Saturday's Snippet

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.

Good morning, and I pray it is a Sweet Saturday to all of you!

I love this Bible verse for several reasons. Most of the time, we hear the last phrase quoted: "for the joy of the Lord is your strength." But, I'd like to begin with the first part, where Ezra instructs them to "go your way, eat.... and drink..." First, we must taste of the good things of God; enjoy the salvation He brings, and savor His presence and blessings. 

Then, we need to do as Ezra further instructed them, "and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared." There are people all around us who have never tasted of the goodness of the Lord. They know nothing of His power and might. Some are destitute, both in body and in soul. When was the last time we took a portion to someone who had nothing? It is not enough to bask in God's blessings; they are given to us to share. 

Lastly, after feasting on God's goodness, and sharing our treasures with another, we find true joy. It is not happiness for happiness is circumstantial. It is true joy; the joy of the Lord. And only that joy that comes from the Lord gives us the strength we need for our daily living. 

It's a good formula to live by: Taste, then tell, and all is well!

Here's a chorus (written by Richard Smallwood) to add the last bit to today's snippet:

Jesus, You're the center of my joy

All that's good and perfect comes from You

You're the heart of my contentment

Hope for all I do

Jesus, You're the center of my joy

May your Saturday be blessed, and may we all find true joy in sharing with another!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing..............