Post by Woody Williams on May 24, 2023 7:02:23 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Ezra 9:5-9
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At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments
and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the
LORD my God, and said,
"O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you,
my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our
guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors
to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we,
our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the
lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame,
as is now the case. But now for a brief moment favor has been shown
by the LORD our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake
in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant
us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God
has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his
steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set
up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall
in Judea and Jerusalem."
Devotional
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Ezra was a man of prayer as well as action. He has much to teach us.
Notice the honesty out of which he prays to God. He is well aware of
the sins of Israel that have brought judgment, but he is equally
aware of God's mercy. God was good in bringing them out of Babylon
and restoring a remnant of God's people in Israel. He was aware that
God is in control of history, judging and restoring. He expresses
gratitude for God's mercy in restoring the temple and the walls of
the city of Jerusalem.
Prayer
-------
Come Holy Spirit, teach my heart to pray. Amen
----------
At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments
and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the
LORD my God, and said,
"O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you,
my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our
guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors
to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we,
our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the
lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame,
as is now the case. But now for a brief moment favor has been shown
by the LORD our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake
in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant
us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God
has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his
steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set
up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall
in Judea and Jerusalem."
Devotional
----------
Ezra was a man of prayer as well as action. He has much to teach us.
Notice the honesty out of which he prays to God. He is well aware of
the sins of Israel that have brought judgment, but he is equally
aware of God's mercy. God was good in bringing them out of Babylon
and restoring a remnant of God's people in Israel. He was aware that
God is in control of history, judging and restoring. He expresses
gratitude for God's mercy in restoring the temple and the walls of
the city of Jerusalem.
Prayer
-------
Come Holy Spirit, teach my heart to pray. Amen