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Preparing The Heart God Can Use

The book of Ezra is often overlooked because it contains genealogies, lists of names, the manifest of temple items the Israelites took back to Jerusalem with them and descriptions of rebuilding the temple. Yet beneath those details are some remarkably practical lessons for Christians today.   Our text this morning is based on the book of Ezra, specifically chapter 7 and verse 10, where we read: " 10  For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and rules in Israel."  Ezra 7:10 This may very well be the greatest single verse in the book of Ezra. Our scripture in Ezra calls people to action. He doesn’t leave the listener or reader asking “What did Ezra do?”  Instead it leaves us asking “Am I preparing my own heart?” Ezra emphasizes respect for God's authority, spiritual renewal, and faithful obedience. Of all the themes in Ezra, one stands above the rest as especially powerful because it is timeless, practical, and d...
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Be Strong and Courageous

     The text for our lesson this morning is taken from the Old Testament book of Joshua. Specifically, chapter 1, verses 7-9. If you would turn there read with me if you will. “ 7  Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.  8  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 You could probably boil these three verses down to three simple themes: Stand – Stay – Trust. • Stand on God's commands (v. 7). • Stay i...
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Create In Me A Clean Heart

There are some chapters in the Bible that seem to speak directly to the human condition.   Some chapters comfort us when we’re hurting, or they strengthen us when we’re afraid. Some will inspire us when we are feeling low and discouraged. But Psalm 51 does something different. Psalm 51  exposes  us. The words of the Psalmist strip away our excuses and removes the self-justification we can and do often impose on ourselves. Psalm 51 forces us to confront a reality every one of us must eventually face – that is: What do we do when we have sinned against God? You see, David was not writing this psalm after a military victory or celebrating a blessing. He was not rejoicing in prosperity either. What he WAS doing was writing after one of the darkest moments of his life. The heading tells us that this psalm was written after the prophet Nathan had confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba. Most of us know the story from 2 Samuel. David saw Bathsheba. ...
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