Uncategorized – Be Still…

Romans 10:9-10 – You Are Saved!

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

This is a pivotal verse for believers. Could salvation really be this easy? While it sounds simple on the surface, actually following through with such faith can be a difficult thing when we let messages of the world infiltrate our thinking. That’s why it’s a great addition in our toolbox of memory verses.

Context: What a gem Paul shared with the Roman church! Paul opens the chapter by declaring his heart’s desire for all the people of Israel, God’s people, to be saved. For that to happen, they need to know how easy it is, and that salvation is for everyone. This verse is tucked nicely into all sorts of wisdom on the topic of salvation. Continue reading “Romans 10:9-10 – You Are Saved!”

Leviticus 14:33-57 – Contaminated Houses

Read Leviticus 14:33-57

The priests are now recruited as housing inspectors. There certainly would be plenty to do in the land of Canaan. Interesting that God said he “may” contaminate some of the houses with mildew. Just in case, this passage instructs the Moses and Aaron what the priest’s proper conduct should be.

When Moses was given this law, the people were still living in tents. God is talking about the future here. The mold and mildew attaching itself to their current tent dwellings was discussed in an earlier chapter. Knowing houses were in their future, even potentially contaminated ones, had to give them hope that they wouldn’t be roaming around the wilderness forever. Continue reading “Leviticus 14:33-57 – Contaminated Houses”

Ezra 5:1-5 – Questioning Your Motives

Read Ezra 5:1-5

I’ve reflected on the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah before in the book of the 12 Prophets. These prophets of God spoke encouragement to those charged with rebuilding the temple of the Lord. Haggai, especially, is a hidden gem filled with all sorts of encouragement we can apply today.

We’re seeing how this rebuilding project is getting a lot of attention from the enemies of God. But God ordained this work, so I’m confident he won’t let it fail. In today’s reading, Tattenai, governor of the province Jerusalem is part of, attempts to distract the people so they question their motives. We can be thankful the people had prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to keep them grounded and devoted to God’s purpose.

Ezra 1:5-11 – When God Stirs

Read Ezra 1:5-11

Those returning from exile to rebuild the temple will not be empty-handed. God continues to stir the people into action. Cyrus, the Persian king, was certainly doing his part to help facilitate the good will called for in his proclamation from our last reading. Isn’t it something that God knew Cyrus by name before he was even born when the prophet, Isaiah, spoke of this moment in history? (See Isaiah 44:28)

God orchestrates this whole process. How does that make you feel? One minute the people are living their normal lives and the next some are packing up to move back to their homeland. When I think about seventy years, that’s a long time to get comfortable in the land of exile. Those being stirred by God in today’s reading have likely never even seen Jerusalem.