GOD'S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Scripture Reading--Nehemiah 8:1-12
Observe how God's people respond
to His Word as a result of revival.
God brought Nehemiah back to Jerusalem to supervise the rebuilding of the wall of that great city. The people were in reproach and great affliction. "The wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire" ( Neh. 1:3b ). It was a sad situation. In the process, they not only rebuilt the wall in a miraculous 52 days against unbelievable opposition ( Neh. 6:15 ) but also experienced a genuine revival. One of the most obvious indications of revival is an intensified hunger for God's Word.
Chapter 8 tells how this moving of God was evident. First, they requested the Word of God ( v. 1 ). Second, they read God's Word ( v. 3a ). Third, they received the Word of God ( v. 3b ). Fourth, they responded to God's Word ( vv. 5-6, 9 ). Finally, they rejoiced in God's Word ( v. 12 ). Because God was doing a reviving work, the Scriptures became a priority to them.
What place does God's Word have in your home? Most Christian families have lots of Bibles, but many fail to prioritize what God says. Your family needs to be founded on God's Word. It must be your final and absolute authority for everything. You also need to be grounded in the Word of God. You must teach it to your family daily to provide a solid, biblical foundation for them--one that can weather the most severe storms in life. And your family must also be bounded by the Word of God.
Let God's Word set your family's spiritual boundaries. Never forget, God's Word does not merely contain God's formula for success; it is God's formula. Jeremiah 15:16 says, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts."
APPLICATION: Discuss ways you and your family can make God's Word you priority. How can God's Word help you be successful?
--Jack Palmer--
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