Devotion
What’s wrong Nehemiah? Why do you look sad?
David Jacobs
If you have read the Old Testament closely, something may jump out at you when you read this passage. Do you notice something different? Notice the first sentence of the book: it is written from the first-person perspective. Parts of the book of Ezra are also written from the first-person perspective (Ezra 7:1-11). If you are anything like me, you are excited by this and also wondering why these books are written in a similar style.
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally written as one book. Ezra is believed to be the author of these books as he was a noted scribe (Ezra 7:6-10) and it would explain why parts of the book of Ezra were written from the first-person perspective.
Now let's look at the verses I selected. Nehemiah is a Jewish servant working for King Artaxerxes. The king notices Nehemiah looking sad and inquires as to why. Nehemiah wonders inwardly whether he should say his true feelings, prays to God, and tells the king why: he is unhappy because Israel has been destroyed, the people exiled, and he is doing nothing about it. He asks the king to let him go and, perhaps to his surprise, the king grants his wish. "Ask and ye shall receive" (Matthew 7:7).
Prayer
There is so much beauty to be unlocked in the Bible. Reading these verses for the first time and noticing the perspective change encourage me to learn more. The verses themselves are inspiring and touching, with Nehemiah mustering the courage to ask a benevolent king to let him go on a mission to rebuild his homeland. Get excited about the Bible! It makes reading it so much more meaningful.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
