The sorrow and remorse of Ezra made a great impact on the people. So much so that a large group of people joined Ezra at the temple who were really sorry for the sin of those who had intermarried with the heathen. Ezra, the priest, stood up before the people and told them they ha …
Jesus chose Capernaum as the headquarters of His Galilean ministry. This was a commercial city on the main road of traffic between Egypt and Damascus. We find Jesus back in this city in a crowded house preaching the Word. Four men came carrying their paralyzed friend on a stretch …
As in the previous Psalm, David explained his situation of being trapped in a cave in Engedi where he had fled to escape from Saul. There seemed to be no way of escape from his enemies. David’s …
The Lord told Moses (v. 22) to say to the people: Don’t eat the fat of cattle, sheep, or goats (v. 23). If one of your animals dies or is killed by some wild animal, you may do anything with its fat except eat it (v. 24). If you eat the fat of an animal that can be used as a sac …
The Christian life will include times of hardship and trials. We must not live with only our own survival in mind. Others will follow our example and we have a responsibility to them. Every boy knows that his father does not discipline the neighbor children. He disciplines him, a …
It seems that the nations around Israel have many myths about sea monsters. “Leviathan” was a seven-headed monster and enemy of God’s created order (vv. 1-2). To slay “leviathan” was a great achievement and the Lord promised to do it (Psa. 74:14). When the battle is over at the end of the …
Paul speaks in his own defense, stating that he has not broken the Law of his people and that he has not done anything against either the temple or the Emperor (v. 8). Festus, wanting to please the Jews, proposed to Paul that he go up to Jerusalem to stand trial (v. 9). At …
It is far better to have a peaceful and quiet meal of dry bread than having a lot to eat in a house where there is strife (v. 1). Harmony of a person’s relationship with others is to be desired over a bountiful supply of food. Think of the children today who grow up in a home w …
Israel prospered under King Jeroboam’s leadership by gaining military and economic strength. However, the more prosperous the nation became the more they used their income for building more altars for idol worship (v.1). It is often the same today. More wealth means more worship of …
James has already said a lot about prayer but now he puts a fitting climax to his letter with further instructions on the subject. Two of the greatest weak?nesses in the life of the average Christian today is prayer and praise (v.13). There is much need for prayer …