Preparing for a Journey ... 7/21/2013

fasting . prayer . Ahava . Ezra . Haggai . Zechariah . Sunday School Lesson

The Sunday School Lesson for July 21, 2013 is shared from Ezra 8:21-23 (Devotional Reading: II Chronicles 7:12-18)

Now, remember that the dates I have used in this study came from my KJV Bible, for I have no teaching/training from Theology/Seminary.

fasting (self-denial)abstain from food/entertainment or plain diet. (If an individual is on a special diet or medication, I would highly recommend consulting with your medical provider). Examples of fast proclaimed: Ezra 8:21; Joel 2:15; 8:21; Esther 4:16; I Kings 19:8 ... fasting turned into gladness: Zechariah 8:19 ... of Moses twice for 40 days: Exodus 24:18; 34:28 ...true & false fast: Matthew 6:16

prayer ... communicate/communion with God. Prayer commanded: Isaiah 55:6 ...encouragement to. Zechariah 13:9 ... God hears & answers prayers: Psalm/Tehillm 145:18 ... through Christ: Ephesians 2:18 ...

Ezra 8-10 narrates the 2nd migration from Babylon under Ezra, in the 7th year of Artaxerxes Longimanus (458-457 B.C.), includes Ezra's prayer & confession.

Haggai, the prophet was a contemporary of Zerubbabel, "the governor of Judah," with whom he returned to Jerusalem ... Chapters 2:10-19 from the 24th day of the ninth month Jehovah (God) promises to bless His people with fruitful seasons.

Ahava or Ivah, name of a canal or river, Ezra 8:15

Zechariah he prophesied in the 2nd & 4th years of Darius Hystaspes (B.C. 520 & 518) (Chapters 1:1, 7; 7:1), & was associated with the prophet Haggai *Ezra 5:1; 6:14)

Ezra 8:21 ... Sacred Seasons; Occasional Fast & Feast Days, Public Fast, Ezra's Before The Return from the Captivity ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine (Then)/Holy Land (Now); Mission of Ezra 458 B.C. Halts 3 Days at Ahava, & Keeps a Fast ... A fast proclaimed

(Ezra 8:21, 31; Judges 20:26; I Samuel 7:6; Joel 1:14 ... Reference Scriptures from Sunday School Book)


Ezra 8:22 ... Sacred Seasons; Occasional Fast & Feast Days; Public Fast, Ezra's Before the Return from the Captivity ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra, Halt 3 Days at Ahava, & Keeps a Fast ... He keepeth a fast

Ezra 8:23 ... Sacred Seasons; Occasional Fast & Feast Days; Public Fasts, Ezra's Before the Return from the Captivity ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again in Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra 458 B.C., Halts 3 Days at Ahava, & Keeps a Fast

(Zechariah 7:8-14; Ephesians 2:18)


II Chronicles 7:12-18 ... God appeareth to Solomon giveth him promises upon condition ... Verses 12,13,14: Pardon for Sins & Iniquities Promised.


Monday - July 15, 2013 - Humbly Calling on God - II Chronicles 7:12-18


Tuesday - July 16, 2013 - Beseeching God's Answer to Prayer - Psalm/Tehillim 69:9-18

David prays in affliction. Psalm of Supplication: on account of affliction. Prophetical, Typical & Historical Psalm


Wednesday - July 17, 2013 - Humble & Contrite in Spirit - Isaiah 66:1-4

God will be served in humble sincerity. Verse 2: The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered (prosperity means different things to different individuals). Verse 2: Pardon for Sins & Iniquities Promised.


Thursday - July 18, 2013 - Fasting Directed to God - Matthew 6:16-18 ... Verses 4,6: The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered


Friday - July 19, 2013 - Studying & Keeping the Law - Ezra 7:1-10

Ezra goes up to Jerusalem


Saturday - July 20, 2013 - Securing Servants for the Temple - Ezra 8:15-20l

He (Ezra) sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple service


Sunday - July 21, 2013 - Praying for God's Protection - Ezra 8:21-23 ... Verse 22: The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered ... Verse 22: Whosoever Will May Be Saved


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV The SouthWestern Co. & Strongs Strongest's Exhaustive Concordance To The Bible

Freebies: Online Bible Study Resources, Aids, Tools

Free/Freebies . Free Bible Study Aids, Tools, & Resources . Online Bible Study Tools

For those like myself who do not have any Seminary/Theology teaching/training it would be wise to study/read from Bible Study Tools. This is an awesome avenue to keep you from being deceived from false teachers and or from making a mistake in your learning and teaching.

A good source of study material could consists of: Concordances . Commentaries . Bible Dictionaries . Bible Handbooks . Language Tools . Study Bibles . Bible Maps & Charts . Archaeology Study Aids . Freebies/Free . Frugal


The Internet offers ... "free" ... online .... Bible Study Tools but choose them wisely.

Higher Praise Tools, Aids, & Resources ... http://higherpraise.com/

ehow Bible Study Tools Resources ... http://www.ehow.com/list_7224905_bible-study-tools.html

WordSearchBible Study Tools: Freebies ... https://www.wordsearchbible.com/products/free

Blue Letter Bible - http://www.blueletterbible.org

Bible Study Tools at Crosswalk - http://biblestudytools.com

Study Light - http://www.studylight.org

Bible Gateway - http://www.biblegateway.com

You could build a free reference library via of marking as 'favorites' or purchase your own paperback or ebooks from your favorite local bookstore or online.

With an economy that does not look so well to some I would suggest to become frugal when you can, but use and choose "truthful Biblical applications" for studying and researching the Scriptures. Some bookstores maybe in your local areas may even offer discounts or sales so watch out for this as well. Build a reference library.

Paul's Journey - Fierce Storm ... November, 2012

Day of Atonement . September/October . Apostle Paul . Rome . Storm . Euroclydon . Phenice . Crete . Winter . Courage . Weathering the Storm November 11, 2012 . Acts of the Apostles . Romans . Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson shared for the week of November 11, 2012 was shared from Acts 27:1-2, 33-44 (Background Scripture: Acts 27; Devotional Reading: Romans 1:13-17)


Day of Atonement (Acts 27:9) 'the fast' ... After the fast, September/October. This ceased during the winter time in mid-November, which was a dangerous time for sailing.

Phenice or Phenice or Phoenix, a port of Crete, Acts 27:12 'winter'

Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean, Acts 27:12

Euroclydon (northeast wind), Acts 27:14 'Euraquilo'

Paul, shipping toward Rome, foretelleth the danger of the voyage, etc. But is not believed. They are tossed to & fro with tempest, & suffer shipwreck, yet all come safe to land.

Thursday - November 8, 2012 - Paul's Journey to Rome Begins - Acts 27:3-12


Friday - November 9, 2012 - A Fierce Storm Dashes Hope - Acts 27:13-20


Acts 27:7-20

Verses 7-12 ... Industrial Employments & Products; Ships & Navigation; Wintering in Harbor to Avoid Storms


Verses 13,14,20 ... Industrial Employments & Products; Ships & Navigation; Storms


Verses 15,16,17 ... Industrial Employment & Products; Ships & Navigation; Maneuvres in a Storm, Undergirding & Scudding


Verses 18, 19 ... Industrial Employment & Products; Ships & Navigation; Maneuvres in a Storm, Lightening the Ship


Monday - November 5, 2012 - Called to Be an Apostle - Romans 1:1-7

Paul commendeth his calling to the Romans


Tuesday - November 6, 2012 - Encouraged by Each Other's Faith - Romans 1:8-12

Paul's desire to come to them..


Wednesday - November 7, 2012 - Eager to Proclaim the Gospel - Romans 1:13-17

What his gospel is, & the righteousness which it sheweth. Showeth that the gospel is for the justification of all men through faith.


Saturday - November 10, 2012 - Keep Up Your Courage - Acts 27:21-32


Sunday - November 1, 2012 - Brought Safety to Land - Acts 27:1-2,33-44


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible & KJV Topical Edition Bible

Ezekiel - The Watchman 'Voice of Warning' .. 9/17/2012

Trumpet . Ezekiel . Watchman . Sunday School Lesson Bible Readings . Revelation . Hebrews . II Thessalonians . Gospel of Matthew . Love

The Sunday School Lesson was shared for the week of September 23, 2012 from Hebrews 12:18-29 (Background Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-29; Devotional Reading: II Thessalonians 1:1-7)

Trumpets, their use: Numbers 10; Ezekiel 7:14; 33:3; Joel 2:1

Watchmen, their duty" Psalm/Tehillim 127:1; Song of Solomon 3:3; 5:7; Ezekiel 3:17; 33

Ezekiel 33 ... According to the duty of the watchman,in warning the people, Ezekiel is admonished of his duty. God sheweth the justice of his wings towards the penitent, and toward revolters. He maintaineth his justice. Upon the news of the taking of Jerusalem he prophesieth the desolation of the land. God's judgment upon the mockers of the prophets.

Monday - September 17, 2012 - Listening to the Voice of Warning - Ezekiel 33:1-9


Tuesday - September 18, 2012 - Listening to the Spirit - Revelation 3:1-13

What John was commanded to write to the angels of the churches of Sardis & Philadelphia


Wednesday - September 19, 2012 - Anticipating a Better Covenant - Hebrews 8:1-7

New Convenant. By the eternal priesthood of Christ the Levitical priesthood of Aaron is abolished. And the temporal covenant with the fathers, by the eternal covenant of the gospel.


Thursday - September 20, 2012 - Giving Thanks for the Faithful - II Thessalonians 1:1-7

Praise & encouragement. Of the Thessalonian's faith & love. Saint Paul (apostle Paul) certified them of the good opinion which he had of their faith, love, & patience.


Friday - September 21, 2012 - Loving with God's kind of Love - Matthew 5:43-48

To love even our enemies, & to labour after perfectness.


Saturday - September 22, 2012 - Pursuing Peace & Holiness - Hebrews 12:12-17

Exhortation to faith & godliness. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, & godliness.


Sunday - September 23, 2012 - Offering Acceptable Worship - Hebrews 12:18-29

Exhortation to faith & godliness.


September 22, 2012 - 'Steadfast Thanks'

Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, & KJV Topical Edition Bible

Investing: Gold/Silver & or God?

Invest/Investing . Ezekiel 7:19 . Ezekiel 7. Matthew 6:19-21 . Zephaniah . I Peter . Proverbs/Mishle . I Timothy . James 5:1 . Gospel of Matthew. Gospel of Luke . Gold/Silver . Treasure . Wealth/Riches . Lord/God

Wonder why I'm sharing on this area? I was invited to stay with a friend on the weekend and we talked about our Sunday School Lesson. I shared my notes with her & in the mean time I looked at some of her books and magazines and noticed some things that I begin to ponder on.

Now understand that I have no Seminary/Theological teaching/training, but read and study the Scriptures for yourselves.

Ezekiel 7 ... Israel's final desolation. Mournful repentance of those who escape. Under the type of a chain is shewed their miserable captivity. The enemies defile the sanctuary because of the Israelites' abomination.

Matthew 6:19 ... Our treasure. Where our treasure is to be laid.

Ezekiel 7:19 ... They shall cast their ... silver ... in the streets, and their ... gold ... shall be removed (for a separation, or uncleanness); their ...silver(Proverbs/Mishle 11:4/Zephaniah 1:18) and their ... gold,... shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock (Ezekiel 44:12; 14:3,4) of their iniquity.

Civil & Social Life; Social Relations & Duties; Riches, Of No Real Profit to the Wicked

Matthew 6:19-21 ... Lay (Proverbs/Mishle 23:4; I Timothy 6:17; Hebrews 13:5; James 5:1) not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth & rust doth corrupt, & where thieves break through & steal: ... But lay (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33,34; I Timothy 6:19; I Peter 1:4) up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, & where thieves do not break through nor steal: ... For where your treasure is, there will you heart be also.

Eschatology/Last Things; Heaven; Descriptions of Heaven, A Secure Abode


Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible & KJV Topical Reference Bible

Language - Aramaic

Aramaic . Daniel 2:4 . Ezra 4:8 . Jeremiah 10:11 . Chaldee . Gospel of Matthew . Gospel of Mark . I Corinthians 16:22 . Languages

Just a short introduction of the language of Aramaic below.

Language: Aramaic may be found in Daniel 2:4-4:7; Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26, & Jeremiah 10:11. These Scriptures are written in Aramaic, formerly called Chaldee. Aramaic in the New Testament may be found at the following Scriptures: Matthew 5:22; 6:24; Luke 16:9,13; Matthew 16:17; 27:46; Mark 5:41; 7:19; I Corinthians 16:22. Syria. Palestine(then)/Holy Land(Now), & Mesopotamia spoke Aramaic.

Scriptures & Reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible

Thank You To My Supporters/Networkers ... Ezra - Nehemiah - I & II Chronicles

I will be working on catching up on publishing my Sunday School Lessons 2013 where I left off from Ezra and Nehemiah. I do ask for your prayers and others as well.

I am sharing a list of Scriptures that I enjoyed learning more about from Ezra, Nehemiah, I & II Chronicles that I have bookmarked in my Bible Dictionary for personal/decisions-planning study at home. At the end of my small essay I will share them with those that would love to read and or study them on their own.

The last time I studied Ezra and Nehemiah it was ten (10) years ago in Sunday School, which was in 2003 during the months of May, June, and July.

Ezra & Nehemiah study seems to bring me to a halt for season - something that I have no control over for a season.

When the Lord assigns you a task - no one can prevent it from being completed. That does not mean that you will not encounter struggles - learn to 'Wait on the Lord,' for you could be in a holding pattern or place of new visions and or renewal.

Don't worry about the haters and or those who try to bring you harm for in the process they bring more harm on themselves (Esther 5:9-13; 7:1-10; Matthew 27:1-10).

Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-6; 4:1-3; 4:4-24; 5:3-5; 7:27-28; 8:21-23; 9:6-15; 5:6-6:12; 2:1-67; 7:11-26; & 10:12-17.

Nehemiah 2:1-8; 6:15-16; 6:17-19; 2:11-16; 4:16-23; 11:1-2 & 13:15-22.

I Chronicles 1:1-9:44 (Righteous-Godly line of Adam)1-6; 11:1-12:40; 13:1-17:27; 21:18-22:1.

II Chronicles 1:1-17; 2:1-7:22; 8:1-18; 17:1-21:1; 28:1-27; 29:1-32:33; & 33:1-20.