Finding Encouragement
How do you keep going when discouragement threatens to stop you in your tracks? The returning Jewish exiles in Ezra 5–6 faced intense opposition as they worked to rebuild the temple. They had already abandoned the project once, but this time, God sent encouragement through His prophets and His providence. Their story is a powerful reminder that when you commit to following God, He provides the strength to endure. In this episode, Stephen Davey explores how God’s Word and sovereign control sustained His people in the past and how those same encouragements are available to you today. Whether you’re facing personal trials, opposition to your faith, or the temptation to give up, this lesson will help you find strength in God’s promises. Listen now and be encouraged to remain steadfast in your walk with the Lord.
The Building Starts—and Stops!
Why does doing the right thing often lead to resistance? The Jewish exiles returning from Babylon learned this lesson quickly. After rebuilding the altar and laying the temple foundation, they faced immediate opposition. Their enemies discouraged them, spreading fear and frustration until the work completely stopped. Have you ever felt like giving up on something God called you to do? In this episode, Stephen Davey explores the story of Ezra 3–4, showing how worshiping God faithfully invites both His blessing and the enemy’s attacks. But take heart—opposition never means defeat when God is leading the way. Learn how to stand firm in faith, press forward in obedience, and resist the enemy’s schemes. If discouragement has ever slowed your spiritual growth, this lesson will give you the encouragement you need to keep going.
The Rumblings of Renewal
Can God change the course of history through a pagan king? The book of Ezra begins with a stunning proclamation from King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple. But why would a foreign ruler care about Israel’s God? The answer is simple—God was at work, directing history according to His plan. Over 150 years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had prophesied this very event, even naming Cyrus before he was born! This remarkable fulfillment reminds us that history is truly His-story, unfolding according to God’s sovereign will.
Judgment Day for Judah
Can a nation ignore God’s warnings forever? Judah learned the hard way that rebellion leads to judgment. In today’s episode, Stephen Davey walks through the final days of Judah, as Babylon’s army destroys Jerusalem and takes the people into exile. But even in judgment, God’s promise of restoration remains. What can you learn from Judah’s downfall? How does God’s justice and grace still apply today? Join us as we uncover these powerful lessons from 2 Kings 24–25 and 2 Chronicles 36.
A Faithful Influence with Few Results
What happens when you do everything right, but people still refuse to change? King Josiah led one of Judah’s greatest revivals, restoring true worship and calling his nation back to God. Yet, despite his faithfulness, Judah’s repentance was short-lived. In today’s episode, Stephen Davey unpacks the powerful lessons from Josiah’s life—what it means to lead well, trust God with the results, and remain faithful even when change doesn’t happen. If you’ve ever struggled with seeing little fruit from your spiritual influence, this episode is for you.
An Unexpected Discovery for an Unexpected King
Can one person change the course of history? King Josiah did. Despite growing up in a corrupt royal family, this young king chose a different path—one of spiritual hunger, courage, and unwavering commitment to God’s Word. In today’s episode, Stephen Davey unpacks the moment Josiah rediscovered the law of God and led an entire nation back to truth. What can we learn from his example? How does revival begin in our own hearts? Don’t miss this powerful lesson on living boldly for Christ in a world that’s lost its way.
A Surprising Turn of Events
If you knew how much time you had left, would it change how you live? King Hezekiah was granted fifteen extra years, but instead of using them for God’s glory, his pride led to costly mistakes. Worse yet, his son, Manasseh, became one of Judah’s most wicked rulers—until God shocked everyone by bringing him to repentance. In today’s episode, Stephen Davey unpacks this remarkable contrast, showing how a godly past does not guarantee a faithful future, but a wicked past is no obstacle to God’s grace. If you’ve ever wondered whether someone is beyond redemption, this lesson will give you hope.
Another Goliath
What do you do when you face overwhelming opposition? King Hezekiah faced an impossible challenge—the brutal Assyrian Empire surrounding Jerusalem. But instead of giving in, he turned to the Lord in desperate prayer. In today’s episode, Stephen Davey unpacks this powerful moment from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, showing how God’s miraculous intervention saved His people. This lesson reveals a key truth: trusting God is never in vain, no matter how big the enemy may seem. Discover how faith in God can give you victory in life’s most difficult battles.
Characteristics of Genuine Revival
How do you recognize true spiritual revival? Is it emotional excitement, or something deeper? In today’s episode, Stephen Davey explores the reign of King Hezekiah, who led Judah in one of the most remarkable revivals in history. From cleansing the temple to restoring worship and eliminating idols, Hezekiah’s leadership reveals key characteristics of genuine revival—consecrated leadership, renewed worship, obedience, and repentance. Learn how these principles apply to your own walk with God and how you can experience a personal renewal today.
Sailing Through Muddy Water
Israel’s northern kingdom had 200 years to repent, but they ignored God’s warnings. Their tragic fall to Assyria in 2 Kings 17 was the result of centuries of idolatry and rebellion. Yet, even in judgment, God’s grace remained. In this episode, Stephen Davey unpacks the lessons from Israel’s downfall—lessons about obedience, repentance, and what happens when people try to use God rather than follow Him. Discover how history’s darkest moments still reveal God’s mercy and faithfulness.