Devotion
The poor work so the rich may live
David Jacobs
The income gap is a problem that has not gone away. It has existed as long as modern civilization. Today, the 8 richest people in the world have the same amount of wealth as the poorest's 50 percent. Read that again! There is a growing and dangerous concentration of wealth in the modern world. If a small number of people control so much wealth and power, what does that mean for the rest of us?
As I previously stated, this problem has existed as long as civilization. In these verses, the people of Judah are rising up against those in power. They go to Nehemiah, demanding that something should be done. The wealthy have taxed the people so heavily that some of the working class must sell their children to slavery! The people of Israel have escaped slavery from other nations several times already in the Old Testament, but now they must deal with it from their own people!
Nehemiah goes to the nobles and rulers and demands that things change. It seems that the Babylonian exile may have changed the way the rulers thought about their own brethren and more importantly, it seems that they have stopped fearing the Lord their God. The strong words of Nehemiah change that, and the working people no longer suffer as before.
Prayer
Imagine if the wealthiest on earth could listen to the similar logic: Oh! How the world would change for better! We must remain steadfast and focus not on the wealth of this world, but on the bounty of riches that await us, devotees of Christ, if we follow the path of Christ. Unlike the wealthiest in Nehemiah's time and now, the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). Thanks be to God!
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
