Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday June 11, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapter 13. If you would like to read the chapter along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-11
Today's Message: Being Spiritually Active
As Christians it is important to be spiritually active with God, we are to pray and read His Word every day, find a church that bases it's doctrine and teaching on the New Testament, fellowship with other like minded Christians, and keep ourselves separated from people who live in the world. Yes, we are to be respectful towards everyone, but we are to set ourselves apart from non-believers or even those who say they are Christian, but do not believe in the Gospel of Christ, the death, burial, and resurrection. Sadly, many Christians, including Preachers, Ministers, Evangelists, and teachers have become spiritually inactive, leaving people unknown to the Gospel to fend for themselves and try to figure out everything on their own. Sure it is good to read the Bible on your own and learn how to communicate with Him on your own, but we need some help once in a while from trainers. Just like the physical body needs a trainer to help keep it motivated and physically active to stay fit, the spiritual body needs a trainer to help keep it motivated and spiritually active to stay fit. If we want to get in shape we need to work hard and stay at it because it takes years to get in shape, but only days to lose it.
After being in Jerusalem about 12 years, Nehemiah returned to his duties in Babylon. During his absence, the Israelites neglected reading the Scriptures and, within a brief period of time, the people, including spiritual leaders and church workers had lost interest in pleasing the Lord and began focusing on worldly things. Nehemiah was stricken with grief, how could such a small town get so out of touch with God. Nehemiah arrived to Israelites, including priests married to idol worshipers, work being done on the Sabbath, and no one was tithing so the Levites (church workers) were out working in the fields. Perhaps what grieved him most was that Eliashib, the priest, allying himself with Tobiah, an enemy of God who did everything to stop the rebuilding of the Temple. Eliashib provided special living quarters in the Temple compound for this enemy of God. “On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude...And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.” - Nehemiah 13:1-3,8-11. Nehemiah was determined to get the people right with God, even if that meant he had to hurt some peoples feelings.
How did they lose touch with God in such a short amount of time? First, they got lax. Instead of staying spiritually active they got lazy, saying it will not hurt me to miss just one service or I do not have to read my Bible all the time. Because they allowed themselves to become lax they became ignorant to God's Word and the Scriptures. Secondly, men of God and teachers have stopped being the examples they are supposed to be, they
have allowed compromise with the world into the church, they do not want to offend anyone, or want to keep the money coming in so they allow the world to dwell in the church and ignore or change God's Word to make it fit in with society. Now, everyone is welcome in God's house, He loves everyone, and wants to see everyone saved, but He wants everyone to know the truth. He will not have men changing His Word to satisfy the needs of the world. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6. People need to hear the truth not to have it sugar coated to fit their lifestyles, the truth hurts sometimes, but it would not hurt so much if we were doing what we should be doing in the first place. An old movie quote comes to mind, “You can't handle the truth”. The world and even some Christians do not want to hear the truth, the fact is, heaven and hell are real and every person will end up in one of these places. Fornication, adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness, gambling, and astrology are all sins that God despises, all have sinned and will face the consequences of their sins. Ignorance is not bliss, it can not save you only Jesus can save you.
Nehemiah took affirmative action, he stood for the Word of God and would not consent to their compromising attitude toward sin. “And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy....And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.” - Nehemiah 13:19-22,25. Nehemiah continued his reformation while facing much opposition. A true man of God will not let the world intimidate them from telling and living by the true Word of God. Of course church leaders make mistakes, but the only way to get right with God and get the people right with God is by following an example and living by all of the truths found in His Word, not picking and choosing what they want to follow and bend the rules or eliminate the rest of them. We are all to set an example foe the world to follow, otherwise how are they to know the importance of following Christ.
Too often Christians compromise with the world because they lack knowledge of the Scriptures, they excuse disloyalty to God by saying they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But where there is obvious opposition to what is clearly stated in God's Word, we must take a positive stand for Christ. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” - II Timothy 4:1-5. We can not stop teaching and living by the truth of God's Word no matter how many people try to deny, change, or compromise with the facts. To resist worldly influence calls for tough decisions to be made in order to remain faithful to God's Word. We must stay spiritually active or get back in shape, if we are not walking with God daily we will not be able to fight off the devil who would like nothing better than to get strong Christians away from God and compromising with the world.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Get to Work 06.10.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday June 10, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapters 11-12. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser:
http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-10
Today's Message: Get to Work
Though all true Christians love the Lord, not all are willing to give up personal interests and financial securities to do what is needed. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” - Luke 10:2. There is much work to be done before Jesus returns, but sadly many Christians will sit on the sidelines instead of pitching in and doing what is needed and commanded by Jesus Himself. Jesus spent forty days on earth after He resurrected and before He ascended back up to heaven He gave a command to all who are saved. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28:18-20. Perhaps the most important task of all that Jesus has given us is to tell the Gospel to all who do not know Christ. There truly are many, many, many, who are not saved, but only about one out of ten Christians will do the labor to see people saved. As Christians, we need to remember that we are only saved through the blood shed of our Lord Jesus Christ, the least we can do is help Him our by telling others how they too can come to know Christ.
Ordinary people, although not skilled in building walls, had willingly gone to work under Nehemiah's leadership and did the best they could to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. After everything was complete, only a minority of the people who left Persia (Babylon) to rebuild Jerusalem actually lived inside the city's walls. Most of the Jews lived in suburbs where they could grow crops, pasture their animals, and make a living more easily. Because of this, there were not enough people living in Jerusalem to maintain and protect it. “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.” - Nehemiah 11:1-3. Jerusalem is the only city on earth called by God the holy city and where our Creator chose to put His Name. It was still in ruins and the people had a lot of work to do to get it rebuilt. Only one in ten people chose to forsake their comfortable living to go into Jerusalem to rebuild the city. It is not an easy task to serve the Lord at times, there are many uncomfortable situations that come our way, but we must realize that every hurdle we jump over is one more closer to the finish line which leads to the Kingdom of God.
Nehemiah went to the people and convinced many to return to putting God first in their lives, “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.... Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.” - Nehemiah 12:27,43-47. It was a revival, the people returned to God with great joy and forsook their own personal needs to rebuild the city. It can be easy to get so sidetracked when the pressures of life come knocking at the door, and sadly, it is during times like these when we can lose sight of God. That's when it is time for a revival, a personal praise and worship to the Lord. He will take care of us, but we must seek Him first.
Just as the Lord called His people out of Persia to forsake personal gain, to rebuild Jerusalem, and to be free to worship Him, so our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has called us to seek Him first. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:31-33. We do not need to be worried about the things we are in need of, God knows what we need. If we seek Him first, He will take care of everything. I am self employed so I do not get a steady pay check, but when the time comes and I am in need of funds God is always there and provides me with work. In fact, if I take God with me while I am working, the work triples and I get paid for one job what would take me at least three jobs. Praise God! It is time to go to God and ask Him what jobs need to be done, He has given you so many blessings, thank Him for them by helping Him out a little bit. There are so many people lost and in need to know the Savior, tell them about Him, you do not have to know the Bible, just know Jesus and tell them how you came to know Him. There is a lot of work to be done, the harvest is plenty, but few a willing to bring in the crops, be a part of the few, do some work. No job is truly as satisfying as one done with compassion and labor. Let's get to work and see God do some amazing things in our lives. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and the rest of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
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Today is Thursday June 10, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapters 11-12. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser:
http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-10
Today's Message: Get to Work
Though all true Christians love the Lord, not all are willing to give up personal interests and financial securities to do what is needed. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” - Luke 10:2. There is much work to be done before Jesus returns, but sadly many Christians will sit on the sidelines instead of pitching in and doing what is needed and commanded by Jesus Himself. Jesus spent forty days on earth after He resurrected and before He ascended back up to heaven He gave a command to all who are saved. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28:18-20. Perhaps the most important task of all that Jesus has given us is to tell the Gospel to all who do not know Christ. There truly are many, many, many, who are not saved, but only about one out of ten Christians will do the labor to see people saved. As Christians, we need to remember that we are only saved through the blood shed of our Lord Jesus Christ, the least we can do is help Him our by telling others how they too can come to know Christ.
Ordinary people, although not skilled in building walls, had willingly gone to work under Nehemiah's leadership and did the best they could to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. After everything was complete, only a minority of the people who left Persia (Babylon) to rebuild Jerusalem actually lived inside the city's walls. Most of the Jews lived in suburbs where they could grow crops, pasture their animals, and make a living more easily. Because of this, there were not enough people living in Jerusalem to maintain and protect it. “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.” - Nehemiah 11:1-3. Jerusalem is the only city on earth called by God the holy city and where our Creator chose to put His Name. It was still in ruins and the people had a lot of work to do to get it rebuilt. Only one in ten people chose to forsake their comfortable living to go into Jerusalem to rebuild the city. It is not an easy task to serve the Lord at times, there are many uncomfortable situations that come our way, but we must realize that every hurdle we jump over is one more closer to the finish line which leads to the Kingdom of God.
Nehemiah went to the people and convinced many to return to putting God first in their lives, “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.... Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.” - Nehemiah 12:27,43-47. It was a revival, the people returned to God with great joy and forsook their own personal needs to rebuild the city. It can be easy to get so sidetracked when the pressures of life come knocking at the door, and sadly, it is during times like these when we can lose sight of God. That's when it is time for a revival, a personal praise and worship to the Lord. He will take care of us, but we must seek Him first.
Just as the Lord called His people out of Persia to forsake personal gain, to rebuild Jerusalem, and to be free to worship Him, so our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has called us to seek Him first. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:31-33. We do not need to be worried about the things we are in need of, God knows what we need. If we seek Him first, He will take care of everything. I am self employed so I do not get a steady pay check, but when the time comes and I am in need of funds God is always there and provides me with work. In fact, if I take God with me while I am working, the work triples and I get paid for one job what would take me at least three jobs. Praise God! It is time to go to God and ask Him what jobs need to be done, He has given you so many blessings, thank Him for them by helping Him out a little bit. There are so many people lost and in need to know the Savior, tell them about Him, you do not have to know the Bible, just know Jesus and tell them how you came to know Him. There is a lot of work to be done, the harvest is plenty, but few a willing to bring in the crops, be a part of the few, do some work. No job is truly as satisfying as one done with compassion and labor. Let's get to work and see God do some amazing things in our lives. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and the rest of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Daily Bible Study: A New Chapter Begins 06.08.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday June 09, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapters 9-10. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-9
Today's Message: A New Chapter Begins
The Bible was written to give us directions, to show us how we can live life to the fullest, yet still have some morals and recognize what an awesome, powerful God we have. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:16,17. Most people in the world have to have some sense that we had to be created somehow and it certainly was not from a speck that somehow turned into grass, then trees, then tadpoles billions of years ago into what we are today. Someone had to create everything on earth, first, no one or thing can evolve into something else. There may be different breeds, but no specie can break off or mix with another to create a new specie. That someone is God and He chose the people of Israel to be His mouth and to represent Him. Little by little pages were written documenting the state of Israel and the people known as God's people. They were no different then we are today, very few followed Him, generations would go by and not a mention of God or who He is came to mind. Then all of a sudden one person did not want to be like the rest of the world and choose to learn more about this awesome God and once again the Book was found, opened, and read, and a new generation begins serving God and a new chapter begins.
The wall surrounding Jerusalem was complete and a revival had just begun, the people were eager to know about this God they heard about. There was a book, but they could not understand it because it was written in the Hebrew language, which is why the New Testament was written in the Aramaic language. Ezra and several others gathered all who wanted to know about this awesome God together and began reading and learning His Word and Law. Upon learning what they had been unaware of they immediately began to repent and seek forgiveness, not only for themselves, but for the generations that had forsaken God. “Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God...Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” - Nehemiah 9:1-3,5,6. Those who find out the truth and realize they have been living a sinful life immediately begin to think about current sins and seek forgiveness. As they continue to read and learn more about what God has to say, everything starts coming out. A new chapter begins, one that is full of repentance and worship. It is an amazing feeling to go to God and ask Him for forgiveness and receive it by His mercy and grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is like a huge weight comes off your shoulders and you can not help, but thank the Lord and praise Him for being such a merciful God. Praise God! We must make it a point to read and learn all of God's Word. If you do not understand it, find someone who knows it to explain it to you or simply ask God, the Holy Spirit will help you understand it.
The completion of the wall provided protection from the surrounding enemies and provided peace of mind to hear what God had to say. They wanted to know all of God's Word and little by little they learned about the generations before them and how they came to be at present. The Israelites bound themselves with an oath to restore the tithes and sacrifices which the Law had earlier ordained. “They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;...Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.” - Nehemiah 10:29,32,33. Though they were impoverished and oppressed, they undertook to give such things as were needed for the full service of the Temple. It is important that we put God first in our giving, putting God first in all things blesses us abundantly, it may not look like it at the time, but give it time and all of a sudden you will look back and say, I am truly blessed.
The second a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior a new chapter begins, there are so many chapters in history documenting the power of God that even go beyond what we learn in the Bible, so many that if they were in the Bible it would be an endless book. You can write a chapter documenting the wonderful power of God on your life as He changes it to one that finally has meaning to it or you can write one documenting a life that just remained as though you never knew the name Jesus Christ. It's up to you, but remember one thing, you are a child of God, a representative of Christ, who was sinless and died to save you from your sins and hell. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” - II Corinthians 5:17-21. Praise God! If you think a life can not be changed by giving your life to Christ ready by testimony http://www.readytofollow.com/my-testimony
Enjoy the rest of your day/night week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
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Today is Wednesday June 09, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapters 9-10. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-9
Today's Message: A New Chapter Begins
The Bible was written to give us directions, to show us how we can live life to the fullest, yet still have some morals and recognize what an awesome, powerful God we have. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:16,17. Most people in the world have to have some sense that we had to be created somehow and it certainly was not from a speck that somehow turned into grass, then trees, then tadpoles billions of years ago into what we are today. Someone had to create everything on earth, first, no one or thing can evolve into something else. There may be different breeds, but no specie can break off or mix with another to create a new specie. That someone is God and He chose the people of Israel to be His mouth and to represent Him. Little by little pages were written documenting the state of Israel and the people known as God's people. They were no different then we are today, very few followed Him, generations would go by and not a mention of God or who He is came to mind. Then all of a sudden one person did not want to be like the rest of the world and choose to learn more about this awesome God and once again the Book was found, opened, and read, and a new generation begins serving God and a new chapter begins.
The wall surrounding Jerusalem was complete and a revival had just begun, the people were eager to know about this God they heard about. There was a book, but they could not understand it because it was written in the Hebrew language, which is why the New Testament was written in the Aramaic language. Ezra and several others gathered all who wanted to know about this awesome God together and began reading and learning His Word and Law. Upon learning what they had been unaware of they immediately began to repent and seek forgiveness, not only for themselves, but for the generations that had forsaken God. “Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God...Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” - Nehemiah 9:1-3,5,6. Those who find out the truth and realize they have been living a sinful life immediately begin to think about current sins and seek forgiveness. As they continue to read and learn more about what God has to say, everything starts coming out. A new chapter begins, one that is full of repentance and worship. It is an amazing feeling to go to God and ask Him for forgiveness and receive it by His mercy and grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is like a huge weight comes off your shoulders and you can not help, but thank the Lord and praise Him for being such a merciful God. Praise God! We must make it a point to read and learn all of God's Word. If you do not understand it, find someone who knows it to explain it to you or simply ask God, the Holy Spirit will help you understand it.
The completion of the wall provided protection from the surrounding enemies and provided peace of mind to hear what God had to say. They wanted to know all of God's Word and little by little they learned about the generations before them and how they came to be at present. The Israelites bound themselves with an oath to restore the tithes and sacrifices which the Law had earlier ordained. “They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;...Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.” - Nehemiah 10:29,32,33. Though they were impoverished and oppressed, they undertook to give such things as were needed for the full service of the Temple. It is important that we put God first in our giving, putting God first in all things blesses us abundantly, it may not look like it at the time, but give it time and all of a sudden you will look back and say, I am truly blessed.
The second a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior a new chapter begins, there are so many chapters in history documenting the power of God that even go beyond what we learn in the Bible, so many that if they were in the Bible it would be an endless book. You can write a chapter documenting the wonderful power of God on your life as He changes it to one that finally has meaning to it or you can write one documenting a life that just remained as though you never knew the name Jesus Christ. It's up to you, but remember one thing, you are a child of God, a representative of Christ, who was sinless and died to save you from your sins and hell. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” - II Corinthians 5:17-21. Praise God! If you think a life can not be changed by giving your life to Christ ready by testimony http://www.readytofollow.com/my-testimony
Enjoy the rest of your day/night week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Getting Through The Gate 06.08.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday June 08, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapters 7-8. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-8
Today's Message: Getting Through The Gate
A gate is a movable barrier to an entrance way, Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” - Matthew 7:13,14. Jesus is the gate, or movable barrier that gets us to God and into heaven. The word strait means a position of difficulty, hardships. The path to the strait gate is very narrow and difficult to get to, but it leads to Jesus who is life. Jesus is saying come to me, enter through my gate, it may be difficult, but it leads to eternal life with Me. The path to the wide gate is easy, it is big, smooth, and looks very appealing and inviting, but the wide gate leads to Satan. The word thereat means to enter in that place, meaning to enter a place of destruction or hell. Jesus is saying, many will enter through the wide gate because it is easier, but I will not be there and it will destroy you. The wide gate always leads to destruction and separation from God. Heaven is a huge place, full of streets of gold and mansions which Jesus is preparing for those whom have chosen the path to the strait gate, but sadly, only a few will be able to enter.
The walls surrounding Jerusalem were repaired, the city was huge and it still needed a lot of work, but very few people were in it. Armed guards stood at the only entrance into the city, the gates were open during the day, but once the gates were closed no one was allowed to go through the gates unless their names were found written in the register book. “Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,...These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. ” - Nehemiah 7:1-5,64. The register book was the Israelites only documentation that they were true Israelites that came from Babylon, anyone not found written in the book was considered an imposter and could not enter. Whether Jew or Gentile, unless a person is written in the Book of Life they can not enter the gates to heaven. Many people will go before Jesus and say they know Him, but will not be found in the registry book, therefore they will be put out from the Kingdom of God.
The ultimate purpose of God for His people was more than the restoration of His Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. These man-made structures were powerless to protect the Israelites from their enemies unless the people knew and obeyed the Word of God. The Hebrew language in which the Book of the Law was written was no longer the common language of the people. During their captivity, they spoke Aramaic, which was the international trade language used by the Aramaeans (Syrians), Persians, and Babylonians at that time. “And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law....So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:1-3,8-10. Thousands of Jews assembled at sunrise in Jerusalem day after day to hear Ezra and the Levites read and explain the Book of the Law, naturally when they realized that they were not following God's commands they felt convicted and began to cry, but Ezra encouraged them not to cry, saying the joy of the Lord is your strength. God has forgiven you, go, be merry and rejoice.
The most pressing need today is for Christians to become seriously concerned about reading all of God's Word because God speaks to us through His Word and, as we read it, our various acts of disobedience, whether by ignorance, omission or commission, are brought to mind. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12. God's Word will lead to our conviction, confession, and cleansing. The guilt which results from sins we have committed should no longer remain after we have confessed and repented. We dare not dig up past confessed and forgiven sins of our own or of others; instead, we should rejoice in the merciful, forgiving love of God through Christ our Savior. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”- I John 5:10,11. Those who do not have their names written in the book will enter through the gate that leads to an eternity in the lake of fire. “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:14,15. Being a Jew does not save a person, living righteously does not save a person, only Jesus saves a person. Only those who believe in Jesus, and I mean the birth, death, burial, and resurrection, of our Savior, gets to go through the gate. The barrier is gone, they are written in the Book of Life and can enter into the Kingdom of God. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:12,13. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Today is Tuesday June 08, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah chapters 7-8. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-8
Today's Message: Getting Through The Gate
A gate is a movable barrier to an entrance way, Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” - Matthew 7:13,14. Jesus is the gate, or movable barrier that gets us to God and into heaven. The word strait means a position of difficulty, hardships. The path to the strait gate is very narrow and difficult to get to, but it leads to Jesus who is life. Jesus is saying come to me, enter through my gate, it may be difficult, but it leads to eternal life with Me. The path to the wide gate is easy, it is big, smooth, and looks very appealing and inviting, but the wide gate leads to Satan. The word thereat means to enter in that place, meaning to enter a place of destruction or hell. Jesus is saying, many will enter through the wide gate because it is easier, but I will not be there and it will destroy you. The wide gate always leads to destruction and separation from God. Heaven is a huge place, full of streets of gold and mansions which Jesus is preparing for those whom have chosen the path to the strait gate, but sadly, only a few will be able to enter.
The walls surrounding Jerusalem were repaired, the city was huge and it still needed a lot of work, but very few people were in it. Armed guards stood at the only entrance into the city, the gates were open during the day, but once the gates were closed no one was allowed to go through the gates unless their names were found written in the register book. “Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,...These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. ” - Nehemiah 7:1-5,64. The register book was the Israelites only documentation that they were true Israelites that came from Babylon, anyone not found written in the book was considered an imposter and could not enter. Whether Jew or Gentile, unless a person is written in the Book of Life they can not enter the gates to heaven. Many people will go before Jesus and say they know Him, but will not be found in the registry book, therefore they will be put out from the Kingdom of God.
The ultimate purpose of God for His people was more than the restoration of His Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. These man-made structures were powerless to protect the Israelites from their enemies unless the people knew and obeyed the Word of God. The Hebrew language in which the Book of the Law was written was no longer the common language of the people. During their captivity, they spoke Aramaic, which was the international trade language used by the Aramaeans (Syrians), Persians, and Babylonians at that time. “And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law....So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:1-3,8-10. Thousands of Jews assembled at sunrise in Jerusalem day after day to hear Ezra and the Levites read and explain the Book of the Law, naturally when they realized that they were not following God's commands they felt convicted and began to cry, but Ezra encouraged them not to cry, saying the joy of the Lord is your strength. God has forgiven you, go, be merry and rejoice.
The most pressing need today is for Christians to become seriously concerned about reading all of God's Word because God speaks to us through His Word and, as we read it, our various acts of disobedience, whether by ignorance, omission or commission, are brought to mind. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12. God's Word will lead to our conviction, confession, and cleansing. The guilt which results from sins we have committed should no longer remain after we have confessed and repented. We dare not dig up past confessed and forgiven sins of our own or of others; instead, we should rejoice in the merciful, forgiving love of God through Christ our Savior. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”- I John 5:10,11. Those who do not have their names written in the book will enter through the gate that leads to an eternity in the lake of fire. “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:14,15. Being a Jew does not save a person, living righteously does not save a person, only Jesus saves a person. Only those who believe in Jesus, and I mean the birth, death, burial, and resurrection, of our Savior, gets to go through the gate. The barrier is gone, they are written in the Book of Life and can enter into the Kingdom of God. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:12,13. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
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Monday, June 7, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Rebuilding The Walls 06.07.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday June 07, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah, chapters 4-6. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-7
Today's Message: Rebuilding The Walls
A wall is a divider, a shield, that is used as a barrier for protection or privacy, walls can protect us from weather, from seeing things we do not need to see, or from walking into dangerous places. Walls can also prevent us from getting out of danger or dangerous places if we are not careful of where we are going. As Christians, we too have walls, spiritual walls, these walls are a shield, the Shield of Salvation through Jesus Christ. “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” - Psalm 18:35. All who are saved have this shield, and enjoy a wonderful, happy, and content with life, knowing that Jesus protects them. Sadly, many actually are not happy and content with life, but are as if they are still lost and have no idea that Jesus is with them. Why? They have taken down the walls, the shield of faith, the sword of the spirit, and the helmet of salvation, to name a few. Satan is out there and constantly trying to get through the gate and if we are not careful he will get in and destroy the wall stone by stone to the point that one no longer has any protection and is living a corrupted, sinful life that they can not get out of. We can not fight the evils on or own, but we can through Christ and He alone can help us rebuild the walls and protect us from the dangers of the flesh, the eyes, the mind, or the pride of life.
Nehemiah was on a mission to rebuild the walls that protected Jerusalem, which had been destroyed for almost a hundred years. Sanballat had done all that he could to sidetrack Nehemiah through ridicule and, eventually threats in order to get him to stop. “But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.” - Nehemiah 4:1-3. Anytime people if the world see godly people doing work for Him it scares them. They do not want God anywhere near them as this was the case with Sanballat, he was determined to stop Nehemiah. We all have a decision to make, do we allow the intimidation of those mocking us stop us from God's will or do we continue forward knowing that God will give us the strength to complete the job, no matter what they do to us.
Sanballat forgot one thing, God was real and with those people, the more they tried to stop them the more determined they were to keep going. Nehemiah appointed men to stand guard while others did the work. Working about 12 hours a day left little time for anything else, but the Israelites faith had been strengthened through the reading of God's Word. “And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.” - Nehemiah 4:15-20. God will fight for all who are willing to do the work that needs to be done. We have a lot of work to do before Jesus returns, but we are guarded by the shield of His salvation. Only through Him can we build the strength needed to live right and do the will of God.
Some have built a wall of their own to keep God from coming in, perhaps they were hurt by a person, a church, or even got mad at God for something years ago. Walls like these keep people from going anywhere in life, they are bitter and angry with the world and all they do is complain about everything and make life miserable for those around them. I get people all the time telling me I use to be like you, but I gave it all up because so and so did this to me. I even get people saying I can not even remember what happen as it has been so long ago, but I will not change my mind. It is really sad that if Jesus can forgive and forget things that were done to Him that one can not forgive someone for something they can not even remember. It is time to tear down the walls built of pride and bitterness and rebuild the walls of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:13-17. If you are not saved, get to know Christ, get in His Word, get into a Bible believing church, and let it all go. If you have fallen away from God or are struggling, reaffirm your faith in Him and do the same things, start rebuilding your spiritual walls. You can not change the past, but you can change today. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a good week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
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Today is Monday June 07, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Nehemiah, chapters 4-6. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-june-7
Today's Message: Rebuilding The Walls
A wall is a divider, a shield, that is used as a barrier for protection or privacy, walls can protect us from weather, from seeing things we do not need to see, or from walking into dangerous places. Walls can also prevent us from getting out of danger or dangerous places if we are not careful of where we are going. As Christians, we too have walls, spiritual walls, these walls are a shield, the Shield of Salvation through Jesus Christ. “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” - Psalm 18:35. All who are saved have this shield, and enjoy a wonderful, happy, and content with life, knowing that Jesus protects them. Sadly, many actually are not happy and content with life, but are as if they are still lost and have no idea that Jesus is with them. Why? They have taken down the walls, the shield of faith, the sword of the spirit, and the helmet of salvation, to name a few. Satan is out there and constantly trying to get through the gate and if we are not careful he will get in and destroy the wall stone by stone to the point that one no longer has any protection and is living a corrupted, sinful life that they can not get out of. We can not fight the evils on or own, but we can through Christ and He alone can help us rebuild the walls and protect us from the dangers of the flesh, the eyes, the mind, or the pride of life.
Nehemiah was on a mission to rebuild the walls that protected Jerusalem, which had been destroyed for almost a hundred years. Sanballat had done all that he could to sidetrack Nehemiah through ridicule and, eventually threats in order to get him to stop. “But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.” - Nehemiah 4:1-3. Anytime people if the world see godly people doing work for Him it scares them. They do not want God anywhere near them as this was the case with Sanballat, he was determined to stop Nehemiah. We all have a decision to make, do we allow the intimidation of those mocking us stop us from God's will or do we continue forward knowing that God will give us the strength to complete the job, no matter what they do to us.
Sanballat forgot one thing, God was real and with those people, the more they tried to stop them the more determined they were to keep going. Nehemiah appointed men to stand guard while others did the work. Working about 12 hours a day left little time for anything else, but the Israelites faith had been strengthened through the reading of God's Word. “And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.” - Nehemiah 4:15-20. God will fight for all who are willing to do the work that needs to be done. We have a lot of work to do before Jesus returns, but we are guarded by the shield of His salvation. Only through Him can we build the strength needed to live right and do the will of God.
Some have built a wall of their own to keep God from coming in, perhaps they were hurt by a person, a church, or even got mad at God for something years ago. Walls like these keep people from going anywhere in life, they are bitter and angry with the world and all they do is complain about everything and make life miserable for those around them. I get people all the time telling me I use to be like you, but I gave it all up because so and so did this to me. I even get people saying I can not even remember what happen as it has been so long ago, but I will not change my mind. It is really sad that if Jesus can forgive and forget things that were done to Him that one can not forgive someone for something they can not even remember. It is time to tear down the walls built of pride and bitterness and rebuild the walls of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:13-17. If you are not saved, get to know Christ, get in His Word, get into a Bible believing church, and let it all go. If you have fallen away from God or are struggling, reaffirm your faith in Him and do the same things, start rebuilding your spiritual walls. You can not change the past, but you can change today. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a good week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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