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EZRA 7:6, 9, 10, 28

"THE GOOD HAND OF THE LORD"

I. THE NEED FOR THE KAND OF GOD ON OUR LIVES.
        A. Favor with God brings favor with man. (vs. 6.
                1. Life moves on two planes, vertical and horizontal.
                        a. The verticle is the axis upon which our lives revolve, thus more
                           important.
                        b. If the center of my life is out of kilter the circumference is bound
                           to be erratic.
                        c. So many today think their greatest problem is human relations.
                                1. It is divine relations.
                        d. We try to balance our lives from the outside in.
                        e. My relation with God must have top priority.
                                1. "Seek ye first."
        B. The good hand of God brings us to our desired goals. (vs 9.
                1. Man has two basic goals: satisfaction and joy.
                        a. Someone says, "I'm seeking success."
                        b. If you attain it you will be disappointed, it will not bring you
                           what you thought it would.
                                1. You thought it would bring satisfaction.
                2. Neither can be attained apart from God.
                        a. You can find happiness, elation. (Just scored winning touchdown.
                        b. Solomon's vain pursuit for satisfaction.
        C. God's hand means strength. (vs. 28.
                1. In many trials it was only His hand that sustained me.
                        a. My strength and resources were gone.
                2. Joseph's bow abode in strength.
                3. Have you ever been in a place of distress and fear? You wonder, "What can 
                   I do?" Then suddenly feel the presence of God.
                        a. The tension and strain leaves and a beautiful peace and confidence
                           comes.

Il. HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE HAND OF GOD ON YOUR LIFE.
        A. "The Lord is with you if you'll be with Him, and if you seek Him."
                1. We must come to God and ask Him.
                        a. God comes to you only by invitation.
                        b. He will not intrude uninvited
        B. "Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord." (vs. 10.
                1. Our hearts are prepared through quiet times of study.
                        a. The Word of God prepares my heart for the work of God.
                2. Quiet times of prayer prepare me for the work of God has for me to do.
        C. Take time out for your busy lives to cultivate and develop your relationship with
           God.
                1. Quiet time while you wait on Him will be the best spent time of the whole
                   day.