Tag: ezr7

Feeling Encouraged!

Today, we are back in the Book of Ezra—finishing up with the life of this prophet. What is interesting about this book is that we aren’t formally introduced to Ezra until chapter 7. In the first ten verses, we see his lineage and heart. Notice what the Bible says about Ezra. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10, ESV)

Ezra had a heart for God. He didn’t just study the law of God; he wanted to obey it. He didn’t just want to know what the Bible said; he wanted to do what the Bible said and encourage others to do likewise. Living exiled in Babylon would be a challenge to this. It wouldn’t be easy, and it wasn’t. In fact, he was getting discouraged. Yes, discouragement comes even to those who set their hearts on God.

How did Ezra overcome this discouragement? Praise the Lord … And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me …  I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem. (Ezra 7:27–28, NLT) The graciousness of God encouraged Ezra!

Even with hearts set on loving and obeying God, it is easy to become discouraged over time. But an attitude of gratitude changes everything! Gratitude brings God’s goodness into view, and it refreshes us. It encourages us! What has the gracious hand of God brought about in our lives? What can we be thankful for today?

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Ezra 7-10.

God’s power vs. man’s heart!

I came across the plagues this morning in my chronological Bible reading plan. Wow! I have known about these plagues since I was a little kid, but each time I read them, it is as exciting to me as though I am a little kid- something amazing always stands out!

The Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. The human heart is one tough cookie! The plagues are certainly an amazing demonstration of God’s power. Yet, God’s power to affect the human heart is astounding! This verse in Proverbs is fascinating to me. “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1, NLT) Another demonstration of this power is Ezra’s testimony. “Praise the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem!” (Ezra 7:27, NLT)

Over the years, I have seen some hardened hearts. I have seen those hearts crumble under the power of the Gospel. The power of the Gospel is greater than the stubbornness of man’s heart! Let’s be encouraged! We can pray to our God, who has the power to change hearts!

Are you dealing with some tough hearts in your life? Are you frustrated with your heart’s hardness? Don’t give up! God is greater than the hardness. Don’t be discouraged; ask God to change those hearts. He can!