Life Lessons from Ezra & Nehemiah
2019 by Max Lucado
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Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Produced with the assistance of the Livingstone Corporation (www.livingstonecorp.com).
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from The Message. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible. Copyright 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Material for the Inspiration sections taken from the following books:
And the Angels Were Silent. Copyright 1987 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
The Applause of Heaven. Copyright 1990 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Because of Bethlehem. Copyright 2016 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Fearless. Copyright 2009 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Glory Days. Copyright 2015 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Great Day Every Day (previously published as Every Day Deserves a Chance). Copyright 2007, 2012 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Hand Me Another Brick. Copyright 1990 by Charles Swindoll. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Just Like Jesus. Copyright 1998 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Max on Life. Copyright 2010 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
More to Your Story. Copyright 2011, 2016 by Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Shaped by God (previously published as On the Anvil). Copyright 2001 by Max Lucado. Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois.
Walking with Christ in the Details of Life. Copyright 1992 by Patrick Morley. Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.
ISBN 978-0-310-08672-7
ISBN 978-0-310-08673-4 (eBook)
First Printing February 2019
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CONTENTS
T he Bible is a peculiar book. Words crafted in another language. Deeds done in a distant era. Events recorded in a far-off land. Counsel offered to a foreign people. It is a peculiar book.
Its surprising that anyone reads it. Its too old. Some of its writings date back 5,000 years. Its too bizarre. The book speaks of incredible floods, fires, earthquakes, and people with supernatural abilities. Its too radical. The Bible calls for undying devotion to a carpenter who called himself Gods Son.
Logic says this book shouldnt survive. Too old, too bizarre, too radical.
The Bible has been banned, burned, scoffed, and ridiculed. Scholars have mocked it as foolish. Kings have branded it as illegal. A thousand times over the grave has been dug and the dirge has begun, but somehow the Bible never stays in the grave. Not only has it survived, but it has also thrived. It is the single most popular book in all of history. It has been the bestselling book in the world for years!
There is no way on earth to explain it. Which perhaps is the only explanation. For the Bibles durability is not found on earth but in heaven. The millions who have tested its claims and claimed its promises know there is but one answer: the Bible is Gods book and Gods voice.
As you read it, you would be wise to give some thought to two questions: What is the purpose of the Bible? and How do I study the Bible? Time spent reflecting on these two issues will greatly enhance your Bible study.
What is the purpose of the Bible?
Let the Bible itself answer that question: From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
The purpose of the Bible? Salvation. Gods highest passion is to get his children home. His book, the Bible, describes his plan of salvation. The purpose of the Bible is to proclaim Gods plan and passion to save his children.
This is the reason why this book has endured through the centuries. It dares to tackle the toughest questions about life: Where do I go after I die? Is there a God? What do I do with my fears? The Bible is the treasure map that leads to Gods highest treasureeternal life.
But how do you study the Bible? Countless copies of Scripture sit unread on bookshelves and nightstands simply because people dont know how to read it. What can you do to make the Bible real in your life?
The clearest answer is found in the words of Jesus: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).
The first step in understanding the Bible is asking God to help you. You should read it prayerfully. If anyone understands Gods Word, it is because of God and not the reader.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:26).
Before reading the Bible, pray and invite God to speak to you. Dont go to Scripture looking for your idea, but go searching for his.