A LETTER

Ezra chapter seven includes a letter sent from King Artaxerxes to Ezra, the priest and teacher. The letter gives Ezra carte blanche on taking people back to Jerusalem to the temple. The king also allows for much money, goods, and precious metals to be given to Ezra in use to God. Basically, the king ordered that whatever Ezra asked for should be granted.

In the last passage of the chapter, Ezra clearly states that God is to be credited for putting it in the king’s heart to honor God’s house. He also makes it plain that because God’s hand is upon him, he would follow the directives.

Can you imagine the surprise when the treasurers read the letter and had to give over whatever amount of precious goods Ezra requested?

In our instant message world, the art of letter-writing seems to be fading. However, have you ever been going through keepsakes only to find an old letter? Maybe it was a love letter. Maybe it was a letter from a dear friend who moved far away. Maybe it was a note from a grandparent or parent expressing some sentiment.

What if a main character in your story discovered an old letter? Where did she find it? Who is the writer and who is the receiver? What shocking thing does it reveal? What affect does this have on your character?

Write out the scene when your character discovers the letter and reads it for the first time.

When was the last time you used your writing gift to craft a letter to someone special? Take a moment to think of a person in your life who could use encouragement today. Compose a letter to that person. Include a scripture and even a personal anecdote.

You may be surprised what an encouragement can come from a snail-mail letter. Always be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading when called upon to spur on another brother or sister in Christ.

Even more pointedly, write a letter to a fellow Christian writer, encouraging him to keep true to the call of writing for the Lord, knowing what a lonely profession writing can be.