Many of us are victims of broken relationships. But today’s chapter shines light on one relationship of yours that’s truly divine…
READ EZRA 1 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
In the so-called civilized West, it’s unusual to have a Saturday morning coffee with your spouse of 30 years. And yet, miraculously preserved for 2½ millenniums, today’s chapter shines light on how to tap into an everlasting relationship with One who is truly divine.
Although the order of books in this ancient collection skip over 70 years between yesterday’s breadcrumb and today’s, it’s no coincidence that Ezra 1 follows on directly from 2 Chronicles 36. This is because the storyline in Father God’s Epic Play is not historical and chronological but relational in essence. It’s a love story between the Creator God and those He made in His own image to be like Him.
So Ezra 1 immediately shows our Maker’s ability to forgive and remedy even the most disastrous of situations that we get ourselves into. He knows the time and the date for the fulfilment of even His most ancient promises – regardless of whether the prophet who spoke them had long since died, or those alive had forgotten his message. [v1] Father God moves the hearts and minds of Emperors and slaves, if that’s what it takes, to show His commitment to those He loves. [v1&5]
Read More? …CLICK on “01 July – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with your loving Father God? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Father God, the One that’s enthroned above the cherubim, You are my God. You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth, have made everything. [2 Kings 19:15b]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Gospel Literature ministries in India[b]
Your Country: Your work colleagues
Yourself: Peace and Patience
Your concerns for today
Thank-you Lord that I can come to You when I am weary and heavy laden, and You will give me rest. If I’m willing to take Your ways, put them on my shoulders and learn from You, I will find rest for my soul. [Matthew 11:28-30]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
I know that if I say: ‘I have no sin’ I’ll deceive myself and the truth will not be in me. But if I confess my sin, You Lord, are faithful and just. You’ll not only forgive me, but you’ll also cleanse me from all unrighteousness! [1 John 1:8-9]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
I pray that You save me from myself, Lord. Protect and bless what You’ve given to Your children; shepherd me also and bear me up when I need You most. [Psalm 28:9]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[c] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Our Maker’s Handbook
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” [2 Timothy 2:15]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/indi/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31