Preparing Our Hearts for the Word

Ending my day of focus on the book of Ezra there are three main things that stood out, there could have been many but I choose only three.

1. Ezra’s preparation of his heart to seek The Law of The Lord.

This may define the difference between building traditions of reading the Bible; or entering a building to worship, from preparation of our hearts as we do those disciplines. How do we know we are preparing our hearts to seek God through his word? It will be evidenced in what Ezra does next.

2. “And to do it”. Ezra was a “doer of the word, not a hearer only deceiving himself.” This is where I want to be judged “GUILTY!”

Knowledge puffs up, how we know we are not puffed up in knowledge - Being Doers! Not parsing out that which isn’t convenient for our desired lifestyle, leading to licentiousness. But taking the entire COUNSEL OF GOD, obeying as appropriate. Learning what is “DESCRIPTIVE,” from that which is “PRESCRIPTIVE.” This way we rightly divide it and live far from legalism. We become those who say we love the Lord, through our obedience.

3. “And to teach statues and ordinances to (Israel)” our call is to those who ask us in reference to the Hope we have. Also in making disciples as we teach others about all Jesus taught. Our words and lifestyle should be filled with the good works that cause the World to see our Great Savior and honor Our Father in Heaven.

Thank you Lord for a day in a book that teaches us about “the good hand of God upon...”

There’s a need for us to trust like Ezra in Your good hand. Amen