MEN - Prayer For You

Caring Father, thank you for teaching us from your word through the lives of Enoch and Noah. They walked with you. In your Word, we see the various ways in which they pleased you in their walk. We have learned and we are making a quality decision this day to begin walking with you and for those who are already walking with you, we will aim higher, we will improve, we will grow, we will study and properly represent you.

We have decided to make decisions today that will have a godly, positive and lasting impact on us and generations to come. Like Enoch and Noah, we will walk with you, we will establish a solid foundation, we will leave a legacy, we will finish strong, we will aim higher and we will be practical in our relationship with you through obedience, prioritizing, properly leading our families and more.

We use this opportunity to pray for the men in every household - receive grace to become all that you need to be; be the example in your circle; be the change you want to see in the lives of others; separate yourselves from amongst them, standout and be unique; live on purpose and with purpose; pursue godliness; raise the standards; influence the people around you with the Word; lead with godly authority and wisdom from above; challenge those who look up to you with your words and lifestyle. For the glory of the Lord.

Father, we will be the light of the world; letting our light shine so bright that men will see our good works and glorify You. Thank you for the Word that is readily available to us. Thank you Holy Spirit for being our teacher. Indeed, we are grateful for the grace that has been available to us.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

MEN - Be Practical

Walking with God is a quality decision worth making. The effectiveness of this decision can be demonstrated through maintaining godly standards and values. It will require setting the pace, pioneering new territories, daring to be different even when the majority settle for the status quo. It may even require losing some companionships. Live an exceptional lifestyle irrespective of what those around you chose to do with their lives. We are told that Enoch and Noah walked with God. They made the most out of what was available to them.

Even more, has been made available to us in this dispensation. By implication, we can dare to aim even higher. We have the privilege of referring to God as Father by virtue of our relationship with Him, Grace has been made available to us, as His children, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, we have access to the Word and when we chose to study, we can be guaranteed that He will teach us if we ask Him, there are numerable promises in His word for us, we also have the privilege of knowing His unchanging character over time. The list goes on.

Very little is said about the lifestyle of Enoch, however, let’s examine and learn a few qualities of Noah’s life that made him outstanding in his walk with the Father (read Genesis 6,7,8,9,10)

-Noah had godly values, he reverenced God the Father and lived in obedience to Him even when the wickedness around him seemed to be increasing. (Gen 6).

-God the Father could entrust Noah with specific instructions and also trust that the instructions will be implemented, unaltered. (Gen 7:5; 7:9c).

-Noah’s obedience led to his household being saved from the flood. (Gen 7:1; 7:7).

-Noah prioritized the things of God. When Noah, His family, and all the animals got off the ark, the first thing Noah did was to build an altar to the LORD. (Gen: 20).

These are just a hand full of things Noah did which were practical outstanding steps in his walk with God the Father.

So, what will it take to structure your life such that you give attention to your walk with the Father? If your testimony is that of one who is walking with the Father, how can you improve? An attempt to live in mediocrity in any aspect of life is a huge disfavor to yourself and your generation.

MEN - Aim Higher

Enoch walked with God. The bible does not say much about his lifestyle. What was it he did, that qualifies him as someone who walked with God? Could it be that the extra spring to his walk with God was his knowledge of God’s character and God’s reward system?

Hebrews 11:5-6 (NKJV)

By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Emphasis Mine

If you have not begun walking with the Father, consider starting today. However, if your testimony is that of one who walks with the Father, you can make your relationship with Him abound more and more. Set aside time to study and understand the character of the Father over time and the Father’s reward system.  These two aspects are guaranteed to add the extra spring to your steps as you walk with Him.

-It is godly to expect a reward as a result of walking with Him. It will be unfair to make His reward the only reason why you walk with Him. Amen.

-Genesis 8:22 talks about the aspect of seedtime and harvest; a scripture that communicates to us both the character of our Father (as in being faithful) and His reward system. It will be a mockery to His character as a faithful Father, to sow and not expect harvest because he has told us in Galatians 6:7 that He is not mocked and that we will reap that which we sow. And it will also be a mockery of His character to not and expect to reap.

Here is the encouragement. Enoch walked with God and he was no more because God took him. You are still here, make a quality decision by choosing to walk with the Father and by all means, boost your walk with Him and aim higher in your walk with Him by understanding His character over time and His reward system. By so doing, you are relating with knowledge and wisdom. Amen.

MEN - Finish Strong

It is equally important to start strong and finish strong. Enoch and Noah had an incredible start – walking with God. The bible says of Enoch…

Genesis 5:24 (NKJV)

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Emphasis Mine

Genesis 9:20-25 (NIV)

Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard.  When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.  Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside.  But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.

When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, he said,

“Cursed be Canaan!
    The lowest of slaves
    will he be to his brothers.”

As we can see from the verses above, the journey of each man continued and took different turns. Our walk with God is a test of consistence and persistence. We need to walk conscious of a victor’s mentality knowing that indeed it will get challenging, however, we will finish strong, no matter what. 

How would you want your entire story told? Would your story be that of one who started strong and finished strong? Examine your walk with the Father and begin making the necessary changes such that you have an outstanding story.

MEN – Leave A Legacy

Be an example and determine the outcome of your generations beginning now. Our heavenly Father is such a rewarder. If you will determine in your heart to walk with him, remain faithful, remain steadfast, live in habitual fellowship with Him, your life and your generation will be a testament to the chosen lifestyle of close communion with Him.

Hebrews 11:6c (NKJV)

…and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Emphasis Mine

The Word says,

Genesis 5:22 a (NKJV)

“After he begot Methuselah, ” …

Emphasis Mine

Methuselah is known to be the longest lived human on earth. And he came from the generation of Enoch (he was Enoch’s biological child).

Genesis 5:27 (NKJV)

So Methuselah lived nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.

Emphasis Mine

Whom you leave is equally as important as what you leave. The people from Enoch’s generation where people of substance characterized by different qualities.

Methuselah – Longest lived human on earth

Noah – Walked with God

How can you reshape your decisions today such that they have a lasting positive impact on the generations to come?

MEN – Establish The Foundation

The foundation you choose to establish will have a lasting impact on your generations. The wise amongst them will quickly learn from your successes and failures and it will ease their journey through life. They will give priority to the most important aspects in life including decision making. This can be seen in the lives of Enoch and Noah

Genesis 5:22 (NKJV)

After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters.

Emphasis Mine

Genesis 6:9-10 (NKJV)

This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Emphasis Mine

Prior to the scripture mentioning… Enoch walked with God (Gen 5:22b), it mentions that it was after he begot Methuselah. However, take a close look at the scriptural recordings of Noah, it began by characterizing his qualities and further mentions his walk with God. These differences should not be overlooked. There is absolutely no doubt that Enoch was an upright person otherwise, the bible will not say so.

The story of Enoch and Noah are very different but for the fact that the both walked with God. It also suffice to say that because Enoch dedicated himself to walking with God (after having a child), Noah was able to learn the significance of putting God first before family. He was able to make the necessary corrections and reshape his own destiny and story. The journey of walking with God had to begin somewhere. Enoch began the journey.

Therefore, the emphasis here is that let’s establish a firm foundation even in our priorities. Although we may end up doing all the good and necessary things, it is imperative to make the godly things priority.

MEN – Walk With God

Genesis 5:22 (NKJV)

After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters.

Emphasis Mine

Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)

This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Emphasis Mine

A decision to walk with God is the best decision anyone can choose to make.

-Enoch and Noah are both remembered as people who walked with God. When you examine the detailed meaning of the word “walk” as used in the scriptures, it is used as a verb with emphasis on one’s behavior; meaning “the way one walks in Life”. In this case, it has very little to do with walking upright on one’s feet but to living a righteous life. Therefore, it also communicates a decision to please God.

-Their walk with God also communicates to us whom they chose and preferred to keep close company with. Whom you walk with influences your life, your decision making, and possibly the outcome of your life.

Question

Can you be referred to as “someone who walks with God?

Are you living life such that generations later can remember you as someone who setup the foundation of walking with God in the family?

Dedicate your life to walking with God and you can be sure to receive rest on every side.

Walking with God will benefit you and generations to come.

MEN – Introduction – Enoch & Noah

The book of Genesis introduces us to several characters. Our focus of study for this series will be on two characters by name Enoch and Noah. The scriptural foundations for the teachings will be from Genesis 5:22 (NKJV) and Genesis 6:9 (NKJV).

Genesis 5:22 (NKJV)

After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters.

Emphasis Mine

Genesis 6:9 (NKJV)

This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Emphasis Mine

The biblical Hebrew meaning of the name Enoch is “dedicated” and the biblical Hebrew meaning of the name Noah is “rest”. Both Enoch and Noah are descendants from Cain’s genealogy. However, these two individuals particularly stand out because the bible states that “they walked with God”.

That phrase alone tells us what they did. A decision was made that left a lasting impact in their generation. Therefore, in this series we’ll examine the outcomes of their decision of “walking with God”, how it benefited them and their generation, and how we can learn from them.

One thing stands out; A life dedicated to walking with God will receive rest on every side.

MEN - Prayer For You

Prayer For You

Our loving Father, we thank you for teaching us how to live exceptional lifestyles through your word,

-We have learned the importance of devotion and observance of your word.

-We have understood the importance of replicating ourselves through acquiring a sound knowledge of you and teaching others likewise

-We now understand better the place of diligence in our walk with you

-Through obedience to your word, Father, we will influence many for your glory

-We thank you for the Holy Spirit who is or helper

-Father, we commit to studying your word so that we might grow and abound in Christ-like qualities.

Your Son Jesus Christ taught us the importance and significance of fasting by making fasting priority even before His ministry here on earth, therefore, Lord as a way of emulating Him and growing in our walk with you, we will fast, pray and study your word often for your glory.

Thank you for enlarging our capacity for growth, In Jesus Name We Pray Amen.

MEN - Standout

Are you a leader of leaders? A leader of leaders is a wise and confident person who guides the people he leads and who encourages the people around him to build up themselves for leadership roles. He is also one who takes full ownership of his responsibilities. Leadership void of the fear of the Lord is of no value.

As a way of standing out, Ezra appointed other leaders as authorized by the king and when the situation arose. King Artaxerxes trusted Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to the people in the Trans-Euphrates- all who knew the Law of the Lord. And for those who did not know, the King authorized Ezra to teach them. Ezra 7:25.

When Ezra saw the need to appoint leaders, he did. An example is seen in Ezra 8:15-16. He separated himself unto God by being faithful to his assigned duties (not getting involved in detestable practices) as a leader even when others did not.

Ezra 9:1 (NIV)

After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites.

Emphasis Mine

Ezra chose to separate himself unto to the Lord and as a result, he was the “go to leader” in his own community (environment). He did not give room to any form of compromise. 

At the slightest observance/notification of sin, Ezra was confident enough to address it, not hesitant.
The leaders and officials he was leading obviously needed guidance in the path of faithfulness. The Word of God in you is your guarantee to be outstanding as a male.
In order to be outstanding, you need to address arising situations head-on and not shy away from them?

Ezra 9:2 (NIV)

  They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”

Emphasis Mine

Ezra intervened when trouble arose. He did not give room to any blame games, accusations, rather, he was solution oriented.

Ezra 1:3 (NIV)

When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. 

Emphasis Mine

Ezra 1:4b (NIV)

And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice.

Emphasis Mine

Do you shy away from the issues that arise around you or do you boldly confront or intervene by providing possible solutions?

Are you a male by God’s design? Choose to standout on purpose. Distinguish yourself. Separate yourself unto the Lord, embrace your duties and responsibilities fully.

The goal of effective leadership is to train others to lead. Most often, you teach others how to be outstanding in leadership by being a physical example. For this to be fulfilled, you must purpose in your heart to be outstanding, not mediocre. Amen!

MEN - Fast

As we continue to look at Ezra’s life, many aspects continue to unfold and give us a clear understanding of the kind of man that he was.

Ezra 8:21-23 (NIV)

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Emphasis Mine

Ezra was a leader with authority, positive influence and direction. They were about to go on a journey and Ezra’s approach was this – let’s fast and humble ourselves before God. An attitude of full dependence on God. In this text, we see that the purpose of the fast was to seek help from God and ask for a safe journey. Our human intellect is very limiting and we saw earlier that the physical strength of a male can only go so far. So, in every way, we need God’s help and direction.

Our point of emphasis here is that of a man who knew the value of fasting. Now, I must say here that fasting is a decision to go without food for the purpose of seeking the Lord on a particular issue and fasting is only complete when accompanied by prayer and study of God’s Word. Meaning that if you go for a day without food, you merely starved not fast. Amen!

If you are not the man who has made studying the word and praying a lifestyle, it becomes challenging to incorporate fasting. It is only through studying God’s word that you get to know that fasting and praying is the way of life for a believer. And if you are not able to study the Word and pray consistently on an individual base, how do you even consider gathering people together to fast.

As a male, it is important that you lead by example. Do not demand from the people around you what you are not already doing/practicing.

Examine your life and see how you can incorporate studying, praying and fasting so that you can be the example of the change you want to see around you.

MEN - Study

Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

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.

Emphasis Mine

Reading and studying are often used interchangeably. However, when it comes to the kind of study that is mentioned in Ezra 7:10, it is the type whereby a person makes inquiry and/or seeks.

You want to find out from God about something or you need answers to something. There is a very fine line between both actions. Bottom-line, you are looking for results.

Now, imagine that kind of lifestyle whereby every step taken is ordered by God because the person has purposed to inquire and seek the Lord. If you were void in knowledge in a particular area, you are guaranteed answers by the time you leave your study session. Amen!

Here is the question for you. How productive, or how fruitful is your study time? A life that makes an impact in society is a life evident by the results it produces. Does your life produce results? Is your life and lifestyle outstanding? When we examine Ezra’s life generally, especially his leadership style, you can tell without a doubt that he was an outstanding leader. The reason is simple, he inquired and sought of the Lord. This point cannot be overemphasized.

The lives of many depend on you as a male. If you are a family man, your wife and children depend on you for the vision of the family. If you lead a company, the employees depend on your leadership and you name the rest. Wouldn’t it be re-assuring and securing to the people you lead if they know that your place of study is the place where you inquire of the Lord and seek Him?

Re-examine the way you study? Look for ways to make it more productive. It shouldn’t just be one of the things that you check off from your “to do” list. However, something meaningful in your walk with the Lord. Amen!

MEN - Help

The name Ezra is a Hebrew male name meaning “help/helper”. It is not uncommon for men to glory in their strength. “Male” is usually associated with strength, power, strong, etc. When in need for heavy lifting, one’s thought is first geared towards seeking help from a male or group of males. Physical strength is good and a gift from God. It is a blessing when used for the purpose given. This is very true in the life of Samson (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14). When the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon Samson, he ripped the lion’s jaw with his bare hands. I call that “great physical strength”. Wouldn’t you? I encourage you read the book of Judges to learn more about Samson’s great gift of physical strength.

I believe Ezra being a male, was strong physically. And with a name like Ezra (help/helper), it will not be surprising that he did just what his name meant. This was even evident as he helped people understand the law of the LORD through his teachings (Nehemiah 8:13-17). A person who teaches others, especially the Word of God, is someone who knows that life is impossible without the help of/from God; is someone who is aware that physical strength fails at some point and there is a desperate need to depend on God’s help and is also someone who understands that it is possible to depend on God’s help because it is sure, guaranteed and ever-present. Amen!

As a friend, a father, a co-worker and you name it. Imagine how much relieve you will get when the people around you no longer come to you or depend on you for everything, rather seek help from the Helper Himself even as they see you do likewise. If they must come to you, or if you must go to them, it is such that you all look up to God for answers. Amen!

Ezra 8:21-23 (NIV)

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Emphasis Mine

Knowledge of the Word gives us the opportunity to live self-sufficient lives in Christ. Knowing that He is our ever present help, very dependable and will not fail us. Physical strength, although great, is very limiting. The God-kind of help has been made available to the male. This help/helper is the person of the Holy Spirit. Do you know Him?

In this day and age, we have the resources to learn more about His help and benefit from it. The bible describes the Holy Spirit as the Helper.

John 14:26 (NKJV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Emphasis Mine

As a male, remember continually to challenge the people around you to seek help from the Helper Himself. By so doing, you are helping them keep their focus where it needs to be.  Amen!

MEN - Influence

As a male, cater to your audience. They look up to you and they will be influenced by you. Ezra had an audience – Jews in Israel.

Nehemiah 8:5-6 (NIV)

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down to worship the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Emphasis Mine

Therefore, when we study the life of Ezra, he had a very structured life. Influence and structure work together. A structured life is a productive life.

Ezra;

Position (teacher of the Word – a position of influence)

Location (Israel)

Population (Israelites)

Activity (devoted study and observance of the Law of the LORD)

Direction (By God the Father alone).

Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

 Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Emphasis Mine

Where you come from does not determine how much influence you will or will not have on where the Lord is assigning you to. Your gender and race are not pre-determinants either.

When God gives you responsibilities and specific directions, you need to obey. How far you influence will be determined by how well you obey.

The Bible says…

Ezra 7:6a (NIV)

…this Ezra came up from Babylon. 

Emphasis Mine

Yet he was a Jewish scribe and priest and Ezra 7:10 (NIV) tells us of where God had called him to – “…and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel”. 

Emphasis Mine

Understand God is your helper. Fine tune your influential ability by living in full obedience to God. By so doing, you will cater to your audience- your audience could be your wife, son, daughter, co-worker, your boss at work, your church family, etc.

There is a relationship between influence and obedience. Amen.

MEN - Diligence

The Lord rewards diligence. 

Proverbs 12:24a (NIV) 

 “The hand of the diligent will rule…” Emphasis Mine. 

Everything we do for the sake of the kingdom does not go unnoticed by Him. “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown towards His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” Hebrews 6:10 (NIV).

Reach your full potential in your diverse responsibilities. Earlier, we examined that Ezra was a scribe/priest, teacher of the Law, devoted to studying and observing the Law of the Lord. When you read the details of Ezra’s life, he was one of the leaders who led the Jews from Babylonian exile back to Jerusalem. He remained diligent to all the assignments given to him by God the Father.

Approach your responsibilities with a sense of ownership and accountability. In no circumstance should you be a male with a carefree attitude. Handle circumstances with a sense of urgency and excellence.

How do you find balance in the midst of all the responsibilities?

Prioritize. Give attention to what is most relevant.

God has a position, location, population, activity and direction for you. And He needs your attention. Amen! So it was with Ezra, and so it is for you and me.

MEN - Replicate

Study and observe the Word to a place where you as a male can replicate through teaching the Word. When it comes to teaching, we teach what we are knowledgeable about. Teaching is a purposeful act. A teacher takes into account his audience. A teacher communicates in a language best understood by the audience. In order to properly pass on information through teaching, you must be a student the material (Ezra was).

Teaching gives the teacher permission to hold his students accountable. It will be unfair to do otherwise. As a male, generally, you need to possess a strong mental capacity- in this case, spiritual soundness. Your communication of the Word of God should be very fluent and eloquent. You should be the “go to” person in your family for clarity about the Word of God. You should be the one who gathers people for the purpose of sharing the Word of God. Instructing, encouraging, directing them and more.

Ezra 8:9 (NIV)

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 

Emphasis Mine

Once you identify your areas of responsibilities, make teaching a non-negotiable part of life. By areas of responsibilities we mean you could be a father, brother, co-worker, uncle, grandfather, mentor, etc.  Purposefully replicate through teaching the Word; Jesus did likewise. (Luke 11:1-13, Matthew 24, etc).

MEN - Devote

According to the free dictionary, devote is defined as “to give or apply one’s time, attention or self entirely to a particular activity, cause or person”.

Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

 Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Emphasis Mine

Ezra 7:6 (NIV)

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.

Emphasis Mine

Nehemiah 8:9b (NIV)

…Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law…

Emphasis Mine

Ezra 7:12b (NIV)

To Ezra the priest, teacher of the Law of the God of heaven:

 Emphasis Mine

Ezra is a biblical male character whom the bible describes as devoted, a scribe/priest, teacher of the Law. Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel Ezra 7:10 (NIV).

No wonder he was very outstanding in his leadership and teaching - because his foundation was the Word of God. Scripture is very clear about what Ezra’s priority was – studying and observing the Law of the Lord.

Could you say of yourself likewise?

Could others say of you likewise?

Can the almighty God say of you likewise?

What will it take for you to restructure your life such that you give attention to the Word?

You will agree with me that if everything is that important, you need the breath of life in order to keep pursuing. Why not show appreciation to the giver? How high you go will be determined by how stable your foundation is. A life built on the Word of God is an unshakable life. There is so much to be studied in life however, our goal is to stir you in the direction that matters most.

The outcome of devotion are enormous.

2 Peter 1:2-3 (NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Emphasis Mine

Choose to be that person who abounds in knowledge of the Word. As a result, it becomes evident in your character.

What will it take to be devoted to the Law of the LORD (Word)?

-Decision

-Focus, despite distractions.

-Giving attention to the Word.

-Purposefully studying (not just reading) with a mind to understand God, gain wisdom, and get direction. Through devotion, you get direction, you discover God’s purpose for you.

Ezra taught the decrees in Israel. The location and population were specific.

Ezra 7:10b (NIV)

… and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Emphasis Mine

Consider making a life of devotion to studying and observing the Word a lifestyle. Amen!