Determine in Your Heart

We all have so many differences. Just think about all of the different jobs, hobbies, and interests our friends and family have. But with all those differences most of us still have one thing in common - we want to know what God's will for our lives is. If the doorbell rang and the mailman was standing there with a certified letter from the Lord most every one of us would sign for it and be interested in what it said. For the most part, we want to be in a right standing with the Lord.

I don't know about you, but I haven't received a certified letter from the Lord yet. So how do we know what the Lord wants us to do? If you are interested in learning how to know what the Lord's will for your life is keep reading.

Ezra 7:9b-10 states, "The gracious hand of his God was on him, because Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey [it], and teach [its] statutes and ordinances in Israel" (HSCB). Did you catch that? The gracious hand of the Lord was on Ezra because of what he did in verse ten.

Let's start with the end of verse ten. Ezra was a teacher. He taught the statutes and ordinances in Israel. That's what he did. Ephesians 4:11 states, Jesus gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 tell us of numerous spiritual gifts we are given when we are saved. Ezra taught - that's what he did. What are you supposed to do for the Lord?

In order for Ezra to teach he first had to obey. Obedience is key to being in the will of the Lord. As Christians we must be willing to die to self and live an obedient life for the Lord. But what are we supposed to obey? How do we know we are being obedient or not?

Before Ezra taught (because that is what he did) he first obeyed the Lord, but in order to obey he first studied the Word. In Ezra's day they only had the Old Testament, but now we have the full and complete Word of the Lord. We must study the Bible and study it often!
But there is one more thing Ezra did. What did he do before he studied? He determined in his heart to do so! I can't make you determine in your heart to do these things, but if you are willing to follow the Lord and want to find out where your place is in the Kingdom, I can help with how to study. But I first have to ask you - how's your quiet time? Do you have a regular time when you study your Bible and pray? If you need to clean up your quiet time try using the S.O.A.P. Method (1).

“S” stands for Scripture. Get into a regular routine of Scripture reading. Use a regular method of reading, either through a book of the Bible or a schedule that takes you through the Bible in a year. Whatever works for you stick with that!

“O” stands for observation. When you complete your daily reading look back over what you just read and revisit what stood out at you. Ask yourself what you think the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you in the verses that seemed to jump out at you. Write these down. If you like, do a more in depth hermeneutical study of these verses.

“A” stands for application. Ask yourself, “How can I apply the principle of this set of verses to my life today?” Remember we have to study the Scripture and obey it before we can be effective at teaching or preaching it. So how can you apply this to your life today? Write this down as well.

When Paul wrote about carrying out one’s salvation with fear and trembling, in part, this is what he was talking about. This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. If the believer is not willing to actually apply what the Holy Spirit is leading one to do, then what’s the point? Do you really want to be disobedient to the one that rescued you?

Lastly, “P” stands for prayer. Pray about what how the Lord will use these verses in your life today. Remember prayer is a two-way conversation; so remember to listen to what He is trying to tell you. Don’t forget to write down what He tells you.

By following these steps and applying them with the proper attitude on a consistent daily basis you will grow closer to the Lord.