PRAYER PROMPT ••• I read from Nehemiah again today and once again, I am awed and amazed by God’s timing!
Nehemiah 8:12 says, “So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.”
This verse showed up today on the heels of a conversation about unbelievers assuming wisdom that doesn’t even make sense.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18-20, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.”
It goes back to what we’ve talked about recently – you can’t take a sentence or two from the Bible and think you know it.
You can’t take a verse without applying some context – whether the verses around it or historical / cultural timeframe.
It takes an investment of time and a heart that is earnestly seeking God to truly know the Bible.
Through the Bible, we know Him.
We understand His character and trustworthiness.
And like the people in Nehemiah, we can celebrate with great joy when we understand!
And when we understand, we hear God speak to us through His word.
And THAT is REALLY worth celebrating! (I love it when God shows up this way!)
Pray for God’s wisdom (especially before you read the Bible) and ask for His help in understanding who He is.
James 1:5-6a says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.”
Today, as you pray, ask God for understanding.
Ask Him to reveal Himself in Scripture and show you how amazing He is.
Ask Him for a soft heart so you can hear and accept His love.
