Week 09
Step 01: Pause and Prepare
Find a quiet place and quiet your mind. Pause. Take a couple of deep breaths. This biblical practice is taught throughout the Psalms. Hit the mute button on all the other voices in your life. Clear your thoughts so God's Word can fill them. If you feel like rushing past this part that's how you know for sure you need to do it!
Think upon our foundational scriptures, then go to Step 02.
"For the word of God is alive and powerful."
Hebrews 4:12, NLT
Remember you're about to encounter the living God in His living Word!
"...train yourself in godliness."
1 Timothy 4:7b, ESV
Our discipline to create time for devotions is essential. But it doesn't change our lives. It is God's Spirit alone that transforms us. Open your heart to God and read the scriptures!
Step 02: Read the Scripture Passage
Nehemiah 8:9-12, NLT
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.†For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!†11 And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.†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.
10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!†11 And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.†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.
Want to read today's passage in a different version? Visit Bible Gateway and choose your favorite!
Step 03: Answer the Four Questions
Grab your notebook and write down your answers to these four questions. It will help you engage with the text, process what God's Word is saying to you, and encounter God in your devotional time.
* If you find it difficult to figure out what the scripture passage is about we highly recommend getting a study bible.
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Question #1
What does the scripture say?
In your own words, what you think the scripture passage or story is about.
(Touch the dots for more questions.)
Question #2
What does the scripture say to me?
What do you feel the passage is speaking to you in regard to your life or current situation?
Need a little help? Click here.
Question #3
What do I want to say to God about the text?
What emotions and thoughts does the text create in you? Communicate them in prayer.
Question #4
What difference will this text make in my life?
In what way does this text help you live for God?
What is Nehemiah 8:9-12 about?
This short passage is part of the story of God's people, Israel, and their return and rebuilding of Jerusalem, their capitol city. The walls of the city have recently been completed and the laws of God are read as the people assemble together. As they hear the word of the Lord read they begin to weep because they realize there are commandments and laws they don't keep. But Nehemiah, and then the Levites, reassure and calm them. In the past they may not have been obedient, but moving forward they can be. And as they live in obedience they will experience the joy of the Lord and the strength it will provide them. So the people follow their leaders, the commands of scripture, and there is a great celebration and rejoicing among the people. For us, we can enter into this story as a way of examining our own. What level of obedience do we have to the commandments God has given us? Is there need for repentance and correction? If so, we can be assured that as we enter into obedience, although it may not always be easy, we can experience the Lord's joy and strength in our own lives. No matter what our circumstance.
