December 17
“The History”
Nehemiah 9
– Walter Ballou, Student Pastor
We often get caught up in the Christmas season filled with activities, parties, and events. Our attention is easily drawn to the busyness of such a meaningful time of year. Advent is a distinct reminder that pops up on our calendar, reminding us to take a step back and consider what really matters in our lives.
Read Nehemiah 9
Take a minute to stop and pray. Ask God to show you how our lifestyle and attitude are sometimes like God’s people in Nehemiah’s day.
Look back at verses 9-31. Make a list of God’s actions, man’s responses, and God’s responses to those. What themes stand out to you?
Our hearts often quickly forget all the ways that God has been gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Name a few ways that God has shown His faithfulness to you?
Fast-forward a few hundred years. Imagine the three kings crossing unknown lands because they had heard of a newborn baby wrapped in the arms of His teenage mom. They swore their allegiance to Christ while He was still an infant. They committed to Him, not to earn anything, but out of an overflow of hearts filled with awe and amazement of the grace of God.
The people in Nehemiah wanted to make a commitment of obedience to God, not to earn His love, but out of an overflow of trusting His steadfast love. As you read about the stories and promises of God during this Advent season, ask God to give you a heart filled with awe and amazement of His grace.
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