September 28 – Nehemiah 8-10

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Nehemiah 8-10. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

I feel blessed. Because of when and where I was born I am able to read God’s word. I was born in an age and culture that values education. I learned from a very early point in life what the markings on paper, when written in English, mean. I am able to read something and comprehend. Because of that, I am able to pick up a Bible and read it. The ability to pick up a Bible is another blessing. I am sitting in my office. In this room I have nine Bibles that I was easily able to look around and count. Many of those are various translations, King James Version, New Living Translation, New International Version (Copyright 1984 & 2011), Contemporary English Version, and the New American Standard Bible. Not only do I have those printed Bible, but I also have at my finger tips electronic copies of those translations and many more on my computer screen and on the Bible App from YouVersion. I am blessed that each day I have the ability and option to read from God’s Word.

That was not the case for the Exiles returning to Judah and Jerusalem. Many probably had the ability to read, but most did not have a copy of the Law – the first five books of the Bible, also known as The Pentateuch, The Torah, and the Law of Moses. When Ezra along with the other priest read and explained the Law to them they were amazed at what it said. What an event to witness that day. The stories of the Bible amaze me many days, but sometimes I find it rather boring because it has been a part of my entire life. But here are the people, most hearing God’s Word’s and commands for the first time.

If nothing else, consider yourself blessed that this morning you could read the Bible out of your choice to do so because of when and where you born. Consider yourself blessed to have at your finger tips many English translations of the Bible to help you get a fuller grasp of God’s Word. Consider yourself blessed to be able to use technology to read God’s Word. Friends, we are truly blessed!

September 27 – Nehemiah 6-7

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Nehemiah 1-5. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Nehemiah’s discernment is amazing. Throughout all the work on the walls of Jerusalem the builders have faced the threat of an attack. There work blessed by God was not blessed by the non Israelites of the land. The entire time Nehemiah understands the trickery they are trying to lead him astray with. One time he sees through a supposed prophet and shares these words, “Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No I won’t do it!” (Nehemiah 6:11 NLT) Nehemiah had an amazing level of discernment as leader of the rebuilding project.

Do you have good discernment? Do you pray and ask God to build up your discernment? Do you rely on him for it? Discernment is a wise tool. It will keep us from danger. It will help us avoid costly mistakes. It will help us make the best possible choices for our families, our ministries, and our communities. No matter your ability at discernment there is always room for growth. 

September 26 – Nehemiah 1-5

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Nehemiah 1-5. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Last night I shared with one of my elders that I was going to be out of town next Thursday afternoon and Friday morning so my brother and I could attend a football game. While I am gone our Sr. Minister will be on a cruise ship on vacation. Friday morning there is a surgery and I asked the elder if he would go to the hospital and have prayer with the man before. He said he would and I confessed to him that I felt guilty asking him to do this because I am going to be out of town for a football game. He looked at me and said, not a problem we are a team, we are here to do this together. I love this man and the other men I am serving with.

Today in our reading we saw the ultimate example of team work. It took a team of people each working on their individual tasks to be able to rebuild the walls. When they were faced with outside pressures, it took even more team effort to protect and build at the same time. Our reading ended reminding us that not only do we need to draw together on the task at hand, but we also have to look out for the best interest of others on our team. Nehemiah was righteously angry that his fellow countryman were charging interest and claiming property of their needy brothers. That was wrong, and fortunately they repented of their sin and misdeeds.

To achieve anything in life, especially in the church, we have to be working together as a team. If not, we will not be successful. I am thankful for the reminder I was given last night that I am working on a team. I love my team. What about you?