May 14-19
Memory Verse
Ezra 1:1
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
Daily Reading Guide
Monday, May 14 – Ezra 1:1
Tuesday, May 15 – Jeremiah 25:11
Wednesday, May 16 – Jeremiah 29:10
Thursday, May 17 – Ezra 1:2
Friday, May 18 – Ezra 1:3
Saturday, May 19 – Ezra 3:11
Bible Reading Guide
The book of Ezra begins with an amazing confirmation of the word that the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah. God had promised that the exiles who were captured in Jerusalem by the Babylonians would be allowed to return. Ezra records the fulfillment of that promise. The exiles returned to Jerusalem and began to rebuild the temple. When the foundation of the temple was completing the response was mixed. Some of the people rejoiced. Some of the people who were older wept. They remembered the glory of the old temple that was destroyed. When they compared the new with the old, they were disappointed. Other prophets addressed the situation. Reading Haggai and Zechariah provides perspective on the events of Ezra. It’s a great life lesson for us. We face many temptations in life that involve comparison or complaint. Will we choose to rejoice or weep?
Questions for Reflection and Response
Read Ezra 1:1-5. What are your thoughts about the way God used Cyrus to bring about the return of the exiles?
As a follow up, Read Isaiah 44:24-28 and Isaiah 45:1-7.
Read Haggai 2:1-9. What are the messages that the Lord desires to speak to the people?
Read Zechariah 4:4-10. Zechariah 4:6 is a verse that is often quoted. What do you think the message of the Lord was in this verse? How does that message apply to your life?
Read Ezra 3:10-13. Have you ever caught yourself complaining and then realized that someone was listening that you wish hadn’t heard your complaints?
Prayer – Local
Pray for our ministry to our local community during the 30 hour famine. Our participation in the famine is an opportunity for us to serve a global need through the funds that are raised. Also, we will be serving needs in the local community as we “fast”. This is a great way to be reminded that our mission is both local and global. Our mission to share the love of Christ reaches across the street and around the world.
Prayer - Global
Pray about the children that will be touched by your involvement in the 30 hour famine on June 2. Your participation in the famine will reach children in need through our partnership with World Vision. Pray that our brief experience with hunger will lead to greater compassion and awareness of the needs of others.
May 14-19
Memory Verse
Ezra 1:1
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
Daily Reading Guide
Monday, May 14 – Ezra 1:1
Tuesday, May 15 – Jeremiah 25:11
Wednesday, May 16 – Jeremiah 29:10
Thursday, May 17 – Ezra 1:2
Friday, May 18 – Ezra 1:3
Saturday, May 19 – Ezra 3:11
Bible Reading Guide
The book of Ezra begins with an amazing confirmation of the word that the Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah. God had promised that the exiles who were captured in Jerusalem by the Babylonians would be allowed to return. Ezra records the fulfillment of that promise. The exiles returned to Jerusalem and began to rebuild the temple. When the foundation of the temple was completing the response was mixed. Some of the people rejoiced. Some of the people who were older wept. They remembered the glory of the old temple that was destroyed. When they compared the new with the old, they were disappointed. Other prophets addressed the situation. Reading Haggai and Zechariah provides perspective on the events of Ezra. It’s a great life lesson for us. We face many temptations in life that involve comparison or complaint. Will we choose to rejoice or weep?
Questions for Reflection and Response
Read Ezra 1:1-5. What are your thoughts about the way God used Cyrus to bring about the return of the exiles?
As a follow up, Read Isaiah 44:24-28 and Isaiah 45:1-7.
Read Haggai 2:1-9. What are the messages that the Lord desires to speak to the people?
Read Zechariah 4:4-10. Zechariah 4:6 is a verse that is often quoted. What do you think the message of the Lord was in this verse? How does that message apply to your life?
Read Ezra 3:10-13. Have you ever caught yourself complaining and then realized that someone was listening that you wish hadn’t heard your complaints?
Prayer – Local
Pray for our ministry to our local community during the 30 hour famine. Our participation in the famine is an opportunity for us to serve a global need through the funds that are raised. Also, we will be serving needs in the local community as we “fast”. This is a great way to be reminded that our mission is both local and global. Our mission to share the love of Christ reaches across the street and around the world.
Prayer - Global
Pray about the children that will be touched by your involvement in the 30 hour famine on June 2. Your participation in the famine will reach children in need through our partnership with World Vision. Pray that our brief experience with hunger will lead to greater compassion and awareness of the needs of others.