-
Christian Devotional – November 10, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 8:12–Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. TRUTH: What is our response when we have heard the word of the Lord? As we hear and understand God’s word, we are to celebrate with great joy! God’s word is a blessing to us and we celebrate with great joy as God reveals Himself to us through His word. Each time we have an opportunity to come before Him and read or hear His word is an opportunity for great joy. RESPONSE: Father,…
-
Christian Devotional – November 9, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 7:2–I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hananai, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. TRUTH: Why are we chosen to do the work we do? What are the qualifications and characteristics of a person who is chosen for a job; our spiritual resume? Hananiah’s resume consisted of just two things; he was a man of integrity and he feared God more than most people. God is much less interested in our personal abilities and talents than He is in our sense of integrity and willingness to follow Him. After all,…
-
Christian Devotional – November 8, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 6:13–He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. TRUTH: Distractions come in all shapes and sizes and from a variety of sources. We must remember what our focus is and our goal and simply keep our eyes on that. Nehemiah was being sent distraction after distraction to keep him from doing what God had called him to do. He ignored each and every one of them. We must do the same so we can keep on doing what we have been called to do. RESPONSE: Father, You…
-
Christian Devotional – November 7, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 5:9–So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?” TRUTH: The people were mistreating their own brothers and Nehemiah found out about it. He called the people together and confronted their sins. He reminded them that they have a responsibility to God for how they were treating each other. They were to walk in the fear of God. Do we consider how God will respond to what we are doing? When others confront us, do we admit what we’re doing wrong and repent? We are to walk each day in…
-
Christian Devotional – November 6, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 4:4–Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. TRUTH: The people were doing what God had led them to do, yet they were meeting with opposition and insults. They didn’t stop the work, they simply kept moving forward and doing what they have been told. They took their concerns to God and Nehemiah prayed that He would protect them. When we encounter opposition, are we praying and turning the opposition over to God? He is the one who offers protection and will take care of us. RESPONSE: Father, when I encounter…
-
Christian Devotional – November 5, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 3:8–Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. TRUTH: This chapter lists all those who worked on a section of the wall. There were lots of people from all different backgrounds and occupations, yet they were all united with the common goal and purpose to complete this project. When we are focused on God and on doing the work that He has for us, we find that we are unified with lots of people. Through God, we are unified and have purpose. We accomplish…
-
Christian Devotional – November 4, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 2:1b–I had not been sad in his presence before. TRUTH: Nehemiah had a job; he was cupbearer to the king. He had probably been doing that job for many years and yet he makes this amazing statement as he carries the king’s wine to him. When we are in the presence of others, is our mood swayed by each and every little passing thing, or are we generally in a positive mood unless we are burdened by God about something, like Nehemiah was? Our attitude is such a powerful testimony as to our faith and trust in God. Do others see that in us? RESPONSE: Lord, protect my…
-
Christian Devotional – November 3, 2013
VERSE: Nehemiah 1:11–“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. TRUTH: As Nehemiah begins this book, he explains his problems and concerns. He hears about the desperate situation that his people are in back in Judah and he quickly goes to the Lord in prayer for several days. He asks that the Lord be attentive to him and hear his prayer. Also, he is driven to action and is led to do…