Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Israelites Confess Their Sins

Nehemiah 9:1-5
 
Nehemiah Chapter Nine covers the national confession of sin. The Israelites had recently completed work on the wall, which indeed was a victory for them. However, even then, the Israelites took on a posture of humility, and they spent six hours reading from the book of the law, and six hours in confession and worship – That’s literally 12 consecutive hours of spending time with God. For most of us, it’s hard for us to spend even 5 minutes in prayer/meditation with our Father in this fast-paced world. The following verses that follow communicate not only how Israel sinned, but who also God is and what He did for the Israelites.

Even though the Israelites rebelled, their bad behavior did not change God’s character. 
God is kind, and He was kind to them more than once. His Kindness won’t ever run out on us either, He keeps His promises no matter what our actions are. Though the Israelites suffered consequences from sin, God continued to deliver them and extend compassion to them. Remember that God’s love for us is much greater than ours could ever be for Him. 

 
Thought for the Day
Have you adequately spent time in confession and prayer with God today? This week? How have you seen God’s kindness to you despite your failures? 
Prayer
Father God, give us your wisdom, grace, and blessings to sustain the pressures of this world and stay the course; help us to be used as your vessels for the extension of your kingdom. Amen.
 
Adam T. Mathew
Dallas Mar Thoma Church, Farmer's Branch

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