God's people had entered into unholy relationships with the people around them. How can we make good decisions about the relationships we have?
God's community has always had spiritual leaders to help guide and serve for His purposes. Ezra is one of them. Check out some of the keys to his leadership as he brings spiritual renewal back to the Israelites.
Nothing is new under the sun - that's part of what Ezra wants to show God's people in chapter 4. Opposition will always come to those trying to live God's way. As the Jewish people attempt to rebuild the temple, they have a decision to make - God's way or the easier way?
Most of us would love to experience spiritual renewal. It begins with God rousing our spirits and changing our hearts so we have a desire to seek Him and power to live according to His purposes. It leads to sacrifice, obedience, service, celebration and lament. When we see Ezra 3 in light of the cross, we find out what that looks like for us today.
God is Sovereign. He is the King of His own Universe and is gloriously unstoppable in fulfilling His own purposes. He fulfills every word and promise He speaks. He changes the hearts of people so they more fully align with His great purposes. Is this the God you worship? And have you gone all-in on His good purposes for you?