Sunday - God's Covenant with Abram - Genesis 15:1-6,17-21 - 10/1/17

Background Scripture Nehemiah 9 and 10.

Ezra leads the people in confession. The people agree to obey.


Why would Abram be afraid? Perhaps he feared revenge from the kings he had just defeated. God gave him two good reasons for courage: (1) he promised to defend Abram ("I am thy shield"), and (2) he promised to be Abram's "exceeding great reward." When you fear what lies ahead, remember that God will stay with you through difficult times and that he has promised you great blessings.

According to custom, if Abram were to die without a son, his eldest servant would become his heir. Although Abram loved his servant, he wanted a son to carry on the family line.

Abram wanted promised wealth or fame, he already had that. God promised descendants like the stars and the grains of sand by the sea, too numerous to count. To appreciate the vast number of stars scattered through the sky, you need to be, like Abram, away from any interfering lights or buildings. Or pick up a handful of sand and try to count the grains - it can not be done! God's blessings are beyond our imaginations!

Although Abram had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was believing in the Lord, not actions, that made Abram right with God. We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him with our lives. Our outward actions - church attendance, prayer, good deeds - will not by themselves make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith - the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Right actions follow naturally as a by - product.

Why did God send this strange vision to Abram? God's covenant with Abram was serious business. It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibilities for Abram. To confirm his promise, God gave Abram a sign - the smoking furnace and burning lamp. God took the initiative, gave the confirmation and followed through on his promises. The sign to Abram was a visible assurance to him that the covenant with God had made was real.

Reference summary used from The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL

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

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.

Finding Joy in Restoration ... 7/7/2013 Sunday School Lesson

Levites . Shealtiel . Jozadak . Kadmiel . Henadad . Praise . Lord . King David . Israel . Wept/Mourning . Joy . Ezra . Psalm/Tehillim . Sunday School Lesson


The Sunday School Lesson for July 7, 2013 is coming from Ezra 3:8-13 (Devotional Reading from Psalm/Tehillim 66:1-12).

For history on Ezra 1-6 visit my blog for the week of June 24-28, 2013.


Starting with Ezra 3:8 ... The foundations of the temple are laid in great joy and mourning. The foundation of the temple is laid.


Levites ... charged with the temple service (I Chronicles 23:24) ... Their service (Exodus 38:212) ... Duty towards (Deuteronomy 12:10) ... descendants of Levi (Exodus 32:26) ... appointed over the Tabernacle (Numbers 1:50)


Shealtiel (I have asked of God) Greek form 'Salathiel,' (Ezra 3:2)

Jozadak (Jehozadak) Ezra 3:2 ... Jehozadak (Jehovah is righteous) I Chronicles 6:15

Kadmiel (before God) Ezra 2:40; Nehemiah 9:4

Henadad (favor of Hadad) Ezra 3:9 ... Hadad, name of a Syrian god, an Edomite (I Kings 11:14)


Ezra 3:8-9 ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again in Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); The Foundations Laid .... Sacred Places; Zerubbabel's Temple; The Building Is Begun

(Erza 2:68-69; Ezra 3; Ezra 3:1,8; I Kings 5:1-10,18; II Chronicles 2:1-16; I Kings 6:1; Ezra 6:3-4; Numbers 1:50-51; Numbers 3:21-37; Ezra 2:40; I Corinthians 14:40 .... Reference in Sunday School Book)


Ezra 3:10-11 ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); The Foundations Laid

Verse 10 ... Sacred Persons; Zerubbabel's Temple; The Building Is Begun

Verse 11 ... Sacred Places; Zerubbabel's Temple; Mingled Joy & Weeping (Ezra 3:11-13)

(I Chronicles 6:31; 25:1; Psalm/Tehillim 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:29; 136:1; 136:1-4; II Chronicles 5:12-14)


Ezra 3:12-13 ... Sacred Places; Zerubbabel's Temple; Mingled Joy & Weeping; ....The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); The Foundations Laid; The Outward Man; The Body In Old Age; Instances of Longevity





Psalm/Tehillim 66:1-12 ... An exhortation to praise God in view of his great works, and gracious benefits .... David exhorteth to praise God, to observe his great works .... David exhorteth to praise God, to observe his great works, to bless him for his gracious benefits & He voweth for himself religious service to God.

Psalm/Tehillim 66 ... Psalms of Gratitude: For mercies shown to the Church ... Psalms of Adoration: Of God's goodness & mercy

Psalm/Tehillim 66:8,9 ... The Lord's Love & Care for His Children


Monday - July 1, 2013 - A Great & Wonderful House - II Chronicles 2:1-9

Solomon's labourers for the building of the temple. His message to Huran for workmen & timber...


Tuesday - July 2, 2013 - Building a House for God's Name - I Kings 8:14-21

Solomon's blessing & declaration


Wednesday - July 3, 2013 - My Name Shall Be There - I Kings 8:22-30

Solomon's prayer


Thursday - July 4, 2013 - A House of Prayer - Matthew 21:10-16

Christ rideth into Jerusalem upon a 'Probably Asinus hemippus' (I used this word from the KJV Bible so it would not seem like ugly content); Driveth the buyers & sellers out of the temple ... Christ's public entry into Jerusalem; He driveth the traders out of the temple.


Friday - July 5, 2013 - Make a Joyful Noise To God - Psalm/Tehillim 66:1-12


Saturday - July 6, 2013 - Lead Me in Your Righteousness - Psalm/Tehillim 5

Psalm/Tehillim 5 ... Psalms of Supplication: Expressing trust in God ... Didactic Psalms: Showing the blessings of God's people & misery of his enemies.

Didactic (Instruct)


Sunday - July 7, 2013 - Ezra 3:8-13


Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Topical Reference Edition Bible, KJV Bible(The SouthWestern Co.), The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible & Readers's Digest Oxford Complete WordFinder

Books of Ezra & Nehemiah ... 6/30/1203 - 7/25/2013 .. Sunday School Lessons

Ezra 3,6,8, Nehemiah 8,9,12,13, Sunday School Lesson, Jews, Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, Joshua, high priest, Cyrus, Temple, Darius, Joshua, Babylon, Ezra's prayer,Confession, Religion, restoration, Law, Feast of Tabernacle, Levites, Covenant, Jerusalem, dedication,abuses

My Sunday School Lesson is coming from the Books of Ezra & Nehemiah starting June 30,2013 - August 25, 2013.

These books were regarded in ancient times as one.

They may be divided into four parts: 1. Ezra 1-6 describes the first return of the Jews under Sheshbazzar or Zerubbabel and Joshua, the high priest, in the first year of Cyrus (536 B.C.), and the rebuilding of the temple (516 B.C.)... 2. Ezra 7-10 narrates the second migration from Babylon under Ezra, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimaus (458-457 B.C.), and includes Ezra's prayer and confession.

Nehemiah 8-13 describes the combined efforts of Ezra & Nehemiah to effect the restoration of religion,including the solemn reading of the Law, the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, the confession of the Levites, a list of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and other cities, the dedication of the walls, and the removal of certain abuses.


Sunday - June 30, 2013 - Celebrating What Is Meaningful - Ezra 3:1-7

Commencement Of The Rebuilding Of The Temple (Ezra 3:1-4:24)



Sunday - July 7, 2013 - Finding Joy in Restoration - Ezra 3:8-13



Sunday - July 14, 2013 - Celebrating with Joy - Ezra 6:13-22

Completion Of The Rebuilding Of The Temple (Ezra 5:1-6:2)


Sunday - July 21, 2013 - Preparing for a Journey - Ezra 8:21-23

Return of More Jewish Exiles Under Ezra (Ezra 7:1-8:36)


July 28, 2013 - Generous Gifts - Ezra 8:24-30





Sunday - August 4, 2013 - Great Rejoicing - Nehemiah 8:13-18

The Reading & Exposition Of The Law (Nehemiah 7:73b-8:18)


August 11, 2013 - Admitting Shortcomings - Nehemiah 9:2,6-7, 9-10, 30-36

The Renewal Of The Covenant (Nehemiah 9:1-1039)


August 18, 2013 - Taking Pride in Accomplishment - Nehemiah 12:27-36;38,43

The Dedication Of Jerusalem's Walls (Nehemiah 12:27-43)


August 25, 2013 - Getting It Right - Nehemiah 13:15-22

Nehemiah's Second Period of Administration (Nehemiah 13:1-31)


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