Bible Chapter: Job 13 & 14
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Job talked to his so-called comforters. He said they were smearing him with lies. They were worthless physicians. They made lots of noise but didn’t help. What if the tables were reversed? How would things turn out?
Job expressed his continued strong confidence in God. Even if God would slay him, he would still trust in Him. This is an amazing expression of faith and trust in the righteousness of God. Whatever would happen to him, his belief in God was so strong that God would never fail him. Job was sure God had not and would never abandon him.
Life is fleeting and full of trouble. The hope is in eternal life. Will a man live again? Job had some great insights to God’s plan for eternity. Yes there are problems, but God is in charge.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I know that there are good encouragers for life and also those who only discourage and put people down. It seems like it is generally more fun to insult than to help and lift a person up. I want to be an encourager and not, as Job describes his companions, worthless physicians. Job expressed continued confidence in God. That is a good example to follow.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep praising God throughout life and don’t depend on circumstances. If you really trust God you will be amazed in eternity.
Bible Chapter: Job 11 & 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Zophar had to get involved in proving Job’s sins and failures. He wished that God would speak and then Job would be put in his place. Job couldn’t prove his innocence with a torrent of words. His solution is that Job needed to get rid of his sins. This theme keeps on being repeated - Job has sinned and that is why he is having all of these problems. He expressed the thought that life should always be bright and happy. It would be that way for all righteous people.
Job responded with a sarcastic remark. Surely, wisdom resides in you folks. When you die wisdom will die with you. Job reminded them that true wisdom and power are found only in God. He owns understanding. God leads people and nations. We will not always understand how God is working all things for His good.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Don’t get caught up in declaring that because someone is having problems that they are being judged for their sin. There is nothing in the Bible that says anything like that. Sinners will receive the rewards of their sin. Righteous people will receive the rewards of their faithfulness. The issue is that we don’t know when that will happen. On this earth some heathen seem to live a “charmed” life. They appear to get away with everything. Some righteous people suffer. What’s going on? Keeping an eternal focus answers many questions.
3. How can I help someone?
Trust God. When you don’t know what to say in a situation, don’t say anything. When you are going through trials, talk to the Lord and seek HIM. Seek His guidance for your situation.
Bible Chapter: Job 9 & 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
It appears that Job is beginning to change his tune a little. He admitted that he is not perfectly righteous before God. By nature, people are sinful and selfish. He had worked hard in life to resist evil. He still struggled with the thought that God was punishing him for no reason. What Job perceived as God’s silence throughout his ordeal was very difficult for him.
Job wrestled with wondering if God still loved him. In the middle this he still trusted God and looked to Him for a solution to his situation. He continued to wrestle with the “why” of all his pain and loss. He was slowly learning that following God did not mean he would never suffer.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is a hard lesson to learn that trials and pain are like exercise to strengthen one’s spiritual muscles. People who live with what is seemingly a charmed life don’t generally have the ability to deal with real problems. For some the world falls apart when their luxury car won’t start. Job was in the process of learning to trust God when he couldn’t see the end. That is a good lesson for each of us to apply.
3. How can I help someone?
One of the best lessons we can learn is to look at life from an eternal perspective. How does my situation impact eternity? Will this issue matter a thousand years from now? These are good questions to ponder.
Bible Chapter: Job 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Job’s friends didn’t get it. They didn’t understand what was going on and what or why Job was suffering. Job prayed. He spoke of the anguish of his spirit. He was suffering in every way he could suffer. He lost his health and wealth. His children were dead. Society was rejecting him and his friends betraying him. Possibly one of the worst things was his feeling that God had abandoned him. He was in a very difficult position. Job didn’t believe it was fair that he should be experiencing all this pain. He finally wondered if he actually had sinned, if his companions were right.
Then Bildad chimed in. He went along the same line as Eliphaz. Job had to be hiding some wickedness from them. Only because of sin would God be judging him this way. Except, he was wrong.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We don’t always know the reasons behind what we experience. When everything is going well we can easily say that God is blessing us. It is when the world seems to be falling apart that we can’t figure it out. In this life we will always have questions. It is not a cop out to say that some times we have to wait till heaven to understand the issues of life. There our understanding will not only be clear, but we will see everything from a different perspective. In the mean time it is important to keep on trusting God.
3. How can I help someone?
When someone is facing a trial, it is important to not just come against them accusing them of being a sinner. That usually makes the person feel condemned. We simply don’t know everything. When we don’t know what to say, that is a good time to say nothing.
Bible Chapter: Job 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The human wisdom continues from Job’s comforters. They think it is so wise, but it is not. God is getting the blame for all of Job’s troubles. Eliphaz expresses the thought that God always rescues righteous people from their trials. But the truth is that many Godly people have been persecuted and mistreated. God never promised that we would never have trials and troubles.
In Job’s response he said that he had never denied the words of the Holy One. He never turned on the Lord. His grief was overwhelming. If he could weigh all the sand along the sea his grief would weigh more.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Again I am reminded (and I think this reminder will come many times throughout the reading of this book) that human wisdom may sound impressive, but it is lacking. Job was striving to stay faithful to God. Yet, it was difficult considering all the trials he was experiencing. It is so easy to get sidetracked when things do go the way I want. I have to learn how to keep the right spiritual focus in the midst of anything I experience. Smaller things seem to have a greater negative impact. Note to self: don’t sweat the small stuff.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t blame God when things don’t go right. Keep trusting Him and seeking Him. Let God carry you through all you face in life.
Bible Chapter: Job 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
After all of the horrible things that happened to Job, he finally began to express his thoughts. He was in a miserable state. He lost almost everything that mattered to him. He was humiliated by the loss and was also in great physical pain. All the evidence pointed to the thought that God had abandoned him. As he began to talk he expressed his honest feelings. This was not a time of great faith and power, it was a time when all seemed hopeless. The good news is that God understands our trials and frustrations.
Job said that his greatest fear had come on him. He loved the presence of God in his life and it appeared that God had rejected him and pulled away. He longed for God’s power and presence to be in his life. He thought God had forsaken him.
When Job quit talking, Eliphaz the Temanite replied. This began a cycle of comments and responses among Job’s comforters. They didn’t turn out to be much comfort. It is important to recognize that their theology was not always correct. They expressed the thoughts that if you are really a righteous person that you will always prosper and not suffer. They missed it.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I don’t think any of us like to suffer. I have had enough experiences of physical pain and problems that I know it is never any fun. It is not fun when things don’t go right. Learning to go through these times continues to be a challenge. I especially don’t appreciate when I am treated in a manner I don’t deserve. I know that Job didn’t specifically deserve what he went through, but he learned much about God. His lessons continue to be important lessons for us all to gain from.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to trust God. Learn to differentiate between good counsel that comes from God and that which is only some human’s thoughts of what should be. Don’t be afraid to reject bad advice.
Bible Chapter: Job 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This book starts out with a description of Job that is amazing. It is a description that should be the goal of every person. It describes Job as a “man [who] was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil”. He served God for the right reasons. Satan came to God and accused Job for serving God for selfish reasons. Job was the wealthiest man in his region. God allowed Satan to take away all his wealth and kill his ten children. Yet, Job still worshiped God. Then God allowed Satan to take away Job’s health. Job realized that he served God because God deserved his worship, not just because he had a prosperous life. Suffering was a part of life as well as prospering. Job’s suffering was overwhelming. Three friends came by to share in his grief and they all sat there for seven days without saying anything because of the intensity of the situation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Satan is the accuser. He attacks those who believe in Jesus to try to get them to walk away. The accusations are usually false. Problems come in life. These chapters talk about the fact that, in the midst of the horrible things that were happening to Job, he didn’t sin against God. None of us want any kind of suffering like Job had. We can learn from him that we must keep our trust in God and not sin or foolishly accuse God, knowing that He really does have all power and He will be with us to the end. We will see the final results some day.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t get caught up in the thought that God’s only plan for His followers is all success and prosperity. The spiritual battle is mean. Satan is evil and his goal is your destruction. Always remember that God power is greater. Job didn’t suffer any more than God allowed. God never abandoned Job and He won’t abandon any of His children.
Bible Chapter: Esther 9 & 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The day came when all the Jews were supposed to be killed. King Ahasuerus had authorized the Jews to defend themselves. And, God enabled the Jews to defend themselves. He also caused the people of the land to fear the Jews. The Jews struck down all their enemies. They acted in self-defense. They had no choice but to fight for their lives. The Jews overcame their enemies.
To remind them of God’s deliverance, letters were sent to all the Jews to annually celebrate these days of Purim to remember God’s care and protection for them.
Mordecai became very powerful. He was second only to King Ahasuerus. He sought the good of the people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When the worst is coming, God is there with His people. Not every situation ends with the same kind of results we see here in the book of Esther. But we do know that in the long run it is always best to trust God and see his intervention. Lesson to learn: keep trusting God.
3. How can I help someone?
Trust God to come through. You never know what will happen and how He will intervene.
Bible Chapter: Esther 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The second royal banquet was held and the king and Haman attended. Haman was very proud of his invitation and though he was extremely important. The king against asked Queen Esther what she wanted. She pleaded her case for her people. She said that someone was out to kill them all. This outraged the king and he asked who would do that. Esther said it was wicked Haman. At this Haman panicked as the king, in his anger, left the room. Then Haman fell across the couch were Esther was to plead for his life. As the king returned he thought Haman was trying to assault her. King Ahasuerus was reminded of the gallows that Haman had constructed for Mordecai. The king order Haman to be hung.
Then Queen Esther brought one more request to the king. The order Haman had sent out to kill all the Jews had to be rescinded. Ahasuerus gave Mordecai his ring and the position that Haman had occupied and authorized him to send the letters to spare the lives of all the Jews. The Jews were authorized to defend themselves against the plotting of their enemies. The letters were sent and the people spared.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As this story unfolds we see God’s plan to save His people. As Esther and Mordecai were willing to risk everything to seek the deliverance of their people, God opened every door necessary. The didn’t have to manipulate anything. It is often tempting to think that we have to manipulate circumstances to accomplish our goals. The is not true. As we are following God’s plan, He will direct and provide. This is a good lesson to learn and apply in life.
3. How can I help someone?
I see this over and over again in the Bible. Learn to trust in the Lord and don’t try to figure it out yourself. What a valuable lesson to learn. Eternity will reveal how often God intervened in the affairs of life and took care of things. The Bible is filled with exciting stories of how God empowered people and placed them in positions to work God’s plan.
Bible Chapter:Esther 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
After prayer, Queen Esther went to see the king. He saw her and welcomed her into his presence. He said he would give her anything she wanted, up to half of his kingdom. She invited hm and Haman to a banquet she was preparing. This caused Haman’s pride to increase even more. She invited them both back for another banquet and she would then make her request known to the king. Haman was very puffed up by this, but at the same time acted like a spoiled brat because Mordecai still refused to bow down to him. In looking for a way to insult and kill Mordecai, Haman had gallows built seventy five feet high.
We see God’s hand in this situation in that the king couldn’t sleep that night. He had someone read to him from the official records. Upon discovering that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving the king’s life, he called to Haman for some insight on how to reward someone the king wanted to honor. Haman thought the king wanted to honor him and made suggestions that would bring much praise. He was shocked when he found out that the king order Haman to honor Mordecai. Yet, he had to do it. His anger and pride rose.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
We see two opposite characters in this story: Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai was a righteous man who faithfully served God and was willing to have God use him. He was not focused on himself. Haman was an immature person full of pride. He was self-centered and wanted everything to go his way. He couldn’t stand to have anything good happen to Mordecai. We can see the results of these two different lives. It is always better to follow God and not let pride get in the way. The Bible says the pride goes before destruction. Keep this lesson front and center in life.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people keep a proper balance of pride and self-importance. Gospel song writer Lowell Lundstrom wrote a song that includes the line: be nice to the little guy on his way up or you’ll meet him on your way down. That’s good advice.
Bible Chapter: Esther 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
King Ahasuerus promoted Haman and set him all the princes. Haman was a very proud man and wanted everyone to know how important he was. He became angry when Mordecai would not bow or pay him homage as he demanded from everyone. Mordecai would not give anything like worship to a man because he was faithful to worship only God. Because of his stand, Haman conspired to kill him. But, his conspiracy went far beyond Mordecai. He conspired to kill all the Jews and got permission from the king to do it.
When this command to kill all the Jews was promoted, Mordecai made contact with Queen Esther. He said that she would have to go to the king and plead the case of the Jews. Esther reminded him that no one could just go to the king, even the queen. She would risk her life. This brings us to one of the most powerful verses in the book. 4:14 ends with this statement from Mordecai to Esther: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” He understood God’s purpose in placing Esther in this vital position. She was probably the only one who could plead the case for the Jews. Esther and Mordecai agreed they would call for a time of fasting and prayer and trust God to help her go before the king.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The forces of evil have always worked hard to thwart God’s plans. This is why we see continual attacks against the Jewish people. Here we see another plan to destroy them. God put Esther in the position she had so she could be used to save the people from extinction. Mordecai’s challenge that she was there for this specific time and purpose is a good challenge for all of us. God has plans for His people. He gives us opportunities to be used for Him. I want to be open to hear His directions and follow them. He gives us gifts and talents to be used for Him. He has placed us here to be used for Him. For such a time as this -- we are here. Let’s not miss out on what God has for us to do for Him.
3. How can I help someone?
Can you see that God wants to use you? Then seek HIM and find what He has in store for you. Do what He gives you to do. You will find some amazing opportunities are out there.
Bible Chapter: Esther 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This book shows the fact that God really knows what He is doing. He knows what the future holds and can set in motion the necessary actions to make His plan come in to being. While many of the details of the book are not how I would have worked things out, God knew how to direct even heathen people to save His chosen people. The setting of the book is in the midst of the Jews being in exile. Some have already returned to their homeland. God used Esther to preserve the people in exile and fulfill His ultimate plan for the salvation of the world. Because of her disobedience to King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti was removed from her position. Through a long process, Esther was made the queen.
Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, raised her when she became an orphan. He guided her through the process of becoming queen. He also learned of a plot to kill the king and let the king know. This saved the life of the king and would become an important part of the story in later chapters.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Trust God and don’t worry about knowing all the details. Much of this story is foundation for the important things that will happen later. God put Esther and Mordecai in the right place at the right time to accomplish His purpose. Learning to trust and obey God is a critical part of growing up in life. I want to be able to trust God all through life, even when I don’t see the whole picture.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to trust God. Learn that He really knows what He is doing. This short book of Esther is a good example of that.
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 13
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The book ends with a flurry of activity in this last chapter. As the Law of the Lord was read to them they realized that the people had sinned in letting heathen people influence them away from God. They were told it was time to separate themselves from the foreigners whose evil impact caused the nation to sin. Their moral and spiritual commitment to God had failed. They were desecrating the Sabbath. The leaders were active to push out the evil and get the people to obey God.
The people started paying their tithes to the Lord’s house. This was God’s command to them and provided for God’s work.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Nehemiah rebuked the people for their sins. He took some drastic steps to get the point across that they must quit compromising spiritually. He was passionate about leading the people to obey God.
Passionate about obedience and service to God -- this is necessary. This is a necessary challenge to all who claim to be followers of Jesus. There are millions and millions of people who say they are Christians, and yet there is no evidence in their lives that they really are followers of the teachings of Jesus. We all need a passion to serve and follow the Lord.
3. How can I help someone?
See Who Jesus is and what it means to be His follower. Nehemiah used some powerful tactics to get the attention of the people. I want to help people get their spiritual attention, to get their spiritual eyes and ears open, so they know what God expects and receive the blessings of obedience.
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 11 & 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The people were returning to their homeland. The Jerusalem wall was rebuilt. The temple was restored. The city was prepared to be fully inhabited again. God had fulfilled His prophetic promises and it appears the people learned the importance of obeying God. The nation gathered and selected those who would live in Jerusalem. The priests and Levites were organized to lead the people in their worship of God. The Children of Israel gathered to dedicate the wall to the Lord. They gave thanks to the Lord for all He had done. This thought of giving thanks to God was often expressed in the Old Testament.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Being thankful is very important. People who grumble and have a mentality that the world owes them a living are not happy people to be around. Songs of joy and thanksgiving were often sung. Learning to be a thankful person is a critical development of a person’s character. I strive to give thanks to God. He is very worthy to receive it.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the blessing of giving thanks. In America we have a major holiday every November when we gather to give thanks. That is very good. We must also learn to give thanks the other 364 days of the year (365 in leap year).
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 9 & 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
How close can I get to Jesus? How far away from sin can I get? Good questions. The people recognized their need to get close to and obey God. They realized the past failures and the necessity of making a commitment to obey God’s commands and quit making connections with sin. Their repentance was genuine and ongoing. They were not going to simply have a religious ritual, but they gathered to repent and worship God. They recognized that God is compassionate and merciful. He forgives those who are genuine in their repentance.
The people bound themselves with an oath to obey God or be punished. They committed to support God’s work with the necessary financial provision. They were serious about living for God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Spiritual separation. This is one of the commitments the children of Israel made at this time. They separated from ungodly relationships and committed to prevent them in the future. They changed from the way they had been living. God calls for His people to live a life separated from sinful activity or acceptance of sin. This challenge of spiritual separation seems to be harder to do today. But, God has not changed and still expects us to live a righteous life. The principle of living separate from sin, from the influence of sin, is still extremely necessary for spiritual victory. Spiritual separation does not mean we go and hide somewhere. It means we refuse to become involved in sinful practices or anything that may draw us into sin.
3. How can I help someone?
The example of repentance, worship and commitment we see in these chapters is an excellent pattern to follow. When someone sins, they need to repent. God is wholly worthy of worship. Living a life that honors God is critical and beneficial.
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and hanging the gates was complete. Nehemiah gave charge of Jerusalem to Hannai, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. What an awesome way to be described. The world needs more people who fit that description. The city would be in good hands when the leader was faithful and feared God.
The people all came together as Ezra read the Book of the Law of Moses to them. The people stood and heard God’s law. They bowed down to worship God as they heard it. This was a very important time for the nation as the people heard the Law of God and they were helped to understand it. People need to both hear and understand what God has commanded. As the Law was read to them they saw things that God had commanded. They responded in obedience to God and did what He had said to do. This is always a good sign.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Doing what God says. This is a problem we see in reading the history of Israel. When they were obedient, good things happened. The exile came as a result of their disobedience. As they were coming back home and they learned the Law of God, they obeyed. They did what God said to do in the way He said for them to do it. Applying this in life will always bring the best results. The results will come in God’s perfect timing.
3. How can I help someone?
Can you see it? This is a good question to ask. Can you see what God commands? Can you see the blessings of obedience? Then respond to God. If you can’t see it, ask God to open your eyes.
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
As the people were returning to their homeland and striving to reestablish their nation, there were people who were taking advantage of the needs of others. They were making it impossible for the people to afford to live. When Nehemiah heard of this he became very angry at how they were treating people with genuine need. He demanded that they restore properties and not charge the interest they had been charging. His goal was fair treatment of everyone.
The project to rebuild the city wall was progressing. But the enemies continued to try to stop the project. Sanballat, Tobiah and the rest of the enemies tried to get Nehemiah sidetracked. They called for a meeting. They made false accusations. Nehemiah’s reaction was that he would not leave the great work he was doing to talk with them. There were false prophets who came trying to make him afraid. He refused to be called away. They completed the wall in fifty two days. Nehemiah kept his focus on the task at hand.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Chapter 6 ends with the statement “Tobiah sent letters to frighten me”. We see the attacks and false accusations against Nehemiah as he worked on the wall. Many things were done to scare and sidetrack him. Yet, he kept his mind on his responsibilities and got the work done. This is an excellent example to follow. Know what God wants you to do -- keep your focus -- get the job done -- ignore the attacks.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep focusing on God’s leading in your life. Do what He says and don’t let fear pull you away from the eternal work God has for you to accomplish.
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The people started working together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Many different groups of people were assigned a specific section of the wall and they worked diligently, side by side. It says they had a mind to work. This is a good illustration of how to get things done -- work together with a mind to work and stay focused. The opposition continued. Sanballat mocked them calling them feeble. Tobiah mocked them and said that if even a fox were to climb on the wall it would fall down. Several groups conspired together to attack and create confusion.
The people continued to pray for God’s help. They worked together and put armed guards around the workers. They were reminded to not be afraid but remember that God was great and awesome and was with them. They worked continually on their important task.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This is another illustration of the fact that, when people are doing the Lord’s work, there will be opposition and attacks. The attacks usually are not based on fact, but on accusation and confusion. The enemy only wants to come against what God is doing. God’s workers need to keep their focus on the task at hand and not let the attackers sidetrack them from what God has called them to do.
The enemy fights a mean battle. He attacks in many ways. One of the tactics we see here is to attack the integrity of their work. “The wall will fall down, it is so weak.” It would have been easy for the workers to get defensive, but they kept on going on the task.
3. How can I help someone?
When you have a job to do for God, keep on going. Don’t let the lies and mockery of the enemy cause you to give up. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The nation had been returning from exile back to Judah. But, things were not going well. Nehemiah received a report that the people were in distress and that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down. He sat down and wept. He fasted and prayed for many days. He prayed for God to prosper him and grant him mercy.
Nehemiah was King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer. For the first time he was sad in the presence of the king. When the king asked him the reason, Nehemiah said a last quick prayer (God help me now) and told him about the sad state of the city of Jerusalem. He wanted permission to go back and help rebuild it. Permission was granted and he returned to lead the task. There were two men, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite, whose greatest goal was to give him trouble and prevent the completion of the task. They would become a thorn in the flesh of the people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The people had been taken to exile because of their sin. God had promised that they would return. There had been a few groups that had returned and accomplished some of their goals. God used Nehemiah to complete the task or rebuilding the wall. In the process of all of this they had opposition. Yet, they prayed and trusted God. Then they got to work.
This is a good illustration of what to do when God gives a person a task. When the opposition comes, pray and keep working. When Sanballat and Tobiah laughed at them, they simply replied that God Himself would prosper them. So, they got busy and built the wall.
3. How can I help someone?
When working for the Lord, there will be battles. Keep the focus and stay busy doing what God has called you to do.
Bible Chapter: Ezra 9 & 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The people have not kept themselves separate. This problem of remaining separated from active sinners and from active participation in sin continued to plague the Jews as they returned to their homeland. They did not separate themselves from the sinful and rebellious societies around them. That caused their captivity in the first place. Now, as they were returning, they were going back to the same old habits. They ignored God’s laws and did not keep themselves separate. Many of the returning people married women who worshiped false gods. This was forbidden by God. God had called them to be spiritually pure and separated from evil. It was impossible for them to be righteous and live a holy character when they mingled with sin.
Ezra’s response to this discovery was sorrow and repentance. He called the whole nation to come and repent. He called for them to separate from their active connection with all the heathen practices around them. He called for them to repent and be holy. This was not some wimpy call to being good, but a powerful call to repentance and living in obedience to God. Ezra demanded some “radical spiritual surgery”.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
This principle of living a holy life and being separate from active participation in sin is something I have heard about all my life. I observe that the battle to accomplish this is becoming intense. I also observe that many believers don’t seem to grasp this concept. Christians are doing so many things these days that previous generations have rejected. The blend of believers and the world is happening so that it is harder and harder to tell the difference between the two. Yes, we live in the world but we are not to be participating in it.
The closer one comes to any situation or influence, the more they become like it. Theology is becoming weaker and weaker in the modern church and people compromise with sin. Sin is accepted and condoned in many places. God has called for a separation from active participation in sin. This is important to apply.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to encourage people to seek Jesus, to get close to Him. People will be better off when they learn the Bible and apply it. This is always best.
Bible Chapter: Ezra 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
After a gap of sixty years from the events of chapter six, Ezra brought a group of exiles back to their homeland. We see Ezra’s goal in 7:10. “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” He desired to make a spiritual impact on the nation and draw them to follow the Lord. They needed to learn the laws of God so they could apply them to daily life. This group of exiles returned with the blessing and support of King Artaxerxes.
When they completed their journey to Jerusalem, the children of the people taken captive offered burnt offerings to God as they celebrated the return to their ancestral homeland.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As the group was traveling to Jerusalem, they stopped at the river Ahava to fast and pray. They knew it was a dangerous journey. Ezra had not requested security support from the king because he had told him that God would protect them. They fasted and prayed for God to protect them on their journey. God did this for them.
The thought of fasting and praying is something that is not very common any more. I read many articles of the current trends and issues in the church world. I’m not sure when the last time is that I found an article on fasting. Yet, the Bible is clear that it is an expected discipline of believers. We see here that God answered the prayer of His people and protected them on their journey. Fasting and prayer are still important to practice today.
3. How can I help someone?
Don’t give up. After the first group returned to Jerusalem it took another sixty years for the second group to head out. Keep going in the direction in life that is God’s plan. So often things take much longer than expected. Keep pursuing and focusing on what God directs and let Him deal with the timing. This is not an easy lesson, nor is it fun. But it is important. As you stick with being faithful, just like the returning exiles, you will rejoice as you worship the Lord.
