In Esther 1-5, King Ahasuerus, after deposing Queen Vashti for her disobedience, chooses Esther as the new queen, unaware she is Jewish. Meanwhile, Esther’s cousin Mordecai discovers a plot to kill all Jews, positioning Esther uniquely to save her people.
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Today’s Reading: Read Esther 1-5 If you were the King or Queen for the day, what would you do? Take turns sharing with your family...
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In Zechariah 8-14, Zechariah conveys messages of hope and restoration, promising that Jerusalem will be a place of safety and joy, where old and young will thrive. Through a series of visions, prophecies, and symbolic actions, the prophet foretells the coming of the Messianic age, a time when all nations will seek the Lord and His people will be purified and strengthened.
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Today’s Reading: Read Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9:9-17; Zechariah 11:15-16; Zechariah 13:1-2; Zechariah 14:3-11 When you read a book, are you ever tempted to jump to...
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Zechariah 1-7: Zechariah begins with a call for repentance, reminding the people of their ancestors' disobedience and encouraging a return to the Lord for restoration and prosperity. Through a series of vivid visions and symbolic actions, the prophet conveys messages of hope, revealing plans for rebuilding the temple, restoring Jerusalem, and the coming of the Messiah.
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Today’s Reading: Read Zechariah 1-7 If someone asked you how God speaks to you, how would you answer that question? Because we have the gift...
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The prophet Haggai delivers the Lord's command to rebuild the temple, highlighting the people's negligence as they live in comfort while the temple lies in ruins. Through divine encouragement and promises of greater glory, the people, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, begin the work, signifying a renewed covenant and the hope of blessings.
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Today’s Reading: Read Haggai 1-2 Do you remember what a prophet did? Prophets had messages from God for the people. Sometimes those messages were full...
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In this episode of Sermon Notes, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball delve into the misplaced priorities of ancient Israel, discussing how the people focused on their own homes at the expense of rebuilding God's temple, paralleling contemporary tendencies to prioritize personal gain over devotion to God.
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In Ezra 4-6, as the returned exiles began rebuilding the temple, they faced opposition from local groups who falsely claimed shared religious ties, leading to halted construction by a royal decree from Artaxerxes. The project resumed under the encouragement of prophets Haggai and Zechariah and was completed by a decree from King Darius, allowing the Jewish community to celebrate with joy and thanksgiving.
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Today’s Reading: Read Ezra 4-6 Sometimes we may think that just because God called us to do something, it is going to be easy! We...
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In Ezra 1-3 and 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, King Cyrus of Persia, moved by the Lord, decrees the rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple, encouraging exiles to return and contribute to the project. As the community reunites in Jerusalem, they lay the foundation amidst mixed emotions of joy and sorrow, marking a poignant moment of renewal and remembrance.
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