The storyline today happened about 450BC and yet it shows that our human nature hasn’t evolved away from the curse of comparison…
Read EZRA 3 Make notes if you wish, of what stands out for you then use the “Leave a Comment” box below to write some of your thoughts!
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
I’ve always liked my house. Later, when we saw houses around us going on the market, and selling within days, we realised that it was a miracle for ours to have sat on the market for more than six months while we procrastinated over buying it! Often our visitors will comment that they like our house but the one thing that seems to spoil it all, is seeing a house that’s “nicer”. So today’s chapter shows how I’m actually no different at all to those living almost 2½ millenniums ago!
The basis of discontent is comparison, and the curse of comparison disrupts joy – often producing polarized primitive emotions and behaviour as much today, as it did millenniums ago! [v11-12] In order for us to follow the God who has called Himself “I AM”[a], we need to be “present tense” and focused on what’s in front: forgetting the past – no matter how good or bad – and ignoring the things that distract or disappoint to the right or to the left.[b]
Read More? …CLICK on “02 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.
Finding it hard to connect with the One from whom all blessing flow? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[c]
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 …”
May I join in to make a joyful shout to the Lord, with all the earth! I want to sing out praise to His Holy Name saying: “How great are Your works and great is Your power! [Psalm 66:1-3a]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Dalit (outcast) communities in India[d]
Your Country: Military Ministries
Yourself: Ways to express compassion
Your concerns for today
Because You’re the Way, the Truth and the Life, Lord, I can now come to the Father through You. [John 14:6]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Deliver me Lord from my guilt and shame for You are the God of my salvation. My tongue will sing out loud of Your righteousness! Help me to open my lips so that my mouth will flow with praise. [Psalm 51:14-15]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Now to You who can keep me from stumbling and present me faultless before Your Glory with exceeding joy; to You my God and my Saviour (who alone are wise), be now the glory, the majesty, the dominion and the power both now and always. Amen! [Jude v24-25]
“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.[e] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing our Maker’s script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from His Handbook 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] Exodus 3:14
[b] Deuteronomy 5:32
[c] Matthew 6:5-15
[d] http://www.operationworld.org/country/indi/owtext.html
[e] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31