Tag: Love

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

The Feet of the Messenger

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Scripture: Isaiah 52:7

How delightful it is to see approaching over the mountains the feet of a messenger who announces peace, a messenger who brings good news, who announces deliverance,who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

I remember reading this for the first time in my late 20s or early 30s and was so intrigued by it. I was using the NIV study Bible then, which, along with the KJV and NLT translations, uses the word beautiful instead of delightful. It has the same meaning, but the word beautiful really struck me and has stuck in my mind all these years. When I hear the Gospel preached on Sunday morning or think of Billy Graham’s crusades that my dad had us watch when we were growing up, or in any other setting where I hear His Word of peace and salvation proclaimed – the Spirit raises this verse to mind, and I stand transfixed to that moment in time when the people first heard the messenger on the mountain, that Isaiah refers to.

How beautiful on the mountains
    are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
    the news that the God of Israel reigns!

Isa 52:7 NLT

Isaiah’s word imagery is also used in the Old Testament by the prophet Nahum in Nahum 1:15, where we read:  “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.” It is used again by Paul in the New Testament, in Romans 10:14-15, as a reference to “missions” and carrying the Gospel to the unreached – where Paul poses the question,  “How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.”

In Isaiah’s day, his words were meant to leave Judah rejoicing in deliverance from captivity to their enemy. The same was true in Paul’s day, and even now, the words can should evoke rejoicing in the “goodness’ of our salvation and the freedom it brought us. For by it, we have been delivered from captivity to the law of sin and death! (Romans 6:14-15)

Is this not a beautiful message of peace that Paul delivered, bringing us the ‘good news’ of our salvation?!


14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

Roman 6:14-15
Other Notable Observations
  • Having learned from Ephesians 2:14 that “Jesus is our peace,” this could read “…the feet of a messenger who announces Jesus.
  • It wasn’t just the feet; it was the message – the good news of deliverance
  • Freedom comes through the Sovereign God who reigns!
One Obvious Application

While there may be other worthy applications, the one that jumped off the page to me was – be ready with the Gospel.

A Prayer in Response to the Word

Father, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news that “our God saves!” Thank You for calling Your disciples – myself included to share this Good News with ALL! And, as Peter said, to be ready with an answer for the HOPE that is in me, 1 Peter 3:15. Help me to be excited about the message of Good News and not let the enemy keep me silent. Help me to live as Paul taught – unashamed of the gospel, the Good News about Christ, for it is You at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Help me to remember that Christ himself united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us – so that I don’t hold back but share and work as He did to bring all people to You. – In His Name I pray – AMEN!

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.[a]

1 Peter 3:15 and Romans 1:16

Reflection on the Journey
  • How can we make sure that our feet are fitted with the “Gospel of Peace”?
  • What “mountains” can you ascend with the good news of the Gospel?
Going Further:

“God has called each of us to be a messenger of His love and grace to those around us.”

The LGG Devotional Journal

These are great and helpful links to understanding what Paul meant by not being ashamed of the Gospel and how to be ready to implement the Gospel in your everyday life.

By nature, we are not at peace with God, but are enemies to Him, living in rebellious pride. Our responsibility is to share the gospel of peace, telling people that they can turn to God and come to Jesus for forgiveness. Whether through our words, actions, or simply the way we live our lives, we have the privilege and responsibility to share the Good News of salvation and the peace that only God provides.

The LGG Devotional Journal

The Good News of salvation is not just for us: it is for everyone. We have been given the privilege of sharing it with the world. Let us take courage, lift up our heads, and go forth with joy, knowing that our feet are beautiful because they carry the Good News of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The LGG Devotional Journal

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

Jesus Our Peace

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God, w3d3

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13-18 / SOAP: verse 17

 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near

Ephesians 2:17 NET
Note the Difference

This peace is more than the peace we seek and know when we face a test tomorrow or a real and present battle today. This peace is what brings us near to God, giving us access to Him – the One who guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It doesn’t negate or change the peace that passes all understand that we seek in order to not worry, as Paul instructed, but rather it is the Peace that makes all other peace possible.

A Portrait of the Real and Lasting Peace of God

What a beautiful and encouraging passage of Scripture! Perhaps one of the most realistic portraits of Christ our Savior that is painted in – and with – the Word. Jesus as our peace, His blood pouring down as access for all who would believe – no longer just the Jews but now the Gentiles were included! Or as Paul writes in Colossians, “.It doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free.” We are brought near to God through Christ! Why? Because there was hostility [sin] between us and God. We were, as it is written, “enemies of God” who were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,”.

 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, since we have been reconciled, will we be saved by his life? 11 Not only this, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation. Read the rest of the story

 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Ephesians 2:17 NLT – I can’t help but think once again of the old hymn, “Peace peace wonderful peace – flowing down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray in fathomless billows of love.”

Think About It

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Romans 5:10
  • His act of love wasn’t just His death but His life – for He left Heaven’s splendor and lived the life of a man, actually of a servant, in a “man’s world”, full of sin and far different from from Heaven’s splendor – not so that He could experience life with flesh and blood but so “He could first preach the message of PEACE” (John 14:27, Matt 5:9) to all so that through Him we have access to both the Father and the Spirit – and as verse 15 says, so that there would be no more condemnation. (Romans 8:1).
Reflection on the Journey
  • What does it mean that He preached peace to those who were far off?
  • What does it mean that Jesus brought us near? (13)
Going Further:

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

Posted in Bible study, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Shoes

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, The Armor of God, w3d1

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 / SOAP: verse 15

 – by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace,

Ephesians 6:15

This verse is not meant to stand alone, so let’s look again at the ones that come before it. As you read, notice all of the instructions we are given for living out our faith well –

Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Clothe yourselves with (the full armor of God), so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.13 For this reason, (take up the full armor of God) so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, (and having done everything, to stand.) 14 Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace –

The Responsibility is Ours

As believers we have been saved by grace through faith, it is a free and forever gift of God. That being said we are given responsibilities as believers that we must strive for the rest of our Christian life. James said, “Faith without works is dead.” He encourages the believer to not just read or hear the Word but to live it out. Living out our faith doesn’t have to be a mystery, that is the purpose of His Word and the examples set before us in Christ and the other disciples and men and women of faith throughout Scripture

So far in our study we have been given the responsibility of “putting on” the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. In today’s soap verse we have been given the task of “fitting our feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace.” This is the third piece of armor we are called to wear in preparation for battle. We will spend the week learning more about this peace, what it is, and how to apply/wear it well. Remember we are to suit up in the “full armor” so that we can stand against the schemes of the devil (11,13), and not just stand but we are to stand firm (14).

Shoes

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Ephesians 6:15

I love the way the New Living Translation and others translate verse 15 using the word “shoes”. I loved going barefoot as a child and still to this day I would rather have my shoes off than on, but I have learned that there are times where it is very helpful to wear my shoes. It is also helpful to wear the right shoes. For instance, I would not wear my snow boots on a sandy beach nor my beach shoes on a snow walk. I love my comfy slip on shoes but I know not to wear them on a three-mile walk. The same is true of the soldier who has his belt and and breastplate in place, he knows he has to have have his feet in the right shoes in order to use the other pieces of his armor well. Just like the shoes of the soldier make him ready for battle the “Gospel of peace” makes the believer ready for spiritual battle. We will look more intently at what this all means in the days to come – but for today suit up with the belt of TRUTH and the breastplate of righteousness – and don’t forget to fit your feet with the peace that comes from the Gospel, the Good News about Christ.

The gospel is, broadly speaking, the whole of Scripture; more narrowly, the gospel is the good news concerning Christ and the way of salvation.

gotquestions.org
Reflection on the Journey
  • What does Ephesians 6:15 teach us about the importance of having our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace?
  • What are some practical ways we can prepare ourselves to share the Gospel with others?
Going Further:

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post

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

Lay Aside the Old – Put on the New

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, The Armor of God /w2d5

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-24; SOAP: Ephesians 4:22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

Ephesians 4:22-24

At the beginning of chapter four Paul reminds those in the church of Ephesus that they have been called by God and should live accordingly – that is “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” He goes on to tell them, and by extension – us, that they are no longer to live like the Gentiles. This is best explained by Bibleref.com and, for context, should be understood before digesting or soaping verse 22-24.

[In verse 17-19] Paul instructs the Ephesians not to share in the kind of immoral lifestyle which non-believers follow. The Ephesian Christians were mostly Gentiles, in the sense of being non-Jewish: they were not descendants of Israel. Symbolically, “the Gentiles” mentioned in this context are those people who are separated from God. They are the unsaved. As saved believers, the Ephesians were once “spiritual” Gentiles, but no longer. Paul’s point here is that believers cannot continue to live as unbelievers and expect to please God.

Verses 22-24 of chapter four are some of Paul’s best teaching as to Christian living – or living righteously. He reminds them of what they were taught and gives them word pictures in regard to both their former way of life and the new. As we have seen throughout week two of The Armor of God, living righteously requires more than God saving grace, it requires personal responsibilities on our part. We must be active in our faith – like putting off, or as Paul says here, “laying aside the old man … being renewed in our minds … and putting on the new man.” It is important not to miss the distinction between the two –

  • “The old man is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires.”
  • “The new man has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that come from ‘Truth.'”

Righteousness and Holiness come from TRUTH, God’s Word is TRUTH.

Do you want to live the righteous and holy life God has called you to? Surround yourself with God’s Word, fill yourself with it, and study it for yourself. Then we can say like the Psalmist who asked how he could keep his way pure. Answering his own question – he realizes that it is by living according to God’s word. He then acknowledges that he seeks [God] with all of his heart – and asks God not to let him stray from His commandments – and ends with the profession: I have hidden Your Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You” (119:9-11)

How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions. 10 With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands. 11 In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:9-11

Reflection of the Journey

What does Romans 12:1-2 teach about the process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self? How does this process lead to a change in our behaviors and actions?

Going Further

Read Romans 12:1-2 for more about being renewed and not conformed to the ways of the world

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly blog post –

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

Be On Guard

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based on the Love God Greatly study, The Armor of God / w2d2

Scripture Proverbs 4:20-23 / SOAP: 23

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

I love this passage of Proverbs and committed it to memory many years ago. It has helped me tremendously, teaching me the importance of knowing and remembering God’s Word, which has proven to be the victory in my battles with anxiety and fear.

Proverbs is known as the book of wisdom. Solomon wrote most of the book, including this chapter. He makes it clear that he is speaking to his “sons.” He reminds them here, as in other chapters, to not just listen to his words but to pay attention to what he is saying. He paints a word picture of cherishing his words as something valuable – always on their mind and close to their heart. Why is he so animated and insistent? Because he is talking to them about the commands and wisdom of God and has learned for himself how valuable they are. It would seem that Solomon, as the Psalmist in chapter 119, understands that the words and teachings of God offer protection to the one who knows and follows them. He refers to them as “life and healing” for the entire body. Then, trusting that they will heed his advice to keep them within their hearts, he instructs them to “guard their hearts,” reminding them that their heart determines the course of their life. Gotquestions.org sheds more light on this verse, commenting that “the heart is the source of our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and actions,” which agrees with Jesus’ words in Luke 6:45, where He said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

I have hidden Your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you. …Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Psalm 119:11 and 97
Prayer

Father, help us not only read and listen to Your words but also help us to remember them and store them in our hearts. Help us to use them in the battles waged against us and to encourage others with them – that they might do the same, and may they be our strength to serve and obey You well. They truly are the source of life in Jesus’ name – without them, we will stumble in the dark, for they are the “source of light” on our path and in our hearts as we live and breathe. They are the hope and peace of each new day and the reminder of Your amazing grace and mercies that never end. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

Reflection on the Journey
  • Why is it important to guard your hearts and minds?
  • How can we put this advice into practice in our daily lives?
Going Further

For more on guarding your heart visit gotquestions.org/guard-your-heart.html

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

Greater is He that is in You

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God, w1d5

Scripture: 1 John 4:4-6 / SOAP: verse 6

We are from God; the person who knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.

1 John 4:6

This passage, particularly verse 4, always reminds me of the song, “Greater is He that is in Me” or at least of the first verse, which highlights the Ephesian passage we studied earlier in our previous posts; and the chorus, which is actually patterned after verse 4 of today’s passage from 1 John. Read them, sing them if you know the tune (if not you might want to look it up), I sing the song often when I find myself challenged or up against the enemy and it truly helps.

Verse One:

Satan’s like a roaring lion roaming to and fro’

Seeing whom he may devour, the Bible tells us so

Many souls have been his prey to fall in some weak hour

But God has promised us today His overcoming power.

Chorus:

Greater is He that is in me

Greater is He that is in me

Greater is He that is in me

than He that is in the world.

https://lyricstranslate.com

Because we are God’s children His Spirit lives in us and gives us understanding of the Scriptures. This understanding empowers us who are saved or being saved but it seems like mere foolishness to those who are not saved. This is helpful knowledge as we face a myriad of tactics by the enemy and his armies, tactics that require us to be alert and ready. Being ready and alert with the truth we will be able to identify “the spirit of deceit”; and as John describes here, we will recognize those who belong to God and possess the Spirit of truth and those who do not.

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

Set Apart In the Truth

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God, w1d4

Scripture: John 17;14-19 / SOAP: verse 17

Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth. 

John 17:17

I had the best time studying today’s passage but the day got in the way and then the evening responsibilities and here I am with so much to say but falling asleep trying to say it. My guess is I will eventually get it shared but for now I’m going to share a portion of today’s LGG Devotional and prayer with the hope that you will find encouragement and see the correlation between Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and Paul’s instructions about putting on the “belt of truth”. –

The Foundational Piece of Armor

The belt of truth is the foundational piece of the armor of God. It is designed to keep all the other pieces of armor in their place. This verse reminds us of the power of God’s Word and the importance of knowing it in our lives. When we make a habit of reading and studying the BIble, we are intentionally saturating our mind and heart with the truth. This truth serves as our spiritual armor, equipping us to stand firm in our faith and resist the attacks of the enemy.

God’s Word is the Truth

Because God’s Word is truth, it not only sets us apart from the world but sets us free, too. We acknowledge our emotions and the value they play in our lives, but we also know their place. Our emotions do not dictate what is true in our lives. Only God’s Word has that honor.

  • Prayer: May we never forget the power of Your Word. May Your truth be the foundation of my life. Set us apart for Your glory. Help us to remember to clothe ourselves with the belt of truth each morning as we strive to clothe our minds and hearts with your Words and Your truth – Amen!

Reflecting on the Journey

What does John 17:17 teach us about the sanctification process and the relationship between God’s Word and truth?

Going Further

For more on God’s Word is Truth visit https://www.gotquestions.org/your-word-is-truth.html

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

Truth and Righteousness

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based on the Love God Greatly study, The Armor of God / w1d3

Scripture/SOAP: Ephesians 6:13-14

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, 

Ephesians 6:13-14 NET
First Things First

Before we jump into the first two pieces of armor let’s not miss the reason and instruction that come with the armor.

The Reason is found in verses 10-12, namely to stand against the “schemes of the devil”, our real and present enemy, He is evil (the ruler of darkness, part of the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens…) he is dangerous and deadly to those caught unaware and unarmed. However, when we follow the instructions Paul gives, specifically “putting on the full armor of God, we will be able to withstand the devil’s plots and schemes and all manners of evil meant to steal, kill, and destroy the children of God.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

Ephesians 6:13-14 NLT

Not a Three-Piece-Suit

I especially appreciate the NLT version of this verse, as it makes clear that our armor is not to be treated like a three-piece-suit where you can wear the pants and jacket and forego the vest or the pants and vest and forego the jacket. No, Paul stresses that it is to be, as the NLT translates, every piece, that is if you want to still be standing when the battle is over – and not just standing – but standing firm – unwavering! We are to be covered from head-to-toe, specifically and intentionally covered and ready for warfare.

It takes the whole “suit of armor” to successfully stand against the enemy – me, from the inside-out

The Belt and BreastPlate / truth and Righteousness
  1. The Belt of Truth is listed first, which I love because ‘truth’ is not only one of the names applied to Jesus in John 14:6, but it is also the name applied to the Word of God in John 17:17. It seems to be that God’s Truth is the very foundation of our salvation since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word [truth] of God as Paul discloses in Romans 10:17.
    • Here’s something interesting though. This piece of the armor isn’t simply about the truth, but rather how the the truth helps and protects us – which is seen most clearly when we understand why Paul used the metaphor of the “belt”. I read it somewhere, years ago but found it again today on the Billy Graham website . The writer explainsthat – “In ancient times, a warrior’s belt was essential for survival. It not only held his weapons; it cinched his tunic at the waist, allowing him to move about freely.” The writer also included this analogy, “Just as a belt gave the warrior freedom of movement and a way to defend himself, the belt of truth provides spiritual freedom and protection for those who belong to Jesus Christ.”
    • Putting it on: Simply start with Scripture. Read it, listen to it, study it on your own or with a group, sit under the teaching of it, keep it open on your app or written on cards and post-it-notes where you will see it often. The idea is to be saturated with it and just as a belt holds up pieces of clothing it is meant to have an affect on the rest of the armor.
  2. The second piece of armor that Paul mentions is the “breastplate of righteousness” which we study in-depth in our second week.

Going Further:

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

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, 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