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Daily Devotional
September 30, 2024
In Nehemiah 11-13, Jerusalem's population is bolstered by lot, drawing one in ten Israelites to dwell in the holy city, while leaders and priests oversee its spiritual and physical reconstruction; Nehemiah implements reforms to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath and the purity of the priesthood, ensuring Jerusalem remains faithful under renewed covenant obligations. Psalm 126 reflects the Israelites' joyous return from exile, symbolizing their hope and renewal as God restores their fortunes, turning weeping into joyous celebration.
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Today’s Reading: Read Nehemiah 11:1-4, 12:27-47; 13:1-22–; Psalm 126 Can you finish this pattern: Red, blue, red, blue, red, ________. Up, up, down, up, up,...
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GOSPEL CONVERSATION OPPORTUNITY Rebuilding what is Broken Read Isaiah 61:1-4. Think about what we read about Nehemiah this week. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to help...
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Daily Devotional
September 28, 2024
In Nehemiah 8-10, Ezra reads the Law to the people who gather attentively in Jerusalem, leading to a revival of understanding and a celebration of the Festival of Shelters not seen since the days of Joshua. In response to their renewed covenant, the Israelites confess their sins and make vows to strictly observe God’s laws, emphasizing social justice and religious obligations in their community restoration efforts.
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Today’s Reading: Read Nehemiah 8-10 Today’s a day to celebrate! Choose something fun that your family can celebrate today. It can be a birthday, a...
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Daily Devotional
September 27, 2024
In Nehemiah 5-7, Nehemiah confronts the social injustices and usury among the Jews in Jerusalem, reforming the community's economic practices and refusing the governor's allowance to alleviate the people's burdens. After completing the wall despite opposition and threats, Nehemiah organizes a genealogical registration, leading to a public reaffirmation of the law and reestablishment of communal commitments.
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Today’s Reading: Read Nehemiah 5-7 Doing the right thing is not always easy, is it? Parents, share about a time when you made the right...
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Daily Devotional
September 26, 2024
In Nehemiah 1-4, Nehemiah, a cupbearer in Susa, weeps and prays for God's help to restore the city, gaining favor from King Artaxerxes to lead the rebuild. Facing scorn and threats from local adversaries, Nehemiah mobilizes the Jewish community to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, reinforcing their work with armed guards and a deep reliance on divine support.
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Today’s Reading: Read Nehemiah 1-4 Grab some Lincoln Logs or your favorite set of blocks and work together as a family to build a walled...
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Daily Devotional
September 25, 2024
In Ezra 7-10, Ezra journeyed from Babylon to Jerusalem with a decree from King Artaxerxes to teach God’s laws. He led the community in confession and reform, enacting a difficult but necessary separation from foreign spouses to restore adherence to the Law.
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Today’s Reading: Read Ezra 7-9 Think of a place your family has gone on vacation recently. What do you remember about it? Was it hot...
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In this episode of Sermon Notes, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball delve into the themes of restoration and reformation as illustrated in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
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