This day is holy to the LORD and I am celebrating Him.

Today’s Scripture: Nehemiah 8:9-10, 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. 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!”

Our God and His law are amazing. We must continue to study His law and trust it. We must gather with wise teachers who can open our eyes to new insights. Yesterday I wrote on Nehemiah 8:10 and updated a writing that I have posted online four or five times over the past eleven years.

This morning I am right back there and found God’s Word to be new and true with insights I haven’t noticed over a lifetime. First of all, let me clear, I am most likely the most sinful person experiencing these words right now. Seriously, I was amazed this morning as I sought after God and laid my sins and confessions before Him I was willing to accept His correction and removal of my sins. I was also amazed that the Holy Spirit was there with me. It was undeniable. How can You be so faithful LORD when I am not?

Then I came right back to where I was yesterday in Nehemiah and I have done just as it was instructed those people in that day. Here are some affirmations I have captured just this morning:

I am still in God’s holiness. (Consider the noun and verb of still)

I rejoice greatly because I understand the words declared to me.

God, I have heard Your words and I understood them.

I celebrate with great joy the hearing and understanding of God’s words.

I give attention to the words of the Law.

I go over the law in greater detail.

I study the words of the Law.

I gather with my Ezra to gain insight into the words of the Law.

I am gaining insight into the words of the Law.

I am discovering new things by studying the Word.

I am faithful wherever I am.

I am finding unexpected things written in God’s Law.

As I study God’s Law I discover new things.

I am proclaiming and spreading what I have found in God’s law.

When I live out the new things I find in God’s Law my joy is very great!

I am filled with great joy when I do what God requires.

Enough said, study His Word. Do not cry in guilt and sadness in who you are but celebrate with great joy the Holiness of God who loves us, provides His Words and teachers to us, and continually teaches us through His Law.

Today’s Prayer: Almighty God, Holy God, I thank You for allowing us to celebrate You and Your holiness in spite of our fleshly shortcomings. My faith and my heart are with You Lord. Thank You for protecting me Lord, guard our hearts, guide us to Your Words daily so we may continue to learn new things that we can do to share Your great joy with others. Thank You for replacing sadness with joy and gladness. You do great things Lord so please let me go and tell others of Your joy and forgiveness to continue to grow in Your love. Amen