SEP 03
September 3.
"And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Do not be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10
God loves to have us enjoy ourselves. He does not want us to be long-faced!
JOY is the ideal Christian life!
Of course we are to be sorry when we sin; but when we have confessed the sin, truly repented of it, and found mercy—we are to dry our tears—and rejoice! Why should we not be happy when God has forgiven us, made us His children, and assured us of everlasting glory?
But our joy must not be selfish. When we are prosperous—we should not forget those who are poor. When we are happy in our homes of love, with unbroken circles—we should not forget the families that are in sorrow. The good things God gives us—are not meant for ourselves alone. They are given us to be passed on. "It is more blessed to give—than to receive."
People who keep all to themselves, and consume the choice foods and sweet drinks in their own houses, at their own well-covered tables, never thinking of the hungry ones outside—are not the kind of children God wants them to be.
The very essence of Christian life—is unselfishness!