Ezra 5:1 – 17; 6:1-12
Let the cost be paid at the king’s expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered. (Ezra 6:8).

With open heaven comes divine provision, salvation and protection. The unsaved are saved because God’s glory on the individual and the church stirs a hunger in the heart of the sinner to forsake His ways and seek the living God.

When God shows up in your life, “a people you do not know will serve you” (Psalm 18:43) because the favor of God is upon your life. His favor compels men to do you good. You will discover that what used to scare you no longer scares you. You will walk in confidence and power because you are aware of God’s presence.

The enemy forced the children of Israel to stop the construction of the temple and nothing happened for some time.  But as soon as the prophets spoke and encouraged them to go back to work God came in and strengthened them. The material resources they needed were released in an uncommon way.

The king whom the enemy thought would be on their side commanded the supplies. King Darius said, “Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do … Let the cost be paid at the king’s expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered” (Ezra 6:8). Only God could do this. Do we need this uncommon favor? Let us pray.

Your Turn

• Pray as you have been blessed and challenged by today’s devotional thoughts.

Hymn: Bread of heaven.

Further Reading: Haggai 2:8.