Feeling Far Away From Jesus
After severe opposition, Nehemiah and company, through GOD's grace finished the wall in 52 amazing days. The city was secure, safe, and they were ready to start to build a community.
In chapter 7 Nehemiah lists all the men who returned back to the new city and their responsibilities. I know that these lists can be boring or dry at times, but GOD put these names in the Bible to honor them, so take some time to read over them, there are some neat names in there. At the end of chapter 7 we read how some families stepped up and gave tithes to jump start the city (7:70-72).
Chapter 8 tells how all 50,000 attended their first church service. The church service was lead by Ezra, see how these two books are intertwined? Ezra read from the Book of Moses, the Pentateuch (First 5 book of the Bible) and the people worshiped GOD.
Bringing the Bible Alive
The tithes that were given by the heads of families to help start the city were 370 lbs of gold, and 2,220 lbs of silver. Close to 4 million dollars in today's world (7:70-72)The Water Gate where they gathered to worship was by theGihon Spring. This gave them access to water (8:1).Did you notice the humility of Nehemiah? This was his desire to start the city, through GOD he built the wall, which allowed the city to thrive. But, when it was time to teach the people he did not take that role, it was not his strength. A great example of humility!
In verses 8:13-18 the people were celebrating The Feast of Booths or The Feast of Tabernacles.
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Scripture
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. - Nehemiah 8:5-6
Thought For the Day
I have heard, that the Bible is the most published book we have, but, on the flip side, it is the least read book we have. How SAD! We have this amazing gift from GOD, yet, most of us take it for granted. Take a look at how hungry the people were at Ezra's first church service.
They did not have publications of the Bible to hand out, they had to attend a gathering to hear the word of the LORD. When they heard the word they lifted up their hands in worship, then, fell face first to the dirt in humility. When they heard the word they were deeply convicted. Their dirt began to turn into mud. But, Ezra, the priests, and the Levites help the people see the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of GOD. Their sadness turned into joy and a celebration to GOD.
You have this amazing book that Ezra reads from (The first 5 books of the
Bible). Plus you have 61 more amazing books! When was the last time you Opened the Bible? A year? A month ago? Last week? Yesterday........ Never? If you want to have a relationship with the GOD of the universe, if you want to see HIM move powerfully in your life, it will NEVER happen if you do not Open the Book. Since I have started to read the Bible everyday.... twice a day, I have been blown away at the knowledge the Holy Spirit has given me. Once you experience a taste of GOD moving in your life, you are addicted. It is the most amazing experience you will ever experience.
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If you are not on a reading program we can suggest one. If you can't find the time to read everything on that program, that is OK, read what you can. If you fall behind do not try and catch up with your reading, just jump to the current day. The point is to spend sometime in The Bible...... Time with Jesus! If you do not have a Bible. Please send us a message on Facebook, it is a gift from GOD. No one should be denied this gift.
Closing Prayer
Dear JesusI love You Father for allowing me to just be me and to have a real, loving relationship with the God of the universe. I pray Father that if there is someone out there that I can touch with Your words or just a shoulder to cry on, that You will send that person my way and I pray the Holy Spirit wil intervene and give me the right things to say. Thank You for Your guidance and love. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
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