Ezra 1:1-7 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem. Then the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. And all those who were around them encouraged them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. King Cyrus also brought out the articles of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem and put in the temple of his gods.

During the rebuilding of the temple, the Israelites had to help with the work and contribute to the financial expenditures. Very often, we think that we are participating in the work of God when we donate money. However, you can do more than just giving money. In addition to your offerings, God wants to use your capabilities and your time. He has given you special talents which you should use in the kingdom of God as a blessing. There are many different areas in the church which have need of your co-operation. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:37-38

Get involved right now today! Your participation may not seem to be much in your eyes, however, in the eyes of God and others it can be a great treasure. sw

Additional verses to study: 2. Chronicles 36:22-23; Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10-14; Haggai 2:4; 1. Corinthians 15:58; 2. Corinthians 11: 23-28