A Spiritual Guide

Key to Success 06.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday June 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezra. PLease read Chapters 6-7 in your bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%206-7&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the decree from Darius to complete the temple, a dedication to the Temple, and the restoration of the Passover. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that the key to success is seeking, doing, and teaching God’s Word

The building of the Temple had been left unfinished for many years and king Darius made a decree to complete it. “In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house: And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions. “(Ezra 6:3-6)

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah reminded the Israelites in Jerusalem that the real reason the Lord’s work went unfinished was because their first interest was in building their own homes. These anointed men boldly preached the Word of God and inspired the people to rebuild the Temple, “And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.” (6:14-15).

God’s work can only be sustained and strengthened through obedience to His Word, which is the foundation of our Christian lives one power that Satan cannot overcome. God’s Word is the source of strength by which His children cannot be defeated.

Nothing is recorded about the Jews in Jerusalem between the time of Haggai and Zechariah’s ministry and the coming of Ezra from Persia about 60 years later. Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Zechariah had all died leaving the next generation to grow up without spiritual leadership. Ezra was born during the Babylonian captivity. He was a descendant of Aaron, Israel’s first high priest. The key to Ezra’s great effectiveness in accomplishing the will of God is clear, he prepared his heart to seek the Lord. “For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” (7:9-10).

There is a threefold key to Ezra’s great success: First, Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD. The word prepared implies a steadfast effort to know all of God’s Word. The second qualification for the Lord’s blessings upon his life was that Ezra committed himself to follow God’s Word. And third, he planned to teach it to others. Ezra was committed to seeking, doing, and teaching God’s Word.

This should be a reminder that, if we want God to bless our lives, we too must set our hearts upon the whole counsel of God. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:14-17).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ezra 6:22). Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and He was without sin; leaven is symbolic of sin (Hebrews 4:15).

Today’s Psalm: 31:23
“O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me not to waste my time and energy in futile or wishful thinking. Instead I want to fix my thoughts upon the living hope I have in Jesus Christ my Lord. I anchor my soul in  Your Holy Word so that when other viewpoints counter the truths prescribed in Your Word my anchor remains firm and secure. When difficulties appear insurmountable remind me that I serve an extraordinary God who does not rely on natural solutions but works in the supernatural realm to meet each one of my needs. Your solutions to my problems are not subject to my scrutiny, but rather I conform to Your leading and accept Your plan for my life. In doing so I am not tossed to and fro by wishful thinking but I am firmly grounded in the living hope of our resurrected Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, I pray…..Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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