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?
A new sermon series is in progress at the church I attend called “Life Apps”. It’s about the many life applications that can enhance and improve our life found in the Bible. Senior Pastor Steve Ramsdell gave the first sermon message last Sunday titled “Application Makes All the Difference”. Below is an outline of the message. The print in black is supplied by the church staff at thislinkand I added the notes in the blue print as I listened.
1. YOU ARE MADE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Your life counts for something and it’s the in between the start and the finish that matters. Time goes by fast and life is about an adventure with Christ.
“Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.” Psalm 90:12 (NCV)
“…This is the message from the One who is holy and true. He is the One who has the key of David. He opens doors, and no one can shut them; He shuts doors, and no one can open them. I know all things you do and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut….” Revelation 3:7bc-8a (NLT)
God opens the right doors for us.
2. A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
“Moses told the people all the Lord’s words and laws for living. Then all of the people answered out loud together, ‘We will do all the things the Lord has said.’ ” Exodus 24:3 (NCV)
God’s word and the principles we live by are like Bible Apps that shape and can make a difference in our life.
3. APPLICATION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
“Do what God’s teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves.” James 1:22 (NCV)
This verse above has great relevancy today. Do what God tells us to do and it all works. You’ve got to not only hear, pray, and believe but also apply God’s Word.
4. LISTENING AND THEN DOING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
“Those who hear God’s teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.” James 1:23-23 (NCV)
When we look in the mirror first thing in the morning, we might say, “Oh wow, I might have to do something about that”. Same thing with our Spiritual life; God’s perfect law is like that mirror and tells us what we need to fix until we get it right.
5. CONSISTENCY AND FOCUS MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
“But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law – the law that sets you free – and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:25(NLT)
When we apply God’s principle, we are able to be blessed.
6. HOW YOU BUILD YOUR LIFE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
“Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NLT)
In thinking about this week’s message, God has created each of us to make a difference. The principles taught in His Word are like life apps that we’ve got to not only hear, pray, and believe but also apply in building our life to make a difference. For five weeks, the series will involve taking the Word of God and applying it to our life so we are able to become blessed.
A video doesn’t automatically assure that we apply God’s Word but it does give inspiration that uplifts so that we get started. I’d like to share this video with you as it definitely uplifts so that one is ready to make a difference. Simply click this link: What Can I Do – Paul Balocheor on the video below:
Can you imagine if we could keep our focus so that every physical and mental resource was centered on God? Imagine the power to solve problems; to follow through with intelligent planning and excellent execution of these plans.
Click on this piano piece: In The Garden: Norm Hastings, Piano. While listening, take a look at Nehemiah 9:16-38 and reflect on the lesson God is teaching? Think about what you may pray for today. Is there a plan of action God is giving you today? The lesson for me as I think about today’s reading is that in good times or bad times, we need to continue the steady course of paying attention to God’s principles and applying them in our life.
Reading in Nehemiah 9:16-38, the pattern which historically characterizes the relationship between God and the Israelites is one where the Israelites break their end of the agreement; refusing to listen and failing to remember the miracles God had performed in the past. Then God would show compassion, mercy, and give instruction. The Israelites would become prosperous in spite of themselves until again their disobedience and rebellion resulted in being handed over to their enemies.
Even when God blessed the people, their kings, leaders, priests and fathers did not follow God’s law; not paying attention to His commands or the warnings He gave them. When the people did enjoy God’s great goodness, they didn’t serve God or turn from their ways. At the time of this writing, when there was abundant harvest it ended up going to those who God had placed to rule over them.
The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded by angels, by Giaquinto, 1750s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time internalizes His guiding principles becoming an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day. Ask yourself, what can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day? Spend a few minutes in silence, putting away the cares and concerns and noise of the day. Listen for a plan from the Holy Spirit that will help you.
