In reading through the chronological Bible, I've come to Ezra. If I was younger, had more childbearing years, and needed a name for a boy, I believe I might name him Ezra. What a wonderful example he left us.
Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. (NKJ)
This verse has become the heart-cry of my life - for myself and those I love - especially my children.
Prior to this verse (7:1-9), the Scripture records some wonderful blessings Ezra had experienced: Godly men in his family heritage, skill in his role as a scribe, being granted all his request by the King, allowed to leave Babylon - the land of captivity, granted a safe journey to Jerusalem - his home. All these blessings were "according to the good hand of his God upon him." And then we're given the reason the hand of God was upon him in such a manner. It was because of verse ten. It was because Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Lord - discovering who He is by finding His desires, instructions, commands. Not only had Ezra prepared his heart to seek this truth, but he had prepared his heart to obey it, before ever knowing exactly what he would find. And one more step he went - preparing not only to seek it, and to do it, but also to teach it to others there around him. "In Israel" would be right there where he was - those in his home, in his neighborhood, in his place of worship, in his country.
Oh God, help me this day - and every day - to so prepare my own heart! May your good Hand find reason to so be upon my life, as I seek You, Your Word and ways, and purpose to obey and share. Give me an Ezra heart!
FOLLOWING JESUS - ONE STEP AT A TIME - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL / This blog is meant to point us all to Jesus Christ-the One, true, and living God. "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Without Him, there is no lasting source of love, joy, or purpose in life. If you do not know Him personally today, search for Him! "Seek the LORD while He may be found...while He is near."(Is 55:6) His love never ceases; His compassion never fails; Great is His faithfulness! (Lam 3:22-23)
I appreciate you. I know we don't see you each other much. Thank you pray for us. Our children are suffering. I lost my sonlaw Dwight in Feb its caused a lot of pain for all of us.Several are without work, April is missing her husband. Tanya has some BIG GIANTS ect. I am not alone I have Jesus.
ReplyDeleteDear friend,
ReplyDeleteWhat a needy people we are, aren't we? Aren't you glad we know the One Who can abundantly meet every one of those needs?! I, too, know what it is to have pain and misunderstandings seem to attack your family unmercifully. You are not alone! You do indeed have the Lord Jesus, who understands exactly and fully, and has all power to heal, change hearts, empower, encourage, uplift, and grant strength for every mile of the journey. But you also are not alone in His big, wonderful family! Your pain and struggle are "such as is common to man." I will count it an honor, a privilege, to lift you to the Father each time He brings you to mind. Be encouraged!
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!"
And Amen! May it be so!
I loved reading this. I have the same prayer. Now I shall go read Ezra. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAmy,how you have encouraged my heart tonight! All your comments have been a blessing and motivation - and it is I who thank you! You've blessed my bones and made my heart happy just because of who you are and for continuing to give love and friendship after all these years and across all these miles. I thank the Lord and bless His Name for having placed you in my life way, way back when - and for allowing our paths to cross once more. Love and hugs.....
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