Monthly Archives: August 2011

“To the church at Corinth. . .with all who in every place call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 1:2)  It is another nickname that the Father has for us.  (see yesterday’s blog for the on ramp to this discussion)  His name/description of us is “those who call on the name of the [...]

It seems IMPOSSIBLE.  “I exhort you, brethren . . .that you all agree. . .and that there be no divisions among you.”  (1 Corinthians 1:10)  Was Paul not aware?    Christians, then and now, are SO divided–opinions, preferences, theology, denomination.  The secret is in the sentence that follows.  “that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.“  G [...]

“I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus”  (1 Corinthians 1:4)  In the weeks ahead, we may look back and wonder how Paul could have been thankful for this group.  For 16 chapters in 1 Corinthians and 12 more in 2 Corinthians he struggles [...]

Nehemiah was angry.  He was also wise enough to “consult with himself” (vs 5:7) before he said something he would regret.  Nevertheless, he was very angry that some of the leaders of Jerusalem were “not playing on the team”, not working toward agreed-on purposes.  He was seeking the welfare of the city, they were seeking personal gain.   [...]

I am glad to finally learn the lesson.  The KINGDOM comes with a certain amount of CONFLICT.  If everyone is happy, something is usually not right.  I learned it by watching the Lord deal with the Pharisees.  A serious collision!  I saw it again watching Paul confront Peter regarding his attitude and behavior toward Gentiles.  I [...]

It will be a good sign when we can weep again.  It will be a sign of spiritual awakening, an indication that the Spirit of God is helping us ”hear” and at sufficient depth of soul that we understand our desperate condition.  On that day, tears will indicate our hunger for light and life–not just for ourselves, but for others as well.  Nehemiah [...]

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)  It is a miracle whenever it happens–unity among brothers.  Our sinful tendencies are in the opposite direction.  Churches split (and families).  Nations divide up into ”special interest groups” and create a climate of harsh criticism and non-cooperation.  Dangerous!  “Brothers, we will either hang [...]

I learn leadership by reading Nehemiah.  He reminds me of the priority of unity.  To acheive the purposes of God,  people must work together.  Paul understood the same principle.  “Only conduct yourselves in a mannner worthy of the gospel of Christ. . .standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”  (Philippians [...]

Nehemiah was a good man and a great leader.  (Re Verse assignment for this week is Nehemiah 2 and 5)  Part of his effectiveness was his passion.  He reminds me of King David–highs and lows, emotionally honest always.  In chapter 1 Nehemiah is SAD.  In chapter 5 he is ANGRY.  Rather than “stuffing” or denying these emotions, He [...]

The Bible has a bias towards builders.  Noah builds a boat.  Solomon builds a temple.  The Lord, Himself, was a carpenter.  No suprise that we conclude our study of the Old Testament with a focus on Nehemiah who rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2 and 5)  Years later he is still ”at it”, rebuilding a just Jewish society.   Are we builders?  I know it [...]