| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Lifelong learning” Our Bible verse for today: “Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 (CSB) Our thought for today: “There is always a remnant, and there is always hope” I have a note I have kept in my Bible for years. I came across this statement in the editorial notes of a study Bible a long time ago. It inspired me in that moment and has continued to do so ever since. It reads, “Ezra applied himself to studying the Word of God and he had a great burden to teach God’s Word to the small packets of discouraged Hebrews who had returned to Judah.” Ezra was a priest and a preacher. He was a leader of the people and he was a teacher of the Word of God. But he had a tough task. The exiles who had returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon were small in number, they were discouraged, and they were therefore struggling greatly. Here’s the way the introduction to the book Ezra reads in the Experiencing God Study Bible: “Israel looked for identity and hope as they struggled with worship without meaning, daily living without focus, and a nation without identity … Ezra called God’s people to find meaning and hope in renewed worship, dedication to obey God’s commandments, and separation from pagan influences.” Perhaps you can see the contemporary application for Christians living in our nation today? Many Christians feel small and isolated. Many are confused and struggling. “Worship without meaning … daily living without focus … a nation without identity …” But there is hope. The truth is that God always has a faithful remnant and there is always hope – it was true for the Israelites in Ezra’s day and it is true for us in our nation today. In churches all across this land God has blessed His people with many modern-day Ezra’s who are committed to faithfully teaching God’s Word to God’s people. And all across this land there are multiple millions of Christians gathered in local churches every week worshiping, learning, growing, and renewing their commitments to living faithfully for the Lord in the midst of a lost and hostile culture. The key for each of us is to be there. Show up. Support your church, your pastor, and your teachers by being there, listening, learning, growing. All is not lost. God has a faithful remnant in America too and there is still hope. I encourage you to be in church tomorrow. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville) |
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