And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. Nehemiah 3:5.
Among the first to catch Nehemiah’s spirit of zeal and earnestness were the priests. Because of their influential position, these men could do much to advance or hinder the work; and their ready co-operation at the very outset, contributed not a little to its success. The majority of the princes and rulers of Israel came up nobly to their duty, and these faithful men have honorable mention in the book of God. There were a few, the Tekoite nobles, who “put not their necks to the work of their Lord,” The memory of these slothful servants is branded with shame and has been handed down as a warning to all future generations.
In every religious movement there are some who, while they cannot deny that the cause is God’s, still hold themselves aloof, refusing to make any effort to help. It were well for such ones to remember the record kept on high—that book in which there are no omissions, no mistakes, and out of which they will be judged. There every neglected opportunity to do service for God is recorded; and there, too, every deed of faith and love is held in everlasting remembrance.
Against the inspiring influence of Nehemiah’s presence the example of the Tekoite nobles had little weight. The people in general were animated by patriotism and zeal. Men of ability and influence organized the various classes of citizens into companies, each leader making himself responsible for the erection of a certain part of the wall. And of some it is written that they builded “everyone over against his house.”
Nor did Nehemiah’s energy abate, now that the work was actually begun. With tireless vigilance he superintended the building, directing the workmen, noting the hindrance, and providing for emergencies…. In his many activities Nehemiah did not forget the source of his strength. His heart was constantly uplifted to God, the great Overseer of all. “The God of heaven,” he exclaimed, “He will prosper us;” and the words, echoed and re-echoed, thrilled the hearts of all the workers on the wall.
Conflict and Courage p. 265
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Prayer Requests
_____I’m asking for prayer for my oldest daughter Golden. She is 18 and is supposed to graduate this year. She has been sick with an autoimmune disease that the doctors believe is probably Lupus. She has missed so much school this year and you can only miss a certain number of days at her school. She may not graduate is the bottom line here. She has excellent grades and is such a very hard worker, she’s just sick a lot of the times going to school. Please pray for her situation, were all so worried here. I’ve tried to get all the Drs. Notes I can to help her. We will all be so devastated if she can’t graduate with her class. Heather
_____Please pray for my grandson, Andy, who is in Psych hospital for suicide attempt. It’s his third attempt and I’m fear next time he might succeed. Also, pray for Holy Spirit to touch him in a MIGHTY WAY. Cecilia
_____Please pray for Carol. She has a lung disease plus thyroid cancer. Her husband died of Alzheimer’s a few years ago. She is very discouraged. Diane
_____Esther wants to go to help her friend Dannie, but her car is acting up. Please pray that we can get the problem resolved and that if she does go before Sunday, that she will have a safe trip. Rose
_____My heart has been so heavy with multiple problems. One of the biggest weights has been watching my only child, my daughter Megan, slowly fall away from the Lord over the past 5-6 years since she got with this boyfriend of hers, who has done nothing but drag her down and into a lifestyle totally unacceptable to God (or me). Tina
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Dear Friends,
In about two weeks, Esther will be graduating from college. It has been a long time coming. She is so very happy to finally realize her dreams.
Soon, there will be a “graduation ceremony” that will top all earthly ones. That graduation will be far more important than Esther’s. As we stand upon that ” sea of glass like unto crystal,” joy will fill each heart. Rev 4:6 Our Dear Saviour, Himself, will place a crown upon each head. “When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4 James exclaims, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12
John speaks of this time, “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.” “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women [a woman in Revelation is symbolic for a church, in this case it is speaking of their not being defiled by the teachings of the false church], for they are virgins [posses a pure doctrine unmixed with the wine of Babylon]. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands, And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. Rev 14:1-5, 14-16, 7:10-15
Think of it! From that sea of glass, we will hear our Loving Redeemer’s say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matt 25:34 As He throws back those pearly gates, we will joyously march triumphantly into the New Jerusalem where a celebration dinner awaits us. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Luke 12:37 What a joyful time that will be! Praise God! The One Who gave His life for us, will be the happiest of all. “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy, he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zeph 3:17 “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev 14:12
May we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14 May we all take part in that glorious “graduation ceremony.” May we hear our Great Creator’s voice as He sings for joy over His redeemed ones is my prayer.
Rose
Uninvolved