11 “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: ‘He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.”
Ezra 3:11 (NIV)
Making a few critical moves in a race, a competition or a season can affect so much of the outcome. Have you seen or experienced this lately?
Note the moves Israel made that led to their national comeback as found in Ezra 3.
INSTALLED A SONG: People sang together. Songs were lifted to the Lord. The lyrics were positive, filled with praise and thanksgiving. The principle: Great songs accompany great building.
DELIVERED A SHOUT: Something special happens when people shout together. Voices raised together feels so right, good, powerful.
This is how God wants us to function before Him, lettin’ it rip, unrestrained. The principle: United voices activate unusual movement.
REBUILT A BASE: An obvious foundation had been relaid. The substructure for everything else to come was in place. They knew they had a Rock and Stay, something/Someone to support and steady every move they made thereafter and for any thing they faced.
It gave rise to singing, shouting, launching out, marching on, building more. Real hope rose. The principle: When the base is good, the sky’s the limit!
Reflect: Now fast forward … How about you? Are you singing, shouting and building your foundation in the Lord? What simple steps can you take today to fuel these three moves?
A prayer to consider: LORD, I want my base built and rebuilt around You. May that be prelude to every other move I make. Open my mouth to sing and shout and take rank with others too.
Activate me for higher purposes, Your kingdom and Your glory. Amen.
