How to Dwell with God

Nehemiah 8:14
And they found written in the law which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

Imagine you’re learning to play a new game. Would you want to know the rules before starting or would you leave the rules in the box and only reference them when there’s a dispute?

The word of God is our rule book for life. Sadly, many people leave that rule book in the box and only reference an expert (not the rule book) when they have an issue playing the game.

The children of Israel in the time of Nehemiah were guilty of this too. They had no idea what the law of God said. Once the leaders began to study God’s rule book they found they were not playing the game accurately.

The leaders made changes in order to follow God’s rules, but they also taught the people. Books were not mass-produced in those days as they are today, so copies of God’s law were sparse.

Now that God’s word is abundantly available to us, it is up to us to read His word and study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15). When we do, we will ensure we are living life according to God’s prescribed manner, and that will lead to a closer walk with Him.

If you want to dwell with God, if you want a closer relationship with Him, if you want to feel His presence, then read His word and follow His commandments. Set aside time to draw near unto him just as the Israelites did during the festival of booths. God wants to dwell with you.

Corresponding Sermon: Nathan Smalley 8/7/22 AM