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Continuing our chronological study of the Bible, today's Scripture reading (Esther 1) marks the beginning of our study of the Book of Esther. The Book of Esther falls between the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Esther 1 sets the stage for a dramatic moment in Jewish history that leads to the Feast of Purim.

Today’s Scripture reading (Zechariah 13-14) concludes our study of Zechariah's prophecies. Zechariah 13 includes prophecies of Christ’s sufferings and of Jerusalem’s suffering for rejecting Christ. The opening verses of Zechariah 14 foretold that the heathen nations of the world would overrun Jerusalem. At the hour when all seems lost for Jerusalem, Zechariah foretold that the LORD would come roaring from heaven.

Today’s Scripture reading is Zechariah 11-12. The prophet Zechariah was privileged to foretell some of the great Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament Scriptures. In chapter 11, the prophet foretold that the Messiah would be sold for “thirty pieces of silver” and given “to the potter.” The Second Coming of Christ is the focus of Zechariah 12.

* Please note that this video contains two brief clips of a recent speech given by Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, delivered at the University of Texas at Austin on April 15, 2026.

In today’s Scripture reading (Zechariah 10), we will briefly examine some of the great prophecies that have already been fulfilled and others that Zechariah foretold concerning the Second Coming of Christ, which are yet to be fulfilled.

Our study of Zechariah's prophecies continues with today’s Scripture reading, Zechariah 8-9. Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple; however, the LORD purposed to rebuild his sanctuary and the city. The LORD’s promises must have greatly encouraged the Jews to rebuild the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. The prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and His rejection by the Jews are recorded from Zechariah 9:1 to Zechariah 11:17.

Today’s Scripture reading, Zechariah 6-7, records the eighth and final vision of Zechariah: “Four Horse-Drawn Chariots” (Zechariah 6:1-8). Zechariah 7 records the LORD’s challenge to Israel to re-examine their fasts, turn from their hypocrisy, and worship the LORD sincerely.

Pastor Smith continues his series in the Book of Hebrews, "Jesus is Greater: Faith in the Supremacy of Jesus Christ," with a sermon titled, "Moses: Crossroads of Faith." Moses is one of the great figures in the Bible and in human history. It is impossible to grasp the profound influence Moses has had, considering humanity’s debt to him for God's Law and Commandments. Yet of Moses we read, "By faith Moses" (Hebrews 11:23-28). Join me this Sunday as we consider once again the doctrine that salvation is by "Faith Alone in Christ Alone."

https://youtu.be/V3ajE6ZMu68?si=SNB6qiU-pLlmflLm Zechariah 3-4 is today’s Scripture reading and continues the account of Zechariah’s prophetic visions. In Zechariah's fourth vision, Joshua the high priest — representing a spiritually compromised Israel — stands before the LORD, with Satan as his accuser. The chapter concludes with a promise of universal peace and blessing under the Messiah's reign, when every man will rest "under the vine and under the fig tree."

#Constitution, #Faith, #Purtians, #Deists, #Hillsdale, #Democracy, #Republic, #Depravity, #Sovereignty,

America was established as a Republic; however, the leaders of our nation, particularly the Democratic Party, have been usurping the Constitution and eroding the individual rights of US citizens.

Our chronological study of the Scriptures continues with today’s reading, Ezra 4-5. Setting aside their interests for the sake of the whole, the children of Israel worked, worshipped, sacrificed, and rejoiced together. Unfortunately, the enemies of Israel began a campaign to discourage the rebuilding of the Temple and accused them of rebellion against the king of Persia.

Abraham modeled saving faith in that he Obeyed God, Believed God, and Trusted God to fulfill His promise and to do the impossible.

Our chronological study of the Scriptures brings us to 2-3. A census was commanded in Ezra 2, and some could not verify their lineage. Others who aspired to be priests but failed to verify their priestly lineage were not allowed to minister. In Ezra 3, the Temple foundation was completed; however, amid the rejoicing.

Our chronological study of the Scriptures brings us to the Book of Ezra. Today’s reading is from Ezra 1. The setting of our devotional is the fulfillment of the prophecies that the Jews would one day return from captivity and rebuild their lives, homes, and nation. Chapter 1 opens with King Cyrus proclaiming that the God of heaven had moved him to build His Temple in Jerusalem.