Devotion
Protecting the culture
David Jacobs

I am Caucasian. My wife is Asian. Nobody in my entire family has ever married a non-Caucasian person, so when I brought my then girlfriend home to meet my family, I was met with some scrutiny. "Why can't you marry a white person?" I remember my family asking. My family is very tolerant and open compared to most, and I can assure you my wife's family had more suspicion towards me than my family did. Both families feared that part of their culture and heritage would be lost.

The people of Israel were exiled from their homeland for generations. In the book of Ezra, they were allowed by Cyrus the Great to return. In these verses, Ezra makes a decree: the men that have taken "strange wives" have badly transgressed against Israel and against God. They must repent and get rid of these non-Jewish wives in order to satisfy their Lord. Not too different from what my and my wife's families said!

Ezra and the leaders of Israel feared to lose their ...

Morning Prayer 

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

Inspiration 

God appoints leaders and allows them authority for a time. We do not always agree with our leaders' decisions or lifestyles, yet, we must respect their position and trust God's wisdom. His thoughts are higher than ours; He sees much farther into the future than we do, and we will never be able to understand His plan. We rely on our faith while enduring a leader who has conflicting beliefs. God is our shelter and ruler of all things.

Prayer 

Dear God, We come to You in prayer for our leaders. Please guide them in decision-making; so their actions align with Your plan. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Night Prayer 

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

Inspiration 

Each of us feels as though the whole world is against us during seasons of life. Perhaps we fail a job interview, make a financial mistake or unintentionally hurt a loved one. When nothing goes the way we planned, we think we have disappointed everyone and are left feeling like a total failure. This imperfect world causes many plans to go awry, but we must remember that the Lord is on our side. He wants nothing but the best for us and is present anytime we make mistakes. Through faith in His steadfast love, we will be victorious!

Prayer 

Dear Father, we are thankful for Your steadfast love, and we are confident that Your presence will direct us to victory over mistakes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.