Sunday, January 04, 2015
TEXT: NEHEMIAH 1:1-3
Key Verse: "That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 1:2).
A man puts his heart on what he treasures most. He carries it in his heart, sleeps and wakes with it and goes about with it day and night.
Nehemiah's patriotism and fervent love for the holy land was undoubtedly deep in his heart. This virtue was more evident in his passion and quest for information concerning Jerusalem.
Even though he appeared to have lived all his life in exile, Nehemiah loved the holy city, Jerusalem, and was in waiting expectation of a return to the homeland to help remove the reproach of the broken down walls.
Nehemiah's comfortable position in Shushan, the palace, did not reduce his interest and commitment to Jerusalem. When he met the new arrivals from Jerusalem in the palace, Nehemiah's enquiry concerning the state of the inhabitants and of the city itself revealed a heart burdened for the people of God. He appeared to have no other burden outside his necessary daily duties but this.
No wonder the Lord sent those men his way to satisfy his heart that was longing and praying for the city. If we lay up in our hearts such intense yearning and desire for God and His word as Nehemiah did toward Jerusalem and its people, we would become recipients of His grace, holiness and great power in not too long a time.
We fail to receive definite inspirations and answers to prayers because we are filled more with earthly cares and not His word or His way. Bad dreams, evil thoughts, fear, defeats, etc.
Do not abide in a heart like that of Nehemiah. If our hearts will always look heavenward, our visions shall be of the Lord of glory, of service, of victory and great possibilities.
Therefore, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above not on things on the earth."
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MATTHEW 8 - 9
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He who wholesomely loves God easily attracts His goodness and grace.
Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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