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Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 7-9

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Mark Shields

English: Walls of Jerusalem, Religion in Israel עברית: חומות העיר העתיקה בירושלים, Original Image Name:חומות ירושלים, Location:ירושלים (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As I look back on my Journey through the book of Nehemiah, I’ve learned some lessons on how to react when others don’t want you to succeed. There were some who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem but Nehemiah stood firm to continue the work. Our great and awesome God can frustrate the plots of our enemies and give us a plan that helps carry out and finish the good work He has for us.

Nehemiah led out of love for the people. He was angry at the rulers and followed through with reform. A leader like Nehemiah articulates the right things to do and suddenly gains a following so that the right things get done. In studying Nehemiah, I’ve learned that in order to succeed in any project that brings positive change, the desire to complete it has to be greater than the fear brought on by those trying to stop it.

I’m looking forward to going further into my journey as I use the reading plan below.

Nehemiah 7-8
Passage Lookup
What prefaces the reading of God’s law? How do you acknowledge the author of the Bible when you read it? What is the result of the people’s understanding the law?

Nehemiah 9:1-15
Passage Lookup
How do you order your time with the Lord? On what basis?

Nehemiah 9:16-38
Passage Lookup
Determine the pattern which historically characterizes the relationship between God and the Israelites. How does this pattern correspond with the relationship you have with God? Will you unequivocally commit yourself to God today? Why?

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Knowing the way of God and going His way is extremely important because it builds momentum for each day. By putting things in order, small things become big things and doors are opened. The reading plan above keeps me on track with daily Bible study and sharing the Good News. I want to thank each of you for keeping me accountable to being focused on God and following through by sharing about each block of reading.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
http://www.family-times.net/

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Accountable, Bible, Bible Study, Book of Nehemiah, Desire, Focused, Followers, God, Good News, Israelites, Jerusalem, Journey, Leadership, Lessons, Momentum, Nehemiah, Path, Plans, Positive Change, Projects, Reform, Success, Wall of Jerusalem | 8 Comments

God’s Plan For Victory

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Mark Shields

Reading in Nehemiah 6, I posted yesterday about how successful Nehemiah was in leading the project of rebuilding the city wall of Jerusalem. There was opposition to the rebuilding but Nehemiah stood strong with the help of God.

We may go through a lifetime not completing projects but as long as we accept God’s Plan for Us, we will be victorious. Once this step is taken and we continue to reaffirm our “Yes” for Christ, nothing can defeat us and we can look forward to amazing days ahead.

Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 4-6 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Completing Projects Together (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Christ, God, Israel, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, Nehemiah 6, victory, Wall of Jerusalem | 3 Comments

Completing Projects Together

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Mark Shields

In order to succeed in any project that brings positive change, the desire to finish has to be greater than the fear brought on by those trying to stop it. As we journey into Nehemiah 6, those against the project of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem were determined to hinder its completion so they thought of schemes to intimidate Nehemiah. Fear has an effect on our ability to complete the responsibilities God gives us. Those against us will try to discredit but we must continue the good work. When we are tempted to fall into the traps set by enemies, we should lift our heart to Heaven in a short prayer. God will give discernment, keep us on track, and help us stand together until completion. I found a video with this idea in mind called We Will Stand by Russ Taff.

Reflect on today’s passage. What character traits can we develop to defeat the temptations set before us? Pray for protection from those against the church and the traps they set.

Questions for Reflection – Nehemiah 4-6 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in Nehemiah | Tagged Character, Christianity, City Wall of Jerusalem, Desire, Enemies, Fear, God, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, Prayer, Reflection, Religion and Spirituality, Russ Taff, Success, Teamwork, Temptations, Wall of Jerusalem | 1 Comment

Happy Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Mark Shields

As I was thinking what to post this July 4th, my thoughts were on iconic symbols around the world and the upcoming Olympics in London. As I researched, I noticed that the iconic symbol of London, Tower Bridge was built at about the same time as the Statue of Liberty.

Check out more of my thoughts This July 4th at http://mdshields.wordpress.com/

Honoring the USA on Independence Day (americanthinker.com)
Ringing in the Olympics (photoblog.msnbc.msn.com)

Posted in Special Occasions | Tagged americanthinker, July 4th, liberty check, London, london tower bridge, msnbc, Olympic Games, Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, travel | Leave a comment

Leading Out of Love

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Mark Shields

Many know the right thing to do but it’s hard to follow through. Great leaders get across to good people that doing what’s right is worth the time and effort. I wrote in the post yesterday about how Nehemiah was able to stay on course so the right thing was done. We need leaders like Nehemiah so I pray for leadership across the world today; for families, for decisions being made at work places, and for communities.

My hope is that this video: Lead Me To The Cross – Hillsong will give you a lift today.

For a Christian, being a great leader begins by being led to the cross were God’s love poured out and getting across to good people the need to have God’s heart. Another part of leadership is being humbled by the fact that it’s not about me but about a brighter future for all and it’s worth the time and effort to lead others out of love and do what’s right.