365 Devotionals: Times of Restoration

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22 AMP

The Seeds of Promise Devotional Series

To Whom Much Is Given

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a straight and right way for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. Ezra 8:21 AMP

Morning Prayer

Are you ready to begin today’s devotional? Let’s begin with prayer.

Having a close relationship with God is a treasure and an honor. There is no closer friend, no greater comforter, and no higher reward. As you read this book and complete the daily challenges, I pray that the Lord will richly bless you with gifts from heaven that only He can provide. As you draw nearer to God, may He encamp His angels around you and walk with you from day to day, showing His divine care and demonstrating His power.

May He continue to carry you when you are weak, nurture you to wholeness, cry with you, laugh with you, encourage your heart, and teach you how to abound. May every wound be healed, and your mind be renewed. May your heart lose fear and gain faith. May you grow in love toward Him, because He cares for you.

May God touch your heart as you learn and grow in the art of daily devotion. May His Spirit guide and speak to you and reveal to you the plans that He has for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), that your hope and joy will be full. May you embrace His will and be emboldened to follow after Him with your whole heart. May your questions be answered according to His will. May you understand His love for you in a personal way, and overcome any obstacle(s) that hinder(s) you from going to His throne of grace. May you find what you need to grow. May you be watered with His anointing.

May God bring His true servants to your path, to help you on your journey, to bring you courage, friendship, and a good example. May you meet the Holy Spirit in a new way – to bear your every burden and keep you in a straight path, full of wisdom and strengthening you in you every virtue. When you have received of the Lord, may you be a light to others, steadfast in the faith, nothing wavering, keeping your eyes on Christ.

As you commune with the King more and more, may your offering be pure and acceptable in His sight. I pray that you will do the work that is required to maintain your closer walk with God. May you find fulfillment in worshiping Him. May your heart be open to receive The power of God in your life. May you stand on His promises and enjoy the journey.

These and other blessings I pray for you in Jesus’ Holy Name,

Amen.

Bible Basis

June	Book	Read From	Read To	Devotional
5^th	Ezra	Chapter 10	–	To Whom Much Is Given

Memory Verses

Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away. Ezra 10:6 | But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48

Key people

Here is a list of key people found in today’s reading (in order of appearance) with bios from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Ezra.

Today’s Devotional Reading: Ezra 10

Ezra 10 Amplified Version (AMP)

Reflection

It grieved Ezra so much that the people transgressed against God, because they had done so knowing full well that they were walking in God’s abundance. How could they be so free-minded to forsake God who delivered them? How quickly we can forget the Lord’s mercies when our salty tears have been consumed of a little space of peace.

We know that God speaks (and that so by experience, not of hearsay) of a “sea of forgetfulness” (Micah 7:19) but this is in response to our repented sin; and not a gulf in which to lose our responsibility (James 1:25).

We know that our possession of grace is not a credit card – that we should charge against good deeds and finally say in the face of temptation, “I have earned it.” But we must even in a “land of plenty,” remain faithful to our deliverer, whose mighty hand is able also to return us from milk and honey to the arm of our adversary.

We do not enjoy the thought of God as judge – for there is no joy in the hands of an angry God; but we have to be honest with ourselves and realize that there is an end to His patience. We can not afford to take the stance that it is too much to ask that we be faithful to the God who has promised never to forsake us.

And if we can not see our way clear to walk with Him, then we have to also take the consequences of our choice. Better yet, both seek to understand and do what God expects from you. For to whom much is given, much is required. And when we accept the given much knowing full well that much will be required, we have no excuse for disobedience.

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Image Source: 365 Seeds of Promise by Shenica Graham.