God’s Chauffer in Spain

Saturday   10-03-15  Madrid (again), Spain

Scripture reading:    Ezra 5-6    Ps 138    Luke 16

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Ezra 7:8-9  Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year.  He had left Babylon on April 8 and came to Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.  Wow!  4 month’s journey!

Vs 13  I decree that any of the people of Israel in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may volunteer to return to Jerusalem with you.  Hurray!

Vs 20  If you run short of money for anything necessary for your God's Temple or for any similar needs, you may requisition funds from the royal treasury. Double WOW!

Vs 23-24  Be careful to provide whatever the God of heaven demands for his Temple, for why should we risk bringing God's anger against the realm of the king and his sons? I also decree that no priest, Levite, singer, gatekeeper, Temple servant, or other worker in this Temple of God will be required to pay taxes of any kind.'  NLT  Signed by King Artaxerxes 

O.  Who can even pronounce his name?  He’s got taxes in his name, but he gave a total tax exemption to the Jewish ministry... and even open access to the royal treasury!  Here was a king who did his homework.  And without doubt the stories of godly Daniel and the influence of Ezra had something to do with it.

A.  And I thought I was a crazy traveler!  I have driven about 3 hours between cities to minister here in Spain every day... and have about 3 hours to drive today and another 3 hours tomorrow on Sunday morning and another hour Sunday afternoon... but Spain’s highways are great.  Ezra and his team took 4 months to make the trip!  No posted speed limit necessary.

P.  Lord, You put it in my heart to actually enjoy driving with You down the highways and back roads of Spain, Argentina and the USA.  Ezra didn’t have air conditioning, cruise control and a Kindle to read an interesting book to him as he traveled... oh, yes, and nice hotels, too.  And what astoundingly wonderful services You are giving me!  Last night was my 9^th ministry opportunity in 7 days.  And You just blew me away!  Your Holy Spirit met us powerfully!  It just keeps getting better and better!  Thanks for letting me serve as Your chauffer on this exciting ride.  Amen.

Ralph

PS.  Well, He is riding in the car with me... so.