Party Time

Nehemiah 8-10

Welcome to the big party.  In chapter 8 the Word of God is read to the people and it reveals to them the sinfulness of their lives.  They begin to mourn, but Ezra and Nehemiah command them to eat drink and be merry “for the joy of the Lord is your strength”.  What does this mean?  When we are sincere in our desire to live in a relationship with God, He continually reveals to us our need for Him.  This in turn does not produce a religious us.

“O Lord, open my lips

That my mouth may declare

Thy praise.

For Thou dost not delight in

sacrifice, otherwise I

Would give it…

The sacrifices of God are a

broken spirit;

A broken and a contrite

heart, O God, Thou wilt not

despise.

Psalms 51:15-17

What it produces is a person who is filled with gratitude and thankfulness because their life produces “the joy of the Lord”.   God finds joy in our lives being lived out in gratitude toward Him.

When we make God joy-filled, it’s time to party!!!!!!