Lessons From Nehemiah

As we wrapped up our study on the book of Nehemiah this past Wednesday, I shared a list of top ten lessons from Nehemiah. This was a list that was put together by Pastor Chuck Smith and I wanted to post it on our blog for you all to read. These are things we all need to remember and put into practice always. We serve an awesome and mighty God!

Nehemiah’s Top Ten

1. It’s never too late to do what’s right. Even though God’s people had messed up pretty bad, it didn’t disqualify them from service or ruin their relationship with God. Don’t let your past keep you from doing what is right. It really doesn’t matter what you’ve done. What matters is that you begin right now to renew your walk with God.

2. Don’t play around with sin. Nehemiah dealt with sin decisively and abruptly. Most of us underestimate our sinfulness and overestimate our goodness. Friend, don’t flirt with sin. Don’t get cozy with compromise. Be vigilant. As Romans 12:9 says, “Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.”

3. Remember who God is. He is great and awesome. That means that He is large and He is in charge! He is also good…all the time. Even when bad things happen to us, He is good. And, He is gracious. He doesn’t treat us as we deserve but always grants us grace and fresh starts.

4. Cultivate a lifestyle of praise and prayer. God desires for each of us to worship Him with reverence and with joy, both individually and corporately. As we do, we’ll also cry out to Him in confession and supplication. When we pray, we should pray doctrinally and also be ready to shoot up “popcorn prayers” throughout the day.

5. Move out of your comfort zone. Most of us are way too comfortable with the way we’re living. We tend to default to what is predictable and easy. God wants us to be available to Him. When He asks us to do something that stretches us, let’s be ready to move!

6. Don’t let difficulties derail you. When hard times come, and they will, don’t bail on God. God allows tough times in our lives for a purpose. Use them to get closer to Him and ask Him to develop your character through the process.

7. Seek to resolve relational ruptures. As we spend time with people, we are bound to have conflict and disagreements. Each of us sin against others, and others sin against us. Don’t allow this conflict to go underground. Meet face-to-face and seek resolution.

8. Say “yes” to God’s priorities and “no” to the devil’s distractions. God wants us to live purposeful lives, focused on those things that matter to Him. The evil one seeks to get us off track through busyness and selfishness. Commit yourself to God’s priorities, specifically as it relates to your time, your talents, and your treasures.

9. Believe the promises of God and act upon them. While it can be helpful to make promises, or vows, to God, it’s more important to believe the promises of God and act accordingly. We don’t have to perform for God. Instead, claim what God has promised to do for you and ask Him to give you the tenacity to take Him at His Word.

10. Allow God to use you. God takes great pleasure in using people who are available to Him. You don’t have to be a super saint or a spiritual giant. God delights in using ordinary people like us so that His extraordinary power can be unleashed in our lives.

God Bless,

Keith

Random Facts

Ok, so the past few posts have been kinda deep. So let me lighten things up a little....

I want you to list 7 random facts about yourself. Here's my list:

1. My favorite food is Chinese.

2. I have never broken a bone in my body.

3. People say my cat is fat....I think she's just fluffy.

4. My first car was a red Toyota Corolla. I had it for almost 10 years.

5. I'm typing this at work. (What kind of saved is that??)

6. I once ran a 13-mile race just for fun. (yeah, that was a long time ago)

7. I'm an American Idol junkie. (There...now it's out in the open!)

Keith

Commitment

When I drive to work in the morning, I usually listen to Pastor David Jeremiah on CSN (Calvary Satellite Network). This morning Pastor David was sharing all the ups and downs he and his wife have experienced as parents during the past 35 years of their marriage. As he was recounting all the tears he'd shed at different times in his life as a parent, both good and bad, I found myself literally in tears. Although Andrea and I don't have children yet, I pray we would be as committed to our family as Pastor David Jeremiah and his wife have been to theirs. On the flip side, we as the children, need to commit to our parents as well. Ephesians 6:1-3 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." I know our parents can frustrate the heck out of us at times (believe me I know), but keep in mind that they've made a commitment to us and they're doing their best. We need to acknowledge that and return the favor. Remember, our Lord and Savior has made a commitment to us (his children) and He will never break that commitment. Will you commit to loving your parents and supporting them? It may be difficult at times, but if you grab hold of Jesus with both hands and don't let go, He'll help you through any situation. God Bless You!

In His love,
Keith

Strength In Christ

Thought for the day: "Because we are rooted in Christ, we are stronger than life's storms"

Psalm 1:1-3 says "1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

Strength comes from being "rooted" in Jesus Christ. This happens when we consistently have faith, when we pray continually, and when we meditate on His Word day and night (bible study).

I encourage you all to strengthen your roots in Christ. This will help you overcome whatever challenges you encounter in life. God Bless!

In Christ,
Keith