Word.

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel."

(Ezra 7:10)

First I wanted to be a Cowboy... then an astronaut... then a fireman... then a professional football player... then as I went through Junior High and High School, I aspired to be a lawyer. Upon HS graduation, however, I felt God call me to be a pastor. And that's what I became as I "grew up" (though I can honestly say I never once considered it before then!).

I've always loved helping people... and being creative... and loving others... and inspiring others to do the same. In my 23+ years of full-time ministry, I've definitely grown in my "pastor's skill set." But the biggest area of impart in the last decade or so has been through the studying of Scripture. Once I learned how to read the Bible devotionally, the game completely changed! God's insight & teaching & inspiration are much more readily apparent.

Ezra the priest knew that. He had dedicated his life to studying (and implementing what he learned from) Scripture and teaching others. It's not enough to simply study. It has to make a difference in how we live our lives.

And so I follow in the footsteps of Ezra... and many others of faith who have gone before. May I continue to draw close to God through His Word.