The Joy of the LORD is Your Strength

"And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10b

As you know, we are wrapping up the Old Testament this week and next, my friends.  Hard to believe we've come this far on our journey!  What a precious journey it has been.

Michael did a great job on Sunday of recapping our trek through the Old Testament with all its highlights, and our readings in Nehemiah offer us that opportunity once again.  Nehemiah 9, Ezra's prayer to God, recounts the key hightlights of God's work and faithfulness to His people.

So if your week has been busy and you haven't completed all your readings, might I recommend you at least read Nehemiah 8 and 9 for some very key chapters in our wrap-up as we segue into the life of Christ.  I don't know about you, but when I read these verses after this amazing journey we have taken through Scripture, I can hardly contain my rejoicing over all God has done for His people.  HIStory has so much more meaning now!

And if you need a little romance, suspense, drama and action-adventure this weekend, then enjoy the book of Esther.  Definitely a fave!  You could top it off by renting "One Night with the King" (then test yourself to see how astute you are as to how the movie strays from the actual biblical account).

"Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love...you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealth faithfully and we have acted wickedly."  Nehemiah 9:32a-33

"We will not  neglect the house of our God."  Nehemiah 10:39b