"The Israelites had not celebrated like this since the day of Joshua son of Nun."
Nehemiah 8:17
Nehemiah 8:17
My Take Aways
Something Old:
The celebration included confession. There is much to celebrate in confession.
Something New:
I LOVED Ezra's prayer in 9:6-36.
Something to Do:
God is calling me to a deeper more powerful my prayer life. Daniel, Nehemiah, and Ezra have taught us so much about prayer.
SAP
Stop and Pray
Sap means energy and vitality.
Vitality means
SAP
Stop and Pray
Sap means energy and vitality.
Vitality means
- exuberant physical strength or mental vigor
- capacity for survival or for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence
- the power to live and grow
16 Comments:
Oh, my oh my, - this weekend, the reading was so good, I continued on through even today’s reading, and happened to post Saturday nite –today’s verses! Yikes, sorry about that! I really am enjoying Nehemiah, even more so, the second time around! So, no posting today, - since I already did it twice! Wendy ~ Hallelujah, for your date planned: concert/get-a-way with your beloved! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! You added so much today, to the ‘already above the top’ chapters! I’m reading a book now about praying, and everything you said tied right into my take-always re energy and vitality, - the mental vigor, you called it that comes from praying. When we’re overly-tired, the enemy will try to tell us we’re too tired to pray; however, this is just the time we need to pray, for this conversation with God, gives us extra stamina to carry on! When you were talking about their 3 hours of standing, 3 hours weeping, celebrating-the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit was taking over their physical abilities. That’s what I call some mighty power, we’ve got inside us, gals!
Teeny reminded us that Nehemiah, a man of God was determined and obedient – just the traits that God is looking for today. Choosing to wake up, -determined to listen and obey His voice.
Michelle, I loved your praying mantis story, on Friday – lifting up prayers through the day is something I’m reading about in my current book, “Simple Praying.” It’s that on-going conversation with God, no matter where we are, that draws us closer and closer to Him. Our on-going conversation increases our companionship with Him.
Franny, I absolutely loved your gate, lesson! I’m finding it to be so true, the more we read the Bible, the “richer and deeper” it gets!
Kate, it’s always such a treat to see your name – glad you are keeping up with the reading, - that is what makes everything else go smooth! When I read your verse, it dawned on me that I had posted the wrong date! So, I looked back and saw –ahh, I too highlighted that, but, it was the day before! Smile! Daily, we can celebrate and lift up thanks to our Father for His is so good to give us His precious Word.
Michelle, lifting up a prayer for Ryan. May God plan his steps to bump right into those that will be there to encourage him along the way. May this young man continue to remain strong, and may his body recover.
Linda, praying for you, too this week as you begin your chemo treatment.
Michelle & Debra –love your enthusiasm sisters!!!!!!!!! Jesus is shining right out of you both! PTL!
Dixie~Is there anything you don’t do? Hahah…I’m so looking forward to your summary! I’m lifting up a prayer that you will feel strong and healthy. May His joy bring you ample strength…and may your vibrant, Spirit – filled heart, bless those in your circle of influence! I’m going to pray, too that when you pray today, you experience some extra energy and vitality! Love ya’ll! Lori
Good morning, GIGs,
Wendy, peace and blessings to you and Scott as you head out for an overnight! EnJOY yourselves!
Let's hear it for pleasantly boring lives; I'm with you on that, Wendy. I spent my weekend doing lots of laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, cooking, floor washing, and a long visit with Denise so her husband could have a good break! I was mostly praying and or listening to sermons as I did my mindless chores, and I felt kind of Amish (and I mean that in a very good way, as I have always admired a lot about the Amish.)
My nugget from today's very interesting reading was 9:28
But as soon as they were at peace, your people again committed evil in your sight, and once more you let their enemies conquer them. Lord, thank you for helping me, through bringing me to this Bible Study with Wendy, to stay in your Word in good times and bad, to put on the Armor of God daily to keep my enemies (negative emotions and words) away. I pray that I will live all the rest of my days resting in Your Word, in Jesus' name, Amen.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hi twin!! It's been a while since we posted together!!!!
Michelle
Wow there really was a lot of good teaching. Loved it.
Wendy (and Scott) Have a wonderful time.
Lynn - OR
Wendy...Praying you and Scott have a sweet time together...It is so important to have those times together, especially during the busy time of parenthood...
God's word is so good...Don't think my back could stand for 3 hours...at least, not without God's help...
The people swore to curse themselves if they did not follow the Law of God...Goodness, could I do that...?
Have a Blessed Day,
Sue
Hi friends,
It has been so hard to return to a normal life since our trip, and I have been trying to get caught up. I really feel a bit empty when I am not connecting with Wendy and all of you every day, but things are getting on track again, and it is great to be back.
I was pondering the beautiful prayer, with the account of the history of Israel, and I thought of Ezra, the scribe. How many people do you think knew how to read in 500B.C? There couldn’t have been too many “history books” for these people to check out. It was the verbal passing on of the lessons and stories, and the teaching from the Temple that kept the word of God alive in their hearts. How special to be a scribe, and so fortunate to have the ability to read and write God’s word—- the accurate and actual word! How fortunate we are now to be able to “google,” and to research, and to read the Word in bed or on our porch swing!
The ritual of physical penance (fasting, burlap) confessing sins, acknowledging the reliance on and love for God, and the resolve and promise to obey is at the heart of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was so beautiful to see this act of love demonstrated by an entire nation, and even ratified and sealed as a declaration to God! Wow!
Linda, from Ark, on Labor day weekend I too was viewing that same crescent moon! I was alone on the third floor rooftop of our villa in Puerta Vallarta at 5am, witnessing God’s earth coming to life. The sky was just beginning to turn a deep cobalt blue from the sun waking deep behind the mountains of the rain forest. The brilliance of the moon behind the mountains and the glow of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the forefront imprinted a spiritual memory. (I also took a photo memory!) It is wonderful to think that all the rich and poor, all the many beautiful cultures, share in God’s creation no matter where in the world!
Lori, your post about idols reminded me that I began penciling in a list of my idols in the back of my bible. They are in pencil, so I can hopefully erase them some day!
As I have been trying to catch up, I wrote myself a little sticky note from some of the recent readings:
Hag 2:4-5 “Be strong, Jacque. And now, get to work! My Spirit remains with you so do not be afraid.” Zech 4:10 “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Jacque’s hand.” Zech 8:9 “Be strong and finish the task!”
As you might guess, I am feeling stuck in neutral. Small beginnings will keep me moving forward. Now where is that plumb line?
Good to “hear” you all again, Wendy and dear ones!
Blessing and prayers,
Jacque
Good morning, GIGs!
Wendy, enjoy your time away. :) May it be a time of reconnecting.
I dug some of my notes from Nehemiah courtesy of my favorite(but now former)Pastor Gary who moved on to a new church:
When Nehemiah was made aware of the condition of his brethren in Jerusalem, he was greatly distressed. (The walls were in ruins which exposed them to harassment, ridicule and maybe even assault from their Samaritan neighbors.) However, instead of immediately devising a way to seek King Artaxerxes' help, he prayed and fasted first.
(Neh 1:4) 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.
Lesson 1: Pray first.
He waited for God to give him direction on what to do next. It gave God time to soften the king's heart toward Nehemiah. When the king asked Nehemiah what he needed, he prayed again and spoke up.
Lesson 2: Pray some more. Then act. There is a time to be still and a time to act.
When Nehemiah arrived at his destination, he was opposed. Immediately.
Lesson 3: Even when you're doing God's will, expect opposition evil. Things will not go smoothly.
As the work progressed, I noticed that Nehemiah had the foresight to assign men close to their homes and families. Neh 3:23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house. The workers became vested in what they were doing. I imagine that if we lived in those days and my husband was given the task to build the wall by our house, he would make sure that the wall surrounding our home and our children would be the sturdiest, best portion of the entire length of that wall. Nehemiah made it personal for them.
Lesson 4: If you treat your subordinates well and assign them tasks that is close to their passion, they will flourish.
Nehemiah's enemies tried to derail him by giving a spreading lies about him and even tried luring him away to do him harm. Nehemiah refused. How I wish I could be like Nehemiah - always focused and not stooping down to the level of his detractors.
Lesson 5: Stay focused on the task God gave you - and eventually, your enemies will be defeated.
By his steadfast dedication, Nehemiah inspired others to reach their goal. Neh 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. He was not only a great starter but more importantly, he was a great finisher as well. (It stuck with me because I'm great at starting projects, just not finishing them. I still have an unfinished quilt for my son - who's now 19.)
Lastly, this:
Neh 13:8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. (He threw him out. I find this funny.big grin)
Neh 13:9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
Lesson 6: Do not be afraid to clean house.
Hi ladies,
Wendy - you are echoing what God has been putting on my heart - seek His forgiveness.
In the Catholic Church - we have a sacrament called reconciliation (confession). It is an opportunity to humble ourselves before Christ's representative (our priest) and receive God's grace and mercy. It is mandatory once a year, but available anytime.
Just last night our priest was speaking on the importance of this sacrament and how many don't participate in it for many of the reasons you mentioned. But reconciliation restores our relationship with Him and brings us closer.
Lord - help me to overcome shame and fear and humble myself before you, that I might draw closer to you. I want to celebrate :)
Have a great day girls,
Jodie from Ottawa
Hello to all:
Well, I have missed close to two weeks of Bible Study because of all the craziness in my house, but...
when you fall off the horse you get right back on!
My husband is doing well, most of his health issues were minor: no surgery, can be controlled by diet type of stuff. He face is healing and looking so much better, and he started work last week. The Lord is taking care of us ever so slowly, but surely. Thanks so much for you prayers. In addition, just hectic here, my son and the grandkids sharing a virus - cough, sneeze, etc. Other relative issues too - but all is well in general.
I plan on reading today's lesson and hope to be back later to comment. Hopefully, I can read the prior two weeks soon, looks like I missed the end of Daniel and some minor prophets. So happy to be back.
Rhonda in New York State
Wendy I pray that you and Scott have a wonderful time together. Relax and enjoy each other.
I'm back :)
My nuggets for today:
From Nehemiah 8
>Ezra the priest read the Book of the Law of Moses in sight of all the people.
>They took time to worship the Lord first
>The Levites helped the people to understand the Law. It was clearly explained.
>The people wept when they heard the word of God.
The word "understand" really popped out for me. The Lord does
not want for us to see things obscurely, cloudy - the Enemy wants that. God wants us to understand, to have clarity in His Word.
Nehemiah 9:10 ....do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Well, my little grandson just found me and is crying to get on my lap :)
Rhonda in New York State
Hi Everybody….
Today is the Feast of Saint Matthew Apostle & Evangelist.
I didn’t do the reading today/or the last few days….My spirit has had me doing the readings given to us to do each day recommended by our catholic church. I’ve found a wonderful website given from our Sunday bullentin…If anyone is interested this is the website: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.shtml It gives you the readings for the day and you can also view a video each day about the reading. I am finding this to be helping me with understanding and giving me great knowledge of certain bible passages.
Love you all….this is and always will be quite a journey for me. Rhonda NY yesterday you mention the word “understanding” stood out for you. That is something this heart desires….and so a lot of these last few weeks and days been out searching for some understanding on my catholic faith….I believe this was put before me because of my search. I know there are a few of you out there whom are/were catholic…Jodie from Ottawa, Jacque….Michelle & Rhonda NY you were thought of so much through my search on this one website I was on (Catholics come home)by Tom Peterson…I am one too (I know I am a catholic…but I want to know more.)….I am in search of truth. On this web site there is given much. I love being in His word….My soul needed understanding on Why are Catholic and Protestant Bibles different? This website explained this question to me and gave me much understanding…This here question my protestant friends say that their church goes by the Bible Alone, but that the Catholic church has added a lot of man-made traditions to the word of God…Is this true? Gave me wonderful understanding also, on this website: http://www.catholicscomehome.org/index.php . Michele/Rhonda NY My spirit was lead to this challenge today when on this website and I read this question: “How can I help my loved ones come Home?” It left me to Pray, love, trust God, be bold….and go evangelize! This is part of what it has on this page.
There are many excellent resources to help you share the truths of Catholicism with others in a charitable and helpful way. Keep in mind that the Bible tells us a lot about how we should (and shouldn't) share our faith:
2 Timothy 2:24-25: “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth.”
1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence….”
1 Corinthians 13:2: “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
No more excuses…Share your faith!
“It's a fact. The single biggest impediment to sharing the Faith is the excuse we conjure up at the moment to avoid doing it. Let's say a situation arises where you can open your mouth and talk about Christ and the Catholic Church, but instead, the flashing red "excuse meter" goes off in the back of your mind. A bumbling string of reasons why you can't say or do anything floods out. Sound familiar? It's happened to me many times…” Read more >> (This if you click onto it is really great when you are on this pg on the website).
I really do think you will enjoy these sites. Love You ALL….keep searching, seaking and knowing.
God Be With Us,
Rhonda
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Good morning everyone,
Hope you had a lovely time away with your hubby Wendy.
I have a very short comment to make this morning. My nugget to ponder was in Neh. 11:6b ..."all outstanding men." This blesses my heart to know that God keeps track of those who diligently work at loving and serving Him to the best of their abilities. When we 'do the right thing' when it's hard, or no one even notices, take heart because God does notice. May we all be Outstanding Women today!
Love and prayers
Franny
Happy Tuesday, Dear Sisters! Today, is a brand new day to praise our Father! We love you dear Lord.
Lots of good stuff today girls! Loved the repeating 'gate keeper' word, and it made me really ponder over our role: gatekeeper of our own Temple that is right inside of us!
*guard against anything unclean from entering my temple
*be on the lookout for any thoughts or actions that may be impure
*monitor my actions
*protect my temple from anything that is forbidden by your law
*obediently listen to your voice
Oh, that I would be as reliable, responsible, and trusted as Nehemiah!
One verse that I high lighted was:
“The people of Judiah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the LORD” (I Chronicles 9:1b).
I want to be faithful to the Lord with all of my heart, with all of my soul, and with all of body. I pray that the distractions of the world, and the temptations of myself, will not draw me to unfaithfulness. I do not want a fickle faith, but a faith worshiped with my whole heart! A faith that is loyal to my Father. A believing faith. To be in His presence, abiding in Him, walking closely with Him - nothing would be worse that a feeling of separation.
Lord, my desire today is to be filled up with You. Fill me with your Holy Spirit today. My soul is thirsty for you and my body longs for you. I yield my wants and desires to you. I want to love, to experience joy, to know peace, to express patience, to possess kindness, and respond in goodness, to be faithful, gentle, and submissive to Your will. I want to be restrained and under control. Only through your supernatural power is this humanly possible! Today, I seek you Lord with all of my heart. Open my eyes so that I will see you today. I look forward to seeing your glory all around me, all day long. Today, I can’t wait to witness your power! Today, my lips will glorify you, Psalm 63:3. I will praise you, Lord, all day long. Thank you for this group, that allows us to share our love of you with each other. To those of us who are struggling, I pray that each one, will find rest in Your arms. May we cling to you, and may we say, ‘thank you, Lord, for you are there to hold us up!’ “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3). In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Well, I am hoping Wendy and her beloved hubby are having a sweet time of togetherness. I prayed, too that she would leave her laptop AT HOME. (looks like God answered my prayer!) smile! Hugs, Lori
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