Tag: God

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

In My Blood

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:38-10:27; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Luke 22:14-20 / SOAP: Luke 22:19-20

Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Luke 22:19-20

A covenant was a significant commitment. God used covenants throughout the history of His people to make promises to them, promises He kept regardless of their faithfulness.

Excerpt from Into the Text /LGG Journal w4d5 / From Broken to Restored
The Covenants in the Bible

“What are the covenants in the Bible?” The online Bible commentary, Gotquestions.org begins their answer with this opening statement: “The Bible speaks of seven different covenants, four of which (Abrahamic, Palestinian, Mosaic, Davidic) God made with the nation of Israel. Of those four, three are unconditional in nature; that is, regardless of Israel’s obedience or disobedience, God still will fulfill these covenants with Israel. One of the covenants, the Mosaic Covenant, is conditional in nature. That is, this covenant will bring either blessing or cursing depending on Israel’s obedience or disobedience. Three of the covenants (Adamic, Noahic, New) are made between God and mankind in general, and are not limited to the nation of Israel.”

In our three passages today, we see the people of Nehemiah’s day making a covenant to keep the covenant. Interesting concept but this excerpt from “Bible Project” commentary on this passage is quite helpful – “the returning exiles make a covenant to keep a covenant, committing themselves to the Law of Moses and the people of God. They had broken the covenant and received the curses which led them into exile. Now in their return and repentance, they recommit to the old covenant which included faithfulness to God through marrying those who also worshipped God; observance of Sabbath and Sabbaticals; and giving firstfruits and tithes, ensuring the temple and temple worship were maintained.”

The second and third passages deal with the “New Covenant”, first in the Old Testament with the people of Judah and Israel, and then in Luke 22 with New Testament believers via the blood of Christ. This was the ultimate covenant, unbreakable, unchangeable, unbeatable covenant. It was the covenant made “in the blood” of Jesus. As the LGG team points out today in the journal, “We remember the covenant God has given us by participating in the Lord’s Supper. When we take the elements, the bread and wine, we remember the covenant Jesus made with those who believe in Him. We remember that He has done all that is necessary to uphold this covenant and that all we need to do is place our faith in Him.”

New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The New Covenant is a covenant made first with the nation of Israel and, ultimately, with all mankind. In the New Covenant, God promises to forgive sin, and there will be a universal knowledge of the Lord. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. Now that we are under the New Covenant, both Jews and Gentiles can be free from the penalty of the Law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Gotquestions.org
Making it Personal – Reflection

Why is it important to regularly partake in the Lord’s Supper with other believers?

If you are not a believer and have never entered into the Covenant that promises forgiveness of sin and freedom from the Law – please send me a message. I would love to share the Gospel with you and help you to understand the gift and reality of God’s free gift of salvation.

Going Further

Don’t forget to check out today’s Love God Greatly blog

More about the covenants: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-covenants.html

Nehemiah Overview (This is a must-read – simply follow the link below)

  • chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.csmedia1.com/doxa-church.com/nehemiahpart9.pdf
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

A God of Forgiveness

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d4

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:5-37 / SOAP: Nehemiah 9:16-17

“But they—our ancestors—behaved presumptuously; they rebelled and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love. You did not abandon them,

Nehemiah 9:16-17

Today’s journey is spent solely in the ninth chapter of Nehemiah. It opens with a beautiful call to worship. Perhaps you’ve read it before or have been in a church service where it was read aloud – it is one of my favorites and it merits a bit of our attention. While it is not the centerpiece of the chapter verses five through fifteen recount miraculous and compassionate acts of our God. God’s works are extolled. He is lifted high with glory and honor for all He did for His people.

Stand up and praise the Lord your God who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and all that is on it the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of Heaven worship You.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

However, verse sixteen brings an abrupt halt to the concentrated worship inducing praises of God and what He had done. The remainder of the passage then goes back and forth from focusing on Israelites rebellious acts despite what God had done for them and God’s goodness. It points out habitual rebellion … their calls of destress … and God’s abundant compassion … that is until He gave them over to their enemies. The passage highlights conviction and confession and having to deal with the consequences of sin. It paints the picture of how God’s people, despite God’s goodness, patience, and compassion toward them, became slaves in the land He had graciously given them to enjoy.

Over and Over it was the Same Pattern

But they rebelled … they refused to obey … BUT GOD did not abandon them … they did atrocious things … BUT GOD showed compassion, gave His Spirit, provided food and clothes … But they rebelled … BUT GOD heard and delivered them … but they turned again and God gave them over to their enemies …

Excerpts from Nehemiah 9

The back and forth rebellion and atrocities of the people versus God’s compassion and forgiveness are bitter-sweet pictures but good lessons and reminders for us today. May we learn from them and strive to be grateful and faithful people of our God! May continually remember that He is forgiving, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in loyal love. The One who has not abandoned us but embraced us through the blood of Jesus Christ, His only begotten son.

Making It Personal – Reflection

When was the last time you were so convicted by the Holy Spirit that it led you to worship? Have you ever experienced this?

Going Further

What the Bible says about Rebellion

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

Conviction, Confession, Forgiveness

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based on the Love God Greatly study, From Broken to Restored / w4d3

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-4; Leviticus 26:39-45 / SOAP: 1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

All of our passages in today’s study reveal the seriousness that God places on sin. It is so serious that it requires action on our part – that action is the confession of sin, meaning we admit our guilt before God – and in repentance turn away from the sin back to God and His way. In the Old Testament this meant offering a sacrifice to make atonement for the sin, however, in the New Testament that all changed with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. His righteous blood was sufficient to ‘once and for all’ pay for the sins of man unlike any animal sacrifice that was or could ever be given.

While 1 John 1:9 is God’s promise to beleivers – that when/if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive the sins. The added blessing is that God doesn’t just forgive the sins but He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. However, we must not ignore or miss the fact that this forgiveness comes “when/if” we “confess” our sins to God. When sins remained unconfessed they become a problem for us1, a stumbling block for others2, and a hindrance to our relationship with God3.

1Hebrews 12:7–11; 1 Corinthians 11:30

2Matthew 18:5-7; Matthew 18:8

  • 3If, as children of God, we choose to remain in our sin, then we choose the consequences that go with that choice. Broken fellowship and lack of growth result. However, those who persist in sin need to reexamine their true relationship with God (2 Corinthians 13:5) – Gotquestions.org;
  • See also Isaiah 59:2
    • Unconfessed sin works like a drape. Imagine standing by a south window on a cold winter day. The air is frigid, but the sun is shining through the window. It begins to warm you, and you bask in its glow. Then you pull the drape closed. Instantly, the warmth stops. Is it because the sun has stopped shining? No, it is because something has come between you and the sun. The moment you open the drape, the sun can warm you again. But it is up to you. The barrier is inside the house, not outside.
Making it Personal – Reflection

Was the people’s repentance genuine? How does genuine repentance differ from ritual repentance? Which one honors God more?

Going Further

Don’t miss today’s insight in the LGG Blog

A Sin Offering: https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-offering.html

The Danger of Unconfessed Sin

A Stumbling Block

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

No Longer Condemned

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based on the LGG study, From Broken to Restored, w4d1

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Hebrews 4:12 / SOAP: Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

Let’s take a look at the overview of the passage from Nehemiah in order to fully appreciate the verses we are focusing on in Romans today. In Nehemiah we read:

  • All the people were eager to hear the book of the law (3)
  • When the book was opened all the people stood up (5)
  • When the priest blessed the LORD, all the people replied “Amen! Amen!” with lifted hands (6)
  • The people remained standing as they were being taught (7)
  • The people gained understanding from what was read (8)
    • Keep in mind what was read most likely would have pointed out their sin which, by the law, deserved death
  • The people were weeping but those who were reading and teaching the law instructed them not to mourn or weep (9)
  • They were reminded that the “joy of the LORD is your strength”
  • Again, before they departed, they were reminded “do not grieve”

Fast forward to Paul’s words in Romans 8:1-2, where he announces that there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ. Why? What’s different from the weeping and grief we saw in the people of Nehemiah’s day, at the reading of the ‘book of the law’? We find the answer in verse two of Romans eight –

For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:2

To this we should say, “Amen! and Amen!” with lifted hands, as the people did in the day of Nehemiah. For, this is is the gift of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ – that through Him alone we, who by faith have believed, are set free from the law of sin and death!! We no longer face the condemnation that that law pronounced – because Christ took it for us when He was condemned on the cross in our place. – Why? Because God so loved the world that He gave His only son so that whoever believed in Him would have everlasting life. You see, as John said, “Christ did not come into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

As Hebrews 4:12 says, God’s Word is very much alive and active, able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart – but it also reminds us of the good news of the Gospel – Jesus died to set us free and because of this – those who believe in Christ are made alive and are no longer condemned!

May this be our message to the world around us – in word and in deed.

Making it Personal – Reflection

How do you respond when you read the Word of God? Do you feel guilt and shame, or are you able to repent and accept God’s grace and receive His forgiveness with joy?

Going Further

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog

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

The Proof is in the Details

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w3d5

Scripture: Nehemiah 7:1-73; Acts 2:42-47 / SOAP Acts 2:46-47

Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God and having the good will of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

*Note on the Nehemiah passage: When the wall was complete and they were preparing for reentry, Nehemiah set in motion a focus on God (1-2) and followed God’s lead (5) as to who could enter. The chapter is long and filled with nearly 73 verses of names and details, details that were recorded because they would one day prove the family line between David and Jesus, the Messiah. The occupants were Jews and they were chosen according to who could “prove their lineage” You can read more about this in today’s “Going Further” section.

As for our SOAP passage, Acts 2:46-47, the who or how of the gathering of the disciples was structured a little different than the lineage based structure of Nehemiah’s day. In the disciples’ case – while they were Jewish converts – their gatherings had little to do with the fact that they were Jews and everything to do with the fact that they were Jewish Jesus followers.

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Quiet Time

A Steadfast Hope

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based on Love God Greatly’s study, From Broken to Restored / w3d4

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-19; Job 42;2; Psalm 37:22-24

“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted;

Job 42:2

In all of his loss and pain, in all of his emotions and questions and conversations following the devastation that came upon him – Job still had his eyes and his mind on God! His ‘friends’ did not derail is faith, his wife’s challenge to “curse God and die” went unmet, and his questions to God revealed “valuable lessons about the sovereignty of God and his need to totally trust in the Lord.1” Today’s SOAP verse is an expression of conviction of Job’s steadfast hope in the one he knew held the future.

I don’t know about tomorrow – I just live from day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine – for its skies may turn to gray

I don’t worry o’er the future – for I know what Jesus said

and today I’ll walk beside Him – for He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow – I don’t seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow – and I know who holds my hand

The Petersons

1 https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html

In the end Job is restored to health, happiness, and prosperity beyond his earlier state. This outcome certainly highlights the Psalmist’s words that the Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable. Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the LORD holds his hand. – May we, like Job, be found unwavering in our faith. May we be resolved to obey Him, to trust Him, and to submit to His will, whether we understand it or not.

Surely those favored by the Lord will possess the land, but those rejected by him will be wiped out. 23 The Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable. 24 Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the Lord holds his hand.

Psalm 37:22-24

Ah, what hope God’s Word offers those who are His – those who come to Him in Faith –

Making it Personal – Reflection: What has God place on your heart that seems too big to accomplish? What can you do today to be faithful to the important work He has given you?
Going Further

Summary of the Book of Job – https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html

The following is a page out of the LGG Journal for this study. This is just one of the reasons I love having a journal for each study. They are are available in book form or via download at https://lovegodgreatly.com/