Scripture of the Day - April 21, 2012

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

The people had returned from captivity and rebuilt the city and now they were listening to God's law being read by Ezra. They were sorrowful and wept because they had turned from God and suffered so much for it. It was their own doing and they knew it; they and their families were taken captive, for 70 years, by the Babylonians because of their backsliding. But God, who's love for us is never-ending and oh so longsuffering, welcomed His people back with open arms. He forgave them and wanted them to celebrate their return. The people were pricked in their hearts and wept when they heard the words of the law, but God wanted them to be happy to return to Him.

No matter how far you have strayed from God, He will always welcome you back. He doesn't hold grudges and He is always forgiving. Once you have repented you can celebrate in His joy, for this is where you will get your strength to carry on.

Here is a quote I read somewhere...Do not dishonor your faith by always wearing a furrowed brow. Cast your burden on Jesus and receive the joy of the Lord for it's the joy of the Lord that is your strength.

~Mary Hynes~

Daily B.R.E.A.D.

(Bible Reading Enriches Any Day)

Today's Scripture reading - Judges 13 & 14, Acts 22 and Psalm 56
Tomorrow's Scripture reading - Judges 15 & 16 and Acts 23

For more information on Scripture of the Day, Daily B.R.E.A.D or if you just want to know more about Jesus, visit www.hopelighthouse.ca.

May the Lord richly bless you,
Kristi