May 22-26
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May 22 – Nehemiah 8:9-12 Just a thought: The people had not heard the Word of God in their lifetime. They realized how far they had fallen, and it made them weep. But catch Nehemiah’s response to their grief: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (8:10). Realizing what God is telling us is a cause for celebration. Understanding and renewed obedience is the best kind of joy. Don’t hang your head about the step you didn’t take yesterday. Rejoice that you get to take a new step today! Prayer: Lord, we celebrate with great joy, because we now understand the words that have been made known to us. May 23 – Nehemiah 8:13-18 Just a thought: They learned from the Word of God about the Feast of Tabernacles, a festival designed to help Israel remember what their ancestors went through during their 40 years in the wilderness. Doesn’t sound much fun, sleeping in makeshift houses for a week. But I love what Nehemiah says: “From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great” (8:17). Imagine if you apply this today: “Someone needs to serve communion. I’m in! They need a teacher for children’s church. Pick me! The homeless shelter needs a meal for 30 people ready in one hour. I’m on it!” Everything becomes joyful when your perspective changes. Prayer: Lord, may I get excited about every day ministry in Your Name. May 24 – Nehemiah 9:1-5 Just a thought: How did you spend your day? The Israelites spent 3 hours reading the Bible and then another 3 hours in confession and worship. Hopefully this will give some perspective your preacher goes longer than 30 minutes and you are convinced that you will never get a seat at Cracker Barrel at this rate. Prayer: Lord, we stand up and praise you, because you are from everlasting to everlasting! May 26 – Nehemiah 9:6-31
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Transcript of May 22-26
May 22 – Nehemiah 8:9-12Just a thought: The people had not heard the Word of God in their lifetime. They realized how far they had fallen, and it made them weep. But catch Nehemiah’s response to their grief: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (8:10). Realizing what God is telling us is a cause for celebration. Understanding and renewed obedience is the best kind of joy. Don’t hang your head about the step you didn’t take yesterday. Rejoice that you get to take a new step today!Prayer: Lord, we celebrate with great joy, because we now understand the words that have been made known to us.
May 23 – Nehemiah 8:13-18Just a thought: They learned from the Word of God about the Feast of Tabernacles, a festival designed to help Israel remember what their ancestors went through during their 40 years in the wilderness. Doesn’t sound much fun, sleeping in makeshift houses for a week. But I love what Nehemiah says: “From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great” (8:17). Imagine if you apply this today: “Someone needs to serve communion. I’m in! They need a teacher for children’s church. Pick me! The homeless shelter needs a meal for 30 people ready in one hour. I’m on it!” Everything becomes joyful when your perspective changes.Prayer: Lord, may I get excited about every day ministry in Your Name.
May 24 – Nehemiah 9:1-5Just a thought: How did you spend your day? The Israelites spent 3 hours reading the Bible and then another 3 hours in confession and worship. Hopefully this will give some perspective your preacher goes longer than 30 minutes and you are convinced that you will never get a seat at Cracker Barrel at this rate.Prayer: Lord, we stand up and praise you, because you are from everlasting to everlasting!
May 26 – Nehemiah 9:6-31Just a thought: This is a prayer to God. Look at how many times the prayer includes the words ‘you’ and ‘they.’ The ‘You’ is God. You are the Lord. You give life. You have kept your promise. You sent miraculous signs and wonders. Do we have to wonder who the ‘they’ are? They are the people of Israel. They became arrogant and stiff-necked. They refused to listen. They were disobedient. “But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God” (9:31). Yeah, I sound a lot like a “they.” I am really grateful for the “You” who showed me grace and mercy.Prayer: I confess my sins to you. I thank you for your great grace and mercy.
