Don't forget where your blessings came from. (Nehemiah 9:35)

Nehemiah 9:35

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

³⁵ Even while they had their own kingdom, they did not serve you, though you showered your goodness on them. You gave them a large, fertile land, but they refused to turn from their wickedness.



Sometimes the very blessings God has showered on us make us forget Him. We are often tempted to rely on wealth for security rather than on God. As you see what happened to the Israelites, look at your own life. Do your blessings make you thankful to God and draw you closer to Him, or do they make you feel self-sufficient and forgetful of God?


 
Joe












 

God's special calling. (Nehemiah 8:9)

Nehemiah 8:9

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁹ Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.



Ezra, not Nehemiah, was the official religious leader. It is significant that Nehemiah was a layman, not a member of the religious establishment or a prophet. He was motivated by his relationship with God, and he devoted his life to doing God's will in a secular world. Such people are crucial to God's work in all aspects of life. No matter what your work or role in life, view it as God's special calling to serve Him.



Joe

















 

Ask God to strengthen your hands. (Nehemiah 6:9)

Nehemiah 6:9

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

 

⁹ They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”
But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”




When opposition builds up against you or God's work, it is tempting to pray, "God, get me out of this situation." But Nehemiah prayed, "Strengthen my hands." He showed tremendous determination and character to remain steadfast in his responsibility. When we pray for strength, God always answers.





Joe
















 

Lead by what you do... (Nehemiah 5:16)

Nehemiah 5:16

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

¹⁶ Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land.




Nehemiah led the entire construction project, but he also worked on the wall alongside the others. He was not a bureaucrat in a well-guarded office, but a leader who got involved in the day-to-day work. He did not use his position to lord it over his people. A good leader keeps in touch with the work to be done. Those who lead best lead by what they do as well as by what they say.



 
Joe



















 

Put your heart into all you do ! (Nehemiah 4:6)

Nehemiah 4:6

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

 

 

The work of rebuilding the wall progressed well because the people had set their hearts and minds on accomplishing the task. They did not lose faith or give up, but they persevered in the work. If God has called you to a task, determine to complete it, even if you face opposition or discouragement. The rewards of work well done will be worth the effort.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is God's hand upon you? (Nehemiah 2:8)

Nehemiah 2:8

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

⁸ And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.



Nehemiah had position, power, and many good organizational skills, but he acknowledged that God's gracious hand was upon him. He knew that without God's strength, his efforts would be in vane. Do you acknowledge God as your power source and the giver of your gifts?





Joe



































 

Look for Opportunities to Volunteer (Ezra 8:15)

Ezra 8:15

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹⁵ I assembled the exiles at the Ahava Canal, and we camped there for three days while I went over the lists of the people and the priests who had arrived. I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along.


 
Ezra's progress back to Jerusalem was halted while he waited to recruit Levites. God had called these men to a special service, and yet few were willing to volunteer when their services were needed. God had gifted each of us with abilities so we can make a contribution to His kingdom work (see Romans 12:4-8 below). Don't wait to be recruited, but look for opportunities to volunteer. Don't hinder God's work by holding back (see 1:Peter 4:10 below).

Romans 12:4-8

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁴ Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, ⁵ so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
 

1 Peter 4:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

¹⁰ God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 



Joe




















 

Give God the credit (Ezra 7:27-28)

Ezra 7:27-28

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

Ezra Praises the Lord

 

 

²⁷ Praise the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem! ²⁸ And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles! I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem.

 

 

 

 

Ezra praised God for all that God had done for him and through him. Ezra had honored God throughout his life, and God chose to honor him. Ezra could have assumed that his own greatness and charisma had won over the king and his princes, but he gave the credit to God. We, too, should be grateful to God for our success and not think that we did it in our own power.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A different way to pray. (Ezra 6:21-22)

Ezra 6:21-22

The Message (MSG)

 

 

 

^21-22 Then the Israelites who had returned from exile, along with everyone who had removed themselves from the defilements of the nations to join them and seek God, the God of Israel, ate the Passover. With great joy they celebrated the Feast of Unraised Bread for seven days. God had plunged them into a sea of joy; he had changed the mind of the king of Assyria to back them in rebuilding The Temple of God, the God of Israel.

   



There are many ways to pray for God's help. Have you ever considered that God would change the attitude of a person or group of people? God is infinitely powerful, His insight and wisdom transcend the laws of human nature. While you must always change your attitude as a first step, remember that He can change the attitude of others.




Joe

Who do you work for? (Ezra 5:3 & Ezra 5:11)

Ezra 5:3 & Ezra 5:11

New International Version (NIV)


 

³ At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?”

^{11 This is the answer they gave us:}

“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of Israel built and finished.



 
While rebuilding the temple, the workers were confronted by the Persia-appointed governor, demanding to know who gave permission for their construction project. This could of been intimidating, but, as we learn from the letter, they boldly replied, "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth."
It is not always easy to speak up for our faith in an unbelieving world, but we must. The way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we are workers for God. Our allegiance is to Him first, people second. When we contemplate the reactions and criticisms of hostile people, we can become paralyzed with fear. If we try to offend no one or to please everyone, we won't be effective. God is our leader, and His rewards are most important. So don't be intimidated. Let others know by your words and actions whom you really serve.




 
Joe


























 

Don't be Discouraged (Ezra 4:4-5)

Ezra 4:4-5

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

⁴ Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. ⁵ They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.



Discouragement and fear are two of the greatest obstacles to completing God's work. Most often they come where and when you least expect them. Discouragement eats away at our motivation and fear paralyzes us so we don't act at all. Recognize these common barriers. Remember that God's people in every age have faced these problems and with God's help overcame them. By standing together with other believers, you can overcome fear and discouragement and complete God's will.




 
Joe





















 

Do you think that you cannot be forgiven? (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

2 Chronicles 33:12-13

New International Version (NIV)


 

¹² In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. ¹³ And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.



In a list of corrupt kings, Manasseh would rank near the top. His life was a catalog of evil deeds including idol worship and temple desecration. Eventually, however, he realized his sins and cried out to God for forgiveness. And God listened. If God can forgive Manasseh, surely He can forgive anyone. Are you burdened by overpowering guilt? Do you doubt that anyone can forgive what you have done? Take heart - until death, no one is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness.




Joe















 

Trials (2 Chronicles 28:22 - James 1:2-4)

2 Chronicles 28:22

New International Version (NIV)

 

²² In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.




Difficulties and struggles can devastate people, or they can stimulate growth and maturity. For Ahaz, deep troubles led to spiritual collapse. We do not need to respond like Ahaz. When facing problems and tragedy, we must remember that rough times give us a chance to grow (see James 1:2-4 below). When we are facing trials, don't turn away from God; turn to Him. See these times as an opportunity for you to claim God's help.

 

James 1:2-4

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

  
 
Joe


















 

Be careful when you win...(2 Chronicles 25:14)

2 Chronicles 25:14

Amplified Bible (AMP)


 

¹⁴ After Amaziah came back from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought their gods and set them up to be his gods and bowed before them and burned incense to them.



After the victory, Amaziah returned and sacrificed to idols. We are very susceptible to sin after great victories. It is then that we feel confident , relaxed and ready to celebrate. If, in that excitement, we let our defenses down, Satan can attack with all sorts of temptations. When you win, watch out. After the mountain peaks, come the valleys.




Joe
















 

Want Peace? (2 Chronicles 15:14-15)

2 Chronicles 15:14-15

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹⁴ They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the Lord with trumpets blaring and rams’ horns sounding. ¹⁵ All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side.




Many people find it difficult to commit themselves to anything. They are tentative, indecisive, and afraid of responsibility. Asa and his people were different - they had clearly declared themselves for God. Their oath of allegiance was punctuated with shouts and trumpet blasts! This decisive and wholehearted commitment pleased God and resulted in peace for the nation. If you want peace, check to see if there is some area where you lack total commitment to God. Peace comes as a by-product of giving your life wholeheartedly to God.




Joe











 

You can't do it on your own. (2 Chronicles 14:11)

2 Chronicles 14:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹¹ Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!”



 
If you are facing battles you feel you can't possibly win, don't give up. In the face of vast hordes of enemy soldiers, Asa prayed for God's help, recognizing his powerlessness against such a mighty enemy. The secret of victory is first to admit the futility of unaided human effort and then to trust God to save. His power works best through those who recognize their limitations (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). It is those who think they can do it all on their own who are in the greatest danger.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.


 
Joe



















 

God loves His people (2 Chronicles 9:8)

2 Chronicles 9:8

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁸ Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule with justice and righteousness.”



The queen of Sheba marveled at Solomon, claiming that God must love His people greatly to give them such a king. Israel greatly prospered during Solomon's reign, witnessing to God's power and love for His people. The good times show God's love and faithfulness. But hard times come to believers, too, and our perseverance and steadfast hope during those times will demonstrate our love and faithfulness to God. How we live will help others see our love for God.



 
Joe















 

Don't worry, God hears you (2 Chronicles 7:12)

2 Chronicles 7:12

The Message (MSG)

 

 

¹² God appeared to Solomon that very night and said, “I accept your prayer; yes, I have chosen this place as a temple for sacrifice, a house of worship.


Months, perhaps years, had passed since Solomon's prayer of dedication. Several other building projects had been completed after the temple. Then after all this time, God told Solomon that he had heard Solomon's prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, wonder if God had heard us. God does hear, and He will provide for us. We must trust that God will answer at the proper time.



 
Joe





















 

God is waiting (2 Chronicles 6:30)

2 Chronicles 6:30

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

³⁰ then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart).




Have you ever felt far from God, separated by feelings of failure and personal problems? In his prayer, Solomon underscored the fact that God stands ready to hear his people, to forgive their sins, and to restore their relationship with Him. God is waiting and listening for our confession of guilt and our recommitment to obey Him. He hears us when we pour out our needs and problems to Him and is ready to forgive us and restore us to fellowship with Him. Don't wait to experience His loving forgiveness.




Joe


















 

Want to be rich? Put God first. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

2 Chronicles 1:11-12

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— ¹² I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”



 
Solomon could of had anything, but he asked for wisdom to rule the nation. Because God approved of the way Solomon ordered his priorities, He gave Solomon wealth, riches and honor as well. Jesus also spoke about priorities. He said that when we put God first, everything we really need will be given to us as well (see Matthew 6:33 below). This will not guarantee that we will be wealthy and famous like Solomon, but it means that when we put God first, the wisdom He gives will enable us to have richly rewarding lives. When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content with what we have, we will have greater wealth than we could ever accumulate.


 

Matthew 6:33

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.



 
Joe

















 

Spiritual Inheritance (1 Chronicles 29:25)

1 Chronicles 29:25

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

²⁵ And the Lord exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.




Solomon surpassed his father's wealth and splendor. David's legacy resulted from his vital relationship with the Lord, and he passed his spiritual values on to Solomon. Any money or power we leave to our children are far less valuable than the spiritual legacy we pass on. What spiritual inheritance will your children receive?





Joe


















 

Praise God with whatever you have (1 Chronicles 15:29)

1 Chronicles 15:29

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

²⁹ As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.



David was willing to look foolish in the eyes of some people in order to express his thankfulness to God fully and honestly. In contrast, Michal was so disgusted by his "undignified" actions that she could not rejoice in the ark's return to Jerusalem. Worship had so deteriorated under her father Saul's reign that it had become stilted and ritualistic. Michal could accept David as military conqueror and as king, but she could not accept his free and spontaneous expression of praise to God. Some devoted people may look foolish to us in their heartfelt expressions of worship, but we must accept them. In the same way, we should not be afraid to worship God with whatever expressions seem appropriate.




Joe


















 

Burn your idols (1 Chronicles 14:12)

1 Chronicles 14:12

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹² The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them.



Often the soldiers wanted to keep souvenirs from the battle, but David ordered them to burn the idols. The only proper response to sin is to get rid of it completely. You cannot be a follower of God while continuing to hold on to parts of your past life that push God out of the center of your thoughts and actions. Eliminate whatever takes God's rightful place in your life, and follow Him with complete devotion.




Joe
















 

Go to God First (1 Chronicles 14:10)

1 Chronicles 14:10

New International Version (NIV)


 

¹⁰ so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”



Before David went to battle, he inquired of God first, asking for His presence and guidance. Too often we wait until we are in trouble before turning to God. By then the consequences of our actions are already unfolding. Do you ask for God's help only as a desperate last resort? Instead, go to Him first! Like David, you may receive incredible help and avoid serious trouble.


 
Joe




















 

Keep God at the center (1 Chronicles 13:3)

1 Chronicles 13:3

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

³ It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul.”

 

 

 

 

The ark of God had been in Kiriath Jearim for many years. The neglect of the ark symbolized Israel's neglect for God. Bringing the ark back to the center of Israel's life reflected David's desire to remind the nation of its true foundation - God. Neglecting those things that remind us of God - the Bible, the Church, and contact with Christians - will cause us also to neglect God. We must keep God at the center of our lives.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reputation ( 1 Chronicles 5:24-25 )

 

1 Chronicles 5:24-25

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

 

²⁴ These were the leaders of their clans: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. These men had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders of their clans.
²⁵ But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nations that God had destroyed.



 
 

As warriors and leaders, these men had established excellent reputations for their skill and leadership qualities. But in God's eyes they failed in the most important quality - being faithful to God. If you try to measure up to society's standards for fame and success, you may neglect your true purpose - to please and obey God. In the end, God alone examines our hearts and determines our final standing. 

 

 

 

 Joe

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Brother Nick. I love you and miss you!

 

http://www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1028012

Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

 

⁹ Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God to 1.) bless him. 2.) help him in his work ("enlarge my territory"). 3.) be with him in all he did, and 4.) keep him from evil and harm. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God' blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Obeying Him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.

 

 

Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from harm and pain. We live in a fallen world with sin, and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin within us. Therefore, not only must we seek God's protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and actions. We can begin to utilize His protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe