“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”

Gilbert K. Chesterton

Nehemiah 8:1-111 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.4 Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Nehemiah 8:1-115 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.

6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.

8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

Nehemiah 8:1-119 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."

How do we practice Neh. 8:10?• Pursue what is God’s joy

As I receive joy from the Lord, I will be strengthened!As I pursue what makes God joyful, I will be strengthened!

Nehemiah 8:1010 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

WHAT PEAKS GOD’S JOY METER?

A.

Luke 15:77 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

B.

Luke 15:1010 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

when the lost is found

WHAT PEAKS GOD’S JOY METER?

A.

Hosea 6:6 NLTI want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.

B.

Hosea 6:6. MSGI'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know GOD, not go to more prayer meetings.

when the lost is foundwhen we seek a relationship with Him

Jeremiah 9:24 NLT24 But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!

WHAT PEAKS GOD’S JOY METER?

A. B.

when the lost is foundwhen we seek a relationship with Him

When you find God’s joy, you find strength!

“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”Gilbert K. Chesterton

THREE THOUGHTS ABOUT JOY

1. The Spirit & Word of God are two primary means by which the “joy of the Lord” is conveyed to men

Psalm 119:111 I have taken your unchanging word as an eternal heritage; for it is the joy of my heart.

Jeremiah 15:16As your words came to me I drank them in, and they filled my heart with joy and happiness because I belong to you.

THREE THOUGHTS ABOUT JOY

1. The Spirit & Word of God are two primary means by which the “joy of the Lord” is conveyed to men 2. Joy serves as a source of guidance

2 Corinthians 5:99 Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him

What gives God joy? What grieves God?

Ephesians 5:1010 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord

Hebrews 13:2121 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

THREE THOUGHTS ABOUT JOY

1. The Spirit & Word of God are two primary means by which the “joy of the Lord” is conveyed to men 2. Joy serves as a source of guidance

3. Don’t let your life get absorbed into all the counterfeit joys.

The joys of this “world” is like a bottle rocket!