Life is hard! The things that make it so, seem to come without warning. One day they just come knocking at your door uninvited and we as Christians often can’t do anything about it other than to pray and embrace what is ahead and allow God to glorify Himself through it.
Last Sunday, I had the joy of an outing to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) in New York City. We spent most of our time in the Costume Exhibit (the main reason for our visit), the American Wing, and European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. What truly awed me was the artistry in this last section. It wasn’t so much the beauty but the detail. As I went from room to room, I couldn’t help noticing, over and over, the intricate and finer elements of craftsmanship.
I stumbled upon a picture in one of the French galleries that at first glance seemed awkward and out of place. It was a depiction of a woman whose facial features were a bit disproportionate. Of course, I had to get up close to figure out what qualified this picture to be hung in such a prestigious museum. As I drew near, I noticed that every bit of color on this piece of linen was from tiny stitches that the artist integrated to make what now became a portrait. Since I stitch, I was quickly overwhelmed with the brilliance before me. I couldn’t even comprehend the amount of time and effort that must have been spent on this piece. Keep in mind that there weren’t any magnifiers or special lighting to help illuminate the work back then.
I came away somewhat frustrated with myself after my time there. I have fallen into the prevalent mindset of our culture that easier is better. Why spend hours on something that can be reproduced with computer technology in an hour’s time. I fear that we have lost something in this generation. We no longer embrace the process of creating. We are focused more on the end product then on the process that brings us that product. We avoid what is hard while welcoming that which comes easily to us. What I fear even more is that I have carried that mindset into my spiritual walk with God.
The Word of God tells us that we are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Could it be that God, the artist, is fashioning my life into a glorious work of art that would be a display of His splendor? Could it be the things that I view as too hard are really just my impatience in His process. I want things to change and become easy fast. I don’t want to spend hours and hours waiting on what the author of the work is up to. Fortunately for me, He isn’t moved by my need to hurry things along, His only concern is the magnificence of what He is doing.
In the book of Proverbs, there is much talk of wisdom. In several sections in that book, you will see wisdom personified. Read Proverbs 8:30 with me “Then I (wisdom) was the craftsman at His side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.”
Wisdom is the craftsman at God’s side and he delights in what God is crafting in us. Wouldn’t it be wise for me to take that same view? If God chooses to use the hard things that come into our lives as instruments to bring beauty, wouldn’t it be wisdom to respect the process as God, the master artisan shapes, molds and carves me into His masterpiece. Why not rejoice in what He is creating in my mess rather then wallow in the self pity that often seems to rule that moment? Wouldn’t it be wisdom to trust our Maker who loves me passionately, compassionately and unfailingly with those hard things?
Today is going to be a hard day. The knocking at my door arrived bright and early this morning. What if the beauty that God wants to cultivate in me this day is the kind of wisdom that chooses joy and delight, in spite of the hard things ahead? Do I trust the Master Craftsman? Do I trust that He is creating something beautiful in me? I think I will choose wisdom today and seek joy, how about you?
“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-12 (emphasis mine)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Majesty of God
Taught by Annie
Notes by Linda
Today Annie taught on Nehemiah chapter 9, verses 1 through 6. She divided her lesson into two parts. The first section covers verses 1 through 4. These verses will set the scene for what will follow in verses 5 and 6, the glory of God’s creation.
Nehemiah 9:1-4
Annie began with a brief synopsis of chapter 8. In this chapter the Law (Torah) is read two separate times. After reading the law the first time the people are overcome with weeping and mourning over their sin before God. The reading of the law the second time is followed by celebration; specifically the Feast of Tabernacles. In the beginning of chapter 9 the Law is read for the third time.
“Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God” (Neh. 9:2-3).
An important point that Annie made from these verses was that the time of confession was meant for the Israelite population alone. This gave them a sense of unity, history, and shared community. Annie pointed out that we, as born-again believers, share our spiritual heritage with the Jewish people.
Annie gave us a picture of what it would have been like to be present. The Law was read by the Levites for hours…a quarter of a day!! Verse 4 says that they (the Levites) stood on the stairs to proclaim God’s word. They did not have the sophisticated sound equipment we now have. They also were not speaking in a small auditorium to a few hundred people. The Word was shouted out amongst a crowd of all the Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem!
Daily time in the Word is important, such as the time one may spend in their daily bible reading. Annie made an important point that protracted time in the word is essential in our walks. When we read the bible in longer blocks of time we will get a broader picture of the work of the Lord, His love, and how He has pursued us through the ages. Annie called attention to a facet of our human nature that might be described as ‘familiarity breeds contempt’. While we may not have contempt for God’s word, our familiarity with it may cause us to gloss over what read or hear. It is important to always be open and focused on what the Lord may speak to us. God’s word should bring us to a place of reverence and worship. This, then, will lead us into a position where we become aware of our sins and are able to confess them before the Lord. Annie also mentioned that the physical posture of the Israelites was to bow with faces to the ground in worship but to have faces raised to heaven while confessing their sins.
Annie reminded us that confession is good for our souls. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The confession of sins stems from a truly repentant heart. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16a). Annie also pointed out that this was a public confession. Hiding sin can result in shame. When it is brought out in to the light freedom will result. She emphasized the need for us to build Christ-centered relationships with others. These is a reciprocal relationship where there is an openness on both sides - where sins can be confessed and prayed for and healing can take place. We know that Jesus’ love for us is unconditional. We are called to love each other as well, not to judge or gossip . Annie reminded us as we do this we are a reflection of Christ’s love.
Nehemiah 9:5-6
"Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. " "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 9:5a-6).
These verses are the beginning of a prayer that extends to the end of the chapter. Verse 5 and 6 show how God was glorified in the creation of the physical world. Annie pointed out that God’s hand was just not on the lives of the Israelites but on the whole world as well. (See Genesis 1:1-26.) She taught that these verses are a reminder of what God has done for us. He has filled the world with color and beauty. Annie reminds us that we should not take this for granted as we hurry through our days. She also mentioned that C.S. Lewis referred to the world as the ‘Shadowlands’. The meaning of this is that the earth as we know it is merely a shadow of what will come in eternity. Annie also gave scientific details regarding the precision with which the earth was created. The science of physics tells us that if as little as one part in 1037 of the physical properties of the earth were to change our planet could not support life. Wow!!
Annie taught that the Israelites needed the word read to them to remind them of the obvious – God’s majesty in creation. He did not want them to take it for granted.
Annie ended her lesson with a beautiful video and worship song that emphasized what she had taught. She also encouraged us to read Psalm 104.
“Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains” (Psalm 104:1-6).
Notes by Linda
Today Annie taught on Nehemiah chapter 9, verses 1 through 6. She divided her lesson into two parts. The first section covers verses 1 through 4. These verses will set the scene for what will follow in verses 5 and 6, the glory of God’s creation.
Nehemiah 9:1-4
Annie began with a brief synopsis of chapter 8. In this chapter the Law (Torah) is read two separate times. After reading the law the first time the people are overcome with weeping and mourning over their sin before God. The reading of the law the second time is followed by celebration; specifically the Feast of Tabernacles. In the beginning of chapter 9 the Law is read for the third time.
“Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God” (Neh. 9:2-3).
An important point that Annie made from these verses was that the time of confession was meant for the Israelite population alone. This gave them a sense of unity, history, and shared community. Annie pointed out that we, as born-again believers, share our spiritual heritage with the Jewish people.
Annie gave us a picture of what it would have been like to be present. The Law was read by the Levites for hours…a quarter of a day!! Verse 4 says that they (the Levites) stood on the stairs to proclaim God’s word. They did not have the sophisticated sound equipment we now have. They also were not speaking in a small auditorium to a few hundred people. The Word was shouted out amongst a crowd of all the Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem!
Daily time in the Word is important, such as the time one may spend in their daily bible reading. Annie made an important point that protracted time in the word is essential in our walks. When we read the bible in longer blocks of time we will get a broader picture of the work of the Lord, His love, and how He has pursued us through the ages. Annie called attention to a facet of our human nature that might be described as ‘familiarity breeds contempt’. While we may not have contempt for God’s word, our familiarity with it may cause us to gloss over what read or hear. It is important to always be open and focused on what the Lord may speak to us. God’s word should bring us to a place of reverence and worship. This, then, will lead us into a position where we become aware of our sins and are able to confess them before the Lord. Annie also mentioned that the physical posture of the Israelites was to bow with faces to the ground in worship but to have faces raised to heaven while confessing their sins.
Annie reminded us that confession is good for our souls. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The confession of sins stems from a truly repentant heart. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16a). Annie also pointed out that this was a public confession. Hiding sin can result in shame. When it is brought out in to the light freedom will result. She emphasized the need for us to build Christ-centered relationships with others. These is a reciprocal relationship where there is an openness on both sides - where sins can be confessed and prayed for and healing can take place. We know that Jesus’ love for us is unconditional. We are called to love each other as well, not to judge or gossip . Annie reminded us as we do this we are a reflection of Christ’s love.
Nehemiah 9:5-6
"Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. " "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 9:5a-6).
These verses are the beginning of a prayer that extends to the end of the chapter. Verse 5 and 6 show how God was glorified in the creation of the physical world. Annie pointed out that God’s hand was just not on the lives of the Israelites but on the whole world as well. (See Genesis 1:1-26.) She taught that these verses are a reminder of what God has done for us. He has filled the world with color and beauty. Annie reminds us that we should not take this for granted as we hurry through our days. She also mentioned that C.S. Lewis referred to the world as the ‘Shadowlands’. The meaning of this is that the earth as we know it is merely a shadow of what will come in eternity. Annie also gave scientific details regarding the precision with which the earth was created. The science of physics tells us that if as little as one part in 1037 of the physical properties of the earth were to change our planet could not support life. Wow!!
Annie taught that the Israelites needed the word read to them to remind them of the obvious – God’s majesty in creation. He did not want them to take it for granted.
Annie ended her lesson with a beautiful video and worship song that emphasized what she had taught. She also encouraged us to read Psalm 104.
“Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains” (Psalm 104:1-6).
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bible Memorization Project - Week Four
Hello everyone! Can you believe it? We are on our fourth memory verse already. How are you doing with your scriptures? I was thrilled to see in Women’s Bible Study that so many of you are right on track and more then a few of you are ahead of our schedule. You inspire me. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you all.
Thought I would take a moment to share some thoughts on a verse I came across the other day.
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads…..so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers…” Deuteronomy 11:18&21
Look at the definition for the word “fix” from my Hebrew dictionary; “to set, put, establish, plant, set down, make, appoint. Essentially means to put something somewhere.” (Key Word Study Bible) I love the last part of that definition, “to essentially put something somewhere.” Do you think you could apply that definition to memorization? Would you say that essentially you are putting scripture somewhere and that somewhere is your brain? I just love that!
What really thrills me is the promise attached to the “fixin”. This verse tells us that if you do and you obey these words, “your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers.” In Old Testament scripture, land represented the place of God’s full provision and blessing. Just as with the ancient Hebrews obedience brought them a fullness of provision and blessing we too live in that same spiritual state as we fix God’s words in our minds and walk in obedience to those words.
I hope that that excites you to see how much God is for you as you fix His word in your heart and mind. He is well pleased with you.
Well ok here is your opportunity to submit verse number four. I will lead out with mine.
“I will betroth you to me forever, I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.” Hosea 2:19-20
Leave your verses as a comment below.
Thought I would take a moment to share some thoughts on a verse I came across the other day.
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads…..so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers…” Deuteronomy 11:18&21
Look at the definition for the word “fix” from my Hebrew dictionary; “to set, put, establish, plant, set down, make, appoint. Essentially means to put something somewhere.” (Key Word Study Bible) I love the last part of that definition, “to essentially put something somewhere.” Do you think you could apply that definition to memorization? Would you say that essentially you are putting scripture somewhere and that somewhere is your brain? I just love that!
What really thrills me is the promise attached to the “fixin”. This verse tells us that if you do and you obey these words, “your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers.” In Old Testament scripture, land represented the place of God’s full provision and blessing. Just as with the ancient Hebrews obedience brought them a fullness of provision and blessing we too live in that same spiritual state as we fix God’s words in our minds and walk in obedience to those words.
I hope that that excites you to see how much God is for you as you fix His word in your heart and mind. He is well pleased with you.
Well ok here is your opportunity to submit verse number four. I will lead out with mine.
“I will betroth you to me forever, I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD.” Hosea 2:19-20
Leave your verses as a comment below.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Encouraged to Persevere
A week or so ago, Evelyn, one of our sisters that attends Women's Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, shared this word of encouragement. I asked her to put it in written form so that it might minister to you through the blog as it ministered to us that morning. Be blessed!
Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing o your faith develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5
As Monmouth Worship Center continues fulfilling God’s purpose, I’d like to share a few thoughts about overcoming challenges and persevering in Christ, our Lord. I’d like to reference the story The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper and apply Christian principles to its storyline.
http://ah_coo.tripod.com/engine_that_could.htm
As the story begins, we see that the Little Engine was moving along very well; pulling a very long train of cars until she reached a steep hill. Trying numerous times and unable to go up the hill, she is faced with the reality that her efforts are in vain with her limited engine capacity and needs to go for help.
How many cars are we pulling in our lives? How far can we go when facing challenges before we realize that we need God’s help? What is our “spiritual” engine capacity?
I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
As the story progresses, the Little Engine runs along the track, tooting her horn, seeking anyone who can help. She encounters two powerful engines that have the capacity to help yet refuse to do so. Though worried and saddened by the rejection, she is determined to move along until she finds someone who can help her get over the hill.
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from The Lord,which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
In the story, the Little Engine was not deterred. She continued until she came across another engine with her same capacity. Willing to help, they both embarked up the hill with much effort until she reached the plains and was able to continue her journey.
What did the Little Engine have going for her?
She was on track, in God’s will. She had faith and was determined to get over the hill. She had the will to reach her destination though she lacked power.
What were the turning points for the Little Engine?
She acknowledged that she had limited engine power. She chose to disengage from the cars that weighed her down. She recognized that she needed help. She used her equipment; tooted her horn and kept moving forward. Prayer and action!
GOD hears our voice when we cry out to HIM. HE can settle our problems in an instant if HE chooses but there is much to be said about the process of climbing. It is when we see HIS grace and mercy forging spiritual maturity in us in order to equip us for future battles. It is in the climbing that we increase our engine capacity and we come to understand and experience the love of GOD. We see how GOD sends encouragers to run alongside us, to pray with us and stay with us until we reach a season of blessings. In Exodus 17:11-13 we see how Aaron and Hur stood beside Moses lifting his arms until the battle was won.
Women of Monmouth Worship, our landscapes may vary and in our journey, many of us have already crossed wide treacherous rivers, traversed deep canyons and may yet be climbing. It is through leadership, unity, prayer, worship and service that we fulfill GOD’S purpose in us. As we enter a new location, a new assignment, let us focus not on the challenges, but in GOD’S promise. HE will never leave us or forsake us.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
The Little Engine That Could- I think I can!… I know I can!… with GOD’S help, I will !
Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing o your faith develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5
As Monmouth Worship Center continues fulfilling God’s purpose, I’d like to share a few thoughts about overcoming challenges and persevering in Christ, our Lord. I’d like to reference the story The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper and apply Christian principles to its storyline.
http://ah_coo.tripod.com/engine_that_could.htm
As the story begins, we see that the Little Engine was moving along very well; pulling a very long train of cars until she reached a steep hill. Trying numerous times and unable to go up the hill, she is faced with the reality that her efforts are in vain with her limited engine capacity and needs to go for help.
How many cars are we pulling in our lives? How far can we go when facing challenges before we realize that we need God’s help? What is our “spiritual” engine capacity?
I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
As the story progresses, the Little Engine runs along the track, tooting her horn, seeking anyone who can help. She encounters two powerful engines that have the capacity to help yet refuse to do so. Though worried and saddened by the rejection, she is determined to move along until she finds someone who can help her get over the hill.
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from The Lord,which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
In the story, the Little Engine was not deterred. She continued until she came across another engine with her same capacity. Willing to help, they both embarked up the hill with much effort until she reached the plains and was able to continue her journey.
What did the Little Engine have going for her?
She was on track, in God’s will. She had faith and was determined to get over the hill. She had the will to reach her destination though she lacked power.
What were the turning points for the Little Engine?
She acknowledged that she had limited engine power. She chose to disengage from the cars that weighed her down. She recognized that she needed help. She used her equipment; tooted her horn and kept moving forward. Prayer and action!
GOD hears our voice when we cry out to HIM. HE can settle our problems in an instant if HE chooses but there is much to be said about the process of climbing. It is when we see HIS grace and mercy forging spiritual maturity in us in order to equip us for future battles. It is in the climbing that we increase our engine capacity and we come to understand and experience the love of GOD. We see how GOD sends encouragers to run alongside us, to pray with us and stay with us until we reach a season of blessings. In Exodus 17:11-13 we see how Aaron and Hur stood beside Moses lifting his arms until the battle was won.
Women of Monmouth Worship, our landscapes may vary and in our journey, many of us have already crossed wide treacherous rivers, traversed deep canyons and may yet be climbing. It is through leadership, unity, prayer, worship and service that we fulfill GOD’S purpose in us. As we enter a new location, a new assignment, let us focus not on the challenges, but in GOD’S promise. HE will never leave us or forsake us.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
The Little Engine That Could- I think I can!… I know I can!… with GOD’S help, I will !
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Revive Me according to Your Word
Taught by Arlene S.
Notes by Linda G.
Today Arlene taught on chapters 7 and 8 of Nehemiah. The majority of her teaching was on chapter 8 although she gave a brief synopsis of chapter 7.
Chapter 7
As we began the chapter Arlene reminded us that at this point in Jerusalem the temple had been re-built and the walls were now complete. Arlene pointed out that the completion of a spiritual goal is not the end. There were several points she made starting with Nehemiah's assignment of people he would put in charge. Hanani (Nehemiah’s brother) and Hananiah (the commander of the citadel) were appointed to the positions of leadership. Going back to chapter 1, we see that Hanani was a man of action, initiative and leadership. Hananiah was appointed “because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do” (Neh 7:2b).
A second important point that Arlene made from this chapter is that Nehemiah set security measures in place (see Neh 7:3). She emphasized that we are never more at risk than when we have completed a project. As God told Joshua “there are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Joshua 13:1b).
The third point she made is that Nehemiah was establishing a spiritually pure community, those who knew and worshiped the true God. (See Nehemiah 7:4-65). He was not just rebuilding the ruins but repopulating them as well. The genealogy listed in this chapter is evidence of the purity of the Jewish blood line of those who would inhabit Jerusalem. Arlene gave us something important to ponder as we read through the genealogies found in the bible. God knew all these people by name. He knows our names too! This point is made beautifully in the account of Hagar as she flees to the desert in Genesis. “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me” (Gen. 16:13). The name she gave the Lord was ‘Jehovah El Roi’ - ‘the God who sees me’.
Chapter 8 - How Can We Experience Revival?
Arlene began her teaching on this chapter by asking us what we thought ‘revival’ meant. The more pressing question she asked us was ‘how do we experience this?’. The main idea of this passage is that renewal and vitality do not occur apart from God’s Word. Revival encompasses both personal and corporate revival. Alene gave us eight factors that were present in the revival that swept over the inhabitants of Jerusalem in chapter 8.
1)When God’s people realize that the temple is just a building without the Spirit.
The initial step towards revival is recognition. The temple had been rebuilt but something was missing. While in Nehemiah, they were recognizing this as a group we too can experience personal revival in our lives when we realize that something is missing as well. We see the yearning for this in the Psalms, “revive us, and we will call on your name” (Psalm 80:18b) and “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6).
2)When God’s people are united as one man around the word of God.
We see in verse 8:1 that “all the people assembled as one man”. They were united in their need of the Lord above all else. This principle can be applied on an individual level also. Arlene taught us that we can be divided within our own minds and hearts. Scripture shows this clearly. “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:7-8). “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). It is only as we decide to unite our heart and our minds to walk with God that revival can start in us individually.
3)When God’s people are willing to encounter Him in His word.
Arlene stressed that we all have the ability to understand God’s word. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27a). This does not negate the need for biblical teaching, but emphasizes that we do have an anointing on us to personally understand the Word of God.
She also pointed out that God’s word can be confrontational. A foundational portion of the Jewish scriptures is called the Shema. The Shema begins with the words “Hear, O Israel,:The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deut 6:4) The word ‘hear’ or shema in the Hebrew mindset has a more complex meaning than it does in the modern translation. ‘Hear’ would mean to ‘hear and obey’. It was one idea. Hearing and obeying would be a single command. Arlene pointed out that maybe we don't like to read our Bible because we know we might be confronted. But God's word is for us and He wants to help. It is only when we open our hearts then open the bible that we are changed. “GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes” (Psalm 18:24 Msg).
4)When God’s people open ourselves to the entirety of God’s word.
Arlene brought out an interesting point found in verse 3. Nehemiah preached on a platform build outside the water gate. The question is ‘why not in the temple?’. A couple of her commentators pointed out two different but thought provoking reasons. 1) the Word was more important than the temple itself and 2) God’s word must be proclaimed in the streets.
“He read it aloud from daybreak till noon" (Nehemiah 8:3a). The entirety of God’s word was proclaimed during this time – the blessings as well as the curses. We need to take in all of the word of God, within its proper context. As Christians we can sometimes be drawn to edifying and uplifting portions of the Word, while avoiding those passages that challenge or confront us. “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:3-5). God does not point out our weakness to condemn us. Instead of hiding from our weakness, as we acknowledge them and agree with what the Word says, we can live in freedom. God IS merciful. He will only allow the consequences of disobedience to the extent that we are able to learn His way.
5)When God’s people receive God’s word with reverence and praise.
“Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:6). In this passage, Arlene showed us how the people showed genuine reverence for the Lord. Arlene encouraged us to examine our own lives. Are we living lives that show genuine reverence for the Lord? Are we teaching by example? Are our lives free from hypocrisy? Are we living in obedience to the Lord? (See Titus 2:2-3)
Arlene differentiated between two types of praise. The first is the praise of obedience. This is something God tells us to do - not for His benefit but for ours. God doesn't need to be reminded of how great He is, we do. It is only as we lift our voices in praising Him regularly that we are filled with gratefulness. The second kind of praise is spontaneous praise. It is a reaction that rises within our spirits as God reveals himself to us. “"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). Spontaneous praise is what we see in Nehemiah 8:6. Their actions were not commanded – they were a spontaneous response to God’s truth as Ezra opened ‘The Book’ (see Neh. 8:5). We know this because no one told them to stand up. It was spontaneous and it occure immediately after Ezra opened the Book of the Law.
6)When God’s word is rightly divided.
“The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Neh. 8:7-8).
The task of the Levites was to make the word clear to those who listened. The Hebrew definition for that phrase "make clear" is to make ‘distinct or separate, or to clarify'. We are called to do the same. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Arlene pointed out that many of us clearly know that we are to be servants but in the same way the Lord tells us we need to "correctly handle the word of truth". We have to know it for ourselves before we can teach it to others.
7)When God’s people recognize that understanding brings joy.
“'This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, 'Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve'“(Neh. 8:9b-11).
Arlene taught us that ‘sacred’ means to be ‘holy, distinct, set apart. A sacred time was meant to be a joyous time, a time of remembrance. Public repentance was not appropriate in this setting. The immediate reaction of the people was mourning and grief because they had come to understand God’s word. Nehemiah wanted them to see that this was a good thing. Understanding God’s word should fill us with joy.
Arlene gave us additional examples of this principle. In the Old Testament many days were set aside to commemorate God’s mercy and goodness. Passover is an example of this. The Jewish people celebrate God’s faithfulness in delivering them from bondage in Egypt. This is a sacred day yet it is filled with rejoicing. As New Testament believers we celebrate communion. In communion we rejoice in what Jesus did for us while acknowledging our own unworthiness – God’s grace!
Why were the people joyful?
“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Neh. 8:12 emphasis mine). Because the Israelites understood they were filled with joy. God’s correction brought them joy. Can we say the same?
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
8)When God’s people turn understanding into action.
verses 13-18. These verses we see the Israelites recognizing that they should in fact at this time be celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles which they immediately set out to do.
We close this chapter with God's people in a midst of revival that came through the word of God as it was proclaimed in the streets. May it be with us as well.
Notes by Linda G.
Today Arlene taught on chapters 7 and 8 of Nehemiah. The majority of her teaching was on chapter 8 although she gave a brief synopsis of chapter 7.
Chapter 7
As we began the chapter Arlene reminded us that at this point in Jerusalem the temple had been re-built and the walls were now complete. Arlene pointed out that the completion of a spiritual goal is not the end. There were several points she made starting with Nehemiah's assignment of people he would put in charge. Hanani (Nehemiah’s brother) and Hananiah (the commander of the citadel) were appointed to the positions of leadership. Going back to chapter 1, we see that Hanani was a man of action, initiative and leadership. Hananiah was appointed “because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do” (Neh 7:2b).
A second important point that Arlene made from this chapter is that Nehemiah set security measures in place (see Neh 7:3). She emphasized that we are never more at risk than when we have completed a project. As God told Joshua “there are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Joshua 13:1b).
The third point she made is that Nehemiah was establishing a spiritually pure community, those who knew and worshiped the true God. (See Nehemiah 7:4-65). He was not just rebuilding the ruins but repopulating them as well. The genealogy listed in this chapter is evidence of the purity of the Jewish blood line of those who would inhabit Jerusalem. Arlene gave us something important to ponder as we read through the genealogies found in the bible. God knew all these people by name. He knows our names too! This point is made beautifully in the account of Hagar as she flees to the desert in Genesis. “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me” (Gen. 16:13). The name she gave the Lord was ‘Jehovah El Roi’ - ‘the God who sees me’.
Chapter 8 - How Can We Experience Revival?
Arlene began her teaching on this chapter by asking us what we thought ‘revival’ meant. The more pressing question she asked us was ‘how do we experience this?’. The main idea of this passage is that renewal and vitality do not occur apart from God’s Word. Revival encompasses both personal and corporate revival. Alene gave us eight factors that were present in the revival that swept over the inhabitants of Jerusalem in chapter 8.
1)When God’s people realize that the temple is just a building without the Spirit.
The initial step towards revival is recognition. The temple had been rebuilt but something was missing. While in Nehemiah, they were recognizing this as a group we too can experience personal revival in our lives when we realize that something is missing as well. We see the yearning for this in the Psalms, “revive us, and we will call on your name” (Psalm 80:18b) and “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6).
2)When God’s people are united as one man around the word of God.
We see in verse 8:1 that “all the people assembled as one man”. They were united in their need of the Lord above all else. This principle can be applied on an individual level also. Arlene taught us that we can be divided within our own minds and hearts. Scripture shows this clearly. “That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:7-8). “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). It is only as we decide to unite our heart and our minds to walk with God that revival can start in us individually.
3)When God’s people are willing to encounter Him in His word.
Arlene stressed that we all have the ability to understand God’s word. “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you” (1 John 2:27a). This does not negate the need for biblical teaching, but emphasizes that we do have an anointing on us to personally understand the Word of God.
She also pointed out that God’s word can be confrontational. A foundational portion of the Jewish scriptures is called the Shema. The Shema begins with the words “Hear, O Israel,:The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deut 6:4) The word ‘hear’ or shema in the Hebrew mindset has a more complex meaning than it does in the modern translation. ‘Hear’ would mean to ‘hear and obey’. It was one idea. Hearing and obeying would be a single command. Arlene pointed out that maybe we don't like to read our Bible because we know we might be confronted. But God's word is for us and He wants to help. It is only when we open our hearts then open the bible that we are changed. “GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes” (Psalm 18:24 Msg).
4)When God’s people open ourselves to the entirety of God’s word.
Arlene brought out an interesting point found in verse 3. Nehemiah preached on a platform build outside the water gate. The question is ‘why not in the temple?’. A couple of her commentators pointed out two different but thought provoking reasons. 1) the Word was more important than the temple itself and 2) God’s word must be proclaimed in the streets.
“He read it aloud from daybreak till noon" (Nehemiah 8:3a). The entirety of God’s word was proclaimed during this time – the blessings as well as the curses. We need to take in all of the word of God, within its proper context. As Christians we can sometimes be drawn to edifying and uplifting portions of the Word, while avoiding those passages that challenge or confront us. “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:3-5). God does not point out our weakness to condemn us. Instead of hiding from our weakness, as we acknowledge them and agree with what the Word says, we can live in freedom. God IS merciful. He will only allow the consequences of disobedience to the extent that we are able to learn His way.
5)When God’s people receive God’s word with reverence and praise.
“Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:6). In this passage, Arlene showed us how the people showed genuine reverence for the Lord. Arlene encouraged us to examine our own lives. Are we living lives that show genuine reverence for the Lord? Are we teaching by example? Are our lives free from hypocrisy? Are we living in obedience to the Lord? (See Titus 2:2-3)
Arlene differentiated between two types of praise. The first is the praise of obedience. This is something God tells us to do - not for His benefit but for ours. God doesn't need to be reminded of how great He is, we do. It is only as we lift our voices in praising Him regularly that we are filled with gratefulness. The second kind of praise is spontaneous praise. It is a reaction that rises within our spirits as God reveals himself to us. “"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). Spontaneous praise is what we see in Nehemiah 8:6. Their actions were not commanded – they were a spontaneous response to God’s truth as Ezra opened ‘The Book’ (see Neh. 8:5). We know this because no one told them to stand up. It was spontaneous and it occure immediately after Ezra opened the Book of the Law.
6)When God’s word is rightly divided.
“The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Neh. 8:7-8).
The task of the Levites was to make the word clear to those who listened. The Hebrew definition for that phrase "make clear" is to make ‘distinct or separate, or to clarify'. We are called to do the same. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Arlene pointed out that many of us clearly know that we are to be servants but in the same way the Lord tells us we need to "correctly handle the word of truth". We have to know it for ourselves before we can teach it to others.
7)When God’s people recognize that understanding brings joy.
“'This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, 'Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve'“(Neh. 8:9b-11).
Arlene taught us that ‘sacred’ means to be ‘holy, distinct, set apart. A sacred time was meant to be a joyous time, a time of remembrance. Public repentance was not appropriate in this setting. The immediate reaction of the people was mourning and grief because they had come to understand God’s word. Nehemiah wanted them to see that this was a good thing. Understanding God’s word should fill us with joy.
Arlene gave us additional examples of this principle. In the Old Testament many days were set aside to commemorate God’s mercy and goodness. Passover is an example of this. The Jewish people celebrate God’s faithfulness in delivering them from bondage in Egypt. This is a sacred day yet it is filled with rejoicing. As New Testament believers we celebrate communion. In communion we rejoice in what Jesus did for us while acknowledging our own unworthiness – God’s grace!
Why were the people joyful?
“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Neh. 8:12 emphasis mine). Because the Israelites understood they were filled with joy. God’s correction brought them joy. Can we say the same?
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
8)When God’s people turn understanding into action.
verses 13-18. These verses we see the Israelites recognizing that they should in fact at this time be celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles which they immediately set out to do.
We close this chapter with God's people in a midst of revival that came through the word of God as it was proclaimed in the streets. May it be with us as well.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"I Am Carrying On a Great Project "
How to Handle Opposition While Completing a Task
Taught by Toby G.
Notes by Linda G.
Toby began her teaching today by explaining that the book of Nehemiah is a memoir. A memoir differs from an autobiography in that it tries to capture highlights and memorable moments from the author’s past. A memoir would have an emotional slant that would focus more of the contemplation of certain events more than historical documentation alone. In this book of the bible Nehemiah is recounting what happened to him as he took on the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
The purpose of the walls, as Toby explained, was to be the first line of defense for the city. The most vulnerable parts of the walls were the gates. In Nehemiah chapter 6 the gates of the wall are being rebuilt. As we have seen throughout the first five chapters, the rebuilding process was fraught with opposition. Nehemiah (the man), in Toby’s words, was the ‘head contractor’ in the building process. She pointed out that he was an ordinary man. He followed the leading of the Lord; he had strengths and weaknesses. In other places in the bible we see that God delivered His people through miraculous means (i.e. parting of the Red Sea, the ground swallowing the enemies). In Nehemiah we see an ordinary man handling opposition as he completes the task set before him without the aid of miraculous intervention. Toby showed us how we can do the same as we counter opposition on our own ‘great project’.
Toby divided chapter six into three schemes of the enemy to stop the rebuilding process. These schemes are relate to three themes of the entire book of Nehemiah : Nehemiah’s relationship with Artaxerxes, Nehemiah’s relationship with God, and Nehemiah’s relationship with the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Scheme 1 (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
In this passage, we see the return of the enemies : Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. To date, they have already opposed the building of the walls on three occasions. This time the attack on Nehemiah was personal. As Toby pointed out, when we are personally attacked it is deeply troubling. The enemies wanted to meet Nehemiah on the plain of Ono, a trip of 25 miles from Jerusalem. In itself, the invitation does not appear evil yet to comply with the request would be a distraction to the work to which Nehemiah was called. Nehemiah did not accuse these men of evil intentions but gave them several opportunities to see if they were sincere in their request. Their motives became clear and Nehemiah did not allow himself to be distracted.
Toby asked us ‘What is your great project?’ and ‘How do you handle opposition?’. We learned, as Nehemiah did, that we need to keep focused on the ‘project’ God has given us. Toby taught us that we need not allow ‘brush fires’ that may be the result of our work to ‘burn us to a crisp’. Keep focused on the task at hand!
Scheme 2 (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
In these verses, Nehemiah faces more opposition – this is the fifth time! The enemies circulated an unsealed letter that cast doubts on the motives of Nehemiah. The letter contained rumors that could destroy Nehemiah’s credibility in the eyes of King Artaxerxes and in the eyes of Jerusalem’s citizens. Going back to the book of Ezra, this ploy had been used successfully to stop the rebuilding of the temple for 15 years.
The tactic of the enemy is this case was intimidation. This is not a physical attack but one that affects our mind and emotions. The desired result of intimidation is to cause fear and timidity. It puts the focus on the intimidator, not on the spiritual or physical reality of the situation. It takes our eyes off the Lord. Toby pointed out that we need to recognize this as it comes against us just as Nehemiah did. He knew that his relationship with the king was solid. He recognized the attack for what it was. Toby also pointed out what Nehemiah did NOT do. He did not counter their accusations in a position of defensiveness. He did not argue with them or try to justify his position. He prayed and called the lie for what it was.
In class a few things were discussed that shed light on our own battles with intimidation. Sometimes as we are serving the Lord in a specific task we may be assaulted by thoughts that question our own motives (ie: ‘you are doing this for your own glory’). The accusation is not against what we are actually doing but on who we are. Nehemiah was so confident in his relationship with God that he was not moved by this.
Scheme 3 (Nehemiah 6:10-15)
The third scheme against Nehemiah is grounded in religious deception. Nehemiah is meeting with a man by the name of Shemiah. This man attempts to convince Nehemiah that he has Nehemiah’s interests at heart and gives him a message as if it were a prophesy from the Lord. Toby pointed out that the words Shemiah used were purposely meant to convey a tone of spirituality. Additionally, he suggested they meet in the temple, a further attempt to validate his lie.
Shemiah’s prophecy does seem plausible in light of the current circumstances that Nehemiah faced. Nehemiah used spiritual insight to determine his course of action. This insight is called discernment. In the New Testament we see this principle in 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world”. Discernment is the ability to sense if something is ‘of God’ or not. We have been given this ability by the Lord and we need to make use of it as we live out our lives in this world to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
Chapter 6 concludes with “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Neh 6:15-16). Toby summed up how Nehemiah handled the opposition with several key points: he did not retaliate; he handled the opposition minimally; he didn’t get involved in a debate; he called the bluff; he dealt with the situation in an upright, honorable manner; and he refused to play by the enemy’s rules.
Taught by Toby G.
Notes by Linda G.
Toby began her teaching today by explaining that the book of Nehemiah is a memoir. A memoir differs from an autobiography in that it tries to capture highlights and memorable moments from the author’s past. A memoir would have an emotional slant that would focus more of the contemplation of certain events more than historical documentation alone. In this book of the bible Nehemiah is recounting what happened to him as he took on the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
The purpose of the walls, as Toby explained, was to be the first line of defense for the city. The most vulnerable parts of the walls were the gates. In Nehemiah chapter 6 the gates of the wall are being rebuilt. As we have seen throughout the first five chapters, the rebuilding process was fraught with opposition. Nehemiah (the man), in Toby’s words, was the ‘head contractor’ in the building process. She pointed out that he was an ordinary man. He followed the leading of the Lord; he had strengths and weaknesses. In other places in the bible we see that God delivered His people through miraculous means (i.e. parting of the Red Sea, the ground swallowing the enemies). In Nehemiah we see an ordinary man handling opposition as he completes the task set before him without the aid of miraculous intervention. Toby showed us how we can do the same as we counter opposition on our own ‘great project’.
Toby divided chapter six into three schemes of the enemy to stop the rebuilding process. These schemes are relate to three themes of the entire book of Nehemiah : Nehemiah’s relationship with Artaxerxes, Nehemiah’s relationship with God, and Nehemiah’s relationship with the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Scheme 1 (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
In this passage, we see the return of the enemies : Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. To date, they have already opposed the building of the walls on three occasions. This time the attack on Nehemiah was personal. As Toby pointed out, when we are personally attacked it is deeply troubling. The enemies wanted to meet Nehemiah on the plain of Ono, a trip of 25 miles from Jerusalem. In itself, the invitation does not appear evil yet to comply with the request would be a distraction to the work to which Nehemiah was called. Nehemiah did not accuse these men of evil intentions but gave them several opportunities to see if they were sincere in their request. Their motives became clear and Nehemiah did not allow himself to be distracted.
Toby asked us ‘What is your great project?’ and ‘How do you handle opposition?’. We learned, as Nehemiah did, that we need to keep focused on the ‘project’ God has given us. Toby taught us that we need not allow ‘brush fires’ that may be the result of our work to ‘burn us to a crisp’. Keep focused on the task at hand!
Scheme 2 (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
In these verses, Nehemiah faces more opposition – this is the fifth time! The enemies circulated an unsealed letter that cast doubts on the motives of Nehemiah. The letter contained rumors that could destroy Nehemiah’s credibility in the eyes of King Artaxerxes and in the eyes of Jerusalem’s citizens. Going back to the book of Ezra, this ploy had been used successfully to stop the rebuilding of the temple for 15 years.
The tactic of the enemy is this case was intimidation. This is not a physical attack but one that affects our mind and emotions. The desired result of intimidation is to cause fear and timidity. It puts the focus on the intimidator, not on the spiritual or physical reality of the situation. It takes our eyes off the Lord. Toby pointed out that we need to recognize this as it comes against us just as Nehemiah did. He knew that his relationship with the king was solid. He recognized the attack for what it was. Toby also pointed out what Nehemiah did NOT do. He did not counter their accusations in a position of defensiveness. He did not argue with them or try to justify his position. He prayed and called the lie for what it was.
In class a few things were discussed that shed light on our own battles with intimidation. Sometimes as we are serving the Lord in a specific task we may be assaulted by thoughts that question our own motives (ie: ‘you are doing this for your own glory’). The accusation is not against what we are actually doing but on who we are. Nehemiah was so confident in his relationship with God that he was not moved by this.
Scheme 3 (Nehemiah 6:10-15)
The third scheme against Nehemiah is grounded in religious deception. Nehemiah is meeting with a man by the name of Shemiah. This man attempts to convince Nehemiah that he has Nehemiah’s interests at heart and gives him a message as if it were a prophesy from the Lord. Toby pointed out that the words Shemiah used were purposely meant to convey a tone of spirituality. Additionally, he suggested they meet in the temple, a further attempt to validate his lie.
Shemiah’s prophecy does seem plausible in light of the current circumstances that Nehemiah faced. Nehemiah used spiritual insight to determine his course of action. This insight is called discernment. In the New Testament we see this principle in 1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world”. Discernment is the ability to sense if something is ‘of God’ or not. We have been given this ability by the Lord and we need to make use of it as we live out our lives in this world to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
Chapter 6 concludes with “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Neh 6:15-16). Toby summed up how Nehemiah handled the opposition with several key points: he did not retaliate; he handled the opposition minimally; he didn’t get involved in a debate; he called the bluff; he dealt with the situation in an upright, honorable manner; and he refused to play by the enemy’s rules.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Bible Memorization Project - Week Three
Have you ever watched one of these home makeover shows? You know the kind, they take a house in badly needed repair and they clean up the outside and gut the inside and make it beautiful. It is such an awesome transformation to watch. Did you know that God is in the transformation business too? Only His work is on a temple and that temple is you.
We often think that the transformation process that takes place is up to us. We think that once we give our lives to Christ it is now up to us to manage our makeover. We try and fail at so many attempts that we abandon our renovation endeavors. But here is some good news.
While sanctification is a weighty topic whose scope goes far beyond this post, there is one thing that you are doing today that is helping that process along. Memorization. Look at this verse with me.
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard form us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God which is at work in you who believe.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (emphasis mine)
Can I ask you, according to this verse where is God’s word at work? Your answer should be “in you”. So here is the thing, if the word isn’t in you then how can it go to work? That is why memorization is so key to growing in Christ. As you memorize and meditate on His Word it goes to work and does an Extreme Spiritual Makeover. Doesn’t that excite you?
God has made it so simple for us. Whatever our weakness is, God’s prescription is for us to get a word about that weakness in us. If you have fear, memorize scriptures about fear. If you have trust issues, memorize scriptures about trusting God. If you have wisdom issues, that would be me (see last weeks verse), memorize scripture about wisdom. As you do this, you will see a metamorphosis of sorts take place and you will become a new improved version of you. If that isn’t a memorization motivation, I don’t know what is.
So here it goes ladies….memorization verse number 3. Let’s see what you are working on by leaving it as a comment today.
I am so proud of all of you!!
Here’s mine:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
We often think that the transformation process that takes place is up to us. We think that once we give our lives to Christ it is now up to us to manage our makeover. We try and fail at so many attempts that we abandon our renovation endeavors. But here is some good news.
While sanctification is a weighty topic whose scope goes far beyond this post, there is one thing that you are doing today that is helping that process along. Memorization. Look at this verse with me.
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard form us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God which is at work in you who believe.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (emphasis mine)
Can I ask you, according to this verse where is God’s word at work? Your answer should be “in you”. So here is the thing, if the word isn’t in you then how can it go to work? That is why memorization is so key to growing in Christ. As you memorize and meditate on His Word it goes to work and does an Extreme Spiritual Makeover. Doesn’t that excite you?
God has made it so simple for us. Whatever our weakness is, God’s prescription is for us to get a word about that weakness in us. If you have fear, memorize scriptures about fear. If you have trust issues, memorize scriptures about trusting God. If you have wisdom issues, that would be me (see last weeks verse), memorize scripture about wisdom. As you do this, you will see a metamorphosis of sorts take place and you will become a new improved version of you. If that isn’t a memorization motivation, I don’t know what is.
So here it goes ladies….memorization verse number 3. Let’s see what you are working on by leaving it as a comment today.
I am so proud of all of you!!
Here’s mine:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
Friday, February 4, 2011
Right Idea!!
“Right idea, right idea!” were the words my husband bellowed at our most recent basketball outing. Lots of families gravitate towards one particular sport and ours just happens to be basketball. Over the years, I couldn’t help but observe that the level of game engagement, with my husband, is in direct proportion to whether one of his own children is playing. It tends to demand all his attention. Tonight that was the case.
I love when he shouts out this kind of encouragement because I know that it is an abbreviated form of “right idea even though it didn’t work.” The play was right on target. Maybe it was a strategy that went awry, or a pass that was missed or foul that was forced to prevent the shot from making its way into the hoop or maybe the timing was just off. It was the right idea but it just didn’t turn out the way that the player had hoped.
Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever had a great idea and it seemed like a right idea but it just didn’t pan out the way that you had expected? Somewhere the plan went awry and didn’t work out the way you thought it should. Did you know this kind of thing happened alot in scripture? Take Moses for example.
Exodus records Moses first attempt at saving his people.
“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, ‘Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?’ The man said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?’ Then Moses was afraid and thought, ‘What I did must have become known’.” Exodus 2:11-14
Acts gives us a broader picture about what might have been going on in Moses’ head when he did this.
“Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.”
Acts 7:25
Right idea, right idea Moses! Unfortunately scripture reveals that his timing, his training and his perspective weren't right, just yet.
Moses had the right idea but the wrong timing. God did indeed call him to be the human hand that God would bring deliverance of his people through but Moses time schedule wasn't in sync with God's.
After this episode, Moses flees to Midian to escape death from Pharaoh. He is there for 40 years, when an angel appears to him in the flames of a burning bush. It was God calling Moses off the bench. He was on deck for the next God play. Now it was time.
Moses training wasn't complete. In Acts 7:22 we learn that “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” When we re-visit him 40 years later, he confesses “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow in speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10
What happened Moses? “The LORD said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who give him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12
It would appear that Moses had been humbled. Deserts have a way of doing that to you. He was about to do the very thing that was on his heart to do in the first place but he now he was doing it with the power of God rather then his own strength. His training was complete.
Lastly, Moses perspective was askew. He set out to deliver the Israelites one man at a time but God’s intention was for him to deliver them all.
I wonder do you recognize any bit of this in your own life. Do you have an idea that you are pretty sure is a God idea? Are you frustrated that it isn’t panning out the way you had hoped? Could it just be a timing problem, a training problem or maybe it is a perspective problem?
If any of this is resonating in your heart and mind, don’t be discouraged and allow feelings of failure to overtake your vision. Don’t give up on what you know is your God dream. Can you believe that your heavenly Father is as riveted to your game and He is rooting for you as my husband was for my son? You can count on it. Instead of focusing on your failures which are so destructive why not replace them with the imagery of God and his multitude of angels sitting in a glorious stadium in heaven shouting and clapping with a thunderous roar that would rock this planet exclaiming “Right idea, right idea!”
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB
I love when he shouts out this kind of encouragement because I know that it is an abbreviated form of “right idea even though it didn’t work.” The play was right on target. Maybe it was a strategy that went awry, or a pass that was missed or foul that was forced to prevent the shot from making its way into the hoop or maybe the timing was just off. It was the right idea but it just didn’t turn out the way that the player had hoped.
Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever had a great idea and it seemed like a right idea but it just didn’t pan out the way that you had expected? Somewhere the plan went awry and didn’t work out the way you thought it should. Did you know this kind of thing happened alot in scripture? Take Moses for example.
Exodus records Moses first attempt at saving his people.
“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, ‘Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?’ The man said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?’ Then Moses was afraid and thought, ‘What I did must have become known’.” Exodus 2:11-14
Acts gives us a broader picture about what might have been going on in Moses’ head when he did this.
“Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.”
Acts 7:25
Right idea, right idea Moses! Unfortunately scripture reveals that his timing, his training and his perspective weren't right, just yet.
Moses had the right idea but the wrong timing. God did indeed call him to be the human hand that God would bring deliverance of his people through but Moses time schedule wasn't in sync with God's.
After this episode, Moses flees to Midian to escape death from Pharaoh. He is there for 40 years, when an angel appears to him in the flames of a burning bush. It was God calling Moses off the bench. He was on deck for the next God play. Now it was time.
Moses training wasn't complete. In Acts 7:22 we learn that “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” When we re-visit him 40 years later, he confesses “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow in speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10
What happened Moses? “The LORD said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who give him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12
It would appear that Moses had been humbled. Deserts have a way of doing that to you. He was about to do the very thing that was on his heart to do in the first place but he now he was doing it with the power of God rather then his own strength. His training was complete.
Lastly, Moses perspective was askew. He set out to deliver the Israelites one man at a time but God’s intention was for him to deliver them all.
I wonder do you recognize any bit of this in your own life. Do you have an idea that you are pretty sure is a God idea? Are you frustrated that it isn’t panning out the way you had hoped? Could it just be a timing problem, a training problem or maybe it is a perspective problem?
If any of this is resonating in your heart and mind, don’t be discouraged and allow feelings of failure to overtake your vision. Don’t give up on what you know is your God dream. Can you believe that your heavenly Father is as riveted to your game and He is rooting for you as my husband was for my son? You can count on it. Instead of focusing on your failures which are so destructive why not replace them with the imagery of God and his multitude of angels sitting in a glorious stadium in heaven shouting and clapping with a thunderous roar that would rock this planet exclaiming “Right idea, right idea!”
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Nehemiah Bible Quiz
Ok Ladies, as promised, I thought I would put up a little Bible Trivia Quiz relative to our study of Nehemiah to replace our missed time together. Now here is the thing...let's try to make this as interactive as we can. We can do this two ways.
1) Answer all the questions and let us know how you did
2) Answer the response question via a comment to this blog. The response question will be found after the quiz.
Ok girls...its time to show us what you have learned. You can do it!!!! Make me proud.
1.) Who visited Nehemiah and told him the news about Jerusalem?
a)Some of those who had escaped captivity.
b)The prophetess Noadiah.
c)Sanballat and Tobias.
d)One of his brothers and some men from Judah.
2.) What was Nehemiah's position at the time?
a)He was interpreter of the king's dreams
b)He was an engineer.
c)He was cupbearer to the king.
d)He was a scribe.
3.) How did Nehemiah respond to the news that was told him?
a)Wept and mourned
b)Fasted
c)Prayed
d)All of the above
4.) Who was the king whom Nehemiah served?
a)Ahab
b)Amraphel
c)Artaxerxes
d)Arioch
5.) Nehemiah asked the king for letters to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and a letter to?
a)Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest.
b)Sanballat the Horonite.
c)dTobiah the Ammorite official.
d)Gesham the Arab.
6.) What did Sanballat, Tobia and Gesham accuse Nehemiah of?
a)Stealing from the king's forest.
b)Prophesying falsely in the name of the Lord.
c)Rebelling against the king.
d)Stealing timber that was owned by them.
7.) What was the name of the high priest who set to work with his fellow priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate?
a)Eliashib
b)Elisha
c)Eleazer
d)Eli
8.) When Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and the gaps were beginning to be closed, they were very angry:
a)But they did nothing more at that time.
b)All plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.
c)All plotted together to kill Nehemiah.
d)But God sent a fire through their camp and they were burned to death.
9.) While half of the men worked on constructing the wall, what did the other half do?
a)They rested and refreshed themselves.
b)They fought against Sanballat and Tobias.
c)They helped Nehemiah design the gate entrances.
d)They held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armor.
10.) How did Nehemiah respond when Sanballat and Geshem sent letters to Nehemiah asking him to meet them?
a)I will cease work immediately and meet you at a time and place appointed by you.
b)I will cease work tomorrow, and meet you at a time and place of my choosing.
c)I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.
d)I will send my brother down to meet with you.
Taken from:
http://quiz.christiansunite.com/Leaders_and_Rulers/Nehemiah.shtml
February 1,2011
Response Question
What was one of the most interesting or memorable things that you have learned in our study of Nehemiah and how would you apply it to your life?
Answers. 1) d 2) c 3) d 4) c 5) a 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) d 10) c
You guys rock!
1) Answer all the questions and let us know how you did
2) Answer the response question via a comment to this blog. The response question will be found after the quiz.
Ok girls...its time to show us what you have learned. You can do it!!!! Make me proud.
1.) Who visited Nehemiah and told him the news about Jerusalem?
a)Some of those who had escaped captivity.
b)The prophetess Noadiah.
c)Sanballat and Tobias.
d)One of his brothers and some men from Judah.
2.) What was Nehemiah's position at the time?
a)He was interpreter of the king's dreams
b)He was an engineer.
c)He was cupbearer to the king.
d)He was a scribe.
3.) How did Nehemiah respond to the news that was told him?
a)Wept and mourned
b)Fasted
c)Prayed
d)All of the above
4.) Who was the king whom Nehemiah served?
a)Ahab
b)Amraphel
c)Artaxerxes
d)Arioch
5.) Nehemiah asked the king for letters to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and a letter to?
a)Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest.
b)Sanballat the Horonite.
c)dTobiah the Ammorite official.
d)Gesham the Arab.
6.) What did Sanballat, Tobia and Gesham accuse Nehemiah of?
a)Stealing from the king's forest.
b)Prophesying falsely in the name of the Lord.
c)Rebelling against the king.
d)Stealing timber that was owned by them.
7.) What was the name of the high priest who set to work with his fellow priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate?
a)Eliashib
b)Elisha
c)Eleazer
d)Eli
8.) When Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and the gaps were beginning to be closed, they were very angry:
a)But they did nothing more at that time.
b)All plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.
c)All plotted together to kill Nehemiah.
d)But God sent a fire through their camp and they were burned to death.
9.) While half of the men worked on constructing the wall, what did the other half do?
a)They rested and refreshed themselves.
b)They fought against Sanballat and Tobias.
c)They helped Nehemiah design the gate entrances.
d)They held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armor.
10.) How did Nehemiah respond when Sanballat and Geshem sent letters to Nehemiah asking him to meet them?
a)I will cease work immediately and meet you at a time and place appointed by you.
b)I will cease work tomorrow, and meet you at a time and place of my choosing.
c)I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.
d)I will send my brother down to meet with you.
Taken from:
http://quiz.christiansunite.com/Leaders_and_Rulers/Nehemiah.shtml
February 1,2011
Response Question
What was one of the most interesting or memorable things that you have learned in our study of Nehemiah and how would you apply it to your life?
Answers. 1) d 2) c 3) d 4) c 5) a 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) d 10) c
You guys rock!
2/1 Bible Study Cancellation
Good morning ladies. There will not be ladies bible study today. We did not want to take a risk with the weather. We will be back next week. Have a great day - be safe! God bless you all.
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