Monthly Archives: March 2013
when the task is done
Nehemiah 12:27-47 When they celebrated the dedication of the newly rebuilt wall in Jerusalem, all the leaders were there, and they formed two processions, each headed by a large choir for singing praises. Instead of sitting around congratulating each other … Continue reading
righteous and faithful
Psalm 85 This psalm comes from a people who have known the joy of the LORD’s forgiveness and restoration, and seek for it again. They are confident that the LORD will restore them again because of two things, both of … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, discernment, encouragement, faithfulness, fear, judgment
Tagged Psalm 85
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ten percent
Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 This section records the effort to repopulate Jerusalem, and the proof that levitical duties were carried out during the entire time of the restoration. It is interesting that the goal was to put a tithe of the people … Continue reading
for the birds
Psalm 84 I used to always think of this psalm when attending Maranatha Bible Church in Cagayan de Oro city, Philippines. The large building had steel bars on some of its upper windows and its walls, which freely let in … Continue reading
tithing the tithe
Nehemiah 10 The people swear an oath of loyalty to the covenant, agreeing to do what the law requires. Among the requirements of this commitment was to give a tithe, and a tithe of the tithe went to the chambers … Continue reading
silencing the noise
Psalm 83 The noise is deafening. It is the noise of a people clamoring to destroy God’s people. The psalmist asks the LORD to silence them, to make them perish instead. There are only two eternal destinies: eternal life through … Continue reading
Posted in conditional immortality, dependence upon God, destruction in hell
Tagged Psalm 83
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true confessions
Nehemiah 9 This long confession gives readers insight into what God wants of us when we come to him. Often our confessions seem empty and selfish. We know more about our failures and needs than God’s desires. After hearing God’s … Continue reading
the gods are mortal
Psalm 82. Most commentators are quick to put quotation marks around the word gods in this psalm. They take this as a prophecy against unjust human rulers. They claim that Jesus implied this in John 10:34-35. But Jesus only claimed … Continue reading
joy through understanding
Nehemiah 8 Restoration is not possible without being confronted by the revelation – God’s word, his law. Yet the LORD never intends those who will be involved in restoration to stop at the mourning phase. When God intercedes by his … Continue reading
honey from the rock
Psalm 81 One does not normally get honey from a rock. That is why this image speaks of the extent to which the LORD will go to take care of those he loves. All he asks of us is single-hearted … Continue reading
Devotions 