Read: Ezra 1-3
Focus Verse: “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices.” (Ezra 3:3).
Devotion: After a generation of exile the Israelites return home for the express purpose of worshiping God. Since they were gone there were other people groups living around them. For many this homeland would have felt foreign, and for those who once lived here it would have looked foreign. But despite their misgivings, their discomfort, and their fear they press on and set up camp so they can worship God. Are we willing to go to uncomfortable places, perhaps even scary places, so that we can worship God?
Pray: LORD meet me in the fear and the uncomfortable places, allow me to worship You wherever You lead me. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)