MANNA IN THE MORNING

This reminded me just how powerful one person’s example can be — for better or worse.

What a reminder for us that obedience will always draw questions from people who weren’t in the room when the Lord asked of it.

When I read verses like I came across today I now have the understanding blessings follow obedience because obedience keeps us aligned with the Lord. Brokenness follows rebellion because separating from Him cuts off the source of wisdom and His protection. It’s less, “God might hurt me,” and more, “I don’t want to live unprotected.”

I’ve been juggling a lot, and it hit me this morning: I don’t want my challenges to get more attention than God’s faithfulness. Ezra drove that home in a way I didn’t expect.

Ever feel like you’re still carrying pieces of exile? Same. I wrote about it today.

I’ve never given these festivals or rituals much of my attention, but the more I read the Bible, the more I realize how much meaning they carried. It honestly made me stop and go, “Wow.” Skipping something like this would’ve been like skipping Christmas — I would never.

I’m not sure who else needs this today, but this chapter hit me right between the eyes. It reminded me how familiar it feels to finally see progress, finally feel momentum, finally think, “Okay, we’re getting somewhere,”… only to have everything get pushed back or slowed down. If you’ve lived that, you’re going to get exactly why this stood out to me.