Day 126

By

Nehemiah Introduction

Though the Jews have rebuilt the temple and put away their pagan wives, Jerusalem's walls still lie in ruin. But God finds a wall-builder in Persia. Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, leads the third expedition of pilgrims back to the homeland. Like Ezra and Zerubbabel, Nehemiah encounters fierce opposition to his reconstruction efforts. Even so, the project is completed in record time. The public reading of God's Word triggers a significant but short-lived revival within the rebuilt walls.

Other Great Prayers of intercession in the Bible like the one of yesterday's reading when Ezra prayed that moving prayer in Ezra 9:5-15; today we will find a similar prayer in the life of Nehemiah 1:4-11. Also read the great prayers of intercession by Moses (Exodus 32:11-14), Daniel (Daniel 9:1-19), Paul (Colossians 1:3-13), and Jesus (John 17:1-26).

Scripture

May 5—Nehemiah 1-2: Nehemiah's Plans

Observation

Nearly thirteen years have gone by since Ezra returned to Jerusalem. Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king in the winter palace at Susa, hears discouraging reports about his Jewish homeland. Jerusalem's defenses are in ruins and the people are being harassed. The news cause Nehemiah to mourn and intercede on behalf of his countrymen, petitioning the sovereign  God to "put it into the king's heart to be kind to me" (1:11). God responds to Nehemiah's prayers by moving the Persian king to permit and even provide for Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem. Once there, Nehemiah surveys the situation before attempting to stir the people to action with the ringing promise, "The God of heaven will help us" (2:20).

Application

Look up 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and memorize it right now. (Don't panic—the verse consists of only three words!) Now ask yourself this question: Am I continuous or sporadic in my prayer life?

Nehemiah poured out his heart to God for one, two, three full months before he received an answer. (Would you have quit before God's answer arrived?) Then, with unexpected suddenness, God ushered in Nehemiah's long-awaited opportunity. (Would you have been ready when the opportunity came?) With a quick silent prayer for grace, Nehemiah made his petition known to the king. (Would you have stammered and stumbled for words?) And God answered.

How often do you experience "God being gracious" (2:8) in your prayer life? Every time you turn on a light today, repeat the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:17—and one petition God has laid on your heart. Then get ready for God's answer.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank You for teaching us through Your Word that persistence in prayer yields results. In Jesus name. Amen!

Pray Without Ceasing...



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

Popular posts from this blog

Day 366

By
Image
Scripture December 31—Revelation 20-22: The Christ Enthroned Observation In one sentence John sums up the end of this present world order: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth (with no oceans!), for the present earth and sky had disappeared" (21:1). He then describes the breathtaking splendor of the New Heaven and Earth, God's new order in which "the home of God is now among men, and he will live with them and they will be his people; yes, God himself will be among them" (21:3). Once again, God and his people live in unbroken fellowship—Creator and creation face to face (22:4). Revelation closes with Christ's thrice-repeated promise, "I am coming soon" (22:7, 12, 20) and John's refrain, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (22:20). Yes, come quickly, Lord! Sadness in the Old, Gladness in the New : Perhaps the saddest words in the entire Old Testament are these: "So the Lord God banished him forever from the Garden of Eden . . . ...
Read more

Day 1

By
Image
The Hand of Creation Scripture January 1--Genesis 1-2: Beginning of the Human Race Observation These two chapters of Genesis are about God's creative activity in forming the universe. Chapter 1 provides a diary of the six days of God's work as he speaks into existence the universe and arranges its parts into a unified whole. It closes with the creation of man, who as the crown of God's creation, is commanded to subdue the earth and rule over it. Chapter 2 emphasizes God's unique relationship to man appointing him as the one who bears His image and is to exercise dominion over the rest of the creation. Application Having dominion over the rest of the creation appears to be a big, big job. But, the Lord God formed man's body from the dust of the ground, therefore this should encourage us that God has always known the material he used to design our body and knows exactly what we can handle physically and emotionally. Meaning we ha...
Read more

Day 207

By
Image
God's Comfort! Scripture July 25—Isaiah 40-43: Comfort for God's People Observation Perhaps by now you are growing weary of reading a message of judgment every day from the book of Isaiah. (No doubt the people of Judah were!) But chapter 40 breaks through the gloom. Comfort and consolation are coming! God's judgment, though severe, will one day end. God's people can rest assured that the Maker of heaven and earth will restore the nation he has chosen to call his own. Application There's nothing that can quite compare with the thrill of being chosen for a special position. Out of the many possible candidates for the job, someone reached down and selected you ! It makes you feel important and special, and in the eyes of the one who chose you, you are special. Otherwise, he would have picked someone else. Is it any wonder the nation of Israel could find comfort and security in the knowledge that God had selected them for a unique role in history...
Read more

Day 236

By
Image
Egypt's Desolation Scripture August 23—Ezekiel 29-32: Judgment on Egypt Observation Ezekiel's last and greatest prophecy regarding Judah's neighbors is reserved for Egypt. Unlike the other nations already mentioned. Egypt will not be utterly destroyed but merely reduced to "the lowliest of all the nations" (29:15). Historically, though invaded and plundered by Nebuchadnezzar, Egypt has continued to exist as a nation. But to this day it has never again recovered its former glory or influence in world affairs. Ezekiel's prophecies are delivered in the form of six visions covering a period of more than sixteen years. Application One of the greatest evidences for fulfilled prophecy is a present-day map of the world. Go to Maps on your computer or phone and glance at it periodically as you read on. Though God promised to tear his people from their homeland and punish them for their persistent disobedience, he also promised to restore them to the land. Can y...
Read more

Day 322

By
Image
Live in Harmony with One Another! Scripture November 17—Romans 12-16: Righteousness of God Displayed Observation In closing chapters of his treatise, Paul concentrates on practical problems of everyday living that demand a demonstration of the righteousness God provides. Doctrine is dynamic, whether in matters of personal consecration, loving service to others, response to authority use of personal liberty, or unity in the body of Christ. Application You may be shocked to learn that the last election you voted in was "rigged" from the start. God knew the outcome from the very beginning! In fact, the idea of political leaders and civil authorities was his in the first place, "There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power" (13:1). Most of us need to review what the Bible says about our responsibility toward the civil authorities he has placed over us. (And remember, the "popularity" of the leader is immaterial. Paul wrote thes...
Read more

Day 205

By
Image
The King is Coming! Scripture July 23—Isaiah 31-35: Coming Calamity and King Observation Deliverance. Restored prosperity. Lasting peace. They are all part of Isaiah's joyous prophecy concerning Israel's future. Though the prophetic horizon is dark with the foreboding presence of Assyrian troops, there is also a future King coming—a King whose rule and righteousness will be worldwide. Thus Isaiah urges his countrymen to put their confidence in God, not circumstances, as they await their promised redemption when "the ransomed of the Lord will go home along that road to Zion, singing the songs of everlasting joy" (35:10). Application An optimist is one who makes the best of it when he gets the worst of it; a pessimist is one who looks both ways before crossing a one-way street! And a realist is one who lets God show him which end of the telescope to look through when studying his circumstances. Which kind of person are you? It's difficult to ...
Read more

Day 227

By
Image
Weekly Devotional August 14— Psalm 78 : On Having a Warm Heart Reflection Judah dislikes the message Jeremiah brings, so they seek to kill the messenger. But despite the bleak situation, God promises not to forsake his people forever. Even so, Jeremiah stands firm, but watches in sadness as his nation is taken captive. Jeremiah knew he served the God of all nations—a God of justice and glory. And that's what kept him going. Perhaps you need a little help to keep you going today. Take time now to meditate on Psalm 78, in which Asaph recounts God's faithfulness toward a people who were continually disobedient and rebellious and ungrateful. Why not learn a lesson from that negative example today? Have a Heart of Gratitude! A woman asked her physician, "Doctor, why am I seized with these restless longings for the glamorous and faraway?" "My dear lady," he replied, "they are the usual symptoms of too much comfort in the home and too much ing...
Read more

Day 199

By
Image
Babylon and Moab No More! Scripture July 17—Isaiah 13-16: Judgment on Babylon and Moab Observation Judah isn't the only nation ripe for judgment. As Isaiah surveys the spiritual scene around him, virtually every world power of his day is in line for God's hand of discipline. Babylon will be laid waste by the Medes; Moab will be brought low for her pride and arrogance. Though the wickedness of man is great, the righteousness of God is greater! Application There's something particularly satisfying about seeing "the other guy" get what is coming to him. About watching the speeding car just ahead of you get pulled over. About learning of your bad-tempered neighbor's income tax return getting audited. About reading of the corrupt politician landing in jail. But, smugness in the face of another's calamity is one sure way to share their fate. God in his Word has included the bad with the good—the condemnation with the commendation —that you ...
Read more

Day 263

By
Image
Habakkuk Introduction Habakkuk prophesies in Judah before its final destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. Like Job, he honestly raises the perplexing issue of why a just God is silent, and why the cries of the faithful seem to go unheard. In reply, God declares to his prophet a timeless principle of trust in his sovereignty. The wicked will be dealt with in God's own way, in God's own time. He will use the even more wicked Babylon as his divine instrument of justice. But in the meantime, the righteous man must trust in the Lord (2:4). Scripture September 19—Habakkuk 1-3: The Just Shall Live by Faith Observation Habakkuk ministers during Judah's "death throes." Though repeatedly called to repentance, the nation stubbornly refuses to change her sinful ways. Habakkuk, knowing the hardheartedness of his countrymen, asks God how long this "intolerable condition" can be tolerated. God replies that the Babylonians will be his instrument...
Read more

Day 246

By
Image
God's People Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge! Scripture September 2—Hosea 4-6: An Adulterous Union Observation A prophet's first task is to confront a nation with its sin. In chapter 4 Hosea catalogs Israel's offenses against God: "No faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God" (v. 1); they "swear, lie, kill, steal and commit adultery" (v. 2); "the priests are wicked, the people are too" (v. 9); "prostitution" (v. 13); "stubbornness wedded to idolatry" (v. 16-17). The indictment is severe; judgment will come soon. No news is new news. Compare today's news with Hosea 4. Any similarity? Clever as modern man may be, he has yet to invent any "new" sins. Hosea's call to repentance is as timely today as when it was first delivered more than twenty-six centuries ago! Application The doctor carefully examines his patient but can find no explanation for the young child's unusual and persistent ...
Read more