By Stacey Wilson, Kathy Coryell, Melissa Webb, Serena Sinclair, and Esther Campbell

These devotional thoughts are meant to help you understand God’s word and how it applies to your life. Read the verses in your own or Bible app. A pen and journal are helpful to write out your thoughts and answers to the questions.

Devotions are meant to be a conversation: God speaks to you through His word, and you talk to Him in prayer. Don’t just get to know the Bible – grow closer to God. True spiritual maturity is not measured in Bible knowledge but a life transformed by Jesus. So make a commitment each day to live what you have learned.

The Exposition: Nehemiah's Background

Good memories warm our hearts and refresh our souls. Traditions of family gatherings, breaking bread together, giving gifts, wafts of cinnamon and coffee filling the air, tiny feet pitter pattering throughout the house, endless games of spoons with your cousins, scurrying everyone out the door to Sunday services . . . remembering the blessings of our past inspires us to keep these sweet traditions alive for our children and grandchildren.

Even if you didn’t experience these Hallmark traditions, by no means does this prevent you from creating timeless, new, God honoring traditions. For Nehemiah growing up during the Babylonian exile, we don’t know the entire heritage that marked the adolescent years of this dynamic leader, but we know that separation from his homeland didn’t keep him from visioneering restoration for his people. History tells us that throughout Israel’s Babylonian exile, the Jewish people retained their national spirit and religious identity. Jewish cities were established, and the Jewish religion was practiced. In all likelihood, this was part of Nehemiah’s upbringing. Growing up in a foreign country laden with idol worship did not sway Nehemiah’s loyalty from his Jewish heritage. In fact, nothing could rival Nehemiah's passion for God, least of all his hefty position in the court of King Artaxerxes. The moment he heard of 's destruction, his heart grieved for his homeland, Jerusalem (verse 4). It didn’t matter that Nehemiah had probably never traveled to Jerusalem, he mourned for what was lost and for the disgrace that had fallen upon his beloved homeland, just as a child grieves for a safe, loving, unified home they’ve never experienced.

Perhaps from the stories of his parents and relatives, Nehemiah knew that would never be Jerusalem, despite the synagogues and freedom to practice their Jewish traditions. Practicing religion however is not the same as devotion. Some Jews became so comfortable in their Babylonian prosperity, they were perfectly content living in a culture of wealthy idolatry. This is when God rose up such as Ezekiel, to speak a bold prophetic message warning the Jews to banish idols and return to their God. Can we pause and ask the same question? Are we completely content living in the limelight of American culture? A culture that ecstatically cheers for sports’ celebrities and Voice contestants while waiting for the cliffhanger of Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. Is it possible that our mega choices of fast food, brand names, vacation getaways and other entertainment choices land us on the same plateau as historical Babylon?

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” When God’s eyes scrutinized the land searching for a leader to restore the foundation of Jerusalem, His eye focused upon one man, Nehemiah, King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer. Imagine God’s happy heart as He lovingly watched his faithful son, Nehemiah, serve a Persian King while keeping his heart true to his heavenly Father.

Reflection: What parts of American culture compete for my devotion to God?

What is my strategy for removing the idols in my life that compete for my devotion to God?

Are there traditions I can initiate within my family to build God honoring memories?

Joshua 24:14 So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone.

Romans 12:1, 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Examine: Soak in God’s Presence and allow the Holy Spirit to spotlight areas of selfishness that compete with devotion to God.

Prayer: Father I come to you without an agenda, with hands lifted in surrender, please spotlight any area that is rivaling my affection and loyalty to you. My heart’s desire is to put you first in all things, so I can know your will for me. I praise you heavenly Father that I can trust you to show me the way and give me the strength to obey through the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1. Pray for God to be Covenant Grove’s vision as we plan to build. 2. Pray for the Youth ministry of CG: High school, Middle School, and all their leaders. 3. Pray for the children at CG and all ministers, teachers, and helpers involved. 4. Pray for the young adult ministry and its leaders. 5. Pray for the Covenant Grove’s board members and their spiritual walks. 6. Pray for the worship team including the media and tech teams. 7. Pray for the ushers and hospitality teams. 8. Pray for the facilities team who pay attention to our campus grounds and buildings. 9. Pray for our finance team. 10. Pray for our various prayer teams that they will be consistent and faithful to praying daily. 11. Pray for endurance, protection, wisdom and joy for our pastors and ministers. 12. Pray that our pastors’ and minister’s families will be strong in Christ. 13. Pray that the Building Hope Initiative will draw more people to deeper and fuller devotion in Christ. 14. Pray for healing and perseverance for many who suffer from physical ailments. 15. Pray for those in our church who suffer from depression, insomnia, anxiety, anger, and other mental health problems. 16. Pray for the short-term missions that go out of our church. 17. Pray for missionaries who devote their lives to Christ overseas. 18. Pray for the mission of Covenant Grove: “to transform religious and irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Christ.” 19. Pray for the planning, development, and resources for future physical buildings and places of worship on the campus of Covenant Grove Church. 20. Pray that all who attend Covenant Grove will be discipled in biblical truth and Christ’s love. 21. Pray that all who attend Covenant Grove will grow in faith through the fellowship of godly believers. 22. Pray your commitment, financial and/or otherwise as we launch the Building Hope Initiative.

(Repeat)

Read :1-4 Nehemiah 1:4 “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” The story of Nehemiah is really a story within a story. The story of the people of God’s promise, the Israelites, is one of recurring themes. God saves them, they rejoice, they fall away from God and sin, they suffer, the return to God, and then God saves them again. It’s easy to be the onlooker and say, “What were they thinking?” But isn’t this also the story of me, you, and us? The tragedies of life often begin when we are comfortable because we let our guard down; we sleep, essentially, and forget to connect with God, and we may even elevate ourselves thinking we deserve the things we have. Then, BOOM! It hits us. Scrambling to our knees, we cry out to God. This is where Nehemiah is. Maybe it’s where you are. I know it’s where I am. And in this moment, where you are on your knees, this moment is the most POWERFUL position you can take. Humbly, as you kneel, God sees you. Christ weeps with you. The Holy Spirit moves in you uttering the words you cannot say. Purpose – Holy Purpose – is made in this moment. (Consider fasting from something tomorrow.)

Read Matthew 6:16-18 Matthew 6:18 “Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Consider fasting today. It may be fasting from food, a meal, media, shopping, your phone, the gym, or anything that you consume regularly. These words from Jesus in Matthew give us some direction. Fasting is not something we do to show off our holiness. In fact, showing off is not holy at all. It’s a time (a day or longer) to give up an essential thing to replace it with focus on God – the sustainer and provider of our lives. When that hunger pang announces that you lack food, or that text signal announces that you have a message, turn to God. He is your ultimate hope. He is the Bread of life. He answers your every call, and if we listen, we can hear Him calling to us. Talk to Jesus, praise Him, thank Him, confess your sins to Him, read a Psalm, and then sit with Him for a few moments to give the Holy Spirit the space to speak Truth into your life. Jot down anything that you sense Him telling you in the space below.

Read Nehemiah 1:5-11 Nehemiah 1:5 “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments...”

Nehemiah’s prayer is a model for us. Here, in verse 5, we witness his adoration and praise of God. Adoration and praise to our Lord is the best way to begin any prayer, and this day. Before bringing our requests, confessions, or even thanking God for His help, focus your mind and speak to Him, acknowledging Him and His name. Even God’s name has many names, and they speak to his character and His love for us. The Hebrew word for God, Jehovah, has seven different tags: Jehovah Jireh (The God who provides), Jehovah Shalom (The God of Peace), Jehovah Rapha (The God who heals), Jehovah Shammah (The God who is present), Jehovah Raah (The Lord is my Shepherd), Jehovah Nissi (The Lord is my Banner), Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord, our Righteousness). As you call out to these names of God, praising Him, His presence is near to you. Which of these seven names of Jehovah resonates with you today? Jot down your reaction.

Read Nehemiah 1:5-11 Verse 11: “Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.” Prayer is a conversation with God. As we pray, God is not only listening to us, He’s interacting with us through His Holy Spirit. It can often seem one-sided when we pray. That’s because we usually come to God with all of our woes, needs, and to-do lists. If we think of Nehemiah’s prayer here as a conversation, we can see God interacting with him through the words the man is saying. He begins by praising God (Adoration). And as often happens when we worship God, we get a sense of our smallness in comparison, and that even at our best, our “good” can’t compare to the ultimate Good that God is and how much he loves and blesses us ANYWAY! So, God leads him to Confess his sins and the sins of his people. This leads to Thankfulness where Nehemiah remembers and reminds God of His promises to His people. Then, He asks for God’s help (Supplication). By the time he gets to the asking part, his list is small. Vs. 11 “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” Try to pray in this order: ACTS (Adoration, then Confession, then Thanksgiving, then Supplication). Jot down a couple words for each letter and then pray to God in that order.

Read :1-3 Nehemiah 2:2 “so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of the heart.” Recently, I sat with a loved one who is experiencing grief, guilt, and stress over a long-endured project at work that ended badly. Likewise, I imagine Nehemiah feeling trapped to this job he has, desiring to be with his people, and his only option to pray to God seems powerless at times. God seems silent. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) My friend keeps this verse close to heart, but the feeling of rest is so far away, that it seems like God isn’t there. For Nehemiah, he is wearing this feeling so much so that the king notices. The grief is so intense that there is no ability to hide it. He continues to perform his duties faithfully, and while his mind is far from work, God is working through him. Nehemiah has lost control. This is just where God has led him and wants him because at his weakest point, God is going to take over. God is moving within Nehemiah and is about to do something through him that nobody would fathom possible. I believe the same is true with my friend. Where do you feel weak? Often, it’s in these weaknesses that we relinquish control to God where He will to move and do His work through us. Write down the areas you need God to take over.

Read Nehemiah 2:2-9 Nehemiah 2:4: “The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven...” If you grew up in the 80’s, like I did, you might recall the TV show Who’s The Boss? This comedy, with its portrayal of common household power struggles, involved a single wealthy mother, her male housekeeper, a few kids and a meddling grandma. Here, in Nehemiah’s case, we can ask a similar question, “Who’s the boss?” Yes, Nehemiah is the king’s servant (possibly his slave), but his track record in the story so far reveals his boss is really the KING of kings. Nehemiah’s service to the KING has produced such good fruit, the earthly king here has a heart to help him in his obvious time of struggle. When the king asks what he wants, Nehemiah doesn’t just answer, he inquires of his true boss, the God of heaven. When the pressure is on, I find that I often act or react to my situation, then pray that God is in it. But Nehemiah here models the godliest approach. Pray, then act. God uses this approach to make His desires our desires. And then, just like a river flows into a waterfall, Nehemiah is able to request with bold assurance: time away, resources, protection and help to make God’s desire, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, begin. What is it you want God to do in your life? Write it out. Pray over it. Allow God to align your desires with His.

Read Nehemiah 2:10-16 Nehemiah 2:12-13: “...I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.... By night I went out through the Valley Gate... examining the , which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.” The mission has begun. Nehemiah has arrived in Jerusalem (no small feat). The opposition is already nervous. He stealthily sets out to “examine” the walls that have been broken. I imagine his heart is also broken because this city of God is in shambles. Likewise, the mission of our church has begun. The land has been purchased (no small feat). The opposition in nervous. Our hearts are set on God who will break down walls within people’s hearts only to mend them with the joy only He offers each person who invites Him into their lives. Today, before setting out to begin your tasks, invite Jesus to examine your heart. What is broken? What walls need to come down? Write down any fear or barrier that separates you from knowing Jesus’ joy. Confess it, and offer it to Him. Watch the healing begin.

Read Nehemiah 2:17- 20 Nehemiah 2:20 “I answered them by saying, ‘The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.’” Prayer, preparing, prayer, examining, prayer, prayer, and prayer. These are the steps that Nehemiah has taken to begin this project. Then, he speaks to the officials – the servants – who will rebuild the city’s walls. His confidence is contagious. He has seen the miraculous ways that God has prepared him for this moment, and he shares that brief history with the priests, nobles, and other officials. They are fired up with excitement and can see the hand of God. Then, the mockers come and attempt what they do best – tear them down. In this church, we have a history of God miraculously providing the property and building in which we worship. And just when we thought we could comfortably rest, God is shaking us up again. He’s doing it by providing more people than we can comfortably house in this building. We’re fired up because we know it’s time to build more! As we endeavor this time of growth, the only way we can do this, to fight any opposition who might tear us down, to see the miracles that God will do in lives of this community is to pray, prepare, pray, examine, pray, pray, and pray. Take some time and pray in the “ACTS” order today.

Read :1-2 Nehemiah 3:1-2 “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” As we read in Nehemiah 3:1-2, we see that the Jews were being mocked for rebuilding the walls. Sanballat is trying to undo what they are working to build. He is tearing the Jews down rather than building them up. Sometimes I think for us we may feel like something is too impossible. We tend to get into our own heads, and doubt and allow fear overtake our thoughts. In those emotions, we tend to tear ourselves down and end up bringing down others as well. How can we stay motivated and encouraged to do God’s work, despite attack and overwhelming tasks and obstacles? Pray and talk to God. Ask him for that motivation and strength. You are strong in Jesus and you are cared for in Him!

Read Nehemiah 3:3-32

Nehemiah 3:6 “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” In Nehemiah 3:6, it talks about how the people rebuilding the wall worked with all their heart. How amazing that even in the midst of all that hard work day and night, through their exhaustion, and the mocking they had to endure, they still worked with all their heart! That is so comforting to know, but I also wonder, “Why?”. I know for me there have been plenty of times where I was working extremely hard while being told I’m not doing it right or it’s not good enough. I felt overwhelmed and down on myself. This is just a great reminder to always do your best and work with all of your heart - not for man, but for God. What does it look like to do something with all of our heart? Let God guide and comfort you. He created you to be courageous!

Read :1-7 Nehemiah 4:7 “But when Sanballat, , the , the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry.” The neighbors were all furious. Anger stems from fear. When we have fear, it can cause us to say and/or do terrible things. When we tremble in fear, it is hard for us to see what God’s purpose truly is. We all get fearful. It’s part of human nature. What would it look like to live fearlessly? Pause. Take a deep breath. Ask God to help you push through the fear. Be fearless! Be bold!

Read Nehemiah 4:8-15 Nehemiah 4:8-9 “They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” The Jews knew they had been plotted against. They prayed and asked God for protection and put up guards day and night. In the midst of knowing that people were against them, they made a way to protect themselves. They called out to the Lord for protection. People or situations try to knock us down. Though we might continue to be in these battles, God is our ultimate protection. Call out to God your Savior and he will lift you up.

Read Nehemiah 4:16-23 Nehemiah 4:20 “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” God fights our battles for us. We do not have to take on or carry all that weight. He loves us so much. Sometimes we, as humans, try to take on these battles ourselves thinking our way is the best way. You might be saying, “I can handle this! I know what needs to be done.” While God is saying, “Hand over your battles and let me fight for you!” After all the striving, and through your fatigue, you may get to a breaking point where you feel like you just can’t take it anymore. In your weakness, when you call out to God in surrender, that’s where you are the strongest. Allow Him to fight your battle and complete His good work through you. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” -Exodus 14:14

Read :1-5 Nehemiah 5:1 “About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews.” About this time… About what time? This refers to the time they were rebuilding the wall with one hand and defending the wall with the other (Nehemiah 4:17). The work was still going on. They were successfully continuing God’s work while defeating the opposition coming from enemies on the outside. But in chapter 5, we see an important change. When Satan sees he cannot stop God’s work by outside threats, he will move to threaten the work of God from within the very circle of those doing God’s work. He will try to create division where there is unity. The words of Jesus in Matthew 12:25 say, …Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. Here we see that not only some of the men, but also their wives began to protest against their fellow Jews. As we see in later verses, Nehemiah takes action to stop the division and the work continues. What we learn from this verse is to expect opposition from within. Blending families know this well. There are divided loyalties and oftentimes the loyalty of the biological parent to their children comes into direct conflict with the loyalty to the spouse. This creates division in the family and can tear the family down if not handled appropriately. Action must be taken. A plan must be put in place. The work of building the family must continue while defending the family against external and internal attacks. Do you have opposition coming from within your inner circle? Is it family, friends, a coworker or boss? Perhaps you are the one protesting. Are you working toward division? Or unity? How can you take action today to stop the division and work toward unity for the cause of Christ? How can you make a difference, so God’s work can continue?

Read Nehemiah 5:1-5 Nehemiah 5:2-5 “They were saying, ‘We have such large families. We need more food to survive.’ Others said, ‘We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards, and homes to get food during the famine.’ And others said, ‘We have had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay our taxes. We belong to the same family as those who are wealthy, and our children are just like theirs. Yet we must sell our children into slavery just to get enough money to live…’” What is the number one issue married couples argue about? And the second leading cause of divorce? Financial problems, according to a 2017 survey by Ramsey Solutions. The greater the debt, the greater the problems. It is no secret that money problems are a major cause of division in marriage, and it is no different in churches. Money issues can stop God’s work in a heartbeat, either by arguments, by not planning well or simply not having enough financial resources. In Nehemiah, we see that it was no different back then. People had lack of resources and disagreed on how to manage them. The Bible has over 2,350 references to money and 22 of the 28 parables are about money. Money is a reflection of where your heart is toward God. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be Matthew 6:21). If you look at your checkbook or budget, does it reflect a heart toward God? Or toward self? Are there places you are spending money that are not pleasing to God? If you are married, are you both on the same page, financially speaking? Are you committed to working toward being debt free? What changes do you need to make? Write down your financial goals for the next year. If you don’t have a budget, start one.

Read Nehemiah 5:6-7 Nehemiah 5:6 “When I heard their complaints, I was very angry.” When do you get angry? Is it when someone doesn’t listen or obey you? When someone is rude and cuts you off in traffic or doesn’t let you in? Nehemiah got angry. The verse tells us he didn’t just get angry, he got very angry. But why? Was it because they did something to Nehemiah? No. As verse 9 tells us, it was because they were doing something that was not right. “ ‘What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?’” The Bible has much to say about anger, over 450 references. Here we see that Nehemiah’s anger was not centered on self. Rather, it was centered on others and more than that, on God. Anger can be right, or righteous anger, when it is centered on God and when we do not allow it to control us. If our anger is self-centered, we typically allow it to control us. This is selfish anger. Rather, righteous anger motivates us to self-controlled action driven by prayer for the building up of others and God’s Kingdom.

Think about the last time you were angry. Was your anger about you? Or about someone else being treated unfairly? Was your anger in line with what makes God angry? Or your own desires? How can you respond to your anger in a “right” way?

Read Nehemiah 5:8-18 Nehemiah 5:14-17 “For the entire twelve years that I was governor of —from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance. The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way. I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands!” Entitlement—many people today walk around with a sense of entitlement, feeling that they are owed something. Nehemiah set a different example. Though he had the right as a governor, to tax the people for his financial support and obtain money for a food allowance, he did not do so. Not only did he not take a food allowance, but he regularly fed 150 extra people plus visitors with his own money! And, in addition, he and his servants worked on the wall. Nehemiah put God’s work ahead of his own interests. He gave generously and sacrificially. There are many ways to give generously. You can donate clothing to a shelter, give money to a homeless person, rent a room to someone in need for a reduced amount or in trade for nanny services. Giving sacrificially is another level of giving. An example is the widow who gave all she had to live on in Mark 12:44. Another example of sacrificial giving is in 2 Samuel 24:24. David wanted to buy a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. Araunah was going to give it to David. But David refused to take it. No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing. The widow, David and Nehemiah gave sacrificially. How are you giving generously now? If you are not, what are some ways that you can? What about sacrificially? What are you willing to sacrifice to contribute to God’s work?

Read Nehemiah 5:8-19 Nehemiah 5:19 “Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.” Would you describe your relationship with God as intimate? This verse shows us the intimate relationship between Nehemiah and God. He is talking to God privately in prayer, referring to God as my God. He displays his faith in God by asking for God’s blessing. As Hebrews 11:6 says, And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Nehemiah was diligently seeking God and had faith that God would remember his deeds and reward him for them. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your intimacy with God? Is He your God? Or just-- God? Using the same 1-10 scale, how would you rate your prayer life? What steps can you take to increase your intimacy with God? How can you improve your prayer life? Set a spiritual goal for the new year. Write it down and share it with someone who will help you and hold you accountable, maybe your Life Group leader or another mentor.

Read :1-4 Nehemiah 6:1-4 “Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: ‘I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?’ Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.” Nehemiah’s enemies couldn’t stop the work, so they changed their tactics. They pretended to be friendly and tried to trick Nehemiah into meeting with them. Their intentions were evil, not good. They wanted to harm him. They displayed deceit and relentless pursuit. However, Nehemiah refused to be caught in the trap. He demonstrated discernment and determination to complete the work God gave him to do. Four times they tried. Four times Nehemiah resisted. Yet not only four, but as we will see in the next verses, five. The enemy tries to wear us down, especially as we are almost finished with any great work for God. We need to be prepared for battle. The Bible says to put on all of God’s armor in Ephesians 6:11, so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. The armor is described in Ephesians 6:11-18. How do you see Nehemiah putting on the armor of God? How was he able to resist the devil? What enemy are you facing right now? How can you put on the armor of God and stand strong to resist the enemy?

Read Nehemiah 6:5-9 Nehemiah 6:5-9: “The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, and this is what it said: ‘There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall’.... I replied, ‘There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.’ They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.”

This time the enemies come with an open letter full of false accusations against Nehemiah. The fact that the letter was open and not sealed meant that it was intended not only just for Nehemiah, but for public display. Gossip, rumors, false accusations, fabricated lies, public display. Sound familiar? Do I hear tabloid? The enemies are deploying weapons of distraction and discouragement. Have you ever had anyone spread rumors or lies about you? What was your reaction? Have you engaged in gossip? If we are honest with ourselves, most of us have at one time or another. And we tend to fear what other people think and say about us. But what does Nehemiah do? I love his response! He didn’t get discouraged or distracted. He simply told the enemy that he was lying. Then, the Bible says, He continued the work with even greater determination! Take that, Satan! How will you respond when you are falsely accused? What will you do next time you are tempted to gossip?

Read Nehemiah 6:10-11 Nehemiah 6:11 “But I replied, ‘Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won’t do it!’” In this passage, Shemaiah, a false hired by Nehemiah’s enemies, is trying to get Nehemiah to compromise his faith by telling him that he is going to be killed unless he enters the Temple where he is safe. Only the priests were allowed to go into the Temple. Nehemiah was not a priest. He would be committing a sin if he entered the Temple. Here is another example where Nehemiah uses discernment and courage to fight against intimidation. Nehemiah stands firm and refuses to compromise. He will not sin against God even in the face of fear. A modern-day example of this same courage in the face of fear was Rachel Joy Scott on April 20, 1999 in Littleton, Colorado at Columbine High School. In the book, Rachel’s Tears, her story is told. She’d already been shot three times. Then the shooter asked her, “Do you believe in God?” She answered, “You know I do.” In this case Rachel died, without compromise. She is a hero of the faith, as was Nehemiah. I’ve asked myself if I would have that kind of courage in a similar situation. What about you? Have you been asked to compromise or deny your faith? If so, what was your response? If not, what do you think you would do? How can you be strong enough in your faith to be prepared for a moment such as this?

Read Nehemiah 6:10-15 Nehemiah 6:14-15 “Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me. So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun.” In this passage we see the priority that prayer had in Nehemiah’s life. No matter what evil schemes these people tried against him, he did not try to take revenge or defend himself.

He simply prayed to his God. He used his energy and focus on the work that God gave him to do. This is evident throughout Nehemiah. The fact that the wall was built in only fifty-two days was astounding. It had been destroyed for over a hundred years. Nehemiah prayed for four months, and the wall was built in less than two months. He prayed twice as long as it took him to complete the project. Hmmm…when is the last time you prayed for a project, a task, or a conversation twice as long as the work itself took, before it began? That’s not always possible, but it’s definitely something to consider when a huge project is at hand. What is your prayer life like? Do you talk to God about everything? Or just the “big” things? How can you increase your prayer life? How can you make prayer a priority like Nehemiah did? What can you be praying for now, before the work begins?

Read :1-3 Nehemiah 7:1 “After the wall was finished and I had set up the doors in the gates, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed.” Every person within Christ’s church is called to utilize their God-given gifts to build up and encourage the family of God. Imagine what would happen if every single person at Covenant Grove stepped up to sacrificially volunteer their unique talents in meeting the needs of our church. Not only would needs be met within our church, but a faith explosion would resound throughout the community. Using our gifts to serve in children’s ministry, hospitality, life groups and the myriad of other Covenant Grove teams, causes our church body to thrive. In I Cor. 12, the apostle Paul says, “Our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’” (Cor. 12:18, 21) When each person in our church offers their unique skills to care for the church body, the synergy created by each one doing their part, encourages our CG roots to grow stronger and deeper. The result is a healthy thriving church. We see Nehemiah employing the same strategy to safeguard the wall and the spiritual health of Jerusalem: the Levites read the word, the singers sang the word, and the gatekeepers guarded the wall. Each position was vital to ensure the physical and spiritual safety of the people because Nehemiah knew that building and guarding the wall wasn’t enough to ensure his people’s long term, physical and spiritual health. So, what about me? What untapped skills and talents is God developing within me which would strengthen and safeguard my church? Ask God to reveal specific tasks, that He has prepared for you. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Read Nehemiah 7:1-3 Nehemiah 7:2 “I gave the responsibility of governing Jerusalem to my brother, Hanani, along with Hananiah, the commander of the fortress, for he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.” What do you think of when you hear the word fear? What flashes through your mind? Maybe an ordeal you went through growing up or perhaps something you’re facing now. For most of us fear carries a negative vibe. I mean, does anyone talk about their fear as a positive? For me it’s snakes. Merely glancing at picture of a rattler signals flight adrenaline. Some people are afraid of heights, deep water, the dark, or running out of chocolate -- really. These fears make our heart beat faster and cause our nerves to stand on edge. There is one fear though that brings peace, blessing, and grows us closer to God -- the fear of the LORD. The first time we see this phrase used in the bible is when God commends Abraham for following his specific instruction to sacrifice Isaac his only son (Gen. 22:12). Abraham didn’t argue with God and he didn’t hesitate to carry out God’s request. In response to Abraham’s faith the angel says, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy . . . for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” By looking closely at the lives of Abraham, Nehemiah and Hanani we see a common trait in their success story -- the fear of the Lord. Nehemiah chose Hanani to govern Jerusalem because he was “faithful to God and he feared God more than most men.” If there is any doubt what character traits God is looking for in leadership, this verse aligns with a host of other scriptures to satisfy the question. God is constantly searching for people who hold him in highest reverence and obey his instruction without hesitation. Psalm 33:18 says, “Behold the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience.” As we grow in our reverence of God it becomes easier to trust Him in life situations that don’t make sense. In turn God blesses our reverence and obedience in ways greater than we can imagine. On a scale of 1 to 10 where are you in consistently demonstrating deep respect and reverence to God? Ask God what areas of your life need a healthy dose of the fear of the Lord.

Nehemiah 7:4-69 Nehemiah 7:5 “So my God gave me the idea to call together all the nobles and leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. I had found the genealogical record of those who had first returned to Judah.” Can anyone debate that God wins hand down for having unbeatable organizational skills? Our heavenly Father is the author of order and efficiency. What’s more, he loves it when we run to him for ideas and direction. In this passage God tells Nehemiah how to organize the exiled Judeans returning to Jerusalem. Family members are counted and registered according to their family name. At Covenant Grove part of our organization finesse is linked to becoming an official, bona fide “member” of Covenant Grove. We encourage our friends to participate in the membership process which explains the Covenant history as well as our Covenant Grove roots. One might view “becoming a member” as next level of commitment. First and foremost, this means one is devoted to Christ, second it demonstrates devotion to our church family -- we care about each other. The Apostle Paul perfectly explains God’s heart for the church in Romans 12:3 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” This is Christ’s vision for his beloved church. What next level of commitment is God pressing on my heart? Prayer: Father God please make me aware of any area in my life where my devotion to you has wavered. Reveal to me the “next step” in my devotion to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Read Nehemiah 7:70-73 Nehemiah 7:70-72 “Some of the family leaders gave gifts for the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold coins, 50 gold basins, and 530 robes for the priests. The other leaders gave to the treasury a total of 20,000 gold coins and some 2,750 pounds of silver for the work. The rest of the people gave 20,000 gold coins, about 2,500 pounds of silver, and 67 robes for the priests.” When we experience the generosity of our great God how can we hold onto anything which is already his? It is through his hands that we’re blessed with our homes, vehicles, vacations, health, and loved ones. The sooner we understand we belong to him, as well as our possessions, the peace of surrender will wash over us like a refreshing spring rain, removing the stress and worry of “stuff.” This revelation not only fills us with peace like a river, but it changes our hearts, reminding us not to cling to earthly treasure that collects dust and then quickly becomes a “has been,” but to hold only to what has eternal value. In these verses, families were prompted to give to “the work” at hand. What do you think prompted this generosity? Did these families wake up one day and in a moment of gratitude lay the offering at Nehemiah’s feet? Perhaps we gain insight from our experiences of working side by side at Covenant Grove. As we pray with one another, worship together, eat together, and essentially care for each other’s needs, we become one. And this was Nehemiah’s vision all along, for his people to return to God as one large family, united in purpose. However, recount former passages of how this came to be. First, sin was addressed: the rich were rebuked for lording over the poor and allowing slavery within their own families (5:5). Then the people experienced the miracle of building the wall in 52 days despite the evil strategy of their enemies. Again and again, the people saw God’s faithful hand lovingly pave the way. Hasn’t our God done the same for us again and again even when we complained and hesitated to obey? Take time to consider: how can I can improve my faithfulness with what God has entrusted to me? Prayer: God please search my heart and reveal the things that I consider “my own.” Lord I know that everything I possess truly belongs to you, including my every breath. Press upon my heart how I can effectively expand your kingdom work and bring glory to your name. In Jesus name, Amen. 2 Corinthians 9:7, 9 “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”’

Read :1-3 Nehemiah 8:3 “Then he read from it in front of the open square which was in front of the Water Gate, from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and women, those who could understand; and all the people listened carefully to the Book of the Law.” Oh, for a view of heaven to see God’s face as the multi generations listen attentively to the reading of God’s holy word. The Book of Law was the Torah, the first five books of the -- this was God’s love letter to his people, their blessed delight. The significance of the people asking to read the law reveals the work of the Holy Spirit. Do people typically come together as “one” asking the pastor to audibly read the word for hours upon hours? Only the Spirit can change the appetite of our heart to thirst for what is real and lasting. Whenever we sense the prompting of the Holy Spirit leading us to his word, do we dive in without hesitation? In this one-on-one time with our Lord, do we ask him to reveal a specific message to us? Never doubt that God has a specific message for each day. Cooperating with the flow and movement of the Holy Spirit is essential as we surrender to the full work God is doing in our lives. Listen to God’s promptings during your time in the word. Ask him what other scriptures he wants you to read that will speak strength and sustenance into your day, then listen for his response. (Suggested reading - I Samuel 3: 7-11)

Read Nehemiah 8:5-8 Nehemiah 8:5-6 “Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet. Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, ‘Amen! Amen!’ as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” Psalm 100: 1-3 “Shout with joy to the LORD all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his.” How would you define worship? And, is it even possible to capture the essence of worship in a few phrases? Yes, it’s true that everything we do unto the Lord is considered worship, but let’s consider worship in the context of the above verses.

Worship is a response, a response to the lover of our soul who waits for us to come into his presence with awe and wonder. Perhaps you have special memories of worship experiences when it seemed like it was just you and God alone, even though you were in a crowd of people. Or maybe your most meaningful times of worship are in the quiet parts of your week, when you meet with God face to face. Whichever it is, our need to worship God is woven into the deepest part of who we are. When we ignore this core need, we are merely living as a shadow of who God created us to be. This is not the abundant life God planned for us (John 10:10). Just as our bodies require sleep, our souls long for rest which only happens with God. Whether we worship him on our knees or with our hands raised in the air, in his presence our senses come alive, our joy is complete, peace is our covering, and hopeful expectation overcomes all doubt. Listen for God’s promptings this week. Worship recharges our batteries and gives us God’s perspective. Find your best worship space, and spend time praising him for who he is. “Worship is more than singing. It’s more than just lyrics to a song. Worship is standing in the presence of God and declaring praises to his name.” (Unknown)

Read Nehemiah 8:13-18 Nehemiah 8:17 “The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in them. Indeed, since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that very day, the Israelites had not done so. And there was great rejoicing and celebration.” By returning to the word of God, the people are reminded to commemorate Israel’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land, Canaan. It seems through the years of and now in the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, the stories of God’s mighty hand of deliverance are lost during the urgency of daily living. How easy it is for us to forget our own rescue and the continual goodness God pours into our lives each day. God is not an ogre, policing our every move. He is our tender loving Father who enjoys seeing his children joyfully celebrate his goodness. Our Creator knows exactly what his children need: times of rest and celebration; this is exactly why God instituted the Feast of Booths (Lev. 23:33-36). Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, God, mixed fun with creativity as each family was instructed to gather olive branches, palm branches and other beautiful foliage to construct small huts. As a child I spent hours outside with my brother building forts out of the bamboo that grew in the alley behind our house, however my parents didn’t allow us the adventure of spending the night in our self-made fortresses -- a good thing. In order to recreate the 40-year wilderness adventure for his people, God required them to live inside their temporary shelters for seven nights. There is nothing like roughing it for a week by camping out to make you appreciate the comforts of home! In the same way God didn’t want his people to forget the sacrifices that paved the way to their freedom and abundant blessings. In what ways can I fast from familiar comforts to focus on God’s grace and provision in my life? What will I do today to show God my gratitude?

Read :1-8 Nehemiah 9:2b “They stood in their places and confessed their sins...” The Israelites gather again to confess their sins. They take it seriously – they fast, dress in sackcloth, and sprinkle dust on their heads. They stand for three hours listening to the Book of the Law read aloud, then spend the next three hours confessing their sins and worshipping. They praise God for His greatness – the Creator of all things. They praise Him for making a covenant with their ancestor Abraham and for keeping His promises to them. When confronted with hearing the law, the Israelites response was to confess their sins, then they were free to worship. Sin is an issue in our relationship with God. As you read the Bible, what sin does God reveal to you? Take the time to confess it to Him. Recognize the greatness of God! How has He worked in your life? In the lives of those around you? Praise your Savior for these things!

Read Nehemiah 9:9-21 Nehemiah 9:17b “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (NIV) In this prayer, the Israelites look back on their history and God’s interaction with them. He heard their cries when they were slaves in Egypt. He performed signs and wonders to bring them out of Egypt, divided the Red Sea to save them then drowned their enemies behind them – an incredible picture of salvation! He led them day and night to Mt. Sinai and gave them the law through . He gave them bread and water, and a command to take the land of promise. Even with all of this, they were stubborn and rebellious, refusing to obey and forgetting God’s miracles. And how did God respond to them? “But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.” (vs 17b) God still led them, God still fed them. They paid a price for their disobedience by wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, but God never abandoned them. It is important for us to recount God’s work in our lives – His blessings, His correction, how He has shown His love to us. Take a moment to look back, write down His blessings, and thank God for His faithfulness in your life. Look around and praise Him for His current blessings. Look ahead and remember He is always faithful and will never abandon you!

Read Nehemiah 9:22-38 Nehemiah 9:28b “And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” The Israelites recall their back and forth relationship with God. He helped their ancestors conquer many kingdoms, they multiplied as promised, they received all the promised blessings of fortified cities and fertile lands. Yet the people disobeyed and rebelled and killed prophets and blasphemed. So God handed them over to their enemies. As the people suffered, they cried out to God, who heard them and rescued them because of His mercy – many times! They acknowledge that God has been just with them, that they are once again in misery, and that God is “our God, the great and mighty and awesome God who keeps His covenant of love.” (vs 32a) The chapter ends with the people making a solemn promise to God in writing. We often marvel at how the Israelites could see God’s goodness yet keep returning to their sin. But are there areas in our lives we have repeated sin? What is a pattern of disobedience for you? The Israelites recognized the cost of their sin and the incredible faithfulness and fierce love of God. His love for you is so great! (John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He is always as close as your breath. Keep returning to Him, because He knows you, He loves you, and He’s not done with you! If you have never asked for God to lead your life, do so now. Pray to Jesus, asking Him to come into your heart, and begin your new life with Him as your guide and your Savior. If you need to recommit your life to Him, do so now through confession. Receive His gift of mercy, grace and salvation. Write your commitment to the Lord below, and tell a pastor, or a trusted leader in the church who can mentor you in maturing your faith.

Read :1-29 Nehemiah 10:29a “all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God...” After hearing the law read (chapter 9), the people repented and created a written document to declare their promise to follow God’s commands. They were so serious about their commitment, they included a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the law. All the leaders signed it – the governor, priests, Levites, and other leaders. Then the rest of the people took a solemn oath to carefully follow God’s commands. This public declaration meant the people had accountability with each other. We are not meant to live the Christian life on our own. God made us to need Him and each other. In a world that doesn’t value the things God values, we need to commit to love what God loves and help each other stay faithful to God’s commands. In what area have you taken on a value of the world’s that is contrary to God’s ways? Ask a trusted friend for accountability to correct it. If you haven’t already, consider joining a Life Group through

Covenant Grove. Friendships built through Life Groups give us accountability and encouragement in our walks with Christ.

Read Nehemiah 10:30-39 Nehemiah 10:39b “We will not neglect the house of our God.” These verses lay out some of the promises the Israelites made to God to obey the law of Moses. They promise not to marry pagans, to uphold the Sabbath, to rest the land and cancel debts every seven years, to pay the temple tax which provides for the necessary work, and to bring the required tithes. They end by promising together “not to neglect the temple of Our God.” As they made these promises to God, the Israelites were recognizing that God has ownership and rights in our lives. The New Testament puts it like this: “You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.” (1 Cor 6:19b-20a) We belong to God and must sacrifice our will for His will. We can do this with confidence because we know His incredible love for us is wider, longer, higher and deeper than we can imagine, and He always has our best in mind. Do your choices reflect God’s ownership in your life?

Read Nehemiah 11:1-2 “Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten of them to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. The people commended all who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.” Walls built? check. City secured? check. Inhabitants? Ummmm... When I read the first two verses of this chapter, I get the feeling that finding people to live in the new city was not the easiest task. Why? I imagine that living in this new and improved Jerusalem probably meant the people had to give up things like farms, acreage, businesses, communities and families that they previously depended on. We know from previous chapters that neighboring countries mocked and ridiculed them, and with a return address stamped “Jerusalem” one might continue being the brunt of jokes and taunting. Not only that, but living in this said “holy city” brings about a different sort of expectation, responsibility, and way of life. So, along with the priests and Levites, representatives and leaders were chosen by lot (like drawing straws) to volunteer as the town’s new residents. Then, knowing that these people were indeed chosen by God to live in the new Jerusalem, they were commended and celebrated. As our church expands and grows, the need to take care of the church, the community of people, also expands and grows. God is calling us to live holy and purpose-filled lives. How will you act on God’s call in your life and in the church?

Read :1-25 Nehemiah 12:24 “And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.” This chapter spells out lineages, and titles along with responsibilities associated. There are a few names I skipped over and couldn’t try to pronounce. What seems like unimportant details is still essential to the families represented here. And here, we read about a tradition that began with David – of praise and thanksgiving handed down from generation to generation. As I think about the building of our church, I think about the family I came from, and the kids I’m raising, and the legacy this church will have on future generations. I actually grew up going to a church plant. My childhood church was established by committed Christians who cared about me and the development of my faith. It’s said that when the church was being named, one of the original members wanted to call it “Blood and Guts Church.” He was joking, but the point was that the people would be authentic with each other and devoted followers of Jesus. On the day before its grand opening, the inspector was making his way through the main sanctuary, and smoke began filling the room from an electrical disaster happening within the walls. Thankfully, everyone safely exited, but the building completely burned to the ground. My three-year-old memory is etched - holding my dad’s hand, while standing in front of caution tape surrounding the mount of ashes that following Sunday morning. That’s when I started to understand that the church was the people gazing at the ruins, offering prayers of thanks even in their sadness. The building was just a building – which eventually got rebuilt. And the leaders and people who chose to stay through fire and tribulation (then, and again with future trials) forged a truth within me that eventually brought salvation to me, and my dad, who was beginning his faith journey that morning as the people grieved and prayed around us. What tragedy or trial has God turned into joy in your life, building your faith? With whom will you share this to encourage another person in their faith? How can you help forge a legacy of faith within the children at Covenant Grove?

Read Nehemiah 12:27-43 Nehemiah 12:43 “And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.” The wall has been built. The opposition has been defied over and over again. The residents have moved in and settled within the new Jerusalem. The builders have completed the task set before them. And now, it is time to celebrate. Our modern-day equivalent of a large concert – with loudspeakers, surround sound, and t- shirt/souvenir memorabilia would fall completely short of the synergistic excitement this day of dedication would have had. When it says here that “they offered great sacrifices,” I imagine they were so in awe of the LORD and His ability to rebuild this city that any sacrifice they could make to Him would seem miniscule in comparison to the gift of security, fellowship, and joy He gave to His people. This begs the question: what joys and provisions has God provided in your life? What do you or can you offer to Him in return which will also bless the community and church? When people are in your presence, and even when they leave a conversation with you, does your life resound with so much of the joy that God gives that they can sense it? In prayer today, give praise to God. Remembering and acknowledging His great attributes takes our focus off the things of the world which bring our spirits down, and onto Him – abounding with joy, grace, love, and hope.

Read Revelation 4 Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” If you’re anything like me, the devotional yesterday about praising God was not easy. I’m glad you’ve returned today to hang in there with me. Now, you’re probably wondering, “Why is this devo writer making me read in Revelation?” The zealous praising of the people in Nehemiah chapter 12 is just a reflection of the praising that happens in heaven. Friend, this chapter in Revelation was one of the most difficult chapters to read in my life. Reading it came on the dawn of one of the most significant tragedies of my life. Here I was, reading about the glory and praise that God on His throne accepted while people on earth were suffering. I couldn’t understand how and why it was that God would elevate to this height of praise. So, I asked God to help me understand. And as my world seemed to crumble around me, I could tell that God wanted me to read, reread, and read again this chapter. Soon, instead of being an observer of the glory of God, and watching worshippers surrounding God, I was invited into God’s presence – His very throne room. Even though each day unfolded new trials on this earth for me, he stilled me – in the quiet of the night, and reminded me of his attributes: His Sovereignty, His Grace, His Love, His Truth, His Control, His delight in... me! I would praise God at the beginning of the alphabet – speaking attributes of God - “Lord you are: Awesome, Beautiful, Creator, Deliverer, Eternal, Father, Graciousness, Holy, Indwelling, Jesus, King, Lord of my Life, Messiah, Name above all Names, Prince of Peace, Quelling my anxiousness, Righteous Redeemer, Strength, Truth, Unwavering, Victorious One, EXtra-ordinary, Yahweh, Zealous Father.” Each time I praised God, speaking an attribute of His character, sometimes rounding the alphabet several times, He poured into me the aspects of His character I needed. It became easier to relinquish the things of my life that were out of my control into the One who is in control of all things. The God we worship is beautiful, in control, and so holy that when we enter his presence, responding to his invitation, we cannot utter anything but praise. God is inviting you into his throne room. How can you praise Him now? List attributes below about Him, and praise Him.

Read Nehemiah 12:44-47 Nehemiah 12:46 “For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.” Chapter 12 of Nehemiah gives reference to music, choirs, orchestras, and their directors many times. Along with sacrifices, dedications, purifications, prayers, and celebration, music surrounded this city and was an obvious integral part of their worship of God. This tells me that music is important to God. Here, when verse 46 references the “had been,” I wonder if some of the musical tradition had been lost in the exile of the people, and break down of this holy city, Jerusalem. How exciting it must have been that the rebuilding of the walls also brought about the restoration of some of the essential cultural elements such as music! This element of music is still important today in our worship. Yes, the way we live our lives is to be part of worship to God. And one aspect of worship is singing, and playing instruments. I often hear people joke that nobody wants to hear them sing. Here is evidence that God does want to hear you sing. When you attend service, do you praise God through singing, clapping, or dare I say dancing? Or do you hold back either by embarrassment of your voice, lack of rhythm, and excuse it with the lie that God doesn’t care about music. True, He looks at the heart before all else. But allow God’s gift of music to also fill your life with ever-increasing praise for Him and what He has done for you. Today, in YOUR way, “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:1-3)

Read :1-11 Nehemiah 13:11 “So I rebuked the officials and asked them, ‘Why is the house of God neglected?’” “And they lived happily ever-after"... right? This fairy-tale ending is not in the last chapter of Nehemiah. Why? Because God is not a fairy-tale creation, and the creatures he loves are not part of a fairy-tale story. They are human. We are human. Inevitably, we err. In this chapter, we read that the people of Judah reread some of the old law written through Moses. They correct what their culture has neglected, but then they make one small compromise after another small compromise. Remember this Tobiah (verse 4) from earlier chapters? He was one of the leaders who plotted to fight Jerusalem and make trouble for God’s people. Now, a priest was gifting him with some of the most sacred treasures reserved only for God. Fortunately, Nehemiah, though back as his prior job far away, was wise enough to keep checking in with his people. He called their compromises “neglect.” Compromise is rarely an intentional decision to disobey. More often, it occurs when we ignore God. We sleep in, or devote ourselves to our work, education, sports, TV shows, social media outlets, and if we read our bible, we make it just a tick-mark on our list of things to do today. Have you compromised or neglected your love for Jesus, and His love for you? How can you resist the temptation to be simply comfortable, religious, or orderly just to make yourself feel better? Or What area of your life do you need divine intervention to correct, let go of, or love? Pray for God to help you submit to His will, and then find rest for your soul in His mercy – the only kind of rest that Jesus gives.

Read Nehemiah 13:12-30 Nehemiah 13:22b “Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.” Nehemiah’s last chapter, unfortunately, ends showing the wavering faithfulness of the people of Judah. Nehemiah takes action against their disobedience. In sum, they had little regard for Sabbath rest, flippant respect for marriage, and even shameful loyalties with the very rulers who were trying to undo the rebuilding of the wall. His actions were warranted, and effective, and if we know the character of Nehemiah, these actions were also covered in prayer before and after. We also see throughout the chapter that Nehemiah pauses and asks for God’s mercy and remembrance of him. This shows that he was taking personal responsibility for the wrongdoings of the people. As we have prayed for Covenant Grove, and the building of the church – both the structural building, as well as the building of our personal faith, I hope it has become obvious that we also care about each other and take responsibility for one another. Do we care enough about building each other up in encouragement as well as correction? If you notice a brother or sister in Christ engaging in a sinful act, do you gently point them to the truth in the bible? Do you refrain from gossip and address the person who offended you face to face? If someone apologizes to you, are you quick to forgive? We are the beautiful body of Christ. We are the fractured, healed, compassionate, hurting, broken, rejoicing, beautiful body of believers striving to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7

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