Ezra and his team helped the people to see that the word of God was cause for great joy, not sorrow. Because of their faithfulness, the people were able to begin walking forward in God, with joy in their hearts and standing on God's truth. ======================...

If the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide the process, then God is able to bring unity to the whole even through confrontation.=========================== Scripture Nehemiah 5:6-8"I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with...

I can't fulfill the mission by sacrificing my primary objective--my family. =================== ScriptureNehemiah 4:14"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the...

Esther built a foundation of unity, mutual accountability, and clear expectations from which to step boldly forward into the mission that God had given her.================== ScriptureEsther 4:16-17"Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my...

The work of Calvary is finished and complete--but I need God's presence in my life today.================== ScripturePsalm 138:8"The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands." ObservationDavid was a servant...

Jesus had a mission to accomplish, and that was his first and only priority. He lived with purpose, instead of living in reaction mode.==================== ScriptureLuke 13:31-32"At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod...

God is love. Not just in ethereal or theoretical ways--God cares about people who are messed up and hurting...and he wants his people to care for those around them who are hurting. ===================== Scripture Zechariah 7:9-10,13 "This is what the Lord Almighty...

His blessing is not something that he pours out on some and withholds from others--rather, his blessing is accessible to those who make the decision to receive it. ===================== ScriptureLuke 11:27-28"As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her...

When my heart is aligned with His, I can rest peacefully--because I understand that the load rests on His shoulders...not my own. ================= ScripturePsalm 127:1-2"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the...

Jesus Christ has not only authority, but also power. He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. He holds all power and all authority, and there is nothing that can stand against him!================ ScriptureLuke 4:35-3635 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be...

Godly character isn't defined by the one or two large and highly visible moments, but rather by the small, daily, consistent, seemingly insignificant decisions.======================== ScriptureDaniel 6:4-5"At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find...

As I share the good news about the Savior, I must do my part to exercise wisdom in how and when to share the message. I must look for moments when hearts are ready to hear the news, so that lives would be transformed. ============================ ScriptureLuke...

God's greatness cannot be contained or ignored! ===================== ScripturePsalm 145:10-12"All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty...

One glimpse of the identity and power of Jesus Christ changes everything============================ ScriptureRevelation 19:11-13"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and...

The watchman was not responsible for the people's decision in responding to his warning cry, but he was responsible to sound the alarm. ================= ScriptureEzekiel 33:5-65 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon...

Instead of fighting an outcome they couldn't control, the Hebrew men instead stood on the 'right' decision they had made, and trusted God with the outcome. ====================== Scripture Daniel 3:16-18 "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, "King...

Peace always has a price--but true and lasting peace cannot be obtained without first submitting to the Prince of Peace. ======================== Scripture Jeremiah 44:15-16 "Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all...

I need people in my life who care enough about me to speak up when something has escaped my attention--or to warn me about danger that I've not yet noticed. ====================== ScriptureJeremiah 40:15-16"Then Johanon son of Kareah said privately to Gedaliah in...