Monthly Archives: March 2013
transition time
Nehemiah 7 This chapter is mostly made up of a list that already appeared in Ezra. It fits in Nehemiah’s story because it records the people who came back from exile. After the construction of the wall for defense, it … Continue reading
a shining face
Psalm 80 Israel is described as a vine which had grown out as far as the Euphrates River. Then God had allowed the protective wall of the vineyard to be broken down, so that passers-by could take of the vine’s … Continue reading
non-stop
Nehemiah 6 Nehemiah speaks here of numerous attempts to make him afraid. The non-Israelite leaders of the land were themselves afraid that God would empower Nehemiah to lead a rebellion. They also feared the policy against intermarriage which had been … Continue reading
where God is
Psalm 79 No more temple – no more sacrifice, yet the psalmist asks God to atone for the sins of his people. The blood that the psalmist says has been poured out all around Jerusalem is the blood of God’s … Continue reading
ending exploitation
Nehemiah 5 Everyone knew that the commitment to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls would involve hardship. What they did not count on, however, was the exploitation of the Jewish nobles and officials. They were taking advantage of the situation to exact interest … Continue reading
commanded to teach
Psalm 78 This psalm serves as a teaching song, which could be used by fathers to teach their children. The LORD commanded that each generation instruct the next, so that no one is ignorant of who God is, and what … Continue reading
working in spite of challenges
Nehemiah 4 It was not easy doing the right thing. The builders had every reason to abandon the mission, and every enticement to return to the way things were. The threat of attack reduced by half the amount of people … Continue reading
song in the night
Psalm 77 One of the keys to success as a believer is a memory of God. Trouble will come, and when it does, it is helpful to remember all the times that God has shown himself faithful. Our testimony should … Continue reading
excuses
Nehemiah 3 This list of those who repaired and rebuilt the city walls tells of some who refused to follow Nehemiah’s lead. Maybe they thought they had good excuses. It also tells of Shallum, whose daughters stepped up and worked … Continue reading
a wrath belt
Psalm 76 This psalm celebrates the destruction of Gentile warriors who dared to attempt invading Jerusalem. It was not a celebration of human might, but a declaration of God’s defensive power. He stripped the stouthearted warriors and reduced them to … Continue reading
Devotions 