How can we apply Ezra's dedication to studying God's Word in our lives? Ezra 7:6 at a Glance “This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king granted him everything he requested, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.” What We See in Ezra - Skilled in Scripture: Ezra had invested time and effort until he was “skilled in the Law of Moses.” - Supply from God: The Persian king’s favor shows God’s active hand rewarding Ezra’s faithfulness. - Single-minded Purpose: Ezra set his heart “to study, to practice, and to teach” (v. 10). Practical Steps to Mirror Ezra Today - Prioritize Daily Intake - Block out a set, guarded time each day. (Psalm 119:97; Joshua 1:8) - Use a plan that takes you through whole books, not random verses. - Pursue Depth, Not Drive-by Reading - Copy key passages by hand for retention. - Trace themes or repeated words across chapters. - Memorize and Meditate - Choose one verse per week; repeat aloud, write on cards, place where you see it often. (Psalm 1:2-3) - Obey What You Learn - Scripture study without application breeds complacency. (James 1:22) - Identify one concrete action after each session and do it the same day. - Teach Someone Else - Share insights with a family member, friend, or small group. (2 Timothy 2:2) - Teaching cements truth in the teacher’s heart. Building a Steady Rhythm - Morning: Read a chapter; note one attribute of God. - Lunch break: Review memory verse; pray its truth back to God. - Evening: Journal two sentences on how the day aligned—or failed to align—with what you read. Guarding Against Common Hurdles - Distraction: Turn off notifications; keep only a paper Bible and notebook on the table. - Dry Seasons: Read aloud; switch to narrative sections like the Gospels or Acts for a time. - Overload: Focus on quality, not quantity; better one digested paragraph than four unread chapters. Experiencing the Hand of the Lord - Consistent, reverent study invites God’s evident favor just as Ezra experienced. - Psalm 119:130 affirms that the entrance of God’s words gives light; every commitment to Scripture study is a step into that light. Summary Path Know the Word → Practice the Word → Teach the Word. Walk this path daily, and God’s gracious hand, seen so clearly with Ezra, will guide and empower every step. |
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