Tag: Love

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

Knowing When to Say No

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w3d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-9 / SOAP verse 10

The enemies were paying attention, and they were not happy with the news that the wall had been rebuilt. The wall made them feel threatened, so they asked to meet with Nehemiah. However, he was alert and on to their plan to stop the completion of the wall. For that reason, coupled with the fact that he believed they intended to do him harm,1 he replied with a resounding ‘no’ to their invitation, saying: “I am engaged in an important work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work come to a halt when I leave it to come down to you.?” After answering this way four more times, Nehemiah received another message from Sanballat, obviously desperate and persistent, with an accusation that he and the Jews were plotting to make Nehemiah the King. Of course, it was a scare tactic attempting to stop the construction, but Nehemiah assured his accuser that the allegations were completely false.

1Nehemiah 6:2

Love God Greatly Devotion excerpt / w3d2

Reflections on Today’s Journey

It is easy for us to think that we aren’t doing anything worthwhile to anyone else, but today’s LGG devotion writer wrote: if you are working to advance God’s kingdom, to honor and glorify Him, or to serve and equip God’s people, you too have been given important work. She goes on to write, “Like Nehemiah, we must remain steadfast in the face of difficulty. No matter if attacks come, no matter how threatening they seem, we must stay faithful and committed, not distracted or deterred by what (or who) may be trying to stop us.

Borrowed in part from LGG Devotion

What kind of focus and determination was required of Nehemiah to respond this way to his enemies (see Nehemiah 6:3)? How can you have the same focus in your work for the kingdom?

Going Further

Consider this encouragement from today’s LGG Devotion Journal

God has given us all an important work: to make disciples of all nations. Whatever role He has given you in that task, stay engaged, stay faithful, and stay focused. Do not let the enemy distract you. You are engaged in important work, work worth your time, effort, and resources. Let’s keep doing this important work until it is finished.

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

Righteous Anger

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

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

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

Isaiah 1:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 1:17

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

Examining Ourselves

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

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

Going Further
  • For more insight read today’s LGG Blog
  • I love when I see God’s Word corresponding or reminding me of other portions of His Word – so check out James 1:27 for a New Testament cross reference of today’s passage from Isaiah.
    • Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time
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ased on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d3

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:15-23 / SOAP: 1 Peter 5:8-11

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:8-11

I love the books of 1 and 2 Peter and I love the connection pointed out today between them and Nehemiah.

Distractions and interruptions can cause us to stop things we’ve started leaving us feeling defeated and important projects/jobs unfinished. This could have been the case in Nehemiah’s situation but it wasn’t. Why? Because, despite the opposition and the way it made them feel they continued the work – while remaining alert and prepared for whatever came against them. Peter points out that our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. However, he also shares one of my favorite strategies against the enemy:

  • Be sober and alert!
  • Be prepared –
  • Resist him! – Much like the people in Nehemiah’s day – who came together when the threat of their enemy was prevalent. They did not cower, nor stop the rebuilding project – instead they became more and more alert and they stayed prepared for an attack – at all times.

So, let’s let the example of the “builders” encourage us in unity of purpose and conviction. Let’s resist the enemy and stand strong in our faith.

May God open our eyes and keep us alert to the enemy and may we be prepared to resist Him – after which, the “God of all grace”

Going Further

Be sure and 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

Don’t Let the Enemy Deter You

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d2

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:6-14 / SOAP: Nehemiah 4:14

God’s people were having success in the rebuilding project and their enemies were angry and sought to come against them. The enemy’s plans and words caused fear and panic and stole their enthusiasm. Still, Nehemiah was not stopped – instead He continued to lead and encourage the people.

 When I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your families!”

Nehemiah 4:14

To understand and appreciate today’s verse and larger passage, we must remind ourselves of what’s been happening and who/what God’s people are dealing with in the rebuilding of the wall. One of my favorite Bible commentaries summarizes it like this –

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were three enemies of the Jews who made several attempts to stop Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat and Tobiah are first mentioned in Nehemiah 2:10 as upset about Nehemiah’s work: “When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.” In verse 19, they, along with Geshem the Arab, mock Nehemiah, saying, “What is this you are doing? . . . Are you rebelling against the king?” When the construction was taking place, their anger grew: “When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews” (Nehemiah 4:1; cf. verse 7).

gotquestions.org
When the Enemy is Angry

The enemy pursued their quest of stopping the rebuilding of the all, and what did Nehemiah do? He prayed. Remember our earlier reading from Nehemiah 4, where we read of Sanballat’s anger in hearing that they were rebuilding the wall – Nehemiah didn’t let that deter him instead the threat of the battle pushed him to pray

The Prayer

“Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Return their reproach on their own head. Reduce them to plunder in a land of exile! 5 Do not cover their iniquity, and do not wipe out their sin from your sight, for they have bitterly offended the builders.” (4:4-5)

The Result

6 So we rebuilt the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height. The people were enthusiastic in their work.

And Then …

Enthusiastic work in rebuilding the wall led to more anger and again this led to more praying and actually standing ready to defend their position – but not without encouragement from Nehemiah:

Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your families!”

Nehemiah 4:14
Going Further / Making it personal

“Whatever we face, whatever battle we find ourselves in, we can take Nehemiah’s exhortation to heart: Don’t be afraid. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your families. We do not need to fear, because the great and awesome God we serve is always, always fighting on our behalf. We can fight the enemy, the powers of darkness, and the rulers of the world because of His power. May we be warriors who pray, both trusting God to fight on our behalf and willing to stand up and fight when He calls us to do so.

LGG Devotional Journal / From Broken to Restored / w2d2

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

Seek God

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d1

“These next few chapters of Nehemiah (chapters 4-6) recount the opposition the Jews faced as they began rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The author of Nehemiah intentionally included these details, reminding his readers that opposition to God’s work is not a reason to stop.” borrowed from the LGG devotional journal, from Broken to Restored, w2d1

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-5; Genesis 13:1-18 and 19:36-38; Numbers 22:3-6; Deuteronomy 2:19, 23:3-4 / SOAP: Psalm 54:3-5

For foreigners attack me;
ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah)
4 Look, God is my deliverer.
The Lord is among those who support me.
5 May those who wait to ambush me be repaid for their evil.
As a demonstration of your faithfulness, destroy them.

Psalm 54:3-5

The details of today’s passages are helpful because they let us know who was opposing the Jews in the rebuilding of the walls. You might find it interesting to know they weren’t only enemies of God but they were also from the family of God’s people – sons of Lot, one (Moab, the Moabite) through his oldest daughter and one (Ben Ammi, the Ammonite) through his youngest. (Genesis 13:1-18, 19:36-38; Numbers 22:3-6; Deuteronomy 2:19, 23:3-4).

The rebuilding of the wall meant opposition early on, as is seen in most of our passages today. Nehemiah 4:1-5 tells about one of those situations and gives us insight on handling the opposition. Nehemiah leads/teaches by example – he PRAYS. He actually prays a very bold prayer. This is also true of the Psalmists’ words in 54:3-5, who is dealing with terrorists (foreign attackers), ruthless me, who did not respect God. The Psalmist reminds the people to remember that God is His deliverer and is among His supporters. Then, he too, prays a bold prayer of faith against his attackers.

It seems we would be wise to remember God in these ways as well, One that delivers and supports His people. When we are distressed by the evil of this world or the personal attacks/battles of life — the first thing we should do is – SEEK GOD! He is our faithful deliverer.

The LGG Team wrote it like this:

Like Nehemiah, when we face opposition, we need to remember God’s faithfulness. he will help us accomplish the work He has given us, and He will guard and defend His people until His will is done. It doesn’t matter who opposes us. God may not immediately remove the opposition we face, but He is always faithful to give us endurance as we continue in His good work.

Psalm 54:3-5
Going Further

For more insight check out today’s LGG Blog

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

Wholehearted Engagement

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w1d1

Today’s Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11 / SOAP: Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord and do what is right.
Settle in the land and maintain your integrity.
4 Then you will take delight in the Lord,
and he will answer your prayers.
5 Commit your future to the Lord.
Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.

Psalm 37:3-5

I love the profound yet simplistic passages like this. David, the Psalmist, uses the if this, then that process, which is very much how my brain works. He gives us four directives:

  1. Trust
  2.  Obey
  3.  Live, or as it means here – Abide ( which is defined by bibleref.com as – more than merely existing or surviving . It is wholehearted engagement! ) This wholehearted engagement most likely looks like what Moses taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and what Jesus Himself said summed up all of the commandments in Luke 10:27, namely – “You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.”
  4.  The fourth and final directive is, “Commit your future to the LORD.”

These directives are summed-up in verse 5, repeating where he started in verse 3 – “Trust in the LORD.” It is worth noting that unless you trust the LORD, the second, third, and fourth directives are unlikely to be done. When we trust – all the rest will follow, and we will find ourselves delighting in the LORD and seeing Him working in our lives.

The Psalmist says when we choose to live like this, not only will we take delight in the LORD, but that the LORD will answer our prayers and act on our behalf. What great motivation to trust and obey, to wholeheartedly engage as a faithful follower of Christ, and to commit our future to the LORD.

Prayer / Response to God’s Word

Father, You are worthy of our trust and obedience . We want to more than merely exist or survive – we desire to be wholeheartedly engaged with You and in Your work. Help us to faithfully abide in Your Son and find our delight in You.

Going Further

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

Let’s Worship
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Live Out Loud

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Today’s Verse: James 2:17

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

I was saved at a young age and I have witnessed God strengthening my faith through the years. Actually, He continues to strengthen it day by day, trial by trial, miracle by miracle, and unending mercy, love, and grace. I can look back now and see how God pursued me when I wasn’t pursuing Him. In His goodness He convicted me when my life’s actions did not align with my profession of faith.

Today’s verse is a reminder to stay in God’s Word and live like Jesus every day – so that our faith will continually be strengthened and always accompanied by actions that speak louder than words.

What does active faith look like?

It looks like Jesus – which includes things like …

  • loving others like He loved us
  • forgiving others who wrong us
  • showing kindness to friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies
  • helping a ‘neighbor’ in need
  • loving even your enemy
  • loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength
  • sharing with others in need
  • Sharing the Gospel message
  • and so much more, not the least of which is
    • laying down your life for your friend and
    • dying to self – daily

Wake the neighbors, get the word out
So come on crank up the music, climb a mountain and shout
This is life we’ve been given, made to be lived out loud

Steven Curtis Chapman – Live Out Loud

May we let the evidence of God and His goodness flow from our lives and words everyday – all day!

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'Our Daily Verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Spirit God Gave

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Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

In Paul’s day, it was Timothy that seemed to need the encouragement that God didn’t want him to live in fear of doing the work He was called to do. Instead, Paul reminded Timothy, that the Spirit God had given them, and all believers, was one that filled them with power, love, and self-discipline. In other words, Timothy had no reason to be timid for he had been empowered to live out His calling. The same is true for us today.

My first remembered experience with this verse was at VBS, not one that I attended but one I was co-leading. I was tired and stressed from some personal things going on in my life, I wasn’t feeling prepared, and definitely not strong enough to lead, love, and deal with all that goes into VBS as I had committed to do. Today’s verse “just happened to be” the theme verse for the week. God knew that just like Timothy, I needed to remember that while I might be nervous and feel too weak to lead, He had given me His Spirit – equipping me with not only the power to lead, but with love for the kids and all involved, as well as the discipline to stay committed and focused on Him, and boldly share the Gospel with the children. And, as a bonus, He daily renewed my strength and filled me with immeasurable joy when I was able to personally lead one of the children to the Lord. 

Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

True Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d2

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 62 / SOAP: 62:5-8

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. 

Psalm 62:5-8 NLT [for your preferred translation click on the Scripture link above]
Observations

God is worth waiting on, for real hope comes only from Him. He alone is our protector, deliverer, and refuge. Because of Him – I am not “shaken” when troubles come.

God is the only one who gives me hope.

ak
Application

When I am in danger, whether from earthly forces or spiritual, He is my protector. I can trust in Him.

When I am threatened or afraid, I can hide myself in His refuge, I can rest secure in His shelter – knowing that I am safe and protected.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for being all that You are to us, Your Children. Thank You for being a safe refuge in times of trouble. Thank You for Your living and active Word and Presence that provide strength, protection, and refuge.

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

The Privilege of Prayer

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based on the LGG Study / Enduring Hope w5d4

Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; SOAP / 9-11

Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again, 11 as you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.

2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Observations

So often in our suffering we are brought to the end of ourselves so that we remember to not trust in ourselves but rather in God – the One who is able to raise the dead.

Paul moves from talk of his suffering to a focus on God and how He delivered them from death and the confidence that God would continue to deliver them. –

Paul credits the Corinthians for their gift of prayer and the help it was to him and his team, urging them to give thanks to God on their behalf.

In reference to suffering – No one likes to suffer, but if Paul and his team had not suffered, people would not have prayed and seen or rejoiced in the answer. Sometimes our suffering is about more than us.

Application

Prayer is described in the Bible as seeking God’s favor (Exodus 32:11), pouring out one’s soul to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:15), crying out to heaven (2 Chronicles 32:20), drawing near to God (Psalm 73:28, KJV), and kneeling before the Father (Ephesians 3:14).

gotquestions.org / prayer

As noted by the underlined words in the above definition of prayer, by gotquestions.com, prayer should be an active part of every Christian’s life. It is thoughts and words, spoken or whispered, standing or sitting, or as Paul says – “kneeling”. It is born from a hope set in God and out of a desire to talk to Him, to seek His help or forgiveness in some matter – or to simply adore Him and praise Him for who He is and/or what He has done. It can be as simple as a sentence, a word, or a thought, or it can be detailed and involved and as long as it takes to pour your heart out to Him, as Hannah did (1 Samuel 1:8-15).

Prayer and the deliverance or answers it brings is a gift to both those who are praying and the ones they are praying for.

Praying offers us the opportunity to rejoice in what God does and allows us to be a part of His work. Let’s commit to being people who faithfully seek the Lord in prayer.

Another benefit of suffering is found here. When believers turn to God for help in suffering and see how He provides exactly what is needed, their faith is strengthened. They continue to rely on him and grow confident in God’s willingness and ability to save them.

Bibleref.com / 2 Corinthians 1:10
Prayer – Response to God’s Word

Father, this awesome privilege of prayer can so often be viewed and/or used selfishly to petition You only for our own needs, wants, fears, or complaints – but help us to remember that prayer is so much more than this. It is the privilege to fellowship with You or to give You praise or to pray for others in need, be it spiritual, physical, or material need. It is, above all, the privilege of drawing near to You and the window of opportunity to see You work, be it the sweetest, smallest answer, or the great and miraculous! There is great comfort in prayer, as well as peace, and joy, and rejoicing when we draw near to You and when we sense You drawing near to us, as is Your promise. And Father, as we are seeing in this study, it is through prayer that we find the strength and hope to endure. Help us, as Your children, to be faithful in drawing near to You in prayer – to embrace this opportunity and privilege to walk with You and talk with You through life. Let us live lives of prayer – keeping our eyes and our faith fixed on You – praying continually as Paul wrote – for in this alone will we have an enduring hope and a strengthened faith – Amen, in Jesus’ name!

Going Deeper

What is prayer?

What is the purpose of prayer?

Worship Through Song: The Prayer