Ezra 5:14-17

Our Lord God reigns over heaven and earth.

He will accomplish His will  for us…in His timing!

Forget the easy way, the best way. Forget God’s way. Too much stubbornness, too much independence, too much self-reliance. All I needed to do was apologize, but I had to argue. All I needed to do was listen, but I had to open my big mouth. All I needed to do was be patient, but I had to take control. All I had to do was give it to God, but I tried to fix it myself.

Scripture says, “Do it God’s way.” Experience says, “Do it God’s way.” And every so often, we do. Max Lucado

Ezra 5:14-17

14 Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple that was in Jerusalem and carried into the temple of Babylon—those King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon, and they were given to one named Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor. 15 And he said to him, ‘Take these articles; go, carry them to the temple site that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its former site.’ 16 Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; but from that time even until now it has been under construction, and it is not finished.”

17 Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us his pleasure concerning this matter. The New King James Version

This term for “governor” may refer to the governor of a province or administrative district or to a royal commissioner. Faithlife Study Bible

This portion of Tattenai’s letter to King Cyrus describes the events that led to the official Persian decree to rebuild the temple. Sheshbazzar may have been the Persian name for Zerubbabel. Alternatively he may have been the Jewish prince who was first appointed to lead the temple rebuilding efforts, but who did not survive and was replaced by Zerubbabel. 

Apparently the king’s treasure house contained the official records as well as the treasury. Tattenai’s request to find the original decree issued by King Cyrus delayed the rebuilding. The trip from Jerusalem to Babylon took eight months. The search for official documents also took time. The entire process could have taken as long as a year. The NKJV Study Bible

Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in God’s service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the wrath of God. All our sufferings spring from thence, and all our comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a habitation of God through the Spirit. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Ezra 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,

Ezra 6:1 Then King Darius issued a decree, and a search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.

Ezra 6:2 And at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found, and in it a record was written thus:

Philippians 4:8-9

Enjoy the good, pray always, and know that He cares for you!

It is God’s good pleasure that you enjoy the world that He  has created for you. Remember to thank Him.

He loves us so!

What does God require of us? 

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good; 

And what does the Lord require of you 

But to do justly, 

To love mercy, 

And to walk humbly with your God?

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

God's desire is for all to be saved; to use the gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit; and to live with expectancy, looking for the blessed return of our Lord. When we live informed of the Truth, we live in tune with the giver of Truth ... and that is truly a gift. First5

A reporter interviewing a 104-year-old woman asked: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?"
She simply replied, "No peer pressure."
She nailed that one.
And it reminded me that worry and urgency are the peer pressures of my world.
If none of this helps, you can always make a list. Item one on the list: Today, I want to lose the list. SabbathMoments 

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. The New King James Version

The  term “noble” describes that which is of honorable character. “Pure” is closely associated with the Greek word for holy and thus means “sacred” or “immaculate.” 

Paul commands the Philippians “to deliberate,” “to evaluate,” “to compute over and over” what is good and pure. In this way, Christians can renew their minds so that they will not conform to the evil habits of this world.

The  verb “learned” conveys not only the concept of “increasing in intellectual knowledge” but also the idea of “learning by habitual practice.” In some areas of their Christian development the Philippians had been excellent disciples of Paul, practicing what he had taught. The NKJV Study Bible

Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were as to outward things, and how composedly they suffered loss and hardships. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Mark 4:28-29

When the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled then the Kingdom of God will reign!

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” Saint Francis de Sales

Our Jewish brothers and sisters use a prayer beginning, Barukh Adonai, Blessing God, or seeing God in all things, in all places. It is a way of slowing down.

Or, wherever you are, just sit still. Breathe in. Breathe out. Sabbath Moments 

Mark 4:28-29

28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” The New King James Version

Jesus has already associated the kingdom with seed that grows in Mark 4:20, and He repeats that motif here.

Mustard seeds are around 1/10th of an inch in diameter.  Mature mustard plants can grow to 10 feet in height. Faithlife Study Bible

Plants develop in a complex, intricate process that humans still do not fully understand even two thousand years after Jesus spoke these words. Yet plants grow and bear fruit and seeds just the same. God’s kingdom likewise is growing, although we do not understand all that is happening. This parable, which appears only in Mark’s Gospel, presents God’s kingdom in brief, from first sowing to final reaping. The NKJV Study Bible

This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Parables: [More than Stories] Although Jesus lived among a story-telling people, His approach to instruction was still unusual. His stories were memorable, but they were not transparent. People heard them but did not necessarily understand them. They are clearer to us because of the apostle Paul’s writings, but few of the first hearers of the parables understood them. Even though “with many such parables He spoke the word”, at one point the disciples asked in frustration, “Why do You speak to [the people] in parables?”. 

The disciples did not grasp the stories any better than the rest of the crowd. Jesus’ answer to the disciples reveals much about the purpose of His teaching. He quoted Isaiah 6:9, 10 to demonstrate that those with physical sight and hearing may still not be able to perceive the truths presented to them. For Isaiah, the “dullness” or hardness of the human heart directly affects spiritual insight and understanding. People need to soften their hearts, humble themselves before God, and honestly seek the truth in order to find it. 

Jesus’ stories are like wrapped gifts. The packaging of the story can either distract or captivate. But unless the package is opened, the gift itself remains unseen. Likewise unless one seeks the core of the parable—its truth and application—the lessons will remain hidden. Yet when discovered, these lessons prove extremely valuable. The testimony of millions of changed lives over two thousand years attests to this fact. When unwrapped, Jesus’ stories include powerful multiple applications. 

When Jesus taught in Jerusalem during His last week, His parables focused on the acceptance or rejection of Him. This time even the priests and the Pharisees “perceived that He was speaking of them”. They were stung by Jesus’ parables, and they despised Him and His message. But they were unwilling to give up their pride, learn at Jesus’ feet, and seek the forgiveness they so desperately needed. They sensed they would not appreciate what they found if they unwrapped the parables, so they refused to seek the truth any further. In doing this, they perfectly conformed to Isaiah’s description of a people with dull hearts, hardness of hearing, and closed eyes. These religious leaders who should have been leading the people into the truth were the very ones who were the most blind to it. The NKJV Study Bible.

Acts 9:1-6

Even in our zeal for God we can be wrong…dead wrong!

Everything must be judged by Scripture. God’s ways are beyond human understanding. They must be discerned by Holy Spirit, our teacher, our guide.

Jesus, and in the salvation gift of Holy Spirit, is the only One who can change a person into the Father’s will for their life. A life that would honor His name.

Those who are forgiven much, love much!

Jesus' redemptive work on the cross is the only way to bring the healing both men and women desperately need. When we turn our eyes toward Him, He can heal our divisions and bring peace and unity. First5

Acts 9:1-6

9 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The New King James Version

Saul may not have been the actual executioner, but his arrests led to the imprisonment and deaths of many in the Church. 

Damascus was a city in modern-day Syria, northeast of Jerusalem. It was an important commercial center and a key stop along the trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia. 

The way was an early name for the community of those who confessed Jesus as Messiah.

Light suddenly and overwhelmingly enveloped Saul. This experience of Jesus’ glory is so overwhelming that it forces Saul to the ground. Jesus’ repetition of Saul’s name may suggest a sense of urgency or of compassion. A repetition of a name occurs at several key points in the old testament when God directly calls someone to a special office or role. Jesus both confronts Saul’s sin and commissions him for apostolic ministry. 

In persecuting the Church, Saul persecutes Jesus Himself. 

Saul is here being called by Yahweh to rescue a people (in Saul’s case, the Gentiles). Faithlife Study Bible

Saul was still restless in his zeal to defend his Jewish faith from the new, supposedly dangerous Jewish messianic sect. 

Christians were originally referred to as “disciples” and “belonging to the Way.” Jesus Himself had used both of these titles. Disciple means a follower, an imitator, one who has a master.

The letters were documents authorizing Saul to arrest Christians in Damascus, 140 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Rome permitted the Jewish Sanhedrin to control Jewish affairs. At this time the new church was a Jewish affair. The early Jewish believers in Jesus were still attending the synagogues. The synagogues in Damascus had to cooperate with anyone who had the authorization that Saul possessed. Saul planned to take the followers of Jesus who had escaped to Damascus back to Jerusalem to stand trial before the Sanhedrin, and probably to face a death sentence. 

A light shone that was brighter than the sun and continued to shine around Saul. The light was so intense and penetrating that Saul fell to the ground, as did everyone who was with him. In persecuting the church, Saul was persecuting the body of Christ whose individual members are in Christ. 

The arguments of Stephen in his final speech, the spread of the gospel, and the extraordinary response of believers to the gospel were like goads to Saul, but Saul in his fury continued to resist such promptings from the Holy Spirit. 

The men with Saul stood speechless, hearing the voice but not seeing the individual speaking. Paul indicates that those with him saw the light but did not understand the voice, even though they heard the sound of it. 

Ironically while Saul was blind, he would see his own spiritual blindness. The NKJV Study Bible

So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to breathe in this as in his element. Let us not despair of renewing grace for the conversion of the greatest sinners, nor let such despair of the pardoning mercy of God for the greatest sin. It is a signal token of Divine favour, if God, by the inward working of his grace, or the outward events of his providence, stops us from prosecuting or executing sinful purposes. Saul saw that Just One. How near to us is the unseen world! It is but for God to draw aside the veil, and objects are presented to the view, compared with which, whatever is most admired on earth is mean and contemptible. Saul submitted without reserve, desirous to know what the Lord Jesus would have him to do. Christ’s discoveries of himself to poor souls are humbling; they lay them very low, in mean thoughts of themselves. For three days Saul took no food, and it pleased God to leave him for that time without relief. His sins were now set in order before him; he was in the dark concerning his own spiritual state, and wounded in spirit for sin. When a sinner is brought to a proper sense of his own state and conduct, he will cast himself wholly on the mercy of the Saviour, asking what he would have him to do. God will direct the humbled sinner, and though he does not often bring transgressors to joy and peace in believing, without sorrows and distress of conscience, under which the soul is deeply engaged as to eternal things, yet happy are those who sow in tears, for they shall reap in joy. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

Acts 9:16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Acts 9:21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

Acts 22:4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,

1 Corinthians 15:8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

Luke 8:48-50

Don’t allow the world to influence your faith. 

Our faith in the salvation of Jesus Christ and in His ability through Holy Spirt to heal our wounds seems foolishness to those who do not believe. We need to trust Him to do what we cannot. 

In the measure that we trust in God, is the measure that we can receive, from the fullness of life given in salvation. 

Place your burdens in God’s hands because He cares for you!

God is saying, “Set that stuff down. You are carrying burdens you don’t need to bear.” Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all of you who’re weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Yes, I need to learn to travel light. Max Lucado

Luke 8:48-50

48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” The New King James Version

This is the second person raised from the dead by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. Faithlife Study Bible

This miracle highlights not only the authority of Jesus, but also the response of faith that God honors. The NKJV Study Bible

Observe Christ’s comfortable words to Jairus, Fear not, believe only, and thy daughter shall be made whole. No less hard was it not to grieve for the loss of an only child, than not to fear the continuance of that grief. But in perfect faith there is no fear; the more we fear, the less we believe. The hand of Christ’s grace goes with the calls of his word, to make them effectual. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

Mark 5:34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Luke 7:50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”