Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

TUESDAY DECEMBER 29


REJECT APATHY

READ
Matthew 25-40
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Whatever you did
for one of the least
of these brothers
and sisters of nine,
you did for me.
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The room was splashed with an assortment of enchanting colors as women in beautiful saris scurried around, completing the final touches for a fundraising event. Formerly from India, these women now live in the USA. Yet they remain concerned for their native country. Upon hearing about the financial situation of a Christian school for autistic children in India, they not only heard the need, but they also took it to heart and responded.

Nehemiah did not allow his comfortable position in life as cupbearer and confidant to the most powerful man at that time to nullify his concerns for his countrymen. He talked to people who had just come from Jerusalem to find out the condition of the city and its citizens (NEH. 1:2). He learned that "those who survived the exile...are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire" (v.3).

Nehemiah's heart broke. He mourned, fasted, and prayed, asking God to do something about the terrible conditions (v.4). God enabled Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead tthe rebuilding effort (2:1-*).

Nehemiah accomplished great things for his people because he asked great things of a great God and relied on Him. May God open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and may He help us to become passionate and creative problem-solvers who bless others.

** Father, there are great needs all around us. We chose not to give in to
despair or apathy, but look to You for help in doing the task at hand.
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Those who walk with God won't run from the needs of others.

*******************************Today's Bible Reading __ Nehemiah 1:1-10*******************************
1 The words of Nehemniah son of Hakaliah: ...While I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3 they said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God for heaven. 5 Then I said:

"Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night....I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

5 "Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'

10 "They are your servants and your people, whom you
redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Nehemiah is remembered for his part in the
rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Today's passage is the beginning
of that project. Notice Nehemiah's first response to the news about
the condition of Jerusalem. He stops everything else and spends
time n prayer (1:5). Never a bad first step in any situation) J. R. Hudberg