Ezra 1 - Day 903 (link to reading)
Scripture: Ezra 1:1-4 Summary (insights.org): The book of Ezra records two separate time periods directly following the seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Ezra 1–6 covers the first return of Jews from captivity, led by Zerubbabel—a period of twenty-three years beginning with the edict of Cyrus of Persia and ending at the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (538–515 BC). Ezra 7–10 picks up the story more than sixty years later, when Ezra led the second group of exiles to Israel (458 BC). The book of Ezra provides a much-needed link in the historical record of the Israelite people. When their king was dethroned and captured and the people exiled to Babylon, Judah as an independent nation ceased to exist. The book of Ezra provides an account of the Jews’ regathering, of their struggle to survive and to rebuild what had been destroyed. Through his narrative, Ezra declared that they were still God’s people and that God had not forgotten them. Application: After 70 long years living in exile, God fulfills His promise and inspires King Cyrus to allow the Israelites to return to their homeland. Most of the exiles were born in captivity and had never visited Jerusalem. Why would anyone want to go back? Think of it this way; as citizens of heaven, we were born in captivity, but when it's time, I'm sure you'll want to go back. Prayer: Lord, thank You for this gift of life... Psalm 106 - Day 902 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 106 Commentary (enduringword.com): Alexander Maclaren observed, “The keynote of Psalm 105 is, ‘Remember His mighty deeds,’ that of Psalm 106 is, ‘They forgot His mighty deeds.’” “Israel’s history is here written with the view of showing human sin, even as the preceding Psalm was composed to magnify divine goodness. It is, in fact, A NATIONAL CONFESSION.” (Charles Spurgeon) Application: Psalm 106 teaches us how to confess our sins to God, which should be a normal and regular practice for us. Prayer: Lord Jesus have mercy on me a sinner... Psalm 105 - Day 901 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 105 Commentary (enduringword.com): Whoever arranged and ordered the psalms placed Psalm 105 and Psalm 106 together purposefully. “This and the following psalm are companions. They reveal the two sides of the relation between God and His people during a long period. This one sings the song of His faithfulness and power; while the next tells the sad story of repeated failure and rebellion on the part of His people.” (G. Campbell Morgan) Oh, give thanks to the LORD: Previous psalms focused on stirring one’s soul to bless the LORD. Now David encouraged himself and others to give thanks to the LORD, and Psalm 105 will give many reasons for this thanksgiving. This is the first of several quickly stated encouragements to honor and worship God. Application: Expressing gratitude changes us for the better. It's not just about thinking positively. Research confirms that giving thanks daily changes us neurologically (https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work) Prayer: Thank You Lord... Psalm 104 - Day 900 (link to reading)
Scripture: Psalm 104:31-35 Commentary (enduringword.com): "The Psalm gives an interpretation to the many voices of nature, and sings sweetly both of creation and providence. The poem contains a complete cosmos: sea and land, cloud and sunlight, plant and animal, light and darkness, life and death, are all proved to be expressive of the presence of the Lord.” (Charles Spurgeon) Application: When we "remind" God of His wonderful works, we reinforce His goodness in us. We have been created in His image so that we may reflect His glory, which has already been revealed in and through His creation. Prayer: Let all that I am praise the Lord... Habakkuk 3 - Day 899 (link to reading)
Scripture: Habakkuk 3 Commentary (workingpreacher.org): God hears the cries of those who are suffering under the yoke of unjust regimes and will bring an end to violence. Good news for those who are being oppressed. Not so good news for those who are abusing their power. However, the examples from Apartheid South Africa or the Nazi regime show us, situations of violence can last many years and even decades. Also in our personal lives, we may find ourselves in a situation of pain and suffering without end. Even the beautiful confession of faith with which Habakkuk ends acknowledges that the situation of violence and suffering is long not over. The fig tree does not blossom. There are no fruit on the vines. There are no livestock in the stalls. And yet the wonderful thing about Habakkuk’s confession is that the believer can still say, I believe in a God that gives me strength. Amidst the violence. Amidst the depravity. And this conviction is what causes the believer to not only go on, but to tread upon the heights like a deer. Application: When life is not fair, thank God that He is walking with us in the unfairness of the situation. Take to heart the funny quip - "If you're going through hell, don't stop the car to stretch your legs and take a look around. Keep driving." Trust that God knows the way out. Prayer: Lord have mercy on me a sinner... |
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