God Speaks
While Depending on the LORD, Nehemiah Leads the People in Rebuilding the Wall Around Jerusalem
Verse of the Day: [For those who are being harassed for doing what is right and/or godly:] 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. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. (Nehemiah 4:4-5 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 269
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Nehemiah 1-5:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Nehemiah 1
1. The LORD God keeps His covenant of unfailing love with those who love Him and obey His commands.
2. All people have sinned by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations the LORD gave Moses.
Nehemiah 2
1. God is even more aware of our emotional distress than King Artaxerxes was of Nehemiah’s.
2. If people are diligent, loyal workers, employers or supervisors are more likely to grant their requests.
Nehemiah 3
1. It is God who gives people the varied skills needed to carry out His kingdom work though it may not be in that person’s area of expertise.
2. As they build the kingdom of God, people should continually dedicate their work to the LORD and work together, taking responsibility for the area closest to them.
Nehemiah 4
1. God will frustrate the plans of those who oppose His people, particularly when they are as diligent, alert, and reverent as Nehemiah and his men.
2. Whenever people take action to build righteousness and expand the kingdom of God, there will be opposition.
Nehemiah 5
1. God looks with favor on public servants who work selflessly like Nehemiah.
2. People should not take advantage of others, particularly of their extended family or fellow countrymen.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Nehemiah 1-5?
O LORD God, thank You so much for keeping Your unchanging promise of unfailing love to me and to all those who love You and obey Your commands. All people have sinned by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations You gave Moses. LORD God, I know that You are very aware of people’s physical and emotional distress. If we are diligent, loyal workers, You and employers or supervisors are more likely to answer our prayers or grant our requests. It is You, LORD God, who gives people the varied skills needed to carry out Your kingdom work though it may not be in that person’s original area of expertise. As we seek to build Your kingdom, O God, we should continually listen, wait for Your directions, and dedicate our work to You. LORD, help us to work together, taking responsibility for the area closest to each of us. God, frustrate the plans of those who oppose Your people, particularly when we are as diligent, alert, and reverent as Nehemiah and his men. Whenever we take action to build righteousness and expand Your kingdom, O God, we can be sure there will be opposition. Give us inner peace, unity, and strategies of goodness to overcome it. God, look with favor on public servants like Nehemiah who work selflessly for the sake of their people. Do not let us take advantage of others, particularly of our families, extended families, or fellow countrymen. In all we do, may we bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Nehemiah 1-5? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will thank God for specific ways that He has demonstrated His unfailing love in my life.
- I will relate to Father God emotionally as well as intellectually, sharing with Him my deepest feelings.
- I will view and do my work or household chores as if I were doing it for the Lord Jesus Himself.
- I will check my attitudes and actions to be sure that I am not taking advantage of others, particularly of my family, extended family, or fellow countrymen.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.