S. O. A. P.
Here’s your 90 second AM devotional!
S-cripture:
Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
O-bservation:
Nehemiah, with the help of the Jewish exiles, had rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in record time with God’s miraculous protection. Once finished, Governor Nehemiah decided to have church. He brought in the priest Ezra to read the Book of the “Law of Moses” to the people from dawn till noon. He did this day after day. The Jewish people had not heard the law read aloud for years. They broke down and wept. Nehemiah said, “Get something to eat and drink and be happy. This is a Holy Day. The Joy of the Lord will strengthen you.”
A-pplication:
Israel had rebelled. They had been banished from their own “Promised Land.” They had been rich and now they were poor. Their families had been torn apart, and now there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel. The walls surrounding Jerusalem had been rebuilt. The Word was being promoted and Generosity was returning to their hearts, and it caused them to WEEP. It was a Happy–Sad Weeping. They were Happy that they were on the mend and Sad for what might have been. Have you ever been there? Are you there right now? Happy–Sad I mean. I say, Let It Go. God Forgives! Let His Joy be your strength today.
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
So many times I’ve failed and had those Happy–Sad tears come to my eyes. But today I will let Your Joy be my strength. I won’t waste my time thinking of what might have been; instead I will spend my time believing for what can be. Amen
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