I don't like to think about it, but I may be a fair-weather Christian.

I don't mean to be, but the evidence points otherwise.

There are times I want to impact the world for the cause of Christ but I miss the mark big time when it comes to doing the work, such as Bible study, prayer and sharing my faith.

Recently I was reading about the Old Testament priest Ezra. He was able to affect his world in a mighty way by leading 5,000 Israelite exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem with the unprecedented support of the king of Babylon, a non-believer.

The king proclaimed that any Israelites who wished to go to Jeru-salem could go and, "Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel." Can you imagine that in our world today?

So, how did Ezra get to this point? In Ezra chapter 7 verses 9 and 10 we get a glimpse into the reason.

"(Ezra) had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him."

And "For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."

Ezra was able to change a nation and a people. One reason for this was that privately, in his own life, he chose to devote himself to the study and observance of the law of the Lord.

I can barely make myself do my daily devotions, which includes reading a few chapters in the Bible, and then journaling on what I learned and its application to my life.

I can find time to watch television or play solitaire on the computer but the really important activities of life I seem to only do if I have "extra" time. Why is that? It never fails that when I am in trouble or I am troubled that I run to the comfort of his word.

My fickleness must hurt him, or at least disappoint him, which hurts my spirit. But also, what mission or Godly assignment am I missing because I don't do the foundation work of biblical study, prayer and sharing?

Jacque Martin attends New Hope Christian Fellowship - Leeward. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.