June 9

“…Let us build with you…” Ezra 4:2

At face value a reasonable request and one which might have been tempting, considering the great need and word to be done. After all they claimed to worship the same God! As the context demonstrates, however, the approach came from people less than sincere and with private, antagonistic agendas. They were known to not only worship Yahwah, but also many other gods, a practice which was offensive to the Almighty. The leaders of Israel were wise not to allow for their assistance! There may be times in our lives where we also might be tempted to enter into inappropriate alliances. Our motive may be to further the cause of Christ, but this is not a wise or fruitful practice! Those who are given to compromise regarding the truth, and are found wanting in holy and consecrated living for God, are not likely to be a true or consistent help in edifying the body of Christ! There are some who would want to participate in the projects and functions of the church, and may appear enthusiastic about giving of their time and efforts, but may, because of the shortcomings in their lives, be more of a hindrance than a help, to the witness for Christ. It is in such situations that leadership must be sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit. Paul exhorted believers to know those who worked among them. The context is to know the ministry and appreciate their work, but the same care applies in knowing those who are less than consecrated in their lives and service. A test of sincerity is often found in the response a person gives, when their offer is lovingly turned down or postponed. A genuine volunteer won’t mind waiting to be summoned when timely or appropriate, their desire is to serve God and be a help in any way or time as is convenient. Conversely someone who may have an ulterior motive, or a misplaced reason for offering their help or filling a position, will most probably react offended and may even become hostile towards leadership if turned down. Accomplishing God’s work in whatever sphere, is an important and privileged responsibility. It should be carried out with the utmost of personal care and attentiveness. It does not always require the greatest of talent, but it should always be done with the greatest excellence of heart!

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