June 18, 2009
I am doing a great work and cannot come down.
If you thought Ezra was exciting, turn to the right just one more book and check out the book of Nehemiah. The story happens following the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and after Ezra's return to call the people to repentence. In fact, scholars believe that Nehemiah brought the third group back to Jerusalem roughly 70 years after Ezra's journey.
Nehemiah was the cup bearer to King Artaxerxes and had served faithfully in his household. Nehemiah's brother returned from Jerusalem and reported to him the sad state of the walls of Jerusalem. After all these years the people still had not restored the city to its former glory. Deeply saddened by this, Nehemaih fasted and prayed before the Lord and then approached the King and asked for permission to return to Jerusalem. The book follows his fierce dedication and determination to see the walls rebuilt.
The Israelites faced opposition throughout the building process and at one point some of Nehemiah's enemies attempt to pull Nehemiah from his work at the wall. But Nehemiah stands firm in the work God has given him. See his response:
"I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?" (Nehemiah 6:3)
Every day we are given the opportunity to choose between tbe good and what is best. After all, Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. (1 Corinthians 6:12) Nehemiah reminds me that sometimes my response must be no, for I am doing a great work and cannot come down.
This book is FULL of incredible principles and wisdom for our lives. While it's only 13 chapters long, it packs a powerful punch. I cannot encourage you enough to check it out.
Not coming down,
Ginger
-For a cool article on Nehemiah's Wall today check out: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/february/5.16.html
-If any kiddos go out of town this summer they can still get punches on their Boarding Passes by bringing a bulletin from another church. We will have more Boarding Passes to hand out this weekend.
Nehemiah was the cup bearer to King Artaxerxes and had served faithfully in his household. Nehemiah's brother returned from Jerusalem and reported to him the sad state of the walls of Jerusalem. After all these years the people still had not restored the city to its former glory. Deeply saddened by this, Nehemaih fasted and prayed before the Lord and then approached the King and asked for permission to return to Jerusalem. The book follows his fierce dedication and determination to see the walls rebuilt.
The Israelites faced opposition throughout the building process and at one point some of Nehemiah's enemies attempt to pull Nehemiah from his work at the wall. But Nehemiah stands firm in the work God has given him. See his response:
"I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?" (Nehemiah 6:3)
Every day we are given the opportunity to choose between tbe good and what is best. After all, Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. (1 Corinthians 6:12) Nehemiah reminds me that sometimes my response must be no, for I am doing a great work and cannot come down.
This book is FULL of incredible principles and wisdom for our lives. While it's only 13 chapters long, it packs a powerful punch. I cannot encourage you enough to check it out.
Not coming down,
Ginger
-For a cool article on Nehemiah's Wall today check out: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/february/5.16.html
-If any kiddos go out of town this summer they can still get punches on their Boarding Passes by bringing a bulletin from another church. We will have more Boarding Passes to hand out this weekend.
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