February 17 - Doing My Part

Overview of: Nehemiah

Today's Reading:
Neh. 1:1-11; 2:1-20
"Nehemiah Rebuilds"

Focus Verses: Nehemiah 2:17-18
17 Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

Insight:
Though Nehemiah was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, his heart and prayers were with the remnant of Israel that had returned to Jerusalem from their exile in Persia. Upon hearing news that the rebuilding of the temple and the city were being hindered because of the disrepair of the city walls and gates, he prayed and fasted and took up the challenge to do something about it.

God provided the materials, time, and security Nehemiah needed to take on the task. Nehemiah's ability to plan, pray, and push served the cause well. Under his leadership, the wall, which had been in ruins ever since the exiles had returned, would soon be completed.

Response and Action:
I want to have a heart for God's people and the cause of Christ. As Nehemiah was concerned for the advancement and restoration of Jerusalem, I want to be seriously engaged in the mission, the stability, and the body life of my church.

I will fast and pray for the advancement of God's kingdom in our community. I will contribute my skills and efforts to help my church family become stronger, deeper, and more effective. My faith in God compels me to have a passion for the greater Christian community and the cause of Christ. I will do my part and enlist others to join me in Kingdom service and mission.

O God, thank you for your Church. Thank you for the community of Christ-followers in my city. Help me, as a member of that community, to do my part to strengthen and advance the ministry and mission of Jesus. Bless and provide for all those who are committing their lives and their efforts to proclaim the Good News. Uphold and guide all those who are serving and blessing the world in the spirit and way of Jesus. It's in his name that I pray. Amen.

New Testament for Today: Ephesians 4:15-16
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
In Context: Eph. 4:1-32

Proverb for Today: Prov. 17:2
"A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers."

Recommended Reading:
Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World
by Allen M. Wakabayashi