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

Feb 21

“A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame…” Proverbs 17:2

The wise and the fool are often contrasted in the book of Proverbs. In the normal course of human government, a master’s son would naturally have rule over a servant. Wisdom however, can make a huge difference to the status, position and responsibility of any individual. In the presence of titled foolishness, servant wisdom may well be preferred and given place. In our verse, it may be because the son’s father recognises the son’s looseness and foolishness that he places him under the authority of the wise servant in question; or perhaps simply through sagacity and diligent application, the servant progressively wins the favour and authority of the father over his foolish son. Either way we learn by comparison, the powerful value of wisdom, its application and benefit in every area and dealing of life, versus the poverty and shame which foolishness and irresponsibility, inevitably will bring. God is intent in teaching His people to be wise people with a godly, heavenly, kind of wisdom. This is not an astuteness to be used against others, for personal glorification or gain, but rather an endowment, by which to glorify God and be of service to our fellow-man. God blesses those who navigate the seas of life, steering with the helm of godly discernment, and powered by the sails of obedience, filled with the winds of divine principles! It matters not what our initial status in life may be, if we prove ourselves wise and faithful, God has greater plans and purposes ahead for us! Yahwah is no respecter of persons! His blessings and opportunities for life, His endowments - both present and eternal, are open and available to all, without reference to family heritage, entitlement or position. Indeed we are all servants of the Almighty God, and as such none above another. The difference in the position He grants us then, may well come down, to just how much in love and regard for God, we each individually submit to His ways, learn His wisdom, and become profitable servants for His Majesty’s glory!

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