June 6

“…So I prayed to the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 2:4

This example in scripture shows the importance and prevalence we should give to prayer. Nehemiah had prayed, fasted and waited on God already, yet here, before he dares to answer the king’s request, right in the middle of a conversation, he lifts his mind to God in prayer. There is not mention of a response from the Lord at this time, but that does not lessen the necessity, power and validity of Nehemiah’s prayer. It has been said that prayer should be as comfortable and natural as breathing to those who believe. It is evident from scripture that whilst special times of prayer, and special places may have been set aside for this holy exercise, that it is never out of place or an inconvenient time to connect to the Lord in prayer, regardless of where we are or our situation. Close relationship with God, will mean that we are accustomed to raise our hearts in prayer and will ‘mentally’ pray often throughout the day. It is not inappropriate to include brief and swift mental prayer, while we speak or listen, in fact it may improve the quality and nature of much of our communication! Certainly including prayer in our daily life, not only in the morning or at night, but as an integral part of our thought processes and responses, will keep us much more conscious of the Lord and aware of our accountability to Him. This should not sound ‘over the top’ or in any way excessive to us, if we genuinely believe the Lord is able to see and hear all we do and say anyway, and if, as we claim, we truly hold Him as the Lord and Master of our lives! What a privilege to communicate with Heaven on a direct, unhindered, any-time open line! How wonderful that God is interested in our individual lives so much, that He desires to hear about all and any of the details we care to raise and discuss with Him! Far from the distant, aloof and disinterested God, which many imagine and cast Him to be, the Lord Jesus wants to be to each of us, a ‘Friend that sticks closer than a brother’! He desires to be there for us in every moment and every aspect of our lives, if only we will include Him! How amazing that the Supreme ruler of the universe, the Almighty and Self-Sufficient One, never claims to be too busy or occupied, but chooses to listen to the faintest prayers we may lift to Him from our finite and limited hearts and minds! We serve a great and powerful God, who cares and wants to hear from us, all that remains is for us to build a close relationship with Him and pray as Nehemiah and many others did, to the ‘God of Heaven’!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

May 8

“And next unto him builded the men of Jericho…” Nehemiah 3:2

Several points of interest can be gathered from this text. It is significant that right beside the priests who jump started the operation by rolling their sleeves up and getting into the work, the first group of people mentioned are the ‘men of Jericho’. This had been the first city which had fallen to Joshua and Israel in the conquest of Canaan, and now the posterity of the inhabitants of that city, lend a hand to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, how amazing the hand and power of God! We can without doubt learn from the events which surround the leadership of Nehemiah and the work of the people in this great task of rebuilding the walls of the city, we might consider the following three aspects. Firstly it is clear that there was a great, pressing and difficult task at hand. We have today as Christians a very similar task. Much of what once stood strong for God and His word has been demolished and left in ruins. It is our task to rebuild and to do so unto the Lord. The task is great, pressing and very difficult. It is fraught with opposition, ridicule and disdain. It requires great amounts of time, effort and money. It is at face value ‘an impossible’ task, too great for anyone to even consider. Yet this is what we are called to do as believers; we are to strengthen that which is weak, lift up that which is fallen and restore the ways of God in our lives. Secondly, there were many willing workers were present to help with the work. It has been said that ‘many hands make light work’. This is true where the ‘hands’ are willing to work together, not for personal glory or gain, but for the greater and common goal, without thought of self and selfish motives. Often however, due to the wrong motivation for being involved in a common task, it has been more beneficial to have fewer, dedicated, genuinely eager, selfless, one minded individuals, than ten times the number without those qualities. This is sad and causes much more weight and burden to be carried by few, but it often results in better outcomes. It is desirable that God’s work be carried by all of God’s people, each willingly and faithfully bringing personal skills, time and effort into play. Everyone can contribute and make a difference regardless of their background, age or ability. Thirdly, the project was undertaken in an organised and mutually supportive manner. The other important lesson we can learn from our text in doing the work which is set for us as followers of Jesus, is God’s work must be done in an organized, orderly fashion. Not in a spirit of competition against our brethren, but of support and encouragement. For this to take place, God has supplied His Word, His Holy Spirit and His ministry. Much more can be achieved in the work of God, when we are willing to follow the mandates of God’s word, carefully sense after His Spirit and listen to the instructions and direction of anointed ministry of God. If God ordained leadership tools are left out and ignored, the work of the Lord will suffer and probably remain an unfinished task. It is up to us to fit in with the guidelines and principles the Lord has established for our benefit and blessing, as we work and labour for the King of Kings. There is much work to be done and the task is pressing, let us determine in our minds and hearts to serve God willingly and selflessly in any way we can!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 23

“…he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.” Nehemiah 7:2

Nehemiah had undertaken a huge task. He trusted God and was blessed with wisdom and strength to carry it out. Good men in the service of God, also need other good men to stand by them! Hanani and Hananiah, were such men. The qualities God’s word highlights in these men, has little to do with the skills and abilities which may be attractive to the human mind, and all to do with the degree of purity of a person’s heart and conduct. The kind of man that can be depended on is called here - a faithful man. This type of person can be relied upon, is trustworthy and can be given responsibility. He shows his faithfulness in every aspect of his life. His dealings with family, friends and work speak of his faithfulness. He is not easily distracted or turned away from his duties and remains constant and consistent in his efforts. He is present when others are absent, and willing to help carry the load without coercion or constant pep talks. He offers himself and what he has for the greater cause of the service of God, and doesn’t constantly whine, complain or begrudge the cost. When the going gets tough, he doesn’t quit easily, and will be found standing with those in leadership, in quiet but firm support. This faithfulness towards others and responsibilities in general, is the natural result of his other great quality, which we find in this verse – he fears God. This person has a wholesome respect for Yahwah, for His ways and His word. He desires to maintain a correct relationship with the Lord, and to that end he analyses his life, and aligns it with the law of God. He insists on pleasing God with his actions, words and thoughts. He avoids the pitfalls of sin and turns away from temptation. He will not pay homage to the flesh, and in discipline knows how to say no to himself. He prays and senses after God’s Spirit to lead and guide him, in every aspect and task of life. The fear he has of God sets him apart and above many of his peers, as a wise and godly man. It has been said that a leader is best served if surrounded by a few faithful, God-fearing men, than an army of mercenary, self-serving false professors. May God supply every hardworking, dedicated and faithful minister, with equally faithful, God-fearing men to help and support in the work of God, and in the carrying of its many and varied responsibilities.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Mar 27

“…the high priest rose up with…the priests, and they builded the sheep gate…” Nehemiah 3:1

Eliashib was Joshua’s grandson, and appears to be the first high priest since Israel had returned from the captivity in Babylon. Under Nehemiah’s leadership, he started the restoration work setting the pace and frame for his fellow priests and the people. This is the correct attitude towards any work physical or otherwise that needs to be done in the church. Some insist that because they are called to the ministry, they should not ‘soil’ their hands with physical labour or effort. Whilst it is important never to lose sight of the spiritual labour, and the focus and precedence that it requires in the life of a minister, there is clearly room for rolling one’s sleeves up, and getting into the physical work also! How encouraging it is to see and have the spiritual leader, show enough concern for what needs to be done, that he doesn’t merely ‘direct’ the work, but  initiates, propagates the vision for it, begins it with personal involvement and inspires others to join-in and lend a hand! How appropriate that such heart and attitude should be found with those who are ministers, considering the term which titles them, is one of willing servitude and self-sacrifice! Very fitting also was where these ministers began their work of rebuilding. The text indicates they focused first on the ‘sheep gate’. This is understood to be a special entrance into the wall, through which sheep were brought into the city. They would then be ‘washed’ at a pool near this entrance, before being taken to the temple to be offered as sacrifices. Here again we see a necessity for the minister and worker for God, to always make a connection between the physical work and its higher purpose - the service of God. We should never lose sight then that when we may be mowing a lawn for a widow, or laying some concrete, or digging a drain in the church backyard, or helping needy brethren with any of their physical load, the physical labour, with all its pressures, difficulties and cost, has a spiritual connection to it – we are doing it - ‘as unto the Lord’! Individuals may benefit from the efforts, but the Lord is glorified and the He is the motivation and reason for the service!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Mar 23

 “…and confess the sins of the children of Israel…” Nehemiah 1:6

We don’t know a great deal about Nehemiah, except what we learn from the book that bears his name. He was one of the Jews of the Dispersion, following Israel’s deportation into Babylon, and was in the service of cupbearer to the Persian king. Persia had by this time conquered Babylonia and was set up as a sprawling and mighty kingdom. Somewhere along the line, he heard of the desolate condition of Jerusalem, his heart became heavy, and caused him to weep, mourn, fast and go to God in prayer. Communication with God in prayer, is where many great things originate. Nehemiah’s prayer did not begin with requests or petitions, but with confession of sin. Even though he lived many years after the Jews had been removed from their land to a foreign nation because they had turned away from the Lord, he confessed to God their sin and his own, as one. He took personal responsibility and included himself in the sin that brought God’s judgement against Israel, even if at that time he wasn’t yet born, and had probably never been in Israel personally! It is a prayer God answers, and a need God provides. It is a prayer steeped in repentance and sorrow, based on God’s word, and on fire with true humility. When we see wrong doing in the church, this is the kind of response that gets God’s attention! If only we would pray like Nehemiah did, taking personal responsibility for the communal performance of the church! It is naturally difficult for us to take on the shame and guilt of someone else’s unrighteousness, but if we reasoned it through, we would see that when one member in the body is sick, the whole body feels it and does not attack it, but participates in the healing process! That healing starts by admitting that we collectively have sinned before God, and need His mercy and grace. Instead we are often given to passing judgment, expressing negative and destructive criticism, attacking the spiritually sick with accusations, and turning our backs on those who are struggling, as if it is nothing to do with us! In fact, we become so detached from the reality of being part of the church, that even when we personally commit sin, we do not think of it as affecting the rest of the family of God! As lively members of the body of Christ, let us develop a deep and sincere sense of responsibility, firstly that we may be quick to repent and cleanse our own souls of any personal unrighteousness against God, and secondly to be just as willing to go to prayer and repent, for the wrong we may see our brother commit. In true sincerity and humility recognising that we should bear a common, contrite and compassionate burden, when it comes to praying and pleading with God to cleanse and restore the church! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 12

“...separated themselves…and stood and confessed their sins..” Nehemiah 9:2

God’s people are to be a holy people. In this account we see three important actions which are relevant to all who call on the name of the Lord. In an act of restoration of commitment and closeness with God, the Israelites ‘separated’ themselves, ‘stood’ and ‘confessed’ their sins. If we are to remain people consecrated to God, it is necessary that we are willing to ‘separate’ ourselves. The call of God for His people to pursue holiness and purity is a continuous theme in scripture. What differentiates believers from the unsaved should be obvious and should shout the holiness of God through their actions, thoughts and choices. It is necessary if we are to be and stay close to the Lord, that we separate ourselves from the world and its ways. These things should be foreign and distant from us. The people then ‘stood’. This is significant for it represents a position of determination for the Lord. One of the greatest problems we face as Christians today, is the lack of willingness among believers to ‘stand’ for God, His ways, His principles and His absolutes. Close relationship with Jesus can only be maintained if we are prepared to stand for Him. He taught that if we are not ashamed of Him (who He is, His doctrine and example), then He will not be ashamed of us! In an age of weakness and compromise, let God’s true people stand in love and humility. The next thing they did was to ‘confess’ their sins. When we partake of the holiness of God and stand in the strength of His power, we don’t do so to point a finger at others and find fault in others but to first and foremost make sure we stand right in God personally! This means an inward look, an inspection and examination of our own heart and soul, followed by heartfelt confession to God and repentance of our sins. Jesus made it clear we cannot spiritually help anyone in their shortcoming or sustain them in their need, if we ourselves are at fault with God and our vision impaired by carnal obstacles, and our convictions weakened by compromises. Taking an example from the Israelites in our text, let us renew our dedication to God and reconsecrate our lives and living unto Him.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Feb 2

 “And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words” Nehemiah 5:6

It may be counterintuitive to think of a godly person, a servant of God as being angry. There however such thing as righteous anger; the expression of displeasure or outrage at wrong doing and sin. Nehemiah was indignant and righteously angry when the people forsook the ways of God. They were not dealing with their brethren according to God’s principles and did not show the fear of God in their lives. His ‘anger’ was not expressed to bring them down or destroy them, but to edify them and help them return to the righteousness of God. His motivation therefore, was love. The believer cannot but experience and give place to righteous indignation at the wrong doing and unrighteousness of some who profess to be followers of Christ, but act like they know nothing of Him! In our modern day particularly, such liberality has been espoused by some so-called Christians, that it is difficult to tell them apart from unregenerate sinners who hate God. In a warped effort of being ‘relevant’ in our contemporary culture, many who attend churches and say they are Christians, also adopt the foul language of the world, the sinful sexual practices, the lose lifestyle, the sensual and immodest mode of dress and the worldview which supports rebellion and rejection of God and His principles. Yet somehow all this is justified even by their leaders, as acceptable and even desirable behaviour. Is it possible for light and darkness to dwell together? Or as James put it – can sweet and bitter water flow from the same fountain? In an astonishing case of spiritual blindness, such individuals cannot seem to discern the differences that should be evident between Christians and non-believers. Many of them simply state the warped dogma that it doesn’t matter how they behave or if they sin - Christ’s love simply covers it. It is true that Jesus forgives us, but He is also looking for a genuine repentant heart, one who not only admits the sin, but is willing to abandon it and turn from it. To the woman caught in adultery Jesus showed mercy, but also commanded her to go and sin no more! Some ‘believers’ misguided by false teaching, take this grace to mean they can just continue to sin and please their own flesh, showing no regard to God. By their actions they despise His commands, and yet merely because they claim to believe in Him, and say they ‘love’ Him, they also believe that God allows and accepts what they do! Paul in Romans 6:1-2 says ‘GOD FORBID! - Surely not! We who have been delivered from the ways of sin should not merrily continue in sin and then just claim God’s grace will cover it and abound over it - this is not God’s will. It is not hard to imagine then, that those who as true Christians, love God and obey His Word could be vexed, outraged and indignant at the damage these pretenders do to the cause of Christ. Their injury extends to those who do not yet believe, and also among those in Christ who are younger, and may follow their wayward example. In fact it would be wrong if there was no incensed response to such bent and twisted beliefs, from true Disciples of Christ. Nevertheless, in all our ‘righteous anger’, we need to be extremely careful and honest, to first look at our own selves. To first be ‘angry’ at our own shortcomings; to genuinely evaluate our own lives and values, measuring them against the Word of God. Yes, it necessary that we defend truth with passion and vigour, but we are instructed by Jesus, that before we try to help our brother with whatever may encumber their spiritual vision, we ought to first clear our own eyes of any foreign matter. This noble exercise will not only better equip us to help others, but also to do so in a more excellent spirit, in an attitude of genuine love – even if it has to be it some rather tough love !

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion