Daily Devotions with Pastor Jim Cymbala

God provides what we need to accomplish His work, but He also calls us to sacrifice, serve, and work together to build His kingdom. In Ezra 3:7–9, when it was time to rebuild the temple, the people gave what was needed, worked under the leadership God had established, and faithfully played their part. When we surrender our resources, submit to godly leadership, and make ourselves available, God can use us to accomplish His purposes.

Worship isn’t limited to a church service or a special occasion—it flows from a heart that recognizes how good God is. In Ezra’s day, God’s people offered freely out of gratitude, even before the temple was rebuilt. True worship comes from drawing near to God and responding to His goodness with a heart full of praise.

Following God doesn’t mean we won’t face opposition—it often means we will. In Ezra 3:3 God’s people set up the altar and began to worship despite their fear of those around them, showing us that obedience requires courage to keep doing God’s work even when we face resistance.

In Ezra 3:2, before they built the temple, God’s people first rebuilt the altar and restored their worship. Today we don’t need a physical altar or a specific place to worship God—He desires worshipers who worship in Spirit and truth. True worship is more than tradition or routine; it flows from a heart fully surrendered to God.

In the Bible, God’s people returned from exile and began rebuilding the temple to restore worship and honor God. Today we are God’s dwelling place—living stones being built into a spiritual house—and Jesus has called us not only to receive salvation but to do the work of the Lord. Are we simply attending church, or are we actively helping build the church of Jesus Christ?