Psalm 112 & 113 - Day 929 (link to reading)www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+112%2C+113&version=NLT
Scripture: Psalm 113 Commentary (enduringword.org): The book of Psalms contains three collections titled Hallel, with Psalms 113-118 known as the Egyptian Hallel, mainly because of their connection with Passover celebrations, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The psalms of the Egyptian Hallel were sung as part of the Passover ceremony, with Psalms 113-114 sung before the meal and Psalms 115-118 after the meal. “This group is necessarily of special interest to us because in all probability, these psalms were sung by our Lord and His disciples on that dark night in which He was betrayed.” (G. Campbell Morgan) “To these reference is made by the evangelists, Matthew 26:30, and Mark 14:26, there called the hymn which Jesus and his disciples sung at the passover.” (Adam Clarke) Application: The significance of the Passover continues to reveal itself in modest ways. As Jesus sang/recited the words of Psalm 113 on the night he celebrated the Paschal with his friends, he knew that he was the lamb that would be sacrificed but willingly praised God. Prayer: Lord, help me to praise You in all things... Nehemiah 13 - Day 928 (link to reading)
Scripture: Nehemiah 13 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): As the saying goes, “While the cats away…” The book of Nehemiah ends with quite a flurry of activity that is not only surprising but shocking. As promised to King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah had stated he would return and he did. It’s unknown of when this happened or how long even he stayed back in Persia but he kept to his word. He had completed the task set before him. While he was gone it didn’t take long for things to go south. First, the enemies and relatives of his enemies got to work. The priest decided on his own to make a guest room in the temple itself for the Number One Agitator of Nehemiah’s work. Word got back to Nehemiah and asking leave again, he returned to Jerusalem where it got ugly. Going into the temple he not only deconstructed the room, but he also took all the belongings within and tossed them out. Learning that the rulers had not been giving their tithe and designated portions of harvest, he took these to task next. He is no coward and hits things head-on. Application: Replicating oneself is one of the greatest challenges that leaders face. Nehemiah did what he could but in the end, it wasn't enough to prevent the enemy from infiltrating God's work. Making disciples/apprentices of Jesus, who make disciples/apprentices of Jesus is hard work, but it's essential. Prayer: Holy Spirit, we need more of You... Nehemiah 12 - Day 927 (link to reading)
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:27-43 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): The priests and the Levites had a heart to sanctify themselves in the presence of the Lord. It was a time of thanksgiving and praise. It drew them into a deeper relationship as they reflected on the blessings God had provided for them. They worshiped Him with heartfelt gratitude, and that is something we all can learn from. Application: Amazingly, the story appears to be fluid. The remnant celebrated God’s fulfillment of His promise to the Israelites hundreds of years and many generations after Isaiah and Jeremiah had prophesied their return. The information was passed on from generation to generation because it was important. What are you passing on to your children? Prayer: Lord, reveal Yourself... Nehemiah 11 - Day 926 (link to reading)
Scripture: Nehemiah 11 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): Although the walls were complete around Jerusalem, the city itself was a ghost town. The exiles who had returned and settled there were small in comparison to the numbers. There were probably many reasons they had not made the city their home. After the invasion so many years before, the trade route had shifted. It was not the place where people frequented with their wares due to lack of residents as well as the religious stigma attached to those who lived there. For someone to move back into Jerusalem meant they started from the ground up even with the building of homes. Everything had been destroyed during the invasion of Babylon and it was a heap of rubble on many fronts. This would not only take time but money. Consequently, if it was an overlooked destination for traders, there were also no businesses that functioned. That too would cost a lot of money to reestablish. Under Ezra, the temple had been built. Nehemiah had built the walls. Now they needed people. The leaders had moved into the city but it was still empty. So Nehemiah put out a lottery for 1 out of every 10 families to move back and call it home. This would take a lot and really a pioneering spirit within these families would be required. For these would have to endure many things financially and securely in doing so. But in the scheme of things, it was all for the greater work of God’s Kingdom. Application: The “blessings of God” often come wrapped in trials and hardships. Those chosen to repopulate Jerusalem knew what they were getting themselves into, but they didn’t know that they would be remembered 2500+ years later. Choose obedience and let God take care of the rest. Prayer: Lord, Thy will be done… Nehemiah 10 - Day 925 (link to reading)
Scripture: Nehemiah 10:28-39 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): The people vowed to change specific unhealthy habits. Intermarrying foreigners was something that always drew them to the worship of false gods. Buying and selling on Sabbath was a sneaky way to make some extra money, but they knew it was not what God wanted. Paying the temple tax, bringing their firstfruits, and paying their tithes were all of the utmost importance now that they had opened their hearts to God’s Word. The habits may be slightly foreign to us but the principles remain the same. Application: The Israelites were motivated, so they made a written covenant with the Lord detailing the things that they would do. It's a great way to express our convictions, but the key is to maintain our commitment. Start small and build on your success, taking one step at a time. Prayer: Lord, You are amazing... |
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