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The Altar

"Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices. Then in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid." Ezra 3:3-6

The returning exiles were fearful. The task of rebuilding the Temple was daunting and overwhelming. They dug through the ruins and found the site of the original Altar. They rebuilt the Altar and immediately began offering up morning and evening sacrifices. 

 Are you in a spiritual funk? Are you not quite feeling it? Have you allowed the cares of this life to crowd out your joy?

This can happen so quickly. Why? Because we are humans, temporarily stuck on Earth. 

 Despite your fear of whatever and whoever has stolen your joy, simply go back to your spiritual roots. The altar where you first found Jesus. Fall down on the altar and offer yourself a living sacrifice to God once again. 

 Start with morning and evening prayer. Find a spot where you can devote to your altar of sacrifice. 

 Begin with an honest, humble offering of praise and honor to God. Followed by honest and humble repentance. Pray Psalm fifty one, allowing God's Word to wash you. Speak in tongues, allowing His joy to strengthen you. 

 God will honor your morning and evening sacrifices. He will show up and accept your offerings. He loves you. He will lead you, step by step, and prayer by prayer, back into communion with Him.

 I've been doing a lot of painting. At times, I feel overwhelmed with the task at hand. Beginning a big job is the hardest part. After plodding along consistently, I start to see the results of my labor.

 We complicate things. Rebuilding our life is an overwhelming task. But its totally doable when we simply begin with morning and evening prayer. Start small. Build from there.

 "Dear Jesus, please draw all of us back into close communion with you. We all slip into routine, ho hum prayer at times. Thank You for continuing to draw us. I love you, Jesus. AMEN."



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