Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans.
‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the Temple that was built here many years ago by a great king of Israel.
“Moreover, I hereby decree that you are to help these elders of the Jews as they rebuild this Temple of God. You must pay the full construction costs, without delay, from my taxes collected in the province west of the Euphrates River so that the work will not be interrupted.
Lord God,
Protect me from the distractions and attacks of this world, place a path before me to lead me to your purpose. Protect me from compromise I desire so I may reveal your truth to my desires. May I rebuild my life to become the temple you designed.
In Jesus name,
Amen