For what human tongues were meant. A mouth full of worship cannot chew others up with worldly chatter. No gossip, no lies, no accusing, no filthy joking. Just speech salted with thankfulness and praise. That’s a daily diet that could change human hearts.
Paul does not say, as some parents, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Instead, he says, “Follow my example.” Are you willing to be an example to those whom God has put under your care? This is authentic discipleship — Watch me. Follow me as I follow Him. Then, you follow Him, leading others.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.