Reading God’s Word: Ezra 3-4; Psalm 76

Memorizing God’s Word: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Meditating on God’s Word: Ezra 3:11-12a NLT “With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord: “He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!” Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud…”

Praying God’s Word “Lord, as I imagine the exhilarated shouts of praise for what you had done mingling with the deep sorrow remembering what used to be, the destructive effects of sin, something rings true in my life as well. I know firsthand the ruin sin brings, and I know firsthand the elation of watching you make beauty from ashes. Both are appropriate. Both are necessary. And together they give us a picture of the gospel. Teach me to worship like this, weeping over my sin, and joyfully shouting your salvation. Amen.”