"...Because these men were considered trustworthy they were made responsible..." (Nehemiah 13:13 NIV). To restore order in Jerusalem, Nehemiah put trustworthy men in positions of leadership. As I am given positions of responsibility I also must exhibit trustworthiness to God, to the people who have put me in the position, and to the people that I am to care for.
Nehemiah was a true prayer warrior. He used every opportunity to encourage and lead the people toward God's law (the Old Testament version of the Good News), and he used every opportunity to glorify God in prayer and in action.
Chapter 13 of Nehemiah reveals how he acted to reform what the people of Jerusalem had done during his absence. Not only did Nehemiah setup trustworthy leaders, he eliminated work on the sabbath, eliminated inter-marriage with foreigners, and purified the priests. For each of these changes, Nehemiah prayed for God's help, God's mercy, God's favor and he prayed specifically for the people. Nehemiah took God with him in everything he did and used every opportunity for change to glorify the name of God.
This theme is continued in Acts 3 where Peter heals the lame beggar at the temple gates. It says that the people "were amazed" (v10). Peter took this opportunity to glorify God (v16) and to express the Good News of Jesus Christ to these people (v19). This is what I must do. I must use every opportunity to glorify God. For everything I do is not by myself but by God's divine plan. And I must not only glorify God with my actions, I must witness for Jesus Christ - "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" - from Oct 10, Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest.
How beautifully all three readings correlate so very perfectly into one succinct message. Thank you Lord Jesus for your wonderful message. Help me to see every opportunity You give me to witness for You. Amen
About Me
- Steve Still
- Just an ordinary guy, who is a disciple of Jesus Christ. A husband and father. Involved in several ministries at Saddleback Church Lake Forest, including worship leader, motel outreach, childrens small group leader, couples small group leader, and Chaplain for The Purpose Driven Boy Scout Troop. Lover of my God, my family and of coarse guitars and vintage Lionel trains. I regularly read the bible and journal the inspiration that the Holy Spirit provides to me. I thought it would be great to share my journal thoughts and prayers. May you be touched as I have been.
