Daily Bible Reading, November 2022: “God’s Renewing Word of Thankfulness and Praise.”Smakprov

November 7

Introduction

The emperor Artaxerxes gives Ezra a document, outlining instructions for maintaining the Temple and the worship life of the people.

Scripture Reading

Ezra 7:11-28

Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 7:27

Ezra said, “Praise the LORD, the God of our ancestors! He has made the emperor willing to honor in this way the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.”

Reflect

How does Emperor Artaxerxes address Ezra in the opening of the document (verse 12)?What responsibility did the Persian emperor Artaxerxes assign to Ezra (verse 14)? Why would the emperor have chosen Ezra for this task? What else was Ezra instructed to do (verses 15-26)? How are responsibilities assigned within your community of faith and what tasks are needed to ensure the ongoing worship life of your faith community? Reread verses 27 and 28. For what does Ezra praise God? How will you praise God today?

Pray

I praise you, Lord God, today for ________________. Give me courage this day to speak your word and fill me with your wisdom. May all I do this day be in accord with your will and give honor and glory to you. Amen.

And now, join us in praying for the hurting people of Ukraine who fled their country without Scripture as well as those whom they have left behind. Loving and merciful God, Ukrainians have had to leave their Bibles behind as they seek to escape the war and conflict in their country. Thank you, God, that, through the generosity of Bible-A-Month Club partners, the spiritual comfort found in your Word is being met. In addition to those who have fled the country, hurting people throughout Ukraine are receiving Scriptures with great joy and are clinging to the comfort and hope found in your Word. We thank you that those who are receiving Bibles for the first time are accepting Jesus into their hearts and are growing in faith. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Nehemiah 8:1-18: Ezra reads the Law to the people gathered in Jerusalem.