Direction

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.

But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces.  Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us.  They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please.  We are in great distress.
                    Nehemiah 8:8 and 9:36-37 NIV

The above verses can lead us to consider The Word of God' direction and the direction of mankind's self will. 

Nehemiah 8:8 explains that at the time of Nehemiah, reading from the Book of the Law of God, or God's Word needed to be explained to be understood.  At that time, there were rabbis or teachers to explain the Word so that it could be understood. 

Today, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit in addition to our pastors, other teachers, and other study helps to explain the Word of God so that it can be understood.  However; by mere human understanding, the Word of God in its depth and value is difficult and impossible to fully discern and understand.  God's wisdom and understanding  is so much greater than our wisdom and understanding that we need to rely on the Spirit to lead us to the meaning and message that God intends for us at any given moment. 

The Word of God truly is alive and as such it meets us where we are in our journey.  As such, different meanings and values surface when we read the same passage at different times. 

God gave his Law, Promise, Plan, and Guidance to the Israelites.  As a result of the Israelites sin by not following Gods Law, Promise, Plan and Guidance: We read in Nehemiah 9:36-37 of slavery in the land God gave their forefathers and an abundant harvest going to kings who "do as they please," with the Israelites bodies and cattle.  Also as a result the Israelites were in "great distress."  Remember in Romans 6:23 it is stated that the wages of sin is death.

Now with the New Covenant, with the work of Christ, with the gift of the Holy Spirit; we need to as Peter stated in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit is our helper, our guide, our director to point us to Christ, to intercede for us when we do not have the words to pray, to give us understanding of what we read in scripture and to provide Spiritual Gifts.

How do you prepare yourself to read, understand, and apply the Bible in your life?

Do you, through prayer, seek God's direction, will and kingdom?

How do you ask the Spirit to illuminate the areas in your life that need to be cleansed and for the strength to repent?

Pray.

In Christ,

David P