Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
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
dare to repair
Nehemiah 2 God’s hand was in the work, the people wanted to do the work, and God strengthened their hands for the work. Yet, there was opposition. Such will always be the case when we want to restore what has … Continue reading
Posted in courage, discipleship, leadership, Nehemiah, sanctification
Tagged Nehemiah 2
Leave a comment
cutting off horns
Psalm 75 A healthy respect for God’s sovereignty allows his servants to praise him, no matter who is exalting their horns at the moment. God will judge the earth. We have no need to worry. The boastful are not in … Continue reading
courage to do
Nehemiah 1 Reading this text is like witnessing one of those rare moments when a person realizes that he has a chance to be more than just an observer. Nehemiah had the opportunity to play a significant role in what … Continue reading
a swarm of lumberjacks
Psalm 74 Jerusalem has been sacked, the temple destroyed – all the meeting places of the congregation in the land have been destroyed. Meanwhile God seems to have wandered off a bit. He stands off with his hands in his … Continue reading
three months trial
Ezra 10 The sin that had been committed was not simply the marrying of foreign wives. It was the the marrying women and fathering children who did not put their faith in the LORD. That was the crime which took … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, Ezra, faithfulness, judgment, loyalty, relationship with God, second coming
Tagged Ezra 10
Leave a comment
the last chapter
Psalm 73 Asaph was bitter about the wealth and health of all the wicked who flaunt their rebellion. Then he went into the sanctuary and remembered that God reigns. He read the last chapter of the book and remembered what … Continue reading
