Dear brothers and sisters,

Our text for Sunday is the 6th chapter of Ezra. Having looked at the letter of Tattenai last week, we come to the response of King Darius to that letter. Because of the ministry of the Word of God among the people, the work prospered and the temple was completed. Ezra, describing the completion of the work and the reinstitution of the Passover celebration, tells us that ‘the Lord made them joyful.’ Are you experiencing joy from the Lord? Even at this very moment? If we are not experiencing such joy, we must ask ourselves three questions:

1) Are we being impacted by the Word of God? Are we ‘prospering’ under the preaching?

2) Are we being diligent in our labor for the kingdom of God?

3) Are we taking note of the providential hand of our God?

When we are experiencing this joy that comes from God, we will be strengthened for all of our labors for Him. May we experience this joy more and more.

Prayer Wednesday night will be at the Noah’s home.