“But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.” — Ezra 5:5 When Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned to paint the Last Supper on the chapel wall…

“Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.” — Ezra 4:4 Nicknamed the “Iron Nun,” Sister Madonna Buder in 2012 became the world record holder in her age group and the oldest person, 82 years old, to…

“With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ‘He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” — Ezra 3:11 In his book, “Our Good…

“When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas…

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing” — Ezra 1:1 An old shoemaker’s…

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13 Dennis Tinerino was an American bodybuilder in the 1960s and 70’s, winning 4 Mister Universe titles. Dennis was nicknamed the King of Lines, due to exceptional muscle definition, particularly in the abdominal region. Dennis combined incredible muscle…

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” — Philippians 4:12 Considered perhaps the greatest…

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:9 Pastor Tony Campolo said the following: “I challenge those who come to me for marriage counseling this way: “If…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8 John Wesley’s covenant prayer demonstrates a level of sacrifice and devotion to Jesus that has…