June 14, 2006 - Ezra 9-10 and Acts 1
It is so important for us to be in "one accord" with God and with other believers. If you doubt that statement, read Jesus' prayer in John 17 again and notice all of the emphasis upon being one with the Father and with other believers. If we don't have unity of purpose with God, we won't do His will. As you read these passages today, ask yourself if you are on the same page with God. If there is a problem, get it right today.
In Ezra 9 and 10 we read about a serious problem that arose soon after the Israelites returned from the Exile to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. The people began to intermarry with the pagan people. This was a sin according to God's instructions when He gave them the Land. (9:12) This was the main sin that caused the Israelites to forsake the Lord the first time and to be sent into exile. How could they fall into this sin after all they had been through? They got their eyes off of God's purpose, and they listened to their flesh. They were not one accord with God, because the flesh is against God. Therefore, Ezra prayed and fasted. He called on the people to confess their sin, and to repent. In order to repent in this case, they had to put away their pagan wives. This was a drastic step, but it was necessary to stay close to God and His purpose. Do you see any sin for which you need to confess and repent today? If so, do it without delay, or you will find yourself at odds with God and on the road to destruction.
Acts 1 shows us the need to be right with God and with each other, too. It tells us that the key is being filled with the Spirit. (v.5) When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will not follow the flesh. We will march on in God's way. We will have power to be His witnesses. (v.8) We will be together in "one accord" with other believers, who are filled with the Spirit. We will seek to do God's will like Peter did here by replacing Judas with a faithful disciple. Peter knew the importance of following God's will all of the time. Are you in "one accord" with God and other believers today? (v.14) That is the only way for us to march together as the army of God against the forces of Satan in this world. I urge you to confess, repent, and do whatever it takes to be one with God today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 1-3 and Acts 2:1-21.
In Ezra 9 and 10 we read about a serious problem that arose soon after the Israelites returned from the Exile to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. The people began to intermarry with the pagan people. This was a sin according to God's instructions when He gave them the Land. (9:12) This was the main sin that caused the Israelites to forsake the Lord the first time and to be sent into exile. How could they fall into this sin after all they had been through? They got their eyes off of God's purpose, and they listened to their flesh. They were not one accord with God, because the flesh is against God. Therefore, Ezra prayed and fasted. He called on the people to confess their sin, and to repent. In order to repent in this case, they had to put away their pagan wives. This was a drastic step, but it was necessary to stay close to God and His purpose. Do you see any sin for which you need to confess and repent today? If so, do it without delay, or you will find yourself at odds with God and on the road to destruction.
Acts 1 shows us the need to be right with God and with each other, too. It tells us that the key is being filled with the Spirit. (v.5) When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will not follow the flesh. We will march on in God's way. We will have power to be His witnesses. (v.8) We will be together in "one accord" with other believers, who are filled with the Spirit. We will seek to do God's will like Peter did here by replacing Judas with a faithful disciple. Peter knew the importance of following God's will all of the time. Are you in "one accord" with God and other believers today? (v.14) That is the only way for us to march together as the army of God against the forces of Satan in this world. I urge you to confess, repent, and do whatever it takes to be one with God today.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 1-3 and Acts 2:1-21.