Ezra - week 4

It's been an exciting trip so far...returning from exile, laying the foundation, persecution and delays, confronted with the Word of God, completing the temple...all really great stuff. Now it's time for our hero to enter the story! Ezra was a man with a call on his life, a passionate man of purpose. In this week's reading, we will listen to the story of his return journey. Pay special attention to how his faith is practically applied to the circumstances of the trip.

What are some of the challenges you face in attempting to integrate your faith and life? I know for me, the first battle is confronting the lie that faith is only a part of my life. The truth is my faith is my life. I AM a child of God; a sinner turned saint by the blood of Christ. That's who I am always. Because that's not how much of the world views it, I have to constantly remind myself that being a Christ follower is not a part-time job. I don't even get a vacation! I'm in a season right now where that is good news. I long to be obedient every day. I can't say that's always been the case. I'm so glad that God is perfectly committed to us. He never takes time off from being our Father, Redeemer, or Friend. God, I praise You for Your steadfast love. Forgive us. Strengthen us.

Ezra - week 3

Whenever you attempt something great for God, there will be opposition. This is what happened to the Jews. As they begin to rebuild the temple, the surrounding people try to stop it. In cases like this, we have to make a decision: remain obedient or give up. Often we lament such times, but these are the times in our lives when we grow. We learn new things about God and ourselves as we move forward in trust. Have you faced opposition in the process of being obedient? What did you learn about God? How did God speak to you in this tough time? When we look back and view our circumstances through this kind of lens, you see how it becomes possible to be thankful in all circumstances. God is always there, always leading, always giving us the chance to know Him better and experience Him more fully. Regardless of the circumstances, this is something we can always be thankful for.

Ezra - week 2

Getting home was just the beginning. Now the Israelites have to work and rebuild the Temple. It is interesting the mix of emotions the people have (check it out...Ezra 3:11-13) . I don't know how we might respond with that kind of outpouring at one of our services. We are so dedicated to bringing out the joy in people sometimes we keep them from being real. Personally, I think it would be tremendous because the "noise" would have the sweetness of honesty. Sunday night at our church's prayer service I was overwhelmed with my own mix of emotion. I was frustrated, confused, and angry, yet at the same time, joyed and hopeful. I'm glad we don't have to have things figured out. It is much easier to let go and be obedient! I also think it is interesting that in the midst of my confusion, I felt as though my heart was agreeing with God's. God is the only one I know who can be perfectly justified in his anger, yet remain perfectly steadfast in his love. That kind of conflict would eventually tear us apart. I guess, in a sense, it tore God apart as well as it prompted him to send his Son to the cross. On the cross we see God's love and anger reconciled. There is so much I don't understand, yet more than anything I'm grateful.

Back to Ezra...God's present temple, the Church (universal), is truly a thing of beauty. Yet I weep knowing it could be even more beautiful. I long for the church's apostolic beauty to shine again. I know it can. I believe it will.

Ezra - week 1

Hello friends! Although we all want to stay in the FLOW (and thank God we can!), this week we start on a new journey. One found in the Old Testament of the Bible. We are going to be reading through the book of Ezra, along with some readings from the prophets. This is the time in biblical history when the Jews returned to Israel from their exile and begin to rebuild. The title of the teaching series is "The Path to Restoration". While this describes Israel, I hope we can find some application for our own lives and the life of the church. This week we will be discussing the first step, which was the return home. Does anyone have any good stories about returning home?

The reading plan is available at www.fourseasonschurch.org.