Tag: Love

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

The Restorative Character of God

Posted on by

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, Quiet Time

Purpose Matters

Posted on by

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
Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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, Quiet Time

A Steadfast Hope

Posted on by

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/

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

The Power of God’s Word

Posted on by

based on Love God Greatly, From Broken to Restored / w3d3

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:10-14; Psalm 119:9-16 / SOAP Psalm 119:10-11

With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands.
In my heart I store up your words,
so I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:10-11

In the continuing story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall, the enemy is proving to be relentless – using a variety of tactics. This required Nehemiah and those working on the wall to be continually on guard, and not just physically but mentally. Because of this guardedness – Nehemiah was able to “recognize” the attempted trick to get him away from the wall in our passage today. Verse twelve says that he recognized that the man he was talking to and the invitation/suggestion the man made was not from God. Nehemiah knew the man was trying to scare him and have him sin by entering the temple – because Nehemiah knew God’s law and teaching. He understood that there were rules about who could enter and how that was to happen.

In our SOAP verse today we see how this knowledge and guardedness plays out in the lives of believers still today. Note how the Psalmist both poses and answers a crucial question for those who belong to God and want to “maintain a pure life” as we have been called to do. The question: “How can a young person maintain a pure life?” The answer: “By guarding it according to God’s instructions, or commands as many translations say. The Psalmist then seems to clarify that these instructions/commands come from God’s Word, and that he hides these words in his heart in order that he might not sin against God. Don’t miss verse fifteen though, for here he gives the rest of the formula for being able to recognize whether something or someone is from God or not. He doesn’t just guard his heart, he doesn’t just remember God’s commands – he meditates on God’s Word and he focuses on God’s behavior. In other words the Psalmist was intentional – and we must be too.

He hides God’s words in his heart in order that he might not sin against God.

Psalm 119:11

We may not be able to commit to memory every word in the Bible but we can read it and listen to it taught – again and again and again … until we know His voice from the world’s (Jn. 10:27) and recognize godly behavior or requests from the ungodly ones. Keep in mind this is a lifelong growth of faith and pursuit of holiness but as these begin to happen life changes, decisions are different, love and grace and mercy are richer and fuller – both when received and given away. God’

Reflection on Today’s Journey

When you receive counsel or instruction, how can you make sure it aligns with God’s Word?

Going Further

Remember you can find more insight at LoveGodGreatly.com

How to memorize the Word of God https://www.savortheword.org/