What I Learned from Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds (1200+ to be exact) of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?


So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings reading whenever I can! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me. I am currently several days behind schedule, but, gradually, I am catching up.  I am learning so much and can't wait to get to Psalms and Proverbs.
So, here are my thoughts from the Books of  Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther:

Ezra 9:34 After hearing about the sins commited by the people of Israel, Ezra sat there appalled. If only more of us who be appalled at the sins being committed today in our world rather than ignoring it or placating others, what a different world it would be.

Nehemiah 4:16-18 I thought it was interesting how half of them worked on the wall and the other half stood guard.  They all united to help one another.  Some even did their work with one hand and a sword in the other.  It is important for all Christians to come together to do God's work and when we face adversity, we may need others to back us up.

Nehemiah 6:16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 9:5-6 Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandom them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.

Esther
I just loved reading the Book of Esther.  Esther was so courageous and had such a strong faith in God to step out and right the wrongs.  Most of us would not have been that determined and strong. I was also remembering the VeggieTale's version of Esther while reading it.  Our kids loved the movie ESTHER, and reading this made me want to watch it again.  What an awesome lesson she gives to all of us.

Now on to the Book of Job.......................