June 24

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD…” Ezra 7:10

Ezra had been directed by God and had found favour with the Lord, to do a special work and carry out a mission. He prepared his heart to carry out the threefold task of seeking the law of God, doing it, and teaching it to the people of Israel. His heart preparation is a significant aspect of true leadership. Spiritual leaders, who would please God with their service, are people who prepare themselves thoroughly and consistently. The athlete would not be ready to compete without his physical preparation, which often amounts to daily toil in strenuous exercise. The artist could not paint the variety of colours needed without suitably mixing and preparing them on his palette. The musician would not produce any intelligible or pleasing sounds, without first tuning his instrument. In the same manner we cannot really do God’s bidding, without appropriate and sincere heart preparation. Ezra gives us a good example of how we should prepare ourselves. He started in the right place and so should we. God’s word, His law, His thinking, His wisdom and authority, should be the starting place for all our preparation. Like Ezra also, it should become more than just head knowledge however, and develop into what we ‘do’. It should form the basis of all our thinking, understanding and action. It should guide our decisions, choices and preferences. It should touch and affect every area of our lives and influence all our desires. Only when we truly ‘do’ God’s word, willingly, faithfully, with willing discipline and joyful desire, can we really teach it to others, and be effective leaders. Pray that God give us leaders like Ezra, who are willing to prepare their hearts the right way, and personally practice what they have learned from God that they may positively affect others with their teaching and example! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

June 9

“…Let us build with you…” Ezra 4:2

At face value a reasonable request and one which might have been tempting, considering the great need and word to be done. After all they claimed to worship the same God! As the context demonstrates, however, the approach came from people less than sincere and with private, antagonistic agendas. They were known to not only worship Yahwah, but also many other gods, a practice which was offensive to the Almighty. The leaders of Israel were wise not to allow for their assistance! There may be times in our lives where we also might be tempted to enter into inappropriate alliances. Our motive may be to further the cause of Christ, but this is not a wise or fruitful practice! Those who are given to compromise regarding the truth, and are found wanting in holy and consecrated living for God, are not likely to be a true or consistent help in edifying the body of Christ! There are some who would want to participate in the projects and functions of the church, and may appear enthusiastic about giving of their time and efforts, but may, because of the shortcomings in their lives, be more of a hindrance than a help, to the witness for Christ. It is in such situations that leadership must be sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit. Paul exhorted believers to know those who worked among them. The context is to know the ministry and appreciate their work, but the same care applies in knowing those who are less than consecrated in their lives and service. A test of sincerity is often found in the response a person gives, when their offer is lovingly turned down or postponed. A genuine volunteer won’t mind waiting to be summoned when timely or appropriate, their desire is to serve God and be a help in any way or time as is convenient. Conversely someone who may have an ulterior motive, or a misplaced reason for offering their help or filling a position, will most probably react offended and may even become hostile towards leadership if turned down. Accomplishing God’s work in whatever sphere, is an important and privileged responsibility. It should be carried out with the utmost of personal care and attentiveness. It does not always require the greatest of talent, but it should always be done with the greatest excellence of heart!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Mar 1

“Then rose up Zerubbabel….. and began to build the house of God…” Ezra 5:2

The work of rebuilding the house of God, had come to a standstill. Inspired by the Lord, the prophets began to preach, and their message spoke to the heart of the leaders, whose response was to again take up the building work and encourage others to do the same. We are reminded of several principles in these verses. Firstly we recognise that in spite of early enthusiasm by most of God’s people, often even the work of God is put aside, and the vision for it lost when difficulties arise, or the work requires extended time and constancy. We often begin a project or effort supported by many, but soon, the desire and involvement lapses, and other things take over the time and energy which might have been invested as a sacrifice and service unto the Lord. Secondly, we see the necessity of teaching and preaching God’s messages, in order to rekindle the fire, passion and vision of service unto the Lord. These reminders must be ordained of God, and must be in His timing and anointed by His Spirit, to touch the hearts and minds of those who hear them. The result of re-awakening, revival and renewal of heart and vision, can have tremendous effects on the people as a whole, and the culmination and fulfilment of the work at hand. Unless the hearts of the people are revitalized, however, it is unlikely that any work they may undertake, physical or otherwise, will actually continue. Thirdly, we note the beauty and joy of various groups of people, or various individuals working together for a common goal and aim. Here we see the prophets, the civil leaders and the priests, all co-operating to complete and bring about the construction of the house of God. Each one of us has a task to do, and everyone can contribute and lend a hand, in doing what the Lord wants accomplished. When people put aside their personal agendas, strip themselves of the pride of their position, and willingly ‘roll up their sleeves’ in hearty, loving and courageous labour unto the Lord, much is accomplished and great joys and growth results from the experiences.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion