Sun, Nov 06, 2022
Duration: 41 mins 14 secs
Zechariah opens his book with an invitation: Return to God. His summons home depicts God as merciful, compassionate, and longsuffering. The portrait frames the remainder of the book, full of visions and oracles. From the outset, Zechariah sees God on the move. His protection is real: he patrols the earth. His promises will prevail: he will rebuild Jerusalem. Thus, God's reliability and activity should inspire his people to get unstuck and make a move.
Sun, Jun 05, 2016
Nehemiah coordinates an efficient and effective building project. In fifty-two days with more than forty teams, he reuilds the walls around Jerusalem. While the reading is not riveting, the building lessons in Nehemiah are priceless. every building effort -- a wall, marriage, family, career, ministry or social network -- benefits from a vision and plan where leaders and laborers apply their skills to local needs. One does not need to be handy to build for God's purposes.
Sun, May 22, 2016
Duration: 37 mins 47 secs
When Nehemiah gets news of the broken walls and distressed people in Jerusalem, he weeps. His passion turns to prayer - a great model of praise, penitence, faith, and petition. And because he is a cupbearer to the king of Persia, he has the position to ask the king for a building permit in Jerusalem. More than a model prayer, Nehemiah illustrates God using someone's passion and position to achieve God's purposes. We do well to pray along with our passions and position.
