Tag: Love God Greatly

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

Are You Prepared?

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w6d3

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:23-29; Ephesians 6:10-18 / SOAP: Ephesians 6:11-12

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:11-12

I love the book of Ephesians and aside from the prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-21 and of course the promise and hope found in Ephesians chapter 2, this passage in Ephesians 6 is among my favorites. I love that we aren’t just told to prepare for battle but we are told to “clothe ourselves with the full armor of God.”God knows this is important because He knows the enemy coming for us isn’t coming clothed in “flesh and blood” but rather “spiritual forces of evil.” This is vital information if we want to be able to stand agains the schemes of the devil. As Peter warned his readers, we must be self-controlled and alert – aware that the enemy is looking to bring us down, and as Paul describes here in Ephesians chapter 6 it has the potential to be a fierce battle.

Never-fear though. Being clothed in God’s armor comes with specific instructions and a checklist, so-to-speak, of the process – a guarantee of the victory. The first specific is to put on the whole armor. This means we must know what the armor is, how to wear it, and how to use it. I have found it helpful to read through the list and write down the pieces of armor as well as where and how they should be worn. Then use the checklist to verify your preparedness. Reevaluate from time-to-time to make sure your armor hasn’t grown rusty or weak. Remember, because the battle is spiritual and not physical, we will only be able to survive the battle if we are armed for the battle with God’s armor.

Make it Personal – Reflection
  • What is your favorite piece of armor? Why?
  • What is your weakest piece of armor? What can you to do get it ready for battle?
Going Further

For more insight read the LGG Blog Post

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

Honoring the Sabbath

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based on an LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w6d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:15-22; Mark 2:23-28 / SOAP: Mark 2:27-28

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath. 28 For this reason the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27-28

From time to time I like to share tidbits from the LGG Journals because I think their Devotions are one of the greatest assets. However, today, I am sharing the entire devotion – A) Because I believe it has much to offer in helping us to understand the importance of the Sabbath, both then and now … and B) because, I want you to see the value of having the journals they offer with each study. You can check out their availability and options at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg/bible-studies/

What’s the Deal With the Sabbath?

The spiritual rebuilding of God’s people did not happen overnight. In fact, the final sections of Nehemiah cover several decades, showing the ways Nehemiah and the leaders continually corrected the people when they strayed from the law. Just as they repeatedly intermarried with foreign nations, the people also fell into habits of not honoring the Sabbath.

Nehemiah corrected the people and even set up guards to ensure that the Sabbath would be honored the way God intended. Nehemiah’s intent in doing this was to guard the people against falling into the sin of despising the Sabbath, one of the factors that led to their idolatry and exile in previous generations. Nehemiah set out to help the people walk in God’s commands and not fall into a sinful pattern. His heart was to honor God and preserve his people like he had done since he first began rebuilding the wall.

Over time, the laws around the Sabbath became more rigid . The religious leaders set up extra guidelines and rules to ensure that no one came close to breaking the Sabbath laws, or any laws for that matter. The problem was that their hearts were not in the right place. They lost sight of what was truly important: honoring God and trusting Him to provide even though they took a day of rest. Instead, they made very rigid rules, feeling self-righteous for keeping them and condemning those who didn’t.

Jesus showed us a different way. He showed the religious leaders and His followers the true intent of the law: to provide a time of rest and celebration for God’s people. The healing He did on the Sabbath led to rest and celebration. The Sabbath was created to provide rest for God’s people so they would remember that He alone sustains them.

Today, we can honor God by keeping the Sabbath. While we are not bound to the Sabbath law the same way the Jews were, taking a day to cease work and celebrate God’s goodness is an important practice for Christians. We stop working, showing our trust in God and His ability and willingness to provide for us. We celebrate His goodness, stopping to remember His constant faithfulness. May we be people of faith, who stop to rest in God’s power and ability and celebrate His goodness.

Make it Personal – Reflection

What are your perceptions of the Sabbath? Do you currently practice Sabbath rest? Why or why not?

Going Further

What does it mean that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath?

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

Purpose Matters

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w6d1

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:1-14; Matthew 21:12-16 / SOAP: Matthew 21:13

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Matthew 21:12 and 13
A Look at Nehemiah

Our ongoing journey through Nehemiah is winding down this week and bears some close observation as we near the end. Today’s 14 verses deal with a time when one of the priest had repurposed a room that God had purposed for the the grain offering, the incense, and the vessels, along with the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil. The priest didn’t just repurpose the room but made it a large storeroom for a relative to use. Nehemiah makes it clear that during this time he had gone back to serving the King and had not been in Jerusalem when the priest had taken over the storeroom. When Nehemiah found out what “evil” the priest had done he became very upset and threw everything out and gave instructions for the room to be purified. Once it was purified he restored it to its original purpose – including the “grain offering and the incense; he also made sure it would no longer be neglected. Because he did these things all of Judah once again brought the “tithe of the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil to the storerooms.”

Nehemiah’s Prayer Request

Following Nehemiah’s return and restoration project he makes a humble request of God to remember him for what he had done. At first glance this prayer may seem less than humble but he clarifies the intent of his heart’s purpose by specifically asking God to “not wipe out the kindness [Nehemiah had] done for the temple of [his] God and for its services!”

It wasn’t about what Nehemiah had done but why he had done it.

A New Testament Example

Today’s SOAP passage, Matthew 21:13, shows Jesus’ reaction to a similar situation as that of Nehemiah’s. We see Jesus, the one typically so full of love and compassion, “[driving] out all those who were selling and buying in the temple courts, and [turning] over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” However, as with Nehemiah, Jesus’ words that followed his actions clarified His intent and heart’s purpose. Quoting from the Old Testament, He said to those involved, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are turning it into a den of robbers!”

Jesus’ anger was clearly ‘righteous anger’ aroused because the people were misusing the House of God, His Father. Not only were they cheating the people who had come to the temple for righteous purposes they were robbing God of the joy and glory and honor He received when the people sought Him in prayer and sacrifice. This explains the statement Jesus made when He boldly identified the guilty parties as “robbers!”

Jesus’ anger wasn’t just about Him not liking what they were doing. It was about His jealousy for God and what they were taking away from Him.

Make it Personal: Reflection

Today, God’s presence indwells our hearts through His Holy Spirit. As we look at the way the temple of God was supposed to be treated, what does that mean for our hearts?

Going Further

Today’s LGG Blog Post offers more insight

Read about the House of Prayer and Den of Robbers

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

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