Do Not Give Up 06.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday June 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Nehemiah. Please read Chapters 4-6 in your Bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehimiah%204-6&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the opposition and ridicule that the builders faced as they rebuilt the walls; Nehemiah's prayer; weapons for the workers; evils being corrected; plots of the adversaries; and the completion of the walls. Today's reading focuses on the importance of not giving up on following God's Will no matter how much opposition we face.

The first exiles who returned had resided among the debris in Jerusalem and its suburbs for more than ninety years without completing the walls. Nehemiah was determined to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, even though there was fierce opposition. "But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?" (Nehemiah 4:1-2).

In order to keep them safe he armed his workers, "And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you. Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses." (4:12-14).

Sanballat again attempted to stop their work, "Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" (6:1-3). After Sanballat made five attempts to meet with Nehemiah, he then accused him of rebelling against the king of Persia (6:5-7). Eleven times it is recorded that Nehemiah prayed and encouraged the people. Their faith had also been strengthened through the reading of God's Word.

Once we recognize that the battle is the Lord's and God is the One who allows the opposition, we will not panic. Instead, we will seek to learn what the Lord expects of us in order to qualify to have our prayers answered. People of faith, though a minority, will always find a way to accomplish God's will. In serving the Lord, one great temptation is that many will find excuses to wait for a more convenient time rather than to put the Lord first and do their best with what they have. "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4-5)

Consider each detail in Nehemiah's conduct that made it possible to complete the walls in less than ninety days. Do not expect a lot of people to be happy that you are a dedicated Christian. But, the opposition and testing will make your faith more precious than gold and will show you who your true friends are.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Nehemiah and other Jews who had bought back some Jews who had been sold to the heathen as slaves while in Persia (Nehemiah 5:8). We, who were purchased with His own blood were redeemed when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have great purpose for our lives and for the legacy we leave for those who follow. In our journey there are bitter waters from which we drink and there are sweet fragrances that fill our nostrils. Through it all You work to bring the good out of bad circumstances, all the while reminding us of our calling to live according to Your Will. May we be trusting in the hard times and faithful all the time. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Overcoming Discouragement 06.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday June 6, 2008 and today we are beginning our studies on the book of Nemehiah. Please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehimiah%201-3&version=9

The book of Nemehiah is the sixteenth book of the Old Testamant and contains 13 chapters. The author of the book is Nemehiah and it was written to the people of Israel. The purpose of the book was to show the continuation of the history of Israel and the record of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The book focuses on the importance of learning that there is no opportunity without opposition and faith without works is dead.

Today we will read and lear about Nehemiah's prayer for Jerusalem and his leave of absence; Nehemiah inspecting Jerusalem's walls; and the builder of the walls. today's message focuses on the importance of not becoming discouraged no matter what opposition we face. The more difficult the circumstance the more blessings are waiting on the other side.

The splendor of Jerusalem "the Holy City" has been reduced to broken down walls, burned gates, and the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Kingdom. When Nehemiah's relative Hanani arrived in Persia from Jerusalem, he told Nehemiah of the pitiful conditions that existed there. "The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven," (Nehemiah 1:1-4).

Over a period of about four months, he continued to pray, "And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned." (1:5-6).

When King Artaxerxes asked why he was so sad, Nehemiah told him that it was because the city was wasted. "And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?" (2:1-3). The king graciously responded by appointing him governor over Judah and commissioned him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The king even provided some of the materials.

Three basic characteristics made Nehemiah's efforts a success. First, his desire to do the will of God. This led him to leave the luxury and security of living in the king's palace in Persia and to endure the hardships in Jerusalem in order to restore the City of God. Second, he not only fasted and prayed, but he confessed, we have not kept the Commandments. He recognized that obedience to the Word of God is essential to answered prayer. Third, he was determined to persuade his people to join him in rebuilding the walls, regardless of the opposition.

The ministry of God is sure to meet with opposition when we decide to occupy our time on eternal treasures rather than the trash of earthly desires and do the will of God. Sanballat and his followers attempted to stop work on rebuilding the Temple and restoring the walls around Jerusalem. "But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." (2:19-20).

Any ministry initiated of God will suffer attacks and ridicule in one way or another. When the Lord's work cannot otherwise be hindered, an evil motive is sure to be suggested. Scoffing, scandal, and slander have always been favorite tools of Satan and of the Church's enemies to undermind the people of God. But God's Word assures us, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4).

Nehemiah refused to become discouraged and give up because he knew that accomplishing the will of God is dependent upon remembering that He is Sovereign over the affairs of our lives. God's path is rarely the path of least resistance. But God's Word says the way is straight and narrow.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Nehemiah's prayer for his people (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Christ also prayed for His own people throughout the ages which includes us today (John 17:20).

Today's Psalm: 18:2
"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
In the midst of our trials may the problem at hand not be the single focus of our prayers. Help us to seek You for godly understanding and patient endurance, so that our lives are spiritually maturing in the process of waiting upon You to answer our prayers. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

True Repentance 06.05.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday June 5, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Ezra. Please read Chapters 8-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%208-10&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Genealogy of Ezra's companions; Ezra proclaiming a fast; the treasures that are delivered to the priests; Ezra's prayer and confession, and foreign wives and children. Today's message focuses on the importance of understanding that true repentance restores our relationship with God.

Ezra knew the Scriptures and decided to be responsible for leading perhaps five thousand men, women, and children on the treacherous, possibly 800-mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. "These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king." (Ezra 8:1). It would have been easier to remain in Babylon and just pray for the people in Jerusalem. But Ezra decided to do what he could. During their journey Ezra proclaims a fast for their protection, "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us." (8:21-23).

Ezra and all his followers arrived safely in Jerusalem about four months after leaving Babylon. However, Ezra was grief stricken upon hearing about the low moral and spiritual state of affairs in Jerusalem since the Temple had been rebuilt. "Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass." (9:1-2).

He did not say: "It's not my problem, so I'll leave it up to someone else." Instead, he became involved and openly mourned and at the evening sacrifice he fell on his knees and spread out his hands to the Lord, and prayed. "And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day." (9:6-7). When the Word of God is neglected and sin abounds, we too need to be as concerned as Ezra and help those who can not help themselves.

As the Israelites listened to Ezra proclaim the Word of God, they were convicted of their sins. One by one, each man who had married a Canaanite had to present himself with his wife and children before a court of the elders of every city, and the judges thereof to determine if they were involved in idol worship or were worshipers of the true God of Israel. "Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us." (10:14).

If the only consideration had been the excommunication of all Canaanite wives, it would have been a simple, immediate decision. But, something more than simple separation was being considered in their courts. There was an examination of each family to determine if the Canaanite wives had forsaken their idols and converted to the One True God of Israel. If these men had led their wives to reject their idols and worship the One True God, their wives would have become Israelites and would not have been called strange wives. This precedent had been set by Joshua when he welcomed and protected Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, who had rejected her idols and sinful life to place her trust in the One True God of Israel. (See Ruth 1). Ruth rejected her people's idols and became an Israelite. In the providence of God, both she and Rahab became a part of the genealogy of Jesus.

We are prone to underestimate the suffering that results from disobedience to the Word of God. When we choose to follow our flesh and marry strange wives (non-Christians) we are setting ourselves up for heartbreak. While some can be converted to Christianity it is best to make sure that all that is taken care of before getting married. "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:6-9).

Every Christian should realize the vital importance of prayer, whether of repentance, praise, or petition. We should not take God's protection and blessings for granted. As we pray in faith and receive answers to our prayers, our faith grows and we are encouraged to pray even more and even when we do not recognize any answer to our prayers. No sin is so great but that all God's love and mercy will be lavished upon the sinner who sincerely repents of his sin. Even if one's sin is so great as to give great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme as David did. Sincere prayer of repentance restores our relationship with God.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Ezra, who mourned over the sins of the people of Jerusalem (Ezra 9:5). Twice it is recorded that, when Jesus looked upon Jerusalem, He also mourned for the people (Luke 19:41; 13:34).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Nothing brings peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin and that we are firmly grounded in Your holy precepts. You’re a compassionate, all-powerful, God. No need in our life is overlooked, overwhelming, or overly difficult for You to meet. You use the good, the bad, and the complex matters that we sort through daily to test our faith and grow our endurance. These challenges that are continually before us compel us to look to the Scriptures for spiritual understanding and sustaining power. I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation, in the midst of the wait. My heart seeks after You, my Lord and my God, for You have cared for me all the days of my life and You will continue to do so, for You promise to never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Key to Success 06.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday June 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezra. PLease read Chapters 6-7 in your bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%206-7&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the decree from Darius to complete the temple, a dedication to the Temple, and the restoration of the Passover. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the key to success is seeking, doing, and teaching God's Word

The building of the Temple had been left unfinished for many years and king Darius made a decree to complete it. "In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house: And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God. Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions. "(Ezra 6:3-6)

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah reminded the Israelites in Jerusalem that the real reason the Lord's work went unfinished was because their first interest was in building their own homes. These anointed men boldly preached the Word of God and inspired the people to rebuild the Temple, "And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king." (6:14-15).

God's work can only be sustained and strengthened through obedience to His Word, which is the foundation of our Christian lives one power that Satan cannot overcome. God's Word is the source of strength by which His children cannot be defeated.

Nothing is recorded about the Jews in Jerusalem between the time of Haggai and Zechariah's ministry and the coming of Ezra from Persia about 60 years later. Zerubbabel, Haggai, and Zechariah had all died leaving the next generation to grow up without spiritual leadership. Ezra was born during the Babylonian captivity. He was a descendant of Aaron, Israel's first high priest. The key to Ezra's great effectiveness in accomplishing the will of God is clear, he prepared his heart to seek the Lord. "For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." (7:9-10).

There is a threefold key to Ezra's great success: First, Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD. The word prepared implies a steadfast effort to know all of God's Word. The second qualification for the Lord's blessings upon his life was that Ezra committed himself to follow God's Word. And third, he planned to teach it to others. Ezra was committed to seeking, doing, and teaching God's Word.

This should be a reminder that, if we want God to bless our lives, we too must set our hearts upon the whole counsel of God. "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:14-17).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ezra 6:22). Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and He was without sin; leaven is symbolic of sin (Hebrews 4:15).

Today's Psalm: 31:23
"O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me not to waste my time and energy in futile or wishful thinking. Instead I want to fix my thoughts upon the living hope I have in Jesus Christ my Lord. I anchor my soul in Your Holy Word so that when other viewpoints counter the truths prescribed in Your Word my anchor remains firm and secure. When difficulties appear insurmountable remind me that I serve an extraordinary God who does not rely on natural solutions but works in the supernatural realm to meet each one of my needs. Your solutions to my problems are not subject to my scrutiny, but rather I conform to Your leading and accept Your plan for my life. In doing so I am not tossed to and fro by wishful thinking but I am firmly grounded in the living hope of our resurrected Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Wait On The Lord 06.02.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday June 2, 2008 and today we begin our studies on the book of Ezra. The book of Ezra is the fifteenth book in the Old Testamant and a book of history. The return of the Jews from Babylon into captivity is detailed in this book. The author of the book is Ezra and the purpose of the book was to record the return of Israel from exile and rebuilding of the Temple is Jerusalem. What we are to learn from this book is the return and restoration of basic principles of repentance.

Please read Chapters 1-2 in your Bible or Click Here or cut & paste to your browser biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%201-3&version=9 to read. Today we will read and learn about the proclamation of Cyrus to rebuild the Temple; and the list of Jews who returned from captivity.

About 200 years before the time of Ezra, Isaiah had prophesied that Babylon would be overthrown by a man named Cyrus.(Ref: Isaiah 44:23-28). To fulfill that prophecy, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia. "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem." (Ezra 1:1-5).

During the 70-year captivity, despite appearances to the contrary, the prophets encouraged the exiles concerning their restoration and foretold that they would rebuild Jerusalem. Ezra records that the first expedition was led by Zerubbabel, who was appointed governor by King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple and altar of the God of Israel

No one except God could possibly accurately predict or foresee the events even of the next hour. There is only one explanation to the hundreds of detailed prophecies in the Scriptures which have been fulfilled in every detail, hundreds of years after they were foretold, that is the Holy Spirit. "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1:19-21).

This One True God who controlled every world empire to fulfill this prophesy assures us, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11).

God's promises always come to pass exactly as He says. He knows when and how to meet our needs, our task is to wait on the Lord.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Sheshbazzar, another name for Zerubbabel, the prince (governor) of Judah (Ezra 1:8). Christ is both the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

Today's Psalm: 25:5
"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us to seek You above all things and to put our trust completely in You and to wait patiently for the answers. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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P.S Forgive me for being late in sending posting today's message.