As recorded in Nehemiah 11, the wall around Jerusalem had been built and the leaders of the people lived within the city but enemies carried out plots to impede improvement so most people remained in their own towns. Since the continued safety of the city depended on inhabitants that would watch over the Holy city, they decided to cast lots so at least 10% would live within the city.
The enemies didn’t want the Holy city to be rebuilt but Nehemiah was on a mission. He had a purpose which motivated his life and gave him energy to keep going. Nothing was going to stop him. These are all qualities leaders should aspire to have.
There are also lessons in this passage we can learn from the people that faced danger within the city. Sometimes we have to go and live where others may not want to in order to be of service to God and a witness for Him. Being on a mission for God has some dangers just like the volunteers who watched over the Holy city but nothing worthwhile is without risk.
Many today say the movement called the church is an expansion of the Holy city into all the world and just like back in 445 BC there continues to be enemies plotting to destroy it. Through prayer, we can ask for courage to take on the dangers we face and truly experience a deeper relationship with God. We should seek God’s favor, be patient, happy to serve, hopeful, and look forward to the tasks God has for us.
Today, I’m praying for the specific task God has in mind for me. I believe this day with Him will be amazing because He will give insight into what part I need to play.
We are in a sermon series at my church called “Life Apps”. The series is about how the Bible has many apps that can enhance and improve our life? This past week, the message was titled “Mercy App”. We can have a lot of knowledge but we must also learn how to apply this knowledge. The concept of forgiveness may sound simple but it’s very hard to apply. What are some ideas for applying mercy in our life?
Below is an outline of the message. The outline printed in black is supplied by the church staff in a PDF document at thislinkand I added the notes in the blue print as I listened.
1. THE MERCY APP IS DIVINE.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,.. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ ” – Matthew 5:43, 44 &46-48 (NIV)
It is clear that to be like Christ, we have to take that extra step to reach out to those that are against us.
2. THE MERCY APP IS INFINITE.
“Then Peter came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No!’ Jesus replied, ‘seventy times seven!’ ” – Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
We should ask the Lord to forgive us and forgive those that sin against us. We hear the words but how do we do it.
3. THE MERCY APP IS REQUIRED.
“…and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us…. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:12 & 14-15 (NLT)
We recognize certain logos like Coke, Apple, and McDonald’s but no logo has the recognition that the Christian logo has. No matterwhere you go, the cross is recognized across the world today.
4. THE MERCY APP IS ALL ABOUT APPLICATION.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone…. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’” – Romans 12:17-18, 20-21 (NIV)
Forgiveness is aggressive and active because it breaks the cycle of the past. Japan and Germany were enemies to the free world during World War II but after the war, the countries of the free world helped to build Germany and Japan back. Today they are among our friends.
Paul makes it clear; don’t repay evil for evil but take the pathway that Christ has laid by offering love and peace instead of revenge. Remember that every person is a child of God.
5. THE MERCY APP IS AN ADVENTURE.
“Jesus said, ‘Father forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing.’ ” – Luke 23:34 (NLT)
What we want from God is a relationship with Him and an adventurous life together. Sometimes we have difficulties or get off track and that’s were mercy helps; God forgives and we can also. Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing”.
What I took from the message this past week is that forgiveness is very important in life. No one is perfect but we can try our best to follow the example of Jesus; offering love and peace instead of revenge. Jesus is in charge so take time to pray and think things through before you respond to a wrong done to you.
A video doesn’t assure application of God’s Word but it does give inspiration that gets us going. I’d like to share this video with you as it definitely reminds us that Jesus is a friend of everyone and motivates us to follow His example. Simply click this link:Jesus Friend of Sinners – Casting Crownsor on the video below:
In yesterday’s post, the idea expressed is working together and that God’s way is for people to help each other along life’s journey. My Pastor once said in one of his sermons that giving to the church is practical because it is organized to direct resources in various ways; not only impacting lives locally but lending a helping hand to people all over the world. Here is a link to his sermons: Sermon Podcast.
Impacting our life is what Jesus does for us and we can impact the life of others when we show them to Jesus. Here’s a video I’d like to share: When Love Sees You – Mac Powell. God Bless 🙂
Everyone smiles in the same language. ~Author Unknown (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Express gratitude for what God has given by giving. Be a partner in His work and expect a very large return on your generosity in the form of smiles from others and smiles from God.
In today’s reading of Nehemiah 10, I can’t help but to observe how Nehemiah the governor, the priests, and the people joined together as brothers and sisters to make an oath to follow the law of God. For the things of God, rich and poor, high and low seem to agree. The lesson for me is to work together as neighbors united with goodness and charity to cheerfully perform our duty to God. This is the surest way to ease and liberty.
We are responsible for our behavior toward God and toward each other. Sure there may be people and circumstances around us that help shape that behavior but it is the individual that plans, organizes, directs, and ultimately controls his or her life. What seems to get in the way is man’s desire to develop their own systems which have a tendency to strip liberty from the individual. Here is a link to a post I read from another blogger who wrote about what he calls God’s economy: Wayfarer.
This day with God, let us be led to the cross. Let us be led out of love and doing what’s right. Let us give a smile and act kind toward our brothers and sisters; in return receiving a smile or an act of kindness from them.
The wall around Jerusalem was completed. Nehemiah had led a successful project but he was humble enough to understand that knowing the way of God and going His way was even more important. Going to God builds momentum for each day so we are in a position to run the day and not let the day run us. Putting things into order will allow small things to lead to big things and doors will be opened.
Can you imagine if we could keep our focus so that every physical and mental resource is centered on God? Imagine the power to solve problems; to follow through with intelligent planning and excellent execution of these plans. As I continue into Nehemiah, will the people continue to focus on God? I’m looking forward to finding out. Come along with me or read up on my thoughts over the next few weeks as I set out to study using the reading plan below.
Nehemiah 10 Passage Lookup
What determines your behavior toward God? toward your fellow man? How does the situation of 9:36-37 affect the Israelites’ oath concerning the practice of first-fruits and tithing?
Nehemiah 11 Passage Lookup
What plan is adopted to populate the city of Jerusalem? What is its condition? Do the Israelites regard it as a desirable place to live?
Nehemiah 12 Passage Lookup
What emotion characterizes the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall? How is this feeling accounted for (see verse 43)? What follows the procession of thanksgiving? How do you demonstrate your regard for those who minister to you?
Nehemiah 13:1-14 Passage Lookup
What does Nehemiah find when he returns? What violation of God’s house does Eliashib (3:1) allow (see 2:19; chapt. 4; 6:17-19)? What further neglect has come upon the house of God? How? What precautions does Nehemiah take against future neglect?
Nehemiah 13:15-31 Passage Lookup
What laws of God does Nehemiah find the people violating? To what extent do you risk your reputation to see that God is glorified? Summarize what Nehemiah has accomplished. In what areas of life?
As recorded in Nehemiah 11, the wall around Jerusalem had been built and the leaders of the people lived within the city but enemies carried out plots to impede improvement so most people remained in their own towns. Since the continued safety of the city depended on inhabitants that would watch over the Holy city, they decided to cast lots so at least 10% would live within the city.
