Category Archives: Ezra

The Wisdom of God in Our Hand

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Pete

It’s a favorite line from Aladdin. It’s also a phrase that comes to mind, from time to time, as I read Scripture. And it comes to mind again this morning as I read in Ezra 7. Like the “genie gig”, … Continue reading →

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Stirring It Up

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Pete

So much separated them, and yet one thing connected them. He was a pagan, they were the people of God. He was a king, they were the conquered. He was a sovereign, they were survivors. He had all the earthly … Continue reading →

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Radical Repentance. Normative Repentance?

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Pete

Honestly, I’m a little surprised I’ve never jotted down any thoughts on this chapter before. That’s because I know that in the past I’ve often chewed on it after reading the chapter’s final verse. Chewing on how hard true repentance … Continue reading →

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The Wisdom of God in Our Hands

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Pete

If there’s anything the Spirit wants us to know about Ezra, it’s that he was a man of the Word, as in “God’s word”. Sure, when he’s introduced in Ezra 7 the first thing mentioned is that he was the … Continue reading →

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Building the House

Posted on July 28, 2022 by Pete

Okay, it may be an Old Testament declaration but, with a slight, two-letter modification, I think it would be fit for a New Testament t-shirt. Back story: “The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin have heard that the returned exiles are … Continue reading →

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Let’s Be Simplistic

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Pete

Not to be overly simplistic, but . . . Uh, no. Let’s be simplistic. Knowing God makes all the difference. Hovering over the opening verses of Ezra this morning. And one verse in particular has me thinking this, if every … Continue reading →

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Stir It Up

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Pete

It’s one of those verses in Scripture that, for me, spikes the awe-o-meter. But not because it’s reveals explicitly the glory of God, or describes directly the nature of His holy character, or chronicles thoroughly the mighty work of His … Continue reading →

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God’s Good Hand

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Pete

I’m not sure who said it, but as I hover over Ezra’s continuing story, I’m reminded of someone saying, “We’re all worship hogs!” But Ezra wasn’t. Though, within the heart of man, there might be the natural desire to want … Continue reading →

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First Things First

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Pete

Had a great conversation yesterday morning. Talked about Jesus’ exclusive claim that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). That, throughout God’s word, the way … Continue reading →

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God’s Good Hand

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Pete

Perspective . . . it makes all the difference. The filter through which we see life, and live life, really is what defines the “quality of life.” And, what’s got me thinking about this is a phrase that is repeated … Continue reading →

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