July 2
Ezra 3
The priests restore the altar and worship of the Lord.
INSIGHT
The basis of most discontent is comparison. We could be happy with our cars if the neighbors didn’t have better ones. We would be satisfied with our houses if they were as nice as everyone else’s. Yet, were we to have our present possessions in Africa, we would be considered rich. Once our basic needs are met, the issue is not “how are we,” but rather, “how are we compared to how everyone else is.” When the foundation of the new temple is laid, the new generation rejoices at the work of God; but the older generation laments that the new temple is not as impressive as the old one. We should be content with what God has chosen to give us and not make comparisons. He is rich who rejoices in his portion.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord for what He has given you, and rejoice in your portion:
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.
I will go in the strength of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness,
of Yours only.
O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
(Psalm 71:15-17)
Pause for praise and thanksgiving.
As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this prayer:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me. . . .
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous spirit.
(Psalm 51:10, 12)
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- That others might see Christ in you
-- That the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into His harvest
-- Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14).
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