Today’s thought “Reading clearly” (November 20)

In our Daily Bible Reading for today November the 20th we have as first reading Nehemiah 8, were the people ask Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses (8:1). There was being read from the set apart scrolls, from the Law of God, not with a soft voice so that not to many would hear, but it was read clearly with giving the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

“ And they read in the book, in the law of God, {1 } distinctly; and they gave the sense, {2 } so that they understood the reading. {1) Or with an interpretation 2) Or and caused them to understand } (Ne 8:8 ASV)

When having faith in God there is no reason to hide your faith in Him. Trusting God and loving Him as a believer in God one is eager to come His Word, and want to read His Words as if it is a love letter from the most beloved. Real lovers of God should not be afraid to read the Words of God with a clear voice, so that many can hear. Ezra read the scrolls aloud from daybreak till noon before the Water Gate in the presence of the crowd. In his time he could find lots of people willing to hear what he had to say (Ne 8:3) Today that has changed a lot. To find attentive people for the Word of God is another matter. Like in ancient times we now do need people who would be willing to make things clear when they do not seem so for some. (Ne 8:7-8)

Not only in those times of Ezra the Word of God was proclaimed, and the people’s hearts were moved. Continuously throughout the years there have real lovers of God who went around talking about God and His Plan with the world. Like the fathers and the religious leaders of the Hebrew people were serious to gain deeper understanding of God’s Word, we need to spend time in the Word to grow spiritually. From their study, they not only learned about the Feast of Booths (also known as Sukkoth or the Feast of Tabernacles or Harvest Festival) as commended through Moses (Ne 8:14-15) but also took actions to build booths on their roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the squares by the Water Gate and the Gate of Ephraim (Ne 8:16). This weeklong festival reminded the people of God’s blessings through time of fellowship and sharing. Much too often people forget how God is interested in mankind and wants to be close to them. Too many people either do not want to see or know about the blessings they get in their life.

Giving eye and ear to God’s Word is a manner of showing thankfulness for God’s blessings. From reading the Bible and having empathy with the different characters, we can learn a lot but we also can come to live out obedience to God’s teaching, making us also to feel that fellowshipping with God and with one another brings joy to our lives.

All of us should know that we all can learn a lot from listening, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, and applying God’s Word. We all should bear God’s Word in our heart and let it shine through our witnessing, showing also to others how the Word of God can be a light for us all.

“ NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.” (Ps 119:105 ASV)

To create a community is like building a house. That demands thought and wisdom. But constructing something reliable demands also people working together, building in unison. Through understanding that what one wants to make is established. We also must remember that through knowledge the rooms of the house are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

“ Through wisdom is a house builded; And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge are the chambers filled With all precious and pleasant riches.” (Pr 24:3-4 ASV)

Our community needs sound Bible reading and reflection. We have to keep feeding it with God’s Word, day in day out.

Preceding

Assimilation of the mind to the divine ideas, principles, and affections exhibited in the Scriptures

Today’s thought “All the people were attentive” (November 20)

Today’s thought “Nourished in the words of the faith not falling away from the faith” (November 22)

Blessed the man who walks in the counsel of the godly

The Development of Differences