Monday August 28, 2006

Text for the Day -- Nehemiah 9:1-3
----------
Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were
assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with dust on their
heads. Then those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all
foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of
their ancestors. They stood up in their place and read from the book
of the law of the Lord their God for a fourth part of the day, and
for another fourth they made confession and worshipped the Lord their
God.

Devotional
----------
When Israel returned from exile they began to rebuild Jerusalem and
the temple. At one point all the people gathered to have a reading of
the Law of Moses. As the law is read, the people began to repent and
recommit to God. They were reminded of their chosenness to be God's
people as a revelation to the nations. God chooses for a purpose. The
Word of God renews that sense of chosenness and purpose. When your
zeal wanes, let God's Word renew you.

Prayer
----------------
Lord, May your Word keep me alive in your purpose for me. Amen