Saturday, September 30: Esther 7- Speaking with tact.

Esther was so wise in her approach to the king. The two-day banquet certainly warmed the king to her. Her gentle come back tomorrow after the first banquet must have aroused his curiosity. Providing fine wine, which would be normal, certainly eased the king into good spirits. On day two when his curiosity couldn’t handle it any more the king asked Esther her request. Then, and only then, in the strongest of terms she blurts out her predicament.

[T]he king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”

King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!” … (2-6).

Oh, the tact and power in her approach. Haman was caught in a vice of his own making. His disgust at the Jews as a people and his drive for power signed his death warrant.

But back to Esther, her tact in creating the context coupled with the fierceness of her request, proved brilliant in winning the king to her side with no option for rebuttal by Haman.

If only we, God’s people today, would use such wisdom and tact in our world to make strides for God’s reign and the advance of the Gospel around the world.

During the summer I studied Luke 16 and the parable of the dishonest, yet shrewd, steward (Luke 16:1-8). Jesus sums up His point from the parable with verse 8, “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

Jesus made the point that His followers needed to be as shrewd advancing Jesus’ agenda as this worldly steward was advancing his agenda.

Tact, wisdom, and cunning should be some of our weapons, supported of course by prayer, as we labor for Jesus the king.

What do you think and what do you see in this chapter of God’s Word?

Lord, give me tact and winsomeness as I speak of You. Today, in particular, I have an appointment where these gifts of tact and wisdom will be highly helpful. Please send these gifts as I speak of You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

Friday, September 29: Esther 6- Coincidence, happenstance, or providence?.

Coincidence, happenstance, or providence? Which word we use is generally dependent upon our world view.

It is an honest portrayal of the account to say what a coincidence that Haman walked in just as the king was deciding how to honor Mordecai the Jew. Equally fair is to say, by God’s providence, Haman walked in just as the kind was deciding how to honor Mordecai the Jew.

I choose to believe the latter.

Throughout theSscripture and throughout my life, I continually see God’s hand at work leading, guiding, and directing situations to bring about His will and to bless His people. Many would not agree with me. That’s okay. I cannot prove it and they cannot either. It is a world view decision.

Do you believe God is at work in the world? Do you believe God’s hand works to bring about His will and bless His people?

I do.

Thank You, Lord, for your providential care of the Jews through Esther and the care of Your Church today. As Jesus said, ‘The gates of hell will not prevail against Your church’. I rest in that and in Your gracious mercy and love. Halleluiah. Amen.

 

 

Thursday, September 28: Esther 5- When we are seeking God's guidance.

Yesterday’s chapter ends with Esther say to her uncle Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16)

Today the chapter opens with Esther being a woman of her word. On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance (1).

When we have prayed it is time to act.

A pastor mentor of mine told me years ago, ‘When you are wondering what to do with a decision, you need to make pick a time frame. Then pray, seek the Lord and the counsel of others, and when the time is up follow through on the decision that seems best to you then’.

After we pray asking for guidance we have to step out in faith and act on the sense of God’s leading that we have. If our discernment is off, God can redirect us.  If it is correct we are moving forward with God’s plan. To remain in neutral is not faith, it is a lack of faith. It is much easier to change the course of a moving ocean liner than it is to get it started from the dock.

Faith requires action. So be like Esther, pray, and fast if necessary, seek counsel but when the time comes ACT.

Esther did not know what the king would do when she entered his room, but the time for action had come. Her three days of prayer and fasting had come.

Hebrews 11 has been rightly called the ‘faith’ chapter. Over and over the writer referenced the faith of biblical men and women.  With each name comes the action they took because of their faith.

By faith:

·         Abel brought a better offering

·         Enoch was taken from this life

·         Noah built an ark

·         Abraham obeyed and went

·         Sarah bore children (see Hebrews 11:4-11)

Faith becomes faith through action. Esther went in to see the king.

Is God leading you? Then step out in faith...

Lord, give me the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah and the other heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Wednesday, September 27: Esther 4- How does God get your attention?.

God had to get Esther’s attention. She was living in the king’s palace, so she was cut off from her uncle and regular people. She was not gathering or worshiping with other Jews; remember her heritage was kept a secret from others. We have no indication of a significant personal devotional life; again she was to keep her heritage a secret so she couldn’t have any scrolls or Torah. All she might have is anything that was packaged away in her heart.

God used her uncle, who likely remained her spiritual anchor, and his words, once digested, were all the spiritual prompting she needed.  She immediately turned to the Lord for help, strength and guidance evidenced by her 3 days of extreme (food and water) fasting.

How does God get your attention?

For me a prime element will be His Word. I might be prompted by a comment from a friend,  a thought in prayer or a door that seems to be opening.  However, somewhere along the road of discernment and figuring out what God is saying, will be His Word. His word is an anchor for me. I trust it and try to follow it. God’s Word is often general in nature, so when specific thoughts, promptings, etc. become a safeguard for me is, does it accord with God’s word?

For example, God’s Word says we are to disciple all nations, advancing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. In 2007 when an invitation to teach in Nigeria came, this specific opportunity fit with God’s framework to advance His name to the ends of the earth. Likewise, when an invitation came to teach in Korea later this fall, it fit with my understandings of the teaching of Jesus.

For me there is another important step and that is to confer with trusted people. My wife is a very important voice of discernment for things like I mentioned above. My travel affect her directly so that is one reason I discuss these opportunities with her but more importantly, she has great discernment for me. I trust her God-honoring wisdom. The elders of my church are other important voices. I would not accept any outside travel without their blessing.

Following God’s direction is so important in walking with Jesus. Have you considered how God gets your attention and then leads you into faith adventures?

Think about it…

Oh, Lord, I am so grateful that You are a God who speaks. Keep my ears and heart open to Your leading, keep me in Your Word, listening.  Bless me with Christ following friends who can confirm or correct things I sense are from You. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Tuesday, September 26: Esther 3- The story develops .

Since the book of Esther is a narrative telling the account of Esther’s rise to queen and the saving of God’s people through her, there are times stages where the story develops. This chapter is one of the stages. It chronicles the backstory of Haman, who is the villain of the story.

The events of this chapter happen concurrent with Esther’s early days as queen.

My devotional thoughts took a twist as I entertained the above thought. There are always concurrent stories unfolding that will intersect my life at times and in ways I cannot anticipate. God’s fingertip is in those stories. I don’t know how or why these things happen but I do know that God is in control and will work out His will.

Esther is in her queen’s residence oblivious to the evil plots of Haman unfolding in the king’s chambers.  However, the Lord is not unaware of these plots. Nothing can be done in secret from Him. In fact Esther’s meteoric rise to queen is part of God’s plan to save His people from this vile plot.

All this is reminding me that God not only has my life in His hands, but He knows what happenings will intersect my life and how these things can work for His glory.

My responsibility is to walk humbly and faithfully with Him in all circumstances of life that arise.  What do I need to do to be in the best place to walk faithfully with the Lord?

I need to stay close to the Lord… I need to abide and remain in Him [read John 15]. For me this means regular times in His Word, meditating and pondering the things of God as I am doing now. It means talking with the Lord as life unfolds. It means the regular rhythm of weekly worship, gathering with God’s people in praise and worship. It means finding and maintaining regular connections with other men of faith. My denomination asks every pastor to be part of a pastors covenant group. I am grateful for this directive. Additionally, I have other men I meet with regularly –some weekly- to check in and be real ‘in Christ.’

Beyond my abiding in the Lord, I find that I need to maintain a regular pattern of exercise, sleep and healthy eating habits. For me this is part of taking care of the earthen vessel God has given me. Also, life has taught me that I function best when my life is in balance.

Additionally, I need to maintain the important family relationships the Lord has given me. When the home has problems I have problems… J

As I sit I do not know who or what will intersect my life in the near future but the Lord knows.  Staying close to Him and living a healthy physical and emotional life is critical for me to act wisely as new situations arise.

Looking back over my devotions for today… I didn’t see them coming as I began to read the story of the vile Haman. No matter where the Word leads me I am so grateful that the Lord is with me as I open His Word.

Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word. Continue to give me a love for Your Word and a deep desire to ingest it deeply every day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Monday, September 25: Esther 2- The workings of God take time.

Lately I have been paying attention to the time and date cues included in the text. The king’s party from chapter 1 happens in his 3rd year. Esther’s elevation to queen does not happen until his 7th year. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign (16). Four year lapse within the white spaces of those chapters

Four years can be an eternity for us. In four years our ‘newborn’ will grow into a preschooler almost ready for kindergarten. In four years our high school freshman will leave for college and our college freshman will hopefully enter the workforce. Four years is a considerable amount of time.

The Lord spent four years preparing Esther to become queen.  This is only the beginning of the story that will save the people of God from an evil plot to exterminate them.

God sees the end and the beginning and everything in between. God stands above and outside of time and yet He works within time to bring His will to be.

We can become frustrated when it feels like God is too slow in acting but we have only a limited knowledge of things. In the case of the Jews they had no idea that there would be a problem, and yet God was already acting on His solution. Think about that. God is acting on a solution to a problem that hasn’t erupted yet! That is covenant love. That is providential care. That is the Lord at work.

We are reminded in the Hebrews 13:8 that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. So I believe that the Lord is doing similar things today as He did back in the day of Esther. God is preparing solutions to problems the enemy will throw at the church before the enemy picks up the ball and begins his evil windup…

This, friends, is our God.

God knows my needs before I ask them… before I know to ask them and God already is preparing to send His answer to us. Halleluiah. Amen.

Oh, God, You are marvelous beyond understanding.  Grand and wonderful and caring and loving and merciful. Providential in Your care and wise in Your decrees. I worship and adore You, my God; Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. To You and in the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

Saturday, September 23: Esther 1- Mark your words.

I found myself thinking about the king. What if every word we decreed was written into law and then could not be undone. (This will come up again later in the book with the decree against the Jews.) What an incredible onus we would carry if every word was recorded as law.*

I have read Luther’s Table Talk. Luther was so famous that people would join him for meals. They would listen to him discourse on whatever subjects surfaced and ask him questions on all manner of matters. Often someone would scribe what he said. Imagine someone making a permanent record of anything you said.

Apparently our presidents record many of the phone conversations and meetings… every word recorded for posterity.

Helpful words… recorded

Caustic words… recorded

Well thought-out words… recorded

Thoughtless words… recorded

Truthful words… recorded

Lies and twists of truth… recorded

Every word… recorded

I would probably be more embarrassed than overjoyed if all my words were recorded and known by others. I think knowing all my words were recorded would give me pause to speak more carefully, guarding my lips with special care.

While I do not have a constant recorder going, I do know that someday I will stand before my maker and He will have knowledge of every word spoken (But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36). Knowing this I still utter thoughtless words, lies and all manner of speech. Oh, the wretched sinner that I am.

Lord I am overwhelmed this morning by my sinfulness. I deserve nothing except wrath and yet You have lavished love, forgiveness, grace and mercy.  As overwhelmed as I was with my sinfulness I am more overwhelmed by Your lavish love.

May my lips sing of Your praise today and all of my todays. Though Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

*I realize not every word of the king was recorded and law, but this is where my thoughts went as I pondered the text as a doorway to my walk with the Lord.

 

 

Friday, September 22: Nehemiah 13- Diligence is constantly required.

How quickly sin can reenter life. In chapter 10 people willingly made vows of faithfulness to the Lord, now by chapter 13 they have fallen back into sin again. Certainly time has passed but…

I am struck by the tenacious relentless pull of sin. We are never safe from its tentacles. It pulls and claws at every one of us. It never lets up.

As sad as this account is, it causes me to realize that I am in a constant battle against sin. When I lower my diligence for a moment I am susceptible. Diligence is constantly required and still I fall!

As I sit this morning, I am so blessed that the Lord has provided the gift of forgiveness of sin when I succumb to temptation. Week after week in worship we remind ourselves that If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9). What an incredible gift is the forgiveness for sin!!!

I had a second thought as I read this chapter. It came from verse 1 & 3: On that day the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people and there it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be admitted into the assembly of God, … When the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all who were of foreign descent. 

I wondered, is it sin if we extend the reach of God’s law, making it more stringent than God required. In verse one God excluded Ammonites or Moabites, but the Jews excluded all who were of foreign descent. Hmmm, this just made me wonder… I have to ponder this more. Interesting how sin can creep into life in so many ways, some that even seem like I am doing ‘good’.

Lord, sin is so pervasive. It is an enemy I must be constantly vigilant again. Help me!  I feel like I am not strong enough to fight this enemy by myself.  So, Lord, I beg for Your help and strength to remain faithful to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

Thursday, September 21: Nehemiah 12- Grand Celebrations.

The chapter concludes with a crescendo of celebration. Nehemiah and the leaders organized a spectacular gala of music, song and sacrifice atop the walls of Jerusalem, marking and honoring the completion of the walls. Jerusalem was now reestablished. The temple was up and running, The walls and gates surrounded the city providing safety and security.

God was faithful and His people were back. Punishment was over. Service can begin again!

The Lord was faithful still.

Those last words typed are important for all to hear. Yes, the Lord is faithful. He always has been and always will be. Grace and mercy flow to His covenant people. His Word once given is steadfast.

Thoughts shift to the New Testament and the words and promises of God therein. My heart lightens. God is faithful and it is good to celebrate…

When by God’s grace milestones are crossed and great endeavors accomplished… celebrate.

When God’s faithfulness is experienced, let people know… celebrate.

When God brings new life out of rubble… celebrate.

Bring people together and celebrate because the Lord is God and His love endures forever.

Lord, I bless You and thank You. I am not much of a celebrator… help me learn the delight of celebrating You and Your graces in life. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

Wednesday, September 20: Nehemiah 11- You are important to the Lord.

Some chapters of the Bible, like this one, are difficult for me to find inspiration and/or a devotional moment. Honestly, I do not care about the names of people who lived in Jerusalem.

Interestingly, God cares. God cared enough to put a full page of these names in His written Word. And over the millennia countless scribes cared enough for God’s Word to meticulously copy these names from one manuscript to another while preserving God’s Word for generations.

As I sit today, musing about all this, these thoughts are sparking a picture in me of how much God cares for you and for me.

Let’s be honest, my life is about as stimulating and inspirational as the names in the chapter. Oh, my life is important to me and these facts were important to the families repatriating Jerusalem. The blessing is both and is important to the Lord.

You are important to the Lord. I am important to the Lord. Even if we are not important to anyone else, we are important to the Lord and this is something inspirational for me.

God cares for you and for me and that is a great blessing… to me and I hope to you as well.

Lord, I marvel at Your grace and love. I am cared for by You. This truth blows me away. Little old me, a nothing in the landscape of the world and You care for me. I am so blessed.

Thank You, Jesus, for revealing this to me. In Your name I pray. Amen.

 

Tuesday, September 19: Nehemiah 10- Vows.

The people made vows to the Lord and sealed it with their names. All these [those whose names are recorded] now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord.

“We promise…

There is a power and permanence to a signature. Just the other day a couple came into the office to have our administrator, who is a notary, notarize some contracts they had to sign. Mortgages, adoption papers, marriage certificates, gym memberships all require our signature. Our signature makes them legally binding, that is until we break them.

Putting your signature on a document, vow or contract does ramp up its significance.

In a court room, witnesses don't sign a paper but they do ‘solemnly swear to tell the truth,  the whole truth, so help me God’ and this is recorded by the court recorder. Again the point is to solemnize the importance of the proceeding and bind one to his or her testimony.

I give something extra thought before I sign it…

Vows are significant.

Israel vowed to follow the Lord. In reality this was a renewal of their circumcision vows and their priestly consecration for those who were priests.

These vows will not guarantee compliance but they do seal this moment of dedication and renewal.

I am wondering about vows I have made to the Lord and also about moments of dedication and rededication to the Lord. Those are powerful moments often sealed with a signature or a verbal statement to others.

Every time a new member stands before the church or a family comes forward for baptism we, the congregation, have an opportunity to renew our vows to the Lord as we make a vow to support those who stand before us.

Vows are important markers… and today I vow:

To be faithful to the Lord, to serve Him and Him alone as my Lord and Savior. To follow Jesus and to dedicate my life to His service. I vow to honor  God –Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit –with my living to the best of my ability. By God’s grace and through Jesus’ name I make this vow and prayer. Amen.

 

Monday, September 18: Nehemiah 9- Rededicating my life to Jesus.

Israel is at a turning point, the people are coming clean with the Lord. This isn’t simply an emotional response. The people have taken 3 weeks to consider their lives in light of God’s Word. They have gathered again, spent the morning in the Word and the afternoon in confession. Then the Levites rose and recounted Israel’s long history, a history of God’s faithfulness and their unfaithfulness. After all this time and thought we read: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it” (38).

Thoughtful, honest confession and rededication to the Lord. What a glorious day and time!

When was the last time I (you) took time to make a thoughtful, honest rededication to the Lord?

Hmmm, I believe I have my charge for the day…

Will you join me in rededicating myself to the Lord?

Oh, Lord, You have always been there. It is I who have walked away time and again. Today I choose You. I name You as my Lord and Savior… again and still, I am Yours. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

 

Saturday, September 16: Nehemiah 8- Hunger for God's word.

This is one of those fascinating chapters for me as the people gather so attentively to the word of the Lord. I appreciate how everyone is involved Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priests and his fellow priest and the Levites who instruct the people in smaller groups. There is so much here to dwell upon.

But it was the small one syllable word ‘they’ that garnered my attention. Verse 1: all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

It was the people who begged and asked for Ezra to read the Law to them.

This chapter represents a great move of God among His people. The people are not forced to listen to the Word, or coerced, or cajoled. They ask for it!

O that God’s people today would long for and hunger for and desire the word as His people did back on that day.

God’s word is our source of truth, inspiration, correction and blessings…

Lord, would You move again creating a desire for Your word in Your people. In every tradition and denomination, country and nation Lord, birth a hunger for Your word. Birth a desire to soak in Your word in order to live Your word more fully and completely until You birth Your new heaven and new earth and we reside with You directly.

Open Your word tomorrow among Your people and give the people attentive hearts to Your world as it is proclaimed around the world on Your Lord’s Day. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

 

 

Friday, September 15: Nehemiah 7- Faith during the mundane times.

This chapter had few, if any, sparks of devotion. The details recorded were pretty mundane without much direct spiritual importance. After reading, I reviewed it a couple of times, searching for my spiritual nugget for today. Still no sparks. Was it a spiritual battery dead?

I continued to muse…

My thoughts landed on the word ‘mundane’. A small flicker of insight began... so much of life is mundane. Morning ritual of shaving, brushing teeth, showering, doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning up, straightening the house, putting clothes and things away, yard work, mowing, weeding, fixing a broken this or that, paying bills, shopping, and on and on the mundane goes. Even many of the tasks at work are mundane, repetitive, and usual,,,,then there is commuting.

As I mentioned so much in this chapter is mundane, opening and closing gates, naming officials, and genealogical list of people and gifts… mundane, mundane, mundane. Yet God has included the mundane in His Word. Why? Historical record for sure. Additionally, this reminds me that the Lord is God of the mundane even as He is God of the spectacular and we, His people, serve Him during the mundane even as we serve Him during the special times of life.

So I began to wonder how do I serve the Lord.  How do I display the Lord and how do I honor the Lord in the mundane?

Attitude… what is happening within me during the mundane. Do I see myself as a Christ follower as I do these mundane tasks? What persona do I radiate when I am shopping or driving or folding laundry or washing dishes??? What do I think about during these time and are the things I think about honorable in the Lord’s sight. They don’t have to be “religious” in nature but are they honorable and good?

How do I treat others while I am working the mundane tasks of life? Do I treat others with dignity as God would have me treat them?

Questions of faithfulness during the mundane tasks of life kept rolling within me. I am just as much a Christ-follower during the mundane times and tasks of life as I am during the special. Does my faith shine during these times, even if there is no other person to see it shine?

Turns out the mundane nature of this chapter led to a rich time with Jesus. Isn’t that just like the Lord?! 

Lord, I thank you for the mundane… for most of the hours that fill life. I thank You because they are full with YOU. You are just as much present in the mundane as You are in those special moments. Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul during mundane and special times… let all that is within me bless His holy name. In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

Thursday, September 14: Nehemiah 6- The natural-ness of prayer.

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands” (9b).  The three words, But I prayed, tackled my attention.

So much was going on for Nehemiah. The work was progressing, still the critical installation of gates needed to be completed, without them the town remained vulnerable. Knowing this the opposition turned up the heat. If the gates were not installed all the years of work were for naught. This was the project enemies’ last chance. They knew it and Nehemiah new it.

The stakes were high.

It is at this point that those 3 words appear in the account. But I prayed…

Prayer is an important weapon in the arsenal of God’s people.

Nehemiah had wisdom, leadership abilities, savvy, connections, integrity all of which were important. What set him apart for God’s work was that he believed in, worshipped and consulted with the Lord. Nehemiah knew where his strength came from so he regularly dipped his head to prayer.

At this critical juncture he prayed and God opened his eyes to lurking dangers.

A little later the story unfolds further and another moment of prayer slides seamlessly into the story. As Nehemiah’s narrative progresses we read, Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me (14). This moment of prayer fits so naturally in the telling of the story, an indicator to me that Nehemiah himself slid naturally into prayer. Prayer was a natural and normal part of his life. Certainly he may have had formal times of prayer but clearly he also moved in and out of relational prayer as his day progressed. This is a sign to me that Nehemiah lived in relationship with the Lord and conversations (prayers) popped up as naturally with the Lord as with an associate.

Ahh, the power, the wonder, the natural-ness of prayer that springs from a relationship with the Lord.

Thanks, Nehemiah, for your example!

Lord, draw me close to You so that I grow in this natural-ness of prayer. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Wednesday, September 13: Nehemiah 5- Living above reproach.

Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. …Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. (14,17).

Nehemiah went above and beyond to make sure his life was an example. To do so he lived above reproach, not accepting the governor’s portion and still feeding many at his table.

Too often leaders and people of prominence accept perks and at times flaunt privilege. Not so Nehemiah. He chose to live so that the average person would respect him and honor him.

Nehemiah sets a high bar to this day.

What does living above reproach mean for me in my life? For me it means living within my means. It means being transparent with my elders when a parishioner gives me something that might be beyond what that person would give anyone else. It means living in a way that if others emulate, the glory is given to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Living above reproach means living a life of integrity.

What does living above reproach mean for you? Think about it…

Lord God, may my life bring You honor and glory. Lord, may my life bring people into Your kingdom. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Tuesday, September 12: Nehemiah 4- Problems mount but the Spirit of the Lord in His people prevails.

The story of Nehemiah is the account of a leader performing a great work for God. Things will happen, opposition to the work of God will arise and leaders like Nehemiah must be willing to adjust to meet the present situation.

Nehemiah changed the work detail so that half worked and the other half stood guard. It slowed the project, but ensured safety. He established other safety protocols. His mind and ability to organize was constantly working.

The task was great and most of the people were not laborers, so as their energy flagged Nehemiah encouraged them. As he learned of plots against the project he planned, when taunts and ridicule came, he reminded them that the Lord was with them.

Nehemiah also worked alongside the people asking no more of them than he did himself.

As I consider Nehemiah I am encouraged. God puts the right people in the right spots to get His work done. People labored. Soldiers protected. Nehemiah led and prayed. The work progressed. It was difficult. Problems mounted but the Spirit of the Lord in His people prevailed.

So it is to this day… Problems mount but the Spirit of the Lord in His people prevails.

God has given us the great task of reaching the ends of the earth with the message of the Gospel. Making disciples of ALL peoples is the task of the Church. Yes, it means witnessing in our places and locations, BUT it also means going where the Gospel has never gone. Giving every people group an opportunity to hear about and respond to Jesus.

A church, the Church can never be satisfied sharing the Gospel and growing in its own community or region. We MUST have a global perspective, reaching out to the unreached so that every ethnic group hears the life-giving message of Jesus.

Wow, the Lord has taken me far from Nehemiah this morning as I sit with Him.

Lord, give me Your heart on this matter so that I orient my life around Your task and goal that disciples be made of ALL nations. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

Monday, September 11: Nehemiah 3- Lord God, this work I am about to attempt is for You..

The rebuilding of Jerusalem was truly a community effort. Everyone pitched in (except for the nobles of Tekoa who would not put their shoulder to the stone). Artisans, priests, families and clans worked together and took a section of the wall and gates as their repair section.  What an amazing undertaking.

As the chapter began I was grabbed by the fact that the high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests dedicated their work before they began. Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel (1).

There is no indication that any other workers dedicated their work before beginning and yet this simple gesture leapt off the page at me. It spoke to me of faith and faithfulness. Eliashib and his fellow priests made a statement, ‘God, this work I am about to attempt is for You’.

My mind spins with ways this insight speaks to me…

·         Beginning my day with ‘dedication’… Lord, the things I will do today are dedicated to You.

·         At the beginning of a trip –a vacation... Lord, the things I will do and enjoy are a gift from You.

·         At the beginning of a work trip... Lord, the work I am able to accomplish on this trip is for You.

·         Mealtime… Lord God, this meal is a gift from You, use it to fuel my service of You.

Meetings, projects, and so on can be dedicated to the Lord as one begins. What a wonderful simple thought.

Thank You, Lord, for the simplicity of this thought. As I begin my day today, the work of my hands I dedicate to You. In Jesus’ name and for the sake of Your fame, Oh, my God. Amen.

 

Lord, today is 911. Simply writing that name causes a flood of memories. Memories of 9/11/2001 and thoughts of all the things that have changed in this world since that day. I pray for my country that we could find our moorings in integrity, honesty and caring for all. I pray that the words on Lady Liberty would seep onto our psyche again.

I pray for peace… peace within our borders and peace outside our borders. I pray that I might be a man of peace, fueled by You and living for You. The only true peace is found in You, Lord. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

Saturday, September 9: Nehemiah 2- Fear is not an enemy of faith; inaction is .

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid (1-2).

I never noticed the timing before. Chapter 1 takes place in the month of Kislev in the 20th year. Chapter 2 happens in the month of Nissan in the 20th year. Almost 4 full months lapse between chapters 1 and 2, such was the trepidation Nehemiah felt about the situation and his ultimate request to the King.

Fear is not necessarily an enemy of faith; inaction is. Nehemiah labored for 4 months with the pain he felt for Jerusalem. He prayed and mourned and obviously planned. Eventually his heartbreak showed on his face and the king noticed. This leads to the moment described above.

Fear welled up in Nehemiah, but fear didn’t cripple him and that is the key.

When we do something new for God fear often rises in us; it certainly does in me. In the moment of final decision does fear or faith win? Faith won in Nehemiah and he answered the king and laid out his plan and God gave success. The same scenario works to this day.

When faith wins in that moment of decision we step out following the Lord’s leading and God brings the success!

The issue is not fear or faith. The issue is does fear inhibit faith or just precede faith?

I confess that I have experienced both fear inhibiting faith and fear preceding faith.  The Lord is using the example of Nehemiah to encourage me to choose the latter… fear preceding faith.

It is human and natural to feel fear at something new or different or big.  It is in those moments that I have to reach past my fear and grab hold of faith; believing God has called me to step out acting as I believe God would have me act.

Recognizing that fear often precedes faith is freeing….

Thank You, Lord, for this revelation of understanding. Fear does not mean I am bad or ill equipped or anything negative like that. Fear indicates I am human. In those moments of fear I need to reach down into the reservoir of faith and grab hold of what You put in me. Halleluiah, to You be the glory!

Thank You, Lord, for this realization. Now may I have the strength and courage to live it! Amen and amen.

 

Friday, September 8: Nehemiah 1- Disturbed by things that disturb God.

 

Knowing that the restoration of Jerusalem was underway, Nehemiah is shaken by reports from Jerusalem. He is so shaken he weeps much of the day when he hears the news and begins an immediate fast. Nehemiah acted as if there was a death in his family. They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven (3-4).

I don’t believe I have ever been as broken as Nehemiah as this chapter opens. The thought that rattled me was wondering if I have ever been broken by something that breaks the heart of God? It is not the external reaction I am wondering about but the internal pain.

Nehemiah was broken by the state of affairs his brothers and the city of his God were in. Again I wondered, have I ever been broken by the condition of my fellow Christian somewhere in the world or by the condition of the church. I am not sure I have.

Now is this because it is not my calling to fix or attend to something like this or is it selfishness and hardness of my heart? Ouch!

A final questions emerges.  Am I passionate enough for God and the things of God that I would be broken by something that breaks the heart of God?

As I sit this morning I see a passion for God in Nehemiah, a regular guy with a secular job. Nehemiah’s example invites me to let go the safe in order to see if God is leading me into some surprising faith adventure. As friend of mine often says, “Stay tuned...”

Oh, Lord, my God, break my heart with the things that break Yours. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen

 

Thursday, September 7: Ezra 10- Repentance of the heart.

It is one thing for the religious leader to be broken by sin of the people. It is another for the people to recognize their sin and be willing to repent. This chapter is the story of the people; they recognize their sin and are willing to repent and change. Halleluiah!

A significant aspect of the account that I recognized is that Ezra the leader did not force upon the people repentance. Other leaders saw in Ezra righteousness and were convicted of their unfaithfulness to the Lord. Their newfound faithfulness rippled out among the people until the people of God embraced their sinfulness and repented.

In fairness to the text, some pressure was exerted on the people by the leadership, but it wasn’t life threatening or unduly cohesive. Clearly God was at work. The priests presented the concern clearly and people responded.

Again the leaders were not heavy handed, but they were clear…

For life change to be real and true it must come from a heart convicted and willing to repent. Coercion leads to outward change but not the inward change that God desires.

Lord, I surrender to Your gaze. Examine me and point out my areas of needed change. I pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen

 

Wednesday, September 6: Ezra 9- Broken before God.

 

The stain of the people’s sin of intermarrying with the pagan people of the land hit Ezra hard. When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled (3). Appalled is a strong word!

He abased himself all day until the evening sacrifice and then he fell on his face before the Lord in prayer and confession.

I wondered, why am I not as deeply appalled by the sin of God’s people today? Why do I say little or nothing about the lack of faith in God’s church? The abortion rate and divorce rate is statistically the same for Christians as non-Christians. We are so much like the people of the world; we are virtually indistinguishable.  How can that be???

As I sit, I wonder how different am I.

I think it was Lloyd Ogilvie who first said, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you”?  I wonder would I be convicted.

Ezra’s jealousy for the Lord shames me…

Oh, God, forgive me, wretched sinner that I am. Through Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

Tuesday, September 5: Ezra 8- God of the big picture and God of the details.

As I sat back after reading this chapter, I pondered on the whole of the chapter. It is full of details. The Word of God named all people traveling with Ezra in this great wave of repatriation of Israel. Next came the search for Levites and the text names the families and the numbers of Levites who came. After that the chapter chronicles thoughts about safety during the journey and the parceling out of the offerings and articles of God to the families who will carry them to Jerusalem. The chapter concludes with everyone and everything making it to Jerusalem safely. It is all about details…

The Lord, I thought, cares for the details as well as the end results.

In life I hear the phrase, ‘The ends justify the means,’ but with the Lord that isn’t so. The means and the details are as important as the ends. Ezra had bragged on God that God would protect them, so it was important for him not to ask for armed guard for his travels. Neither could he buy mercenaries with the money given, so he prayed and then traveled. God came through.

A small detail about the trip, yet important enough to be recorded in God’s Word.

How we go about accomplishing the works of God is as important as the works themselves. God is honored in the details as well as the outcome.

This led me to the thought, how we live in the day to day is as important as the trajectory of our lives. God is not only interested in our doing good, but the manner of our doing as we do the good we know God would have us do…

Both the details of our doing and the end result matter to the Lord. How I live today and all of my todays, the character traits I exhibit throughout my days are important.

As a child of God and a follower of Jesus all of my life, the big picture and the details should honor my Lord.

May the words of my mouth, the thoughts of my mind and heart and the deeds of my hands be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer. Amen.

 

Monday, September 4: Ezra 7- Ezra, quite a man of faith.

Today we finally meet Ezra, the man for whom the book is named. He is quite a man, one worthy of emulation. In verse 10 we read, For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Ezra had devoted himself to:

Study of the Law… he knew God’s Word. Ezra gave his life to understanding God’s Word. More than just reading it, he learned its ins and outs. He mastered its content and understood it.

Observance of the Law… More than understanding it he lived it. Some people know the word of God intellectually, they have a PhD, if you will, in the Word, but it does not affect their lives. Not Ezra, he studied the Word to live the Word. He OBSERVED the law.

Teaching the Law… Ezra has yet another layer, he teaches the law. He shows men and women how to understand and live the law. He reproduces faith in others, faith that will grow and last.

Additionally, not indicated in this verse, he is a priest of the Law.  Ezra is from the bloodline that administers the law and the rituals of the law in the temple. He offers the sacrifices of the priest.

This is quite a resume and one I can seek to emulate. I can pour myself into learning and studying the law. Like Ezra I can take what I know and put it into practice living God’s Word faithfully. I can also help people along the journey of faith… teaching and showing them by example how to live faithfully to the Lord.

God is reminding me I can be a mini modern day Ezra within my own sphere of influence… What a calling!

Oh, Lord, send Your Spirit that I might abound as an Ezra-like person for Your honor and glory, I pray. Amen.