GIVING TO THE WORK OF GOD
Nehemiah 7:69-73
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians. 9.7
Just after Nehemiah had taken a census and registered the people according to tribes, heritage, clans and offices, the people began to contribute and gave to the work of God in the land for the temple. They were not forced to do so, but they knew what to do. God has miraculously provided all that was used to build the walls. It will be unjust for them to close their eyes towards the little needs inside the city. Closing our eyes to responsibilities does not portray us in a good light.
The heads of the fathers’ houses led the line in giving. This is instructive as fathers are always to lead by example. The governor also gave and then the people also joined and gave too. This shows that there is a place for everyone to contribute to the work of God. Either in cash or in kind. Giving is also meant to be a teamwork. They all gave cheerfully and generously according to their abilities (2 Cor. 9:7). When there is a need in the community of God’s people, do you shy away from it, or do you pay deaf ears to it? Giving is a kingdom principle. We must learn to give to the needs of people around us and in the church. Think of how you can partner today to support God’s work and also to be a blessing by giving to people.
Prayer
Father, help me today to give to Your work willingly and with a generous heart and as an act of worship and love for You. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 318 Ezekiel 7-9; Hebrew 10:24-39
WORSHIP IN OBEDIENCE
Nehemiah 8:1-7
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
True worship requires coming together as the body of Christ, setting aside individual differences to focus on God’s Word. In this passage, the people of Israel recognize that they need to be unified to fully understand and respond to God. It’s significant that they not only hear but desire to hear God’s word. Worshipping in obedience means that we prioritize God’s Word in our lives.
Worship is not just a ritual or song; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s will. The moment the Israelites understood God’s word, their natural response was to worship in reverence and through a desire to obey what they had heard. Obedience and worship are inseparable. Worship without obedience is empty, and obedience without worship is lifeless. Both must go hand in hand. Worshiping in obedience involves honouring God’s word, and allowing it to transform our hearts and actions. True worship is about engaging with God’s word, understanding it, and allowing it to shape our lives. As we do this, our obedience becomes a powerful expression of our worship, glorifying God in both word and deed.
Prayer
Lord help me to worship You in Obedience. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 319 Ezekiel 10-12; Hebrew 11:1-19
CULTIVATING JOY IN CHAOS
Nehemiah 8:8-12
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say Rejoice. Philippian 4:4
In the midst of overwhelming sorrow, Nehemiah and the Levites redirected the Israelites’ focus to God’s holiness, declaring, This day is holy to the Lord your God. This powerful shift from mourning to celebration tells us that even in our deepest moments of struggle, God’s presence and holiness remain constant. The declaration, “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” is not just mere words but a testimony of God’s unspeakable joy drowning the weight of circumstances and effects of attacks. This joy is not an emotion, but a deep, sustaining power rooted in our relationship with God. It’s a joy that transcends circumstances, empowering us to move beyond our pain and find strength in His unwavering love.
Are you anxiously running from one point to the other looking for happiness in this world? Are you feeling like you have tried your best and nothing is working out? Overcome the temptation to dwell in the past and find strength in the joy that God gives. Draw insight today from the children of Israel who realized their mistakes without dwelling on them. They encouraged themselves and declared that the Lord’s joy gave them strength. Let this be your proclamation and disposition. Live in the circle of God’s joy.
Prayer
Father, help me to always live in the reality of Your joy even in tough times. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 320 Ezekiel 13-15; Hebrew 11;20-40
LIVING A WORD-BASED LIFE
Nehemiah 8:13-18
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalms 119: 11
Simply possessing a Bible is not enough we must study it, seek understanding, and allow it to shape our lives. Living a life guided by God’s word means letting it be our constant guide and shield, giving us the wisdom and strength to face life’s challenges. Just as the shelters remind us of God’s provision, relying on scripture helps us find comfort and direction in difficult times.
The act of building shelters, both literally and figuratively, symbolizes the security found in obedience. When we immerse ourselves in God’s word, we construct a spiritual dwelling place, a refuge from the storms of life. Just as the Israelites found joy and unity within their temporary dwellings, we find peace and purpose within the secure confines of God’s word. Therefore, let us commit to building our lives upon the solid foundation of God’s word. Let us seek to understand its truths, apply its principles, and allow it to be our constant companion. When we live a life guarded by the word, we experience the peace and security that only God can provide. May our lives reflect the unwavering confidence that comes from knowing we are safely sheltered within the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide my heart with Your word. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 321 Ezekiel 16; Hebrew 12
LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Nehemiah 9:5-12
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
The people who were praying talked about all the amazing things God had done for their ancestors. They remembered how God made the world, and how He gave them food when they were hungry in the desert. When we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we are reminded that He is not a distant, abstract being, but a personal God who actively intervenes in the lives of His people. Just as God delivered Israel from slavery, guided them through the wilderness, and gave them the Promised Land, He continues to work in our lives today, providing guidance, provision, and deliverance. Remembering His past faithfulness builds a foundation of trust, allowing us to face present challenges with confidence.
The Israelites kept forgetting how good God was. Even though they saw amazing miracles, they turned away from Him and became proud. We all forget things sometimes, but we need to try hard to remember God’s kindness. We can do this by writing down the good things God does for us, reading the Bible, and telling others about how God has helped us. When we remember God’s help, we won’t be as scared or worried. Instead, we’ll be able to follow God, knowing He will always be there for us. So, let’s make a habit of remembering God’s help. Let’s tell others about his kindness too.
Prayer
Lord may I not forget the good things You have done. Help me to be always grateful. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 322 Ezekiel 17-19; Hebrew 13
RENEWING OUR COVENANT WITH GOD
: Nehemiah 9:26-38
And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments. Daniel 9:4
The Israelites in Nehemiah’s time recognized their significant errors. They acknowledged their departure from God’s guidance, disregard for His messengers, and following after their lusts. This act of renewing the covenant signifies a commitment to obey God’s word and follow hard after Him. Occasionally, we neglect our relationship with God or prioritize our own plans. Yet, God consistently extends opportunities for us to return to Him.
The Israelites didn’t just feel sorry; they made a promise to God. They wrote it down and had their leaders sign it. This shows us that renewing our covenant isn’t just about saying sorry; it’s about making a real commitment to change. We can renew our covenant by spending time with God, reading and obeying His word, and asking Him to help us live a better life. We are under the New Covenant enacted by Christ’s blood. Let us live in the consciousness of His love and mercy which are readily available to us. Let’s take a moment to think about our own lives. Have we drifted away from God? Is there something we need to change? Today, we can come to Jesus again and enjoy the covenant blessings with all who are in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the New Covenant of Your blood shed for me. Help me not to deviate from your commands but to always follow you so that I will enjoy the blessings of Your covenant. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 323 Ezekiel 20-21; James 1
SEPARATING FROM WORLDLY INFLUENCES
Nehemiah 10:28-31
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15
Nehemiah 10:28-29 describes a deliberate choice made by the Israelites to separate themselves “from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God.” This wasn’t an act of isolation or superiority, but a strategic decision to protect their spiritual integrity. They recognized that proximity to worldly influences could dilute their commitment to God’s commands. Just as a garden needs a fence to keep out weeds, their faith required boundaries to prevent compromise. This principle remains relevant today. We live in a world that constantly bombards us with values and priorities that contradict God’s word. To maintain our spiritual health, we must intentionally create space for God’s presence, guarding against the subtle infiltration of worldly thinking. This separation isn’t about physical withdrawal but about a heart posture that prioritizes God above all else.
Let us, like the Israelites, make a conscious decision to separate ourselves from worldly influences. This involves identifying areas in our lives where we’ve allowed the world to compromise our faith. It might be the entertainment we consume, the relationships we cultivate, or the priorities we set. Let’s commit to drawing a line, choosing to prioritize God’s ways above all else. As we do, we’ll experience a deeper intimacy with God and a greater ability to live a life that reflects His glory. Let us remember 1 John 2:15: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Prayer
Lord, cause me to desire and prioritize you above all else. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
DAY 324 Ezekiel 22-23; James 2
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