DATE POSTED: ^day, August ^, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Living Bible (TLB) IS FOUND IN Nehemiah 10:28
THE BIBLE TEXT IS: These men signed on behalf of the entire nation—for the common people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the choir members, the Temple servants, and all the rest who, with their wives and sons and daughters who were old enough to understand, had separated themselves from the heathen people of the land in order to serve God.
MY INITIAL THOUGHTS: Like me, you may have heard about a church committee, where there were at least as many ideas as there were people sitting on the committee! Sounds nonproductive, but there could be effective committees, if its members are open to seeking the decision and approval of the Head of the Church – God Almighty. Members must also bear in mind the mindset of the people over which they have charge, for some will lead at such a level that, should they look back, no one might be following them. I just love the mindset of the people in our Scripture today, so let me encourage you to seek the face of God, and the mind of Christ, as we look together at our own mindset today.
APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Right at the outset, I believe that it is important for us to ponder the awesome responsibility that is ours to carry on the work of Jesus Christ in the form that He dictates in His Word, if we are serious about the choice that we made in being called a child of the King. Casually, one might brag about being a part of the heavenly royal family, and we might assume that because we occasionally attend church, that we are living up to our sonship role here on earth. But let’s remind ourselves of the seriousness offered up by the people of Jeremiah’s day in their commitment to obedience and following the teachings of the Almighty God. Friends, it is very easy to attend church, hear a spirit-led sermon and leave under the assumption that everything is done at that church in a God-honoring way. I am not naive enough to believe that some churches don’t make every effort to live up to God’s ordained plan for them. However, while still here in this world, we will individually and corporately face challenges from the evil one, especially if there is evidence that God is working miraculously through us. Over the years of being involved in church leadership, I could give you a long list of ways that Satan steps into the middle of the work we endeavor to do for Jesus through the local church. But I believe that our lesson today should concentrate more on what we might do going forward in order to be more dedicated and committed to the work of the Master in our families, our churches and our communities. My heart was touched as I read in our Scripture how the people had separated themselves from the heathen/the unsaved/the pagans/the known sinners of the day, so that they might dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the will of God and obedience to His commands. Some who have never been involved in church leadership, or those who are new in attending church, may wonder why such a drastic step would be necessary, and whether this is something we should consider doing today. Friends, there are times that we must become detached from those who tend to cause us to have evil thoughts; see the worse in people; disregard the needs of people; lose sight of the need for sinners to be saved; ignore the needs of others; tear down good and honorable men of God; and to truly set ourselves apart to openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is indeed Lord over all aspects of our life. When our ‘old’ friends think that we are getting ‘too godly’ they will try to tear down our newly learned beliefs and those we now hold in higher regard than them. I know, you don’t have friends like that, but let me assure you that the closer you get to God, the more upset you will make Satan, and he will begin his attack on you and your beliefs like you never imagined. Let me encourage you to do a reset on everything you have believed about being a Christian and then restart with drawing close to God. Enter into a deep and satisfying relationship with Jesus Christ. Talk to Him regularly in prayer and as you go about your day. Take time to listen to what He says to you through His Word, and allow Him to guide your thoughts, your words and your actions. This will be especially useful for the Kingdom if you carry these things with you should you ever be asked to help in church leadership, for God wants wholly dedicated leaders who would listen to Him and follow His commands, rather than those of the heathen outside and inside your church. Let Jesus be prominent in your personal life, your home life, your work life, your church life, and in all roles where you are called on to help in leadership in either of these avenues of life. Remember, it’s God that you want on the throne of your life, for if your life is influenced by any others, you will definitely be a liability and hindrance to God’s ongoing work.
BLESSINGS WORTH NOTING: Successful marriages are built around each partner separating themselves from their personal likes and dislikes and dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to one another. Our Scripture shows us that in as much as it depends on us, our personal commitments and our professional decisions will succeed if we dedicate ourselves and our decisions to honor Jesus Christ and all that He commands.
PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, thank You for the sacrifice You made on Calvary for the forgiveness of my sin. Thank you for loving, caring and watching out for me, for my good, each and every day. Lord, You are good and Your mercies endure forever and forever. On being reminded of what the people or Nehemiah’s day did to ensure their purity in thought and commitment of service to You, I am reminded of how easily we allow the world to dilute our thoughts and our unending commitment to You. Please Lord, open the eyes of all who call on You as Lord and teach us to commit ourselves to You fully and wholeheartedly so that You may work through us to reach the lost and unrepentant that we come into contact with each day. Oh, that You may be lifted up, honored and praised in and through our words, actions and commitment today! AMEN!
FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!