Podcasts about Shemaiah

Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.10 And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by author, speaker, and Catholic convert Shemaiah Gonzalez to share the remarkable story of her journey into the Catholic Church. From the profound beginnings of her life, through some wild ups and downs and everything in between, Shemaiah's story is a fantastic tale of following Jesus where he leads – through heartbreak and joy – with utter abandonment. And, when Shemaiah begins to grow close to a long-time friend of hers and realizes that he's Catholic, her story takes a thrilling turn! Shemaiah is a fantastic storyteller and I hope you enjoy her story! For more from Shemaiah visit her website or follow her on X.Her book, Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Joy is available everywhere books are found.Send your feedback to cordialcatholic@gmail.com. Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on  episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests.To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our YouTube channel.Please consider financially supporting this show! For more information visit the Patreon page.  All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me.If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page.Thank you to those already supporting the show!A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William. A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William.Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind and follow The Cordial Catholic on social media:Instagram: @cordialcatholicTwitter: @cordialcatholicYouTube: /thecordialcatholicFacebook: The Cordial CatholicTikTok: @cordialcatholic

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.4 Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.7 And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.11 Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.14 Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.17 And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.18 And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.19 And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.20 And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.21 And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.23 Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.25 Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.26 And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.27 And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.28 Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.29 And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.30 And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.31 And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.33 Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.34 Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,38 And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,39 And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,41 Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.43 Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.44 All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom they had children.

These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.2 Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.3 Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.5 Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males.6 Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.7 And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.8 And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.9 Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.11 And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.12 And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.13 And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.14 Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.15 And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.17 And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.18 And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;19 And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;20 Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.24 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,25 And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:26 I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;27 Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.28 And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the Lord God of your fathers.29 Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the Lord.30 So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.32 And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.33 Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;34 By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the Lord.36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.

Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.2 And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord,3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the Lord, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the Lord your God, and his people Israel,4 And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.5 And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and after the division of the families of the Levites.6 So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.7 And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these were of the king's substance.8 And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle and three hundred oxen.9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen.10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.11 And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood from their hands, and the Levites flayed them.12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the Lord, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen.13 And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people.14 And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.15 And the singers the sons of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.16 So all the service of the Lord was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the Lord, according to the commandment of king Josiah.17 And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.18 And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Charchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.23 And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.25 And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the Lord,27 And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.2 And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord.3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the Lord.4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord.5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps.7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel.9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord; and they prepared them,12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the Lord, and the most holy things.15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:16 Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the Lord, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses;17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God.21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Ezra 10 While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. 2 And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. 3 Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. 4 Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” 5 Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do as had been said. So they took the oath. 6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night,[b] neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles. 7 And a proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the returned exiles that they should assemble at Jerusalem, 8 and that if anyone did not come within three days, by order of the officials and the elders all his property should be forfeited, and he himself banned from the congregation of the exiles. 9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain. 10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. 11 Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.” 12 Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said. 13 But the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. Nor is this a task for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter. 14 Let our officials stand for the whole assembly. Let all in our cities who have taken foreign wives come at appointed times, and with them the elders and judges of every city, until the fierce wrath of our God over this matter is turned away from us.” 15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them. 16 Then the returned exiles did so. Ezra the priest selected men,[c] heads of fathers' houses, according to their fathers' houses, each of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to examine the matter; 17 and by the first day of the first month they had come to the end of all the men who had married foreign women. Those Guilty of Intermarriage 18 Now there were found some of the sons of the priests who had married foreign women: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah, some of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers. 19 They pledged themselves to put away their wives, and their guilt offering was a ram of the flock for their guilt.[d] 20 Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 21 Of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. 22 Of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. 23 Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. 24 Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri. 25 And of Israel: of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Hashabiah,[e] and Benaiah. 26 Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah. 27 Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza. 28 Of the sons of Bebai were Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. 29 Of the sons of Bani were Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth. 30 Of the sons of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh. 31 Of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. 33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. 34 Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu. 38 Of the sons of Binnui:[f] Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. 43 Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah. 44 All these had married foreign women, and some of the women had even borne children.

2 Chronicles 12:1-12 // Gabe CoyleIn this sermon, we walk through the account of Rehoboam's abandonment of the faith and the subsequent arrival of the Egyptian army. We discuss the message from the prophet Shemaiah, which forced the leaders of Israel to recognize their own role in the crisis. We analyze the exchange of the golden shields for shields of bronze, illustrating how sin often results in a loss of glory and a cheapening of what was once precious. By studying these twelve verses, we see a pattern of grace: even after a period of unfaithfulness, God responds to a humble heart, reminding us that he does not seek to destroy us, but to bring us back into a right relationship with him.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49607689 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new26.05.17

2 Chronicles 12:1-12 // Caleb JenkinsIn this sermon, we walk through the account of Rehoboam's abandonment of the faith and the subsequent arrival of the Egyptian army. We discuss the message from the prophet Shemaiah, which forced the leaders of Israel to recognize their own role in the crisis. We analyze the exchange of the golden shields for shields of bronze, illustrating how sin often results in a loss of glory and a cheapening of what was once precious. By studying these twelve verses, we see a pattern of grace: even after a period of unfaithfulness, God responds to a humble heart, reminding us that he does not seek to destroy us, but to bring us back into a right relationship with him.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49607690 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new26.05.17

 2 Chronicles 12:1-12 // Jacob NannieIn this sermon, we walk through the account of Rehoboam's abandonment of the faith and the subsequent arrival of the Egyptian army. We discuss the message from the prophet Shemaiah, which forced the leaders of Israel to recognize their own role in the crisis. We analyze the exchange of the golden shields for shields of bronze, illustrating how sin often results in a loss of glory and a cheapening of what was once precious. By studying these twelve verses, we see a pattern of grace: even after a period of unfaithfulness, God responds to a humble heart, reminding us that he does not seek to destroy us, but to bring us back into a right relationship with him.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49607691 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new26.05.17

 2 Chronicles 12:1-12 // Bill GormanIn this sermon, we walk through the account of Rehoboam's abandonment of the faith and the subsequent arrival of the Egyptian army. We discuss the message from the prophet Shemaiah, which forced the leaders of Israel to recognize their own role in the crisis. We analyze the exchange of the golden shields for shields of bronze, illustrating how sin often results in a loss of glory and a cheapening of what was once precious. By studying these twelve verses, we see a pattern of grace: even after a period of unfaithfulness, God responds to a humble heart, reminding us that he does not seek to destroy us, but to bring us back into a right relationship with him.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49607692 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new26.05.17

2 Chronicles 12:1-12 // Paul BrandesIn this sermon, we walk through the account of Rehoboam's abandonment of the faith and the subsequent arrival of the Egyptian army. We discuss the message from the prophet Shemaiah, which forced the leaders of Israel to recognize their own role in the crisis. We analyze the exchange of the golden shields for shields of bronze, illustrating how sin often results in a loss of glory and a cheapening of what was once precious. By studying these twelve verses, we see a pattern of grace: even after a period of unfaithfulness, God responds to a humble heart, reminding us that he does not seek to destroy us, but to bring us back into a right relationship with him.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49607687 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new26.05.17

Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done.3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them.4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs.7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.8 Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes.9 For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this.10 Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:13 And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:14 And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.15 And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the Lord into the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron.17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the Lord: so they sanctified the house of the Lord in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof.19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord.20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord.21 And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of the Lord.22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.23 And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:24 And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.25 And he set the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets.26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.29 And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped.30 Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the Lord. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.32 And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the Lord.33 And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.35 And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order.36 And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

Ezra 10:9-44 New International Version 9 Within the three days, all the men of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed by the occasion and because of the rain. 10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. 11 Now honor[a] the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.” 12 The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: “You are right! We must do as you say. 13 But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this thing. 14 Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign woman come at a set time, along with the elders and judges of each town, until the fierce anger of our God in this matter is turned away from us.” 15 Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite, opposed this. 16 So the exiles did as was proposed. Ezra the priest selected men who were family heads, one from each family division, and all of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to investigate the cases, 17 and by the first day of the first month they finished dealing with all the men who had married foreign women. Those Guilty of Intermarriage 18 Among the descendants of the priests, the following had married foreign women: From the descendants of Joshua son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah. 19 (They all gave their hands in pledge to put away their wives, and for their guilt they each presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.) 20 From the descendants of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 21 From the descendants of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah. 22 From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah. 23 Among the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah and Eliezer. 24 From the musicians: Eliashib. From the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem and Uri. 25 And among the other Israelites: From the descendants of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malkijah and Benaiah. 26 From the descendants of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth and Elijah. 27 From the descendants of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad and Aziza. 28 From the descendants of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai and Athlai. 29 From the descendants of Bani: Meshullam, Malluk, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal and Jeremoth. 30 From the descendants of Pahath-Moab: Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui and Manasseh. 31 From the descendants of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluk and Shemariah. 33 From the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh and Shimei. 34 From the descendants of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai and Jaasu. 38 From the descendants of Binnui:[b] Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Maknadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah and Joseph. 43 From the descendants of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel and Benaiah. 44 All these had married foreign women, and some of them had children by these wives.[c]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ezra 8:1-23 New International Version List of the Family Heads Returning With Ezra 8 These are the family heads and those registered with them who came up with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes: 2 of the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; of the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; of the descendants of David, Hattush 3 of the descendants of Shekaniah; of the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men; 4 of the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men; 5 of the descendants of Zattu,[a] Shekaniah son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men; 6 of the descendants of Adin, Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men; 7 of the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men; 8 of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him 80 men; 9 of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men; 10 of the descendants of Bani,[b] Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men; 11 of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men; 12 of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men; 13 of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men; 14 of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, and with them 70 men. The Return to Jerusalem 15 I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. 16 So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning, 17 and I ordered them to go to Iddo, the leader in Kasiphia. I told them what to say to Iddo and his fellow Levites, the temple servants in Kasiphia, so that they might bring attendants to us for the house of our God. 18 Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah’s sons and brothers, 18 in all; 19 and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 in all. 20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name. 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.5 Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

Ezra 8:15-36 15 I gathered them to the river that runs to Ahava, and there we camped three days. As I reviewed the people and the priests, I found there none of the sons of Levi. 16 Then I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, leading men, and for Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of insight, 17 and sent them to Iddo, the leading man at the place Casiphia, telling them what to say to Iddo and his brothers and[a] the temple servants at the place Casiphia, namely, to send us ministers for the house of our God. 18 And by the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah with his sons and kinsmen, 18; 19 also Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, with his kinsmen and their sons, 20; 20 besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name. Fasting and Prayer for Protection 21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. Priests to Guard Offerings 24 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them. 25 And I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the vessels, the offering for the house of our God that the king and his counselors and his lords and all Israel there present had offered. 26 I weighed out into their hand 650 talents[b] of silver, and silver vessels worth 200 talents,[c] and 100 talents of gold, 27 20 bowls of gold worth 1,000 darics,[d] and two vessels of fine bright bronze as precious as gold. 28 And I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the Lord, the God of your fathers. 29 Guard them and keep them until you weigh them before the chief priests and the Levites and the heads of fathers' houses in Israel at Jerusalem, within the chambers of the house of the Lord.” 30 So the priests and the Levites took over the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem, to the house of our God. 31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. 32 We came to Jerusalem, and there we remained three days. 33 On the fourth day, within the house of our God, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed into the hands of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui. 34 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded. 35 At that time those who had come from captivity, the returned exiles, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and as a sin offering twelve male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the Lord. 36 They also delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps[e] and to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and they aided the people and the house of God.

Nehemiah 3:1-32 ESV Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress. After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress and to the corner. Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house. After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired. After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner. And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.2 And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord,3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.4 And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.5 Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.6 Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous.7 And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.9 So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.10 Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house.11 And when the king entered into the house of the Lord, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber.12 And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well.13 So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess.14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.2 But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,4 Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam.5 And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.6 He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,8 And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,9 And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,10 And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.11 And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.12 And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.13 And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.14 For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the Lord:15 And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.16 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers.17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.18 And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;19 Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham.20 And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.21 And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king.23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

Friday Bible Study (4/10/26) // Ezra 10: 18-44 (ESV) // Those Guilty of Intermarriage // 18 Now there were found some of the sons of the priests who had married foreign women: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah, some of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers. 19 They pledged themselves to put away their wives, and their guilt offering was a ram of the flock for their guilt.[a] 20 Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 21 Of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. 22 Of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.23 Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. 24 Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri.25 And of Israel: of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Hashabiah,[b] and Benaiah. 26 Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah. 27 Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza. 28 Of the sons of Bebai were Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. 29 Of the sons of Bani were Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth. 30 Of the sons of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh. 31 Of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. 33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. 34 Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu. 38 Of the sons of Binnui:[c] Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. 43 Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah. 44 All these had married foreign women, and some of the women had even borne children.[d]Footnotesa. Ezra 10:19 Or as their reparationb. Ezra 10:25 Septuagint; Hebrew Malchijahc. Ezra 10:38 Septuagint; Hebrew Bani, Binnuid. Ezra 10:44 Or and they put them away with their childrenWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Ezra #BookOfEzra #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #Bible #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons

Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.2 And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai the seventh.4 Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth.5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.6 Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they were mighty men of valour.7 The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah.8 All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom.9 And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, strong men, eighteen.10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons; Simri the chief, (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief;)11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the Lord.13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.15 To Obededom southward; and to his sons the house of Asuppim.16 To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward.17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.19 These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari.20 And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.21 As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli.22 The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord.23 Of the Amramites, and the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:24 And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasures.25 And his brethren by Eliezer; Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.26 Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.27 Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the Lord.28 And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.30 And of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the Lord, and in the service of the king.31 Among the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even among the Hebronites, according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Jazer of Gilead.32 And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.

2 Chronicles 35:8-19 New International Version 8 His officials also contributed voluntarily to the people and the priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah and Jehiel, the officials in charge of God’s temple, gave the priests twenty-six hundred Passover offerings and three hundred cattle. 9 Also Konaniah along with Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel and Jozabad, the leaders of the Levites, provided five thousand Passover offerings and five hundred head of cattle for the Levites. 10 The service was arranged and the priests stood in their places with the Levites in their divisions as the king had ordered. 11 The Passover lambs were slaughtered, and the priests splashed against the altar the blood handed to them, while the Levites skinned the animals. 12 They set aside the burnt offerings to give them to the subdivisions of the families of the people to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the Book of Moses. They did the same with the cattle. 13 They roasted the Passover animals over the fire as prescribed, and boiled the holy offerings in pots, caldrons and pans and served them quickly to all the people. 14 After this, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fat portions until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the Aaronic priests. 15 The musicians, the descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king’s seer. The gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made the preparations for them. 16 So at that time the entire service of the Lord was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord, as King Josiah had ordered. 17 The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. 18 The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. 19 This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the country, a new wave of legislation is putting homeschooling in the spotlight—and not in a good way.In this powerful conversation, Shemaiah sits down with Ray Moore, founder of The Exodus Mandate Project, to break down the growing push for tighter homeschool regulations in multiple states. From Connecticut to Hawaii, families are pushing back—and the stakes are higher than ever.Ray shares what these proposed bills really mean, why they're gaining traction now, and how homeschool communities are responding. The conversation also dives into the deeper roots of public education, the role of faith in learning, and the ongoing debate around who should ultimately shape a child's education.This is about freedom, responsibility, and the future of the next generation.If you care about education, parental rights, or the direction of culture, this is one conversation you don't want to miss.https://raymoorelive.com/about/https://exodusmandate.org/about/missionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetworkThank you for your time. 

7 takeaways from this study Everything from God is a trust, not just “spiritual” gifts. Skills, money, influence, knowledge, opportunities, even specific tasks or callings are all gifts from God that come with responsibility (Exodus 38; Matthew 25). God cares more that you use what you have than how “much” you have. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), both the 5‑talent and 2‑talent servants receive the same praise and reward. The issue isn't the size of the gift, but faithfulness with it. Doing nothing with your gift is spiritually dangerous. The servant who buried his one talent wasn't condemned for obvious evil, but for laziness and fear that led to inaction. Likewise, in Luke 12, the unfaithful steward faces severe consequences for misusing or neglecting what the master entrusted to him. Gifts can be used for good or evil. God judges both use and motive. Aaron used his craftsmanship to make the golden calf (misused skill). Shemaiah used influence and words to spread comforting lies instead of God's truth. Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8) wanted a spiritual gift for the wrong motive. God evaluates both what we do and why we do it. Every role and gift is necessary in the body of Messiah. Romans 12 and 1Corinthians 12 stress that believers are like different parts of one body; none is useless or inferior. Wanting someone else's gift or despising your own is a form of envy and unbelief, and it weakens the “structure” God is building. You are a “socket” in God's tabernacle. Removing yourself weakens the whole. The silver sockets from the census (Exodus 38) picture each person's contribution holding up God's dwelling. When you devalue yourself (“my gift isn't worth much”) or others (“you don't belong”), you undermine the stability and unity of God's house. True wealth is measured by alignment with God's will, not by worldly status. One can have little by the world's standards yet be “wealthy beyond measure” in God's economy. Faith, love, obedience, and faithful stewardship of whatever God has given are what God counts as real riches. What does God expect from the gifts, skills, and resources He gives? Everything from God is a trust, and how we use it matters. Exodus 38 records an accounting of the materials used in constructing the משכן Mishkan (Tabernacle). The text lists the amounts of gold, silver, and bronze, and notes who oversaw and used them. This is not just ancient bookkeeping. It models transparency and responsibility. Those who received materials from God's people had to give a clear account of what they did with them. Exodus 38 teaches: What God gives — materials, position, skill — is not random. Those entrusted with these things must use them for holy purposes, not selfish or corrupt aims. The artisans, like Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31, 35–38), had God-given artistic skills. They could have used such skills for idolatry or vanity, but instead they devoted them to building the dwelling place of God. Here’s a parallel to modern professions. A lawyer can use legal skill either to manipulate and exploit or to defend the oppressed. The point is not to demonize a profession but to highlight that every skill can serve either righteousness or corruption. Therefore, even before turning to the New Covenant writings, the Torah already sets a pattern: Gifts from God come with accountability. Matthew 25: The Parable of the Talents and the Heart of Stewardship In Matthew 25:14–30, the well‑known parable of the talents, Yeshua (Jesus) compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts — five, two, and one talent1From Greek: τάλαντον tálanton (scale of balance), 75 or 100 pounds — “each according to his own ability” (Matthew 25:15). The master here represents God, who knows each person's capacity. The talents can picture money, skills, knowledge, or any resource God places in someone's hands. Two crucial observations arise from this: Different measures, same standard of faithfulness. The servant with five talents gains five more; the servant with two gains two more. Both receive the same praise: “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21, 23 NASB95 God does not praise them for having started with more, but for being faithful with what they had. The danger of doing nothing. The servant with one talent responds with fear, misjudging his master's character. He hides the talent, returns it unused, and is rebuked as “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26). Yeshua teaches that doing nothing with God's gifts is not neutral; it is unfaithfulness. God does not necessarily require dramatic multiplication. Even putting the money in the bank for small interest would have been better than burying it. Translating this into life: God values movement in a faithful direction, even if the “results” look small. This parable speaks directly to disciples of Yeshua within Israel and the nations. The Kingdom expectation is that those in covenant with God actively use what He entrusts to them. Luke 12: Stewards, judgment, ‘to whom much is given” In Luke 12:41–48, where Yeshua tells a parable about a steward set over a household. If the steward faithfully cares for the household until the master returns, he is rewarded. But if he abuses his authority — beating the servants, indulging himself — he faces severe judgment. Here's the key line: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Luke 12:48 NASB95 So: This is not only about leaders. It is a principle of covenant responsibility. Knowledge of God's will, spiritual authority, teaching ability, or any form of influence carries greater accountability before God. God not only takes back what is misused; He brings discipline and judgment on those who use spiritual or social capital to harm others. This also recalls the failings of Israel's leaders — Pharisees and Sadducees — whom Yeshua rebukes for misusing Torah knowledge and authority to burden and mislead the people rather than serve them. Jeremiah 29–30: Shemaiah, Jeremiah, misused influence In Jeremiah 29, during the Babylonian exile, the prophet Jeremiah sends a message from אדוני Adonai (the LORD) that Israel should settle in Babylon, build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city, because the exile will last a long time (Jeremiah 29:4–7, 10). However, a man named Shemaiah opposes Jeremiah's message. He writes letters in his own name to the priests in Jerusalem, accusing Jeremiah of being a false prophet and urging the authorities to silence him. Shemaiah promises a quick return from exile, contradicting God's word. God responds: “Because Shemaiah the Nehelamite has prophesied to you, although I did not send him, and he has made you trust in a lie, therefore thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I am about to punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants; he will not have anyone living among this people, and he will not see the good that I am about to do to My people,' declares the LORD, ‘because he has preached rebellion against the LORD.'” Jeremiah 29:31–32 NASB95 From this: Shemaiah clearly had influence and communication skill. He used those gifts to strengthen a false hope and resist God's actual plan. God's judgment includes cutting off his lineage — no lasting inheritance in Israel. By contrast, Jeremiah uses his prophetic gift to warn, correct, and encourage future hope. In Jeremiah 30:18–22, God promises restoration, rebuilding Jerusalem on its ruins, multiplying the people, and renewing the covenant relationship: “You shall be My people, and I will be your God.” Jeremiah 30:22 NASB95 Jeremiah's prophecy is an act of loving service to the exiles, even when the immediate message is hard. He uses his gift in alignment with God's heart and timing. This contrast mirrors the clash between true and false voices in every generation, including the days of Yeshua and the early ἐκκλησία ekklesia (assembly/church). True prophetic and teaching gifts build up and align people with God's actual plan, not human comfort. Romans 12: Living sacrifices and diverse gifts In Romans 12, apostle Paul (formerly Sha'ul) exhorts believers: I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1 NASB95 This is offering one's whole life in service, not just bringing offerings to an altar. “Living sacrifice” expresses itself most clearly in serving God and people with whatever God has given. Paul goes on to describe the diversity of gifts (Romans 12:6–8): Prophecy Service (ministry) Teaching Exhortation (encouragement and direction) Giving Leading Showing mercy He insists that each gift is to be used, not held back, and exercised with the right heart — sincerely, diligently, cheerfully. This echoes earlier themes: Do not think too highly of yourself (Romans 12:3). Gifts are from God, not self-generated status symbols. Do not despise your own gift or envy another's. That is a form of coveting. The community is one body in Messiah, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:4–5). This body language includes both Jew and Gentile in Messiah Yeshua, yet without erasing Israel's calling. Just as Israel's tribes had distinct roles in the TaNaKh, believers today have diverse roles — yet all are part of one redeemed people. 1Corinthians 12: One body, many members In 1Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of spiritual gifts (χαρίσματα charismata) given by the same Spirit for the common good (1Corinthians 12:4–7). Here are the gifts he lists (1Corinthians 12:8–10): Word of wisdom Word of knowledge Faith Gifts of healing Effecting of miracles Prophecy Distinguishing of spirits Various kinds of tongues Interpretation of tongues All these come from one and the same Spirit, Who distributes as He wills (1Corinthians 12:11). Paul then uses the physical body as an analogy. The foot cannot say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body” (1Corinthians 12:15). The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you” (1Corinthians 12:21). The seemingly weaker or less honorable parts are, in fact, necessary and given special honor. Paul's concern is how division and comparison among believers damage the body. Thinking “my gift is nothing” or “your gift is not needed” both oppose God's design. This fits with the broader biblical picture of Israel as a corporate people with varied roles — priests, Levites, kings, craftsmen, prophets — yet one covenant community. In Messiah, the same pattern continues: variety within unity, not uniformity or competition. The silver sockets: Every person as part of God's dwelling Exodus 38’s description of the silver used for the Tabernacle sockets is more than just artistic direction. Each Israelite man twenty years and older gave a half-shekel as part of the census, and this silver formed the bases holding up the Tabernacle's boards (Exodus 38:25–27). Imagine each person seeing those sockets and thinking, “Part of me is in there.” That half-shekel symbolizes each one's place in God's dwelling. Here’s a powerful metaphor: If a person says, “I'm not valuable, I don't really belong,” it is like erasing their portion of the socket. If others say, “You don't belong; you're not good enough,” it is like removing someone else's portion. As pieces are removed, the structure weakens. Eventually, boards could fall, and the whole stability of the mishkan is threatened. Torah architecture for God's dwelling place is the basis of New Covenant imagery. Believers become living stones and structural elements in God's spiritual house. To devalue oneself or another believer is effectively to question God's own wisdom in assembling His dwelling. Those who feel like “just a one‑talent person” or “not spiritual enough” are reminded: God Himself decided you belong. He sets each member in the body “just as He desired” (1Corinthians 12:18). Both Jews and Gentiles, when grafted into Messiah, become part of this living Temple. Each one's presence and contribution matters. Warnings: Aaron, the Pharisees, Simon the sorcerer Here are several solemn warnings from Scripture: Aaron and the golden calf (Exodus 32): Aaron uses his leadership and craftsmanship to create an idol. The same kind of skill that can build the Tabernacle can also build an object of false worship. Pharisees and Sadducees in Yeshua's day: They possess Torah knowledge and authority but often use it to control, oppress, and mislead, rather than shepherd and uplift. Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:18–24: When Simon sees that the Ruach is given through the apostles' laying on of hands, he offers them money to purchase that power. Peter responds sharply: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.” Acts 8:20–21 NASB95 Simon's desire is not for intimacy with God, but for control over spiritual power. His heart reveals bitterness and iniquity. This is another form of misusing or grasping after gifts instead of receiving and stewarding them humbly. Together, these examples reinforce that: Skills and spiritual capacities are morally neutral in themselves. The direction — toward God's purposes or against them — determines whether gifts bless or destroy. God may remove, judge, or reassign what He once gave when it is used in rebellion, as in Shemaiah's case. Faithfully using what God has given Here’s how all these threads come together: Everything from God — skills, resources, opportunities, influence, spiritual gifts — is a trust. God does not ask each person to have the same gift or the same measure, but to be faithful with what they have. Envy, comparison, and self‑rejection distort God's design for the body of Messiah. Misuse of gifts—through lies, oppression, idolatry, or self‑serving motives—brings God's correction and, at times, severe judgment. Every believer, like a half-shekel in the silver sockets, helps hold up God's dwelling place on earth. The Torah's picture of the Tabernacle, the Prophets' warnings and hopes, and the teachings of Yeshua and the apostles reinforce this: The same God who dwelt among Israel in the wilderness now dwells among and within His people through the רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), forming a living, interconnected community. In the end, the call is simple yet searching: Receive what God has given, use it for His purposes, encourage others in their place, and trust that in Messiah, even “little” faithfulness is precious and eternally significant. 1 From Greek: τάλαντον tálanton (scale of balance), 75 or 100 poundsThe post God didn’t make a mistake with you: Finding value in your ‘one talent’ (Exodus 38, Matthew 25; Luke 12; Jeremiah 29–30; Romans 12; 1Corinthians 12) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

2 Chronicles 31:4-18 New International Version 4 He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. 5 As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. 6 The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps. 7 They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month. 8 When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the Lord and blessed his people Israel. 9 Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; 10 and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” 11 Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the Lord, and this was done. 12 Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts. Konaniah, a Levite, was the overseer in charge of these things, and his brother Shimei was next in rank. 13 Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismakiah, Mahath and Benaiah were assistants of Konaniah and Shimei his brother. All these served by appointment of King Hezekiah and Azariah the official in charge of the temple of God. 14 Kore son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions made to the Lord and also the consecrated gifts. 15 Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah and Shekaniah assisted him faithfully in the towns of the priests, distributing to their fellow priests according to their divisions, old and young alike. 16 In addition, they distributed to the males three years old or more whose names were in the genealogical records—all who would enter the temple of the Lord to perform the daily duties of their various tasks, according to their responsibilities and their divisions. 17 And they distributed to the priests enrolled by their families in the genealogical records and likewise to the Levites twenty years old or more, according to their responsibilities and their divisions. 18 They included all the little ones, the wives, and the sons and daughters of the whole community listed in these genealogical records. For they were faithful in consecrating themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Chronicles 31:6-21New International Version 6 The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps. 7 They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month. 8 When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the Lord and blessed his people Israel. 9 Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; 10 and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” 11 Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the Lord, and this was done. 12 Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts. Konaniah, a Levite, was the overseer in charge of these things, and his brother Shimei was next in rank. 13 Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismakiah, Mahath and Benaiah were assistants of Konaniah and Shimei his brother. All these served by appointment of King Hezekiah and Azariah the official in charge of the temple of God. 14 Kore son of Imnah the Levite, keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions made to the Lord and also the consecrated gifts. 15 Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah and Shekaniah assisted him faithfully in the towns of the priests, distributing to their fellow priests according to their divisions, old and young alike. 16 In addition, they distributed to the males three years old or more whose names were in the genealogical records—all who would enter the temple of the Lord to perform the daily duties of their various tasks, according to their responsibilities and their divisions. 17 And they distributed to the priests enrolled by their families in the genealogical records and likewise to the Levites twenty years old or more, according to their responsibilities and their divisions. 18 They included all the little ones, the wives, and the sons and daughters of the whole community listed in these genealogical records. For they were faithful in consecrating themselves. 19 As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around their towns or in any other towns, men were designated by name to distribute portions to every male among them and to all who were recorded in the genealogies of the Levites. 20 This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. 21 In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Bible Study (2/20/26) // Ezra 8:1-20 (ESV) // *Genealogy of Those Who Returned with Ezra*// 8 These are the heads of their fathers' houses, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylonia, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king: 2 Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush. 3 Of the sons of Shecaniah, who was of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah, with whom were registered 150 men. 4 Of the sons of Pahath-moab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men. 5 Of the sons of Zattu,[a] Shecaniah the son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men. 6 Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men. 7 Of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men. 8 Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him 80 men. 9 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men. 10 Of the sons of Bani,[b] Shelomith the son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men. 11 Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah, the son of Bebai, and with him 28 men. 12 Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men. 13 Of the sons of Adonikam, those who came later, their names being Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men. 14 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men.Ezra Sends for Levites15 I gathered them to the river that runs to Ahava, and there we camped three days. As I reviewed the people and the priests, I found there none of the sons of Levi. 16 Then I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, leading men, and for Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of insight, 17 and sent them to Iddo, the leading man at the place Casiphia, telling them what to say to Iddo and his brothers and[c] the temple servants at the place Casiphia, namely, to send us ministers for the house of our God. 18 And by the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah with his sons and kinsmen, 18; 19 also Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, with his kinsmen and their sons, 20; 20 besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name.Footnotesa. Ezra 8:5 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks of Zattub. Ezra 8: 10 Septuagint; Hebrew lacks Banic. Ezra 8: 17 Hebrew lacks andWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

2 Chronicles 12 records a sobering moment in Judah's history under King Rehoboam. After he and the nation turn away from the Lord, God allows Egypt to come against Jerusalem. Through the prophet Shemaiah, God calls them to account—and when the leaders humble themselves, God shows mercy. Though Judah still faces consequences, destruction is restrained because of their repentance. This chapter reminds us that pride invites correction, but humility opens the door to mercy. God is faithful to discipline, yet just as faithful to respond when His people turn back to Him. Hashtags: #2Chronicles12 #HumilityBeforeGod #GodsMercy #Rehoboam #RepentAndReturn #PrideAndGrace #GodIsFaithfulBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

Shemaiah, the man of God, stopped a civil war with one command, proving prophetic authority overrides political logic and prevents covenantal bloodshed.

On this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike "C-Roc" sits down with visionary producer, artist, and podcast host Shemaiah Reed. Known for his platform I Am Refocused Radio, Shemaiah has interviewed over 1,000 thought leaders, athletes, and innovators, using media, music, and storytelling to uplift diverse voices.Shemaiah shares his journey from growing up in Michigan with a creative spark nurtured by family influences, to building a multifaceted career across podcasting, music production, and media consulting. He reflects on lessons from his Motown-producer relative Arthur Stewart, the value of networking, and the importance of purpose-driven creativity. From pioneering work in AI music production to managing YouTube channels and consulting for top professionals, Shemaiah's story is a masterclass in blending passion with persistence while staying behind the scenes to help others succeed.Tune in to hear Shemaiah Reed's insights on creativity, legacy, and what it truly means to make your mark in music, media, and life.Website-https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com/ Social Media Links/Handles- https://www.instagram.com/iamrefocusedradio/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@RefocusedNetwork

In this special Advent episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates welcome two guests: Maggi Van Dorn, host and producer of America Media's Hark! podcast, and Shemaiah Gonzalez, author of the new book "Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight." The deacons speak with Maggi about three of the Christmas carols featured in this Advent's new season of "Hark!," including "Coventry Carol," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "The First Noel." Maggi also was a guest on Deacons Pod in December, 2024. The deacons chat with Shemaiah about the importance of prayer and more. She also shares her Advent poem "Out of Sight."

Devotion Ecclesiastes 10:12-15   Announcements Chili Supper Advent Services Youth Group Canceled Church Choir Church Council Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Coffee and Creativity Caroling Kiwanis Volunteers Weekend Worship Women's Study Guild Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Eve Practices Christmas Eve Time - 5pm   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Gerhard and Carolyn Matzke Tom McLaughlin High School Language Teacher Beth Greve and 5th-6th Grade Teacher Stephanie Roettger Mission in Tanzania and Kenya   Common Christian Q&A Who was Urijah the son of Shemaiah?   Hymn of the Day TLH 294 “O Word of God Incarnate”

This class will focus on Rehoboam the king of Judah, the southern kingdom, and  his son Abijah as found in 1 Kings 14-15 and 2 Chronicles 11-13. They reigned 931-910 BC. In 2 Chronicles 12:1-5 we read that 5 years into Rehoboam's reign that he and his kingdom have abandoned the law of the Lord. Rehoboam rules from Jerusalem and is attacked by the king of Egypt who has a huge army and captures the cities along the way to Jerusalem. Then the prophet Shemaiah comes and tells Rehoboam, “This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore I now abandon you to Shishak (Egyptian king).'” In verse 6 we read that after hearing the prophets words, Rehoboam humbled himself and his people humbled themselves and they understand that the Lord is just. Their humility is an example for us today. We too must be humble before God. Verse 7, we see that when they humbled themselves the mercy of God was displayed as He says that He will not destroy them but will give them deliverance and will not pour out His wrath on Jerusalem through the Egyptian king, Shishak. But that there would still be a consequence to having abandoned God's law. Rehoboam reigned 17 years and what we learn is: There is nothing more important than knowing the living God and walking with Him. Rehoboam's son Abijah succeeds him as king and reigns 3 years. The war between Jeroboam (Northern kingdom) and Rehoboam continues while Abijah is king as well. In 2 Chronicle 13:3 we see Abijah battling with 400,000 and that Jeroboam had a troop total of 800,000.  Abijah announces to Jeroboam and his men, “God is with us; he is our leader. The priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed.” Abijah recognizes it's important to follow God and at the sound of Judah's priests' trumpets the men of Judah raised the battle cry and God gave them victory over Jeroboam and his men. Though Abijah and his men were outnumbered 2 to 1, we read in verse 18 that the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord. This is a truth not just for back then, but it is a truth for us today. This story is a reminder to rely on the Lord no matter how bleak the outlook appears, no matter how difficult things look, we can rely on the Lord! Abijah's son, Asa, succeeded Abijah. Asa does rule for 40 years, ruling Judah from 910-870 BC. His story is found in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.   In 2 Chronicles 14:2 we read that Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord.  Asa was the 1st of 8 “good” kings of Judah. Judah had 19 kings, 8 were “good.” Israel also had 19 kings - none of them are described as “good”. While Asa ruled, he removed the foreign altars, cut down the Asherah poles and commanded Judah to seek the Lord and to obey the Lord's laws and commands. The kingdom was at peace under him. He got rid of the false worship, wanting His “people to worship God alone.” Near the end of Asa's reign they are under several major attacks. Asa calls on the Lord to help them and outnumbered they win because they relied on the Lord.  Azariah, the prophet, then speaks to Asa, 2 Chronicles 15:1-2, and tells Asa that the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And revival brakes out across Judah. They turned their hearts back to God. May we too seek the Lord, humble ourselves and turn our hearts to Him, for in God alone is Salvation, in God alone is strength and in God alone is victory! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Haley interviews Shemaiah Gonzalez, a Catholic writer, wife, and mom to two teenage boys living in Seattle. In this episode they discuss the delight of sharing good literature with our children and practical ways to cultivate a reading life in the home. They also explore Shemaiah's latest book Undaunted Joy, the strange coexistence of joy and suffering, and the revolutionary defiance it takes to intentionally live joyfully in a culture of despair.  Learn more about the children's literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts. Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Our study opens with a look at Civil War between Rehoboam and Judah vs. Jeroboam and Israel (931-910 BC). 1 Kings 12:1 We read that Rehoboam went to Shechem, “for all Israel had gone there to make him king.” Shechem was an historic site for the nation from about 500 years early when Levitical priests recited the blessings and the curses from Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Shechem is the city near these two mountains.  In verses 3 and 4 we read that Jeroboam challenges Rehoboam. Reheboam goes to 2 advisory boards. One was the elders that had served under his father, Solomon.  They gave him wise direction. 1 Kings 12:7 - they said that if you serve the people and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants. (Wise advise - to be a servant leader. It is also a prophetic view of who Jesus would be - Jesus is our Servant King - our suffering servant) The second group of advisors was Rehoboam's young friends. 1 Kings 12:13-14 says they tell him to be tougher with the people. Reheboam decided to take the advise of his young friends, but when he tells the people he will be even tougher on them than his father was, the result is that the Israelites - the entire northern part of the kingdom rebels against Reheboam and he had to escape to Jerusalem.  Will there be civil war or will there be an uneasy peace? We read in 1 Kings 12:21 that when Rehoboam arrives in Jerusalem, he gathers Judah together and the tribe of Benjamin to go to war against Jeroboam and the rest of Israel so that he can regain the entire kingdom of his father Solomon. But then God intercedes giving a word to Shemaiah a man of God: 1 Kings 12:23-24 “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.'” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered.” Reheboam listens to the words from the prophet Shemaiah and there is an uneasy peace established between the splintered nation. However, we read in verses 26-27 that Jeroboam's response to the peace was fear that his people - the northern part of the kingdom - would again give their allegiance to Reheboam King of Judah, Solomon's son.  So Jeroboam has two golden calves made - one is put in the northern part of his kingdom and the other calf is placed in the southern part of Israel and he tells the people that it's too much to go up to Jerusalem to worship, so here instead are your gods. And the people did worship these golden calves and it says in 1 Kings 12:29-30 that it became a sin. And the nation begins to turn away from God. Jeroboam led them astray and did not do as God had requested of him when he was given the prophetic word of his kingship over Israel.  Pastor shares the archeological discovery of the Altar of Dan where one of the golden calves had been set up. A sad testimony to how the nation was led astray and away from God. We learn the importance of following God and listening to His voice. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

1 Kings 12 tells us of Rehoboam's folly following the death of Solomon. Rehoboam fails to heed the wise counsel of the elders and rather harkens to the ridiculous reasoning of his entitled peers. The outcome of this is the division of the kingdom, as prophesied by Ahijah. Jeroboam is termed in scripture "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jeroboam set up two golden calves - the one in the north at Dan; and the other in Beersheba in the south. Rehoboam sent his treasurer to collect the tribute from Israel. But they stoned the treasurer causing Rehoboam to flee in his chariot. Rehoboam then mustered his army but was dissuaded from fighting against his brethren by the prophet Shemaiah who tells the king that the division is from the LORD. To his credit Rehoboam responded to the Word of God and sent the army home. King Jeroboam from the northern branch of the divided kingdom next changes the timing of the feast of worship from the seventh to the eighth month. This idolatrous man made his priests from the lowest of the people. All of this was designed to maintain the division. Jeroboam was fearful that Israel might, if they went to the Feast in Jerusalem, be reconciled to Rehoboam. This 38th chapter of Jeremiah told of the malevolent treatment afforded the prophet at the hands of the treacherous princes casting him into the mire (mud) of the cistern. He was rescued by the kind and faithful Ethiopian, Ebed-melech. Our Sovereign recompensed the Ethiopian eunuch's kindness to Yahweh's prophet. After his deliverance Jeremiah presented his entreaties secretly to the king. Jeremiah again counsels the king to save Judah by surrendering to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.Mark 12 begins with the parable of the tenants of the vineyard which spoke of Israel. The parable tells of the constant rejection of God's servants, the prophets; and the ultimate sin of Israel in rejecting the Son of the Father. The nation's wicked rulers saw themselves in Jesus' words and fulfilled the prophecy of our Lord in plotting Jesus' death. Christ's enemies make several attempts to undermine our Lord's authority. The chapter shows that each prominent party posed hypothetical questions. The first was from an alliance of the Herodians, who were pragmatists who were prepared to cooperate with Rome, and the arch enemies of the Herodians - the Pharisees. The question from this unholy alliance was on taxation. The master not only answers majestically, but he directs their minds to God's claims on them. We are next told of the Sadducees posing their question on resurrection. This sect were the priestly class. They were wealthy and used their power to accumulate wealth. The Sadducees did not accept the teaching of the resurrection; nor any of the Scriptures apart from the 5 Books of Moses. These hypocrites were likewise confounded by incontestable proof from Exodus 3 - one of the five writings that were accepted by them - of the raising of the dead. The Scribes with the Pharisees pose a problem to our Lord as to which commandment was the greatest. Jesus answers by showing that the entire message of the Law and the Prophets hung equally on the love of God and the love one's neighbour. Christ then turns the tables on his foes through a simple question in two parts;- 1) whose son is the Messiah (easy they thought - David's of course); and, part 2) how then in Psalm 110 is the Christ spoken of as David's Lord? The inescapable answer was that the Christ, Messiah, was greater because he was the Son of God as well as son of David. The chapter concludes with a denunciation of the Scribes and an object lesson from the widow, who gave all. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

David's final instructions for Solomon are found in 1 Kings 2. Note his emphasis was on sustaining Israel's currently high spiritual state and on Solomon's responsibility to ensure God's people walk before Him in faithfulness with all their heart, and soul. After that Solomon, as a wise ruler, needs watch the known troublemakers of his realm. So David died, at 70 years old, having guided the nation for 40 years. Adonijah, David's son, had an obvious agenda that was easily recognised by Solomon. Adonijah must be carefully watched. Adonijah tried, unsuccessfully, to use Bathsheba's influence over her son; so Solomon sent Benaiah to kill Adonijah. Solomon next put restrictions on Abiathar and Shimei, requiring them to remain within the gates of their virtual city of refuge. Both failed to comply and so were slain. Abiathar's death fulfilled the judgment of Eli's house spoken of in 1 Samuel 3 verses 12-14.In Jeremiah 29 we have Jeremiah's words to the exiles in Babylon and for those rebels remaining in Jerusalem to settle in Babylon , where they are to be taken, for the 70 years of their captivity. Judah should have listened to and obeyed the Word of Yahweh who had proven the prophetic authority given to Jeremiah. The actions of the vile figs of Judah were to yet again resist the Word of the Almighty. The false prophets of verse 21 would meet a fate similar to the two roasted in the fire by Nebuchadnezzar. Another false prophet, Shemaiah, is denounced in verses 24-32 for his rebellion against his Sovereign and was guaranteed an obscure death, not seeing the favour to be shown to the return of the exiles after the seventy years captivity. Mark 3 describes the Sabbath healing of a man's withered hand. This was most likely a ploy to trap and discredit Jesus. But it failed miserably. Jesus is followed by crowds who were affected by the miracles. Our Lord Jesus, after a night of prayer with his Father, selects 12 special disciples, who were called Apostles because of the commission given them. Note in verse 14 that part of their calling was for Jesus' need for companionship. We all need friends - companionship. Verses 20-21 tell us that when our Lord comes back to Capernaum his family sought to curtail his behaviour which was upsetting the Jewish leaders. Did his family believe him to be unbalanced? A debate over the authenticity of Jesus' miracles ensues as his enemies attribute the miracles to Beelzebul (the lord of the dung heap). The Master shows how illogical this was and indicated that these rulers were speaking blasphemy against God's Holy Spirit power. The chapter concludes with a further attempt by his own family to get him to desist from upsetting the religious authorities. Jesus educates his natural family by stating that his true family were to be found among those who understood and supported Jesus in his Father's work.

Did you know that the Bible makes reference to several extra biblical books in addition to the book of Jasher? How about book of the wars of the LORD (Num 21:14), the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer (2nd Chron 12:15), book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer (1st Chron 29:29) If your like me, after 40 years of being in the word, I had never heard of any of these until 7/15/25 Join us for another wild ride into some incredible bible changes. NOTE This video had some audio and tech issues Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-conspiracy-theorist-survival-guide-podcast/donations

Shemaiah Gonzalez is back! This time she joins us to unpack her beautiful new book, Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight. My friends, if you need the perfect book to be your nightstand right-be-for-bed companion, this is it. In this collection of short essays, Shemaiah unpacks the small ways uncovering, accepting, and welcoming joy can change our lives.The opposite of toxic positivity, she argues for slowing down, being present, and experiencing our lives rather than rushing through them. You'll meet delight in surprising places like the laundry room, with surprising companions like capybaras, and amidst surprising companions like sorrow.Join us for this conversation about cultivating delight. Plus: what is Shemaiah's least favorite bird? The answer may surprise you! Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe

[Jeremiah 26:20] At this time Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim was also prophesying for the LORD. And he predicted the same terrible disaster against the city and nation as Jeremiah did. Faithfulness does not guarantee _____________. [Jeremiah 26:21] When King Jehoiakim and the army officers and officials heard what he was saying, the king sent someone to kill him. But Uriah heard about the plan and escaped in fear to Egypt. Fleeing doesn't mean _____________________.[Jeremiah 26:22-23] Then King Jehoiakim sent Elnathan son of Acbor to Egypt along with several other men to capture Uriah. [23] They took him prisoner and brought him back to King Jehoiakim. The king then killed Uriah with a sword and had him buried in an unmarked grave. Sometimes _____________________ costs more than we _____________________. [Acts 12:1-3] About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. [2] He had the apostle James (John's brother) killed with a sword. [3] When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) God's _________________ doesn't ____________________ make sense to us.[Revelation 21:4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." Faithfulness is never _____________________.[Hebrews 6:10] For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Your labor in the Lord is never _____________________.[Revelation 14:13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!" Not every servant gets a _____________________, but every servant gets a _____________________. [Matthew 25:23a] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Today we're talking about joy. It can be a hard thing to hold onto in this moment: The headlines are scary; our lives are full of stress and worry; and, everywhere we turn there seems to be some new reason to be afraid. But none of that is of God. And indeed, even in such moments, joy is waiting to be found. It's worth remembering that Jesus tells us he has come so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. That's a joy-filled life he's describing, not one that cowers in the shadows in fear and worry. Jesus wants us to step out and into the fullness of God's creation. Today's guest is author Shemaiah Gonzalez. Shemaiah has degrees in English, intercultural ministry and creative nonfiction writing. And her new book, “Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight” gives us a roadmap back to a life full of joy. Host Eric Clayton and Shemaiah discuss joy and delight and abundance and what it means to tell stories at the intersection of all three. We hope when the conversation concludes, you feel a bit more joyful—and perhaps inclined to pick up a copy of Shemaiah's book. Get her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Joy-Revolutionary-Cultivating-Delight/dp/031016317X Visit her website here: https://www.shemaiahgonzalez.com/

Nehemiah 3 NIV 3 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. 3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.[a]6 The Jeshanah[b] Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. 7 Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah—Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth—places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. 8 Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. 10 Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. 11 Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.13 The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits[c] of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.14 The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rekab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place.15 The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Kol-Hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofing it over and putting its doors and bolts and bars in place. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Siloam,[d] by the King's Garden, as far as the steps going down from the City of David. 16 Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs[e] of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Heroes.17 Next to him, the repairs were made by the Levites under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him, Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district. 18 Next to him, the repairs were made by their fellow Levites under Binnui[f] son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah. 19 Next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle of the wall. 20 Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 Next to him, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired another section, from the entrance of Eliashib's house to the end of it.22 The repairs next to him were made by the priests from the surrounding region. 23 Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. 24 Next to him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from Azariah's house to the angle and the corner, 25 and Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the angle and the tower projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh 26 and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. 27 Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.28 Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. 29 Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the guard at the East Gate, made repairs. 30 Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters. 31 Next to him, Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner; 32 and between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs. 

We are called to share our faith joyfully, and Father Dave welcomes Shemaiah Gonzalez to discuss her new book, “Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight.”

IT DIDN'T take long for simmering tensions in Israel between north and south to erupt into civil war. Following the death of Solomon, Jeroboam led the northern tribes in rebellion against Judah and the House of David. Solomon's son, Rehoboam, wanted to go to war immediately but was warned by the prophet Shemaiah that it was not the will of God to do so, since the rebellion was God's punishment for Solomon's fall into the worship of pagan gods. However, after just three years of peace, north and south were at war. Egypt's pharaoh, Shishak, seeing the weakness of his northern neighbor, plundered the temple in Jerusalem. Rehoboam humbled himself before God, which saved himself and the kingdom of Judah from destruction—but it didn't take long for Judah to fall back into pagan practices, even in the royal household. Rehoboam was succeeded by his son, Abijam, who was followed just three years later by his son, Asa (reigned c. 910–873 BC). Asa removed the male cult prostitutes and the Asherah poles from the kingdom, and even had to remove his mother as queen mother because she'd made an image for Asherah, which probably fertility connotations (to put it politely). It appears that even during the reign of good kings like Asa, the cult practices of the Amorites and Canaanites were a powerful snare for the people of Israel and Judah. Question of the week: Are cemeteries the modern equivalent of ancient dolmens? Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821) Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

3/30/2025 Paul Bang Nehemiah 6:1-14 6 Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. 3 And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 4 And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. 5 In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. 7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.' And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” 8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” 9 For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. 10 Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.” 11 But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” 12 And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. 14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid.

It takes a brave prophet to call back an army! Emma Stark, Louise Reid and Nigel Reid bring an intriguing discussion on Shemaiah, a lesser known prophet in 1 Kings 12. Listen in as they reflect on taking brave decisions, how to bring strong prophetic words and why it might be time for changes in your life.Learn to identify and kick out demonic influences affecting your life and reclaim your spiritual authority with Emma Stark's powerful Demonbusting 2 ecourse. Visit https://www.enlivenmedia.org/demonbusting2 to become equipped to fight spiritual battles with confidence and Biblical wisdom. It's time to step into spiritual authority! We're building a home for our growing movement of prophetic warriors like you! Will you join us financially in creating a visionary resource centre? This centre will serve as a broadcast and recording facility, creating cutting edge content of truth and training to the world. Visit www.propheticscots.com/give to donate today.

In this episode, Natasha breaks down why YouTube is on easy mode in 2025 and how creators hold the keys to their success. Learn three actionable tips to overcome the biggest pain points as a creator, build your audience, and grow your brand. From consistency to mastering thumbnails and engaging with your audience, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Plus, hear why starting a video podcast could be your best move this year. Don't forget to subscribe to Refocused Network for fresh interviews with incredible guests every week in 2025!Disclaimer:This content reflects Shemaiah's visionary approach to creating impactful content using AI as a tool to bring his ideas to life. By blending advanced technology with a human touch, he continues to inspire and add value to creators and audiences alike. The goal? To spark motivation and create a ripple effect of creativity in the digital space.Call-to-Action:Stay connected with Refocused Network to catch new interviews and more inspiring content like this episode. Subscribe now and be part of the journey—we've got something special lined up for you every week in 2025!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

In this episode, Natasha explores the game-changing potential of ChatGPT's microphone feature on mobile devices. Learn how you can use this tool to brainstorm ideas, organize thoughts, and create compelling content faster than ever. From preparing for interviews to taking meeting notes, discover how brands can leverage AI as a personal assistant to enhance creativity and productivity. Plus, hear how Shemaiah used CapCut's AI voice feature to bring Natasha's voice to life—proving that AI can add a human touch to your projects. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiration, and a reminder to use AI responsibly to take your brand to the next level. Visit IamRefocusedRadio.com for more insights and interviews!Disclaimer:This content was designed and produced by Shemaiah using AI technology, including ChatGPT for scripting and CapCut for AI voice generation. The purpose of this episode is purely educational, showcasing the creative and practical ways AI can be used as a tool to enhance content creation and brand development. Listeners are encouraged to research AI tools, use them responsibly, and always disclose when AI is part of their content creation process.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.