Loving Jesus Style

Scripture: 4:1 (NIV) When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, Devotion: The book of Nehemiah is a powerful testament to Nehemiah's resolve, faith, and leadership as he undertook the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Chapter 4, in particular, highlights the challenges and opposition that often accompany divine assignments. As we delve into this chapter, we will explore the nature of opposition, the response of the faithful, and the ultimate triumph of God's people. Nehemiah 4:1 (NIV) states, "When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews." This verse sets the stage for the chapter, introducing us to the opposition led by Sanballat, Tobiah, and other adversaries. Their anger and ridicule were aimed at discouraging and undermining the efforts of the Jews. Opposition is an inevitable part of...

  Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-2 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. Devotion: The third chapter of Nehemiah is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the people of Jerusalem in rebuilding their city's walls and gates. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the purpose of work in our lives. The purpose of their labor was not merely to construct physical structures but to restore the community's safety, dignity, and spiritual well-being. By working together to rebuild the walls, the people of Jerusalem also strengthened their faith and commitment to God. Their work was an act of worship and obedience, reflecting their desire to honor God and protect their community. This c...

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NIV) The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Devotion: The story of Nehemiah is a remarkable testament to the power of faith and the impact one individual can have when they trust in God. In Nehemiah 2, we see three distinct aspects of Nehemiah’s faith: the faith to wait, the faith to ask, and the faith to challenge others. Nehemiah demonstrates the faith to wait on God’s timing. As the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, he was in a position of influence yet also bound by duty. When he first heard about the desolation of Jerusalem from his brothers, he was heartbroken. Instead of rushing to action, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed for several months (Nehemiah 1:4). This period of waiting was not passive but active, filled...

  Nehemiah 1:1-5 (NIV) The words of Nehemiah, son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven. Devotion: The passage of Nehemiah 1:1-5 reveals the essence of a heart deeply burdened and moved by the plight of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king in the citadel of Susa, hears a distressing report from his brother Hanani and other men from Judah. The news they bring is bleak: the Jewish remnant who had survived the exile were in great trouble and dis...

  Scripture: 1 John 4:10-11 (NIV) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Devotion: 1 John 4:10-11 captures the heart of the Christian message—God’s profound love for humanity. These verses emphasize that the foundation of love does not rest on our actions but on God's initiative. His love is the starting point and the ultimate example of how we should live. The phrase “not that we loved God, but that he loved us” shifts the focus from human efforts to divine action. It’s a humbling reminder that God's love for us is unconditional, not based on our worthiness but on His gracious nature. This selfless love is proactive and sacrificial. God did not wait for us to love Him first; He took the first step by sending His Son, a gesture that fills us with gratitude and humility. The love of God is demonstrated through the atoning s...

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-2 (NIV) My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Devotion: 1 John 2:1-2 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. The Apostle John, often referred to as the Apostle of Love, addresses his audience with deep affection, calling them "my dear children." This paternal tone underscores his care and concern for their spiritual well-being. John's primary purpose in writing is to encourage believers to avoid sin. He acknowledges the reality of human frailty and the temptation to sin, yet he sets a high standard for Christian conduct. The call to holiness reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we are to strive for lives that reflect God's righteousness. Despite the call to avoid sin, John reassures us that if any...