“ Are You Facing Opposition?”


BIBLE READING: Ezra 4-6 & Psalms 137
DISCUSSION                                    
                As the reconstruction of the House of God commenced, the people had rebuilt the altar and began to lay the foundation of the Temple.  Then, the returned exiles began to face a great deal of opposition from some Samaritans.   “Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose…” (Ezra 4:4-5).  The opposition pushed so hard that the Israelites were forced by King Artaxerxes to halt the work until Darius reinstated it years later.  I’m sure it must have been hard to those Israelites; to have been so excited to begin the process of starting over fresh with a new life and new House for God, only to face criticism, opposition and even hostility as the seek to do what was right.  Sound familiar doesn’t it?  As Christians, we are doing our best to live the best life we can for the Lord as we try to do what is right.  However, it seems the more motivated we are to continue doing what is best and right, the more we are faced to criticism and opposition.  For us today, that is good news and bad news.   The bad news is that the opposition will never stop.  There will never be a time, this side of eternity, that we won’t be faced with opposition and criticism from the word.   However, the good news is that if we can endure and continue with our “building up” of God’s House within our lives, we will be stronger because of it.  Notice the encouraging words of Peter,  “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7).  Don’t give up church, because the Light of the World is at the end of our tunnel.
Prayer Requests:___________________________________________________________________________________

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more