Reading for today: Ezra 10:10-17 and Luke 5:33-35

“Then they said to Him, ‘Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?’” Luke 5:33

John’s disciples fasted as a sign of mourning for their sins and in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.  Jesus’ disciples did not need to fast because He was with them.  In our lives we should fast, pray, serve and attend church not “because everyone else is,” but to seek the Lord and a relationship with Jesus.
 

Reading for today: Ezra 10:5-9 and Luke 5:29-32

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:32

Coming to the realization that we are all sinners can be a difficult personal revelation. God desires that we confess our sins to Him and to seek Him for forgiveness.  We can experience such grace, love and freedom from those sins when we turn to God with whole hearted repentance from our ways.
 

Reading for today: Ezra 10:1-4 and Luke 5:27-28

“And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” Luke 5:27b

Jesus did not give Levi the tax collector a reason why he should follow Him, nor did Levi ask why he should follow Jesus.  Jesus simply said “Follow Me,” and Levi obeyed with no questions asked.  It makes me think of how many times we
question the reason for God calling for us to serve Him.  When God calls us to serve Him, we need to put aside our personal desires and learn to trust in His perfect way. 

Reading for today: Ezra 9:6-15 and Luke 5:17-26

“But when Jesus perceived their thoughts…” Luke 5:22a

Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that God does know your thoughts?  Has knowing this fact ever kept you from straying down a path that could have otherwise turned out unfavorable in eyes of an all-knowing and perfect God?  The next time you find your mind wandering to a place where it should not be, remind yourself that God knows your thoughts, and then pray to Him to guide your thoughts back to a place that is more pleasing to Him.

Reading for today: Ezra 9:4-5 and Luke 5:12-16

“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:16

If Jesus Himself felt the need to pray in a quiet place, then what does that say about how we should be doing our devotional and prayer times?  Take the time today to find that quiet place where you can pray to God, who is patiently
waiting to hear from you.

Reading for today: Ezra 9:1-3 and Luke 5:1-11

“‘…From now on you will catch men.’ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” Luke 5:10b-11

Jesus instructed James, John and Simon to leave behind their livelihoods of  being fishermen, and instead to follow Him and be fishers of men.  We are instructed to share our faith, and at times that could mean to do so instead of pursuing our own interests.  Have you shared your faith with someone today?

Reading for today: Ezra 8:31-36 and Luke 4:42-44

“The hand of our God was on us, and He protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.”  Ezra 8:31b (NIV)

Although we might not face physical bandits in today’s world, we still face the spiritual thieves.  We might not be spending as much time in the Word as we should because the distractions of life could be stealing time away that could be spent with God.  Ask for God’s protection from the things that might be stealing you away from Him.

Reading for today: Ezra 8:24-30 and Luke 4:40-41

“When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.”  Luke 4:40 

Jesus’ compassion towards all the sick who came to Him is striking.  What’s even more striking is that He carries the same healing power today.  Is there an area of your life that needs healing?  Bring it to Him, as He who brought healing 2,000 years ago is more than capable of healing today.

Reading for today: Ezra 8:21-23 and Luke 4:38-39

“The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him.” 
Ezra 8:22b (ESV)

Ezra and the people made a long physical journey.  We may never be in such a difficult and dangerous situation as Ezra’s, but we should still recognize our need to seek God for guidance and direction no matter the circumstance.  When we take time to prepare ourselves spiritually for any endeavor we may face, we are putting God first and trusting in His faithfulness, rather than our own efforts.
 

Reading for today: Ezra 8:15-20 and Luke 4:31-37

“‘Be quiet!’ Jesus said sternly.   ‘Come out of him!’ Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.”  Luke 4:35 (NIV)

Often we get caught up in the world and how it controls us.  But Jesus is in control even when we are not.  What a peace!  Christ was able to take the demon from the man even without hurting him.  Not only is He in control, but He protects us through the trial too!