Moving is always difficult, but what if you had to move all your stuff 11 miles every day? Would some things get lost along the way? Ezra was concerned about the dangers of lost 'stuff'; during their journey back to Jerusalem, so he told them "these articles are consecrated to the Lord. Guard them carefully!"

When we pray about something, God most always gives us a part to play in fulfilling the answer to that prayer. Many of us pray for our children. But what are we doing about this prayer? Are we modelling the Christian walk before them? When a smoker prays for healing from a cancer caused by that smoking, does he quit smoking? The Christian life is good, but our part isn't always the easy thing to do. Answering His call to take up our cross to follow Him can be tough, but unless we take the path He has laid out before us, it becomes much harder! One day, we will stand before the Lord. Crowns will be given to the martyrs, shepherds and other church leaders, soul-winners, the righteous, and the victors. Are we ready for this day? What are we doing to prepare our hearts for this day, at our journey's end? It all boils down to the one question Ezra was faced with - 'Just how much are we consecrated to the Lord? As we give our lives to the world and the Lord as a living sacrifice, we have much to look forward to in our last days.

Prayer for a safe journey is the number one way to prepare for a road trip - or actually em>anytrip we take! Ezra is getting ready to take a four month road trip to Jerusalem with 1400 people to teach the jews the law of God. Last week we discussed the need for workers like the Levites to aid Ezra in the daily logistics of life for leading and teaching the nation of Israel.

So now Ezra had people to help him, but he still needed God's blessing to get there in one piece. Like Ezra, we all know the fact that God is our refuge and our strength and protection (Psalms 46:1), but are we all appropriating these truths as an act of faith for ourselves and our families? It's simply arrogance or ignorance to forsake this important act of prayer for protection and travelling mercies. 'The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.' (Ezra 8:22) 'With this in mind be alert! Always keep on praying for all the Lord's people' (Eph 6:18).

Pastor Rob's Aunt Bonnie was very hospitable, cooking, serving tea, etc. But when Pastor Rob would rough-house in the back room with the boys and explore in the woods, he was worried that he'd be asked to help with all the heavy-duty chores on their farm. Some live for heavy-duty work, but many of us would like to avoid one or two of the work details that we're assigned to in life. Ezra probably can identify with these concerns. He had 1400 new people in his camp, all potential workers to aid him in his administration of the land. He had the money, livestock, and all the tools he needed, but Ezra noticed, in verse 15, that there were no Levites there. This tribe included many priests and spiritual eaders in Israel. The Levites were responsible for many behind the scenes tasks: setting up and taking down the tabernacle and other maintenance-type tasks. Without those tasks being done, Israel could be in trouble. In the church environment, providing support for the basic behind the scenes needs of the church is an important, core priority. Although many are not able to give much, there should always be the core support group.

Although its not really true here at Faith Bible Church, some churches have more whiners than winners, and that hurts the ongoing success of those churches. As Ezra was able to recruit some Levites to come and help, he was then ready to get going with the task ahead. So it is with the church today. Loyal and committed workers are always essential to true God-Inspired success in the church. Thank God - At FBC - New Ministries - New Missions - New Small Groups and more, all are happening here because We've Got The Workers!

"Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven." Exra 7:23 (NIV). The GOP debates have revealed many instances of "flip-floppers" - People who change their word depending on the circumstances. True Success depends on putting people with integrity and character in charge. Artaxerxes was well aware of that success principle. He placed Ezra in a position of authority over many aspects of his kingdom. We build our house on a firm foundation of God's dependable Word, and the basic principles of prayer, devotion to the Word and living out the principles we learn. Diligence means "quickly and correctly". Our lives are but a vapor that vanishes - Our lives need to count for something. How much time do we really have to serve God and be obedient to Him? We need to change now! Let's stop our petty sins and join those who are pursuing God and living in His will. Do we want our lives to produce vapor? Or do we want to bear real long-lasting fruit?! God wants to move diligently & with urgency to provide for you if only you will move with diligence for Him!

You and I have played the game 'Word Affilliation' (When I say Winter, you say cold, etc). Today we're playing name affilliation, as Ezra is concerned about his name before the king and his people. Ezra was given much responsibility, and his basis for his leadership decisions were always in line with God's precepts. Like Ezra, we're all supposed to be willing to judge our life decisions by God's Word. God wants your life to be great - better than you deserve or could even imagine. He promises us this in Psalms 119:11: in keeping (His precepts) there is great reward. And in 2 Peter 1:3, He promises His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. What matters most to you? What matters most to God? His precepts and His word, revealed to us through His word and His Son, Jesus!