Category Archives: discernment

righteous and faithful

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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a swarm of lumberjacks

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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authorization

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezra 5 After a long delay, rebuilding begins and another challenge to it.  The elders were authorized, so they had no problem with asking for the king’s decree to be made known.  The prophets urged that the rebuilding proceed as … Continue reading →

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allies or adversaries?

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezra 4 The returning exiles were offered the “help” of a group of “people of the land” in their God-given and king approved task of rebuilding the temple.  They chose to turn that offer down.  These were actually adversaries seeking … Continue reading →

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they knew

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezra 3 The sound of loud rejoicing filled the city when the foundations of the new temple were laid.  Those who were there could also hear another sound, mixed in with the cries of joy.  The old timers who had … Continue reading →

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significant times

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezra 2 This tremendous event – the reoccupation of the homeland of Judah – was personally experienced by thousands who are listed here.  Every now and then we experience a day or an event that we think might be very … Continue reading →

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awesome deeds

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 65 At first, the awesome deeds of the LORD which he is being praised for seem to be the same natural wonders of psalm 19: nature declaring the glory of its designer.  But then, the psalmist paints a picture … Continue reading →

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secret strike

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 64 If you have ever been in a place where you fear some secret invasion, or an attack from some unseen enemy, you can appreciate the imagery here.  The enemy has found a place to hide and pounce when … Continue reading →

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the right choices

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

2 Chronicles 36 We have followed the chronicler as he has retold the story of the kings of Judah.  He took us through the good and the bad – mostly bad – times.  Even the best of the kings did … Continue reading →

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an unexpected mouth

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

2 Chronicles 35:20-27 We should not be surprised that the great reforming king Josiah would end his life in such an ignominious way.  His story is of one who dared to respond to the word of the LORD.  His only … Continue reading →

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