Nehemiah Chapter 13

Gone to Mex & Back

“An Enemy Comes A-Courtin’

From Nehemiah, we learned how God rescued the Israelites from captivity and slavery, just like He rescues us when our spiritual captivity leaves us lost as well. I started reading the Book of Revelation written by John the Apostle who was exiled to the island of Patmos. Everything he saw in a vision relates to what is happening now. It’s the Jesus Connection. I especially love reading the Letters to the Seven Churches over and over. Each time I read Chapters 2 and 3, I gain a better understanding of what Jesus was trying to tell them. The letters are intended for churches past, present and future.

In Rev. 2:14, Jesus addressed the church in Pergamos, commending the church for their faith. Jesus added, “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel; to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.”

My mouth dropped open.

At the beginning of Nehemiah 13, the children of Israel heard the story of Balak and Balaam (Numbers 22-25) read to them. Balak the son of the Moabite king wanted to hire Balaam to put a curse on Israel. Balaam, a sorcerer, was unable to curse the Israelites because God had already blessed them. This remarkable story opens our eyes and ears to God’s intervention. Still, I was surprised to see it mentioned in the letter to the church in Pergamos. The church suffered because certain people held to the teachings of the sorcerer, Balaam. Those people became stumbling blocks to others in the church. In the letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira, Jesus addressed the things Jezebel was teaching the servants of the church. The same two things that influenced Pergamos--sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols. Jesus told the church to “Hold fast what you have till I come . . .”

“TODAY, IF I HEAR YOUR VOICE, LET ME NOT HARDEN MY HEART as I did in the rebellion. I think I’ve always been in rebellion. I don’t know why God put up with me. Recently, in sticking with the “De-Clutter” theme of Chapter 4, I tossed out more physical and emotional rubbish, happy I no longer needed those old boxes. I asked God to help me let go of those things that hold me back or distract me from hearing His voice. As I sorted through some files, I found many things that might have offended or grieved the LORD. Things I had forgotten about like the letters from 1973 that I wrote to convince my family that Guru Maharaji was God himself. In the early 70s, the enemy came a’courtin’ with the promise of peace, love, and happiness, so I signed on, binding myself to this false teacher. I believed in God, so I couldn’t be wrong, right? I am grateful now that God once again rescued me. I mentioned this story in Chapter 1, but the real end of the story didn’t occur until I was nearly finished working on Chapter 13.

In the early 1980s’ I was married and we had recently moved to Colorado. By that time, I had outgrown the guru. A good friend of mine suggest we get together with an evangelist who would help us understand God’s plan of salvation. So, we did, and were baptized in a non-denominational Church of Christ.

 I was still on Cloud Jesus when we moved into a neighborhood where several families from church lived. They welcomed us not just into the neighborhood, but into Christ. One night, I thanked God for bringing us here. I was tired, mainly from the move and from the day-to-day challenges we faced. “Please, LORD,” I prayed, “Just let me bask in Your love for a week before I have to face any challenges or problems.” That night I dreamed two friends and I were captured by Satan and imprisoned underground in a dark cavern. We knew Satan and his demons planned to kill us. I started praying to God to rescue us, and the next thing I knew God immediately whisked us away from the cavern, and deposited in our separate homes. As I stood on my porch, watching Him turn to leave, I noted His olive skin, and dark hair and beard, and His beautiful maroon-colored robe. I thanked Him for saving us, and asked Him if there was anything I could do for Him. He said, “Just ask how I’m doing some time.” And He was gone. The end of my dream. Although it wasn’t just a dream, it was real in the sense that God literally lifted me up, and out of Satan’s clutches. Thirty-six  years later, and suddenly I realize that dream signified God not only forgave me, but He had literally rescued me from a dark place when I had allowed false teaching into my life. What better way to end NEHEMIAH & ME, 52 DAYS, with a reminder that when the enemy comes a-courtin', God provides us with tools, such as Nehemiah’s principals, plus the Armor of God to “hold fast” until He comes.

NEH 13: DAY 49 READY, SET, READ!

Section I:  Principles of Separation (Num. 22:1-24:25 )

1 On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people, and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever come into the assembly of God, 2 because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, our God turned the curse into a blessing. 

3 So it was, when they had heard the Law, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.

Interesting story and certainly worth reading Numbers 22 to 24:25. (See Class Notes.)

Section II:  The Reforms of Nehemiah

4 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, having authority over the storerooms of the house of our God, was allied with Tobiah. 5 And he had prepared for him a large room, where previously they had stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, the tithes of grain, the new wine and oil, which were commanded to be given to the Levites and singers and gatekeepers, and the offerings for the priests. 

6 But during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Then after certain days I obtained leave from the king, 7 and I came to Jerusalem and discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing a room for him in the courts of the house of God. 

8 And it grieved me bitterly; therefore I threw all the household goods of Tobiah out of the room. 

Nehemiah had left for a time, then returned to Jerusalem. In the time he had been gone, Eliashib had moved Tobiah into the house of God. Was Nehemiah mad?!!?

9 Then I commanded them to cleanse the rooms; and I brought back into them the articles of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.

"Cleansed” as in cleaning and purifying.

10 I also realized that the portions for the Levites had not been given them; for each of the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone back to his field. 

11 So I contended with the rulers, and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their place.

Setting rulers in their place is something Nehemiah is good at. This story reminds me of Jesus at the temple, throwing out the money changers. He was watchful and not wanting to see the Temple of God neglected.

12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse. 13 And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouse Shelemiah the priest and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah; and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered faithful, and their task was to distribute to their brethren.

14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services!

15 In those days I saw people in Judah treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. 

16 Men of Tyre dwelt there also, who brought in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

Oh-oh, they’ve been warned. Remember the end of Chapter 6 when they were to keep the gates closed against the merchants who tried selling on Sunday?

17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, by which you profane the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Yet you bring added wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”

19 So it was, at the gates of Jerusalem, as it began to be dark before the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and charged that they must not be opened till after the Sabbath. Then I posted some of my servants at the gates, so that no burdens would be brought in on the Sabbath day. 

20 Now the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.

People were violating their own ordinances.

21 Then I warned them, and said to them, “Why do you spend the night around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you!” From that time on they came no more on the Sabbath. 

This reminds me of the righteous anger of Jesus when He turned over the tables of the money changers and let loose the doves and sheep and goats. He literally cleansed the temple.

22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should go and guard the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.

Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Your mercy!

Remember God, that Nehemiah called them out on this.

23 In those days I also saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke according to the language of one or the other people.

Remember Chapter 10 and the covenant they made?

25 So I contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves. 

Nehemiah was beyond reasoning with them or any of them with him. No, this was a call for disciplinary action. A covenant had been broken. This is the same problem God continued to run into with His people. Even as Nehemiah took them to task, it was bound to happen again.

26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin.

27 Should we then hear of your doing all this great evil, transgressing against our God by marrying pagan women?”

28 And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I drove him from me.

29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.

30 Thus I cleansed them of everything pagan. I also assigned duties to the priests and the Levites, each to his service, 31 and to bringing the wood offering and the first fruits at appointed times

Remember me, O my God, for good!

NEH 13: DAY 50 CLASS NOTES & CONNECTIONS 

Welcome to the last chapter in NEHEMIAH & ME! In Chapter 13, after his absence, Nehemiah takes back the Wall and the Temple after his enemy has made himself at home in Jerusalem. Hopefully, you’ve become adept at recognizing and defeating your enemies’ conspiracies.

The Story Behind the Story (Referencing Numbers 22-24) 

 (Neh. 13:1) On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people, and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever come into the assembly of God, because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, our God turned the curse into a blessing.

Balak, the son of the king of Moab, knew what happened to the Ammonites because of Israel could pretty well happen to the Moabites. Afraid the Israelites would run right over the Moabites, Balak tried to hire Balaam, a sorcerer, to curse the Israelites. When God found out, (as if He didn’t know) He told Balaam, “You must not put a curse on those people because they are blessed.” He also told Balaam to say only what God told him to say. When Balak asked Balaam, “Why haven’t you cursed the Israelites?” The sorcerer answered, “I can’t do what God tells me not to do.” In other words, Balaam could only do what God told him to do. When Balaam opened his mouth four times to curse the Israelites, four times a blessing came out instead of a curse. That’s how God turned the curse into a blessing. I love the irony of God. 

After hearing the story read, the Israelites understood why they should separate themselves from the mixing with the tribes of the Ammonites, Moabites, and Midianites. Those tribes snubbed the Israelites by refusing to help God’s Chosen People. Those tribes did not offer assistance or water or bread to the Israelites; instead they feared the expansive numbers of Israelites moving into their territory, so they searched for ways to keep the numbers down. In the case of the Moabites, Balak wanted Balaam to rain down curses. That’s why God warned His People not to mix with other tribes.

(Vs. 6) After the dedication of the Wall, Nehemiah left Jerusalem to return to Babylon and report to King Artaxerxes. He may have returned to Persia to give the king an update or take care of unfinished business. “Then after certain days I obtained leave from the king, and I came to Jerusalem and discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing a room for him in the courts of the house of God.” 

He may have been gone months traveling to and from Persia. What Nehemiah found when he returned was as shocking as what Jesus saw when he entered the temple.

(Mark 11:12-18) “Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.” Complete disarray, an insult to God’s house.

(Vs. 8-11) Nehemiah’s response was almost identical to Jesus’. “And it grieved me bitterly; therefore I threw all the household goods of Tobiah out of the room. Then I commanded them to cleanse the rooms; and I brought back into them the articles of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.” After Nehemiah heard the Levites and singers had not received their portions, forcing them to go work in their fields, he confronted the rulers, “’Why is the house of God forsaken?’ And I gathered them together and set them in their place.”

(Mark 11:16) Jesus taught, saying to them (the rulers and Pharisees), “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ But you have made it a ‘den of thieves?’” When Jesus entered the House of God, He entered as God coming home, only to discover someone had robbed and vandalized His house.

What should our response be if someone wrote graffiti on the walls or stole from the money box at church? Should we brush it off and forgive them? Call the police and have them arrested? Lecture them and let them go? What did Jesus and Nehemiah do?

• They cleaned house and tossed out those things that defiled the church or House of God. What are some of the things a person might find if they thoroughly cleaned their spiritual house? Things we might toss out include the following: vulgarity, lies, wrong motives, anger. Can you find scriptures in the New Testament that include other things we might want to toss out?
• Nehemiah purified items and articles before reinstating them from where they had been taken.  
• They set the rulers and leaders in their place.
• Nehemiah created new reforms, new rules to follow. Jesus brought about reform by giving us new commandments to love God, and each other.
• In Verse 19, Nehemiah commanded the gates to be shut, and charged that they must not be opened till after the Sabbath. “Then I posted some of my servants at the gates, so that no burdens would be brought in on the Sabbath day.” Consider that Jesus posted some of His servants (angels and disciples and saints) so “that no burdens such as false teaching, idol worship, anger, depression, cruelty, and burdens of the heart, would be brought in . . .”

How does something like a broken  promise or covenant with God affect our spiritual wall?

The Israelites who looked the other way instead of being watchful; or were lazy instead of bringing their tithes to the Levites and priests destroyed Nehemiah’s trust in them. Likewise, when Jesus expected to find a place of worship, and found defilement, He knew who was at work there. Satan.

Outside influences such as teachers of false doctrines can be toxic to our spirit and damage our relationships. When I followed the guru, he convinced his disciples that they should stick to the middle path, therefore, not opposing one side or another. In the last chapter, for the dedication ceremony, Nehemiah had two choirs accompanied by cymbals, stringed instruments, harps, and trumpets, walk in opposite directions to meet in the middle. It had more to do with choreography than compromise or indecision. I used to follow the middle path, thinking it would bring world peace. It seemed the right thing to do, but then it struck me that Jesus did not teach us to stay on the middle path or be lukewarm. The middle path is actually designed for indecisive people like myself who can’t commit to “yes” or “no.” If we stay in the middle, we allow someone else to do our thinking and make important choices for us.

In His letter to the church in Laodicea, Jesus wrote, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich: I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked . . . (Rev. 3)

The Sabbath is profaned!

The Problem (Vs. 17):  Sellers of wares were camped outside the wall, waiting for the gates to open. Nehemiah had just tossed out Tobiah’s belongings and was feeling pretty good about having purified the temple again. So, he prayed, “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services!”

As he watches the activity at the gate, he immediately notices three things out of order:

• People treading wine presses are working on the Sabbath.
• People bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem. “And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions.” 
• Men of Tyre were hanging out at the gates as well, selling fish and all kinds of goods. They were selling to the residents of Judah, and they were selling on the Sabbath day.

The Remedy:  Nehemiah reminds the nobles that their fathers got into trouble and brought “all this disaster on us and on this city.” Yet the nobles were allowing it now, and it just might bring on God’s wrath. Nehemiah did four things:

• Nehemiah commanded the gates to be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath.
• He warned the sellers if they spend the night around the wall again, he’d lay his hands on them.
• He posted his servants at the gates for security.
• He commanded the Levites to cleanse themselves and then guard the gates.

Mixed Marriages 

The Problem (Vs. 23): Compromise. “I also saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke according to the language of one or the other people.” Remember what the people who signed the new covenant in Chapter 10 promised? Not to give their daughters in marriage or sons to the daughters of mixed tribes. The same thing God said in Numbers 22-24, to keep themselves separate from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Midianites.

In previous chapters, we studied the strategy of Compromise. If we’re so focused on our work that we’re not paying attention to what else is going on, then the enemy can find a way to sneak into camp. Perhaps, first he’ll try to interest you or someone on your team to allow him in as a partner. What starts out as a business deal becomes compromised in order to survive comfortably, like King Solomon chose to keep the peace with other countries by marrying their women. Then to keep peace with his many wives, he compromised his beliefs for theirs. Compromised relationships can break apart physical and spiritual walls, as evidenced in the church today. If the church represents the wall, then there is need for repair, except that gaps in the wall have allowed other beliefs to seep in.

 (Vs. 24) The Remedy: Nehemiah “contended with them and cursed them, struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, ‘You shall not give your daughters as wives to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or yourselves.’” 

Nehemiah’s response was quick and to the point, but may seem harsh. Jesus was quick to set things right in the temple and considering who He was, He was justified to chase out the money changers and overturn the tables. However, when it came to debating with the Pharisees, he used words and parables to emphasize not what God did, but what God will do. He had no need to raise His hands. Nehemiah’s violent reaction may have been justified at that time because God had specifically told the Israelites in Numbers, not to marry any Ammonite, Midianite, or Moabite because those tribes refused to help God’s people. Christ didn’t show any such reaction because He dealt with the present, not the past. Jesus told the woman at Jacob’s Well in Samaria, that worshipping God was not limited to a mountain or valley. The Messiah came for all people, the Jews and the Gentiles. What we should avoid is compromising our values.

Mixed Seed

          The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are so closely linked, the book of Nehemiah has been called Ezra 2. They both deal with the returned exiles; the numbers of those who returned are similar, as if taken from the same genealogy list. In Ezra 9, Ezra learns that the people of Israel, the priests and Levites “have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands.” Some of the daughters of the Moabites, the Egyptians, Ammonites, and other tribes had married sons and daughters of the Israelites, “so that the holy seed was mixed.” Ezra tears his garment and robe, and plucked out some of the hair on his head and bead, “and sat down astonished.” It’s a great chapter to read and how he resolves the issue.

Does this sound like Nehemiah 13? Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and discovers “Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab” resulting in children who didn’t know how to speak the language of Judah. Instead the children spoke the language of one or the other people. Nehemiah forbids mixed marriages because they polluted the purity of the line of Israelites. Yet, we can’t overlook the story of Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute who hid the spies in Jericho; nor forget Ruth, a widowed Moabite who married Boaz, and from their union, Obed was born, then to Obed, Jesse; and from Jesse came the shepherd boy, David. In other words, both of these women were vital to the lineage of Jesus.

They may not have been Jewish, but Rahab and Ruth each confessed God was great, and made a choice to serve Him. God Himself predicted that the Gentiles would come into the fold of the Messiah. The LORD said to Isaiah, “I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’ to a nation that was not called by My name.” (Isaiah 65:1)

Jesus is love. He invites everyone to come to Him for salvation, redemption, and eternal life. In fact, the love story of Ruth and Boaz was about redemption. It was all part of God’s Plan.

NEH 13: DAY 51 NEHEMIAH & ME

March 25, 2017  The Why Factor

Went to the Michael Jr. comedy show tonight with Ret. Michael brought up some good things, like weighing the Why purpose of a career or project vs. the What we can do or gain. A reminder that our purpose should be pure. If we give freely, whether talent or offering, our giving purpose should be untainted by our “whats”—What will this cost me, what will this net me, examples of what I am guilty of.

To write as I believe God has instructed me, I ask God, “What about a new computer first?” Along with the “What” is the “When” factors—how will I fit this into my schedule? When will I write? Too many questions block the purity of purpose. In other words, I am still doing it for myself more than for God, procrastinating because something might inconvenience me.

Insert the Why factor and I l leave out my details; my plans become God’s; my heart, God’s; and He will take care of the rest as long as I trust.

Nehemiah had a “Why,” a pure God-driven motive to rebuild the city walls and gates. The broken walls broke Nehemiah’s heart because he knew Jerusalem was God’s City. The state of the walls left the people inside vulnerable to attacks and reproach. Nehemiah did the rebuilding for God’s people to give them hope and celebrate the end of their 70-year captivity and to get back on track of their own reason or “Why” instead of What.

Help me, O LORD, to listen to You, and see my Why purpose, & give others an opportunity to give, like Michael Jr.’s giving away books & tapes so people like me could experience receiving as well as giving. Amen.

March 28, 2017

Dear Jill, it has come to My attention that you have been complaining excessively about pain, wanting everyone to know you hurt. The times you don’t voice it, you complain inwardly. That is the house you are building.

Are you using wisdom to build your house? Or is it all about pain and hurt and making others aware that you can relate to pain because you have pain? Are you establishing your house on understanding? Or is your attitude such a relating everything to pain, tiredness, and all about you, limping, seeking help. Understand that you should imitate Christ. Think of His response to pain—heart breaking, forgiving, loving mankind, even to the point of calling the thief on the cross to be with him. Something like that. Understanding goes deeper than current circumstances. Understanding is an opportunity to learn more about God’s plan and heart.

And finally, with what are you filling the rooms, what “treasures?” Hm-m, is it mirrors to reflect your pain & negative thoughts about your small apartment and things you miss. If you filled all your rooms with things you missed (memories, church friends, old passions) you won’t have room to fill or even add new things to your house.

Wow! Like Jesus compares pouring new wine into old wineskins will cause bursting. So change your attitude, Jill. Don’t block opportunities or treasures in store for you.

July 8, 2017  Making the Best of a Bad Situation

Maybe not “bad” because God will put us where we can shine for Him; and like in the case of Jonah, it might not be where we want to go. The LORD directs our feet, sometimes on a path we do not want to go, but if we say, “Use me, LORD,” we should go without complaining. He will use us, so “all flesh will come and worship” before Him.

In John 21:18, Jesus tells Peter, “Most assuredly I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself, and walked where you wished; but when you are old, another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” He was talking about the type of death Peter would have, “stretching out his arms” dying on a cross, and how his death would glorify God. In 67 AD, Peter was crucified, but considered himself unworthy to die in the same manner of Christ, so he chose to be crucified upside down. I need to re-read I and II Peter again. I just love that those letters came from a man who knew Christ personally.

Later I was “led” to Acts 28:1-31, making the most of a stressful situation, and how Paul, though a Roman prisoner and citizen, under house arrest, took advantage of his situation to share the gospel with Jews and Gentiles. Paul used his captivity to shine for the LORD. He, too, was executed in 67 AD. These men weren’t afraid of dying, because Christ had conquered death.

Jan. 1, 2018  Happy New Year!

This morning I sought to know God’s promises and He reminded me how He keeps His promises even though we might not keep ours. FORTUNATELY, God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown towards His name in that you have ministered to the saints . . . (Heb. 6:9-20).

In other words, He is not ashamed of me. My prayer was “Please do not make me give an account of my past (Heb. 4:11) for it would be too painful, and I am ashamed.” Instead, our LORD invites us to call upon Him for help and forgiveness. Paul wrote: Let us come boldly to the throne that we may obtain mercy and grace. (Heb. 4:13)

 I have yet to complete this and test the 52-days-theory of building a stronger more confident spirit, although I’ve been at this for 15 months, first taking Nehemiah from the classroom to the road to Nebraska testing Nehemiah’s principles against the principalities of darkness. This is a continuing, ongoing learning and transformation process. Sometimes I am overwhelmed at what I see or experience or hear. The Holy Spirit is teaching me. He has shown me so much about His love and mercy ever since my return to Nebraska. Consider how angry Nehemiah was when he returned to Jerusalem and there was some sneakiness going on. I know my behavior in the past, like the cavorting that went on in the camp of the Israelites, has been forgiven. How many times has our Heavenly Father and Messiah forgiven the Israelites for turning their back on God, and worst of all, rejecting His only begotten Son.

 He wants us on the front lines of a spiritual battle that most people aren’t aware of. If we put ourselves into His hands, He’ll use us; He’ll use me whether it is to write or feed or help someone. In the meantime, remember this: Christ is the new covenant, the Wall that protects us from reproach.

Jan. 31, 2018  HELP ME! I’m Falling (and I can’t get up!)

Prayers for those who have turned away from You, that You turn their hearts back to You, Dear LORD. What about Hebrews 6:4? Those who know You and have experienced your love and grace and mercy, and then fall away, they will not be able to return to You? You saved them once, but you won’t again? You told us to forgive 70 x 70 times if someone wrongs us. Am I living my life in vain because of the times I’ve fallen away, although I thought I was seeking You. What about the man whom Apostle John rescued not once, but twice from leading the life of being a robber and murderer? What about those people whose senses have been dulled and are no longer passionate about Your word? I have fallen away more than once. I have sinned and killed, worshipped idols, broken Your commandments, yet You forgave me again and again. At last I understand how You communicate through Your Holy Spirit. If You can forgive me of my sins, LORD, then I can forgive myself.

March 13, 2018

Read Ps. 106 this a.m., the final psalm in Book IV. Remember when I asked if Nehemiah referred to his psalms’ reading when he prayed? His prayer in Chap. 1 and the Levites’ prayer in Chap. 9 reflect Ps. 106. “Remember me, O God,” followed by a recitation of the history of God’s blessings and disciplining of Israel. 

Nehemiah’s principals — Prayer, Fasting, Planning, and Preparation — included “waiting” for God to give him the green light to move forward into the stage. After Nehemiah prayed for four months, he talked to the king, and got the green light to proceed; he secretly visited the wall ruins during the night, then shared his plans with others, and asked for help.

I never expected that when I took this project on that I would actually be going through or testing, matching Nehemiah’s steps. Walking in his steps; walking in the steps of Christ. It’s not all “planning.” It’s “doing” and doing things/steps in a logical order. God loves order. He is a God of Order, Peace, and Calamity. Remember me, O LORD.

Sept. 15, 2018  Re: Oct. 3, 2017  My Miracle Day of Testimonies & Confirmations

While browsing through past entries, I re-read Oct. 3, 2017, a continuation of my Miracle surgery on Oct. 2. I wrote, “Every event, incident and detail of yesterday leading up to now amazes me, directs me, reveals a new journey and path. Must consider and keep praying about God’s will, His way, Christ’s way. Nehemiah pointed to Jesus, The Way and The Word, “For no one comes to the Father except through Me. I am the way, the truth, the light.” John 14:6.” On that day, I noted 16 confirmations that God was leading me, and that He very much wanted me to live. I was struck by how some related to Chapter 13, the final chapter in Nehemiah. Here’s just a few confirmations.

• During my prayer for a wounded Las Vegas, it dawned on me how God views the world similar to how Nehemiah viewed the city of Jerusalem, a city destroyed by conflict, difficult to maneuver around in, an easy prey for enemies, a city of reproach. We as laborers, leaders, and believers need to pray and put into action both physical and spiritual rebuilding, restoring God’s Word, renewing, and remembering thru the Spirit of truth who brings about remembrance. A world of hurting, frightened, devastated people, taxed heavily by the powers of darkness, need Jesus in their lives. Working together, we can help them with rebuild physically and spiritually thru Jesus (the Way) to God. Amen.
• All the Neh. passages and insight into what Our LORD really wants led me to Proverb 24:3-4. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established, by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

 While searching in Vol. 1 Journal for that “Wisdom, understanding and knowledge” verse, I discovered the entry for March 26, about the “Why Factor.” I thought a-ha! Nehemiah 13:14 was about performing a service for “The house of my God” and requires people pulling together to repair the walls and gates of Jerusalem. Confirmation of Neh. 4:19.

Sept. 16, 2018  NO NEUTRALITY IN CHRISTANITY 

In I Sam. 15, Saul did not obey the LORD to destroy Amalekites and instead he brought back King Agag. Serious consequences for Saul. God was sorry He had appointed Saul as king. Hence, the Amalekites represent the spiritually blind and dead. In Ex. 17, Israel coming out of Egypt was thirsty so God struck the Rock to provide 3 million Israelites with water. Then the Amalekites attacked. Joshua held up the staff. The Amalekites battle, but lose against David. Amalekites continue to try to wipe out the Jews. Saul died in battle. Saul’s compromise brought damage and destruction throughout history. Did you know that when Esther became Queen, Haman, the King’s # 1 man was an Amalekite, and enemy of God. Haman too tried to wipe out the Jews. That’s why there is NO NEUTRALITY IN CHRISTANITY. If God says “Do something,” we should, without question, do it.

PROVERBS 25:28

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.

June 13, 2019  A Double Portion for Elisha 

When Elijah the prophet was nearing the end of his life, (2 Kings 2) his apprentice Elisha clung to him. Finally Elijah said, “Ask! What can I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Have you ever wondered what a double-portion would be like? Two servings of mashed potatoes, two scoops of ice cream?

In Nehemiah, Chapter 11, we learned about blessings and the importance of blessing others. In Chapter 13, Numbers 22 was the story of how God used curses to bless the Israelites four times. Imagine double and quadruple-blessings. What would happen if we asked the LORD for double or quadruple blessing?  

Since I don’t know anyone who has ever said, “May the LORD double-bless you,” I decided to ask for a double-blessing on my brother Tom and me to help us complete the work on Nehemiah & Me. A few hours later after my prayer request, I learned Tom was in the Carrollton Hospital Emergency Room due to a high fever, tiredness and other symptoms. Immediately, I thought, “Oh no! LORD, did I bring that on Tom? Is this my doing?

And then I remembered Lamentations 3:33. “God does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” That was a relief. God wouldn’t willingly bring about a double-curse instead of a blessing. Fortunately, my brother went home that night. I felt like I learned a lesson. No matter how many blessings God gives us, we should remain alert because our enemy will likely double his efforts to cause us to stumble.

Careful, though. A double blessing for me might mean a triple-heart bypass.

June 25, 2019 Closer to the End!

Not long ago I read a psalm written by one of King David’s wisdom writers. The psalm flowed with praise; it was simple, yet hefty describing God’s power and what He has done. My friend Warren Wiersbe, who passed away, could be considered a modern-day wisdom writer because he, too, had a simple, instructional way with words. I believe God established the work of the wisdom writers’ hands, so I made Psalm 90:17 my prayer. “Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” Oh how I love that verse! Nehemiah 6:9 is good for writers, carpenters, nurses, artists, cooks, and everyone. 

“Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” And God will do just that.

This morning I asked the LORD to give me a voice pleasing to Him, and then I realized . . . that’s exactly what He did. Maybe I’m not a better writer or singer or speaker, but the LORD made me more comfortable with my voice and gave me a desire to use it for Him. Remember me, LORD.                                                                                         

YOUR TURN! At last! The final journal entry for NEHEMIAH & ME. Now you can either retake the 52 Day Challenge, or choose another book in the Bible to study. Whatever you do, I encourage you to continue journaling, and even share your journal and insights with a group, or keep it under lock-and-key. 

NEH 13: DAY 52!!!!  PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE

INSPIRATIONAL VERSE: NEH 13: Remember me, O my God, for good.  

We learned in Chapter 13; that although the wall was finished, and the people promised to keep God’s covenant and Law, good intentions did not always turn out “best.” When Nehemiah left Jerusalem, he must have felt his job was finished. With God’s help, Nehemiah had taken the Israelites from feeling hopeless and estranged in their own land and city, to, once again, feel God was with them, and would lead them like He had in the wilderness.

With Nehemiah gone, the enemy found a way to move back into the city. Jerusalem enticed the enemy like a wealthy real estate owner looking for a prime-front property, beautiful, valuable with unlimited opportunities to cash in. No wonder the enemy wanted in. Once the enemy was back inside the gates, he was able to break down the wall. It cracked a little, split a bit, and left gaps as a map for others to find their way inside. Nehemiah returned like a super hero to set things straight. In order to set things right, however, Nehemiah would need the help and cooperation of the priests and Levites. The enemy in the camp had left a mess. There were contaminated articles of worship, and things that needed to be purified and put back in place.

In Chapter 13, we also see the resemblance between Nehemiah of the Old Testament and Jesus of both the Old and New. The enemy in Jesus’s camp still stalks vulnerable believers who have yet to recognize what and who the enemy is. And yes, there are times, when the enemy sneaks past our gates and makes a mess of things. Doubt, Despair, and Unbelief are those enemies, sometimes “invited” and given a room of their own—in the sanctuary of all places! Once again, if we become friendly with the enemy, we end up in a state of depression or unmotivated, perhaps feeling worthless. We forget how precious we are to God. We are God’s “Articles of Worship!” And believe me, if we find ourselves in the middle of a mess, we can call on the Helper and on disciples and teachers who advise us how to set things in order.

Comparing Nehemiah’s and Jesus’ return to Jerusalem to “set things right."

Even the disciples had their times of doubt, and they walked with Jesus daily. Just ask Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. Imagine that, walking with Jesus. No, wait. Better than imagining is for us to realize we can walk with Jesus daily, too. Just as Jesus prepares the disciples to shine like highly-polished articles of worship, He prepares us to shine, as well.

Remember, the early churches were led by the apostles and disciples who had witnessed Christ and in Him the true humanity of God. From the beginning of His time with them, Jesus taught the apostles how to run the church. He gave them lessons in crowd-control and how to feed 4,000 people, and what to do about the poor widows and orphans. He taught them to be still and pray, and wait for God to answer. All the time He was with them, He was teaching; He taught them to be holy, then He taught them about the Holy Spirit. Our amazing LORD did all these things and more.

John wrote in His gospel, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. “ (John 21:25)

The Final Word

In “Nehemiah Chapter One, Gone to Mex,” we read that Jesus was going to ask God to send a Helper, and that the Helper would be the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit. Although, my writing or explanations seem muddled at times, I promise you that I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom and understanding as I compiled this study. 

April 27, 2020 journal entry. As I wrapped up this study, I forgot how I had ended it. Funny thing is this morning my random reading turned out to be Jesus explaining the Holy Spirit to His disciples.

John 16:13-15  "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take care of what is Mine and declare it to you."

I did a mini-study and was surprised by what I found. 

• Jesus called the Spirit of truth, "He." 
• He will guide us into all truth. He is a guide who has access to everything that Jesus has--Jesus' storehouse of wisdom, understanding and knowledge--everything! The Spirit of truth is not limited by our expectations of how He should deliver the truth. He can guide us into the truth through dreams, visions, angels, prophets, people, animals, even a talking donkey (see Numbers 22:22-35) but most of all, He guides us as we read God's word. 
• He guides us into "all truth." God is truth. He does not lie, because even the smallest lie pollutes the truth. 
• He will tell us of "things to come." He knows the outcome of this Pandemic and the next, or the outcome of a word, action, or prayer, yet do not confuse Him with a fortune-teller. He is far greater and will choose to reveal something in His own time.

 
 More good news. The Wall is finished! Congratulations on finishing this study. I'm interested in hearing your comments. You'll find a short survey in your packet or on-line at www.nehemiahandme.net. Please feel free to retake the 52-Day Challenge or challenge someone else. I pray God will give you understanding, joy, and peace. Thank you again for taking part in this challenge.