Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

Loving God’s Word The prophet Ezra was exiled with his people, the Israelites, during the reign of King Artaxerxes. During this period, the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. While in exile, Ezra devoted himself to the study and observance of God’s law and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel (Ezra 7:10). Despite living among people who indulged in an immoral lifestyle, he remained devoted to God. Ezra longed to restore his people to God’s loving embrace. The gracious hand of the Lord was on Ezra, and King Artaxerxes released Ezra to rebuild the temple that was in ruins and restore true worship. The King also granted Ezra everything he had asked for. He took the help of the leading men from Israel to rebuild God’s house (Ezra 7:27,28). Like Ezra, as we devote ourselves to studying God’s Word and following His ways, God will enable us to look beyond ourselves and the challenges we face in our daily lives. He will enable us to see the bigger picture of His plan; His redemptive plan to gather the languishing, lost world into His loving embrace. Knowing God’s Word equips us to make the most of every opportunity, in drawing people into relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus. God will give us all the resources we need to build His house. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching,” and the result of such obedience is that “My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14.23b NKJV) When we know and love the Lord, who promised to never leave nor forsake us, we will have the same courage that Ezra had, to go into battle for our loved ones and help them make their journey back to God. Prayer Lord, I want to learn to love Your Word more and more. Teach me to hide it in my heart so that I can live it, be encouraged by it and help others to know it too. Amen.