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The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray for forgiveness of our sins based on how well we forgive others who sin against us. Jesus adds the exclamation point in the following verses by saying that if we do not forgive others, then God will not forgive us. This is scary stuff! We are... Read More →

Paul faced many difficulties, one of which was a shipwreck while in transport to Rome for trial. The trip had been delayed due to weather and the crew was pressing to reach a port of safe harbor for the winter. The journey was unseasonably risky and Paul had received a message... Read More →

Simon Peter was raised in the Jewish synagogue. He would have attended Jewish school, and just like all the other boys, he would have hoped and dreamed of excelling in his studies and being chosen by a rabbi to become a follower. However, he was not at the top of the class; he... Read More →

Due to its geographical location 700 feet below sea level and surrounded by mountains, the Sea of Galilee is prone to sudden and severe storms. The disciples were overcome with fear on this particular occasion while Jesus was fast asleep in their small boat. As the sea tossed and... Read More →

With the walls rebuilt and the people of Jerusalem united by their faith and community, the future is bright and filled with hope. The Israelites have recommitted themselves to God and are ready to move forward as a city and as a community of faith. There is nothing left to do... Read More →

Nehemiah came to Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s walls, which were in ruins. Although it seemed this construction project was his sole mission, in reality he also had a spiritual construction project in mind. The work on the walls was completed in just 52 days. What had seemed... Read More →

Nehemiah received his call of duty to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He presented his plan to the people of the city and they rallied for the project. The mission is in motion. However, there is no opportunity without opposition and the wait is short before the nay-sayers begin... Read More →

Nehemiah’s brokenness over the news of Jerusalem’s devastation led him to mourn and fast for “some days.” According to Scripture 4 months passed before Nehemiah asked the king for a leave of absence, travel documents and supplies. What took so long? Rather than attempting... Read More →

When Nehemiah learned that his home city of Jerusalem had been ransacked, burned, and its defenses broken down, he was overcome with grief. Though he had been away for quite some time, his heart was with his people, the Jews—the people of Israel. He was broken before God and knew... Read More →