Nehemiah, a layman, lived approximately
500 B.C. His story is told in the Old Testament which I
have spent considerable time in studying as of late in
writing two books. A Voice of One, Nehemiah's Prayer and
Overcoming Life's 911's, Job's Journey. In reviewing
these books especially I find many things about
these stories I have been previously unaware
of. Originally believing the God of the Old
Testament to be harsh and judgmental, I have learned the
error of my understanding and a God who loved his people
offering grace, teaching faith, and an unyielding love.
In our frailty and left to our own
devices we often will stray from the Word choosing a
path which is not ordained by our heavenly creator.
Leaving God's word, the Bible, we have a standard and
benchmark in which to live our life by. In frequently
going back to God's word we are able to more aptly see
his hand in our lives and the miracles which occur along
its way. Some years ago I began to journal keeping a
written account of events in my life, fears and troubles
I faced, and prayer requests. By doing so I was more
able to look back and begin to see God's hand more
clearly than ever before. My journal covers all aspects
of my life including my wife and children and my walk
with God detailing all aspects of the highs as well
as the lows. In taking time to detail my concerns,
toils, and tribulations I am able to begin to look back
on these events with more clarity than ever before
allowing me to see answered prayers more clearly. We are
exhorted by Jesus to ask anything knowing if it is in
accordance with God's will that he will answer us. My
prayers are sometimes not answered the way I would have
preferred but with the added advantage of looking back I
am able to gain perspective help me to be able to
illuminate God's hand. Being able to see the past,
present, and future God knows what is best for me and my
life. Just as diamond is polished to perfection so are
we refined to be more like him.
By living our life in accordance with his
precepts we come closer and face to face with who he
truly made us be. Our God is one of order and not
happenstance. In journeying through this life we are
able to fulfill our God ordained appointments keeping
those meetings he has for us along the way. Maybe there
are those about us who are in need of our hearts,
experiences, and helping hand to comfort those about us.
Just as Nehemiah was able to look after those about him
so are we called to help those about us who are in need
and hurting. In our service to others we learn more
about God's love and grace growing deeper in our faith.
Leaning not on our own understanding but
seeking after God's wisdom we are more aptly to be able
to accomplish great things in God's name. By bringing God into our workplace our
love of others is able to permeate through us sharing
the good news of Jesus Christ. I have learned by being
more bold in my faith it easier to be who God has always
made me to be. Seeking after him daily I find father who
loves me unconditionally. It was not until my daughter
was born I was able to begin to get a grasp of how great
his love is for his people. Though God will never
violate the free will he has given us, he stands at the
door of our heart gently knocking calling out our name.
Just as a runner trains to run the race
set out before him so should we train our soul and
spirit. By putting on the very armor of God we will find
super natural strength lifting us in our direst time of
need. I have learned to lean on God during those trials
seeking after him with all my might. In 2003 we went on
a family mission trip to Jamaica to reach out to those
less fortunate. It was in the midst of this time my
family came to claim Psalm 27 as our life verse to guide
us along life's way. My beautiful bride that year for
Christmas framed in calligraphy Psalm 27 where it is
proudly displayed in our home. Reading these words
reminds me of a creator who is aware of my fears,
strengthens my spirit, while making me more steadfast in
his ways. Read these verses slowly over and over letting
each divinely ordained word permeate your very being
teaching you of his majesty, love, and commitment to his
people; you and I.
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I
fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I
be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my
flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will
stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will
not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I
be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I
seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the
days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to
seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will
keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter
of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head
will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his
tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing
and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O
LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of
you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not
hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in
anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake
me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake
me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O
LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my
oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my
foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out
violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the
goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the
LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Seek after God with all your heart. Seek his ways
allowing him to guide your very steps along your
journey. You heavenly father desires the very best for
you and your life. Right now, today, God is drawing you
ever closer to Him and his kingdom. Wherever you are,
whatever is going on in your life, God cares. Call out
to him and the Lion of Judah, the Great I Am will hear
you. By beckoning to the great helper, the Holy Spirit,
we are able to tap into the strength of the Lord, one
which surpasses all understanding.
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