August 10

Today's Reading

Ezra. I have found that one of the most sure ways to see God's Spirit bring conviction on others is to allow Him to break my heart first. It's not fun at the moment, but He uses it to accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians. "Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that?" In this nation where we have been taught to fight for our rights, this one is hard; even for us Christians.

Psalms. 14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. This is a far better way to respond when our rights are trampled on. He will intervene and send help.

Proverbs. In the end, God is always after my heart. He wants to conform me to the image of Christ and He loves it when my heart is submissive and pliable toward Him.

What speaks to you today?

August 9

Today's Reading

Ezra. Notice how much gold and silver they were transporting. It was common in those days (and today in parts of the world) for caravans to be attacked by bandits. The decision to fast and rely upon God's protection was a bold witness to Artaxerxes and the members of his inner circle. God honored the faith of the Israelis. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Ezra was appalled by the intermarriage of the spiritual leaders. Like Solomon before them, they had married wives from other religions and allowed them to bring their idolatry into the marriage with them.

1 Corinthians parallels Ezra today. It was known that a man in the church was living in sin with his father's wife. Nothing was being done and Paul demanded that the take action before the work of the Gospel was destroyed. Note this man is mentioned again in 2 Corinthians and he had repented. Hallelujah! Church discipline is painful and often messy, but it has to be done.

Psalms. As I write this, I think about someone I know who seems to be suffering deeply at the hand of enemies. I found comfort in this prayer.

Proverbs. It is easy to rail against leaders with whom we disagree. May we all grow to deeply believe Proverbs 21:1.

How have today's passages spoken to you? Any thoughts for us?

August 8

Today's Reading

Ezra. Today we "meet" the man whose name is attached to this book. He is obviously the one who wrote down this part of their history and it was preserved. He was a "priest and a scribe." He was from the priestly tribe of Levi and a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. His job as priest was representing God to the people and vice versa. As a scribe, he was a man who meticulously wrote down such things as this book that bears his name. He would also, most likely, have been at times tasked with making copies of the scrolls that chronicled the interactions of God and His people over the years.

I was struck by this sentence: "I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along." Why? Why didn't the spiritual leaders want to go back to the place which God had established for the Temple? A few verses later, some of the Levites DID come and it seems that God specifically ordained some to make the journey. I don't want to be guilty of going along with the crowd when God's call comes!

1 Corinthians. Paul made two things clear in today's passage. First, he didn't want the people to praise him or look to him as provider of their spiritual riches. Second, he wanted them to imitate him in his passion to find and do God's will. As a leader, I appreciate the clarification he made here.

I have lived this Psalm. When things are going well, I feel invincible. When they are not going well, I wonder if I can even survive. Do you share my experience?

Proverbs. Leaders who use fear and intimidation may seem successful -- for a while. But great leadership helps people take action based on the highest motive of all: love.

What insights have you received today? Do you have questions?

August 7

Today's Reading

It's beautiful and amazing that, in Ezra today, the people re-started the work on the Temple based on the prophetic word they received. Then, after they started by faith, God allowed "sight" to catch up. First, they faced opposition, then received the surprise support of King Darius. They probably didn't know that, on the other end of this communication was a king who had received great help from God's wisdom through a man named Daniel. Even during opposition, Daniel remained faithful and Darius rejoiced when he came in the morning to the den of lions and found Daniel alive. God knows how to accomplish His purposes!

I once read this passage the day after a U.S. District Court Judge overturned the voters of California and legalized same-sex marriages. The Ezra passage yesterday told of the delay that happened when an appeal was made to a new king and he stopped the construction of the Temple. God, though, wanted that Temple built and Darius cleared the way. Never doubt God's power to ultimately accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians. Paul made it clear that the people needed to learn to follow Christ. It is both an honor and a source of godly fear on the part of a leader to discover that people want to follow him/her. Godly leaders want people to turn their faith to God, for only He can meet their deepest needs.

Psalms. Anyone who has lived through a tornado or a hurricane and who reads this Psalm, will have awe over the great "voice of the Lord."

Proverbs. I have noticed that sometimes my motives are hidden even from me. God has a way of purifying us by heating up our lives and showing us what is in our hearts. Then, I can confess my wrong heart and let God cleanse me and help me reflect the light of Jesus more clearly."

What do you notice today? Questions?

August 6

Today's Reading

Ezra. The people began to face opposition to rebuilding the Temple. It went on for years. Even though God orchestrated their return to The Land, the enemy was doing everything possible to keep them from completing their work. Life can be a struggle. Those who commit themselves to God end up on the winning side, though.

1 Corinthians. It's a mystery how people who are born again get awakened to the truths of God's Spirit. The Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, is alive! We can squeeze God out, though, as it says in Chapter 3. The term "sinful nature" in this translation is really not accurate. The accurate word is "flesh." I like it from another translation which calls them people "of a secular mindset." What mindset do you have? I would love to say mine is always on the Spirit, but it's not.

Psalms. When we walk with God, we must always be aware that some people will smile at our faces while looking for us to stumble.

Proverbs. We will never understand everything. We must learn to seek wisdom, yet move out in faith even when we don't have all the answers.

Your thoughts? Questions?

August 5

Today's Reading

Ezra begins where 2 Chronicles left off. After God's planned "Sabbath" of 70 years for the land that had forgotten Sabbaths, God worked in the heart of a pagan king, Cyrus, and sent His people home. Ezra gives the roll call of those who went back to the Promised Land. It tells also about the refurbishing of the Temple in Jerusalem. What a homecoming they had!

1 Corinthians today is more personal to me than ever before. Some people I love more than life itself are caught up in this world's wisdom which considers the ways of God "foolishness." I find comfort in Paul's simple proclamation of the cross. It makes me even more focused in my prayers because only God can bring a person away from the wisdom of the world to the only source of Eternal Life.

Psalms. "13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Amen!

Proverbs. Be cautious that you don't try to take matters into your own hands. If someone is being treated unfairly by a double standard, God is not pleased. Both of today's verses, I think, apply to the recent controversy at Chick-Fil-a. When their CEO spoke in favor of a Biblical standard for marriage, the politically correct movement tried to shout him down, even threatening to keep Chick-Fil-a from opening new restaurants in places. One by one, Americans began to speak up in support of free speech, expressing their support for Chick-Fil-a. Clearly, the restaurant CEO was within his rights as an American, but many opponents wanted to impose a double standard upon him. Because I agree with his statement, it is tempting to take this matter into my own hands by hating those who hate Chick-Fil-a. I must not do so! Jesus died for them and they need to know His grace and mercy.

What do you notice? What speaks to you?

September 25, Day 268

Today's Reading

We are in a season of many repossessions and resale of properties.  I am told that it is common for foreclosed property to be in pretty bad shape.  Today we return to the account of Ezra.  Ezra wrote the first half of the history that bears his name, but it had happened some years before his arrival.  in today's passage, he arrives and discovers that much about Jerusalem had to be cleaned up besides the rubble and dirt.  The people's lives were a mess; even those of the spiritual leaders.  God was with him and they dealt with much of the junk that accumulated during the years God's people had been in distant lands.

September 18, Day 261

Today's Reading

God protected the rebuilding of His Temple and even used pagan kings to do it. His people faced opposition and kept going as long as they could. Finally, it was finished. What a celebration. Meanwhile, His people still in captivity could do nothing but weep as they thought of Jerusalem.

September 17, Day 260

Today's Reading

With the return to Israel after 70 years of exile, we are nearing the end of the events of the Old Testament.  If you were with us at Stone Ridge this summer of 2011, we studied the book of Zechariah, which was received and shared during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Note how God had preserved so many articles that had been stolen from the Temple.  Note how God made a way for them to go back and rebuild.  Their captivity was judgment for their disobedience and the judgment was complete; their hearts were humble and they were ready to go back.  What a picture of how God faithfully works on us!

 

August 10

Today's Reading

Ezra. I have found that one of the most sure ways to see God's Spirit bring conviction on others is to allow Him to break my heart first. It's not fun at the moment, but He uses it to accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians. "Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that?" In this nation where we have been taught to fight for our rights, this one is hard; even for us Christians.

Psalms. 14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. This is a far better way to respond when our rights are trampled on. He will intervene and send help.

Proverbs. In the end, God is always after my heart. He wants to conform me to the image of Christ and He loves it when my heart is submissive and pliable toward Him.

What speaks to you today?

August 9

Today's Reading

Ezra. Notice how much gold and silver they were transporting. It was common in those days (and today in parts of the world) for caravans to be attacked by bandits. The decision to fast and rely upon God's protection was a bold witness to Artaxerxes and the members of his inner circle. God honored the faith of the Israelis. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Ezra was appalled by the intermarriage of the spiritual leaders. Like Solomon before them, they had married wives from other religions and allowed them to bring their idolatry into the marriage with them.

1 Corinthians parallels Ezra today. It was known that a man in the church was living in sin with his father's wife. Nothing was being done and Paul demanded that the take action before the work of the Gospel was destroyed. Note this man is mentioned again in 2 Corinthians and he had repented. Hallelujah! Church discipline is painful and often messy, but it has to be done.

Psalms. As I write this, I think about someone I know who seems to be suffering deeply at the hand of enemies. I found comfort in this prayer.

Proverbs. It is easy to rail against leaders with whom we disagree. May we all grow to deeply believe Proverbs 21:1.

How have today's passages spoken to you? Any thoughts for us?

August 8

Today's Reading

Ezra. Today we "meet" the man whose name is attached to this book. He is obviously the one who wrote down this part of their history and it was preserved. He was a "priest and a scribe." He was from the priestly tribe of Levi and a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. His job as priest was representing God to the people and vice versa. As a scribe, he was a man who meticulously wrote down such things as this book that bears his name. He would also, most likely, have been at times tasked with making copies of the scrolls that chronicled the interactions of God and His people over the years.

I was struck by this sentence: "I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along." Why? Why didn't the spiritual leaders want to go back to the place which God had established for the Temple? A few verses later, some of the Levites DID come and it seems that God specifically ordained some to make the journey. I don't want to be guilty of going along with the crowd when God's call comes!

1 Corinthians. Paul made two things clear in today's passage. First, he didn't want the people to praise him or look to him as provider of their spiritual riches. Second, he wanted them to imitate him in his passion to find and do God's will. As a leader, I appreciate the clarification he made here.

I have lived this Psalm. When things are going well, I feel invincible. When they are not going well, I wonder if I can even survive. Do you share my experience?

Proverbs. Leaders who use fear and intimidation may seem successful -- for a while. But great leadership helps people take action based on the highest motive of all: love.

What insights have you received today? Do you have questions?

August 7

Today's Reading

It's beautiful and amazing that, in Ezra today, the people re-started the work on the Temple based on the prophetic word they received. Then, after they started by faith, God allowed "sight" to catch up. First, they faced opposition, then received the surprise support of King Darius. They probably didn't know that, on the other end of this communication was a king who had received great help from God's wisdom through a man named Daniel. Even during opposition, Daniel remained faithful and Darius rejoiced when he came in the morning to the den of lions and found Daniel alive. God knows how to accomplish His purposes!

I read this passage the day after a U.S. District Court Judge overturned the voters of California and legalized same-sex marriages. The Ezra passage yesterday told of the delay that happened when an appeal was made to a new king and he stopped the construction of the Temple. God, though, wanted that Temple built and Darius cleared the way. Never doubt God's power to ultimately accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians. Paul made it clear that the people needed to learn to follow Christ. It is both an honor and a source of godly fear on the part of a leader to discover that people want to follow him/her. Godly leaders want people to turn their faith to God, for only He can meet their deepest needs.

Psalms. Anyone who has lived through a tornado or a hurricane and who reads this Psalm, will have awe over the great "voice of the Lord."

Proverbs. I have noticed that sometimes my motives are hidden even from me. God has a way of purifying us by heating up our lives and showing us what is in our hearts. Then, I can confess my wrong heart and let God cleanse me and help me reflect the light of Jesus more clearly."

What do you notice today? Questions?

August 6

Today's Reading

Ezra. The people began to face opposition to rebuilding the Temple. It went on for years. Even though God orchestrated their return to The Land, the enemy was doing everything possible to keep them from completing their work. Life can be a struggle. Those who commit themselves to God end up on the winning side, though.

1 Corinthians. It's a mystery how people who are born again get awakened to the truths of God's Spirit. The Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, is alive! We can squeeze God out, though, as it says in Chapter 3. The term "sinful nature" in this translation is really not accurate. The accurate word is "flesh." I like it from another translation which calls them people "of a secular mindset." What mindset do you have? I would love to say mine is always on the Spirit, but it's not.

Psalms. When we walk with God, we must always be aware that some people will smile at our faces while looking for us to stumble.

Proverbs. We will never understand everything. We must learn to seek wisdom, yet move out in faith even when we don't have all the answers.

Your thoughts? Questions?

August 5

Today's Reading

Ezra begins where 2 Chronicles left off. After God's planned "Sabbath" of 70 years for the land that had forgotten Sabbaths, God worked in the heart of a pagan king, Cyrus, and sent His people home. Ezra gives the roll call of those who went back to the Promised Land. It tells also about the refurbishing of the Temple in Jerusalem. What a homecoming they had!

1 Corinthians today is more personal to me than ever before. Some people I love more than life itself are caught up in this world's wisdom which considers the ways of God "foolishness." I find comfort in Paul's simple proclamation of the cross. It makes me even more focused in my prayers because only God can bring a person away from the wisdom of the world to the only source of Eternal Life.

Psalms. "13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."

Amen!

Proverbs. Be cautious that you don't try to take matters into your own hands. If someone is being treated unfairly by a double standard, God is not pleased. Let Him handle it!

What do you notice? What speaks to you?

August 10

Today's Reading

Ezra: I have found that one of the most sure ways to see God's Spirit bring conviction is to allow Him to break my heart first. It's not fun at the moment, but He uses it to accomplish His purposes.

1 Corinthians: "Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that?" In this nation where we have been taught to fight for our rights, this one is hard; even for us Christians.

Psalms: "14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly." This is a far better way to respond when our rights are trampled on. He will intervene and send help.

Proverbs: in the end, God is always after my heart. He wants to conform me to the image of Christ and He loves it when my heart is submissive and pliable toward Him.

What speaks to you today?

August 9

Today's Reading

Notice in Ezra today how much gold and silver they were transporting. It was common in those days (and today in parts of the world) for caravans to be attacked by bandits. The decision to fast and rely upon God's protection was a bold witness to Artaxerxes and the members of his inner circle. God honored the faith of the Israelis. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Ezra was appalled by the intermarriage of the spiritual leaders. Like Solomon before them, they had married wives from other religions and allowed them to bring their idolatry into the marriage with them.

1 Corinthians parallels Ezra today. It was known that a man in the church was living in sin with his father's wife. Nothing was being done and Paul demanded that the take action before the work of the Gospel was destroyed. Note this man is mentioned again in 2 Corinthians and he had repented. Hallelujah! Church discipline is painful and often messy, but it has to be done.

Psalms: as I write this, I think about someone I know who seems to be suffering deeply at the hand of enemies. I found comfort in this prayer.

Proverbs: it is easy to rail against leaders with whom we disagree. May we all grow to deeply believe Proverbs 21:1.

How have today's passages spoken to you?

August 8

Today's Reading

Ezra: today we "meet" the man whose name is attached to this book. He is obviously the one who wrote down this part of their history and it was preserved. He was a "priest and a scribe." He was from the priestly tribe of Levi and a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. His job as priest was representing God to the people and vice versa. As a scribe, he was a man who meticulously wrote down such things as this book that bears his name. He would also, most likely, have been at times tasked with making copies of the scrolls that chronicled the interactions of God and His people over the years.

1 Corinthians: Paul made two things clear in today's passage. First, he didn't want the people to praise him or look to him as provider of their spiritual riches. Second, he wanted them to imitate him in his passion to find and do God's will. As a leader, I appreciate the clarification he made in this passage.

I have lived this Psalm. When things are going well, I feel invincible. When they are not going well, I wonder if I can even survive. Do you share my experience?

Proverbs: leaders who use fear and intimidation may seem successful -- for a while. But great leadership helps people take action based on the highest motive of all: love.

What insights have you received today?

August 7

Today's Reading

It's beautiful and amazing that -- in Ezra today -- the people re-started the work on the Temple based on the prophetic word they received. Then, after they started by faith, God allowed "sight" to catch up. First, they faced opposition, then received the surprise support of King Darius. They probably didn't know that, on the other end of this communication was a king who had received great help from God's wisdom through a man named Daniel. Even during opposition, Daniel remained faithful and Darius rejoiced when he came in the morning to the den of lions and found Daniel alive. God knows how to accomplish His purposes!

1 Corinthians: Paul made it clear that the people needed to learn to follow Christ. It is both an honor and a source of godly fear on the part of a leader to discover that people want to follow him/her. Godly leaders want people to turn their faith to God, for only He can meet their deepest needs.

Psalms: anyone who has lived through a tornado or a hurricane and who reads this Psalm, will have awe over the great "voice of the Lord."

Proverbs: I have noticed that sometimes my motives are hidden even from me. God has a way of purifying us by heating up our lives and showing us what is in our hearts. Then, I can confess my wrong heart and let God cleanse me and help me reflect the light of Jesus more clearly."

What do you notice today?

August 6

Today's Reading

In Ezra today, the people began to face opposition to rebuilding the Temple. It went on for years. Even though God orchestrated their return to The Land, the enemy was doing everything possible to keep them from completing their work. Life can be a struggle. Those who commit themselves to God end up on the winning side, though.

1 Corinthians: it's a mystery how people who are born again get awakened to the truths of God's Spirit. The Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, is alive! We can squeeze God out, though, as it says in Chapter 3. The term "sinful nature" in this translation is really not accurate. The accurate word is "flesh." I like it from another translation which calls them people "of a secular mindset." What mindset do you have?

Psalms: when we walk with God, we must always be aware that some people will smile at our faces which looking for us to stumble.

Proverbs: we will never understand everything. We must learn to seek wisdom, yet move out in faith even when we don't have all the answers.

Your thoughts?