Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 11 & 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The people were returning to their homeland.  The Jerusalem wall was rebuilt.  The temple was restored.  The city was prepared to be fully inhabited again.  God had fulfilled His prophetic promises and it appears the people learned the importance of obeying God.  The nation gathered and selected those who would live in Jerusalem.  The priests and Levites were organized to lead the people in their worship of God.  The Children of Israel gathered to dedicate the wall to the Lord.  They gave thanks to the Lord for all He had done.  This thought of giving thanks to God was often expressed in the Old Testament.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Being thankful is very important.  People who grumble and have a mentality that the world owes them a living are not happy people to be around.  Songs of joy and thanksgiving were often sung.  Learning to be a thankful person is a critical development of a person’s character.  I strive to give thanks to God.  He is very worthy to receive it.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the blessing of giving thanks.  In America we have a major holiday every November when we gather to give thanks.  That is very good.  We must also learn to give thanks the other 364 days of the year (365 in leap year).