A Moment —
A brief, indefinite interval of time: A point in time that is gratifying or noteworthy: Outstanding significance or value; importance.
I had a moment this week while reading My Little Book. It was just one little verse that sparked a great deal of pondering.
Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. —Ezra 7:10
I love the heart commitment of Ezra to the Word of God demonstrated in this verse! He purposed to:- Study it.
- Do it.
- Share it.
The Voice translation describes it this way, “…tenaciously studied, practiced, and taught…”
The word study in this passage means to tread or frequent a place; to follow, seek, search, ask and specifically to worship.
For many a daily, consistent time in the Word can be difficult. We start the year off strong, you know…new beginnings, new commitments, new plans and all. But as the year wanes on, so do we. We find life crowding in and we struggle to maintain that commitment. We are “frequenting” less and less.
Let the heart of Ezra inspire, motivate and encourage you today.
- Study it.
- Do it.
- Share it.
This offers some great insight into staying long and finishing strong in our daily time in the Word, of learning to make the most of a moment. Three simple phrases that will really make a difference in our lives this year, if we will just take the moment.
Study it.
When we study the Word, it doesn’t have to be complicated or a long lesson. It can simply be a passage or even one verse. As you read the Word each day, ask the Lord to impress it upon your heart and mind. Write it down. Read it throughout the day. Think about it as you go about your day. Pray it back to the Lord. Consider how you might act on that Word in your day. As we begin to do these things the Word begins to permeate our lives. It sticks to us and with us!
Do it.
As you read and consider the verse, what is an action you can take? This usually does not take much thought…if we are honest with ourselves. For me personally, the Spirit usually pinpoints something that requires my attention…or my repentance. And when I act on that truth, it begins to weave its way deeper into my heart and life. Not to mention the fact God uses it to make me more like Jesus!
Share it.
We share all the time…hello Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest! Not trying to step into your business or on your toes… just stating the facts, ma’am. So why don’t we do this more often when God’s Word? When we share a truth that God is pressing into our lives or has used to change us, it reinforces that truth in our lives and encourages another. Often a shared truth serves to hold us accountable. You know…it’s just the idea of speaking something aloud seems to make it a reality. It holds our feet to the fire…no turning back now! It also serves to remind us of God’s faithfulness in our lives.
Have an Ezra 7:10 Moment:
- What’s a truth God has pressed into your heart and mind today?
- What is He calling you to “do” as a result?
- Who will you share that truth with today?
Quick Tip:
I enjoy reading through the Bible chronologically about every three years or so. It’s harder for me because I prefer to move from book to book or topic to topic as I feel led. And trying to keep up with a daily chronological reading that covers the entire Bible in 365 is difficult! When I find myself falling behind, I use the You Version Bible app to “listen” to the Scriptures and catch up. It’s easier for me to listen when I’m distracted, and trying to move onto the next thing pressing for my attention (which is why I’m behind in the first place). I listen while getting ready in the morning, while doing chores, while driving to work…just whenever I have a moment. Try it! As a matter of fact, I did it this morning…because even though it’s only January 13, I was already behind seven chapters!
So…ready, set go! Study it. Do it. Share it.
If you’d like, comment and share an Ezra 7:10 Moment you’ve experienced recently. Praying you make the most of your moments this week!
#awakenedbyGrace #oneword365 #fmfparty
©2016 Susan Cady, susancady.com