There’s a common misconception that when you commit to following the Creator God, everything will work well for you. Today’s chapter shows that reality can be just the opposite…
READ EZRA 4 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:
If I look back over my adult life, I’d have to say that I’ve travelled down many bumpy roads and encountered several dead-ends that have shaken my faith and left me bewildered. But if you were to ask me whether my journey following the Creator God has been “a bed of roses”, I’d have to say: “Yes!” And yet you can’t have roses without thorns.
In today’s chapter, the people were sanctioned from the highest authority in the Persian Empire. They even had proof that they had “heard Him right”.[a] But this didn’t make them immune to fierce opposition, false accusations, discouragement, fear, and frustration. [v4-5] So rather than wanting a life of roses without thorns, a realistic approach may be better. After committing my life to my Maker[b] and listening carefully to His wisdom[c], any failure or opposition that I may face isn’t necessarily a sign of “getting it wrong”. Whatever comes my way, I simply have to remember that if He can hold the stars in place, He can hold my heart the same…
Read More? …CLICK on “03 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 speak directly with the One who leads us over rough and smooth? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[d]
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 …”
I hope in You continually, Lord, and praise You yet more and more. I’ll tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, for I do not know their limits! [Psalm 71:14-15]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Child Sex Slaves in India[e]
Your Country’s Government Decisions
Yourself: Health/Strength to Serve Your Maker
Your concerns for today
Thank-you Father God for the grace, mercy and peace that You have given through the Lord our Saviour. [Titus 1:4b]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
You’re merciful and gracious to me, Lord. You’re slow to anger and You abound in mercy. Just as a father pities his children, so You Lord have pity on those who fear You for You know my frame, Lord, and You remember that I’m dust. [Psalm 103:8,13&14]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
If I cry out for discernment and lift up my voice for understanding, if I seek wisdom like silver, and search for her as if for hidden treasure; then I’ll understand and fear You. I’ll find knowledge, O Lord, in You, for You give wisdom and from Your mouth comes knowledge and understanding. [Proverbs 2:3-6]
“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.[f] 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] Ezra 1:1-4
[b] Proverbs 3:5-6
[c] Proverbs 3:13-14
[d] Matthew 6:5-15
[e] http://www.operationworld.org/country/indi/owtext.html
[f] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31