“As Ezra read from the scroll, Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites went among the peopleand explained the meaning of the passage that was being read. All the people began sobbing when they heard the commands of the law. Then Ezra the priest, and I as governor, and the Levites who were assisting me said to them, “Don’t cry on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God—it is a time to celebrate with a hearty meal and to send presents to those in need, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad!” (Nehemiah 8:7-10 The Living Bible)
This is you Monday Short meditation! Sunday, the word of the Lord was read and explained at the church you attended. Today is a new day! Yesterday, you said your “Amens” repeatedly. You bowed your heads and worshipped the Lord. Right? Well, in the event that you were convicted, convinced, or caused to see that you had not always done according to the preached word, don’t be sad! Don’t sob! Do as Nehemiah instructed the people in the text above! Celebrate! Our God is gracious, merciful, and forgiving. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Let the admonition in the text speak to you. Serve the needy in some fashion! Revel in the joy of the Lord! He is your strength!
What is in the past is in the past! Go forward with the strength of the Lord! His strength will propel you upward toward higher heights on the mountain of sanctified living. Forget the bad and look to be better! Be focused on the goal in the same way as the Apostle Paul describes his focus in the closing verses. Have a great week! Be blessed!
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (Philippians 3:13-14 The Message Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
I literally saw myself rising when I read, “His strength will propel you upward toward higher heights on the mountain of sanctified living.” Oh how glorious is his word. His almighty word is everlastin and so powerful that I feel His strength working within me. Thanks be to God for His mighty word.
Bless you for the encouragement Pastah! Moving forward!
Bless you for your response! I hope more our reading!