Thought for November 14

 History:

• 1666: Samuel Pepys reports on first blood transfusion [between dogs]
• 1732: First professional librarian hired in US--Philadelphia
• 1832: First horse-drawn streetcar debuts in NYC
• 1851: Moby Dick first published in US
• 1883: Treasure Island first published in book format
• 1888: USC Methodists play first football game [now the Trojans]
• 1889: Nellie Bly begins copying Phileas Fogg's journey around the world in 80 days--she makes it in 72
• 1908: Einstein presents quantum theory of light
• 1935: Nazis deny Jewish citizenship rights
• 1960: Ray Charles "Georgia on My Mind" hits #1
• 1968: Yale announces it will be coeducational
• 1970: Marshall football team killed in plane crash
• 1976: "Network" premiers
• 1993: Don Shula becomes NFL's winningest coach
• 2020: Covid infections reach 54 million
• Born: William of Orange, Robert Fulton, Claude Monet, Leo Baekeland [bakelite plastics], Nehru [1st Prime Minister of India], Mamie Eisenhower, Aaron Copeland, Dick Powell, Joseph McCarthy, Barbara Hutton, PJ O'Rourke, King Charles III, Condoleezza Rice, Curt Schilling, Jan Thrailkill
• Died: Booker T Washington, Johnny Mack Brown, Eddie Arcaro, 

Thought:

Reading Nehemiah this morning and focused on a verse we all know and that I have underlined in my Bible--8:10--the joy of the Lord is my strength. Often we read this verse and thank God for giving strength to us in our weakness. For lifting us when we are downcast. Today, read with me again chapter 8.

• The people asked Ezra to read the Law of Moses. The wall of Jerusalem had been completed despite challenges from within and attacks from without. Now the people gathered and asked for a reading of the Law. Almost sounds like living out 2 Chronicles 7:14--the people are humbling themselves and seeking His face. Today, imagine what would happen if our leaders were asked by the people to read us the Word of God. Sadly, we can attend church services at some places and never hear the Bible or hear it referenced. Tragically, our leaders often begin their speeches with "I believe" [their opinion] rather than with God says [the truth]. 
• Notice the audience---everyone who could understand [8:2-3]. This is not a theology class led by Ezra where only the intellectuals or  elite can comprehend. The word of God is simple, His commands are direct and short. I often hear people [and sometimes say to myself] "this is too difficult to understand, I can't get it." But then I look and see how simple the commands and promises of God really are--Love God with everything that is in you; love your neighbor as yourself; don't lie, steal, kill, envy. Honor your parents and keep the Sabbath. Now obeying is hard, but the commands and promises of God are not complicated or confusing. 
• The posture of the people--they stood to hear the word [8:5], they raised hands and said Amen to Ezra's blessings to the Lord [8:6], They bowed and worshiped [8:6]. The people listened for hours [early morning till noon] [8:3], and they wept [8:9]. How do I respond to hearing or reading God's word? Do I stand in reverence? Do I listen and read for hours [no, I look at my watch when the pastor goes over 20 minutes or my lunch reservations are approaching]. Do I fall on my knees in repentance and sorrow at my sin and weep? This passage convicts me because the hearing or reading of God's word should have a real impact on my mind, my heart and my soul. The word is sharp, opening and revealing our hearts and minds. When I really hear the word and then apply it to my life, it should cause me to change my thoughts, attitudes and actions. 

In the morning I want to consider why Ezra told the people not to mourn, go and celebrate, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 

Blessings

Larry