Tag: From Broken to Restored

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Restorative Character of God

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w6d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:5-11 / SOAP: verse 11

Please, Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me in the presence of this man.”

Nehemiah 1:11

Six weeks ago, we opened the book of Nehemiah and have traveled through its pages that unfold the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, also known as The city of our God. Sadly, it was a city that had seen great destruction and, as was reported to Nehemiah, a city whose “walls had been breached, and its gates burned down.” It was a city and a people, the people of God – that were now seen as defeated (Neh 2:17). They were known to be defenseless and were in great need of not only the physical walls to protect them but for God to restore them so that their enemies would know that God was with His people and they were under His protective care. Hearing this, broke Nehemiah’s heart. Scripture says he immediately sat down and cried and mourned for several days, and even then continued fasting and praying, day and night, for God’s servants, the Israelites. Verse 11, our focus verse today, reveals the words Nehemiah prayed before asking the King permission to rebuild the walls. Chapter two and the subsequent chapters of our journey have revealed God’s answer to Nehemiah’s prayer found in 1:11. It is a great example to us not only to ask God to break our heart for what breaks His – but also to seek the Lord in prayer before we act on our brokenness.

“The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!

Nehemiah 1:3

The following quote is from the LGG devotional, week 1/day 1. It was the opening statement of where our journey would take us and what we would learn about God and His people. However, in looking back to the passage from that day, Nehemiah 1:5-11, which is also today’s passage – I found it to be a fitting closing statement for the study.

Encouragement to Press On

If we are honest with ourselves, we will acknowledge that we sometimes feel as though our life has seen destruction and that we are defenseless and in need of God’s protection but cannot see it. I’m sure you’ve heard it said, but it bears repeating – “when you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.” We must train ourselves to remember that God always acts on behalf of His children. He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.1 He loves us, and He cares both for and about us.2 May we remember these truths – even now that our journey through Nehemiah has come to an end. May we be determined and faithful to press on in our pursuit of living for God,3 even in the face of challenges and struggles. As Peter warns us, 4 May we stay alert,5 “to the enemy” – but also to what God is doing in and around us. Trusting God is to expect Him, anticipate His power and goodness, and trust Him to work on our behalf, even when that isn’t evident. When we live like this, we will find ourselves broken and poured out, like Nehemiah, for the things of God, and we will work – not only to rebuild the “walls” but also to build up and encourage God’s people.

Make it Personal – Reflection
  • Who or what are you broken for?
  • How are you acting on your brokenness?
    • Prayer?
    • Encouragement?
    • ???
More to See and Know

Don’t miss Friday’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

1Romans 8:28-29

21 Peter 5:7

3Ephesians 5:8–11; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:9–10; Romans 6:1–2; Romans 6:12–13

4James 1:2-4

51 Peter 5:8

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

From Broken to Restored

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based on the LGG study, From Broken to Restored, w6d4

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:30-31 / SOAP: 13:31b

Please remember me for good, O my God.

Nehemiah 13:31b

This has been a repeated prayer for Nehemiah throughout chapter thirteen.

  • Please remember me for this, O my God, and do not wipe out the kindness that I have done for the temple of my God and for its services! 13:14
  • For this please remember me, O my God, and have pity on me in keeping with your great love. 13:22b

I love the opening paragraph of today’s LGG devotion. It points out that not only did Nehemiah do incredible things for Israel, but that God appointed him as the leader of His people when they were both physically and spiritually broken and vulnerable.

Think back over what we have read on our journey through Nehemiah. Remember how Nehemiah was determined to not let anything stop the rebuilding of the wall. Even with all of the challenges and interruptions that came their way the building continued. In large part, this was because Nehemiah “guarded the people and encouraged them when things were difficult. He protected them and challenged them to remain steadfast as they worked hard to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the walls that would protect and set apart God’s people.”1

Nehemiah was a godly leader, a faithful servant who wanted God to remember what he had done – not because of sinful pride but, I believe, because he desired God’s approval. My favorite lesson of all the passages we’ve read in Nehemiah is that he was desirous – if not determined – to turn the people’s hearts to God. Oh that we might learn from His example. May we heed Paul’s advice to Timothy and work hard to receive God’s approval by being good workers who aren’t ashamed and who correctly explain God’s Word the right way. (2 Timothy 2:15)

The purpose of the walls was to protect and set apart God’s people.

Perhaps the best take-away from this six week study is that, “From broken to restored” was about more than just the restoration of the wall, it was about the restoration of God’s people.

1The LGG Devotion, From Broken to Restored, w6d4

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time
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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored /w5d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:1-3; Numbers 22:1-14; Ruth 1:16-17 / SOAP: 2 Tim 3:16-17

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

I love this passage from 2 Timothy. If you or anyone else you know ever wants to know why reading the Bible is so important – here’s the answer. It is inspired by God for the purpose of empowering and equipping those who are dedicated to God for “every good work”. Paul breaks it down to Timothy like this, God’s Word is able to …

  • teach us right from wrong
  • reproof, which basically means to rebuke or scold
  • correct us, to help turn one back to the right way – and to
  • train God’s people to not just do what is right but to live righteously

Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” “So then” marks this statement as a conclusion. If we desire to be in God’s Kingdom, hearing is essential. Such a person must live by faith. Salvation is by grace through faith, and faith comes by hearing.

My church has a monthly magazine and I have the privilege of being the content/copy editor. It is absolutely one of the favorite things I get to do! I’m working on the October issue right now and it is all about the Bible. We aren’t quite done with it yet, but I can already tell you it is going to be one of my favorite. Why? Because I love the Bible, the living and active Word of our God. It is the light for the path of every believer, the conviction of every sinner, the comforting balm for every broken or storm battered child of God, it is the wisdom for all who seek answers, and it is so much more. “Hearing it is essential,” for Paul wrote that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God; and knowing it is strength and power against the enemy, for the Psalmist wrote – I have hidden [God’s] Word in my heart so that I might not sin against [Him]. Is it any wonder that we are to treasure it, share it, and study it to show ourselves approved by God, workmen who don’t need to be ashamed and who can not only discern it well but explain it well. Clearly, God’s Word is vitally important both to the saved and the unsaved. May we be faithful to make the Word an integral part of our lives that spills out to others and brings glory to the Father.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16
Make it Personal / Reflection

Have you fallen into a sinful pattern, as the Jews had? What is God calling you to repent of? Are you willing to turn from sin and back to Him?

Going Further

Don’t forget to check out today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Investing

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / W5D4

Scripture: Nehemiah 12:44-47; Leviticus 7:28-36 / SOAP: 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “the worker deserves his pay.”

2 Timothy 5:17-18

Do you ever read Scripture and think – UH? Like what did I just read or why would this be important? In your heart you know the answer is “because it is the Word of God”- it’s able to train us in righteousness, it is able to reveal God’s will to us, and it is able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. It’s a lamp to guide our feet and it is able to keep us from sinning against God – so I read the “uh” verses again – but my mind doesn’t absorb it – and I praise God for being patient with me and I thank Him for others who have studied and written commentaries on passages that stump me. So today’s LGG Journal entry/devotion proved quite helpful – I hope it is for you as well.

Excerpts from the LGG Journal entry for week5/day4 – From Broken to Restored:

On the heels of the choirs singing and the people celebrating the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, Nehemiah makes it clear that “part of re-establishing worship and setting the community right before God meant taking care of the priests and those ministering to the people. – In other words, God set up a system to care for those who ministered to His people.”

“When the people were following God and walking in His ways they were faithful to make offerings.” These offerings were meant as provision for the Levites and the priests who had been set apart by God. In other words the offerings were used to feed the priests.” It was a sign that Israel was spiritually healthy if their priest had plenty of food. As the Jews re-established a system and pattern of worship – they made sure they set aside the portions for the priests and Levites as God had commanded.”

Continuing their commentary, and thankfully making it a bit of a personal application

In his letter to Timothy, Paul instructed him to honor those who provided effective leadership to the body of Christ. He reminded Timothy to support those in ministry and to encourage the congregation to do well.

“Today, we don’t make sacrifices and offerings at a temple, but we do need to care for those God has set as leaders over the community of faith. God has appointed many people to minister to the body of Christ in a variety of ways, and as believers, It is our responsibility to support them financially. No matter the amount, whatever we can give, our faithfulness to give and support ministry and church leaders is a direct investment in the advancement of the kingdom of God.”

Aww, that we have been called the sons and daughters of God! Oh the sweetness of being brought into a relationship with Him, the Father-Son-and Holy Spirit. And the sheer delight of knowing how much God cares for His people, how He sets up systems of provision, and how He invites us to participate and “invest in the advancement” of His kingdom. – May we not lose sight of any of this and “may we be faithful to always support and serve those God has called to support and serve the church.”

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

REJOICE!

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored/w5d3

Nehemiah12:27-43 / SOAP: Nehemiah 12:43

And on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away.

Nehemiah 12:43

“Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!”

Rejoice, The Lord is King! / Author: Charles Wesley (1744)

Not only did this tune come to mind after I read and studied through today’s passage but before reading it – my morning devotion directed me to Philippians 4:4 which says – “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” Don’t you love when two things that have nothing to do with one another are put together and seemingly stamped with the thumbprints of God?

The Jerusalem wall was complete and now it would be dedicated, complete with a joyful celebration of thanksgiving. It was a celebration not just of the wall’s completion but of God’s goodness. There would be choirs and instruments and the priests and Levites leading the way. It would include men, women, and children. This was no simple dedication or small celebration. Why? Because God had given them great joy. Their rejoicing was meant to be shared – not hidden or quiet but broadcasted – to God’s Glory!

Thoughts to Consider

Consider these thought provoking statements from a Love God Greatly Devotional writer:

  • “How often do we stop to celebrate when we see evidence of God working in our lives? When a prayer is answered or when God performs a miracle in our lives, we often continue without celebrating. It can be easy to forget the wonders God has done for us when we don’t take the time to stop, thank Him, and rejoice in His goodness.”
  • “how can we learn to rejoice more in God? It is hard to do when we fill our minds with other things, especially worldly entertainment — things we watch on TV or scroll through on our phones. We must fight against everything that diminishes our joy in GOd. We cannot delight ourselves in God when our minds are not engaged with Him. Neither can we rejoice in Him when we can’t see how glorious and wonderful He is. But we can – and should – ask Him to reveal more of Himself to us when we read the Bible and meditate on his Words and promises. For “in [His] presence, there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).”
Make it Personal – Reflection

How can you celebrate God and His work in your life? Praise Him for His faithfulness in the past and the ways He will continue to keep His promises in the future.

Going Further

Finding our highest joy in God is an important matter

  • Philippians 3:1
  • Psalm 37:4

Today’ Love God Greatly Bloghttps://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Doing Good

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w5d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; Galatians 6:6-10 / SOAP: Galatians 6:9

So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

As believers we are called by God to do good. We have been shown by Christ what that looks like. Part of the fruit of the Spirit that all believers are endowed with is ‘goodness’. The question is – what exactly is this goodness? It’s good deeds, loving others as Christ loves us, it is being kind and gentle in Spirit, it is putting others above ourselves, and treating others as we would want to be treated, it is helping those in need and comforting those who are hurting … Goodness is all of these things and more and it is not only an important part of the believer’s life, it is an important witness to the world, for as Jesus taught His disciples, good deeds that are seen by others bring glory to God in heaven. So in the words of Paul, let us not grow weary in doing good. In-fact, whenever we are able let us us do good to everyone, particularly to other believers.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Matthew 5:16

Why does Paul say “Don’t grow weary in doing good.”? If we’re honest in answering this question we will have to admit the answer is simply – because it isn’t always easy, desirable, or appreciated by others. We will be tempted to pay more attention to our own needs and desires and time schedules or whatever/whoever is vying for our attention; not to mention, we will literally be tired and not want to take the time to “do good.” It is in these times – we must remember – the promised reward, which is eternal life, is worth it. – Not sure about that? Check out verses seven and eight, where the Galatians are told that if they live for themselves they will reap corruption, but if they live in/by the Spirit they will gain eternal life from the Spirit.

A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7-8
Make it Personal – Reflection

What work has God given you to do? How are you stewarding and guarding what He has given you, even if it is, for the moment, just in your own heart?

Going Further
  • For more insight on what it means for believers to do good visit gotquestions.org
  • For more insight on what Galatians 6:9 means visit Bibleref.com
Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Heart’s Treasure

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w5d1

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:28-39 / Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:21

Clearly, if our “treasure” (what we count most valuable) is in the pleasures of this world – like people…things…jobs…money…family…opinions… then our heart will chase after and be devoted first and foremost to these ‘things’. Whole-hearted, God first devotion comes from God being first in our thoughts and lives. Consider the words of Jesus, who said – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” (Matt 6:24). Or, who can forget the chief example of devotion to God in Mark 12:29-31, when Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Why is it so important to be devoted to God and to love Him above all else? We find the answer in Matthew 22:40, where Jesus explains that The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on this command and the one that is equal to it, which is loving your neighbor as yourself. –

Make it Personal – Reflection

Reflect on Matthew 6:21, what is your true treasure?

Going Further

Today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Remember

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Reformed /w4d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:13-18; Leviticus 23:33-43; and Deuteronomy 8:1-11 / SOAP: Deuteronomy 8:11

Be sure you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today.

Deuteronomy 8:11

I’m guessing you would agree with me when I say that some Old Testament passages can be confusing. I think in some ways that is the case with today’s reading. However, the thing that is made clear is that God wants us to remember what He has done and expects us to do what He has commanded. It seems equally clear that when we forget God and what He has done we will fail to obey what He has told us or commanded us to do

Make it Personal – Reflection

What significant things has God done for you that you need to remember? Celebrate His faithfulness as you remember the things He has done?

Going Further

More about the Feast of Booths: https://www.gotquestions.org/Feast-of-Tabernacles.html

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Righteous Anger

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Based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:6-13 / SOAP: Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do what is right.
Promote justice*.
Give the oppressed reason to celebrate.
Take up the cause of the orphan.
Defend the rights of the widow.

Isaiah 1:17

Isaiah’s words are a perfect example of Nehemiah’s actions on behalf of the ‘oppressed’ people. So let’s take a look at Nehemiah 5:6-13 before jumping into the SOAP passage.

 I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these complaints. 7 I considered these things carefully and then registered a complaint with the wealthy and the officials. I said to them, “Each one of you is seizing the collateral from your own countrymen!” Because of them I called for a great public assembly. 8 I said to them, “To the extent possible we have bought back our fellow Jews who had been sold to the Gentiles. But now you yourselves want to sell your own countrymen, so that we can then buy them back!” They were utterly silent, and could find nothing to say.

9 Then I said, “The thing that you are doing is wrong! Should you not conduct yourselves in the fear of our God in order to avoid the reproach of the Gentiles who are our enemies? 10 Even I and my relatives and my associates are lending them money and grain. But let us abandon this practice of seizing collateral! 11 This very day return to them their fields, their vineyards, their olive trees, and their houses, along with the interest that you are exacting from them on the money, the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil.”

12 They replied, “We will return these things, and we will no longer demand anything from them. We will do just as you say.” Then I called the priests and made the wealthy and the officials swear to do what had been promised. 13 I also shook out my garment, and I said, “In this way may God shake out from his house and his property every person who does not carry out this matter. In this way may he be shaken out and emptied!” All the assembly replied, “So be it!” and they praised the Lord. Then the people did as they had promised.

Nehemiah 5:6-13
  • *the underlined portions above are to emphasize the “slow” and calculated steps of how Nehemiah handled his anger well – and undoubtedly pleasing to God –

Nehemiah’s anger was a righteous anger, meaning he was angry at a situation and actions that were not pleasing to God. You see, rather than shutting down the complaints of the people, Nehemiah listened to their “outcry”. Then he followed through by addressing those responsible for the hardship that had been brought about the people’s protest.

Nehemiah wasn’t just angry,
he was angry at a situation and actions
that were not pleasing to God

Make no mistake, when we align our will with God’s, when we address situations and actions that are not pleasing to God, the result is good and God-honoring things Pay attention to how Nehemiah dealt with his “righteous anger” and then the result:

  • He pointed out the wrong they were doing – vs 7-8
  • He used God’s standard and not his own opinion as the guide – vs 9
  • He suggested a better/right way – vs 10-11
  • The Result: ‘wrong doers’ complied, turning from their wrong behavior to the godly way – vs 12

Admittedly, we do not have the same power and authority as Nehemiah did which means we may not experience the same result when we stand up for justice. However, we can do what is right, we can promote justice, and we can give the oppressed reason to celebrate – and we can trust God to use our behavior to make a difference in the lives of others – for His glory. (italicized portions borrowed from LGG Devotional, From Broken to Restored / w2d5)

Nehemiah instructed the people to do right, he promoted justice, and he gave the oppressed reason to celebrate by taking up the cause of those who had no rights or those who could not defend themselves. Now, read Isaiah’s words again and note the striking correlation to Nehemiah’s instructions.

Learn to do what is right.
Promote justice.*
Give the oppressed reason to celebrate.
Take up the cause of the orphan.
Defend the rights of the widow.

Isaiah 1:17

*To promote or stand up for justice means to encourage or stand up for what is morally right or acceptable according to God’s Word.

Examining Ourselves

How do you respond when you see injustice? How do Nehemiah’s actions encourage you to speak out against injustice?

Note: to speak out against injustice would be to speak out against others being treated unfairly – based on what is morally right or acceptable according to God’s Word.

Going Further
  • For more insight read today’s LGG Blog
  • I love when I see God’s Word corresponding or reminding me of other portions of His Word – so check out James 1:27 for a New Testament cross reference of today’s passage from Isaiah.
    • Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Be Gracious

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d4

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-5; Deuteronomy 23:19-20; Proverbs 3:27/ SOAP: Proverbs19:17

The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord,

and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 19:17

So what does it mean to be gracious to the poor? According to some translations it is to “have pity on. The word pity is defined as compassion or expressing love. I remember reading one time that when we live like this, giving to the poor, it is like lending our money to the Lord. When we do this we can rest assured that He will repay us.

Going Further

The real meat of today is found in our continuing story from Nehemiah. In today’s portion we do not read anything about the building of the wall. I found this quite odd since our last encounter spoke of how they were continuing to work even under threat of the enemy. So why did it stop? We do not know for sure but it would appear that God’s people were fighting with each other.

They weren’t only fighting with each other, but they were having money problems. Sometimes these problems are our own doing and other times they happen because of unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances. What we do and/or how we respond is crucial to the outcome. A famine, borrowed money, taxes, and indebtedness can turn our hearts to worry, anger, concern, grumbling, or and away from God’s work.

“The work stopped because because of strife among God’s people. The enemy could not stop the work of God by direct attack, but the work stopped when God’s people weren’t unified and working together. The group fought against one another. When God’s people fight one another they certainly are neither fighting the real enemy nor getting God’s work done.”

enduringword.com/Nehemiah5
Prayerful Response to God’s Word

Father, guard us from falling prey to the enemy – whether from within or without – don’t let our response stop the work You have called us to. Help us to be gracious, loving, and kind in all circumstances – Amen