Daily Strength: A 365-Day Devotional for Men April 1 - All Stirred Up
12 snips
Apr 1, 2026 A devotional reading of Ezra 1 sets the scene. Discussion of how unlikely leaders were stirred to rebuild the temple. Reflections on resistance to returning and the leaders who answered the call. Exploration of the temple’s purpose for worship, obedience, and witness. A call to be moved into active ministry rather than stay on the sidelines.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
God Uses Unexpected People To Move His Plan
- God advances His purposes by stirring hearts in unexpected people.
- Colin Smith points to Cyrus, an unbelieving king, as God’s instrument to authorize the return and temple rebuilding in Ezra 1.
Sovereignty Extends Over Unbelieving Rulers
- God's sovereignty extends over unbelieving rulers and their decisions can fulfill divine purposes.
- Colin Smith emphasizes Cyrus being called God's shepherd and anointed despite his ignorance of Yahweh.
God Stirs Those Willing To Act
- God stirs the hearts of those willing to act, not just those in authority.
- The exiles who returned were
