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.
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!
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.
Be careful not to cry for the former things when God does a work through the next generation. Instead, support them. Don’t be the resistant, against change, old person. Be a spiritual mentor.
Paul, a brilliant and educated man, resolved to “know nothing” but one thing: Jesus! What have you resolved to know and think on and talk about today?
Among our phobias, fear of the unknown and of our own demise are prominent. David says that God is his light (exposing the unknown) and his salvation (saving him from death). In this way God gives him faith in the place of fear. Have you replaced your fears with faith today?
Under the direction of King Josiah the Levites found the Torah while repairing the Temple. Apparently, it had been lost during the reigns of his forefathers. Josiah tore his clothes in repentance when he heard it read and revival swept the land. Have you found the Word yet?
Do you act without counsel? If wisdom is knowledge combined with experience, you can get it by experiencing loss yourself. Or you can listen to someone else’s experience and avoid loss. Gather wise counselors to yourself before making important plans.