There seems to be nothing more demoralizing than living with rejection-soaked ridicule. Today’s chapter however, shows how it’s possible to push through not just ridicule on the one hand, but all-out aggression on the other…
READ NEHEMIAH 4 Make notes of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Life lived with continual ridicule is a very hard thing. It happens around the meal table. It happens in front of your friends, and it happens at work. It’s like a wolf biting at the heels of the sheep, trying to drag them down. While they’re still on their feet, up and running, he can’t get them down. But if they waver, stumble or fall, and his teeth manage to sink in, it’s an easy task to overpower and destroy them.
Today’s chapter shows the ridicule that’s heaped onto people who are completing a project that had been commissioned by the Persian Emperor, Artaxerxes.[a] I found it interesting, after reading v1-3, that the immediate response from Nehemiah wasn’t to wave the kings papers in the air; nor did he recalled the armed forces that had brought him to Jerusalem.[b] In the face of anger-fuelled ridicule, Nehemiah turned to prayer. [v4-5] Then, without waiting for relief, they immediately got on with the task set before them. [v6] Even when the situation turned sore and it became dangerous just to show up for work in the morning [v7-8], they simply prayed again, made adjustments, and carried on working! [v9] Read More? …CLICK on “08 July – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak directly to the God of Victory? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[c]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices. Let all people everywhere sing for joy and let them shout from the mountaintops. May they give glory to the Lord and – yes – I too will proclaim His praise in the islands! [Isaiah 42:11-12]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
- The World: God’s GRACE on Indonesia[d]
- Your Country: Those in Hospital or Care Homes
- Yourself: Boldness in Living out your Faith
- Your concerns for today
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I’ll shake all nations, and what’s desired by all nations will come. Then I will fill My house with glory!” [Haggai 2:6-7]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
As I go about my daily choices, Father God, help me to remember that the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” [Galatians 5:14]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Deliver me from guilt, O God – You who are God my Saviour – and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. [Psalm 51:14]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[e] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing our Maker’s script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from His Handbook in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Our Maker’s Handbook
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. [Psalm 119:11]
[a] Nehemiah 2:7-8
[b] Nehemiah 2:9
[c] Matthew 6:5-15
[d] http://www.operationworld.org/country/indo/owtext.html
[e] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31