Tag: Nehemiah

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Read the Bible Publicly?

Read the Bible Publicly?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for how to best honor your word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What would it be like today if God’s holy and inspired word was read out loud in the center of the city in a public square? Would there be public outcry or praise?

Imagine being transported to the time of Ezra, the Old Testament prophet and contemporary of Nehemiah. After the wall and gates were rebuilt, all the people gathered together to hear Ezra read the Law of Moses.

Nehemiah 8:5-6 (ESV) picks up the story:

“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”

What a great testimony of God’s chosen people. Ponder their reaction upon hearing God’s word.

How will you react differently the next time you hear scripture read aloud?

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

No One Appreciates Your Work?

No One Appreciates Your Work?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who work hard and think no one notices. In Jesus’ name, amen.

People are watching.

Nehemiah and those who rebuilt and defended Jerusalem’s wall were observed by the people of nearby nations. From start to finish the reconstruction took only fifty-two days. How could this be?

We learn in Nehemiah 6:16 (ESV) who others thought deserved the credit:

“And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Work hard. Achieve results.

Acknowledge where the help comes from. Praise God!

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Be Prepared!

Be Prepared!

I pray for wisdom for those who need to be prepared for an attack. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever learn someone is out to get you? How did you prepare?

In the fourth chapter of Nehemiah we learn, teams of builders were working on Jerusalem’s wall when word came that opposition forces were plotting to disrupt the construction.

It says in Nehemiah 4:8 (ESV) says, “And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.”

The response? Prayer. And more.

In verse 9 (ESV) it says, “And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.”

Then reinforcements, although at first reluctant, arrived and equipped with spears, shields, bows and coats of mail prepared to protect the workers.

Are you a wall builder, or are you called to protect others? In whatever capacity, be prepared! Serve with distinction.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Read the Bible Publicly?

Read the Bible Publicly?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for how to best honor your word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What would it be like today if God’s holy and inspired word was read out loud in the center of the city in a public square?

Would there be public outcry or praise?

Imagine being transported to the time of Ezra, the Old Testament prophet and contemporary of Nehemiah.

After the wall and gates were rebuilt, all the people gathered together to hear Ezra read the Law of Moses.

Nehemiah 8:5-6 (ESV) picks up the story: “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.”

What a great testimony of God’s chosen people.

Ponder their reaction upon hearing God’s word. Will you react differently the next time you hear scripture read aloud?

Tell me what you think below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

No One Appreciates Your Work?

No One Appreciates Your Work?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who work hard and think no one notices. In Jesus’ name, amen.

People are watching. Nehemiah and those who rebuilt and defended Jerusalem’s wall were observed by the people of nearby nations. From start to finish the reconstruction took only fifty-two days. How could this be?

We learn in Nehemiah 6:16 (ESV) who others thought deserved the credit: “And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Work hard. Achieve results. Acknowledge where the help comes from.

Praise God!

Tell me what you think below.