Avoiding the Backslide

Scripture: What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. Ezra 8:13

Observation: As the remnant of exiles return, Ezra learns that they continue to intermarry with non-Jews, and laments their ongoing sin. He knows that the exile was a result of failure to obey God's commands, and as God relents the people again fail to obey.

Application: If I have been corrected in these days, then I must not return to become that person I was. As Laurie and I discussed yesterday, I must set aside pride, ambition, and anger, and simply go forward in peace, kindness, and love. I must not be who I was, but be a new person who truly serves others. This is my new direction, and my new mission.

Prayer: Lord, I am in your hands. I strive to never again be the man I was, but to continue to transform. I thank you for Jesus, so that when I fail I can find forgiveness. However, I continue to seek a transformed heart so that I may be your light every day. Amen.