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4/26/2011 Loving God Journal

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Then rose up the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem. And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.
Ezra 1:5-6

Observe

It is God who stirs up the spirits of leaders to rise up and to rebuild the house of the Lord (Ezra 1:5). It is God who stirs up the generosity of "all who are about them" to aid the rebuilders with gold, goods, costly wares, and offerings (Ezra 1:6).

One version says, "All their neighbors assisted by giving" (NLT). Another says, "Their neighbors rallied behind them enthusiastically" (Msg).

This is encouragement for those who are seeking to build or rebuild the work of the Lord in an area. We can trust God to stir up the hearts of the builders/rebuilders AND the hearts of the givers. 

So, once again, we find ourselves dependent on the Lord, the only One who can stir hearts. Therefore, let us pray to Him to move in the hearts of both the builders and the givers. 

Value

Our trust for the work of the Lord is in the Lord of the work.

Express

Lord, You are the Great heart-stirrer. Only when You work in the hearts of Your people will they give up what's comfortable to go do Your work or to give to support Your work. Forgive me for worrying about Your provision. You have always provided the laborers and the funding for them. Now, I cry out to You for more laborers for CVC and for all NE Ohio. And I cry out to You for more givers for CVC and for all NE Ohio. Help us, Lord. I want to be Your rebuilder and Your giver. It's Your work, Lord. please do it. In Jesus' name, Amen.