“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19)

August 16, 2011

We’re not promised a trouble-free life, but we are promised an ever-present Lord to call on. Are your troubles too big for you? Good. The Lord loves to deliver us from God-sized troubles that grow our faith and prove His faithfulness.

“We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits” (Nehemiah 10:35)

August 15, 2011

The exiles who returned and rebuilt the wall also renewed their commitment to giving. We cannot say we have given everything to God and exclude our finances. The mark of trusting God for all things is the giving-back of the firstfruits He has given us.

“Ezra opened the book… and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!'” (Nehemiah 8:5-6)

August 14, 2011

How the people of God should always respond at the opening of His Book. Do you take it for granted? What a miraculous blessing to have the written Word to read!

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy” (Psalm 33:3)

August 13, 2011

Every generation needs to write songs of worship. It expresses the passion that their hearts feel in following Jesus. Be careful not to judge based on your personal tastes. If the words express true worship, then clap and shout and be glad that the Spirit is moving your children.

“But that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:35)

August 12, 2011

Paul is concerned about our priorities. Those overly concerned about worldly things become entangled and unable to focus their attention on serving the Lord. Is there anything or anyone that you have put before following Him? He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.

“For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4)

August 11, 2011

How Nehemiah responded to the disgraceful news about Jerusalem’s broken walls. Where are the broken walls of today’s world? Where are the Nehemiahs of this day that would rebuild the broken walls? God is looking and listening for those who would be so moved.

“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

August 10, 2011

Christianity is unique for its emphasis on both body and spirit. The believer’s body is God’s temple. Therefore it is holy, set apart for special use. God cares about your body, what you put in it, on it, and how you use it. Do you honor God with your body?

“I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey” (Ezra 8:21)

August 9, 2011

As Ezra prepared to lead the remnant back to Jerusalem, he called a fast. Fasting humbles the flesh and focuses the spirit on hearing from God. This is not to get God’s attention. He is always present. Fasting focuses our attention on Him.

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11)

August 8, 2011

Do you grieve a loss or mourn a disappointment? Bring your tears to the One who understands. Lean on Him and encounter the unconquerable joy of the living Christ. Rejoice in the Lord! And put on your dancing shoes today!

“The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being” (Proverbs 20:27)

August 7, 2011

Isn’t this “lamp” the Word of God? As the Scripture says in another place, “Thy Word is a lamp.” Nothing else penetrates the darkness of our souls. Open the Book and lets its beams shine into your heart, convicting and leading to you to salvation.