Bible Pictures of Promise

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/GH03B.mp3

Ezra 3

After all the preparation and travel, the people finally arrived at Jerusalem. Very soon after they arrived, they began to offer sacrifices as God had commanded them. They certainly had the right priorities. They put worship first in their lives. It seems that they began this even before they had built their own houses and settled in, and God blessed them for keeping Him first. A while later, they began building the temple. The people offered freely of what they had for the building materials of the temple. When the foundation of the temple was laid, there was a great celebration.

We should learn from these people. They gave God first place in their lives. In our busy lives, it is easy to let other things take first place: work, family, leisure. But, God always deserves first place. It is a challenge for me to remember that. Lord, help me to always keep You first in my life no matter what.

Ezra 2

Most of this chapter gives the numbers of people that returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. While we don't find much inspiration in all those names and numbers, I do think that it is amazing that so many people returned from a country where they were prosperous and well settled to a city that was broken down and destroyed. It was surrounded by enemies and the wall was gone. There was little in the way of industry and it could have seemed that there was no future in Jerusalem. But, many responded to the call to rebuild Jerusalem. Also, I was amazed by wealth of these people. They had many, many animals and much other wealth. Even in this land of captivity, God had been blessing them. God is such a merciful God! He had banished them to another country for their sins. Yet, He continued to bless them in this strange country. Another thing: these people gave very willingly of what they had. The temple needed to be built and these people gave liberally of their wealth so that the temple could be rebuilt. We too should be liberal with the things that God has blessed us with and God will in turn reward us for our generosity.

Ezra 1

In the next several days, we'll be studying the book of Ezra chapter by chapter. This book begins by telling us the story of how Cyrus initiated the return of the Jews to their home country. They were living in captivity in Babylon and had been so for 70 years. Then in fulfillment of a prophecy that had been made 150 years before, Cyrus allowed them to return and rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem. The prophecy had even mentioned Cyrus by name. What an amazing God we serve!

Even today, he is still looking out for His children. He never forsakes us. He never forgets us. To the Jews who lived in Babylon for 70 years, it may have seemed that God had forgotten them. They were living in a heathen country. They were dispersed throughout the world. They had no temple where they could worship. Yet, behind the scenes God was working. He allowed Babylon to fall to the Medes and the Persians. He set up Cyrus as the ruler. He put it in the heart of Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to Canaan. We can be assured that God is looking out for us today as well. So, when you're discouraged, look to Him and He will help you.

A Godly Heritage Today

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/GH03A.mp3

A Vision That Motivates

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/GH02B.mp3

The Eternal Value of a Child

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/GH02A.mp3

Deuteronomy 8:16-18

The Israelites were traveling through the wilderness on their way to Canaan. They wandered there for over 40 years and faced many difficulties and hardships. Yet, they depended on God for their sustenance and He never left them down. He was always there for them. And, they served Him faithfully for much of the time. Yet, as they were ready to enter the promised land, Moses warned them not to forget God when they prospered in their new land, but sure enough, it wasn't long until they forsook God in Canaan.

Many times, that's how it can be with us. It's easy to depend on God when things are rough. We couldn't do without Him. Yet, when things go well, we seem to forget that it is God who got us here and God who still supports us. We live in relative ease and freedom here in America and that has spelled doom for more Christians than the rigors or persecution in the past or in other countries. Lord, help us not to forget You even though life is easy. Help us to continue to depend on You. Help us to boldly share our faith with others and be outspoken for You all the time.