September 19
Nehemiah 7:4-8:12
In our current Bible reading schedule, the One Year Chronological Bible, it is stated that if you spend 15 minutes daily you can get through God’s Word in one year. Many prefer devotionals over the actual Word. You know, a few verses and a lot of discussion from the author or pastor. In Calvary Chapel which features line by line teaching the pastor generally will cover anywhere from a few verses to a chapter over the course of 30 - 45 minutes which includes explanation and anecdotes to help those in the congregation understand. In most mainstream churches, for instance the Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant denominations, most of the service is taken up by the liturgy, with approximately 15-20 minutes for the readings and the sermon. I mention this because the actual Word of God is essential. It is what assists us in our relationship with God above all else. Yet, most find it a bit onerous to make it through, or commit to 15 minutes per day. Many daydream when it comes time for the message or sermon at church. If we are to be in relationship with Him, we need to hunger for His Word as we embrace Him and derive direction for our lives. This can not be stuffed into one day, this must be our daily bread (every day).
We read in Nehemiah 8:2-3, “ So on October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.” Notice this was pure Scripture. There was no editorializing and no anecdotal stories to spice it up. Did they daydream? No! We read the response in 8:6, “ Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” After this very long reading of the Word, then the Levites came in, as we read in 8:8, “ They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.” We see the conclusion of this day in 8:12, “ So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.”
There was great joy that day for the people spent a beautiful day with the Lord, and rejoiced at getting to know Him better. How about us? We shove so much into our days, that more often than not, most choose not to read, others rush it in for they feel it is the “right” thing to do, while others spend most of their time reading what other people got out of the word. God’s Word is His personal love letter to you and me. He gave us 66 books. Each one is relevant. Each one adds more so that we can further our relationship with Him. He doesn’t force us to do this, but He offers us His Word and His time. Can there really be anything more important or worthwhile than some one on One time with our Creator? If you have fallen off the reading schedule, please jump back in. In less than one week we complete the Old Testament and embark on the New Testament. Allow your hearts to soar as Your Almighty God speaks to you through the pages of His amazing Word.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: