God’s Word Says….

Nehemiah 8:1-3 (AMP)
1 THEN ALL the people gathered together as one man in the broad place before the Water Gate; and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of both men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first of the seventh month.
3 He read from it, facing the broad place before the Water Gate, from early morning until noon, in the presence of the men and women and those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.

My Thoughts…..

I have really been touched by the life and work of Ezra. Very heartwarming and encouraging. A role model that I can follow and recommend. I was really touched by this whole chapter, but want to draw attention to just a few things: a). The people gathered as one (vs 1). I know that most of us meditating on this devotional may gather voluntarily to worship at least once each week, but friends I also believe that a major flaw that keeps many of our family and friends out of church, is the backbiting, gossip and disharmony they feel when they attend church. These folk gathered in complete harmony – as one – no personal agendas that would cause separation or disharmony! b). The people asked Ezra to read the Word of God. Thank God I worship with believers who are hungry after the Word of God, and I also thank God for the number of excellent teachers and preachers that expound on the Word – explains it in a way that we can understand. I feel like too often in our churches we find too much of ‘self-ology’ to truly allow the people to see Jesus and understand His teaching; and c). The Word was read for at least four hours – from morning to noon. I feel like way too often we have placed God in a box, and we are willing to give Him just so much of our time. We plan what time we want our crock pots to finish our lunch, or we plan with friends to meet us at a restaurant at a given time.

Challenge……

What if God was allowed to have His way with us in our church service, and our pastor was led to read the Word for an hour or more? What if we were led to go over and pray for that friend that we know might be facing many life challenges? What if we paid no attention to the clock and God moved so mightily that we wound up leaving about three hours later? Would you be left in the number remaining, or would you be one of the first to leave at the one-hour mark? Down in vs 14, we see where the people were reminded of some Godly practices they had forgotten. Wouldn’t it be rewarding to leave our church service with a few items on our personal to-do list, because we had either forgotten that teaching or at some point in our past had chosen to disregard it? Friends, when stuff like this start to happen, we will need to build larger churches, because the lost will want to see what is going on in our churches that is impacting our lives! Oh that God would work on the hearts of His people …. like you and me. Begin with church members/attendees, then through us, the lost will desire a change in their lives!

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, You know that we, Your people have generally become a poor excuse as representatives of Yours. I believe that You are saddened by the number of unsaved loved ones and friends who are totally turned off from the gospel, because of the hypocritical lives that we live. Please forgive me for my inconsistency and lack of Godly example that I may portray to my lost friends and family. These are the folk that know me best dear God, so please help me to be bold and consistent in my daily walk and talk. Please allow me to reflect Your teachings and Your ways in all aspects of my life. Please tender the hearts of readers so that they too might examine their hearts and seek Your help, as necessary.

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.