Category Archives: encouragement

joy through understanding

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

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 →

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surprise!

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezra 6 King Darius of the Medo-Persian empire now issues an even stronger edict to ensure that the remnant of Israel is helped and the temple is reconstructed.  They celebrated because “the LORD had made them joyful and had turned … 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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something magnificent

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

2 Chronicles 4 Reading these descriptions of the temple is like watching the special features of an epic movie.  You can’t really appreciate the “how we made it” if you did not see the movie itself.  The readers who first … Continue reading →

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staying connected

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

1 Chronicles 16:4-43 The worship that David had organized for the movement of the ark now becomes a regular daily tradition.  The ark is now in Jerusalem, where David lives.  The tabernacle with the altar for sacrifice is still in … Continue reading →

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revival

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

1 Samuel 7:3-17 Notice the three elements of this period of revival and peace in Israel: A man – Samuel, the circuit riding judge.  He stood for the LORD, and helped his people stay close to him. A movement – … Continue reading →

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missions and second chances

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 8 Once more the LORD challenges Joshua to take Ai. He commands him not to fear, and ensures him that he has given the city into Joshua’s hand.  In the process of following God’s call, we are going to … Continue reading →

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missions and memory

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 4 The stones set up at Gilgal were to be a reminder for those who experienced the miracle of crossing the Jordon, and a teaching tool for the next generation.  Our memory of the ways the LORD has intervened … Continue reading →

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in retrospect: leaving a legacy

Posted on July 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Deuteronomy 32:48-33:29 Moses blesses the tribes just before he climbs Mount Nebo.  He has an appointment. All of us do (Hebrews 9:27).  In the end, Moses showed fatherly love to the nation and blessed them.  His fight was over. It … Continue reading →

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a victorious walk

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Numbers 31 Moses had already known for some time that he would not accompany his people to the promised land.  He had sinned, and there would be consequences.  Nevertheless, God gave him one final victory to show that he was … Continue reading →

Posted in confidence, courage, dependence upon God, encouragement, grace, mercy | Tagged | 1 Comment