Today is July 18.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.   
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.  

In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem:  Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. 
  
  
Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that? 
  
Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading. 
  
In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music: I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)