Read: Nehemiah 8
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; mourn not nor weep.” Nehemiah 8:9
Examine:
This verse brings to a close an amazing scene. Upon rebuilding the wall and settling into their new homes the people (not the priests) requested that the law be read and for 4 hours they stood out of respect for God’s word. As the Word was read they also took time to worship on their face before God. In the end, they wept and mourned as they saw their sin against God. Then Nehemiah, the consummate leader, got their attention and reminded them of an important fact about God. His conviction is designed to strengthen His people, not weaken them.
Apply:
For me today is a day to sit and acknowledge the work of God in my life. I can remember how I once starred at my Bible and feared opening it. I did not want to hear what it had to say about how I was living my life so I just did not read it. Then I remember another season of life when the promises of God became my focus. I could not wait to read the Bible because it offered the hope of a better life and I was all about advancing my agenda. That season of selfishness got me into the Word but it was only the bait. God began to gently apply scripture to my life and eventually began breaking down walls in my heart with it. I now find myself in a season of deep refinement. When I wake up in the mornings the first thought that comes to mind is getting into the Word and discovering what God has for me. It is a holy time. The deeper He digs into my heart the more freedom I find in my life. The more conviction He brings, the more peace I experience. The Word confronts my flesh, defeats my sin, and clears my heart.
Pray:
It is fun to sit back and reflect over life. I can remember sitting in mine and Brandy’s first home almost ten years ago. The day I am thinking about was the one when I sat down in my garage with my Bible. I sat in the floor that day and acknowledged that the life I was living was void of Your promises. I knew in my heart that there was more and I asked You for it. I agreed to submit to whatever You asked and follow Your movement. In the ten years that have passed since that day I would have never imagined all I have experienced. It is crazy to think about really. My life has followed a course I would have NEVER chosen. Yet, ten years into this new journey I stand hungry still for more. Looking back I realize that instead of giving me what I wanted You have handed me Your best. I simply want to come to You today and say thanks.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I Want This Mountain
Read: Nehemiah 7
“Now the city was wide and large, but the people in it were few, and their houses were not yet built.” Nehemiah 7:4
Examine:
Nehemiah built the city according to the size of the vision given to him by God, not based on its current capacity or his limitations.
Apply:
I never need to allow the vision of God’s plans for me to be shaped by the limits of my current capacity. Just because I have a lot today does not mean that I will experience more in the future. Likewise, small beginnings do not indicate a limited future. The detail that is most important is what has God asked me to build.
Pray:
I do not think I will ever forget 35. Today as the days of my life roll over into another year, I look back and stand amazed. As we have said yes, with each step You have provided. As I assess the choices we have made and compare them to this scripture this morning, I feel great about where we are. By Your grace we have not backed up a single time. No matter how dark it has gotten or impossible the odds have felt, I have kept moving toward the vision You placed in my heart. I sit at peace today knowing that I held nothing back from You.
Today we stand at another crossroad. I feel a lot like Nehemiah this morning. The walls have been built and I stare across at a very large city, but there are a lot of empty lots. You know the battle that we face daily and the fears that threaten our hearts. Your word says that we will face enough pressures to mold our character and strengthen our faith but never so much that we can’t stand. By Your grace we have stood the test, held fast to our commitments, and honored Your Name in our conversations. Likewise, we have found Your promises to be steadfast and always true.
I do not want relief. I do not want rest. I do not want my old life back nor do I desire another task. I WANT THIS MOUNTAIN. I ask today that You open the heavens and continue to fulfill the vision You have given. I pray that we be able to see fully the completion of the desire You have planted in our hearts for South Africa and Your Church in the U.S. Let my hands be strong today, my sword be sharp and my aim be true.
“Now the city was wide and large, but the people in it were few, and their houses were not yet built.” Nehemiah 7:4
Examine:
Nehemiah built the city according to the size of the vision given to him by God, not based on its current capacity or his limitations.
Apply:
I never need to allow the vision of God’s plans for me to be shaped by the limits of my current capacity. Just because I have a lot today does not mean that I will experience more in the future. Likewise, small beginnings do not indicate a limited future. The detail that is most important is what has God asked me to build.
Pray:
I do not think I will ever forget 35. Today as the days of my life roll over into another year, I look back and stand amazed. As we have said yes, with each step You have provided. As I assess the choices we have made and compare them to this scripture this morning, I feel great about where we are. By Your grace we have not backed up a single time. No matter how dark it has gotten or impossible the odds have felt, I have kept moving toward the vision You placed in my heart. I sit at peace today knowing that I held nothing back from You.
Today we stand at another crossroad. I feel a lot like Nehemiah this morning. The walls have been built and I stare across at a very large city, but there are a lot of empty lots. You know the battle that we face daily and the fears that threaten our hearts. Your word says that we will face enough pressures to mold our character and strengthen our faith but never so much that we can’t stand. By Your grace we have stood the test, held fast to our commitments, and honored Your Name in our conversations. Likewise, we have found Your promises to be steadfast and always true.
I do not want relief. I do not want rest. I do not want my old life back nor do I desire another task. I WANT THIS MOUNTAIN. I ask today that You open the heavens and continue to fulfill the vision You have given. I pray that we be able to see fully the completion of the desire You have planted in our hearts for South Africa and Your Church in the U.S. Let my hands be strong today, my sword be sharp and my aim be true.
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