My arms, raised in praise early on Easter morning, now hung limp by my sides. Awash in shame, I chided myself for unkind, angry words. You can’t even make it through the most holy of days without making a mess of things.  
Bowing my head in prayer, a tear etched a trail down my cheek as I released words of confession.
[bbctt tweet=”Unholiness always leads to heartache. #remnantlife #livinginthedaysofezra” username=”tammykennington”]
God’s people knew the sting of heartache far too well. Finally, after years of captivity in Babylon, they’d returned to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls and temple. But Ezra the scribe discovered a truth that put the remnant living in the city at risk of angering God.
The people had failed to separate themselves from the other nations.
In our world, political correctness is king–but God wasn’t concerned about protecting feelings nor was He promoting one race above another. The Lord knew the nations surrounding Israel worshipped other gods. When the Israelites and people of other nations intermarried, God’s people always worshipped false idols.
Unholiness always leads to heartache.
The scripture reads, “But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.”
As I consider the words of the Old Testament prophet, I’m reminded of two core truths. First, we have freedom from personal sin through Christ Jesus. No matter my failings–whether they are on Resurrection Sunday or any other day, I am released to live abundantly because of Him.  If you believe in Him as your Savior, you have that assurance as well.
[bbctt tweet=”Those of us who cling to Him during these trying times are a modern-day remnant. Nothing can persuade us away from Him for we are slaves to Christ and through Him we have the promise of new life in the house of God. #moderndayremnant #slavestoChrist” username=”tammykennington”]
Not only that, but those of us who cling to Him during these trying times are a modern-day remnant. Nothing can persuade us away from Him for we are slaves to Christ and through Him we have the promise of new life in the house of God. No matter the calamity around us, He is our wall of protection.
Unholiness always leads to heartache, but a heart following after Christ leads to hope.
 
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often linkup with the following wonderful bloggers.
 

Mondays   InstaEncouragements/ Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,

Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,

Wednesdays   Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/

Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light /  Five Minute Friday

Friday Faith on Fire, Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup