A. Text:  Ezra 7:8-10 - (ASV) - "(8) And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, 
            which is in the seventh year of the king.  (9) For upon the first day of the first 
            month, began he to go up from Babylon; and on the first day of the fifth month 
            came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
            (10) For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and
            to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances." 

       B. Ezra wanted to rebuild the temple and city of Jerusalem.

            1. Here they are returning to Jerusalem to undertake a very difficult job.

       C. Verse 9 - God's good hand was upon Ezra.

       D. In this lesson, I would like to ask the question, "How Can I Possess The
            Good Hand of The Lord," and see if we can find an answer from this text.
 

   I. EZRA HAD A PREPARED HEART  (Devoted Himself)

       A. Shows the power of Positive Thinking

            1. Proverbs  4:23

            2. Philippians 4:8-9;  (4:13, 19)

            3. Colossians 3:2

       B. Purity of heart is of great importance.

            1. Matthew 5:8 - (every Beatitude is about the heart)

                 a. Jesus dealt with the heart extensively.

            2. Matthew 15:1-20

  II. EZRA SOUGHT THE LAW OF JEHOVAH  (Study)

       A. Note the self involvement;  Motivation.

       B. Ezra had set his goal to know God's law.
   
       C. We too must seek to know:

             1. II Timothy 2:15

             2. II Timothy 3:14-16

             3. Hebrews 4:12

             4. Hebrews 5:11-14

       D. Seek it through meditation

            1. Psalm 119:97-104

 III. EZRA DID WHAT HE LEARNED ("DO IT") - PUT INTO PRACTICE
      (Observance)

       A. All the study in the world is worthless unless applied

            1. James 1:19-25

             2. Philippians 4:9

       B. Illustration:  Sermons -- instruction - but how many really apply what is taught.

  IV. EZRA TAUGHT OTHERS WHAT HE KNEW.

       A. Neh. 8:1-8.

       B. II Timothy 2:2

       C. Mark 16:15

       D. We must pass on what we know.

            1. One generation can make the difference between  destruction or
                preservation.

            2. Deuteronomy 6:4-12 - at home, school, play, etc.

   CONCLUSION:

       A. Do you possess the good hand of the Lord?

       B. Do you want to?

       C. Are you willing to make whatever changes necessary?