DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 18:9 to 19:21; Joel 1; Luke 11:37-54
Then I proclaimed a fast there … that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones and for all our substance. Ezra 8:21
Ezra’s prayer in preparation for his return to Jerusalem reflected a heart-felt concern for three vital areas in the life of the nation: their personal walk, their posterity and their possessions. He wanted to ensure that the influences of seventy years in Babylon were nullified by finding the “right way” for the nation. Preceded by prayer and humble dependence upon the Lord, we too will be shown the divine corrective to the influences of the world around us, so that we may find the “right way” to proceed with our faith, family and finances. —Mark Kolchin
Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man, rise up, O men of God! —W. Merrill