Nehemiah-Standing Firm Against Those Who Are Against Us

By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 2

From Nehemiah's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. I was cupbearer to the king. 

I've been in Jerusalem for a few days. No, I didn't run away from my job, my servitude in Babylon. I had permission from the king to do this job.

Anyway, I stayed up most the night walking around the city walls. I'd taken a few men whom I trusted to keep me safe and record notes. What I saw bothered me...a lot.

I called a meeting with the city officials this morning. They all came, probably out of curiosity. See, to them I may have been a brother Jew, but I was also a new comer. I hadn't lived her for the months and in the case of some, years like they had. I hadn't experienced their problems and as a result didn't have a firm grasp on why important jobs hadn't been done yet.

These official didn't need to be yelled at for not doing what God asked. They needed an understanding brother to rejuvenate their desire to rebuild. 

So I hushed them and said, "You see the trouble we are in." I waved my arms to indicate the wall. The wall that should protect us from enemies creeping in and harming us. "Our beloved city, Jerusalem, lies in ruins. The gates have been burned with fire." I gave them a moment to picture the danger.

"We should rebuild the wall of Jerusalem then we will no longer be opened to other nations wanting to harm us. This is God's city. We must protect it. Look, God protected me on my journey here in amazing ways. The king of Babylon wrote me letters, gave me officers and a calvary to protect me. God wouldn't have provided all of this if He didn't want the work done now."

The men sat quietly. They looked at the ground and spoke softly to each other. The spirit of apathy was dissolving and a new spirit of bonding, hope, brotherhood, and praise to God built. The men said, "Okay. Let's start rebuilding!"

Well, they didn't run and grab tools. A plan had to be made. A huge project like this had steps.

While we planned, apparently Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard we wanted to rebuild the walls. They came to a group of us and shook their heads. Kinda like when a bully comes to you and makes fun of your work. Yeah. Like that. They said, "What are you doing?" They laughed and spoke with a sneering  mocking voice. "Are you rebelling against the king?"

Of course we weren't. I had permission. Letters. Good grief. These men were not Jews and they didn't want the Jews to build a protective wall around Jerusalem. That was crystal clear.

Fine. They want to be ornery? I stood tall and said, "The God of heaven will give us success. We, his servants, will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historical right to it."

I'd stand firm against those who were against us no matter what it took. I'd stand strong. I wouldn't let them wear us down with their cruel words. The wall will be built...just as God wanted.



Come back next time to see what happens.
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sources: New International Version, New King James Version 
               

1. Why was Nehemiah careful with his words to the Jerusalem officials?
2. Before the men would be willing to build they walls they first had to change their ____
3. What bullies came?
4. What did they say?
5. What did Nehemiah say to them?
6. Who do you think will win? The bullies or Nehemiah?

Nehemiah-Sneaking Outside the City Walls

By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 2

From Nehemiah's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. I was cupbearer to the king.

I packed quickly for the journey to Jerusalem, thanks to the permission given to me by the king of Babylon. The king also sent officers and a calvary with me for protection. 

We first visited the governors of Trans-Euphrates. There I gave those kings letters from Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. The letters asked for their help and protection for my journey.

Sanballat and Tobiah were against the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem. After seeing their response to what their kings in Trans-Euphrates said, I had a feeling these two wanted to cause trouble. They seemed especially bothered that their kings promised protection by sending officers and a calvary for the welfare of the Israelites.

With these armies I traveled to Jerusalem and found a place to stay. I walked around the town, spoke to the people, and enjoyed resting from the long journey in my homeland for three days. I didn't tell any of my Israelite brothers or anyone else why I came. During this time I also found a few men whom I could trust to help me carry out my plan.

By the third evening, the men I chose stayed up late to help me. The city was still. Everyone but a few guards slept. I alone rode a mount, the others walked.

We sneaked out the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate inspecting the Jerusalem's walls. Seventy years ago, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon wage siege on our Jerusalem. His armies broke down the walls and gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

The men and I moved toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there wasn't enough room for my mount to fit in the narrow space. Instead, we turned to the valley and examined the wall. This was the last location we inspected. We sneaked back through the Valley Gate and slept until morning.

The officials didn't know where I went or what I was doing because I hadn't yet told them my real reason for coming to Jerusalem. Telling them the plan I'd presented to King Artaxerxes, king of Babylon, before I confirmed the facts would have been foolish. Now I know what repairs need to be done and can speak intelligently.

Tomorrow, I will call a meeting. It's time to rebuild the walls to protect our city.

Come back next time to see what happens.
*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version 
               

1. Who did the king of Babylon send to go with Nehemiah?
2. Who did Nehemiah stop to visit on the way to Jerusalem?
3. What was he given there?
4. What two men were angry about the plan?
5. How many days did Nehemiah rest before starting his work?
6. In the quiet of the night, what did Nehemiah sneak out to do?
7. What did Nehemiah see in the dark of the night?

Jonathan Goforth-Prisons and Bullies

By Mary Vee
Year: summer 1883

Jonathan Goforth-24 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

Toronto late 1800's - Photo Courtesy

My name is Jonathan Goforth. I will be a missionary to China some day. I feel it deep inside. Until then, I am doing what God shows me to do each day.

The bullying didn't stop with the incident I told you about last week. The other guys in the dorm saw I was different. I was poor and from the country. To them I had no right to be at Knox College. After all, who would listen to someone like me talk about Jesus.

Every night the guys cornered me and tried their best to embarrass me. When they finished they shoved me into my room, shut my door, and left laughing. I flopped on my bed and cried then picked up my Bible and waited for God to comfort me. 

I had this feeling in my heart. It was so strong. God wanted me to stay, do my studies, and prepare for the mission field. I tried my best to avoid the dorm. I joined the staff at the William Street Mission and helped the poor. I listened, gave food and clothing, and shared the good news of a loving God to the homeless.

Late each night, I returned to my dorm. The guys on my floor seemed to wait for me. Before I had a chance to put my things down they cornered me and bullied me.

The first semester went by and my grades were good. I found a prison not far away and wanted to tell the men about the God who loves them. At first the warden didn't trust me. I don't blame him. He'd never met me before. But he liked the idea of the prisoners having a chance to hear someone speak.

At first the warden kept the men in their cells. He allowed me to stand on floor above and shout out to the long row of cells below. I couldn't see any of the men, but their hushed voices proved they heard my preaching. After a few weeks, the warden came to me. "You're doing a fine job, Goforth. You can have permission to walk along the corridor and speak to the men individually if you want."

If I want? Was he kidding? Of course I wanted. I started that day. I walked to each cell and opened a conversation with each man. One snapped at me. "Get out. There isn't any God."

The prisoners around his cell cheered and encouraged their cellmate to say more. I had prepared for such a time as that. I said, "How odd that you would say those very words. This book in my hand." I held it up. "It talks about you."

The prisoner laughed and walked back to his bunk. He plopped down. "What does your book say about me?"

I turned to Psalm 14 and read, "The fool has said in his heart there is no God."

The mocking stopped. None of the men around said a word. I took the opportunity to explain the verse to them, all of the men who were in listening range. I went cell to cell to those who heard me and answered their question. Their faces showing interest and hunger to learn more. Some wept. Some hardly spoke. Some asked questions. They all wanted to know how to accept Jesus as their Savior.

That night when I returned to the dorm the bullies asked me what I did that day, like they had every other night. When I told them what happened at the prison they still picked on me...but a little less. It was like, they started to respect me and the commitment to share the good news of the God who loves with the poor and imprisoned.  




Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Nehemiah-God Surprised Me With Blessings

By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 2

From Nehemiah's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. I was cupbearer to the king. In the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign I stood in my usual working position. 

A servant brought wine to the king. I took the glass, sipped, then gave it to the king. 

In all the years I've done this job, I'd never been sad when in the king's presence. Today, though, the king's sudden change from business to sad eyes showed he noticed. He set down his wine. "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart."

On the inside, I was shaking. I had never told him what was on my mind. I'd served him as I was commanded to do and never let any personal thoughts interfere. This time was different. I couldn't help it. 

I took a breath and forced myself to answer. "May the king live forever. Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"

The king looked surprised. After all, he had sent Ezra to repair the temple fourteen years ago. "What is it you want?"

I quickly prayed to the God of heaven and answered the king what God urged me to say. "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."

The queen had been sitting by the king. He glanced at her then back at me. "How long will your journey take and when will yo be back?"

I said how long I thought the trip would take. I was so happy when he gave me permission to go. I then asked, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, asking for safe-travel until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king's forest to receive timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, the city wall, and the home I will live in?

The king answered, "Yes."

I would have jumped up and down right then and there if it had be allowed in the king's presence.

Can you believe it? I am going to the land given to the Israelites by the Almighty to repair the city. And, the king has given me the supplies I need to do the job. This day started out so sad, but God had a plan and has surprised me with His blessings.

Come back next time to see what happens.
*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version 
               

1. What was Nehemiah's job?
2. What did the king notice?
3. Why was Nehemiah sad?
4. What did the king give permission for?
5. What supplies did Nehemiah ask the king to provide?
6. Did the king give Nehemiah the supplies?
7. What blessing did God give Nehemiah?

Jonathan Goforth-Bullies Might Win For Now, But...

By Mary Vee
Year: summer 1883

Jonathan Goforth-24 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

Toronto late 1800's - Photo Courtesy

My name is Jonathan Goforth. I will be a missionary to China some day. I feel it deep inside. Until then, I am doing what God shows me to do each day.

I am a brand new college student. I am living away from home. I am a country raised person now living in a city. Translated...I have a lot to learn and I make lots of mistakes.

I had all these dreams about coming to a Christian college. I'd automatically have lots of friends who love to study God's Word and enjoy doing fun things together. And that is what should have happened. But it didn't for me.

After I told the guys who sat at the dinner table in the cafeteria about my trip to the poor section of town called Ward, they laughed at me. It was then that I noticed their clothes. Quite different from my country suit made by my mother. 

No use in getting upset about their bullying me at the table. I needed to try harder. I went to my dorm room, had a time of feeling sorry for myself then decided to do something about the problem. Get a new suit I told myself. One that my classmates would wear. Then I'd fit in and they wouldn't have a reason to bully me.

I opened the box where I hid the money Dad gave me for the semester and pulled out what seemed like the amount needed to buy fabric. I'd have to skip some meals and give up other things, but I was okay with that. I walked up the street looking at the shops and found one that sold quality material. The clerk helped me choose the right amount of good quality fabric. He then told me where I'd find a tailor.

Back at my dorm room I pulled the fabric out of the bag and laid it on my bed. I ran my hand over the expensive material and knew this would end my problems with those bullies. Just then a knock sounded. A couple of the guys burst into my room. The bully look plastered all over their faces. They wanted to pick on me. They picked up my things and made jokes. 

One picked up the fabric.  He unfolded it and waved it around the room. "Aww, the little country boy wants to be like us." His eyes widened. "I have an idea." He picked up scissors from my desk and cut a hole in the middle. His friends grabbed my arms and held me while he pushed the material over my head. "So you want a new suit like us. Here. We'll help you."

They took some rope and wound it around the fabric like a strait jacked. I couldn't move. I could barely walk. "I know. Let's parade him down the hall so everyone can see his new suit." About thirty guys lined up. They pushed me, twirled me around, and shoved me until I reached the end. There was absolutely nothing I could do. No one would hear my cries for help.

The bullies made me parade down the hall and back four times before shoving me into my room and closing the door. It took me so long to wiggle out of the ropes and remove the fabric-- hat expensive material once intended to be a nice suit.

I felt so stupid. A nice suite wouldn't convince bullies to be nice. I couldn't tell anyone from the school because the bullies would find out. I couldn't tell my parents because they would make me come home. I had four years of training for the mission field ahead of me, and each day would be one without any friends. Loneliness seeped into everyone of my cells. 

My heart ached. I'll admit it...I cried. I reached for the only thing that could bring me comfort, my Bible. 

After reading, praying, and crying, I pushed my shoulders back and made a decision. No matter what the bullies did to me, I would not give up. They may think they are winning for now...but some day, God will turn all of this sadness in my soul into something unbelievably good. I just know it. I won't quit and I won't let the bullies make me quit.

The hardest part about telling you, reader, what happened years ago is I know what God did for me much later. I'm no different from you. Bad things happen. BUT, God has a reason for everything...it all works into His big plan. Stick around. Every Monday there will be more of this story. 




Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Nehemiah-My Brother's Disturbing Message

By Mary Vee
Nehemiah 1

From Nehemiah's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nehemiah. I have been a servant in Babylon for a long time. The king appointed me cup bearer. That means my job is to taste his food and drink before he eats or drinks to insure there is no poison in them.  If there is, well, I am the one who will be poisoned.

Fourteen years ago King Artaxerxes of Babylon gave Ezra permission to take a group of Jewish slaves back to Jerusalem. His group was the second group to return to our land. Ezra's job was to teach the people the Law of Moses. Ezra was an expert and a great choice for this job.

I had not been given permission to return to our homeland. Although I wouldn't mind going, the king kept me in my job as cupbearer. 

One day, quite to my surprise, I had a visit from my brother. He'd visited Jerusalem before visiting me. I would have thought he'd bring great news. Enough time had passed for most of the city to have been rebuilt. But his eyes had sadness.

I took him to a place where we could speak privately. "What's wrong?" 

He said, "The people who have survived the exile and have returned to Jerusalem are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

I grabbed hold of my chair. The news was not what I expected at all. How could this have been? Ezra and a second group of people went back to help rebuild the city. They are in great trouble and disgrace? I couldn't bear the news. I sat down and wept. 

For several days I mourned our people and our land. I couldn't understand what all had happened there. I refused food and spent all my free time in prayer before the God of heaven.

I prayed: "O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands. Listen and watch as I, your servant, prays before you day and night for those in Israel. 

"I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my family, have committed against you. We have been wicked to you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant, Moses.

"Remember you said if we were unfaithful, you would send us to other nations. If we returned to you and obey your commands then you would bring all the exiles back home, no matter how far away they were taken.

"These Israelites are your servants and your people. They are the ones You have redeemed with Your power and strength. O Lord, please hear the prayers of your servants. Give me, your servant success today by granting me favor in the sight of the king.


Come back next time to see what happens.
*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version 
               

1. Who came to visit Nehemiah?
2. Where had this person been?
3. What news did he bring Nehemiah?
4. Why didn't Nehemiah leave right away?
5. What did Nehemiah ask God?

Ezra-The Terrible Storm

By Mary Vee
Ezra 10

From Ezra's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Ezra. I have spent many years studying the Law of Moses as a servant in Babylon. 

The king of Babylon sent me with a large number of Jews back to Israel. My job was to teach the law of Moses to the people.

When I arrived, I heard terrible news. The first group of Israelites had been doing many wrong things. Things that displeased God. 

Many of the men had married women from other countries. These women brought their false gods into the Jewish homes. Now the men were worshiping the false gods with their foreign wives.

I called the Levites and priests and told them to form a plan to get all the men of Judah and Benjamin here in three days. The punishment for any man not attending this very important meeting would be him forced to leave the country and to lose all he possessed.

Three days have passed. I have spent the time praying for the sins of Israel. The meeting was called at the footsteps of the temple. Outside. A powerful storm released it's rain on everyone as the meeting started. The men were bothered by the rain and upset at being forced to come to this meeting.

I didn't care if they were upset. They had disobeyed the law of Moses. I stood before them and said, "You have been unfaithful. You have married foreign women, adding to our nation's guilt before the Lord. Now, you are to confess these sins to the Lord the God of your fathers then do his will. Separate yourselves from the foreign people around you and from your foreign wives."

The men shouted, "You are right. We must do as you say. We want to obey right away but this is the rainy season. We can't possibly send all of our foreign wives back to their country in a short time. Let the officials set up assigned times for each of us and invite the elders to judge us. We will work on this problem until God is no longer angry with us."

This sounded like a good plan.

All the men agreed to this idea except Jonathan, Jehazeiah, Meshullam, and Shabbethai the Levite.

I agreed, too. I chose one man to be in charge from each family. The chosen men  began their investigation of the cases during the tenth month and finished dealing with all the men who had sinned by the first month. A scribe recorded a list of all who had sinned. 

The problem took a few months to solve, but thanks to the cooperation of the men who wanted forgiveness for their sin, everything returned to the way God wanted. No false gods brought to the homes by foreign wives.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version 
               

1. Why were the men angry (two reasons)
2. Ezra explained the problem to the men. What did the men say when he finished?
3. How many men did not agree with the plan?
4. Did the men who sinned fix the problem quickly? Why or why not?
5. What did God want the men who sinned to do?

Jonathan Goforth: Ignorance that Opens Doors

By Mary Vee
Year: summer 1883

Jonathan Goforth-24 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

Toronto late 1800's - Photo Courtesy

My name is Jonathan Goforth. I will be a missionary to China some day. I feel it deep inside. Until then, I am doing what God shows me to do each day.

Not every experience has been easy. Oh no. In fact...let me tell you what happened that first day at Knox College.

My parents and siblings gave me a great send off. I may have been one of the youngest in the family, but I was the first to go to college. Even Dad and Mom hadn't been to a college. I'm telling you this because none of us knew what I should expect. We were a country/farm family.

I settled into my dorm room. I could tell, just by looking, that the other students came from wealthier families. Their clothes, their hair, the way they walked and talked. None of this bothered me. I liked the country/farm way of living. 

I guess I just assumed none of the other men from my dorm would want to work with the poorest areas of town. When I asked directions to where the needy people lived, the professor warned me of dangers.

What dangers? I honestly didn't have a clue. I mean, I've held my own in fist fights. If someone tried to rob me, I'd hold up my fists to protect myself while telling the robber all about Jesus. The idea seemed quite simple to me.

So with map in hand, I walked to the poor area of Toronto. The neighborhood was called Ward. 

Several blocks away I found the marked area on the map. Men and women sat on front steps, and gathered in groups. I was a bit, okay, a lot surprised at the way they dressed.  The women wore way too much makeup and dresses that would shock my momma. They seemed a bit surprised to see a man in a suit walking their neighbor streets. 

I refused to be afraid. Instead I prayed for God to bless a moment for me to speak with them. These men and women needed to hear about Jesus. 

"Hey, come on over and talk with us," a few shouted at me. They smiled and waved to me.

See there, they were friendly. I knew this would turn out just fine. I walked to the group. We said our hellos then I talked to them about Jesus.

The women seemed interested in what I had to say. After my conversation with these ladies, I walked throughout the very poor neighborhood making plans to visit every home and share the love of Jesus with them.

I walked back to the college, very excited about telling the people who live in Ward about Jesus. I was so excited I told my classmates about my time in Ward. 

They stopped eating and stared at me. "What do you mean?"

These guys had missed a great opportunity for witnessing. I smiled and used both hands as I shared my time in Ward. "The men and women called me over and asked if they could help me with anything."

The guys all laughed. They laughed long and hard at me. What? What had I missed?

One of the guys said, "You country kid. They didn't want to hear about the Gospel, they wanted to sell you things you don't want. Drugs. You know. Things like that."

I felt my face warming. They pointed at me and laughed all the harder at me for not knowing.

I couldn't speak. I was so incredibly embarrassed. How could guys studying to be pastors treat someone like this? It took a long time before the conversation changed to something else. 

I couldn't wait to go back to my room and get away from them.

In my own small room, I thought about the people in Ward. Whether they had bad reasons to invite me over or not didn't matter. I wouldn't give up on them. I would go back and share the love of Jesus with them.

You may be wondering, would I have gone had I know ahead of time that the people of Ward sold drugs and other bad things? 

The answer is, I would go wherever God asks me to go.


Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Ezra-The Purifying of A People

By Mary Vee
Ezra 10

From Ezra's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Ezra. I have spent many years studying the Law of Moses as a servant in Babylon. And now, thanks to the loving grace of the Almighty God, I stand in Jerusalem. The land given by God to our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The last time I visited you, I had wept bitterly. The leaders told me of a great sin committed by the first group of Jews who returned home. And the worst news, they were still doing the sin.

My heart ached so terribly. How could this much wrong be done in such a short time? I won't go into the details, you can scroll down and read my last post for that.

While I lay on the ground crying out to God for His forgiveness, Shecaniah said to me, "We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples and land around us. As you said, these foreigners have already kept us from our worship and obedience to God. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel."

I sat up and listened to him. The crowd of men and women who'd gathered around me hushed to hear Shecaniah.

"There is a hope for Israel," he said. "Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign women and their children as you and the leaders of Israel have said. Let this be done according to the Law." 

He held out his hand to me. "Rise up. This matter is in your hands. We will do whatever you say. Please. Take courage and do what God encourages you to do."

I wiped the tears from my face and accepted Shecaniah's help to stand. "All right, then. I want all the leading priests and Levites to gather over here," I said.

The men I called for moved from the crowd and stood close to me. "You men must promise to carry out this duty. Do not stop until the job is completely done."

Every leading priest and Levite gave their word to do this job. They first met to form a plan. The plan ended with a rule for all Israelites. The rule said every exile living in Judah and Jerusalem must come to Jerusalem. Anyone who failed to appear within three days would lose all his property and be forced to leave Israel. This was the leaders and Levites decision.

During the time of their planning and waiting the three days I went to the house of Jehohanan. I spent my time in prayer and mourning the exiles great sin, refusing to eat or drink.

What I know is that we need to fix this problem before any more improvements can be made in Jerusalem.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version 
               

1. What was the problem?
2. Who suggested an answer?
3. What was his suggestion?
4. What plan did the leaders come up with?
5. What did Ezra do during this time?