WEEK 3, DAY 18: Understand
Understanding is Essential by Bridget Kehrt-Groce, CFR
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 8
Information is incredible and we live in an age where it is plentiful. But if you are unable to understand what is being communicated then it can be overwhelming, confusing, and even result in alienation.
This crowd gathered to hear the scribe Ezra read the word because they didn’t have their own personal copy to study. It was a significant day, this was the Jewish equivalent of New Year’s Day. In addition to gathering they stood for 5-6 hours at time to show their honor for the word. Ezra read and explained the word and people responded by lifting their hands and affirming what they heard. They were not there to be spectators, they chose to join in. Take a moment to reflect, when is the last time you have been part of a crowd that responded with such intentional honor when God’s word was read? Wouldn’t that be wonderful if every time scripture is heard God’s people actively agree.
UNDERSTAND HIS HEART
Getting together to study God’s word strengthens us. God’s word must enter our heart, intersect our values and release life changing power. The more we know God the more we understand his heart and his character. We also are able to understand who He created us to be. He is an all powerful God, that uses us to display His wonder and ways. One of the by-products of confidence is joy. Verse 8 lets us know that joy of the Lord is where strength comes from.
Are you actively involved in a group study of God’s word? More than ever we need to know His timeless truths so that the challenges we face can be shifted with Kingdom resolutions. Find your people,meet regularly and watch your understanding grow. Make the commitment to God’s values being the lens for your life, because what we focus on magnifies.
PRAYER ( Derek Gregory)
Thank you that you don’t leave us in the dark about who you are and what you are doing, but that you have revealed yourself and your will through the Bible, your sacred words to us. Lord, open up our mind to help us to understand the Bible. Open our eyes to see the truth in your instructions. Give us understanding so that we can know you better. God we ask for insight so that we may grow in knowledge of you. May we have discernment to help us understand what we read.
The Bible says that the revelation of your word brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced. Please reveal things to us as we read, and help us to learn and understand so that we can do what you say and be what you want us to be…not out of obligation or rule keeping…but out of love.
Let your Holy Spirit guide us into the truth, reveal things to us from your Word, and explain spiritual truths to me. Thank you God for the clarity, encouragement and hope your Word brings. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.”
