ACTIVE SERVICE
Nehemiah 10:32-39
Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Psalms 100:2
Today’s passage shows us that loving God isn’t just about feelings it’s about doing. The people made promises; they willingly taxed themselves for the upkeep of the house of God and decided to actively serve. They didn’t just say, we’ll think about it. They took action, even casting lots to decide who would bring wood for the altar. This shows us that God wants us to be involved, not just spectators. He wants us to use our hands, our time, and our resources to help His work. When you give your time to help at church, whether it’s setting up chairs, teaching the children’s departments or helping with the offering, you’re doing something important for God. It’s like bringing wood to the altar and this is a demonstration of your love for God.
Also, notice that everyone had a role to play. The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the musicians, etc., all had jobs to do. This reminds us that God has a place for each of us in His house. You might not be a preacher or a singer, but you have unique gifts that God wants you to use. Maybe you’re good at organizing, or maybe you have a kind heart that makes people feel welcome. Whatever your gifts, God wants you to use them to serve Him and His people. Don’t think your contribution is too small. Every act of service, no matter how simple, is valuable in God’s eyes. So, ask God how He wants you to serve in His house, and then step out in faith and do it. You’ll find that serving God brings joy and fulfilment.
Prayer
Dear Lord, make me an instrument for active service in Your house. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 325 Ezekiel 24-26; James 3
UNITED IN PURPOSE
Nehemiah 11:1-12
Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. Nehemiah 11:1
The scripture reading today highlights the importance of oneness of purpose among God’s people. The people of Judah at this point were reforming their nation in line with the will of God and there was an ongoing resettlement in Jerusalem. Though there were many with different views and opinions, they had one mind to reform the nation. Because of the unity that existed among them, some of the children of Judah and Benjamin also dwelt in Jerusalem. They strictly followed the directions of the leaders and some of them volunteered to dwell in Jerusalem. The Bible recorded that the men who did this were blessed by the people. This is a lesson that when we willingly volunteer to serve in God’s will, we won’t miss our blessings.
In our present times, believers are also expected to walk in unity in fulfilling God’s plan and purpose not minding their differences. The will of God for His children is not to be in disunity but to have oneness of heart in rendering services to Him. There is a call for believers to serve God with a spirit of togetherness and this call should be adhered to with a willing heart. Understanding that without unity a lot of things cannot be achieved especially in the body of Christ. Let us decide today to walk in unity and fulfil God’s mandate for our lives and ministries.
Prayer
Lord, we ask for the grace to serve you with oneness of heart regardless of our differences. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 326 Ezekiel 27-28; James 4
GRATEFUL FOR BEING USED
Nehemiah 12:24-36
Also, that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off. Nehemiah 12:43
The people of Judah in the course of dedicating the walls of Jerusalem gave God thanks and offered great sacrifices to God. They acknowledged God’s help in building the walls. The people of Judah did not take the glory for the good work done in Jerusalem but rather they rejoiced in the Lord with great joy knowing that God made it happen. They saw that their effort would have been fruitless without the help of God. This made them offer the Lord His due praises.
God is the doer of all good things, He strengthens and empowers His people for every good and pleasant work. Therefore, believers should at all times approach God with a heart of thanksgiving. Christians should keep in mind that God makes all things possible and uses His people as instruments to accomplish His plans. Appreciating God in all the good work He uses us to accomplish is a portrait of humility. It is a privilege to be used by God. Realizing that God could raise stones to do His will gives us a better perspective of how privileged we are to be used by Him. Are you boastful about what God does through you or are you grateful for the privilege of being used by the Master?
Prayer
Lord, we come to You with a grateful heart today and we thank you for all the things You are doing for us, through us and in us.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 327 Ezekiel 29-31; James 5
DEDICATED AND PURIFIED
Nehemiah 12:27-30
Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall. Nehemiah 12:30.
The scripture above shows God’s people getting a chance to start over and do things better after years of living outside the will of God. The rededication of the walls of Jerusalem marked a new beginning in the lives of the people of Judah. Regardless of the spiritual rebellion of the people of Judah, God gave them an opportunity to be renewed again spiritually. They saw that God had been faithful to them even in the midst of their unfaithfulness and chose to stay in His will and plan.
It is God’s will that his children be renewed spiritually even if, there have been times of falling. Beyond the plans for praises and other activities to mark the dedication of the wall, the people, starting from the priests and Levites, purified themselves. They purified the gates and the walls too. Spiritual renewal is borne from the place of purification. Purify yourself to be a vessel dedicated to God’s use. Vessels that are not purified are vessels of dishonour and won’t serve the Master’s best interest. Today, stay spotless from the world and bask in Christ’s righteousness as you enjoy a renewal of the soul and spirit.
Prayer
Lord, help me to stay purified so I can be dedicated for Your use. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 328 Ezekiel 32-31; 1 Prter 2
SEPARATE FROM THE MIXED MULTITUDE
Nehemiah 13:1-7
So it was, when they had heard the Law, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel. Nehemiah 13:3
The people of Israel are known as God’s people from time immemorial, so they are expected to live according to the standards and principles of God. However, the practices and ways of the surrounding nations were contrary to the plan and will of God. God knew that the evil ways of the neighbouring nations would have slowly been accepted and practised amongst the Israelites. So, it was necessary for God’s people to separate themselves from the other nations. God’s people are expected to live by the way and standard of God, that way they can be differentiated and identified as God’s people. There has to be a distinction between God’s people and other nations.
God demands that His people remain spiritually and morally pure, separated from the pleasures and things of the world. We need to understand that we have been called out of this world and have no business with it. Failure on the part of God’s people to know that they belong to another kingdom even though they are living in this world can lead to the loss of God’s blessings. Christians are to reject all associations, beliefs, values, behaviours and standards of the world that are not in line with God’s will and purpose and be truly separated. What things constitute a ‘mixed multitude’ in your life? How would you go about separating from them in light of today’s meditation?
Prayer
Father, we want to continue living for Your glory, help us to separate ourselves from the world. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 329 Ezekiel 34-35; 1 Peter 2
ANGER AGAINST SIN
Nehemiah 13:25-31
So I contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves. Nehemiah 13:25
The anger of Nehemiah was justified and his disciplinary action shows a passion and love for doing the things that please God. The people had to understand that certain things cannot be taken for granted. They needed to be corrected on certain things that were not in line with God’s will in order to put them back on track.
Christian leaders in different circumstances must show justified and holy anger towards ungodliness and sin. This may mean taking a drastic step to right a bad situation. Avoiding this or trying not to upset anyone as a Christian leader when there is rebellion against God is a sign of spiritual compromise. Every Christian is expected to always stand for what is right in the sight of God and not be ashamed to speak up for what they represent when it is tampered with. Staying away from this truth or acting otherwise shows a compromise on our part and that will mean displeasing God. We need to try as much as possible to stand firm in our decision against any ungodly standard. Rebuke when it is necessary but make sure it is done out of love. Are you angry at sin or prioritize diplomacy when the integrity of God and His word are at stake?
Prayer
Father, I receive grace to do right all the time, to stand for what You stand for and to represent You wherever I find myself. Amen
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 330 Ezekiel 36-37; 1 Peter 3
THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
Romans 1:1–12
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16
Paul begins his letter to the Romans by introducing himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel. He expresses gratitude for the faith of the believers in Rome, whose testimony is known worldwide. Paul longs to visit them, desiring to impart in them spiritual gifts so they can be equipped and be mutually encouraged by their faith. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. It is not a human philosophy or a self-help message but a divine power that brings transformation. This power is for everyone who believes—Jew or Gentile—without distinction. The righteousness of God is revealed through faith, not by human effort.
Many today are hesitant to share their faith due to fear of rejection as Paul noted in 2 Timothy 1:8: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” However, Paul boldly declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel. It is the only means by which people are saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). As believers, we must confidently share this truth, trusting in its power to transform lives. How often do you share the gospel with people around you?
Prayer
Lord, help me to be unashamed of Your gospel and to share it boldly with others. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 331 Ezekiel 38-39; 1 Peter 4
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