Message from Darren Johnson, Development Director

"They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, 'Don't mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.' For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. …'Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!' And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, 'Hush! Don't weep! For this is a sacred day.' So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God's words and understood them." Nehemiah 8:9, 10-12


When these people heard the Word of God, it had a profound impact on their lives. They were grieved by the sin they saw when they looked at the Word of God. Sometimes when you read the Word of God, it shows you the sin that needs to be dealt with in your life. The neat thing about the Bible is that it does this in a gracious way. The Bible will point out your sin, but it doesn't say that God hates you; it says God loves you, and because He loves you, you should want to turn from these bad things and stop living this way. Change your way.

In order for us to grow, we have to understand the Word and be in the Word. In order for revival to happen in our lives, the Word of God has to be predominant in our lives. If the flames of out spiritual life are dying out, we need to get in the Word. If our spiritual life is weakening, we need to get in the Word!