From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, Sep 30, 2021 at 5:59 AM

Subject: 9-30-21 THOUGHTS

9-30-21   THOUGHTS  

1Tim 4:13   Until I come, give attention to the [public] reading [of Scripture,] to exhortation and teaching.

The movement of God’s WORD from PAGE TO HEART has always been important!  We are studying Ezra and the related Nehemiah in our Wednesday evening class.  It is an awesome time for God’s people.  They work so hard, they give so much...  Their excitement for God’s word just OVERCOMES THEM!  They stand and listen for hours!   We have a hard time understanding this level of devotion don’t we?  Try to picture yourself in this setting as you read.  In your mind, put your face to the ground as you partake of the glory of  God’s word!

Neh 8:1-11     And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the LORD had given to Israel.  2  Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 3  He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 4  Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael,  Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left hand.  5  Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6  Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7  Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8  They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.  9   Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law.  10  Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has  nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 11  So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."

My Prayer:
Melt our hearts O God, that we may know the powerful love that sustains us daily.  Thank you for bringing us to yourself in love.  Thank you for Jesus , and for blood and the resurrection and for promise.  May the good news of Jesus Christ be the outpouring of our lives.          

 In Jesus name            Amen