Happy Thanksgiving church family!
Our reading in Nehemiah 12 is very fitting for today. It's cool how God put that in order.
Scripture
Nehemiah 12:43
"And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away."
Observation-What does it say?
The people of Jerusalem were rejoicing as they were dedicating the wall of Jerusalem to the Lord. Their joy was founded upon the fact that they knew the Source responsible for their rebuilt city.
In addition to the verse I chose (vs. 43), the words thanksgiving and praise could be found numerous times in this chapter.
-....songs of thanksgiving (vs. 8)"
- ...to give praise and thanksgiving (vs. 24)"
-...to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. (Vs. 27b-28)"
-"I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. (Vs. 31b)"
- "The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; (vs. 40a)"
-...there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. (Vs. 46b)"
Understanding-What does it mean?
They didn't keep their joy to themselves.
Because they knew their Source of victory in rebuilding the wall was God, they took every opportunity to praise Him and dedicated the wall to Him. Their rejoicing in the Lord could not be ignored and was heard publicly, or as vs. 43 says, "could be heard far away."
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17 NIV
Let us take time today to thank Jesus for His blessings in our lives. Thank Him for His promises, His providence, His grace and salvation. Thank Him for being unchangeable and constant. Thank Him for being faithful and loving. Thank Him for always wanting the best for us. Thank Him for His loving discipline and even trials that have strengthened our character in Him (Hebrews 12). Thank Him in advance for the victory we have in Him! Just take time to praise and worship Him today!
Dear Jesus, we praise and worship You today! As we set aside this day called Thanksgiving and remember the physical things we are thankful for, may we remember You first and foremost. Our faith and lives would not be possible or even matter if it wasn't for Your love and salvation. Every good and perfect gift comes from You alone. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
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-Michelle Gaddi
