fblosgatos - 2023: Daily Devotional Thought

Esther 2:15-23 - “God is in Control - Again!” - Today we read of how God is in control. We constantly see His hand in history. Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2

Esther 2:1-14 - “A Beauty Contest Ensues” - A new queen is needed and the king looks for just the right woman. Who will it be? Scripture Reading: Psalm 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21

Esther 1:10-22 - “When a Queen Refuses” - Let’s consider what was right and what was wrong in this event. Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

Esther 1:1-9 - “In the Meantime” - In between Ezra chapters 6 and 7 are the events in Esther. So, we will jump to Esther in order to keep her story in the right context. Scripture Reading: Psalm 121, 123-125, 128-130

Ezra 6:19-22 - “Passover is Observed” - As one of the main feast days of the Jews, this observation of Passover brought great joy to their hearts. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

Ezra 6:13-18 - “Reconstruction Completed” After delays and failures, the Temple is completed to the joy of the people. Scripture Reading: Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63

Ezra 6:1-12 - “Dear Leaders” - The king searched and found the truth and once again issued a decree to allow the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25-27

Ezra 5:6-17 - “Dear King” - The returnees petition the king to let them resume their work. Will it work? Scripture Reading: Psalm 56, 120, 140-142

Haggai 2:10-23 - “Consider our Ways” - To consider mean to think or analyze. Today, consider your paths and choices. Scripture Reading: Psalm 7, 27, 31

Haggai 2:1-9 - “Let’s Remember God’s Blessings” - Haggai wanted the people to remember how much the Lord had done for them. That would motivate them to keep building. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 21-24

Haggai 1:1-15 - “Listen to Counsel” - For the next three days we will listen to Haggai’s counsel to Israel. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 18-20, Psalm 11, 59

Ezra 5:1-5 - “God Send His Prophets” - When the Jews caved into the pressures around them, God sent them prophets to encourage them to get back to the work. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15-17

Ezra 4:17-24 - “Reconstruction Stops” - When opposition comes we often cave in. This happened to the Jews reconstructing the Temple. Let’s learn from this mistake. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 13-14

Ezra 4:6-16 - “Three Oppositions-Three Time Periods” - You need to pay close attention to this passage to get the correct understanding. Note the three distinct time periods. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 9-12

Matthew 28:1-10 - “He’s Alive” - We take a break today from Ezra to remember that today is Easter Sunday. Rejoice in your risen Savior. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 4-8

Ezra 4:1-5 - “Opposition Begins” - No one can ever do a work for God without facing opposition. Opposition should be expected. How will we respond, that’s the question. Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1-3

Ezra 3:8-13 - “Reconstruction is Underway” - The returnees begin construction on the most important structure in all of Judaism; the Temple. Rejoice with these Jews at the sight of the repairs going on. Scripture Reading: Judges 19-21

Ezra 3:1-7 - “A Celebration Begins” - Certain dates on a calendar are more important than others. For the Jewish nation, they had seven such dates. Pay attention today to note three. Scripture Reading: Judges 19-21

Ezra 2:1-70 - “The List” - Do you remember the movie, “Schindler’s List”? It centered around a list of names Oscar Schindler rescued. Today is another list of survivors. Scripture Reading: Judges 16-18

Ezra 1:5-11 - “Restoration of Stolen Goods” - Sometimes God actually restores what we lost. Here the Lord returns some of the items taken from the Temple under the Babylonians. Scripture Reading: Judges 13-15

Ezra 1:1-4 - “Go Back” - God returns His people back to their land. Scripture Reading: Judges 10-12

Daniel 2:36-45 - “God’s Control of History” - Today we begin a journey through the books of Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah. You're reading for today gives you the assurance that the changing in kingdoms is all in God’s plan. Scripture Reading: Judges 6-7

John 21:20-25 - “Oh so much More” - What is God’s will for us? We need to find that out and do it. And, as we conclude the Gospel of John we are left wondering what John left out! Scripture Reading: Judges 3-5

John 21:15-19 - “Do you love Me?” - The ultimate question we all must answer. Do we love Him? Scripture Reading: Judges 1-2

John 21:1-14 - “Let’s go Fishing” - Today we see the further comment of discipleship in the lives of the disciples. What about us? Scripture Reading: Joshua 22-24