July 3

Ezra 4

The king orders a halt to the temple restoration.

INSIGHT

There is a common misconception in the Christian world that if you are doing the Lord´s will, you will not suffer hardships for it. The example of the Jews rebuilding the temple certainly does not support that supposition. The Lord clearly intends for them to rebuild the temple, yet they suffer opposition the entire time. It is not necessarily a sign of God´s displeasure when work begun for Him fails. There may be other reasons for the failure, which are hidden in His sovereignty. That is why it is so important to be in fellowship with Him. If something we are doing fails, we have confidence that it is not because of our sin, but His sovereignty.

PRAYER

Because He faithfully loves you, faithfully praise Him and thank Him for your many blessings:
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen (Psalm 72:18-19).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession:
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes (Psalm 119:67, 71).

God yearns to hear His children´s desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Spiritual growth
• Fulfillment of the Great Commission
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).