Setting Our Heart

“O God, my heart is fixed”
Psalm 108:1

“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”
Ezr 7:10 (NASB)

The threefold walk of Ezra is one that ought to typify all true ministers of the Word. He set his heart to the study of God’s word and His Holy Law and to practice it and then teach it. How we short circuit God’s way by walking in any other way!

It is the fixed heart that knows that truth is a life, not a teaching. Mercy abounds to those who set their heart to walk in God’s truth.

“What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose”
Psalm 25:12

To know the healthy fear of the Lord causes the heart to be teachable, and focused. and attentive to His ways. There is a forsaking of our own thoughts and our own suppositions to allow Him to choose our way.

May we walk in the simple counsel of the Lord that we may prosper in His Way.

“Now set your heart and your soul
to seek the Lord your God…”
1 Chronicles 22:19

Brian Troxel

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Setting Your Heart Upon God’s Word

“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” (Ezr 7:10, NASB)

“The Bible tells us that Ezra’s trip from Babylon to Jerusalem, a journey of about 900 miles, took less than five months because “the gracious hand of his God was on him.” And then adds, “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” (Ezr 7:9-10).

When we set our hearts upon studying and obeying God’s Word, and add the desire to teach it to others — God will prosper our steps with expedience and favor. “The path of the righteous is like the light of day, shining brighter and brighter” (Pro 4:18).

Ezra and his fellow footmen were protected from attacks by bandits and were preserved in their supplies, both physically and emotionally. They left Babylon in high hopes and arrived in Jerusalem refreshed and filled with wonder.

Elsewhere the Bible says, “Great peace have they who love Your Law, and nothing will offend them” (Psa 119:165). Set your heart upon God’s Word, and watch how God begins to prosper your way; how He blesses you in business, in friendships, in breakthroughs, and in favor with others.

The bottom line is that God’s Word is true and trustworthy, and by opening our hearts to its life-giving power, we can live every day in the deep assurance that God will open His heart to us with blessing and favor.”
James Ryle