Study and Observe

Wk 47 Day 3

Ezra 7:27-28; 6, 10
²⁷ Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way ²⁸ and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

⁶ this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.
¹⁰ For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

.. We can see in the life of Ezra, the teacher, the hand of the Lord upon him with all the favor that he experienced as he led the Israelites back from the exile

// Principles:

.. .. There is [extended] favor to those who are close to the heart of God - those who devote in "the study and observance"
.. Study and observe means to learn [knowledge] and to do [practical action] of God's Laws [love God, love others]
.. Being close to the heart of God [by studying and observing], we not only gain favor, but we gain understanding and guidance to the direction of God's will
.. Because of Ezra's faithfulness to studying and observance of the Lord's Laws, the Lord worked in the king's heart - something Ezra couldn't do [or it'd be manipulation if done in human effort]

// Belle:

.. The key is STUDY AND OBSERVE
.. Just like Ezra, I can be ready for anything, including receiving God's favor and having the ability to be ready to face any kinds of situations, if I am faithful in studying and observing the laws of God
.. Sounds like a cliche - but this is a timeless principle!
.. GOTTA LIVE IT ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE
.. I may not be able to change situations, but God can. When He sees fit, He will put things in right order in my life. I just do my part - stay in the heart of God, in the center of His will by studying and observing His Word!

// God, what else can I say? You are all that I need. You are my guide and my constant energy that keeps me going every single day of my life. Forgive me for the times when I catered to my own desires and wants - hence, having all things go against my way for not obeying You. I dedicate my life to wholly devote myself to living for YOU - studying and observing what You ask me to do. Please help me. Holy Spirit, let your power continue to work within me that all the battles I will face will not be fought by my own power but Yours alone. Thank you for everything that you have done already and still about to do. I anticipate great things You will be doing through me. Please get me ready. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.