Introductory Thoughts
The world is filled with all sorts of time-saving devices, but mankind seems to have less time for important matters now than ever before. In Nehemiah chapter 9, the children of Israel found themselves in serious need from the Lord. They “were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them” (Nehemiah 9:1). They “separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins” (Nehemiah 9:2). As part of their efforts to get the Lord’s attention, the children of Israel “read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day” (Nehemiah 9:3). This would have consisted of a minimum of three hours spent in the reading or hearing of the words of God. Imagine the difference in people’s lives and the overall church today if we got that serious about God’s word.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): To study the Bible means to examine it closely. God wants us to study His word (2 Timothy 2:15). Ask questions and have someone read the Bible answers. For example, what does the Bible say about dogs? Why did David use a slingshot to kill Goliath?
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(For everyone): Do you spend quality time in your Bible? Do you have a Bible reading plan that causes you to rush through in order to meet a quota? How much profit do you get by rushing through the Bible with little attention?
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When is the last time you spent several hours in your Bible? Do you ever listen to the Bible being read, or have you read the Bible together with family or friends?
Prayer Thoughts
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Ask God to give you more time in His word.
- Ask the Lord to help you see the importance of His word.
Song
“SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES,” SAITH THE LORD
