Looking Back

Read Nehemiah 8:1–10:39

1The people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. 2Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. 3They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God. . . . 10:28Then the rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to obey the Law of God, . . . 29solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the Lord our Lord.Nehemiah 9:1-3; 10:28-29
Think back to your childhood or adolescence. What is one lesson you have learned from that time? Get out a photo album if it’ll help. What guiding principle did you pick up from those earlier years?

The Israelites seem to have forgotten the lessons learned from their past, so they ask Ezra to read the Scriptures to them. As the Levites explain the meaning of the passage, the Israelites weep. Nehemiah reminds the people, however, that this is not a time for weeping but for rejoicing. Let this passage prompt you to reflect on the mighty acts God has done for you and the profound lessons he has taught you over the years.

Many prayers and speeches in the Bible include a long summary of Israel’s history. The summary of God’s work in Nehemiah 9:7-38 reminded the people of their great heritage and God’s wonderful promises.

Like the Israelites, we, too, should remember our history. Reviewing the past serves two purposes: (1) it helps us to avoid repeating the mistakes of our past and (2) it shows us the pattern of our spiritual growth. This process, therefore, can strengthen our faith as we remember how God has forgiven us for our sins, and how he has been working in us and through us to make us more like Christ.

Take time to reflect on your personal history, then thank God for what he has done in your life. Learn from your past so that you can live for Christ in the present and become the person God wants you to be in the future.

(Source: from my friend's {@catietan} devotional materials)

"**Learn from your past so that you can live for Christ in the present and become the person God wants you to be in the future.**"  Tonight I was reminded to look back and reflect on my life back then.  Yes, even to the point of going back to my younger years.  It is always a nice and feel good feeling to look back and see how God have carried me along the way to where I am right now.  I couldn't believe that I am still here standing (and yes steeming :-D) firm and doing well, by His grace and mercy, Amen :-)

I couldn't help some tears rolling down my cheeks whenever I look back, because I see how good and compassionate our God is to me and to all people out there.  I was so down and so low and of course, from time to time I still get lost, I still fail Him but His grace is sufficient enough for me to be worthy to approach His throne of righteousness.  Let us all be reminded to meditate on His word and always give Him the glory, the honor and the praise He truly deserves.

Thank You Lord for my friend's dedication to share her blessings to me through her devotion. :-)  



Thank you very much for your time and God bless :-)

I am @sashley a.k.a. shirleynpenalosa, a recipient of God's love, mercy and grace. ❤️

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Have a blessed Summer month of April 2018 everyone :-)❤️

I am forever grateful to God every day of my life for giving me everything that I need and praise Him all the more for not giving me everything I want. To God be all the honor, praise and glory ❤️ :-)

@surpassinggoogle is such a generous person and has a very big heart for all of us here. Please support him as a witness by voting him at https://steemit.com/~witnesses and type in "steemgigs" at the first search box.

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If you want to give him witness voting decisions on your behalf, visit https://steemit.com/~witnesses again and type in "surpassinggoogle" in the second box as a proxy.

@paradise-found is a wonderful person, a very humble and generous encourager, let us also support him by voting and typing in "gratefulvibes" at the search box

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Other good witnesses to recommend:

@yabapmatt
@teamsteem
@bayanihan
@jerrybanfield
@hr1
@acidyo
@blocktrades
@curie
@beanz
@rcarter.witness
@reggaemuffin
@arcange

They need our support

Follow us on #gratefulvibes discord channel (positive and uplifting attitude)
https://discord.gg/7bvvJG

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