Devotionals
Seek God, Not The Wall
In the book of Ezra, the Israelites returned from exile with a daunting task ahead of them—rebuilding the temple and eventually the protective wall around Jerusalem. Here we see that the construction of the temple is allowed and completed, but the wall around the city is delayed. Why was the temple prioritized over the wall,... Read More →
The Illusion of Human Power
Esther 1:10-22 offers us a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of power and authority. Xerxes, the king, is used to absolute control over his empire and, apparently, over his household as well. His command for Queen Vashti to appear before his banquet guests as a display of her beauty is not simply a request but... Read More →
The All-Knowing God
In Daniel 10-12, we see an astonishing display of God’s foreknowledge through the angel’s revelation of events that would unfold in Israel’s future. The prophecy is so detailed and accurate that many scholars have marveled at how perfectly it aligns with historical events. Some have even questioned whether it could have been written before the... Read More →
Not All Help Is Good Help: How to Protect Your Purpose
In today’s reading, the Israelites return from exile with a clear mission: to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This was more than just a construction project; it was about restoring their spiritual connection with God. Yet, in the midst of their work, they faced a dilemma. When neighboring groups offered to help, the Israelites made... Read More →