“So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion.” (Nehemiah 8:2-4a)
Even on a day like today, when I turn n my computer, not having a clue about what I am going to write, the Lord shows up right on time. This morning He reminded me of a song that I did not understand when I was a child, but I loved the conviction of the adult voices who sang it with such vigor. Later, I understood it. The song we “I Shall Not Be Moved.” Do you remember the song? “I shall not, I shall not be moved. I shall not, I shall not be moved. Just like a tree planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.”
Being remind of that song, I decided to take an Ezra approach, as described in the opening passage, and just present the word to you without any commentary, just a challenge. My challenge to you, this Wednesday morning, is to make the words taken from the Psalm below your expression. Yes, make this your expression!
“Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who fears the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with obedience], who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God). It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He conducts his affairs with justice. He will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting [confidently relying on and believing] in the Lord. His heart is upheld, he will not fear while he looks [with satisfaction] on his adversaries.” (Psalm 112:1-8 The Amplified Bible)
I am confident that the words above will be worth you meditating on this morning. I’m confident that you will conclude, “I shall not be moved” and concede to accepting my challenge. But just in case you needed more from the word to start your day, read the closing verses below. Have a great day! Be blessed!
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3 King James Version)
Mark L. King