TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Nehemiah 8:5-18
The joy of the Lord is your strength. - Nehemiah 8:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the movie Chariots of Fire, Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell was asked to run a race scheduled for a Sunday. This would have been a violation of his Christian convictions and he refused, even though he was under tremendous pressure as a representative of his country in the 1924 Olympics. But what mattered most to Liddell was God’s approval. He ran, as he said, because God made him fast. “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” How could he dishonor God by working on the day set aside to worship the Lord?

The joy of the Lord was Eric Liddell’s strength, empowering him to stand firm in his convictions. The same faith and joy empowered Nehemiah in today’s reading. Under his leadership, Israelites had returned from Babylon and completed rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. To honor the occasion, the leaders organized a public reading of Scripture. Ezra the priest stood on an elevated wooden platform, not unlike a pulpit in that it helped with visibility and audibility. The people stood for the reading of God’s Word, a custom still practiced in some synagogues and churches today. The reading was no mere formality, but a time of teaching and instruction. In the absence of multimedia technology, Levites scattered throughout the crowd, “making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (vv. 7-8).

Though it was a joyful occasion, the people wept. Why? Because the Word showed them their sinfulness. They grieved at how they had grieved the Lord. Though the time for repentance would come (Nehemiah 9), on this day the leaders commanded the people to cease weeping and celebrate instead. God had brought them home from exile! The walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt! They were to rejoice in God’s presence, His many blessings, and this day of sacred national worship (v. 12). Their celebration developed into the rediscovered Feast of Booths (vv. 13-18). How they rejoiced to be able to put God’s commands into practice!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The body language in today’s reading maybe caught your attention. People stood up to show respect for the Law. They lifted their hands. They said, “Amen.” They bowed down with their faces to the ground. They said with verbal and nonverbal language what their hearts were feeling. We are familiar with actions such as bowing our heads, kneeling to pray, and clapping for joy. In your times of worship, how does your body language say what your heart is feeling? God is glorified by our full-body responses to His Word and work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 51
Restore to me the joy of your salvation. - Psalm 51:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Michael Wong, a chemical engineer at Rice University, has discovered a new way to clean up toxic waste—with gold dust. He combined gold with the metal palladium, then used the mixture to dust toxic chemicals. The dust broke down the chemicals into a gas that’s not harmful to the environment. His “gold detergent dust” could be used to clean up cancer-causing waste at 27,000 toxic sites nationwide at costs much lower than other methods. One day it might even be used to provide purified drinking water in developing nations that do not have enough.

Just as Wong’s gold dust cleans up toxic chemicals, in the same way God’s forgiveness purifies sin in our life. You might be surprised that Psalm 51, David’s well known confession of adultery with Bathsheba, is part of this month’s study. It teaches lessons about sin, repentance, and getting our hearts right with God . . . but joy?

The key is verse 12, which shows that confession of sin is all about restoring the joy of our salvation. In New Testament terms, we were filled with joy the day we trusted Christ and were saved from our sins. But when we sinned again and offended the very God who had saved us, joy dimmed, as well it should. Only confession and repentance can restore that joy.

In this psalm David prayed for his relationship with God to be restored. He had sinned—only God could give him a clean heart. He had yielded to temptation and disobeyed—only God could renew a steadfast spirit within him. He deserved to be cast from God’s presence, but pleaded for mercy. He had offended God and deserved punishment, but he put his hope in God’s unfailing love to forgive him (v. 1; see Isa. 43:25). As a forgiven sinner, he would be the best evidence and testimony for God’s lovingkindness. He would be a joyful messenger calling others to repent, be forgiven, and have the joy of their salvation restored as well.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God knew we would struggle with sin in the course of our Christian lives. Until He returns and we dwell with Him forever, it’s inevitable. He’s provided confession as a type of prayer and spiritual discipline by which we can repent, seek forgiveness, and enjoy a restored relationship with Him. Without Him, we would still be lost and spiritually dead. With Him, we have life and hope and joy, even when we mess up and think, say, or do things that anger Him. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15)!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 16:1-17
The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete. - Deuteronomy 16:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Chicago is the American city most in need of joy, at least according to a recent, unscientific online survey. Taken by the Mars Candy Company, the survey of nearly 350 American cities placed Chicago first, followed by New York, Houston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. As a result, Mars—maker of M&Ms, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, Dove, and Three Musketeers candy bars—in an effort to spread more joy, gave away 50,000 free samples of their candy bars on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on October 1, 2009. That induced smiles!

In today’s reading, the people of Israel received instructions to joyfully celebrate God’s blessings to them in three sacred festivals: Passover (vv. 1-8), the Feast of Weeks (vv. 9-12), and the Feast of Tabernacles (vv. 13-17). Passover celebrates the nation’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. No yeast is permitted in the Passover meal as a symbolic reminder of Israel’s hurried departure. The Feast of Weeks, also called Pentecost, marked the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and was a holiday of thankfulness for God’s provision and blessing. The Feast of Tabernacles was another harvest festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan. The people lived in small booths in order to remember and honor God’s provision during their long journey in the wilderness.

Specific historical events and the people’s overall relationship with God were involved in these joyful occasions. These were national feasts, not individual choices or even family traditions. All of God’s people were to gather together in obedience to His command. These were also times for worship and offerings, not just pleasure or leisure (though those were included). No work was permitted to be done, as that would have been a distraction. Celebrating was intended to draw the community’s attention to their blessings and the Giver of these good things. This completed the circle and so made their joy “complete” (v. 15; see John 16:24).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How can “celebrate,” “rejoice,” and “be joyful” be obeyed as biblical commands? We’re so used to thinking of joy only as a spontaneous emotion that it might sound as if we’re being told to force or fake a feeling. Instead, we’re being given a godly understanding of joy. Joy begins with obedience. And when we stop in obedience to count our blessings, like the Israelites in today’s reading, we realize that the Giver of blessings is also the Giver of joy. In this case, feelings follow actions!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:7-36
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place. - 1 Chronicles 16:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Following God’s instructions, Moses and the people of Israel constructed the tabernacle while camped at the base of Mount Sinai. When they set it up and moved everything inside, including the Ark of the Covenant containing the tablets of the Law, an awe-inspiring event occurred. The glory of the Lord descended with such power that Moses could not even enter. The people saw it as a cloud by day and as fire by night. It was a sign to them that God was present with His people and that He would bring them safely to the Promised Land (Exodus 40).

Joy is found when God dwells with His people, a truth rediscovered in today’s passage. The occasion for David’s joyful psalm in 1 Chronicles 16 was the return of the Ark to Jerusalem. God didn’t let him build a temple for it, but He did give him the privilege of bringing it to the capital city. Where had the Ark been? It had been captured by the Philistines in the days of Eli, and then returned to Israel after plagues broke out in the cities where it was kept. Israel was leaderless and the Ark ended up at a private home in Kiriath Jearim (see 1 Samuel 4-6). It remained neglected during the reign of Israel’s first king, Saul. But when David ascended the throne and made it a priority to lead the nation back to faithful worship of the Lord, the situation changed.

A great deal of planning and preparation went into this special day, including arrangements for facilities, offerings, musicians, Levites, and even refreshments (v. 3), not to mention composing this psalm. Just as in Moses’ time, joy is found in God dwelling with His people (vv. 10-12). When we truly understand His awesomeness, joy and rejoicing are natural responses from overflowing hearts (v. 27). In fact, all peoples and all of creation cannot but help declare our joy in His sovereign reign (vv. 28-33).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Much of today’s psalm consists of calls to praise the Lord for His many excellent qualities, not least of which is His faithfulness to His people (v. 15). When we gather for congregational worship and sing hymns and praise choruses, we are doing exactly what the Israelites did: praising the Lord for who He is and what He has done. Without Him, nothing can inspire genuine joy; with Him, joy is possible even in the worst of circumstances. Joy flows from worship—worship flows from joy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ezra 6:13-22
Then the people of Israel . . . celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. - Ezra 6:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Construction engineers in Warsaw, Poland, recently built a railway tunnel that was too small for trains to fit. This expensive and embarrassing mistake was discovered by building inspectors, whose measurements revealed that the roof was too low for real trains to pass through. Apparently, the fiasco was the result of a lack of communication between workers building the tunnel and other workers laying new track.

Thankfully, Nehemiah and his team were better engineers than that! For them and for all the people, completing their construction project within God’s sovereign plan brought great joy. While rebuilding the temple had been an obvious priority upon the Jews’ return to their homeland, they had also been preoccupied with survival issues, such as setting up homes and farms and raising crops. They had faced opposition or at least nosy oversight from governor Tattenai and the local bureaucracy, until Darius’s confirmation of the original decree opened the door to finishing the temple rebuilding project (v. 13). To tell the truth, the people had also been guilty of putting their own interests first, ahead of God’s commands, and this had earned them a famine (see Haggai 1).

But now, under the leadership of Nehemiah and others, the rebuilt temple was at last completed, and the people responded with joy (v. 16). Finishing the new house of God symbolized to them that He was again present with His people and that the covenant relationship had been restored. They were once again His consecrated, set-apart people. God had decreed and arranged it all, from the Exile that was His judgment on their sin to the imperial decrees that enabled their homecoming. Human kings thought they held the power, but it was God who ordered events and changed hearts to accomplish His will. The dedication ceremony included worship, sacrifices, instruction from Scripture, reestablishment of the ministry of the priests and Levites, and a celebration of the Passover feast. “The Lord had filled them with joy” (v. 22).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Committing our plans and projects to the Lord and seeking His gift of joy in their completion is always a good idea. According to Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Encouragingly, “ ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jer. 29:11). Our response: “My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices” (Acts 2:26).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:1-4
Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. - Philippians 2:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Everyone in China has a file of documents that comprises their official identity. They include university diplomas, grades, test scores, and work evaluations. Because of their value, they are locked up tight in government offices. But two years ago, the documents belonging to Xue Longlong “vanished,” supposedly lost when files were moved from one floor of a government building to another. He believes that corrupt officials sold the files to people looking for fresh starts and better jobs. Without a file, he has only been able to get positions serving drinks and selling real estate door-to-door. His fiancée left him, and his mother had a nervous breakdown. Many such cases of identity theft have been reported across China.

Fortunately for us, our identity in Christ is in safer hands, a truth undergirding today’s reading from Philippians, often called the “epistle of joy.” The “if” phrases in verse 1 are not really conditionals, because the conditions are not uncertain. “If” here serves as rhetorical device, more like “since” or “because.” We don’t need to think about whether or not we have “any encouragement from being united with Christ” or “any comfort from his love”—we know we do!

We also have fellowship with His Holy Spirit and a Christ-like ability to show compassion. Because we are united with Christ, we should be united in Christ, demonstrating a oneness of love, spirit, and purpose. We should not live based on pride and selfish ambition, but rather within the body of Christ we should be humbly putting His glory and others’ needs ahead of our own (vv. 2-4).

The hinge phrase is “make my joy complete” (v. 2). By living in a manner worthy of the gospel, the Philippians could bring joy to the Lord as well as to Paul. Their unity, humility, and selflessness would stimulate or fill up his joy, representing a kind of completion of his efforts to plant a church and disciple them as new believers.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Valentine’s Day is about love, which the world often represents as chubby cupids shooting arrows of romance into lucky people’s hearts. Love from a Christian perspective, however, is all about the humility and attitude of service found in today’s passage. What if we as believers made this holiday a day for expressing our love in Christ for one another? Perhaps one or more of our Valentine’s Day cards could be a “timely word” (Prov. 15:23) to a fellow believer who could use some encouragement.

[JesusPrincess]

HAPPY LOVE OF JESUS DAY EVERYONE!

No one can love you like Jesus can!   

[nChrist]

HAPPY LOVE OF JESUS DAY EVERYONE!

No one can love you like Jesus can!   :)

Amen! - So True!

I see this is your first post, so WELCOME!

I hope you enjoy Christians Unite, and I look forward to having fellowship with you.

Love In Christ,
Tom

"This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed." - Patrick Henry

[Soldier4Christ]

Another Amen for sure.

Hello and welcome to Christians Unite forums.

[JesusPrincess]

Thank you for the welcome everyone 

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Archaeologists in Syria recently unearthed what is believed to be one of the largest ancient Christian churches ever discovered there. At a dig in Palmyra, northeast of Damascus, they found the remains of a church building dating back 1,500 years. It included a small amphitheater and courtyard that may have been used for baptisms and other ceremonies. “Christianity came to Palmyra in the year 312, at a time when Christians had begun to build churches,” a local museum director told the press. “And this one is huge—the biggest ever found in Syria.”

As exciting as this piece of history is, it’s important to remember that the “church” is not a building. It’s people. In today’s reading, the Thessalonian church was a source of joy for the apostle Paul (2:19-20; 3:9; cf. Phil. 4:1). He had planted the church, and the believers there represented the fruit of his ministry (Acts 17:1-9). He was running his race in such a way as to win, and in a sense they were his victory “crown”—not for an ego trip but for one day glorying in the presence of Jesus (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27). Their Christian witness was his proof to present that he was a faithful and obedient servant, and knowing that brought joy and gladness to his heart.

Paul’s joy meant that he longed for them and hoped to visit them. There was an emotional warmth to their relationship. He also sent Timothy to check on their spiritual condition. He was to find out how they were doing and to encourage them, then bring news back to Paul. When Paul learned of their spiritual growth, he said, “Now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord” (3:8). He also prayed for them to grow in faith, love, and holiness (3:11-13). His joy in them focused not on what is temporal, such as trials and persecution, but on what is eternal.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul had a close and joy-filled relationship with the churches he planted. He took a strong personal interest in their spiritual well being and growth in the Lord. Other relationships are also often characterized by this kind of mentoring care and joy, including teachers and students, pastors and congregations, and parents and children. When we have the privilege of being involved in one or more such relationships, we would do well to invest in them as part of God’s gift of joy to us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 4
You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. - Psalm 4:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Eighth-century missionary Boniface prayed: “Eternal God, the refuge of all your children, in our weakness you are our strength, in our darkness our light, in our sorrow our comfort and peace. May we always live in your presence, and serve you in our daily lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen.

This is the prayer of a man who delighted in the Lord. David was such a man as well, and in Psalm 4 he taught us that joy is to be a constant dimension of the life of faith. How is this possible? Joy is not primarily a feeling we muster up, but rather it flows naturally from dwelling in God’s presence. In other words, cultivating a close relationship with the Lord brings joy, because He is the source and giver of all true joy.

In Psalm 4, David was in trouble, as seen in the four requests embedded in his invocation: “answer me,” “give me relief,” “be merciful to me,” and “hear my prayer” (v. 1). He looked to God for help, not because he deserved it but on the basis of God’s mercy and faithfulness. He knew that God does indeed answer prayer (vv. 2-3). No matter how far away He might seem, there is no excuse for turning to false gods. We must remain faithful (vv. 4-5).

In private, we should search our hearts and discipline our thoughts to follow truth. In public, we should keep trusting and not give up fulfilling our religious duties. Waiting for God to answer and act is difficult, but it’s no excuse for faithlessness. Doubt may be natural, but His blessing is supernatural and sure (vv. 6-7). The light of God’s face will shine on us again.

David spoke of joy filling his heart as if it were an accomplished fact, so much so that he closed his psalm with an announcement that he was going to bed (v. 8)! Because of God’s presence in his life, he wouldn’t lose any sleep over his troubles.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If we asked you for a mental picture for joy, probably the first picture that would spring to mind is not one of someone sleeping peacefully. But since that’s the picture David left us with, it’s worth our consideration. Hard-working Americans like to put up verse plaques in their homes that begin, “Unless the Lord builds the house . . .” But the very next verse reads: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Ps. 127:1-2).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 15:1-15
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. - John 15:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Americans have religious faith . . . sort of. A 2009 survey by Parade magazine found that 69 percent of Americans believe in God, 77 percent pray outside of religious services, and 75 percent believe parents should give children a religious upbringing. But 50 percent rarely or never attend worship services, and 24 percent labeled themselves “spiritual but not religious.” Only 12 percent identified their own religion as the one true faith, while 59 percent said all religions are valid.

Many Americans seem to be confused. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). And according to today’s reading, no one lives a joyful life of faith and obedience except by abiding in Him. Jesus taught this to His disciples “so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (v. 11). When we abide in Christ, joy also abides—His joy and our joy intermingle. How incredible that the very joy of Christ Himself can be experienced by us in our relationship with Him! Just as Christ’s joy flowed from obedience to His Father’s will, so too does our joy flow from obedience to Christ’s commands (v. 10).

Spiritual abiding is conveyed mainly through the metaphor of a vineyard (vv. 1-8). The gardener (God the Father) tends the vine branches, a care that includes pruning and cutting. How does He choose what to do? The criterion is fruitfulness, not in a business sense of profit, but in a spiritual sense of virtue and godliness. The vine (God the Son) is the source of that spiritual fruitfulness and life. The branches (believers) have only one function, to bear fruit, and only one way to do that, by abiding in the vine. If we are attentive to Christ’s words, they take root in our hearts and bring forth obedient prayers and other actions (v. 7). One specific and the supreme example of this kind of obedience is sacrificial love (vv. 12-13).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Those of us familiar with gardening know there’s a lot of hard work involved. One doesn’t plant squash and walk away, or smile at beans and tomatoes in passing, and expect fresh vegetables to grow. A garden needs water. It needs good soil. It needs us to get down on our hands and knees and pull some weeds. It needs us to keep an eye out for pests and take steps if any are found. Abiding in Christ likewise hard work takes commitment in order to cultivate this relationship.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 20
We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. - Psalm 20:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
In A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World, author Paul Miller offers six cures for cynicism in prayer. One is to “cultivate a childlike spirit”: “Cry out for grace like a hungry child. As soon as I begin simply asking for help, I have become like a little child again. I’ve stopped becoming cynical. Oddly enough, my prayer is answered almost immediately because in the act of praying I’ve become like a child. . . . Instead of critiquing others’ stories, watch the story our Father is weaving.” He goes on to identify a childlike spirit as one that interprets life through the lens of Psalm 23 and our Good Shepherd’s care for us.

In the life of the believer, answered prayer is a source of joy. Formally, Psalm 20 is a prayer of the king on the eve of battle, but more generally we can understand it as a petition that prayers for help to be answered. Like David, we can pray for God’s name to protect us, for Him to grant us support, for Him to remember our worship and come to our aid, and for Him to give us the desires of our heart and make our plans succeed (vv. 1-5; cf. Ps. 37:4). The assumption is that God is great, we are in distress, we need His help, and that He will give it. When He does so—given the occasion, the picture is of a battle won and victory banners raised—we will shout for joy!

When it comes to war, some trust in horses, chariots, military armaments, and the size of the army. Humanly speaking, victory depends on abilities and resources. But we don’t put our faith in such things. We trust in the Lord, who is sure to answer our prayers and save us. In the end, those who trust in chariots and horses end up on their knees, defeated and humbled, while we “rise up and stand firm” (vv. 6-9). The joy of answered prayer is joy in God’s power and love.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There are many good books available at bookstores or online to assist us with the spiritual discipline of prayer. One is the recent release mentioned in today’s devotion, A Praying Life by Paul Miller. Other excellent resources include A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Prayer Life by Bill Thrasher, and Hearing God’s Voice by Henry and Richard Blackaby. Those with a more historical bent might prefer The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 98
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. - Psalm 98:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Central and South America today, one of the most popular hymns among evangelical Christians is “No Hay Dios tan Grande,” or “There’s No God as Great.” The music features a Hispanic folk tune, while the lyrics celebrate the “mighty wonders” God accomplishes in guiding His church. “Not by our weapons, nor by our power, but by your Spirit we are led.” This song of joyous confidence is often accompanied not only by piano and guitars, but also by rhythm instruments including maracas and castanets.

In countless languages and circumstances around the globe, we Christians love to express our joy in the Lord through worship and singing! “Sing to the Lord a new song” has been the motto of generations of Christian musicians. The reason for our joy is God’s salvation (vv. 1-3). He comes to our rescue to demonstrate His power, reveal His righteousness, and reaffirm His love. “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (v. 3).

The sound of our joy is exuberant praise (vv. 4-6). Take a look at all the action verbs in this short psalm—sing, shout, burst into jubilant song, make music, shout for joy, resound, clap hands, sing together, sing before the Lord. Several musical instruments are also summoned, including harp, trumpets, and ram’s horn. We are given a mental picture of a congregation or mass choir, along with a worship band or orchestra, joyfully and energetically making music.

The scope of our joyful song is worldwide (vv. 7-9). In the psalmist’s vivid imagery, we see not only all nations joining together to praise the Lord but also all nature. The seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the mountains sing to honor their Creator. The power, righteousness, love, and justice of our God demand no less. As another psalm puts it: “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” (Ps. 47:1-2).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Making music before the Lord comes in many forms. Talented musicians audition for the choir or worship band. Others of us just put on a good CD and sing “joyful noises” in the shower. Gifted singers sing parts, the musical lines appropriate to their voices. Others of us just sing into the hymnbook so as not to throw our neighbor out of tune. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of talent, all of us can lift our voices to God, and He is honored and delighted by our joyful praises.