“What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.”

Ezra 9

“What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.” v13-15

Ezra's emotional plea and prayer should resonate with all of us as he acknowledges the greatness of God and His grace.  Here Ezra is pleading with God that intermarriage not allow the sons and daughters of Israel to be taken away by the sins of this world.  For those of us who are parents, this is our prayer for our sons and daughters.  Although we are "in" the world, we are commanded not to "conform to the patterns of this world" (Romans 12:2). 

See post here regarding how the world will see us as we strive to be the light God intends us to be.

We must first and foremost fellowship with God, then with other believers.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who gave us Your Son, the church, the Holy Spirit, other believers, The Word, etc. so that we can be strong in Him.  Thank You God for all that You are and all that You have done. I am not worth such love.  I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.