In exploring the biblical book of Ezra, I’ve been surprised and amazed by seeing the way God works behind the scenes. Here are 5 surprising discoveries in the pages of this book: (1) God made sure Cyrus’s edict was put into writing (Ezra 1:1). That way, it could be found later in the archives at … Continue reading 5 Surprises in Ezra
Author: Janet Eriksson
Resistance or Peace?
Bible Verse “Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.” — Isaiah 48:18 NLT Reflection My Yorkie and I got into a highly emotional wrestling match today over his refusal to take his monthly … Continue reading Resistance or Peace?
Settle
Bible Verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, “And lean not on your own understanding; “In all your ways acknowledge Him, “And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV Reflection I was sitting outdoors with a friend. My Yorkie was running around in the yard with his favorite doodle buddy. The doodle … Continue reading Settle
God Is the Same
We sang a song yesterday in church, a song I haven’t heard in a while: “Pass It On.” I grew up singing that song in our youth group and at church camp. Singing it today brought me right back to those early years. Based on the comments around me, others felt the same remembrance. It … Continue reading God Is the Same
Singing across the Centuries
I can't get this song out of my head. It plays over and over in my mind. And that's a good thing. Recently, I watched the documentary, The First Hymn. I had no idea what I was in for. By the time the show was halfway over, I was already searching online for the song. … Continue reading Singing across the Centuries
Focus on God’s Calming Presence
Bible Verse "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." -- Isaiah 26:3 NKJV Reflection Recently, we had a rough day at my home. First, my dog was upset because a repair person entered his home turf. My dog is a 14-month-old Yorkie, so he … Continue reading Focus on God’s Calming Presence
What Does God’s Creation Show Us?
I was doing a lesson about God’s creation in my favorite Bible study app, Wize Peeps. They mentioned two Bible verses about how God’s creation gives us a glimpse of who God is: Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood … Continue reading What Does God’s Creation Show Us?
Praying the Bible: Straight from Scripture
One of the simplest ways to pray the Bible is to read a passage of scripture to God. Remember, prayer means talking to God. When you read to Him from the Bible, you are praying. God gave us His Word to help, guide, and transform us and to show us how much He loves us. … Continue reading Praying the Bible: Straight from Scripture
Thankful
An acrostic reflection on thankfulness Take time to sit with the Lord Hear the words of kindness He speaks to you Ask Him to fill your heart with gratitude Nest your heart in His love Know He is everything you could ever want or need Feel His goodness all around you Uplift your thankfulness to … Continue reading Thankful
God Working behind the Scenes
Have you explored the book of Ezra lately? Ezra offers encouragement of seeing how God works behind the scenes to fulfill His good plans: Ezra 1:1: God moves the heart of the Persian king, Cyrus, to send the Israelites home from exile, to fulfill the word He had already spoken to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11-12 and … Continue reading God Working behind the Scenes