Praising

O. T. #1068  "Praising"
Sept. 26, 2017
Nehemiah 9


LET IT GLOW

Thank you for your prayers. My husband made it through knee surgery and now for the painful rehab.

Two days after the festival in chapter 8, the Israelites assembled together, fasting, dressed in sackclothes, and ashes upon them, a sign of mourning, ad separated themselves from all unbelievers. In their worship service, the Jews read God's Word for 3 hours, then spent 3 hours confessing their sins. The Levites led their worship, praise, and prayer The were divided into 2 groups, calling  the name of the LORD.

The Israelites sought God through praise and thanksgiving. They praised God for:

1. His supremacy-He is eternal, Creator, and His name is to be exulted above all, or He alone is God. (verse 5)
2. His creation-He made the universe, heaven and earth, and all therein. (verse 7)
3. for choosing Abraham and calling him for such a great purpose; he had a faithful heart, receiving the covenant of the Promised Land and for his descendants. God kept His promises. (verse 8)
4. for delivering His people from Egypt's slavery by diving the Red Sea and drowning the Egyptians. God made a lasting name for Himself.(verses 9-10)  Also, for guiding His people through the wilderness. (verses 11-12)
5. giving the Law and the Sabbath through Moses. (verses 13-14)
6. His provision of food and water. (verse 15)
7. forgiving the sins of a proud, stiff-necked, and disobedient people. (verses 16-18)
8. sustaining His people as they walked toward the Promised Land. (verses 19-23)
9. strength and power to conquer their enemies. (verses 24-25)
10. His mercy and forgiveness, despite continued and persistent backsliding. (verses 26-29)
11. His prophets and their warning to repent. (verses 30-31)

[Resource:The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible]


LET IT GROW

The prayer of the Israelites reached in our directions, spanning history from creation to their present day and even looking into the future through:

• praise and adoration (verses 5-6)
• thanksgiving for all God did in their past (verses 7-31)
• looking at their present situation and petitioning the Lord (verses 32-37)
• commitment to future obedience (verse 38). (Swindoll)

We will take a closer look at all of this example written down by Nehemiah. What a heart bent toward God he had as he spiritually led his people. So man lessons for us are found in this chapter.
Will we let god teach us His ways
Will we surrender to them?


LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, teach me Your ways and Your Word to live by and share.
Open my heart to hear from you.