Message summary: Ezra is an example for all of us.

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"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" (Ezra 7:10).

Yesterday I had lunch with a friend at Olive Garden. Our server was a very friendly college student who shared with us some of the challenges she was having in school. She was experiencing something we all have experienced in one way or another, challenges as we learn. My friend and I sought to encourage her and it was a blessing to sense her receptivity and appreciation.

Today we learn from Ezra a key to facing learning challenges, however they may come; devoting ourselves to study.

Ezra provides a great example of a devotion to learning for all of us: "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". That should be said of all of us, especially in regard to spiritual truths

Among characteristics I want others to observe in my life is this, "Stephen devotes himself to the study and observance of the Scriptures and to teaching its decrees and laws to others." (Having the entire Bible in our possession I believe it proper to expand the "law of the Lord" to mean the entirety of the Scriptures.)

Let us note three aspects of Ezra's example.

1) "He devoted himself to the study of the Law of the Lord". Good study of spiritual truths is not just the mind but the heart as well. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The Amplified Bible renders the verse, "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth."  We certainly need to properly understand the word of truth!

We are blessed, especially as we age, by Paul's lifetime learning outlook expressed in what is likely the very last letter he wrote. As he recognized the time of his departure (death) was near (2 Timothy 4:6), he wrote to Timothy: "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments" (2 Timothy 4:13). He wanted to study and keep learning right up to the end of his life on earth!

2) "He devoted himself to the observance of the Law of the Lord". This is so much like the verse we used yesterday when Moses, in introducing the Ten Commandments stated, "Learn them and be sure to follow them". That which we learn with our mind and heart we must seek to observe and obey.

3) "And to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel". This is a duty not only for pastors and teachers but for all. We should all look for opportunities to teach God's Word. Some of the best teaching we receive and impart is in informal settings. I still recall a formative one on one as a young Christian at a restaurant in Independence MO. Dave was only a few years older but shared spiritual concepts that have been helpful ever since and that I have in turn have shared with many

We hope our daily encouragement messages are one of numerous study components in your life and we make that our prayer each time we post these messages. But we desire the greatest study source for all of us to be the Holy Scriptures. We pray that God's people will know His Word, His truth and experience His freedom.

"No studying" may sound appealing to those who have little motivation, but real growth takes place as we get serious in study; as wepractice the truths of God's Word lived out in our daily lives and in the lives of other believers that we teach. So let us resolve that we will keep learning and applying God's truths as we grow more and more in our love and devotion to Him!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13