Bound with a Curse and an Oath

"In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it."
Neh. 9:38

"The rest of the people-priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand- all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord."
Neh. 10:28-29

"We will not neglect the house of our God."
Neh 10:39b

moved on from Ezra to Nehemiah. learning how passionate Nehemiah was about prayer and the pursuit of holiness. it rocks! in the verses listed above, the jews were making an agreement with the God of the universe that they would pursue holy living. they were confessing their inability to follow the law, yet confirming their faith to obey it with all their heart. they are also confirming their willingness to give their tithe for the sake of God the Father. it became a life-style change.

we say our world is so much different than it was in the days of nehemiah. but get this: they chose to not purchase from those who opened their booths on sunday. sunday is the sabbath, the day set apart for the Lord...the holy day.

the people came back to the Lord wholeheartedly. they had to make many adjustments, i sure. their boats were rocked, their normal lives was inconvenieced, but they became holy people again. Nehemiah led these jews back into a sacred romance with the Savior of the world. their first love became their heart's desire again. how cool is that?

Lover of my soul,
i love You. i am amazed at the way you opened up the way for me to enter into Your presence. i praise You for drawing me close to You, just like You drew these jews back into Your embrace. thanks for calling my name and having me respond with joy. i love the way You love me. i confess my inability to follow Your law completely. i've sinned and not done all You've asked me to do. Jesus, i pray for Your forgiveness. may Your Spirit dwell in me richly and may i find favor in Your sight. thanks for going before us to jasper to prepare our way. i trust that You've ordained this move.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Kaylen *Stacy *Tom *Susan