“Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king.
He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:8-10).
Though Ezra is not one of the more widely known figures in the Bible, he played a vital role in the spiritual health of the Jewish people. He spent his life as a priest, serving the Israelites during their exile in Babylon and as they returned to Jerusalem. And his religious leadership helped generate a revival among the Jews as they resettled.
5 Prayers to Help Us Process the Events at the Capitol
Heather Adams 8 Jan
This past Wednesday, thousands of people gathered at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington D.C. Their stated purpose was to hold a peaceful protest and march in support of the President. As we all now know, however, things turned ugly and deadly when a mob later stormed the Capitol building.
I was keeping tabs on it that morning, as well as the electoral college certification going on in the Chamber. And, like everyone, I was shocked and saddened by what I saw play out during the afternoon. It was an assault on our democratic process, and an attack on our values as a nation.
14 Dec
Christmas is meant to be, first and foremost, a celebration of our Savior’s birth. So amid the busyness, we as believers need to take time to savor the amazing gift God gave us all those ages ago. The Nativity story in Luke 1-2 details the beginning of Jesus’ life here on Earth as Immanuel, or “God with us.”
The images in this story evoke a sense of wonder and awe in so many hearts. In fact, many music composers have been inspired to base chants, songs and carols on these verses. One such hymn is called “The Gloria” or “Glory to God.” It is sung in the Catholic Church, as well as other denominations, especially during Advent and Lent.