Monthly Archives: April 2022

Study, Practice, and Teach – in That Order by Shane Sands

…because the good hand of his God was upon him.
10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Ezra 7:9–10

Study, practice, and teach – in that order – are the characteristics of a mature Christian, devoted to Christ Jesus and His kingdom.  The above quote, from the book of Ezra, shows why God’s good hand was upon Ezra.  Ezra was a priest and extremely competent in God’s Word.  Yet, Ezra knew that even the most gifted and educated man is merely a child, in comparison to the Word of God.  Ezra knew he must remain humble and seek the Lord continually so he would grow in the grace of God.

Study:

First, Ezra had set his heart to study God’s Word.  Ezra had to humble himself and be examined and changed by the living Word of God.  This is the same for us who follow Christ now.  We are supposed to show ourselves able to handle God’s Word accurately and correctly.  A good indication of this is when a person comes to God to be changed – and not, to change others.  Ezra, as mentioned, was extremely competent in the Scriptures.  However, Ezra also understood we are continually growing and God is continually conforming us more and more into the image of His Christ.  Even in his old age, Ezra knew he had much to learn.  Thus, he continued to humble and delight himself in the study of God’s Word – and so should we.

Practice:

Book knowledge is not enough on its own (1 Corinthians 8:1).  If you have not had a life changed, becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus, then you have not been transformed by the Word of God.  Before Ezra could move on to teaching he had to first be walking in a manner worthy of the calling of God.  Only then, once he was walking in truth, could he be useful to help others.  Only by being an example, could his words be validated.  Ezra had as his main focus to be pleasing to the Lord.  Ezra was loved by God and as a result, Ezra wanted to do everything he could to be pleasing – and so should we.

Teach:

Every gift of God is not for you alone.  God has entrusted it to you so you may be a benefit to other believers and a light to the lost.  Once you have studied and put into practice what you have learned, God calls you to make disciples and to build up the saints.  The reality is, you are always teaching.  What matters is – what is being taught, and does your life validate what is coming from your lips?  Ezra knew this.  Ezra had been entrusted with much wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in God’s Word.  Ezra also understood it was not good to have this gift of God and not share it with others (Luke 12:47-48).  Ezra purposed in his heart to teach the way of God, to the people of God, so that they would walk in a manner worthy of God – and so should we.

 

18 And as He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was begging Him that he might accompany Him. 19 And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

Mark 5:20

And so should we!  Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord.

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Dear Afflicted Saint ~ An Anonymous Letter

A letter written to me from a friend in Christ many years ago. May it encourage your heart, as it has mine. To GOD be the glory, forever and ever, amen. ~ Holly Sands

Dear Afflicted Saint,

Hope in this: That you are His and He is yours, both now and forevermore. Let your soul rejoice! Hope in He who is the vindicator of His Elect, the One who hears the cries of His children and answers, and the one who on the final day will repay the wicked for all their evil deeds.

Hope in this: That even on this earth, the Lord is mighty and has a strong hand to deliver His afflicted; however desperate the situation may appear, nothing is too difficult for the Lord. Hope in the sanctifying work He is doing in you, the tremendous fruit that He is harvesting in your life; the fruit of resignation to His will, sustenance in the midst of trial, and joy despite the worst conditions.

Hope in this: That Christ’s name is glorified in your sufferings; that His great power to sustain you is seen; that your meekness and gentleness in the midst of adverse circumstances is greatly glorifying to your Father who works righteousness, patience, and hope in His people. Hope also in the fact that Christ is with you all the more present in your trials – your every weak sigh, is to Him a precious sound; your every tear, He collects as if it were an expensive oil.

Hope in the reward to come: That all the sufferings of this present age are not worthy of the infinite glory that is to come in the future age! Hope in the joys of Christ that you will experience in this age, while He chooses to give the sweetest smiles and the most delightful embraces, when His people are afflicted.

Hope in His return: That life is but a breath, and soon you will return to Him, or He will come to take you with all His saints to heaven. The end is near and this should encourage you. The evil days under the sun shall end, and heaven will be yours. Only press on these evil nights, till the great glorious Sun arises!

Hope still, O afflicted one! Hope still in the Lord. Remember His benefits in days past, and the promises He has given, which are great in the future. Hope in your Beloved.

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