Joyful (Photo credit: Amydeanne)
Reading in Nehemiah 7-8, the wall around Jerusalem was finished but the safety of the city depended more on the inhabitants than upon its walls so God put in Nehemiah’s heart the desire to start the process of returning the exiles to the city.
Once they had settled in, the people assembled together for the reading of God’s Word. They all prayed before the reading and instruction was given during the reading so that it would be understood; therefore applied in their life. As a result of the people’s understanding of the law, they celebrated with great joy for eight days; feasting, reading God’s Word, and proclaiming it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem.
As explained in today’s passage, each day with God can be amazing because we have a chance to study God’s Word and pray. Always remember that prayer is our greatest power because we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answer.
Related articles
- Pray and Prepare (shilohrestoration.org)
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Sunday’s message included reference to Nehemiah and due to following your blog I was familiar with the passage used. The point was that the job was accomplished “one tree at a time” or more accurately for Nehemiah ‘one brick or stone at a time.’ It was also noted they worked side by side. The community that evolved as a result, the sense of unity and brotherhood/sisterhood created what you refer to here. There is comradery and joy in the accomplishment. There is rejoicing in the continual presence of the Spirit of God that is seen in the spirit of each individual. There are plans here for renovations to the church building that is requiring corporate assistance, physically as well as financially. The structure is also used as a school chapel. This passage from Nehemiah was definitely applicable and met the goal of encouragement. We have been reminded when we face the magnitude of a task to do two things; one, remember what the Lord has already done for us ( as in the stones removed from the water that was crossed and placed for a memorial), and focus only on ‘one stone at a time’ with the Lord’s assistance. I appreciate your posts.
Thanks for sharing Gracie. I love it when people pull together in God’s work and with His help accomplish more than anyone could have imagined.
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