JULY 4 - THE TEMPLE AND THE GENTILES
READ Ezra 5
Work is resumed on the temple, but the restoration is challenged by neighboring Gentiles.
INSIGHT
In the early days of World War II, England was being crushed by the powerful German
military machine. Then Winston Churchill was elected Prime Minister of England. His
speeches electrified Parliament and galvanized the nation to his vision and resolve.
Churchill’s encouraging words played a large part in England’s eventual victory over
Germany. In like manner, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple: “Be strong! Take courage!” Encouragement is a powerful force. Be an encourager.
PRAYER
God is a God of wisdom and order; He blesses our wisdom and order. For this, we praise Him:
Sing a new song to the Lord;
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
Proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His wondrous works among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
He is feared above all gods (Psalm 96:1-4).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
There is certainly no one righteous on the earth
Who does good and never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
Your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.” (Isaiah 30:15).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The Lord is my light and my salvation —
Whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life —
Whom should I dread?
(Psalm 27:1)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His faithful love endures forever
(Psalm 118:24, 29).
Work is resumed on the temple, but the restoration is challenged by neighboring Gentiles.
INSIGHT
In the early days of World War II, England was being crushed by the powerful German
military machine. Then Winston Churchill was elected Prime Minister of England. His
speeches electrified Parliament and galvanized the nation to his vision and resolve.
Churchill’s encouraging words played a large part in England’s eventual victory over
Germany. In like manner, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple: “Be strong! Take courage!” Encouragement is a powerful force. Be an encourager.
PRAYER
God is a God of wisdom and order; He blesses our wisdom and order. For this, we praise Him:
Sing a new song to the Lord;
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
Proclaim his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His wondrous works among all peoples.
For the Lord is great and is highly praised;
He is feared above all gods (Psalm 96:1-4).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
There is certainly no one righteous on the earth
Who does good and never sins (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said:
“You will be delivered by returning and resting;
Your strength will lie in quiet confidence.
But you are not willing.” (Isaiah 30:15).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The Lord is my light and my salvation —
Whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life —
Whom should I dread?
(Psalm 27:1)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater wisdom for living life
- Needs of your immediate family
- Your activities for the day
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His faithful love endures forever
(Psalm 118:24, 29).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2023.