Ezra Chapter 2

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Read Proverbs Chapter 28

Ezra 2

1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.

The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.

11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.

12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.

13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.

15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.

16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.

19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.

20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.

21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.

22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.

25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.

27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.

29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.

31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.

34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.

36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,

45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,

46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,

47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,

48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,

49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,

51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,

54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

55 The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,

56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

43 thoughts on “Ezra Chapter 2

  1. Luke 16:8/
    (KJV)
    And the lord commenfed the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in thier generation wiser than the children of light.
    I pray that the generation to come will be more powerful than the one today.
    Thank you Jesus that we have some powerful warriors serving you and teaching our children all about you and how to be a warrior that you called us to be.

    • Commended…oops!
      Jesus is the way maker. And He watches over our souls thank you for revealing this to me this morning (I already knew this, but sometimes I need to be reminded.)

  2. 69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

    “They gave after their ability…” God has called us to give what we are able. IGive, IReap

  3. As I said yesterday (Babylon) the world is going to have to return to us and God everything it has taken from us. Our children every one of them, so be ready for the harvest.

    1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

  4. ILove to eat breakfast with Jesus

    WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

    And these were they which went up from Tel–melah, Tel–harsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: (Ezra 2:59 KJV)

    You have to have your fathers name (Jesus name baptism)

    Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3 KJV)

    And we are filled with His Spirit which is the Spirit of adoption.

    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6 KJV)

    If you haven’t been baptized in Jesus name and received the Holy Ghost, you can’t be counted…

  5. 62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
    Do you carry the name,the name above all names…..JESUS!
    You can take these verses however you’d like to. But as I read this, i was reminded of the scripture found in the book of John.

    Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5 KJV)

    That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:6 KJV)

    Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7 KJV)
    When the LORD SEES me, I want Him to know that I am His, and when the book is open He’ll see that my name is written in the book of LIFE!!!!!

  6. Whose your Daddy?

    Ezra 2:59
    These are those who came from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer. They weren’t able to prove their ancestry, whether they were true Israelites or not:

    Heritage is vital in the kingdom of God. These families lost their portion, inheritance, and land. The priests were pronounced unclean, and all because the wickedness of previous generations had brought judgment upon them.

    Perhaps many of their ancestors lived with great blessing, and a prominent place in society. Now they would be cast down to just a little more than slaves.

    In baptism the name of Jesus is applied to our lives. We become grafted into the vine, and are the spiritual children of Abraham. We can trace our lineage from Jesus Christ back to Adam!

    Without the name there is no claim on the inheritance. We do not receive the promises, but only benefit from being around others that do.

    God doesn’t want Fort Worth to be blessed because of blessings that splash off us and fall on them. He wants the entire city, every soul, to have his name written on them!

    Romans 8:15-17
    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

  7. 59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

    60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

    61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

    62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    These could not verify their geneology. They had no evidence of where they came from.

    It’s a very sad day when the people of God can not verify they are of God because there is no evidence following them.

    Matthew 7:16

    You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles

    John 13:35

    By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

    It is important that our lives on earth show that we are His children. If we can not convience others with our day to day lives, are we really convincing God that we love Him and want to make heaven our home?

  8. 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

    69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

    Here we find a remanant of people that are Kingdom minded. They gave of their ability (Time, Talent, Treasure) to the work of the Lord to rebuild the Temple.

    When people return to God’s commands and His ways, they become sensitive to His Spirit, His Kingdom will prosper because they will give of their ability willingly.

    Lord, help us not to have to go through an experience that we have to “return” from in order to give of our time, talent and treasure to You, but let us give it freely and appreciate our relationship with You that we currently experience. Take us deeper, grow us, stretch us so that we become what You desire and walk in Your ways, that Your Kingdom prospers and grows.

  9. Numbers do matter

    Thank God for our attendance personnel. I have heard it said many times, oh those are just number; why are you so focused on numbers is that all you are to the church is a number? I don’t believe that for a minute. I do however; believe in being accountable for resources God has entrusted to us.

    As I said before, thank God for our attendance personnel. The one who works on Sunday morning…that’s a good woman!!

  10. VERIFY YOUR NAME IN THE REGISTRY

    62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    Genealogy—The Jews were generally very exact in their genealogies from their own choice and interest, that they might preserve the distinctions of the several tribes and families, which was necessary both to make out their titles to offices or inheritances, and to govern themselves thereby in the matter of marriages, and from the special providence of God, that so it might be certainly known of what tribe and family the Messiah was born.

    Genealogy has to do with inheritance; which in the generation at hand was a very unique and special appointment from Israel. Here the return to rightful worship was of utmost importance and the registry was the only way to secure the priesthood and the authenticity of it. Much like today; if we desire to claim an inheritance, we must first prove our relation by a birth certificate.

    These false unqualified priests were subject to accountability and were subject to the consequences; being put out of the opportunity to operate in the priesthood.

    There are 2 Kingdom principals I want to share here.

    1. The expectation and accountability of the priesthood was obviously higher than that of the others. As Ministers of the Gospel and representatives of the Kingdom of GOD we should be prepared to give an account of our RELATIONSHIP to JESUS!

    2. The register does not lie. The register was the record of linage or birthright of the priesthood. I liken it unto:

    Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

    How do we get our name in the register?

    John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

    And because we are under the New Covenant a chosen Priesthood:

    1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

    The times are urgent and Jesus demands that we MUST be Born Again to ensure our name is in THE LAMBS BOOK OF LIFE (on the register)

    The examination administered was to judge them by:

    63 … till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

    Urim and Thummim “light and perfection,”

    Articles not specifically described, placed in the high priest’s breastplate, called the “breast-plate of decision” (EV, “judgment”). (Ex 28:30; Lev 8:8). Their possession was one of the greatest distinctions conferred upon the priestly family (Dt 33:8; Ecclus 45:10), and seems to have been connected with the function of the priests as the mouthpiece of Jehovah, as well as with the ceremonial side of the service

    We also will be judged by the same:

    Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

    iPray
    iWork
    iGive
    iReap

    iPreach this SOON!

  11. 68 When they arrived at the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the family leaders made voluntary offerings toward the rebuilding of God’s Temple on its original site, 69 and each leader gave as much as he could. The total of their gifts came to 61,000 gold coins,[e] 6,250 pounds[f] of silver, and 100 robes for the priests.

    The unity of God’s people coming togethor. All in agreement to rebuild the temple. The people of God were all blessed financially. God bless your people of POFW, and let us rebuild our temple, real BIG!

  12. As the temple reconstruction progressed, everyone contributed freewill offerings according to his or her ability. Some were about to give huge gifts and did so generously. Everyone’s effort and cooperation were required, and the people gave as much as they could. The Bible emphazies that we should give from the heart all that we are able. Let the amount of our gift be decided by God’s call to give generously.

  13. v69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drama of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

    The LORD is faithful as promised and will not overlook the sacrifice of those who give their all to HIS cause. Remember HE took notice of the widow’s mite and the five loaves and two fishes.
    GOD appreciates everyone that freely gives after their ability and faithfulness . HE bottles all of our treasure, time, and talent.
    GOD knows what we are giving into HIS KINGDOM faithfully nothing is ever wasted, every talent, treasure, or time we give, it’s the best time ever spend, at JESUS FEET.
    As the woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment . JESUS said,” Let her alone ; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
    ” She hath done what she could:” Mk.14:8

    When we do all we can for the LORD, like the woman… It brings us so near to JESUS at HIS FEET and weep and being sinful we find purity. What a testimony !
    Thank you Pastor for keeping JESUS story alive in our hearts and HIS TRUTH!
    we will never lose our identity as long as we keep hearing faith ” One LORD, ONE FAITH,
    ONE BAPTISM” ” REPENTANCE ” WATER BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME ACTS 2:38
    INFILLING OF THE HOLY GHOST, And THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS!!!
    what a testimony !
    iPray
    iGive Thanks

  14. This chapter illustrates returning. Thousands returned home, and upon their return many gave freely; “And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place”. The time is drawing nearer and as such many will be returning to the church, and many will offer freely for the house of God. Therefore one must prepare through reading of God’s Word, hearing God’s Word, prayer and fasting for many labors will be needed. May the good Lord Bless you all in Jesus name, Amen

  15. Who are you accountable to?

    We all need someone to be accountable to. Our first response should be we are accountable to our Pastor. Our Pastor has a vision for Fort Worth and we (I) should get behind him and share the vision. We (POFW) is expanding and it is time we get together in unity and stand behind the man of God. I (we) should have the attitude God use me and help me to do your will. We will need all helpers on board on expanding to two services. Its not how big the job is you do but what and how you do the job. No job is higher than the other rather it be opening the door, attendance or seating people. We need to be in unity and win souls.

    A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:31

  16. Vs. 68-69, ” And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: They gave after their ablility unto the treasure of the work…..”

    2 Cor. 8 11-12 says, ” Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”

    2 Cor. 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

    First, the scripture in Ezra says that SOME of the chief of the fathers gave. This tells me that not everyone gave. Same holds true today. Not everyone gives to the work of the kingdom of God.

    Secondly, when we do choose an amount to give to the work of the kingdom of God, he wants us to do it with a willing mind and a happy heart.

    God is not just asking us to give of our money, but also, he wants us to be willing to give of our time and talent as well.

    A Faithful Servant will give his time, talent, and treasures to help further the kingdom of God.

  17. Identity Crisis

    1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

    62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    This was a time of *returning*; returning to the place of inheritance, seeking a return of purpose and place. Yet we find a very important detail here: truly *returning* (repenting) to be where God wants us to be extends beyond *position*, it has to do with *identity.* The truth of that matter is that we can try to assume a position, but without proper identity we cannot rightfully fill that position.

    Revelation 3:17-19 “17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

    Revelation 19:13-14 “13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”

    Clothing is used in Scripture as symbolic of identity, and here in Revelation there is described the “white raiment” that can come only from God that marks you as His own.

    62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

    It does not seem to be coincidence that right after making record of those who would try to take a *position* within the priesthood without *identity*, there is marked the importance of there standing up “a priest with Urim and with Thummim” (which are part of the raiment worn by priests, marking symbolically priestly *identity*.)

    Exodus 28:2-3,30 “2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. … 30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.”

    The Urim and Thummim were more than just a garment, they were something marking the state of the priest’s heart. Identity deals with the heart, and too many times when we go through a trial, the enemy finds ways to mess with the children of God’s perception of themselves. If the enemy can find ways to taint our view of our God-given *identity*, he gains a powerful foothold in our lives.

    Daniel 3:25-27 “25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.”

    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stayed faithful to God, and even going through their fiery trial that destroyed others around them who were not even targets of the trial but got too close to the heat (Daniel 3:22), they display the victory that God intends for us to keep as children of God: upon exiting the fire, those around them could note, 1) the fire had no power on their bodies; 2) not a single hair of their head was singed; 3) their raiment was not changed; and 4) the smell of fire was not on them.

    I draw attention especially to #3, “their raiment was not changed.” They went through this nightmarish trial, yet came out on the other side without their *identity* changed. How many times do we go through trouble and come out on the other side alive but with our faith shaken? (Just one example.) That’s identity change.

    Matthew 6:25-31 “25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

    26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

    27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

    28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

    29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

    30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

    31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”

    As children of God, He provides us with our identity, not us, not the trial, not the devil, not the world. Any time we let anything other than God define who we are, we put ourselves in a dangerous position. Going back to today’s chapter, those who went through their trail and came out on the other side lacking God-given identity were put from the priesthood.

    What if these were genuinely from the priestly line? What if these were counting on the Lord to be their portion because they had no other portion because they were of the priests? Because they lost their identity, they very well could have lost the only portion they had coming to them by default.

    If ever we find ourselves on the other side of a trial with our clothes burned and reeking of smoke, hair singed, and feeling burned out because we got burned up, it’s time to fall on our knees for an identity overhaul. If we find that our pain defines us and not our God, it’s time for an identity intervention. If we find that the enemy defines us by throwing past mistakes in our face, it’s time for an identity reinstatement.

    Our identity crisis will cost not only us but those around us that we are supposed to reach because we cannot truly operate in the position we are called to unless we have true God-given identity. Coming out of an identity crisis requires true humility: it calls us to look outside of ourselves and get a burden for our own soul because of the others souls that will be lost if we don’t get up and recover; it calls for us to allow none but God to define us, and to allow Him to fix how we view ourselves so our self-vision becomes God-vision; it calls for us identifying that continuing in an identity crisis is not God’s will and that we must repent, but that He loves us so dearly and He does not wish to condemn us in our crisis but snap us awake so we can be saved.

    With the endtimes in mind, I am reminded of a verse with powerful promise:

    Daniel 11:32 “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

    Part of knowing our God is knowing who He says that we are; when we know who we are in Him, we can know Him in such a way that will allow us to be strong and do exploits.

    Ephesians 1:13-14 “13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

    Romans 8:9 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

    1 John 3:1-2 “1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

    God has *sown* in us His identity, which He desires to *reap* in us not only during the catching away of the church, or at judgement after our earthly life ends, but now in this life and life more abundantly He has given to His church. God is calling for His church to arise, we must have our identity in Him so we can be His both now and for eternity.

    1 John 416-18 “16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

    That word *judgement* in v17 is the greek krisis, from which we get our word crisis. As children of God, if we have our identity in Him (“because as he is, so are we in this world”), we can have boldness in the day of judgement or crisis. When crisis comes, our identity will not be changed but we will be like the three Jewish boys who survived the furnace:

    Daniel 3:25 “He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

    Will we allow Jesus to come with us in our day of crisis?Will we dwell in God and God in us? Or will we tell God “no, I’m going to face this furnace by myself…” and experience the torment of the identity crisis. Just as those who could not prove their genealogy were put from the priesthood, one day there will be a furnace from which there will be no return after judgement; we must choose now, both for our souls’ sake as well as the the souls that are counting on us to know our God and be strong and do exploits.

    iChoose
    iKnow
    iReap
    iAm child of the Great I AM

  18. 69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

    I have had many people through the ear years tell me that they wish they could do more in church. The Word says that they Gave of their Ability, which means that not all of them did the exact same thing. As we, don’t do the same thing , we all have a part in the body of Christ. Too many times I have heard ,”I not that important.” The truth of the matter is that everyone is important to God, therefore they should be important to us. Give of the ability that God has given you.

  19. The people never forgot how to praise even when they were in captivity.A choir of 200 men and women singers proved that . Our whole existance is is Him. And He inhabits the praises of His people So we should daily affirm our faith in Him by only allowing positive and blessing come out of our mouths. If we even speak negatively about our enemies we stop the flow of blessing that God wants to flow in us through Him. Lets not sidetrack His blessing by even contemplating or dwelling on the bad stuff in our lives. God i will practice this until you heal my body and my church so that your miracles and wonders will manifest in our church and other churches as well. Lord I speak blessing to all who seek you Jesus and I know this blessing will flow back to me .I believe and recieve this in Jesus name,AMEN!!!

  20. Only a few of the Jews who had been exiled to Babylon chose to return at this time. Many knew no other home, just like we are visitors here, we have never lived off the globe. I’m comparing this chapter to much of our end times leading up to the rapture. On the rapture God will come back for His chosen/elect bride. This may have been a test run, another hidden prophecy to become true. Prophecies of Jeremiah have been talked about all through chapter 1 of Ezra. Now ..the people who came back were considered to be the true Israel, the decendants of the families of ancient Israel. They were also known also as the “remnamt”. We are this remnant spoken of in NT:

    Romans 9:27 says:Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.

    and again in Romans 11:5: “too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

  21. Wow…could you imagine a choir of this magnitude. We would have to move just for the Choir alone. But, what a sacrifice for such a large Choir.
    “Hey I’m in Music Ministry”….”I look for things that apply to me too”.

    65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

    But, also another note is how God always seems to give you a second chance. If, you fail the test, I think because of his love for us. You’ll be taking it again, until you pass. “I Hope”………

    “Be Church”….iwork…..igive……ipray…….ireap…………

  22. As they were able, they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly robes. -Ezra 2:69

    And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
    And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
    And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: -Mark 12:41-43

    It takes time, talent and finances to build the kingdom. The people of God were prepared to give all.

  23. This is the third time I’ve tried posting today so hopefully this works.

    As I read this long list of names and numbers I began to wonder what is the point? Or rather God what is the point you want me to get from this because I know it’s not in your word just to take up space on a page?

    We last learned that only the children of Israel that were not killed we’re taken into captivity, basically God kept a remnant. Even in captivity God allowed His children to flourish. Their families grew and they were blessed so when they returned to their rightful home they were able to give. It doesn’t say they had to sacrifice to give so that tells me that they, at least some of them, were blessed in abundance.

    Even in a land that was not their own they were blessed. This world is not our home, we are just passing through, but that doesn’t mean God wants us to just scrape by or not be blessed. I believe this is evident in the outstanding growth of pofw.

    Also I think this can offer hope when the church is going through tribulation, especially as the end draws nigh, that God has His children’s back. He will never leave us or forsake us. And even when things are crazy and seem uncertain, like the children of God being imprisoned here, there is still blessings and most important God is still in control.

  24. 62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

    Geneology is extremely important. I have not realized the true importance of it in my own life so much as it is in the passage, but I do understand that genealogy is important. In our scriptures today it helps to show is that it is so important that some people were put out Because they could not prove their genealogy.
    It’s time for us all to really prove our genealogy ( through Christ) to the WHOLE world. It’s not just good enough to say that say it, PROVE IT!

  25. 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

    Giving freely is what God desires from us.

  26. Ive never seen so many estate sales at one time. Our city seems to be filled with a dying enheritance. Is it because we dont care about where we came from anymore. When my father passed away we even kept some of his old clothes in our closets just to remember him by. When I go in my closet each morning and see his old cowboy hat I remember all the good times we had on our farm together. Why do people want to sell off everthing that ties them to their lineage? We can tie our lineage right back to Jesus. Embrace your lineage and our heritage. If we hang on to the rebirth and the heratige that we gain after being baptized and recieving the holy ghost, we can be gleaners of the harvest of our fathers. Our father Abrahams promise is awaiting us in the morning. I pray that we all hit the streets with a vision of the promise to Abraham and the stars in the sky. An innumerable harvest awaits the faithful reaper.

  27. 69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

    Many times we give, but it is rare that we give to out full ability

  28. 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

    69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

    A Freewill offering…
    God looks for us at times to give more than just the average or what everyone expects and to give a free will offering. Sometimes its not money but time or talent… However anyway that God seeks our gifts we should give freely.

  29. 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

    Some of the chief’s felt the right thing to do was to make contributions towards rebuilding the house of the Lord. They offered it freely God put it upon their hearts to give, but not everyone gave. How great is God he is patient and kind, he knows those who love him will give their all towards giving their time and talent to rebuilt the house of God. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.

  30. 62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

    These men should have been able to be counted as priests, but due to the sin of marrying outside of their faith, the sons are put out from the priesthood. What we do today affects our children tomorrow. Promises and blessings that should be bestowed on our children are lost because of a lifestyle of sin. Not that a parents sin causes their child to be lost-but rather it keeps generational blessings and annointings from being handed down to them.

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