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Rebuilding with Nehemiah, Chapter 4, Day 7

Sunday: Lines of Communication

Text: 18 All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.
19 Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!” (Nehemiah 4:18-20, NLT)

Nehemiah knew the importance of prayer, of remembering, and of being ready. But all those things can be done by individuals.

Today’s word reminds us that we are in this together.

We understand Nehemiah’s concern that we, like the workers on the wall, are widely separated from each other. We live in a time when the opportunities for connection abound, but we have never been more alone.

Just as the people needed to listen for the blast of the trumpet, we need to listen and come together.

We were created for relationship, with God and others. From one end of the Bible to the other we read that we are to be devoted to one another, and care for one another. The writer of Hebrews even admonishes the believers to not give up meeting together as some were in the habit of doing (see Hebrews 10:25).

We need to take advantage of the opportunities to worship and play, fellowship and study together, so that we will also be ready to do battle for and with one another.

Nehemiah Devotions Chapter 4, Day 6

Saturday: I Am My Brothers’ Keeper
Text: 16 But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. (Nehemiah 4:16-17, NLT)

A sword in one hand and a trowel in the other.

What’s the point to that? Being prepared. It’s not just a motto for Boy or Girl Scouts.

Jesus and the writers of the New Testament had a lot to say about this concept of being ready.

Be ready. Be ready for the Lord’s return. Be ready, your enemy roams like a lion seeking to devour. Be ready to do good. Be ready to explain your hope and faith.

It’s not enough to only be engaged in the work. We have to be aware and ready for the warfare.

Take a few minutes and read through Paul’s description of the armor we need to put on each day.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:10-18, NLT)

Are you dressed and ready for the day?

Book Review: Hymns of the Heart

As close to perfect as I’ve read in a long time.

There is really nothing I didn’t like about this book. I only wish there was more. The author addresses thirty five psalms in this volume. There is a good representation of familiar and less familiar selections included. The author gives the more familiar psalms a look that is refreshing, while taking the time to lift up less familiar hymn an intention and well-deserved nod.

In the epilogue the author notes mentions the varied emotions expressed in the psalms and how this was encouragement to the growth of his awe and wonder for God. His intention to draw the reader into similar patterns of growth can be considered “mission completed.”

The heart of this pastor is poured out on each page. I can imagine the material being preached and the people being blessed. Rev. Faughn has done his homework, but it neither comes across as “preachy” in a negative way or condescending manner. I found myself learning and going deeper.

Each chapter is written in an easy to follow style. I love the author’s use of alliteration. The way it is presented could clearly enhance a person’s individual study time or be well-suited to a class or small group study.
I highly recommend this book. I received a copy from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Rebuilding with Nehemiah, Chapter 4, Day 5

Friday: What to do with the Whiners
Text: 12 The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!”[e] 13 So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.
14 Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Nehemiah 4:12-14, NLT)

They were surrounded. The situation looked and felt grim. And I’m imagining there were many who were feeling hopeless.

So Nehemiah recruited more people to protect the vulnerable spots. And then he called them to remember.

“Remember the great and glorious God who has called you to this task, who has protected you and provided everything you need.”

“And remember why you are doing this. This is no mere exercise in futility. We’re not looking to win a beautification award. No, we are building this wall to protect ourselves and make a better life for our wives and children.”

We read the stories in the Old Testament where the people were called to remember what God had done. They rehearsed and reminded themselves regularly. Then when they found themselves in a difficult situation the truth was not a far off concept, but one upon which they could depend.

The same holds true for the writers of the New Testament. Paul was clear on this with the Philippian believers. “It’s no hardship for me to write of these things again,” he told them. He knew the power of remembering what God has done and what he promises to do.

Perhaps you know what it’s like to feel surrounded and hopeless. Remember God. Remember he has called you to the task. Remember he promises to not just give you life, but joy.

Book Review: Chasing Happy

This not is an easy book to read. This book is probably not for everyone.

But it should be.

Ann Miller has done an outstanding job telling a difficult story. The issues are real,as are the struggles, and no one is helped by denying them or trying to sweep them under the carpet…or into the closet.

On the one we have a young man struggling with his sexuality. He seeks answers from many sources, but in the end finds an answer that fits him and his faith. And on the other, we have a young woman stuck in a faith that has been expected of her and she struggles to make it personal without losing everything that is precious to her.

In a world that seeks for a quick fix and easy answers this story invites us to be patient and faithful as we seek to find the wholeness God has for each of us.

I recommend this book especially to pastors and counselors who are dealing with folks struggling in these areas. I believe it would be a good discussion starter for small groups.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Book Review: Letters from My Father’s Murderer

I like a book that starts out by telling me where I’m going to end up. And Laurie Coombs does that in this book. In the preface she states that ultimately this is “a story that displays the glory of our God.”

I have met the author and was very impressed by her humility and sincerity. So when I got the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at it. And I wasn’t disappointed.

As I read the story, I felt like I was sitting across the table listening to Laurie while we shared a cup of coffee. The reader can be sure this hasn’t been “prettied” up. It’s a raw and real struggle to be obedient. The story took Laurie into some difficult situations and conversations, but in the end it truly displays the glory of God.

Ms. Coombs points out that we often think the journey of faith is like “skipping through a meadow, hand in hand with God” when in actuality it’s much more like “summiting Mount Everest.” Definitely not a stroll in the park.

I normally read rather quickly through books I’m going to review. This book is not meant for the speed reader. This story invites the reader into the true give and take experience of biblical forgiveness. It’s a process that can’t be rushed.

I appreciated the material the author included at the end. Hearing from Anthony and the other inmates who were changed by this process was interesting and encouraging. Forgiveness truly has a ripple effect.

I recommend this book quite highly.

I was given a copy of the book by the publisher in return for an honest review.

You can follow Laurie Coombs on Twitter and Facebook.

Book Review: Trial Run

In the beginning, this book reminded me of a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle: not easily put together, but worth the effort. I trust Thomas Locke (Davis Bunn). I know him to be a crafter of amazing stories. And Trial Run is no exception.

As with so many of his other books, the author does a masterful job of developing the personalities of the characters. I could relate to their struggles and fears.

One of my favorite lines: “…my heart says, we have all been drawn together for purposes beyond our wildest dreams.”

This is my first book to read and review in this genre. I found it to be fast paced, with enough twists to keep me interested. And the subject was intriguing. It kept methinking as well as entertained.

Some readers were put off by the “non-ending” to the story. Knowing there was more to come did the opposite for me. I’m ready for more.

I would highly recommend this story and that the reader also consider reading the prequel, Double Edge.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Rebuilding with Nehemiah: Chapter 4, Day 4

Thursday: Prayer and Preparation

Text: 9 But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. (Nehemiah 4:9, NLT)

They prayed and kept on working.

Prayer does not negate our participation.

No one got up from prayer and said, “Okay, catch you guys later. This one’s on God and I’m going home until he comes through.”

Nope. They prayed and then they guarded the city, day and night.

This is what it means to pray without ceasing, and to join God where he’s working.

Put hands and feet to your prayers. Trust God and keep working.

Nehemiah Devotions Chapter 4, Day 3

Wednesday: Enthusiastic Workers
Text: 6 At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm. (Nehemiah 4:6, NLT)

Nehemiah prayed and the people worked and the wall was progressing.

What was it that changed?

It certainly wasn’t Sanballat and his cronies.

And it wasn’t God.

I remember learning early on in my faith journey that prayer changes the one who prays.

So what did Nehemiah’s prayer accomplish?

The people who were being beaten down by Sanballat’s ridicule and mocking found the courage to get the task done. They learned that God was still in control, that he had a plan, and summoned up the enthusiasm and energy needed to finish the wall.

Feeling a little short on enthusiasm, courage, and energy? Take God at his word and you’ll find what you need to accomplish what he needs you to do.

Nehemiah Devotions Chapter 4, Day 2

Tuesday: Nehemiah’s Prayer
Text: 4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.” (Nehemiah 3:4-5, NLT)

Is it just me, or does this seem like a pretty harsh prayer?

We’re not used to praying like this. We’re used to being more politically correct, nice, and benevolent.

It might be helpful for us to realize that the type of prayer we have here is similar to the imprecatory psalms. These psalms vigorously call for the judgment of the enemies of God.

Nehemiah’s major concern is the honor and glory of God and the vindication of his people.

You can find other examples of this type of prayer in Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 109, 129, 137, 140.

When I consider the vigorous nature of Nehemiah’s prayers, I wonder how intense my prayers are towards those who dishonor God and wound his people.

PRAYER: O God, move me and motivate me to deeper concern and prayer. Amen.