We see it over and over in Scripture and it’s not a pretty sight. It’s something God takes extremely seriously. Consider Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar. Under his reign, Babylon was the great world power. All the surrounding nations were subject to Babylon. At the height of his rule, King Neb had a dream about a huge, strong tree that “touched the sky and was visible to the ends of the earth.” In the dream the tree was cut down and stripped of its branches.

The dream disturbed him so he called in Daniel, the Hebrew member of his staff who could interpret dreams. Daniel revealed that the tree represented King Neb. He warned the king that unless he turned from his sinful and oppressive ways and humbled himself he would be cut down by God.

However, a year later as the King stood on his patio and looked out across the kingdom and observed its greatness he dared take for himself what rightfully belonged to God alone. “Isn’t this the great Babylon that I have built by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”

Uh oh! King Neb laid claim to the power and glory of God! Within moments King Neb’s dream came true. He lost his mind and ended up in the wilderness living like an animal. But that’s not the end of the story. After seven years, when King Neb humbled himself before God and gave Him the proper honor, God restored him to the throne. (You can read King Neb’s song of praise in the fourth chapter of Daniel.)

In case you think only “heathens” would steal God’s thunder, let’s take a look at an event in the life of Moses. It’s recorded in Numbers, chapter 20. It had been 40 years since the exodus and Moses was in the homestretch of leading this rag tag bunch of refugees. When the Israelites complained once again about the lack of water, God gave Moses instructions about providing it. “Gather all the people together, speak to that rock and water will pour out.”

So Moses and Aaron gathered everyone in front of the rock. Moses struck the rock with his staff and said, “Listen you bunch of rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Because of Moses’ actions here at Kadesh, God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land. And it wasn’t because Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. No, it was because Moses stole God’s thunder.

God Himself tells us this in Numbers 20:12. “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Moses didn’t get to go into the Promised Land because he tried to take credit for God’s miracle. He claimed God’s power and glory for himself. This great spiritual leader, God’s friend, and an intercessor for the people failed to give God the credit He alone deserved.

Have we ever done this? I know there have been times that God acted, displayed His glory, and I failed to acknowledge it. Worse yet, I wonder, have I ever taken credit for something that God alone can do? Perhaps. What about you? Let’s commit to give God the honor and glory due Him alone.

Her love of cooking was not the only thing my grandmother shared with her family. She was quick to tell us what God was teaching her and she strongly encouraged each of us in our own faith. She often wrote us notes or sent us timely devotionals. And I knew she was always praying for me.

My grandmother gave me many gifts over the years. But the most precious gift she gave me was the example of her faith. When I think about my grandmother, one of the first things that comes to my mind is how much she loved Jesus. And she never hesitated to tell others about Him – friends, strangers, and her grandchildren.

She actively passed her faith to the next generation. Her faith is a part of mine. I must guard it, nurture it, and share it with my children. This commitment is a recipe for a legacy of faith.

Timothy’s life is a biblical example of how the faith of one generation influences another. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Paul recognized that Timothy’s faith “first lived in his (your) grandmother Lois and in his (your) mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).” Paul also challenged Timothy to protect and nurture that precious legacy. “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (2 Timothy 1:14).”

Am I guarding this inheritance of faith that will be passed to my children and grandchildren? Is it an investment that is growing daily or do I sometimes squander this precious commodity?

Father, help us know how to share our faith with our families. We want to pass your love to them. Amen.

I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I’ve known these kids for years. They’ve all spent time in my home. I certainly wasn’t taken off guard by their “zest for life” or their voracious appetite. But they have surprised me.

Before we left Texas I selected a Bible study for us to do as a team. Each person works through the assigned material during their individual morning quiet time. Then we discuss it together during our evening team devotions. In addition to a time of service, I really wanted this mission trip to be a time of spiritual growth for these young people. I had it all figured out. I would be a mentor to each of them. A spiritual encourager. An inspiration! Well, the truth is, they’ve challenged me.

The Bible study we’re going through together as a team is on discipleship. We are exploring what it really means to follow Jesus? What does it look like in our day to day lives? Are we prepared to pay the cost? Because, like the author said, “You can’t go into discipleship halfway.” And “when you’re a disciple of Christ, there’s no graduation.”

I was prepared to share all my wisdom and years of experience of following Christ with these young Christians. But as they shared with the group I realized that they are truly living in the trenches of discipleship. I wouldn’t want to be a teenager today. I don’t know if I would take the stand for Jesus that these kids from my church make during an average day of high school. They love Jesus and they want people to know it. They’re my new heroes. Burps and all.

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Luke 9:23-25

God has led me along a similar path. He gave me an insatiable desire to study His Word. As I study, His Word disciplines and refines me. God is faithfully shaping me into the woman He wants me to be. Meanwhile, He regularly brings teaching opportunities my way to share what He has taught me.

Often, I see needs among God’s people that directly reflect what God has recently been addressing in my own life. It’s as if He has been uniquely preparing me to help meet that need. My teaching regularly flows out of my active relationship with God.

As Christian leaders, we have an enormous responsibility. We cannot spiritually challenge those we teach with anything that we have not personally learned and applied. If I write a Bible study to encourage Christians to tell others about Jesus, I must be committed to witnessing and be actively sharing my faith. We must stay spiritually prepared if we hope to challenge or serve anyone through our writing.

Life is busy these days. Pressing matters often encourage us to set aside things that are less urgent, but more important. We must stay disciplined in taking time to foster our relationship God. Otherwise, what’s the point? We won’t have anything of eternal benefit to share.

Ezra is a worthy role model for us. As I studied the book of Ezra I saw three vital characteristics we should emulate.

1. Devoted
Ezra was firmly determined to study God’s Word. Reading, reflecting, and meditating on Scripture was an enduring, life-long pursuit. Are you firmly established in and committed to regular, frequent, and careful study of the Bible? Is it a life-long passion and pursuit?
Although I read my Bible daily (almost) and engage in deeper study regularly, I also have seasons of laziness. But, God constantly draws me to more time with Him and longer periods spent in Scripture. And the more I study, the more I fall in love with His Word.

2. Determined
Ezra’s devoted study of God’s Word was not merely an intellectual pursuit. He was determined to apply the things God taught him. Ezra obeyed God and submitted to His transforming power.
Too many times I store the knowledge I gain from biblical study, but fail to submit to and obey what God has taught me. We must allow our study to transform our behavior and attitudes. Unless we do, we cannot faithfully and accurately teach and train those within our sphere of influence.

3. Dependent
The story of Ezra reveals his humility before God and his dependence on Him. Ezra praised God for His sovereign hand in every aspect of his life. His constant recognition of God’s presence filled him with the strength and courage to move ahead in each God-given task.

Too often I forge ahead on my own and in my own strength. I fail to realize my need for God and His provision. I fail to see His instruction, guidance, and wisdom. We must regularly and purposefully humble ourselves before God. Humility fosters dependence on God and a constant seeking of His direction and provision.
Ezra’s example issues a challenge to us today as Christian leaders and teachers of God’s Word. Our calling must begin with a commitment to the diligent study of God’s Word and submission to obedience. Without devotion to this life-long pursuit we will have nothing of eternal value to share. In order to serve others through our writing we must stay spiritually prepared.