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The scope of our spiritual endeavor equals the scope and intensity of the enemy’s strategies and attack; the greater the scope, the greater the intensity. In the previous chapter we saw where Nehemiah and Judah had a sinister strategy employed against them; yet they successfully resisted by continuing the work. In this chapter we observe…

There are two repeated phrases in this chapter, which provide a strategy that continues to be a source of encouragement and strategy against the enemy. Those two phrases are “next to” and “after him”. When you study the origins these phrases, you’ll discover the first one means whatever resources you may have are available to…

Nehemiah was one of four cupbearers for the king with each serving on a quarterly basis. During this quarter of serving for Nehemiah, he had just received word of the condition of the wall around Jerusalem; which caused him to appear very despondent; to the degree Artaxerxes noticed it. It’s interesting that Artaxerxes knew Nehemiah…

Nehemiah gives us the account of reconstruction and rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. He likely over heard some people speaking Hebrew, referring to Jerusalem’s status; which prompted him to question as to what was the status there. The response was less than favorable as this “cupbearer” who must have been from a family of…

The final chapter of Ezra, the scribe, we discover a couple of interesting observations; one of which is very encouraging to every saint of God who has dropped the ball so to speak. We also read the status of a very sobering thought concerning keeping the commandments of the Lord. Many ancient writers join Ezra…

Upon Ezra’s return, leaders gave a report that not only the people, but also the “priests and the Levites” had been sucked into the idolatry of the nations that had defeated them. We once again see the primary strategy by the enemy as to “why” he desired this, was “that the holy seed” would be…

Ezra was a man of faith, which was evident by requesting to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. He could have asked for a military guard to protect them as they traveled; but felt it would a bit hypocritical of him to do so. The main concern he had was the gold, silver, utensils…

Ezra’s pedigree is listed initially in this chapter; in part to authenticate he was in fact of the Aaronic priesthood line. We also read Ezra was a “skilled scribe in the Law of Moses”. This refers to his ability to comprehend and give himself to learning the Word as well as sharing the Word. He…

This chapter illustrates what can happen when civil government works alongside of the righteous people. It is a personal prayer of mine over a number years and several presidential administrations that happen in the U.S.; or at the very least be encouraging to this segment of the population. King Darius responded to Governor Tattenai’s letter…

One benefit of prophecy is that of encouragement to do the seemingly impossible for God. Prophecy gets our eye off our natural circumstances and positions the ear to hear what the Spirit is saying and encouragement for the heart as well as motivation physically to do the improbable. So it was with Haggai and Zechariah’s…