Devotional: Preparing Our Hearts: Rebuilding and Restoring

   December 13th, 2015  

Devotional

“Preparing Our Hearts: Rebuilding and Restoring” - Ezra 1: 1-4; 3: 1-4; 10-13

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “God Moves Our Hearts” - Ezra 1:1, Ez. 36:26, Matthew 5:8

In today’s scripture we are told that Cyprus had his heart moved by the Lord God to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. God moving people’s hearts is not an uncommon theme in scripture. Back in the story of the Exodus, God moved Pharaoh’s heart in the opposite direction, hardening it, in order to make God’s glory known. 

Any time God moves a person’s heart it is to make God’s glory known. We may not see the immediate results of our heart being moved or the hearts of others being stirred, but whenever God is the one prompting us to do something, God will ultimately be glorified. But how can we tell if God is the one stirring our heart? As United Methodists we have four questions that we can ask ourselves that lead us make good decisions - the first is this found in scripture? Keep in mind that when we talk about scriptures it isn’t just the words that are written, but the context in which the verse(s) is found. Second, how does this relate to the traditions of the Church? Three, what does my God-given intellect/ reason say to me about this situation? And fourth, how does this reflect my experience of God?

When did you find your heart moved by God? How did you respond?

How do you go about making decisions? How could you best utilize the pieces listed above in making decisions?

Prayer: God, you stir our hearts deeply, moving us to respond in ways that give you glory. But, God, we confess that sometimes we confuse our own emotions with your deep stirring of our heart. Help us best discern the movement of your Spirit, O Lord, so we can respond. Amen. 

Tuesday: “What Are You Appointed to Do?” - Ezra 1: 2-4, 1 Peter 2:9, John 15:16

In the United Methodist Church, the word “appointed” is something that we think of in terms of pastors. Pastors are appointed to a church or parish, and as an extension the community in which that church is located, in order to serve God. However, today’s scripture points out that that different people are called or appointed by God to do different things. Cyprus was appointed to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. 

However, what Cyprus was appointed to do, he could not accomplish alone. Over 40,000 exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild under the guidance of the high priest, Joshua (note: not the same Joshua as the one described in the Book of Joshua). We need other people to catch the vision that God has laid on our hearts in order for the will of God to be accomplished. 

When is a time you were appointed or called to do something by God? What was that experience like?

How can you help mobilize others to fulfill God’s vision?

Prayer: God of call, thank you for calling each of us to do unique things for the sake of your Kingdom. Help us find other’s who catch the vision and dreams of your heart, O God, so that we can best glorify you. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ Time to Rebuild” - Ezra 3: 1-2, Neh. 1: 1-11

Rebuilding is hard work. For the 40,000 exiles that returned it was made even more difficult by the strained relationships with their neighbors who did not know or worship their God. The people also believed that they were taken into exile in the first place because of their disobedience to God so this time they wanted to get it right. 

The first step of rebuilding though was to return. To return to the ruins of Jerusalem. The second step to rebuilding was to craft the alter. The people believed that without the place to worship their return was in vain. What about in our own lives? We often need to rebuild and restore, relationships, finances, our attitude towards God. What is the first thing that we need to do in order to rebuild for the sake of the mission of God?

When you know you need to rebuild, restore, or repair something in your life what is the first thing you do? How does this relate to your spiritual life? 

What does the word rebuild meant to you and what does this look like in your own life?

Prayer: God of restoration, thank you for calling us to be part of your mission and vision to rebuild our life, our city, our church, with and for you. God we sometimes get so caught up in the details of the task before us that we never start. Other times we enter without having any plan and as a result we sputter and stop. Give us clarity and courage to move forward in rebuilding for you, O Lord. Amen.  

Thursday: “Despite” - Ezra 3: 3-4, 2 Cor 12:9

When reading today’s scripture lesson the word that stuck out to me the most was “despite”. Despite implies obstacles - in the case of the Israelites fear of their neighbors (who will eventually cause them to stop their work for a period of time). For us it could be the same thing - fear of what people may think or say about us - or maybe something completely different  - fear that we aren’t up to the task or that we don’t have enough to complete what we are called to do. 

The Israelites went ahead with their appointed tasks despite their fears. What do you need to set aside in order to fulfill what God is calling you to do with your life? 

What are some of the obstacles in completing the tasks God has given you?

Prayer: Inspire us, most gracious God, to keep going when the task seems to hard or there are obstacles in our way. Help us set aside whatever we may face, so that we like the Israelites, can press on despite whatever is in front of us. Amen. 

Friday: “Joyful Worship” - Ezra 3: 10-13, Psalm 100: 1-2

Following each phase of rebuilding the Israelites worshipped. After rebuilding the alter they offered a sacrifice. After re-laying the foundation of the temple each worshiped in their own way. The priests put on their finest vestments and shouted while playing the cymbals. Others wept. Still others played the trumpet. I’m sure even others worshipped through singing and dancing.

Over the years divisions have arisen in churches based on how people worship. However, what we need to explore is why we worship. We worship to give a Holy God praise and honor and glory. We worship to express our heart’s joy at the movement of God in our lives. The Israelites understood this, and did not care that each worshipped in his or her own way, only that worship took place. 

How do you worship best? How to you respond to those who worship in a different manner than you?

How can your acts of worship best reflect the joy you have towards God?

Prayer: God, help us remember that worship is for you and is about you. Let us worship you as we work towards completing each task you have called us to do. May our worship be joyful and invite others into celebrating your goodness. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Someone to Change the World” - Luke 1: 5-13 (57-80)

Family Activity: Read together O.Henry’s book The Gift of the Magi (or find the story online and retell it). What does this story teach us about hope? How can it help us prepare for Christmas?