Today's Readings: New Testament -
Matthew 4:18-25
1 Timothy 6:1-10
Old Testament -
Proverbs 9
Nehemiah 1-2
Click on Text Links to Read Online
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 the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, his heart and prayers were with his fellow Israelites—the remnant of Israel— who 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 & 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 as they serve God's greater cause to restore, redeem, and heal the world.
I will fast and pray for the advancement of God's kingdom. I will contribute my skills and efforts to help my church family become stronger, deeper, and more effective in God's mission to save and renew. My faith in God compels me to have a passion for 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.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 9:35-38
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Resources:
Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World
by Allen M. Wakabayashi
