When God places His hand on you!

Part of today's Bible reading from the "One Year Bible" was from Ezra 7. In the reading there is phrase used 3 times regarding the man Ezra; the gracious hand of his God was on him (Ezra). Now one of the things I have noticed in studying scripture; if God repeats something it must be important. Here we find this "gracious" phrase mentioned 3 times in 28 verses. Scripture is full of examples of men and women who experienced the hand of God upon them from time to time. Often times God placed his hand upon people because He had a  special task for them to accomplish or because they had a unique skill that would be beneficial to His purpose. When God placed his hand on Ezra it was not because of a special skill or a special moment in Israel's history. Verse 10 gives us the reason why God chose to place His hand on Ezra; This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. The reason why God chose to place His hand on Ezra was two-fold; Ezra was determined to study the word of God and he was willing to teach the decrees of God to the people of Israel. No special skill, no crisis of the moment, just a determination to study the word of God and and a desire to share the word with others. Ezra understood it was not enough to simply learn the word, Ezra knew the word of God must be taught to others. Ezra's determination and desire made him the worthy candidate to have God's hand placed upon him.

This morning, I sat in the Florida Christian College Convocation Service and listened to our President share the importance of being in the word of God to the student body. He then went on to challenge them to make sure they get the word out as well. As I sat there listening to him, I could not help but wonder how the student body of FCC will have numerous opportunities to get the word out in the years to come. Some will become preachers, missionaries, youth ministers and other vocational ministers; every week they will study, prepare and present the word of God and God's hand will be on each one of them as they get the word out. There was another group in the audience today, they will not go in to full-time vocational ministry, however, they too will have the opportunity to get the word out through their career choices as well. FCC has a simple motto; Strong in the Scriptures. We understand the importance scripture has in every area of our life. Scripture is foundational to our life. We also understand it is not enough to make scripture a part of our life we must teach the message of scripture as well. If we do, then like Ezra, we will find God's gracious hand upon us as well.     

 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Great worship and message this morning at FCC Kissimmee.
• Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus Christ? To find out you must first define the relationship you have with him.
• Someone has said the church today does a great job with Meet, Eat and Retreat, but is  that all what Christ wants for his followers?
• Great question to ponder in light of this morning's message; note Peter's response.
• Couple of firsts in our life this week, 1. All of our children have moved out of the house. 2. We have two children in college at the same time.
• Looking forward to being in Sarasota next weekend.
• I attended my first soccer game last night, and I must say, I am impressed with the stamina needed to play soccer.
• Based on preseason, it is going to be tough to be a Dolphin fan this year.
• Leadership reveals itself in a variety of ways, however lack of leadership always reveals itself in mediocrity.
• I love the worship song 10,000 Reasons
• Received a letter from a good friend this week, really appreciated the encouragement.
• The Lance Armstrong incident is disturbing on many levels.
• As I watched the reports on the passing of astronaut Neil Armstrong, I was struck by his humility.
• Something to Chew On; You can't change you, you cannot change others, you cannot change the world, Change is God's Work. ~ Jon Weece       

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church family at Union Park Christian Church today.
• Great message on a difficult topic  - Discipline, thanks Tom!
• The lack of disciple will hamper every area of life.
• The world wants us to forgo discipline for the sake of freedom, however true freedom comes from a life of discipline.
• Why do we believe we can achieve something without discipline?
• Discipline + Opportunity = Amazing Achievement 
• One of our kids has moved back to college on Friday; the other will move out on Wednesday, house is getting a little more empty.
• Seeing a few more articles in USA TODAY regarding college football we are only 2 weeks away - I can't wait!.
• New students begin at FCC Wednesday - what will God do in the lives of these new students?
• Something to Chew on; Isaiah 44:6-11

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Youth Sunday at FCC Kissimmee today. After watching this group of teens, all I can say is the future is bright for this church.
• Chris did a wonderful job preaching on the word "Captivated".
• Question what captivates you today?
• Read this section of scripture and if you are not captivated by God you should adjust your priorities.
• While the victories of the Olympics have been inspiring, the defeats by the favorites are heartbreaking!
• Are you a part of a praying church or a playing church - it really does make a difference which one you belong to today.
• Lack of leadership continues to plague many organizations today. 
• In ministry the call will always pull one toward the prize.
• Some friends are taking their daughter to college this week in Tennessee - I feel their pain!
• John Ortberg has a new book out this week, I know what I will be reading.
• Something to Chew on; If you do not set boundaries someone will set them for you. ~ Bethany Jett on Twitter

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the Ocala Christian Church family today. This new church is doing some great things in Ocala. Hats off to Roger and his team.
• Worship was great, we did a song from 1996 and it was called an older song! Great job Butch.
• Ocala Christian is another church practicing generosity beyond measure.
• Wondering what would happen if all of our churches stopped passing offering plates and just let people give without compulsion or guilt?
• I have preached in four churches in 5 weeks, each one has done "church" a little different - and each one has seen God work through their efforts - Remember it is not us who will build the church!
• What would you say are the essential elements of worship when believers gather?
• While I was not there today, I am thrilled with the announcement at FCC Kissimmee today!
• Have you been surprised how the media portrayed the Chick-Fil-A appreciation day? I am not, listen the world will never understand Biblical values. That is why we must win the heart, before we can change the mind. 
• Love seeing the commercials for the start of the NFL season.
• Michael Phelps is a swimming beast! 
• Something to chew on; Nearly eight out ten pastors struggle with critics to the point they admit it’s a distraction from their ministries. ~ Tom Rainer (my question Why do we have so many critics today?)