Verse of the Day 11/27

 

Neh 8:10  Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."   New King James Version (NKJV)

You may not expect to find a Thanksgiving verse in the book of Nehemiah but in reading the verse I think that you can see how it is fitting.  Whether everything is going right or you are in the middle of rebuilding your life there is a need to stop and be thankful for what you have, how you've been blessed, count your many blessings, and give thanks.

 

Most of us will be following the prophet's advice and eating plenty of the choicest provisions that can be offered, the turkey and ham, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and a host of other delights.  The verse is also a reminder to be thinking of those who do not have family members in the area, to remember those who may not have the "choicest" provisions and do what you can to share with them, to celebrate and to give thanks together.

 

That kind of giving, that kind of sharing, that kind of gratitude of thanks and praise are part of what being a Christian is.   J.I. Packer writes, "Christian doctrine is grace, and Christian conduct is gratitude. "  Christian conduct would include giving thanks on Thanksgiving, but true Christian conduct is grace that shows in our gratitude and our actions 365 days a year.

 

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Neh 8:9-12  The Message

 

Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, "This day is holy to God, your God. Don't weep and carry on." They said this because all the people were weeping as they heard the words of The Revelation.

 

He continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!"

 

The Levites calmed the people, "Quiet now. This is a holy day. Don't be upset."

 

So the people went off to feast, eating and drinking and including the poor in a great celebration. Now they got it; they understood the reading that had been given to them.