Going to memorial services for two friends this month gives one pause. One year ago, this week, my family faced our own crisis. It was a startling opportunity to practice what I preach. ◊ First of all, I am not a… Read More ›
Evil
The Dedication in NEHEMIAH 12
Even with our sincere and honest confession of sin to God, we will often drift back into old patterns and ways. How does God deal with this? ◊ At some point in our lives, we all have what many refer to… Read More ›
The Reopening in NEHEMIAH 11
The walls have been rebuilt and the people are now settling in a coordinated plan. What can we derive by reading apparently non-essential details? Only historic, instructive, and spiritual context. ◊ The Bible can be read as a sequential book,… Read More ›
The Recommitment in NEHEMIAH 10
After understanding God’s standards, people’s heart and soul get convicted. But then what? They rededicate and recalibrate their focus. Do these 3 areas of life focus resonate with you? ◊ Once convicted of the waywardness of your past or present ways,… Read More ›
The Reminding in NEHEMIAH 9
Have you strayed from God over time? Have you forgotten something God did in your life? Have you ever expressed that remorse or sorrow to God? Sometimes we need to be reminded. ◊ Have you ever been reminded of some actions… Read More ›
The Enemy in NEHEMIAH 6
There is a lying and conniving enemy opposed to the work of Nehemiah and the Jewish people in Jerusalem. One can read it literally as well as spiritually. How do you approach this topic of spiritual opposition in life? ◊ Most… Read More ›
The Disaffection in NEHEMIAH 5
When people of wealth and civic leadership are in a position to lend money or provide wages in challenging times, they have a choice: be fair, greedy or generous. How does Nehemiah handle it? ◊ Product shortages, inflationary prices, and social… Read More ›
The Opposition in NEHEMIAH 4
Have you ever felt like someone is literally whispering in your ear that you are a loser or a failure? How do you respond? How do you defend yourself from spiritual bullying? ◊
Missing the Point
Our young, in the absence of strong and yes, God-fearing Christian parenting, are highly susceptible to corrupting forces in their early years. ◊ It seems obvious to me that we’re missing the point in the aftermath of another horrific school… Read More ›
The Rebuilding in NEHEMIAH 3
Nehemiah leads the rebuilding of broken walls with people who are broken in spirit, mind, and emotions. Indeed, the rubble of their past (and ours) can be resurrected. ◊
The Request in NEHEMIAH 2
Nehemiah is moved to ask his powerful employer, the King, for favor. He prays and then makes a very bold request. Fortunately, he has God’s favor. ◊
The Sorrow in NEHEMIAH 1
Some teach that Nehemiah is an object lesson in good planning and project management. That may be true. I believe that there is an even more profound lesson here for everyone. ◊