Monday, August 28, 2006

Believe! - Romans 4

Wow. I'm astounded by what I read this morning in Romans 4. I'm discovering deeper meaning in what it means to be righteous. Look at what Paul writes about Abraham:
18 When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. God had also said, "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible! 19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred and that Sarah, his wife, had never been able to have children. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. 22 And because of Abraham's faith, God declared him to be righteous.
The fact that Abe believed God - had faith - this brought glory to God and favor from God. God declared Abe to be righteous because of his faith - and not just for Abe's benefit. Look what Paul writes next:
23 Now this wonderful truth – that God declared him to be righteous – wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. 24 It was for us, too, assuring us that God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead.
Do you want to know what it means to be righteous? One needs to simply believe what God has promised - like Abe did. Abe believed it more and more, even though he was getting old and it was becoming more and more likely that he would not normally have children.

So, what are some of God's promises? Here are a few - see if they apply in your situation:
  • And with all His abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen. (Philippians 4:19,20 Good News)
  • I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (Philippians 4: 13 Good News)
  • For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NLT)
  • But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NLT)
  • But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me (2 Cor. 12:9 NLT)
  • Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude v 24 NIV)
  • And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Believe! Do not doubt. By this you not only benefit from God's promises, but you bring Him glory and you encourage others to believe. You become righteous like Abraham.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 12:24 PM | | Comments

Saturday, August 26, 2006

No Matter - Romans 3

Here we go with the 'they' thing again! Who is Paul talking about now?
10 As the Scriptures say, "No one is good – not even one. 11 No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. 12 All have turned away from God; all have gone wrong. No one does good, not even one." 13 "Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their speech is filled with lies." "The poison of a deadly snake drips from their lips." 14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "They are quick to commit murder. 16 Wherever they go, destruction and misery follow them. 17 They do not know what true peace is." 18 "They have no fear of God to restrain them."
Paul is talking about everyone. In verse 10 he clarifies that he's talking about all of us - "No one is good." Knowing that, re-read the verses above. We (they) sound pretty hopeless.

But, are you ready for the good news? Look:
22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. 23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins.
I got chills when I read verse 22 when it said "no matter who we are or what we have done." YES!

So, Paul is trying to hammer the point into our thick skulls that only because of what Jesus Christ did, we can be saved. It's not complicated. It's not difficult to memorize. It's certainly not difficult to tell others about!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 11:08 AM | | Comments

Change of Heart - Romans 2

Paul is trying to make the Jews understand that simply being a Jew - being circumcised, being taught the law, going to church on Sunday - is not what saves. Even the gentiles - who don't have the written law - instinctively obey the law because it is written on their hearts, "for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right."

I'm struck by the lack of phrases like "it's not about you" or "you can't please God without accepting Jesus" or "your best is as filthy rags." I see lots of speak about being right before God by choosing to obey the law - whether written/taught or instincively/in your heart.

v2 - God will punish anyone who does such things
v5 - you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself
v6 - God will judge everyone for what they have done
v7 - He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good
v8 - He will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves
v9 - There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil
v10 - there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good
v12 - when the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed
v13 - it is obeying the law that makes us right in His sight
v25 - if you don't obey God's law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile
v26 - if the Gentiles obey God's law, won't God declare them to be his own people?

Here's the key:
V29 - No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...

God, thank You for Your awesome plan. Thank You that You made a way that none of us would be abandoned. Help us to understand this idea of putting You first in our lives - our eyes on You and nothing else - and how everything else will just take care of itself. We praise Your Name. We uncover our secret sin to You, God - knowing You already know about it. Heal us - change us - save us! We need You, God.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:48 AM | | Comments

Friday, August 25, 2006

The Bottom Line - Romans 1


Paul has a way of bringing complex concepts down to easily understandable tidbits. Of utmost importance is "what must a man do to be saved." As I read through chapter 1, the following resonated within me:
6 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – Jews first and also Gentiles. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
That's the Good News - our faith in God is what saves us. Salvation is more than just believing in God. Even the demons believe in God and they shudder in terror. They, however, do not trust in God to do anything for them. So also, you can believe in God and not be saved. You must also trust Him and His plan - the gospel of Jesus Christ, who came to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins.

How many times have we all heard someone say they're pretty sure they're going to heaven because they believe in God? It's not our belief in God that saves us - it's God Himself, through Jesus, and we have to come to a point in our lives where we truly believe in that and have faith in what God did (and continues to do). In other words, it's more than just believing that God exists.

Now, you can also believe in Santa Claus, but he won't do anything for you. Your faith in him will be rewarded with emptyness and disappointment. Like those who trust in anything besides the one true God, Santa-Clausians will be left empty and disappointed. However, belief and faith in Christ will be rewarded with an intimate relationship with God, our Creator and King.

So, what do we do with that? Paul goes on in this chapter to describe the evil and wicked things that people do who have turned their back on God - even though they, like everyone else, has known of God instinctively all their lives. Look what he writes:
19 For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20 From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.
There's no excuse. The signs are everywhere. Yet, there are those who choose to turn their backs and follow their own ways and ideas.

That's where we are to come in. We need to tell these people the Good News. We need to live our lives as examples so God can draw them unto Himself. It's not complicated - we simply have to tell them what God has done for us.

Pray about who God would have you talk to this week. Start small and see if God won't amaze you and work through you.

peace,
e




Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 12:49 PM | | Comments

I Know Who 'They' Is! - Romans 1

How many times have you heard someone mention 'they' as a source for great wisdom or reasoning? "They say that..." always makes me want to question, "Who's 'they'?"

Even Paul references these people in Romans chapter 1 (I've bolded references to 'they' and 'them'):
19 For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20 From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes.
Who are these people? Well, good news! Paul clears that up for us in verse 18:
18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people
who push the truth away from themselves.
Paul continues on listing things these sinful, wicked people do. It was easy for me to read the list and be tempted to compare myself as much more 'righteous.' However, Paul's point here is that God shows His anger towards those who "push the truth away." That means everyone from the most despicable, wicked person who engages on many things in the list here in Romans 1, to the Sunday School teacher and Preacher who have come to rely on themselves and who no longer depend upon God for life, for forgiveness, or for help.

Like Paul, I'm puzzled how people can see the majesty of God through nature - the clouds at sunset or sunrise, the majestic Redwood forests, snow-covered mountaintops, whitecaps on the ocean waves, intriquite flowers and flora, amazing animals and all living things - and not respond to Him. They must be crazy!

That's why God depends upon us to reach 'them.' 'They' need to hear our story about what God has done for us. 'They' need to hear the Good News.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:39 AM | | Comments

What's Your Story? - Romans 1

What's your story?

Do you know the story of Paul? He's the guy that met God in a bright light there on road to Damascas. He went from being one of the most notious persecutors of the Christian faith to one of the most famous proclaimers of it. He gave up everything when he became a Christian. God totally changed his life. Paul ate, slept, lived and breathed the gospel, going from town to town telling about what God had done for him. Paul's passion is obvious in this chapter - bringing others the Good News of the Gospel.

Which makes me examine my priorities. Has God not done the same for me that he did for Paul? Did He not rescue me from myself, from darkness, from a dreary world void of a relationship with the Creator of the Universe? Yet if you were to document all my activities for a day, would my actions reflect my relationship with Him?

Something very simple, yet very powerful, stood out as I read Romans 1:
9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by telling others the Good News about his Son.
Paul prays for those in the church. He prays for them day and night, bringing their needs to God. Paul believes in the power of prayer. This got me thinking - who has God put under me that I should be praying for? This is one area in my life that I need to turn up the heat. I need to pray for my church, the leadership and those in the body, day and night. I need to pray for the men in my small group, and my accountability brothers - day and night.

Now, look at the last half of that verse: "...God, whom I serve with all my heart by telling others the Good News about his Son."

Do you see it? Paul is saying the way he serves God with all his heart is by telling others the Good News about Jesus.

How many times have you heard someone ask, "How do I serve God?" There are hundreds of books on serving God. Preachers spend weeks on the subject. Yet, with a simple sentance, Paul boils it all down to what's really important: telling others the Good News.

I'm telling you, this has convicted me. Like I said before, it's time for me to get back to basics. Things have become way too complicated, to the delight of my enemies. There is great power in telling our story about what God has done (or is doing) in our lives. People want to hear stories. People need hope and they need to hear that there's a God who cares for them. There are those that need to hear your story.

What's your story? How has God changed you? How has the Creator of the Universe touched your life? Tell someone...

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:03 AM | | Comments

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Back to Basics

Well, it has happened again. Every once in a while, I get so far "out there" with my plans and activities that I loose all effectiveness. I start getting so dependent upon my own skills and plans that suddenly nothing seems to be making any difference. The result is a series of half-completed projects and complete dissatisfaction on my part.

Specifically, I got to the point last week where I was busy going here and there, writing, preparing worship tunes, planning activities, showing up to this meeting and that, trying to get things done around the house, daddy/daughter time, and a variety of other things I'm responsible for. You've been there, right? Things were getting done, but I knew I could do better. I knew something was missing - so I'd try to plan out and figure out what else I could do and how I could fit it in my already heavy daily schedule.

At the Wildmen men's meeting last week, I was running around trying to get this and that accomplished and one of the men came to me and asked if I'd fill in as small group leader because the regular leader and co-leader were both out. I remember thinking "but I've got so much to do!" but I said I would. It was the biggest blessing I could have had right then. Just being there with the guys, listening to their stories, all sharing their thoughts about the study and what God was doing in their lives, made me realize that my focus was all wrong. Once again, I had let things get way too complicated - at least in my own mind.

Over the next week, God was speaking to me about how I need to simplify (again!) and focus on what's really important. That's why He led me to start in Romans again. Back to basics. What's really important is our relationship with God and telling others what God's doing in our lives - not some complicated, multi-layered ministry or some other vain pursuit.

So, we turn to Romans, the Cathedral of Christian faith, was written by Paul on his third missionary journey. It plainly teaches about how a sinner can be made righteous through a relationship with Jesus Christ, and then how a justified sinner lives daily for the glory of God.

I look forward to the simple message and hearing your thoughts as we journey through the book of Romans together.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 11:56 AM | | Comments

Monday, August 14, 2006

No Limits! - Ezra 1

I'm so excited to hear the feedback about the book of Nehemiah that we just finished. It seemed like the right book at the right time. Now, we're stepping back a book to Ezra - a bit out of order, so don't be confused. This book begins with a repeat of the end of 2 Chronicles with Cyrus, king of Persia, asking for volunteers to return to Jerusalem to build a temple. It actually goes back farther than that with Isaiah prophesying that Cyrus would be used by God to restore Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (the prophecy took place before Cyrus was born):
When I say of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd,' he will certainly do as I say. He will command that Jerusalem be rebuilt and that the Temple be restored." - Isaiah 44:28
So it is clear that God's plan was in place and nothing was going to stop it. All the plans were in place, Bablylon was punished for destroying Jerusalem (by Cyrus the Great) and, as prophecyed, Cyrus "feels compelled" to help restore Jerusalem.

Does this mean God can use non-Christians to complete His work? You bet!

Imagine if you were Cyrus and this man named Daniel came to you and showed you the prophecy in the Bible where you restored Jerusalem. Wouldn't you be "compelled?"

The hope for me in this chapter is that no matter my situation, no matter how overwhelmed I feel or surrounded, God can (and does) even the playing field in an instant. He is not restricted or limited by resources. He can (and does) send help from unusual places that I would never dream.

The theme of rebuilding continues. What would God have you spending your time rebuilding today?

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 7:44 AM | | Comments

Sunday, August 13, 2006

What's Next?

During our reading in Nehemiah, Ezra was mentioned a few times. I had other reading in mind, but after praying about it, I have a strong desire to go back a book and read about him.

Let's go back and check out Ezra's story, starting tomorrow in chapter 1.

This is getting good!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 1:32 PM | | Comments

Ends in Frustration - Nehemiah 13

Well, having completed his mission, Nehi returned to Persia and to his king. But, not for long. Nehi requested leave to go back to Jerusalem a short time later. On his return, Nehi was disappointed to find that the oath these people had made not long before had already lost its meaning. Already the people had "forgotten" the covenant they made and were involved in intermarriage, working on the Sabbath, and more. Nehi got right to work:
30 So I purged out everything foreign and assigned tasks to the priests and Levites, making certain that each knew his work. 31 I also made sure that the supply of wood for the altar was brought at the proper times and that the first part of the harvest was collected for the priests. Remember this in my favor, O my God.
You can almost sense his frustration. His prayer is simple and direct - remember this in my favor. What can you say about these people? After all they've been through - begging forgiveness, obtaining favor from God again, blowing it and starting all over - again and again.

Kind of reminds me of .... me.

Thank You for your continued mercy and grace, Lord.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 12:50 PM | | Comments

Choir Music - Nehemiah 12

Have you ever sat in the audience of a large choral presentation? Perhaps some of you have been fortuante enough to attend a Promise Keepers event and hear the thunder of 10,000 men singing. There is nothing quite like the sound of a large choir.

I was excited to read about all the choirs in this chapter. Here's a few of the verses:
27 During the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, lyres, and harps. 28 The singers were brought together from Jerusalem and its surrounding villages and from the villages of the Netophathites. 29 They also came from Beth-gilgal and the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built their own villages around Jerusalem.
I have often commented that today's church has dropped the ball when it comes to the arts. A quick look back at history reveals that much of what we consider classic music and sculpture and fine art was commissioned by the church or came out of the church itself. Today, one is hard-pressed to find a church with a choir or one that offers lessons in music or vocal instruction. Schools have deemphasized the arts for lack of funding, indicating their preference for academics instead. So, the arts suffer.

While I'm a big fan of what we've come to call "praise teams", they can be limiting. I understand that it's much easier to rehearse a small band with only a few singers, but I miss hearing choir music and orchestras in the church. I miss the opportunity for everyone in the church to be involved in worship rather than a select few that perform week after week, while other musicians and un-developed talents sit observing in the crowd. If our children can't learn about music (and more importantly about why we worship), and they can't learn in school, where will they learn?

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 12:22 PM | | Comments

The Oath - Nehemiah 10

Chapter 10 of Nehemiah describes the extensive oath the children of Israel make before God, under the leadership of Nehi. It describes what the Jewish nation promise to fulfill the law given to them, including carefully obeying the law and the acceptance of God's curse if they failed. It also included promises about not intermarrying, honoring the Sabbath and tithes and offerings.

This covenant was brought forth to God by signing a formal document before Him, rather than how it was done in the past with sacrifice and sprinkling with blood.

This chapter got me wondering how we would fare if this kind of covenant were required today. What if we had to sign such a document before joining a church or even becoming a Christian?

There remains much debate about honoring these pre-Christ laws, and this is not the place for such heavily controversial topics. The bottom line is: I'm thankful for God's mercy and grace. Today, we are led by the Holy Spirit concerning our sins, confession, and what we do with our time and treasure and talent.

Lord, I want to honor you with my time, treasure and talent. Thank you for the example of Nehemiah and how he led his people to understand your Law and how he boldly led them back into submission. Help us encourage those in our spheres of influence to do the same.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 11:37 AM | | Comments

The Humble Voice - Nehemiah 9

This day was appointed to be the day of atonement and the children of Israel were told (probably by Nehi) to observe the fast, and to appear in sackcloth in the posture of mourners with earth on their heads. By these outward expressions of sorrow and humiliation, these people gave glory to God and encouraged one another to repentance.

Look at verse 3:
3 The Book of the Law of the LORD their God was read aloud to them for about three hours. Then for three more hours they took turns confessing their sins and worshiping the LORD their God.
That's some serious worship!

Then, the leaders of the Levites stood up in the stairs and began an amazing recount of the children of Israel from Abram's travel from Ur to captivity in Egypt to the settling in the Promise Land to the destruction of the Temple. At every point, the men confessed in humility how the children of Israel turned from God when things were going well, and as a result suffered further misfortune.

The Levite leaders offer to God a thankful acknowledgement of God's mercies throughout the years, a sincere confession of sins, humble submission to God and a vow resolution of obedience for the children of Israel.

How do we apply this to our lives today? Can you think of all the times you've promised God something, only to fail to carry out your side of the bargain? How many times have we sinned before God, only to receive His mercy when we confessed and repented? Looking over the entire summary of the adventures of the children of Israel in this chapter, it is good to know how many times He was merciful, and forgave them of their sins. That's the encouragement today for me - no matter what I've done in the past, He is faithful to forgive me if I confess and repent.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:50 AM | | Comments

A Man of Exhortation - Nehemiah 8

In chapter 8 of Nehemiah, we see Nehi exhorting the people to party on this sacred day:
9... "Don't weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God." All the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. 10 And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"
These people had been through a lot. Not only did they endure the difficulties of rebuilding an entire wall around Jerusalem, to defending each other from attacks of their enemies, giving up land and resources to complete the project, now they heard the Law of God read to them and they were conviced of their sins. Nehi and the other priests encouraged them to celebrate because they now understood the scriptures. They were forgiven and God was restoring their city! They needed to throw a feast and include everyone. What really struck me in this chapter is in verses 5 & 6:
5 Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet. 6 Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, "Amen! Amen!" as they lifted their hands toward heaven. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
When they saw the book opened, they all rose to their feet in reverence. Ezra praised God and all the people began chanting, "Amen! Amen!" and they lifted their hands toward heaven. They bowed and worshiped the Lord. And, this was all because the book had been opened up.

Contrast that with a typical church service you attend today. In many churches I've been to, there are no Bibles to be found - not in the pews (or folding chairs) not available in the lobby. Few even bring their Bibles with them any more, perhaps because the verses are now all conveniently displayed on a PowerPoint slide, or perhaps because the person speaking rarely even mentions the Bible in their sermon of "personal reflection" or their emotional pep rally.

Look at the response of the people. Just the opening of the book caused them to raise to their feet and worship and raise their hands. Do you see anyone manipulating their emotions, playing music louder and louder, shouting at them to chant, telling them to raise their hands, pressuring them to respond? NO!!!

They simply respond because they honor God and His Law.

If you're not in a church where the man in charge honors the Word of God and presents God's Word to the people, rather than their own opinions or clever 3-point sermons, take a close look at the reverence that Ezra and Nehi (and the priests present that day) have for even the opening of the Book. If your congregation has to be hyped up and screamed at week after week, take a close look at these people who simply respond when the Book is even opened up.

Take a look at third world countries where they can't simply go down to the Christian book store and pick up a Bible. People are dying (literally) to have a copy.

I am deeply effected today by what God has shown me in this chapter. I am excited about what He's telling me about His Word and the importance of our attitude and reverence toward it.

Thank You, Lord, for what You're teaching me through the daily reading of Your Word. Forgive me for how I've taken Your Word for granted. It is Your mouth to my ears. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for all the sacrifice and the lives that have been lost to bring it to me. Teach me to have respect for Your Holy Word, just as these did in Nehemiah 8. -amen

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:04 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

A Man of God - Nehemiah 7

There are certain advantages of belonging to the family of God. Nehi certainly realized that the only way that he was able to complete this seemingly unsurmountable task in such a short amount of time is to rely on God.

The walls were completed and the gates in place. But, we had a slight problem - nobody to live in the city! In chapter 7, we see how Nehi also had the ability to hear God:

4 At that time the city was large and spacious, but the population was small. And only a few houses were scattered throughout the city. 5 So my God gave me the idea to call together all the leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. I had found the genealogical record of those who had first returned to Judah.
So, Nehi sent word to gather the leaders for registration. I guess it was kinda like an "open-house." "Hey, come look at the new walls & gates!" I was reminded of the movie "Field of Dreams" and the now-famous phrase, "If you build it, they will come."

God gave him the idea. I love that. How many times do we think of a clever idea and brag about how smart we are? Nehi knew where his ideas and his solutions come from: God. I admire Nehi's character and his walk with God.

Lord, help me to always seek answers from You, then honor You for Your help.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:10 AM | | Comments

A Man of Faith - Nehemiah 6

In this chapter, we find Nehi facing Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of his enemies. They plotted to kill Nehi and invited him to a "meeting." Nehi realized their schemes and ignored their request for a meeting.

On the fifth invite, one of Sanballat's servants came with an "open letter" to the king, informing him that Nehi was planning on revolting and taking over as king (that's why he was rebuilding the wall). That definitely had some serious ramifications. My "what-if generator" went off just reading about it. Yet, Nehi remained calm and unaffected. He had a job to do and trusted God that it would get done:
8 My reply was, "You know you are lying. There is no truth in any part of your story."
Then, Mehetabel tried to convince Nehi that God had told him that his enemies were coming to kill him and that he needs to hide behind lock and key. Nehi realized it was not God speaking, but Sanballat and Tobiah (who had hired Mehetabel). He declared:
11 But I replied, "Should someone in my position run away from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won't do it!"
So, Nehi remained unafraid. His eyes were on God and the goal God had given him. He knew who he was and what place he had in God's plan. He trusted God. He had great faith; peace in the storm.

Lord, increase my trust in You.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:43 AM | | Comments

A Man of Justice - Nehemiah 5

We've seen how Nehemiah is wise and faithful when it comes to carrying out his God-given passion to rebuild the walls around the city of Jerusalem. He has stood guard against the enemies outside of Jerusalem and trained the people how to be on guard as well.

Chapter 5 demonstrates Nehemiah's concern for the people of Jerusalem and how he stood guard against internal threats to take advantage of the people and bring them to ruin from within.

Nehemiah is made aware that people's money is short. The people of Jerusalem had sacrificed everything to help rebuild the walls. Some had to borrow money to survive during the project - yet lenders, yes Jewish relatives, were taking advantage of the people and oppressing them with excessive interest. He encouraged those with smaller families and many resources to help those with large families with little resources. Nehi addresses these lenders with the following message:
9 "What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations? 10 I myself, as well as my brothers and my workers, have been lending the people money and grain, but now let us stop this business of loans. 11 You must restore their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes to them this very day. Repay the interest you charged on their money, grain, wine, and olive oil."
As a result, these lenders agreed to not only give back the excessive interest they received so far, but to no longer charge them anything for their loans.

Lastly, I noticed something at the end of the chapter that caught my eye. Nehi is talking about how as Governor of Judah, he never drew on his official food allowance, nor did he acceptance of any land ownership. He spent time working on the wall, as did his associates. He asked for nothing, yet continually helped others in need. And, look at his remark at the end of the chapter:
19 Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.
This kind of debunks teaching we've heard about not asking God to bless us, doesn't it? The one thing I keep hearing in our reading lately, is that there ARE rewards associated with serving the Lord, and serving His people. Nehi's motivation was not the rewards, but he felt justified in asking God to bless him for his faithfulness and justice.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 8:30 AM | | Comments

Friday, August 04, 2006

A Man of Determination - Nehemiah 4

Well, like today, Jerusalem had enemies even back then. The Samarians hated the Jews and despised the fact that Nehi had come to pay any attention to these "poor silly people." The truth is, once the walls and gates were rebuilt, the Jewish nation becomes a threat again - and they did not want that.

So, Sanballat and Tobiah were angry and despised what was going on. They began to mock and ridicule Nehi and the builders. Instead of reacting to their insults, Nehi answered with prayers:
4 Then I prayed, "Hear us, O our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in the presence of the builders."
Certainly, that's wisdom enough for today: when scoffed, don't react but pray. However, consider the tone of Nehi's prayer. Is this the kind of prayer your pastor would have you pray today? I tend to believe that in our culture, we'd be counseled to have tollerance, turn the other cheek, and pray for mercy on them as we love them in spite of their harsh words.

The truth is, these people would just as well kill the Jews as look at them. Determined to carry out the task God had given him, Nehi wisely rotates half of the builders to be on guard while the other half continue their work. Furthermore, workers carried weapons on them while they continued to build. This slowed the progress, but was necessary to prevent the enemy from interfering.

So - what do we take away from this?

We need to recognize the task we've been given and seek His wisdom and help to complete it. When (not if) the enemy tries to interfere, no matter how trivial or significant, we need the determination to press on, but also the wisdom to guard ourselves.

Mainly, I take away from this chapter that God will be our defense. If He has given us the plan, He is faithful to provide us what we need to complete it. No setback, timeline, resource issue, enemy or harsh comment will be able to stand in the way.

What vision has God given you? What plan does He want you to be carrying out right now? Rebuilding your own walls? Rebuilding the walls around your family? What about ministry - are there walls to be rebuilt in your church? Your men's ministry? Your community?

Something to consider...

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:06 AM | | Comments

Thursday, August 03, 2006

A Man of Chrisma - Nehemiah 3

After reading today's chapter you realize one thing - there are a lot of gates to rebuild! There's the sheep gate, the fish gate, the old city gate, the valley gate, the dung gate, the fountain gate, the water gate (sounds kind of familiar, that one), the horse gate, the east gate and the inspection gate. Now, include with that all the walls the go in between all those gates and you've got quite a pile of work to do!

Keep in mind these walls and gates have laid in ruin for seventy years! With so much work to do, it's understandable why no one wanted to take up the task.

So, I'm very impressed with the charisma of Nehi. I realize we don't have record of the entire conversation when Nehi got finished inspecting the situation and finally came out and told of his intention to rebuild. The thing that struck me is how quickly everyone jumped in to help. Did you get that from reading? It seems like ol' Nehi says I'm here to rebuild the walls - and everyone just agrees and starts rebuilding. Look at the end of chapter 2:
17 But now I said to them, "You know full well the tragedy of our city. It lies in ruins, and its gates are burned. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and rid ourselves of this disgrace!" 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.They replied at once, "Good! Let's rebuild the wall!" So they began the good work.
How did he get the people who had known of and walked over the actual crumbled walls and gates for seventy years to get excited about all this hard work so quickly?

Well, it took a man with the passion, and a man with the plan. God gave Nehi the inspiration and the opportunity with the King. Nehi simply told what God had done - and the people responded. I tend to think this was less about Nehi, and more about how God chose the right man at the right time. Still, Nehi had to possess the abilities and desires to get the job done - he was wired up for such a time as this.

Now, I feel like I need to mention something else. I normally don't read anyone else's emails before I read the chapter, but today I read an email from my friend James who has a great gift of cutting through all the noise and nailing the main point. He made some really good points about today's chapter, and I want to share (with his permission):
Apparently, Jerusalem had dozens of gates. Their purpose, I assume, was for protection from attackers. My point:

The city is only as strong as it's weakest gate!

Each access point had to be repaired to it's fullest or the city would be vulnerable. How does this relate to us?

We as men also have gates . . . our eyes, ears, mind etc.

Just like the city of Jerusalem many of our gates are broken in the sense that they are not keeping out harmful influences.

What gates of your life are broken?

What things are getting past the gate and into your life that harmful? TV, movies, thoughts?

What is it going to take to repair the gates of our lives? Accountability, living unplugged?
Yes! This is good stuff, James. Thanks for your insight this morning.

By the way, I found a site with some home photos of a trip to Jerusalem. They've identified all the gates and show a photo of how each looks today. Check it out by clicking here.

Think about how to rebuild the gates in your life today. As James points out, we're only as strong as our weakest gate.

Lord, send the Nehemiah into our lives to inspire us to get off our butts and rebuild what we've been stepping over and ignoring for years. -amen

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:31 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

A Man of Courage - Nehemiah 2

Well, as you recall, God had given Nehi (can I call him that?) an extravagant vision or dream of rebuilding the walls and the gates of the great city of Jerusalem. But, Nehi works far away in Persia. How does one man leave his position in the government of Persia, go far away to distant lands and carry out such a task? God provides the answers...

One day, Nehi was in the same room as the King, just doing some governmental task, when suddenly the king strikes up a conversation with Nehi:

2 So the king asked me, "Why are you so sad? You aren't sick, are you? You look like a man with deep troubles."Then I was badly frightened, 3 but I replied, "Long live the king! Why shouldn't I be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been burned down."

There it is. Nehi just blurted out what was going on. He admits he was frightened, but he spilled the beans anyway. I imagine Nehi had been carefully considering how to approach his "boss" the King about this plan that God had placed in his heart. But, it doesn't appear to me that this was the time Nehi had planned to bring it forth to his highness. Nehi was pre-occupied and afraid, yet he made his request. Now look what happens:

4 The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."

Did you see that? "Then I prayed to the God of heaven..." Nehi gathered his thoughts, realized that he needed supernatural help and said a quick prayer before he said anything else. Then He trusted God enough to continue and make his request.

Nehi's responsibility was not for the result, only for making the request. God took care of the rest and not only granted his wise requests of letters of protection and provision, but the King also provided an army and calvary to go with him!

I see in Nehi a man who understands "for such a time as this." Although he is just a servant, he realizes that God has given him a job to do - a huge job, but that does not deter him. He prays to God for help and proceeds to make his request known - then God takes care of the rest.

What job would God have you to do? We can step out in boldness if God has given us the vision. Pray for His help, then step out there. You never know how He can use you.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:01 AM | | Comments

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

A Man of Action - Nehemiah 1

I'm excited about reading Nehemiah through. I've never sat down and just read this book - parts, but not the whole. I've always admired this man's leadership ability and faith and trust in God. Through him, the Jewish nation was revived and rejuvinated. He not only rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, but he then led the people in worship and Bible instruction. Nehemiah was key in reestablishing the nation of Israel after its destruction by Babylon. The thing that jumps out at me today is how Nehemiah heard and acted.
2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Once the news reached Nehemiah, something hit him. Suddenly his responsibilities in the Persian government were not the important thing in his life. He was given a mission. The temple had been rebuilt at Jerusalem already, but the walls remained in disrepair. The walls of a city represent power, protection and beauty. But, no one was stepping up to rebuild them after 70 years. So, instead of sitting around whining and complaining that the wall was broken down, instead of protests or hunger strikes against the government, Nehemiah turns to God.

That's the key! When there's something stirring in your heart, when you're suddenly feeling hopeless or passionate about something, or if you feel that some task is suddenly very important - ask God what to do. Like David who prayed about every little decision, it would be wise to turn first to God and get His recommendations. For days Nehemiah fasted and prayed to God. As a result - he got the vision. Instead of just reacting, he worked it out with God and received what he needed from God to get the job done. Lastly, I so much appreciated Nehemiah's prayer:
5 Then I said, "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, laws, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. 8 "Please remember what you told your servant Moses: 'If you sin, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands, even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.' 10 "We are your servants, the people you rescued by your great power and might. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success now as I go to ask the king for a great favor. Put it into his heart to be kind to me."In those days I was the king's cup-bearer.
Verse 9 brings comfort to wayward hearts. If the Jews who have been scattered come back and obey His commands, God will return His blessings.

Kind of like us today - no matter what has happened, no matter how far away from God we feel, no matter what the enemy has us thinking about ourselves and our relationship with our loving Creator - He will return His blessing if we return and obey.

That's the message Nehemiah received. He knew what he had to do - and he set out to do it by first asking God, then acting on what he heard.

What's God putting on your heart to complete today? What broken down walls do you have in your world? Seek Him for the plan, then step out in faith and in His power.

Good message for today, Nehemiah.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 7:07 AM | | Comments

About me

  • I'm Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy)
  • From Tampa, Florida, United States
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Reading Schedule

9/22/2006 - Esther 10
9/23/2006 - Psalms 24
9/24/2006 - Psalms 25
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9/30/2006 - Psalms 31
10/1/2006 - COMING SOON!
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