Remembered With Favor

Friday, September 30, 2011
Reading: Nehemiah 5:12-19
Reflection: This is an amazing passage given our present political context. Now, don't get me wrong...I am not seeking to us a devotional blog to attack a particular political party. It seems inappropriate for me to do that. What I am saying is that today's politicians seem to use their position and their people to advance their own power and increase their own wealth. Nehemiah did the opposite. He never ate the food that was allotted to him as the governor. Now, that doesn't mean he didn't eat. He certainly did. And he also fed many others. But he used his own money to do so. In addition, he refused to acquire any land and the wealth that comes with it. In essence, he used his position to empower the people rather than using the people to empower himself. Now, we may wish that our own politicians would do that. However, it's unlikely that they will...and do you know why? Because in our natural state we would all use people for self advancement. But Nehemiah has a power beyond his natural state. Nehemiah is motivated by his faith in God . We are clearly told that Nehemiah did what he did because of his reverence for and desire to be positively remembered by his God. It was his faith, not his willpower, that allowed him to act rightly. So, rather than wishing our politicians would be different, maybe we should start praying that they would come to faith. Maybe we should pray that they would submit their lives to Christ and be filled by his Spirit. Then...and maybe only then...will they act not out of their natural ambition but a supernatural motivation. Maybe then their desire would not be to acquire wealth and power, but would seek to be remembered as righteous by the God they serve.

Righteous Anger and Corrective Action

Thursday, September 29, 2011
Reading: Nehemiah 5:6-11
Reflection: In this passage we see one of the few times where Nehemiah becomes angry with his own countrymen. His anger, however, is justified. The nobles and officials were taking advantage of their position and making money on the backs of those who were working hard to restore the city. So Nehemiah allows his righteous anger to take corrective actions. First, Nehemiah confronts evil in the presence of all people. In this way everyone knows that evil will not be tolerated in the restored city of God. Second, he outlines the corrective actions to be taken to make the situation as right as possible. Finally, he commands those who need to take these actions to do so as soon as possible. As we will find out, the nobles and officials agree to do exactly what Nehemiah calls them to do. We see a couple of truths through this passage. First, it is not wrong to become angry. In fact, a godly person is right to feel indignant in the face of evil. Second, when filled with righteous anger, the thing to do is confront the evil in a way that brings justice. We may not be able to do all that is needed, but we can do all that we can to correct the impact of evil in our society. If we as Christians will allow our righteous anger to bring corrective action, we will truly be salt and light in our world.

Natural Life Challenges

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Reading: Nehemiah 5:1-5
Reflection: As I read this passage this morning, it reminded me that no matter how large or small one's ministry...no matter whether you are seeking to change the world or overcome dysfunctional personal habits...life does not end in the midst of ministry. Such is the case for the people of Jerusalem in our passage. This text does not tell us about angry enemies who are seeking to demoralize the workers. It doesn't speak of natural disasters that create unexpected chaos. No, this passage tells us that while the people seek to rebuild the wall they still have to feed their families, deal with their mortgages, and pay their taxes. The suff of daily life can't be put on hold in order to focus on some additional ministry. Rather, life goes on and we need to meet the challenges of both life and ministry. This has been a struggle for people for many years...and it is not easy. And while there are no easy answers, it is important to realize that sometimes it may feel like the daily challenges of life are getting in the way of ministry. Still, what we need to do in those times is to reach out for help and counsel. Seek out people who can provide advice and assistance so that rather than giving up you can figure out how to effectively deal with the daily issues of life and the real challenges of ministry.

Redirecting and Restraining

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 4:16-23

Reflection: I love the picture we are given here of men who are both workers and warriors at the same time. In fact, the text tells us that those who carried materials "did their work with one hand and held a weapon with the other." So, if I am wondering if these men are workers focused on positively building for the future or warriors seeking to protect the people from the negative impact of the enemy, I have to admit they are both at the same time. Another way of saying this is that on one hand these are men who are redirecting the people from accepting the negative conditions of their city to positively building toward a better future. On the other hand, they are also men who are seeking to restrain the influences of evil people who would seek to destroy the positive progress which has been made. So, they are involved in a balanced ministry of both redirecting toward the positive and restraining evil. In some sense, this is what we are to do as men within our society. On one hand, we need to seek to redirect our families, our worksites, and our society from negative thinking to constructing a positive future. On the other hand, we should be actively engaged in restraining the influences of evil that might frustrate that work. So today, as you are at work, seek to be both redirecting and restraining in all you do.

Monday, September 26,2011
Reading: Nehemiah 4:10-15
Reflection: I love the phrase where we are told that the people "worked with all their hearts." Here is a group of people who for a couple of generations have struggled with the reality that they have no boundaries around their place of worship. They have no reason to believe that the positive changes they make to their lives, worship and city will long last as they have no protection from their enemies. Some years earlier, we see half-hearted workers who are not thrilled with the rebuilt temple because it wasn't as big and glorious as Solomon's temple. But here, after all these years of struggle, are giving all they have to make progress. And, not surprisingly, progress is what they make. They get half way done in a very brief amount of time. So, maybe one lesson here is that every person gets involved with every drop of energy they have that real progress...even after years of set backs...can be gained in a big hurry.

Delivered Through Prayer and Action

Saturday, Septemeber 24, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 4:7-9

Reflection: These two little verses teach me a great deal about how to balance prayer and action. Once again the enemies of the Jewish people are upset that someone is helping them to restore their city. Once again they begin to plot together on how they might oppose the work. However, now the opposition has moved beyond verbal threats to physical attacks. Now the opposition is planning to come and "fight" the Jews as a way of physically destroying their work. So Nehemiah's response is two-fold. He both prays to God and posts a guard. Both are critical. Nehemiah realizes that ultimately they will need God's intervention in order to be successful. However, he also realizes that God normally mediates His help through the faith-based actions of his people. Given that truth, Nehemiah also posts a guard. The lesson seems clear. In times of opposition, I need to both pray and act. I pray that God will intervene on my behalf, and I act so that he can intervene through what I am doing. In this way prayer and action come together to bring deliverance from the enemy.

No More Christian Nice Guys

Friday, September 23, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 4:4-6

Reflection: I am presently reading a book that suggests the idea of being nice and polite is killing the men of the church. The author's intent is to help readers understand how men wish to be men...strong, courageous, bold, fighting men who don't feel as though they have to be polite, even in the face of horrific sin. Now, I realize we can take this too far, but I also think that we see this in Nehemiah's prayer. Can you imagine a person standing before the congregation in our day and declaring this prayer. People would go insane! They would be shocked and offended that someone would be so direct and rude in their prayers. But Nehemiah will have none of it. He is more than willing to ask God to allow his enemies ridicule to come back to haunt them. He openly asks God to fully look upon, and fully give justice, to those who harm him and those who are seeking to do God's work. And it appears as those his direct, honest and courageous prayer motivated the workers. They believed they had a man who would stand up for them...not by direct assault but by direct address to their heavenly father. Maybe its time we gave up on being nice and start being just. Maybe its time to quit worrying so much about being polite and liked and to focus more on being assertive and effective in prayer.

It Begins With Ridicule

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 4:1-3

Reflection: As we reach this portion of scripture, Nehemiah has now received permission to lead the rebuilding project, returned to Jerusalem, gathered resources for the task, inspected the damage, challenged the people to rise and build, and now finally started the work. It isn't long before opposition rises. Sanballat is angry that someone is helping the Jewish people and culture of worship to rise. His intent is to oppose the work so that the project is not completed. Notice, of course, that he has no alternative plan. It's not like he has a better idea that will be more helpful. No, he simply wants to oppose progress. This is often the case. Many times those who oppose progress have no alternative plan. They simply don't want progress. In addition, they almost always start with ridicule. They seek to poke fun and demoralize those who are seeking to make progress so that they will give up or give in. What this reminds us is that we should expect opposition any time we seek to make changes. In addition, we should expect that this opposition may well begin with ridicule and verbal demoralization. If this doesn't work, the opposition may become more intense, but this is often where opposition begins...with biting, cruel and usually untrue ridicule.

We Need Everyone To Participate

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 3:15-32

Reflection: Yes, I understand. Really, I do. You read this passage of scripture and wonder, "How in the world do I get anything out of this?" I, too, have had similar thoughts. Why in the world record this portion of scripture? When one considers this is the very word of God, recorded and preserved for all time, why in the world include a long list of people who build a small portion of a wall? Well, let me suggest a couple of things that this teaches us. First, it teaches that people matter to God. Second, it reminds us that the work that people do matters to God. Think of it. These people and the work they did on a wall in the Middle East is remembered for all time. So, what people do and how they do it matters to our God. Third, it reminds us that some projects require the involvement of all the people. This wall would not have been completed if everyone wasn't willing to pitch in and do their part. This directly applies to our church. We are in the midst of a building project. And you are a part of this church by God's calling. This means that your participation in the project...whatever that is...matters to God. He is watching and noting your participation. It also means that we will not successfully finish this project without everyone's participation. So, whatever you are doing...thank you for your participation. It matters to God, and without you we can never finish the job. However, with you the project can and will be fulfilled.

My Enjoyment or God's Glory

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 3:1-14

Reflection: Reading this section of Nehemiah is not very exciting. There are no stories of miracles and no record of great challenges or tragedies. We don't see conflict between people or celebrations at the temple. In fact, we don't really read about anything...with the exception of boring details of the work being completed. However, there is a lesson here that it is good for us to remember. Often times the idea of the work, and the preparation for the work, is much more exciting than the actual work. Once a project actually is under way, the work can quickly seem relatively boring compared to the dreaming and planning which preceded our efforts. This is where we learn if we are completing the project for our own satisfaction or for the glory of the Lord. If all we are interested in is enjoying ourselves, or having fun, we will not long stay with the work. However, if the work is about God receiving glory then whether or not I am enjoying myself is a secondary issue. So, if you find that the work of your hands is boring and less than thrilling...stick with it. After all, God has placed you there not so you will have a good time but that He might gain glory through your work. What you do may not be that exciting, but gaining glory for the Lord is always worth your time and energy.

Overcoming Opposition by Faith

Monday, Sept. 19, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 2:19-20

Reflection: It's interesting how quickly obstacles and opposition rises once a group of people decide to get busy doing the work of God. And just as sin loves company, so too opposition rarely comes from just one person. It may start with one, but those who oppose and frustrate work tend to recruit others to join them in their opposition. Such is the case in this passage. There are now three people who, right on the heals of the decision to begin rebuilding, rise up in opposition. The opposition, at least at first, is mostly verbal. These men both mock and ridicule Nehemiah and the people. They also threaten them with the historical facts. These men know full well that the king had earlier ordered that the reconstruction of the wall be stopped. Now, seeing what the people are doing, they suggest that Nehemiah and the others are acting in defiance of the king's previous orders. It appears as though they do not know that the king has changed his mind and given Nehemiah permission to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah, however, is not intimidated. He rests in the fact that God's favor rests on them and as such He will give them success. Here is the key to overcoming verbal insults and opposition. The way to overcome such things is not to be more clever or articulate than others. The way to overcome is place our trust in God and to keep our hands to the plow. So, as you go about your work today, let me encourage you to entrust yourself to the Lord and persevere in your work. As you do, God can work through you to reveal Himself to the world.

The Rise Of Sinful Opposition

Friday, September 16, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 2:9-10

Reflection: It's interesting to note how quickly we are warned that Nehemiah will face opposition. This warning comes in verse 10 with the information that two men were very displeased by Nehemiah coming to seek the welfare of God's people. What I find quite interesting is the meaning of the name Sanballat. It actually comes from an Akkadian word that means "sin has given life." While one could argue that this is coincidental, it does seem to suggest something significant for us to consider. Whenever we set out to do something great for God's kingdom, sin is always crouching at the door. Sin seeks to oppose us and trip us up. Sometimes that sin lies within us and we are tempted to say or do something that will significantly damage the work of God. Sometimes that sin lies outside of us...with other people or powers that seem to oppose us at every turn. In either case, we as believers should be warned that sin is always seeking to master us. If we are going to overcome this reality, we need to make sure that we are "walking in the Spirit." As we stay within the leading of the Holy Spirit...as we stay in step with the Spirit...we will not be sheltered from sinful opposition. However, we will overcome the rise of sinful opposition and successfully fulfill the work to which God has called us.

God Is The Source Of Our Help

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 2:5-8

Reflection: As Nehemiah gains some initial successes in gaining both permission to return to Judea, and resources for his work, we could credit several things for his success. We could say that Nehehiah's success was due to his humble attitude and inner courage. Truthfully, it is a lesson to all of us to see how Nehemiah offers humble requests instead of direct demands. It is also interesting to see his courage in making such a request without knowing what the kind will do in response. We could also explain Nehemiah's success by referring to the gracious response of the king. The king could have demanded Nehemiah's life for making such a request. Instead, the king grants Nehemiah everything for which he asks. However, notice why Nehemiah feels he was successful. Nehemiah knows that the only reason he has succeeded is because "the good hand of my God was on me." Nehemiah sees his success as evidence that God had heard his prayers, responded to his prayers, and granted him success in what he did. Let's remember that. No matter how smart, courageous, humble or persistant our actions our ultimate success rests on whether or not God's hand of favor is upon us.

Risking Death For God's People

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-4

Reflection: There is a small phrase in these four verses that most of us would simply skip over as insignificant. And yet, these verses reveal a man who was willing to take a great risk in order to make a difference for God's people. Those words are "...I had not been sad in his presence..." In the Persian culture of that day, you were never to enter the king's presence and be anything but happy and joyful. The reason for this was your attitude was a reflection of your feelings about the nature of the king's rule. To be happy and joyful meant that you felt the king's leadership brought joy and pleasure to those under his rule. To be sad was to suggest that his rule was less than it ought to be, thus producing sadness in the lives of those under his rule. The king would normally take the life of anyone who suggested such a thing. And yet, Nehemiah wants the king to intervene for the Jewish people, and choses to show his emotions and be sad in his presence. What a great lesson for me. When God's people need help, do I simply sit back and hope things change, or am I willing to risk my life if necessary to act on their behalf. May God give me the courage and conviction needed to "give all I have" for the sake of God, His kingdom, and His people.

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 1:5-11

Reflection: John Wesley said that "God does nothing except in response to believing prayer." Even more pointed is S. D. Gordon who said, "Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is simply picking up the pieces." I think Nehemiah would agree. When hearing about the situation in Jerusalem, Nehemiah could have launched into a diatribe that blamed these men for not taking action and getting the job done. Nehemiah could have formed a team, gathered resources, developed a plan, and set off to get the job done. Instead, Nehemiah does what many people would feel is little to nothing. Nehemiah prayed. When he does, he reminds us that the single most important thing we can do to ensure the success of our efforts is to pray before, during and after all that we do. It is in prayer that God communicates His will and guides us toward His plan. It is prayer that unleashes the power of God and strengthens our resolve to act. It is through prayer that we humble ourselves before God and confess that He and He alone has the ultimate power to act...or cause us to act appropriately. So, if you are facing a unique challenge, seeking to heal from wounds, needing to form boundaries, or planning to help those who are doing these things, the first step toward success is praying before the God of heaven.

God's Plan Comes Together

Monday, 9/12/11

Background to the text: This blog will be a little different than future ones, in that it is not rooted in the reading for the day but in some of the historical background. In particular, a certain section of scripture where God outlines some instructions to His people that ultimately pay huge dividends. So, what is that background? Well, when God's people were originally sent into exile, there were false prophets who were telling the people that they would be returning home quickly. But this was not God's plan. God would have them in captivity for many years. So, God gives the people the following instructions through the prophet Jeremiah...

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down...marry and have sons and daughters...increase in number there, do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers you too will prosper. (Jer. 29:4-7)

In essence, God tells the people to do what they can to help the city prosper, so that they too will prosper. The people apparently did just that. And now, one of the young men born as a result of their obedience has prospered just as God said they would. He has become cupbearer for the king. From that position, he will work to help God's people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. So, by obeying this command from God, they see a man named Nehemiah rise to bring them dignity and restore the worship of God in Jerusalem. Obedience in this one thing brought blessings in other things. What a good lesson for us. God always has a plan, and if we will obey him now in this place He may bring great success and blessing to others in the future. So, in the little things today...be faithful. Who knows but that your obedience may bring blessings to many...even those in future generations.