May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence. Ezra 6:12
Day 268 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues as my commentary* goes back to Ezra where it is described how work on the temple in Jerusalem is halted temporarily but under Darius work resumes: "[o]nce again God works through a Persian ruler to implement the promised restoration."
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
God is in control of all matters - including either causing or allowing circumstances to come to pass.
As the election nears here in the U.S., I am mindful of how God is at work. Too many have faith in an elected leader to solve challenges we have. As my pastor at Bay Leaf says, I am not loyal to the donkey or to the elephant, but to the lamb - referencing loyalty to Jesus Christ of course. The challenges we face, either now, or at any point in our future, can only be solved through heart change, we all submit and allow Jesus Christ to make us more like Him. As we become more like Him, we begin to love Him and others as God intends. I am praying for our country to love Him, and others.
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so full of mercy and compassion for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love, mercy and compassion. My sin continues...daily. 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 love me. 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.
