Ezra, Israel's Prophet and Project Manager

Last night I decided to reread the book of Ezra. There is great encouragement for the Church being built in the 21st century. Ezra brings out the plan of God for the re-building of the temple in ten short chapters. It will definitely hold your attention.
As He always does, God goes before His people to prepare the way, He stirs the spirit of the king of Persia, modern day Iran, and Israel is given all they need to begin the rebuilding. The first thing they build is the altar! Prayer, worship, praise, commitment, giving, at the altar. First things first!
Then, the adversaries come. They are armed with proposals they think will work on God's people. They approach the project leader and the HEADS of HOUSEHOLDS! They say, we worship the same God you do, we have sacrificed as you have. That was all a lie, trying to water down what God is doing. God knows who His people are!! Thank God for leaders with discernment! Without hesitation this leader pulls no punches, "you have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord..." Ezr.4:3.
There will be one opposition after another when God's people are building what He has said to build. The opposers write to the king, complaining of course that the Jews are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. Calling what God has ordained wicked and rebellious, that should have made them shake in their sandals, but their arrogance wouldn't allow that. Their next step is to appeal to the king, these were men of high political standing fighting God's work. They had the ear of the king and he agreed with them and ordered the work on the temple to cease. That's what arrogance will do, first they say, we worship the same God you do and have made sacrifice to Him. "...make a decree that these men be made to cease, and that this city be not rebuilt..." 4:21. Selah.
The enemy of the Church is still saying the same thing. That is why I am rejoicing all the more in the description of the Church in Revelation 21:9-27.
Try what he will, there is nothing our enemy can do to stop the building of the Church, be it bribery, lies, threats, temptations, discouragement, fear. Whatever he tries to use, God's Church is being built. Every day we are being changed into His glory, we are being matured and being made strong. There is nothing he can do to stop God's will. Persecution couldn't do it; fires, betrayal, whatever weapon, God defends His Church.
Be encouraged in the Lord today, He is ever faithful!