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Friday, August 14th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Nehemiah 7:73-9:21
1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 21:11-12
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1uuQB4g
Commentary from Pastor Mike White:
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.” – Neh 8:10
There is a time to weep, and a time to be joyful. Nehemiah and Ezra gathered the people of Israel together to hear the word of God in a corporate setting. The people wept when they realized how far they had strayed from God’s design. Yet God instructed them to celebrate and be joyful instead!
This tells us something about what corporate worship should look like. When we are alone with God’s word, there will be times when we will be convicted. But when we’re gathered to worship God together, it’s time for joy! Corporate worship should be a joyful time with much celebration and praising God.
When you give your life to Christ, you are saved! There is so much more to rejoice in, than there is to be afraid of. There is so much more to be grateful for, than there is to regret. No, you’re not perfect; but Jesus is! That is something worth celebrating.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for joyful corporate worship! Your joy is my strength. Help me to worship my heart out whenever I come together and worship with my church family!
© Michael D. White, 2015. All rights reserved.