Zerubbabel sent to rebuild the temple

31 March          

Read Ezra 3:7-11 and reflect on the passage.

The construction of the new church Building in Poli, Cameroon was moving forward. It was located closer to the center of town. The design of the building was striking. It was significantly larger than the current building. Most importantly, the believers were excited to see the progress. The work was not done, but you could feel the energy as people crammed into the old church. They still had to sit on top of each other in a building that dated from the 1950's without solid doors and windows, but they had hope for the future.

We would like to think that our faith in things not seen would be sufficient to buoy our spirits, but it surely is encouraging to have visible milestones every once in a while. The Jews returning from exile rejoiced when the foundation for the building of the second temple was laid. Clearly the work was not finished, but they were moving in the right direction. Each of us in our own spiritual lives, even though we have a lot of work left to be done, can give thanks when we see clear signs that God’s work in us is moving forward.

Questions

1. Identify events in your life that are visible signs that God’s work in you has moved forward.

2. Who can you thank for having contributed to those milestones?

Prayer

Father, I am far from being the person You want. But I give You thanks for , a sign of Your work in my life.

—David Mann

Adam and Eve succumb to temptation

6 March 

Read Genesis 3:1-6 and reflect on the passage.

What Makes for the Most effective temptation? I can tell you what makes for the least effective. Outlandish suggestions—Go rob a bank; kill 25 people! Of course, I’m not going to leap so far out of bounds. What makes for an effective temptation is the nudge to take a tiny step across the line. It doesn’t seem so very bad. No one will notice. And tomorrow, take another tiny step further afield. And then, invite someone else to join in taking tiny steps over the edge with you. Pretty soon, we have so many people taking tiny steps together that we cannot even see the line that we have crossed. And the whole crowd is now living out of bounds as the “new normal.”

As we read the story of the first fall into temptation, we may shake our heads. How could they? But in reality, we have the innate tendency to relive it again and again. We disregard the lines that God has drawn to protect us and we inch across them, using our own rationalizations to tell ourselves that we are not so bad. Our rebellion is incremental as we chart a course far from God.

Questions

1. In what areas of your life do you inch across the boundaries God has set up to protect you?

2. How do you rationalize your disobedience?

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your patience. I ask for help to acknowledge my tendency toward incremental rebellion. Forgive and restore me to Your good way.

—David Mann

A Messiah is coming

6 January

Scripture Reading

Read Isaiah 9:1-7 and reflect on the passage.

Davey couldn’t believe his eyes. There in the midst of the ripped wrapping paper, torn ribbons, and crumpled bows was the gift he had not dared to hope for. It was the present that all the boys wanted, but he never thought his parents could afford it—an electric race car track. He was stunned and speechless. Finally, he looked up at his parents, who likewise were caught up in the moment, with joy. Davey flung himself into their loving arms.

Isaiah, the prophet, announced to God’s people that the Lord was intent upon giving them something that they dared not hope for—that God would give them a Messiah, who would not only be a just and fair ruler but who would actually be God Himself— Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This is the gift that exceeds all our imaginations—something beyond what we could hope for.

The joy and wonder of Christmas is that we have a God who delights to give to His children. He loves to amaze us with His generosity. He relishes the moment when He catches us by surprise. His heart overflows with joy as we run into His arms.

Questions

1.      What is the moment in your Christmas memories when you were caught by surprise the most?

2.      What is it about God’s love for you that you know is far more than you deserve or could expect?

  

Prayer

Father, I give You thanks that You are who You are—One who delights in surprising us with gifts. Warm my heart with gratitude to run into Your arms with joy. Amen.

—David Mann