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Today is Thursday June 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezra. Please read chapters 6-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
https://www.allonlinebible.com/Ezra/6,1-8,last/6.html

Today's Message: Source of Strength
God's Word is the source of strength by which His children cannot be defeated. His work can only be sustained and strengthened through obedience to His Word, which is the foundation of our Christian lives.

After the foundation was complete the Israelites began building their own houses, it did not take long before their focus became more on the houses rather than the Temple, which caused them to cease from completing it. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah reminded the Israelites 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 continue rebuilding the Temple. "Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter." (Ezra 5:1-5). The building of the Temple had been left unfinished for many years, but once God's Word and authority were recognized they

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 God. "This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him............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." (Ezra 7:6,9-10).

The key to Ezra's success was threefold, first, he prepared his heart to seek God's Word, second he committed himself to obey His Word, and third, he planned to teach it to others. He also depended upon God in prayer, fasting, and recognized the sovereignty of God and gave Him all the glory. "And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me." (Ezra 7:25-28). 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.

God's Word is One power that Satan can never overcome, it is the most powerful weapon anyone can use to defeat the enemy. "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12-13). The Word of God becomes our inner strength as the Holy Spirit enlightens and guides us as we read it. And, as we accept it by faith, He then enables us to teach it to others.

Today's Psalm: 19:14
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
As we live in the Light of Your Word the devil’s venomous plots are exposed. We are not caught by surprise, but prepared to be on the offense rather than the defense. As we wear the full armor of Your Word we are protected and can fight against all the devil’s evil tricks. We walk in truth and confidence as we stand strong against the powers of this world’s darkness and the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit, continuously asking for Your discernment strength, and guidance as we face any obstacles in our way that try and stop us from following Your Will. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

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