Seize the Moment – Day 1009

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21
Dec '22

Seize the Moment – Day 1009

Posted on Dec 21, 2022 by admin in General |

21
Dec '22

The Gift of Joy!

Nehemiah 12

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, December 21.

 

Have you experienced a sad situation that was transformed by the gift of joy?

 

The first order of business Nehemiah attended to upon arriving in Jerusalem was to walk around the walls and survey their damage (Nehemiah 2:11-15). This is bookended with the dedication of those same walls, now repaired, in Nehemiah 12. Two great choirs were formed, and they walked opposite of one another around the walls praising God for the work that had been accomplished in restoring them (Nehemiah 12:27-43). The two choirs converged at the house of God, and the dedication ceremony climaxed in Nehemiah 12:43,
 
“and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.”

 

The Lord gave them joy, so they rejoiced! A situation that began with Nehemiah’s weeping and mourning over Jerusalem’s distress and shame (Nehemiah 1:1-2:10), was transformed by the gift of joy as Nehemiah led the people in celebration for not only the restoration of the walls and gates, but also of their spiritual vitality. Joy is a central expression of the people’s experience with God. Truly, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

 

When Paul was in chains for the gospel, he proclaimed in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Joy is a central expression of your faith in Jesus, no matter your circumstances. When Jesus faced his own death, Hebrews 12:2 describes of our Savior, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” Joy is a gift from God that compels God’s people to rejoice in their circumstances because we trust that God will transform them for His glory.

 

Seize the moment and receive “the good news of a great joy” through faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 2:10) – “in Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11; cf. John 15:11; 16:24).

 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

Videos are posted about a week after the devotion appears in the blog.

 
 
 

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