A short reflection from the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah Chapter 8:

When the walls of the city had been rebuilt. The Book  of the Law was brought out. Ezra and the priest read it day and night, explaining its meaning to the people.

The Book of the Law was about God’s instructions for the people, as from our scripture verse Luke 10 verse 27, the Law explained how we are to love God.

We are to love God because He first loved us, and it is not just a religious observance of Love, it is a life changing love, that bring Glory to Our Lord, Our Redeemer and Our Friend. and display Him, to a lost and doubting world.

On hearing the Word being read, the people in Nehemiah, began to weep because they were so powerfully moved by the Words of God’s Book. Conviction, but God’s conviction isn’t for our punishment, it is to show that no matter how hopeless we may feel, He has made away for us. John 3 verse 16:

Nehemiah and Ezra told them to stop weeping and start rejoicing. When we hear and understand the great love God has for us, in His Word, we too should start rejoicing.

The Joy of The Lord is our strength. It should be an expression of our faith. So when reading and hearing the Word, it is time to celebrate, because Our Lord Our Redeemer and Our Friend has plans for us all. Jeremiah 29 verse 11: Plans for our welfare, not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope.

James 1 verses 21 to  26 Hearing and Doing the Word. highlighting  verses 21 & 22:

Conviction V21: “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral fifth and evil excess, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you”.

To Joy of knowing brings action: V22: “But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves'”

The Joy of The Lord, is assuredly our Strength.

God Bless.

O F J.