The Rocks On

 Reading is in the book of Ezra 1-3 today as following along at www.doinggood.org B.R.E.A.D program for 6.2.08. Questions from readings are also from www.doinggood.org.

Questions for Ezra Chapter 1.

1.  Whose prophecy did Cyrus king of Persia fulfill in issuing a proclamation to rebuild the temple? (1-4)
2.  What did Cyrus bring forth that Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of Jerusalem? (7-11)

Questions for Ezra Chapter 2. 

1. Who was the first person named as one who went out of captivity? (2)
2. What was the size of the congregation that went out of captivity? (64-65)

 Questions for Ezra Chapter 3: 

1. what did Jeshua and Zerubbabel first build? (1-6)
2. After this what did Jeshua and Zerubbabel begin to build? (8)
3. For what did the people sing, praise and give thanks unto God? (11)
4. What did the old men do who had seen the first temple? (12)

 Thoughts on today’s reading and devotion from The John C. Maxwell Leadership Bible.

 In Ezra 1:1-7 The law of connection applies: The Persian King Cyrus was able to rule people by relating to them.

  I am not saying that anyone is out to rule, however to influence and be an effective leader, you need to be able to identify with the values and hearts of the people you with to influence.

  Per Maxwell, the following factors allowed King Cyrus to connect with the people.

1. Humility: He realized his power cam from God and should honor God (v.2).
2. Responsibility: He felt strongly he should build a place of worship for the Jews (v.3)
3. Empowerment: He allowed those who had a heart to build to fulfill their call (v.3)
4. Resources: He issued a decree to support the builders (v.4)
5. Stewardship: He managed people’s gifts, enabling them to play to their strengths. (v.5)
6. Priorities: He valued what was most important to the people (v.7).

Humility is one thing people find hard to practice, myself included. So often in today’s world we are told to “look in to ourselves” to find the answer. Too many times when I look into myself, I find failure, lack of desire, and self loathing. These attitudes ensnared in the trap of compliancy and out right laziness on my part.

 This morning I have been awake for 1 hour 3 minutes. Already from the conscious choice I made to connect to the Lord through my short prayer time, Bible reading, devotional, and reflections, I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world. 

God is not asking me to do great and powerful things, that’ His Job. Today it is O.K. to realize I am just 1 person who is fragile and of flesh who has a God who can do ALL things.

Have a blessed day!