As explained in Nehemiah 5, there was an outcry of the people about their living conditions. They blamed the leaders for burdening them with excessive tax to the king. Nehemiah was a leader for the people and angry at the rulers. As governor of Judah, Nehemiah pushed for reform; blasting the nobles and officials for the burdens placed on their people.
Nehemiah had profited immensely as officer in the Persian court. Now it was a time in his life to give back to others. He demonstrated self discipline and integrity by not accepting the allotment of food set aside for him as governor or taking advantage of his position. Instead, he had concern for the people and didn’t want to burden them with paying for his unnecessary extravagance.
So the lesson for me in this passage is to do what’s right out of love – not fear. To give thanks in all circumstances; submitting my will to God’s. The question of the day is – what is the foundation of my character built on? Is it built on the solid foundation of God’s Word?
There were some who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem as recorded in Nehemiah 4. When the project produced results, the opposition became angry and wanted to end the work; even setting their sights on violence to stop progress.
It takes courage to stand up against enemies and continue the work; not being intimidated but turning to God who is far greater than our enemies. Our God who is great and awesome can frustrate the plots of our enemies. He can give us a plan that helps carry out and finish the good work He has for us.
Nehemiah demonstrates courage and many characters throughout the Bible show this virtue. Live like Daniel and face fear. When fear is faced, there is courage like Moses demonstrated. To get courage, use David as your inspiration and when as much courage as Jesus demonstrated is gained, there is no fear!
I’d like to share another video with you today to uplift and pass on this virtue we call courage. I hope you enjoy this video: Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns. God Bless 🙂
This Day with God will be amazing as we listen to the voice of Truth.
For the last few weeks I’ve studied and written about Nehemiah who returned
to Jerusalem from exile to rally the people in rebuilding the city walls. He prayed for a plan of action as he prepares for the challenge. There’s a good lesson to be learned from Nehemiah in that going to the ONE who created it all is a smart move when we want to change intangible aspirations into real plans of action.
Once Nehemiah had prayed and planed with God, the work was started. I noticed how each used their God given strengths to make sure success was assured. Each person with their various skills complemented each other so that a great purpose could be achieved.
For the next few weeks, the journey will take me into Nehemiah 4-6 as I use the reading plan below.
Nehemiah 4 Passage Lookup
Which situation receives Nehemiah’s first attention? On whom does Nehemiah focus the people’s attention?
Nehemiah 5 Passage Lookup
What triggers the outcry of the people? Who is the object of this disturbance? What kind of governor is Nehemiah? What will be the character or qualities of my life?
Nehemiah 6 Passage Lookup
What human emotions does the enemy play on? How do the enemies react to word that the Jerusalem wall is finished? Why? How does Nehemiah discern the intentions of the enemy?
In any great purpose, there will be opponents to progress and we are sure to run into a few road blocks along the way. That’s when we have to believe that God is far greater than our enemies and He will give us courage to stand up and continue the work.
Come along with me or check up on my posts over the next couple of weeks as I write about my travels through Nehemiah 4-6. I’m praying for lessons that can be learned and applied in life. The lessons of how Nehemiah rebuilt the city walls are helpful in this project of blogging about my journey through the Bible. I’m praying that it will bring about positive change in my life and hopefully in the lives of you my readers. Thanks for following.
Youth Pastor Brandon Frenzel gave the sermon message last Sunday at my church titled “Shine Like the Stars”. Pastor Brandon also talked about their recent mission trip to Peru throughout the sermon since the points brought out were lived out on their mission trip.
Below is an outline of the message. The notes in blue print are my personal notes and the notes in black are provided by the church staff and are available to everyone by going to the podcast and clicking on the PDF icon under each sermon. There is a podcast of each sermon at thisLink.
Live in Response to God’s Grace
Paul writes to the church at Philippi and the first church looks to Paul for direction.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13)
How do we live a life that is set apart?
We live in response to things in life. When we are going a little over the speed limit and see a police car, we put our foot on the breaks. When we become a parent for the first time, we buy life insurance. The question is, how do we respond when we accept Christ as our Savior?
Be Content, Be Different, Shine
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ….” (Philippians 2:14-15)
We should try to live and look like God. We shouldn’t complain or argue but live differently. We should serve others, shine like a star, and share about God.
Make Your Life Count
“… as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:16-18)
Ways to make your life count 1. Make a difference in the life of others 2. Live in response to grace 3. Don’t hold anything back 4. Do great things on behalf of God
As I think about the message with the intent of recording a thought to help me apply in life, it would be this: Do great things in life in response to grace. Be happy, kind, share with others, and shine like a star on behalf of God.
I’d like to share this video with you as it includes many of the points Pastor Brandon shared with us. Simply click this link:Starry Night – Chris Augustor on the video below:
As written in yesterday’s post, everyone contributed to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. I remember a point made in a sermon by Pastor Steve at my church explaining that we should take what God is doing and do it with Him. Reach out and claim our identity. Tap into His resources by seeing faith, hope, and love in other believers and getting help from their talents and skills. For other points made in sermons, you can click on this link: FUMC Sermon Podcast.
All members of a group complement one another so that each talent is messed together to form an unique ability that inspires, uplifts, energizes, and helps to achieve great purposes.
