Back after These Messages...

Hiking with my David at Mt. Falcon, Colorado

Dear faithful listeners,

You've probably noticed that we are taking a break from recording new podcasts. This year is proving to be one of great change as my husband and I have moved, have lost a dear family member, and are preparing for my book to be released in October. A. J. would agree with me that 2014 is a time of change in his family and career.

We are pleased with Season 1, and we are thankful that we produced a podcast that is basically timeless. Until we are back for Season 2, we encourage you to share our thoughts on Ezra and Nehemiah with your friends and family. They will remain online indefinitely. We would also love to hear any topic ideas you have for our Season 2 conversations. You can leave a comment to this blog post, and you can contact me directly at my personal website.

Hoping you too have a 2014 full of change and growth,

Amanda

Wrapping Up Ezra/Nehemiah

Life Happens...Especially in Exile

Dear faithful listeners,

Life has happened to your podcasters. I write to you from Middle-of-Nowhere, Kansas, as my David and I drive the final 300 miles of our move to Denver. A. J. will be sporadically checking his social media from Ohio, where his mother is very ill. We hope to be back to broadcasting next Friday . . . but life may "happen" again.

You expected to hear us tie up our exegesis of Ezra-Nehemiah today, so I'll give you a couple of teasers:

1. As soon as Nehemiah (cat) is away, the Israelites (mice) play.
2. Nehemiah (cat) comes "back, the very next day. They though he was a goner, but . . . he wouldn't stay away."

In chapter 13, Nehemiah has finished his mission in Jerusalem and returned to working in the Persian court when he learns that the Israelites are up to their old sins. He again drops everything to run to the next life-crisis.

2010 Nashville Flood in Amanda's neighborhood

In our fallen world, crises happen. In exile, we Christians do our best to plan our lives--be dedicated workers and loving family members--but sometimes life happens. I would hazard that those "happenings" are often God's way of putting us back on His track and reminding us that He is the one in control.

This week, as you anxiously await the conclusion of Nehemiah's memoir, ask yourself if your personal plans are aiding or inhibiting God's kingdom work. Are you willing to drop everything and run back to "Jerusalem" where His people need you?

Consecration And Celebration: Not To Be Confused...

I Give You My Word