t...  Read More

Good Morning “Those committed God, NOT just the leader.”  Today we wrap up the book of Nehemiah with chapter 13.Nehemiah served in Jerusalem 12 years, then returned back to the king according to his promise.  About a year has passed and he returns to The Holy City to see how things are going.  The wheels are falling off the bus.  What has happened in just a years time?- Tobiah, a foreigner, who wo...  Read More

Good Morning “Living Stones.” Today we are in Nehemiah 12.Nehemiah has been working in Jerusalem some 12 years now.  We’re about 400 years from the birth of Jesus.  Just a blink of an eye in Israel’s history.  This chapter covers one of the greatest moments in Israel’s history.  They culmination of their restoration.  But first - more lists of names.  Why?  It was essential that Israel kept an acc...  Read More

Good Morning “Chosen”.  Today we are in Nehemiah 11.Who would populate the rebuilt city of Jerusalem?  God would decide, as each tribe gave a tithe of people.  10% of each tribe would populate the city.  The rest would remain in the surrounding cities.  God chose them - as the nation cast lots. He chose.   Remember “casting lots” was an acceptable and efficient way of determining the will of God p...  Read More

Good Morning “Standers for Something - The Truth.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 10.  It’s been said if you stand for nothing you’ll fall for anything.  Man is that a picture of our world today?  We’ve even invented new terms to describe our desire to live out our new “more aware” lives, and pressure others to the same - while cloaking it all in “tolerance”, and “live and let live” statements.  Virtue...  Read More

Good Morning “Bound in Covenant With God.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 9.  Man what a prayer!  If you haven’t already, you must read this chapter in its entirety.  Their prayer of confession begins with Praise and Honor as should ours.  Our God is worthy (Psalm 145:3).  It is a prayer of confession  from the depths of their heart (1 John 1:9). They recount Israel’s history all the way back to Abram,...  Read More

Good Morning “Not Just Building a Wall.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 8.Nehemiah was never just a Cupbearer.  He was also never just a Wallbuilder but he did lead the people to build a wall.  Now the wall is done.  Surely Nehemiah heads back to his cup bearing right?  Wrong.  Building the wall was never Gods only purpose for him.  He was sent to minister to the people.  To lead them back into proper ...  Read More

Good Morning “Learners From History.” Today we are in Nehemiah 7.The wall is completed.  Homes are not yet built.  As Nehemiah surveys all that God has done he purposes to register and gather the genealogical records of those who have returned.  As we’ve talked, Israel’s struggle in many ways parallels The Church of today.  Let’s never forget why they had to leave Jerusalem in the first place.  Th...  Read More

Good Morning “Evil Scheme Recognizers.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 6.We have an enemy.  He is ruthless.  He will plot and scheme and twist and fuel gossip and seek to discredit.  He will, in short, attack in every way possible.  He is smart.  Be sure he is way smarter, and stronger than we are on our own.  He is to be respected in his power, but understand, he is not stronger or smarter than The On...  Read More

Good Morning “Self Sacrificers.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 5.  Selfishness reigns in the land of Judah.  Wall building consumes a lot of time and energy.  Service often leaves less time for typical daily work.  Less time working = less resources to make ends meet.  The temptation is to turn to self seeking, “take things into our own hands”.The larger clans were hoarding grain, some mortgaged their...  Read More

Good Morning “Standing United.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 4.United we stand, divided we fall!  That moto is not from Scripture but does carry some Biblical principle.  In this chapter we see an example of just that.  Anytime Gods people endeavor to carry out His will the evil one is threatened.  When he is threatened, he attacks.  Therefore; if we are going to live obediently, we ought to expect a...  Read More

Good Morning “Wall Builders.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 3.Yesterday we looked at the fact that Nehemiah came to serve.  He was intent on being used by God to rebuild the wall.  In chapter 2 we saw that he did not come with a lot of fanfare.  In fact, he waited 3 days once in Jerusalem, surveyed the wall at night, then publicly announced his plan to everyone at once.  Think of the strategy here - n...  Read More