Daily Reading // Ezra 1-5
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Ezra 4:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the LORD God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers’ houses, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.”
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
When the people of God began rebuilding the temple they had opposition. Even though King Cyrus issued a legal decree their enemies were going to do everything they could to frustrate, delay or stop the work.
Their enemies chose an interesting strategy, they asked how they could help. That doesn’t sound like an enemy, does it?
They knew they could cause more problem and chaos from the inside. The Jews said, “Thanks but no thanks.”
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
When God gives me a job to do, do it! If my expectations are to have no adversaries in serving God, then my expectations are unrealistic. The work of God has always had opposition and always will.
Don’t make alliances and compromises with those who oppose God. It’s your work to do. Do it! Don’t expect the enemy to play fair. Jesus said lying is his native language.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Lord, Give me wisdom to thwart the deceitful tactics of the enemy. Amen.
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