No Excuses

Ezra 9 (NIV), excerpts  ¹After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices... ²They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.” ³When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. ⁴Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice. ⁵Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God...

Is it any wonder that Ezra was appalled to discover the unfaithfulness of Israel? This may have been particularly painful to Ezra with the news that “the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness” (v. 2). Yet Ezra musters his courage and prays:

Ezra 9:5-6, 8, 10-11, 13, 15 (NIV)  ⁵...and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God ⁶and prayed: “I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to life up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. ... ⁸But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our god gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. ... ¹⁰But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands ¹¹you gave through your servants the prophets... ¹³What 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. ... ¹⁵here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.”

Much can be learned in Ezra’s prayer of repentance. He offers no excuses.  He makes no requests.  He simply comes to God with a pure and honest confession.  He humbly recognizes the mercy of God. Perhaps the earnest and uncomplicated prayer of Ezra is the prayer we, too, should offer to our Lord.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Sometimes we find our sins of heart and mind are higher than our heads. We offer no excuses. We ask for your forgiveness. Truly “you have punished us less than our sins have deserved” (v. 13). How humbly thankful we are for your generous mercy.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion No Excuses was originally written for Tuesday, July 24, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Missed Opportunities

 

Ezra 8 (NIV), excerpts

At a first glance, today’s text may seem challenging to read for it contains lists of names (c.f., Ezra 8:1-14).  However, I noticed something new and perhaps it will be new to you as well. As the heads of families gather to Ezra and prepare to travel from Babylon back to Jerusalem for the purpose of rebuilding the temple, one group is conspicuously missing. The Levites are nowhere to be found.

Ezra 8:15 (NIV)  ¹⁵I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there.

One might think a trip back to Jerusalem to repair the temple would cause the Levites to spring forward into action for they were the ones chosen and dedicated to the service of all things concerning the temple of God.  Yet in all the lists of families (c.f., vs 1-5), there are no Levites to be found. It seems a little extra persuasion was necessary.

Is it any different in our day? An opportunity for service presents itself and we are nowhere to be found. Too often it takes a little extra persuasion for us to respond. I’m sure the Levites were more than a little nervous about the trip, but as Ezra reiterated at least three times in this passage, “the gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him” (c.f., vs. 18, 22, 31). So it is for us as well; when we respond to opportunities the Lord lays before us, we too experience the “gracious hand of our God.”

 

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for opportunities to serve you.  Forgive our hesitations and reservations. Help us to be obedient to each call knowing we can be confident that your gracious hand will guide us.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion Missed Opportunities was originally written for Monday, July 23, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Winning the Respect of Others

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (NIV)  ⁹Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. ¹⁰And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ¹¹and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, ¹²so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

In Paul’s first letter to the church of the Thessalonians, he admonishes all the believers to lead a life that will win the respect of outsiders—those outside of the faith and body of Christ.  As a Christian, this is also our goal.  The hard truth is that our daily life is sometimes the only picture of Christ that others see. We are, in fact, living billboards.

Ezra 7:6, 10 (NIV)  ⁶this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. ... ¹⁰for Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Our second passage of Scripture for today provides the example of Ezra.  He was a descendent of Aaron the chief priest (c.f., vs. 1-5).  Yet he drew the attention of King Artaxerxes through his daily life example of studying, observing, and teaching the Law of the LORD. Ezra understood the key to having a properly organized daily life.   First, he studied the Scriptures. Then he applied the Scriptures to his daily life.  Finally, he taught others what he learned and lived. The result can be seen in how others noticed and respected him.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Guide us as we study your Word.  Help us to apply what we learn to our daily life. Finally, give us courage to share your Word with others. Teach us how to live our lives as an example for others to follow.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion Winning the Respect of Others was originally written for Sunday, July 22, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

True Purpose

Ecclesiastes 6:7-12 (NIV)  ⁷Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied. ⁸What advantage have the wise over fools? What do the poor gain by knowing how to conduct themselves before others? ⁹Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. ¹⁰Whatever exists has already been named, and what humanity is has been known; no one can contend with someone who is stronger. ¹¹The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? ¹²For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?

Perhaps the most tragic waste of time is that of dreaming about all the “what ifs” in life.  What if I had this? What if I could do that? What if…  and, so on it goes.  We are reminded in our text that relatively speaking, life is far too brief to consume ourselves with needless worry.  God has a purpose and a plan for each and every life.  How blessed we are when we keep our focus on Him.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 119:73, and I am particularly fond of the New Living Translation version.

Psalm 119: 73 (NLT) You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. 

My dear friends, this is true purpose!

 

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

How tempted we are to focus on things that do not help us bring honor to you. Forgive us when we fail you, and help us find purpose of life in following your commands.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion True Purpose was originally written for Tuesday, January 9, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

True Life

Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 (NIV)  ¹I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: ²God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. ³A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. ⁴It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. ⁵Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man—⁶even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?

The Book of Proverbs was written to inspire wisdom and provide guidance (c.f., Proverbs 1:2-6). The Book of Ecclesiastes serves a similar purpose.  Yet rather than inspiration, today’s text seems to be quite harsh and cold.  As we read, we may be tempted to focus on the negative aspects of life.  Life seems futile.  We read about a person who has wealth but dies before he can use it.  We read about a person who lives a very long yet miserable life. What possible positive guidance does this offer us?

Perhaps the answer is simply this:  It is not how long a person lives that matters. We live, and as long as the Lord tarries, we will someday eventually die.  Neither length of days, nor accumulation of wealth, is the central focus. Rather, it is the quality of a person’s life that has significance. With each passing day we are building our character and reputation.  These things will survive long after we have passed.  True quality of life comes in pleasing our Heavenly Father no matter how our days are numbered and no matter what our financial status.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for each day of life you provide. May we find ways each day to serve you and please you.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion True Life was originally written for Monday, January 8, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

True Wealth

Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13-15, 18-20 (NIV)  ¹⁰Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. ... ¹³I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, ¹⁴or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit. ¹⁵Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone come, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. ... ¹⁸This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life3 God has given them—for this is their lot. ¹⁹Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. ²⁰They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

Years ago there was a popular joke circulating.  The main idea told a story of a miserly man who made his wife promise to place all his wealth with him in his casket upon his death.  The wife promised to do exactly as instructed.  Faithful to her promise, at his funeral, she placed a check for the full amount in his casket.

At first glance, our text seems to indicate that accumulation of wealth is an exercise in futility.  In fact, verse 15 of our text could be the basis of the well-known and oft-repeated cliché, “You can’t take it with you.”  Yet wealth in itself does not seem to be the problem. The last few verses provide the key.  Tangible wealth may come or go.  It is the one who can accept whatever he has, whether little or much, and yet continues the daily tasks he is able do, who has found true wealth. This person does not waste time reliving the past or wishing about what might be, could be, or should be. This person is too busy to dwell on fantasies because this person is focused on the God—this person has true gladness of heart—this person has found true wealth.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Thank you for the daily satisfaction of working for you. May all that we do or say be pleasing to you. Grant us the ability to handle whatever measure of wealth you permit in a way that brings honor and glory to Your Name.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotion True Wealth was originally written for Sunday, January 7, 2018; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us   As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.