Sunday, September 23, 2018

Everyone Builds

This week, I have spent some time in Nehemiah.  Love that book.  So many powerful messages from the Lord located within those pages.

As I re-read the chapters, I asked the Lord to open my eyes/mind to something new for me.  He did.  Of course!

This time chapter three spoke to me.  If you have time and would like, go read chapter three now.  Yes...I will wait!






Back with me?  I can almost hear what you are thinking...one of those chapters with all those names I cannot pronounce!  So true.  Those names, though, are the builders, the workers, the rulers.  Yes, those in positions of overseering perhaps who modeled work, becoming involved in this massive reconstruction.  Could this be a tremendous example of "servant leadership?"

Would you think with me for a moment?  Leaders who work with...and not over...how much more do you respect them?  I know they are busy, with loaded plates, people to see, decisions to make, orders to give.  But.  For whom will we in turn work for more?  Yes, servant leadership is a definite win-win.

Nehemiah 4:6b says, "for the people had the will to keep working."

The will to keep working.

Nehemiah and the leaders modeled, encouraged, served.  I just have to think that this "will" came from those powerful examples of work.

SIDENOTE:  I have inferred that Nehemiah's love language, according to 5:17-18, was food!  Please read those verses.  Right?!

Just one more nugget...this one came to me a few years ago, when I needed it the most.  In the midst of those attempting to distract and disrupt the progress, Nehemiah says in 6:3, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down."  These words spoke to me during a time when I needed just this encouragement.  Our eyes must remain focused on the end, the goal, the Creator.  We cannot allow ourselves to become distracted and disrupted from the task of the day nor the goal of Eternity.

Yes, everyone builds.  Serving, leading, working, restoring, building...all through modeling Christ-like behaviors.

Blessings, my friends, as you go forth and "build."

Sunday, September 16, 2018

He Was There

Have you ever heard the song "He Was There All the Time"?  This song began to swirl around in my head as I read Ezra 8 this morning during my daily Bible read.  Here, we find Ezra returning to Jerusalem 80 years after  the first exiles returned.  (That is quite the time span...would love linger here and chat...but not today's focus!)  Here, we find a man ready to travel 900 miles, trusting and believing in God to provide along the way...and He did.

First, Ezra notes that no Levites had volunteered to travel with them, so he sent some men asking for "ministers for the Temple of God at Jerusalem." (v 17)

Love these words, "Since the gracious hand of our God was on us..."  Yes, He was.  Yes, He is.  I want more of the close walk with God that Ezra had!

Then, in versus 21-23, Ezra and people "fast and humble ourselves before our God," asking for protection since Ezra, as he says, "After all, we had told the king, 'Our God's hand of protection is on all who worship him..."

"...he heard our prayer."

Again, I just love those words, for His Words are as alive today as then.  Very alive.

Shall I place those words again?  "Since the gracious hand of our God was on us..." AND "...he heard our prayer."

I am praying now for me and you...to have those words be ever alive and real in our hearts and lives as they were to Ezra and those exiles making that 900-mile journey.  Aren't we all on a journey?  So good to know who our travel companion is!

He was/is there all the time...

Blessings!

Monday, September 3, 2018

Less Is More

I just realized that I have taken an unintentional siesta from this blog.  Time for an update!

Isn't how God gains our attention just so interesting?

My One Word for 2018 is less. This morning as I began the study pages for my women's Bible study group (Week 3 of Priscilla Shirer's Gideon), and, in response to one of the questions, I had discussed with myself how...(I am sure God smiled...just a bit)...this weekend I did not dive in and take over concerning an issue at church.  Instead, I requested prayer for this particular topic and intend to sit back and watch as God answers the prayer.  He will.

Then, I turn the page from Day 1 to Day 2...and there rests the next topic:  Less Is More.

I just love when He chats with me!

Just as John tells, "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30, NIV).  Just so true, He wants to flow through us as He is glorified.  Every time.

Just in case you thinking this is easy?  Sometimes.  More so, as I spend time in His Word...and listen to Him.  No, not quite there...but I am working on it, and He is working on me!

How's that sitting back and resting working out for me?  Feels soooooo good.  Seriously!

How does God chat with you?