Scripture Union Daily Guide 12th December 2024 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Exiles Return To Jerusalem With Ezra
OPENING PRAYER: Help me dear Lord to meet with you as I meditate on your word in Jesus name
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: EZRA 8: 1-36
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 12th December 2024 Outline:
The story of exiles returning to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra shows a biblical pattern of how to successfully run church ministry and church projects. There is the list of exiles returning to Jerusalem (vs.1-14). Ezra discovered that there was a human resource gap. There were no Levites who would serve in the House of God, according to the Laws of Moses (v.15). What action did he take to close that gap (vs.16-20)? Before going on this very important journey, they fasted and prayed (read v.21 again). For what additional reason (v.22)? God responded to their prayer and fasting (v.23; cf. James 5:16b).
Ezra chose staff for special service and gave careful instructions to them (read again vs.28 & 29). He did not just hand over the essential temple vessels and the precious resources to the staff saying, “We trust you.” No! The goods were weighed before handing them over; and were to be weighed on delivery in Jerusalem (see vs.26, 29, 33-34). Proper accountability was practised. Good and proper stewardship was exercised here in Christian ministry.
Do you have appropriate checks and balances in finance and property matters in your Christian ministry? No wonder, their journey was very successful (read again vs.31-32). Their first major act after the restoration from captivity was their devoted worship of the true God of Israel (v.35), and in pursuing a holistic lifestyle, they fulfilled their civic duties (v.36).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Pray for grace to be diligent in God’s service.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 46:10
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 347- Acts 24-26
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 12 DECEMBER 2024
Be on the alert, stand firm, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The warnings we get daily from the word of God on the need to be sober minded and watchful.
‣ Helping us to continue in the race as we continue in prayer and remain in the spirit.
PRAY FOR:
‣ More brethren in SU and other Christian Ministry to remain alert, watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord.
‣ Grace to always show ourselves approved of God, in the midst of this perverse generation.
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 12th December 2024)