Ezra … prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it. Ezra 7:10.
Born of the sons of Aaron, Ezra had been given a priestly training; and in addition to this he had acquired a familiarity with the writings of the magicians, the astrologers, and the wise men of the Medo-Persian realm. But he was not satisfied with his spiritual condition. He longed to be in full harmony with God; he longed for wisdom to carry out the divine will…. This led him to apply himself diligently to a study of the history of God’s people, as recorded in the writings of prophets and kings. He searched the historical and poetical books of the Bible to learn why the Lord had permitted Jerusalem to be destroyed and His people carried captive into a heathen land….
He studied the instruction given at Mount Sinai and through the long period of wilderness wandering. As he learned more and still more concerning God’s dealings with His children, and comprehended the sacredness of the law given at Sinai, Ezra’s heart was stirred. He experienced a new and thorough conversion and determined to master the records of sacred history, that he might use this knowledge to bring blessing and light to his people.
Ezra endeavored to gain a heart preparation for the work he believed was before him. He sought God earnestly, that he might be a wise teacher in Israel. As he learned to yield mind and will to divine control, there were brought into his life the principles of true sanctification, which, in later years, had a molding influence, not only upon the youth who sought his instruction, but upon all others associated with Him….
Ezra became a mouthpiece for God, educating those about him in the principles that govern heaven…. Whether near the court of the king of Medo-Persia or at Jerusalem, his principal work was that of a teacher. As he communicated to others the truths he learned, his capacity for labor increased. He became a man of piety and zeal. He was the Lord’s witness to the world of the power of Bible truth to ennoble the daily life.
Conflict and Courage p. 259
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Prayer Requests
—–Darla has an appointment with the Bone & Joint doctor in the morning. Pray that she will get some relief from this terrific pain soon. Garry
—–Please pray for my niece Tricia. She is having complications from childbirth. The baby is home and fine but mommy’s kidneys aren’t working right. Please pray they will start working. It’s been a week now and they need to start working so she can be with her baby. Also my great nephew was born micro preemie and is having medical problems. Please join me in prayer for healing in Jesus’ name. Patti
—– I am asking again for prayers for Elizabeth, her 2 boys, Jacob and Kelin. Also for my son Ben and his daughter Madison. Our family has been torn apart. We need hope and healing. Melody
—–Please pray that God will supply all of our needs. L
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Dear Friends,
When I first started going to church as a teenager, there was an elderly man who was often asked to give special music. Each time, he sang the same song—My Father Watches Over Me. I got really tired of hearing it over and over again. But over the years, as I think back upon that time, I realize that it was the song of his experience. That song has taken on meaning more and more as more and more troubles are coming upon this sinful, old world.
*I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land or on the rolling sea,
For, come what may, From day to day,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
One mountain bleak or on the stormy sea,
Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
He makes the rose an object of His care,
He guides the eagle thru the pathless air,
And surely He Remembers me,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
One mountain bleak or on the stormy sea,
Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den,
On battlefield, or in the prison pen,
Thru praise or blame, Thru flood or flame,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea,
Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
The valley may be dark, the shadows deep,
But O, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep,
And thru the gloom He’ll lead me home,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
One mountain bleak or on the stormy sea,
Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
Our Loving Saviour never forsakes us, though our whole world is crashing in around us. He is there assuring us, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8, Isa 43:1-3 He is our Shepherd, our Redeemer, our Guide, our Creator, our Re-creator, our King “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace!” “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa 9:6, 40:11 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Ps 23
Let us daily allow the Good Shepherd to lead us. Let us trust Him to care for us in the troublous times ahead. Let the song of our experience be, “Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble, thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” Amen! Ps 32:7
Rose
*My Father Watches Over Me
by W C Martin