Daily Devotions with Pastor Jim Cymbala

No leader can do everything alone, and Ezra’s journey reminds us that effective ministry takes a committed team of workers and helpers. Each of us is called to play an active part in the body of Christ rather than leaving the work to a few. By giving ourselves faithfully to the work of God, we bring strength, balance, and support to the church.

When the blessing of God rested upon him, Ezra experienced extraordinary favor and divine guidance. As seekers after God, we are reminded that the Lord’s hand and blessing equip us for every calling He places on our lives. Nothing matters more than walking daily under the steady presence of the Lord.

God holds the hearts of kings and earthly authority figures in His hands. When His favor rests upon our lives, He grants us the boldness to ask, negotiate, and step into new opportunities. From ancient kingdoms to our lives today, God consistently turns the hearts of others to fulfill His sovereign plans.

n a world constantly searching for the next trend, we do not need something new—we need something true. Scripture is the eternal, settled Word of God, and we cannot pick and choose which parts we want to believe. When we approach the Bible with a humble spirit, we learn to respect its complete authority without adding to or subtracting from its truth.

God’s timing rarely aligns with our expectations, as seen when Ezra arrived in Israel decades after the temple's completion. As a dedicated teacher who studied the law deeply, Ezra shows us that we must first receive and learn God’s truth before we can pour into others. Studying the Bible allows the Holy Spirit to store His Word in our hearts and minds for every season of life.