MEMORISE
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and do it, and to teach statues and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10).
READ:
Ezra 7:1-10
[1]. Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
[2]. the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
[3]. the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
[4]. the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
[5]. the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
[6]. this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.
[7]. Some of the children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
[8]. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
[9]. On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
[10]. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
EXPOSITION
When a person newly assumes an office, lots of expectations greet him. People expect him to use his good office to do a lot of things for them. God is here today to challenge you to use any position God gives you to occupy for His glory and others benefits.
In the Church, we also need the expertise of secular professionals to advance the Gospel. Take for instance, there is nothing bad for a born again accountant to help the Church in the areas of finance. This can save the Church from avoidable financial embarrassments. As a competent structural engineer in the Church, you are useful in helping the church to get their building projects right, to help avert future defects and collapses. Electrical/electronic engineers are not left out, the sound and electrification of the church remain their responsibilities. Who says a Christian lawyer cannot be useful to the church? Many church-landed properties have been lost due to lack of church solicitors? Don't forget the medical personnel; they are of invaluable importance in the church. As a born or trained secular teacher, if born again, why can't you help fortify the department of Christian education?
Hear this: if so-called pagans like Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes, etc. could allow their good offices to be used by God to accomplish His divine programme, what would be your excuse, as a Christian not to contribute meaningfully to the growth of God's kingdom? Learn from Ezra, who having determined to be committed to God's Law, used his office as a priest and Teacher of Law, as today marks World Teachers Day, to get the people revived.
Conversely, a great many of church members today who are professional artisans and academics have used their offices only to swindle the church. God is definitely not happy with such people. As you go out today, dare to use your office in propagating the gospel.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 733
1. Gladly, gladly, toiling for the Master
Go we forth with willing hands to do,
Whatsoe'er to us He hath appointed
Faithfully our mission we'll pursue
Toiling for Jesus,
Joyfully we go, yes, joyfully we go,
Toilling for Jesus,
In His vineyard here below.
2. Sweetly, sweetly, we will tell the story
Of His love to mortals here below;
Christ, the brightness of the father's glory
Freely here His blessings will bestow
3. Meekly, meekly, toiling for the Master,
Walking, faithfully the path He trod;
Leading wand'rers to the dear Redeemer
Pointing sinners to the Lamb of God.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, I surrender myself and everything I possess to be used of, and by You.
2. Lord, as You promote me, I promise never to disappoint You.
3. Dear Lord, help to rid our offices and officers of the spirit of corrupt practices in workplaces.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Zechariah 1:12-7:14
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Thursday, October 5, 2023 (World Teachers Day) TOPIC: USE YOUR GOOD OFFICE FOR GOD){kind=link}