Providing For The House of God.

Providing For The House Of God

Nehemiah 10:32-37 NKJV

[32] Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to exact from ourselves yearly one-third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: [33] for the showbread, for the regular grain offering, for the regular burnt offering of the Sabbaths, the New Moons, and the set feasts; for the holy things, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and all the work of the house of our God. [34] We cast lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for bringing the wood offering into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at the appointed times year by year, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God as it is written in the Law. [35] And we made ordinances to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the Lord; [36] to bring the firstborn of our sons and our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks, to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; [37] to bring the firstfruits of our dough, our offerings, the fruit from all kinds of trees, the new wine and oil, to the priests, to the storerooms of the house of our God; and to bring the tithes of our land to the Levites, for the Levites should receive the tithes in all our farming communities. 

        The people were not going to just make a covenant to keep the laws of God, they made laws to enhance effective functioning of all aspects of their society. The phrase begins, "Also we made ordinances for ourselves...v.32. You may call this direct democracy. In the system, citizens directly participate in decision-making, rather than electing representatives to do so for them. They decided on how to support the work of God, the sustenance of the Levites and Priests as well as make available provisions through the first fruits. Things were shaping together and a Kingdom community was being formed.

     Its is significant to note that one of the issues that has become a matter of dialectics in our time was just mentioned in passing. It's the matter of tithing.They understood that to keep the house of God functioning, there has to be a willing heart to make available provisions. How does your heart react if certain demands are made to sustain God's house. What would have been your provisions if you were asked to contribute. People pay a high price to sustain demonic altars. Let's do better in our time. Let's make our personal laws. Good morning.

 

The Covenant To Keep The Law

The Covenant To Keep The Law

Nehemiah 10:28-31 NKJV

[28] Now the rest of the people—the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding— [29] these joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes: [30] We would not give our daughters as wives to the peoples of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; [31] if the peoples of the land brought wares or any grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and we would forego the seventh year’s produce and the exacting of every debt.

     After the confessionals, the people decided to bind themselves to a covenant. They did this because they understood that so many people find it difficult to keep the law. In my journeys to preach, I have been to cities where people do not obey the traffic lights they spent money to install. It is as if the installations were meant for others and not themselves. So they got the principals of the land to endorse tge document of action. The Governor, the Priests, the Levites and Leaders in the land endorsed the document.

     The Preachers Homilectical draws our attention to two things that Keil noted, " Besides the general obligation to observe all the commandments, judgments, and statutes of God, two points, then frequently transgressed, are specially mentioned. In Neh 10:30, that we would not give our daughters to the people of the lands, nor take their daughters for our sons. In Neh 10:31, that if the people of the land brought wares or any victuals on the Sabbath day to sell, we would not buy it of them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and would let the seventh year lie, and the loan of every hand. To the sanctification of the Sabbath pertained the celebration of the Sabbatical year in which the land was to lie untilled and unsown” (Exo 23:10)".

     The sealing of this covenant was necessary to keep some people who are " adrenaline junkies".There is perhaps no bigger adrenaline rush than breaking the law and going against society. They intended the law must be kept. How do you redpond to the laws that keep us together as a society? How do you respond to street lights when there are no police officers to see you? Do you need a signed covenant to act? Think about it. Good morning.

Stirred By The Word

Stirred By The Word

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 6, 10 NKJV

[1] Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. [2] So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. [3] Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law....[6] And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground...[10] Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

      

     When I read those words, a concept crept up at me: the people were stirred by the words that were read. Someone describes that stirring as refering to, " the arousal or awakening of emotions, actions, or spiritual awareness".  Such stirring can denote both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used. The concept of being "stirred" is significant in understanding how God interacts with us, and  how we respond to His promptings. It tells us how emotions and actions are influenced by spiritual or external forces. The word is used in the ESV version in Heb.10:24," Stir up one another". NIV uses, " spur one another on"; and the King James is “consider one another to provoke". The people were stirred by the word, they answered, “Amen, Amen!”. Feel the weight of their answer, which means, "Let it be so!"

    The people prostrated in worship. There are moments you just need to cast aside every care and prostrate for our God. This was the moment. When someone is stirred by the word, it means their emotions or feelings are deeply affected by what they hear or read, leading to a strong reaction or response. This is when people can be moved to action, experience a surge of emotions, or have their thoughts and beliefs challenged. The word  of God can "stir up" a variety of responses, both positive and negative, depending on the context and the individual. May the word of God you hear bring these kind of stirrings and connect us with the King, In Jesus Name. 

     

Excitement And Loneliness

Excitement And Loneliness 

Nehemiah 7:4-6 NKJV

[4] Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt. [5] Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return, and found written in it: [6] These are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city.

    Its important to see the picture of the city of Jerusalem and the provinces at this stage, so we may understand the next level of burden Nehemiah had. Guzik observes, " Now that the walls were rebuilt, Nehemiah still wanted to see how he can be a blessing to the people of God and the city of God. He noticed that the population was low and there were many abandoned houses". The experience is a mix of excitement, disorientation, and a sense of displacement.True, they were home, but they were used to older, more established urban environments. Feelings of alienation or loneliness 

likely arose from a lack of familiar landmarks and a sense of community. At the same time, there probably was a sense of novelty and opportunity at what could be done.

    This feeling may well be similar to what we experienced after the Nigerian civil war. We got home alright, but it wasn't really home. Structures had to be set up as temporary accommodations. We were home, but it wasn't the home we left.

    It was then needful to conduct a census to get the picture of everyone. It was important to know who has returned. Time was running out. Soon Nehemiah was to return to Persia. The census raised more complications. Some families couldn't find their names, and some couldn't tell why they claimed to be Priests, or that they even are a part of the family. There was a need for some to wait until there was a Priest with a Urim and Thunim. You can feel the mix of excitement and nostalgia. Well, it was a new beginning. God will carry them on a new lease. When you get these same feelings, don't let anything be done carelessly. Wait on God. Celebrate the joy, but wait on God to finish what He started with you. Good morning.

Appointing Leaders And Setting up Watchers

Appointing Leaders And Setting Up Watchers 

Nehemiah 7:1-3 NKJV

[1] Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, [2] that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. [3] And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.”

     Nehemiah had received permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, which were in disrepair. 

He served as governor of Jerusalem for 12 years, during which he worked to rebuild the city and implement reforms based on God's law. Now, it was time to return to Persia to fulfill his duties to king Atarxexes. So he appointed Hanani( his brother), who brought the news of the state of the wall (Neh.1:2) as the Governor. He was to be assisted by Hananiah.

    We learnt in literature years ago that a character is known by what he says, does and what others say about him. This is the Bible report on Hanani, " ...for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many"(v.2). Read that again. 1 Cor.4:2, Luke 16:10. Psa.31:23. To be faithful means to be loyal, trustworthy, and steadfast in your commitments, whether to a person, a cause, or a belief. It involves consistently honoring your promises, maintaining your allegiance, and acting in accordance with what you've pledged or believe in, even when faced with challenges or temptations. 

     To fear God means to have a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God's power and authority. It's not a fear that causes terror, but rather a profound understanding of God's nature and a desire to live in accordance with His will. Prov.1:7, Prov.14:26, This fear motivates obedience, humility, and a desire to please God. 

   Before departure, Nehemiah gave the final instructions on how to man the gates and keep security, v.3. Later, he revisited Jerusalem to address issues such as Sabbath violations, intermarriage with non-Jews, and neglecting the Temple, demonstrating that he had not abandoned the city or its people. If you were Nehemiah, what more would you have done? Guzik sums it up: " In the Christian life, often a victory is won and later lost because there was no guard. An enemy may come in because we are not watching. Walls can be climbed if there is no one there to stop the enemy, but an enemy is easily turned back from a wall by a guard". Be on the alert, and watch. Good morning.

    

The Open letter From Sanballat

The Open Letter From Sanballat

Nehemiah 6:5-9 NKJV

[5] Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. [6] In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. [7] And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, “There is a king in Judah!” Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together. [8] Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.” [9] For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

    Thus far, we believe you're following the stategic attempts of the enemy to compromise Nehemiah and the rulers of Judah. We believe that you're following the strategic responses of Nehemiah. If you're just joining us, it is important to go back and read the rest of the vignettes in these conflicts,  to have an idea on how to respond to satanic triggers. The letter today is one of the several triggers in this attempt.

     This fifth time, its the open letter strategy. According to Shift Communications, " An open letter is a message intended for a specific person or group but made public for anyone to read. The purpose is to address an issue, explain a viewpoint, or rally a call to action. It is usually one component of a more extensive thought leadership, corporate or advocacy strategy". The follow up says that, " Although written for the public, open letters allow an author to connect with key communities and stakeholders directly, and with total control of the message but retain the tone and voice of a personal note".

    The intention of open letters are to " build momentum behind a vision and mission or even be used to help tell a..story. The ultimate focus was to help build momentum of support for Sanballat. David Guzik says that, " Sanballat’s slander began the way many verbal attacks do, as a report of what others have reportedly said.

i. Vague accusations often sound like “Everyone is talking about” or, “A number of people are saying.” Such vague words can very easily give the wrong impression. ii. What Sanballat accused Nehemiah of was false. If a thousand nations reported it, it would not make it true. A popular lie may be more dangerous, but it is not truer because it is popular". 

   This is the reason for deep and intense prayers for those in leadership positions. Nehemiah's response was prayers. Dont let the enemy's open letter win. Good morning.

Distractions From The Plains

Distractions From the Plains 

Nehemiah 6:1-4 NKJV

[1] Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), [2] that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. [3] So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” [4] But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.

    The enemy uses distraction as a tactic to hinder growth and prevent people from fulfilling their life purpose. It is by diverting people's focus that the enemy plans to distabilise you from from God and His plan for your life. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” We can change the word "devour" to " "distract" and we will still get the meaning.

    The enemy has distraction as his main occupation. When God confronted it in Job, the devil confessed that it goes to and fro seeking who to devour. Here the four people are used to distract Nehemiah from accomplishing what he came to do from Babylon. Daniel Goleman says that " One way to boost our will power and focus is to manage our distractions instead of letting them manage us." 

    In an article published in August, 2023, by Productivity, the author lists nine ways the enemy can use to distract. They include debts, work, materialism, relationships, social media,etc. Here are a few ways you may need to be alert of today : Trying to shift your focus to the things of the world; hindering growth to stop you from accomplshing purpose; weakening your resistance to temptations; or getting excessive focus on Social media. The forms may  change, but its purpose is to make sure you're unable to accomplish purpose. The solution to distraction is in 1Peter 5:9, " Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world". Resist every distraction today.  Good morning.

The State Of Emergency.

The State Of Emergency 

Nehemiah 4:21-23 NKJV

[21] So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared. [22] At the same time I also said to the people, “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day.” [23] So neither I, my brethren, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes, except that everyone took them off for washing.

    Pembroke Pines describe State Of Emergency as, " ... a situation in which a government is empowered to perform actions or impose policies that it would normally not be permitted to undertake. A government can declare such a state during a disaster, civil unrest, or armed conflict. Such declarations alert citizens to change their normal behavior and orders government agencies to implement emergency plans". This was the state in Judah. Even people from adjoining villages had to stay in Jerusalem with their children because of the declaration, to help protect the city.

     The appearance of Corona Virus provides us with a modern state of emergency sample. " A state governor or local mayor may declare a state of emergency within his or her jurisdiction. This is common at the state level in response to natural disasters,( or violence ). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains a system of assets, personnel and training to respond to such incidents". There was no FEMA for Nehemiah. So he made a proclamation for people to stay as watches in Jerusalem.

    Today we would call the strategy a spiritual watch. A spiritual watch, or prayer watch, may be described as a practice where Christians dedicate specific times throughout the day and night to prayer and spiritual discernment. It involves being alert to spiritual realities, praying for the needs of oneself and others, and seeking God's guidance and protection. 

     A "spiritual watch" emphasizes the importance of being spiritually alert and aware of both the enemy's activities and God's plans. It involves actively engaging in prayers, for divine directions, routing the enemy, and being mindful of the potential of possible satanic manipulations.  Mat 26:41, Jesus told the disciples to watch and pray. Isa.62:6, God posted watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem; Acts 16:25-26, Paul and Silas kept a watch through the night and the prison came down. You can declare a state of emergency. You can do it tonight. You're God's Governor here on earth. Good morning.

With One Hand They Worked

With One Hand They Worked .. , And With The Other held A Weapon.

Nehemiah 4:17-21 NKJV

[17] Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. [18] Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me. [19] Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. [20] Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” [21] So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared. 

     When we are born, we come with the idea that whenever you cry, things will come to you. We do that for many years until we find out that tears wont solve life problems. Then we learn to fight. One day, we discover that fight may wound us without solutions. Then we learnt to build. Still others may not let our structures stand. So we learn to fight and build. Judah came to the point of building and getting ready to fight and build. Until you get to that point, you wont build.

    This is a report from my Ai, " The statement "we have to fight and build in life" reflects a common human experience. Life presents challenges that require resilience and effort ("fighting"), while also offering opportunities for growth, progress, and creation ("building"). This dual nature of life is often recognized across various perspectives, including personal growth, spiritual beliefs, and even biblical interpretations". 

     Life involves both overcoming challenges and creating something positive. It suggests a dynamic interplay between resilience and progress, where the battles encountered contribute to the foundation of future successes and achievements. The issues are that you are not alone, and you should not give up. If you do, the world will forget you. So build and be ready to fight on your knees, in prayers and spiritual warfare. 

     Note vv 19 & 20. They tell us about the need for cooperation when the battle gets rough and tough. In the midst of it, don't loose the sight that it is God who fights fo us. Sbd the good news is that, He is on our side. Good morning.

A hieghtened State Of Security

A Heightened State Of Security

Nehemiah 4:7-9 NKJV

[7] Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, [8] and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. [9] Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.

   A heightened Security implies an increase in security protocol. That refers to " increased measures taken to protect a place or ensure access control, often implemented in response to perceived threats or increased security risks. It may involve a variety of actions, including stricter access control, increased surveillance, and greater vigilance among personnel. When a nation, state, or institution experiences a significant incident (e.g., terrorist attack, natural disaster, civil unrest), it often prompts a heightened security response. 

    Judah was faced with five enemies. Some were individuals, others were communities: Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites. When they saw that the walls were being restored, they conspired to attack the children of Israel.

      Sanballat was a Horonite official and the governor of Samaria under the Persian Empire. He is primarily known for this opposition to Nehemiah's effort.Tobiah was an Ammonite official. The Ashdodites were the inhabitants of the Philistine city of Ashdod. The Arabs wete a momadic group identified by their linguistic spread. When opposers arise to projects, its time to pray and prepare 

    God  answers prayers. Don't let anyone kid you. That's why the enemy will try to destroy your prayer life before it attacks. Don't let it happen.They prayed and set a watch. Those two combinations never fail. Pray and watch. Don't take anything for granted. Victory is yours, in Jesus Name. Good morning.

So They mocked, While We Built

So They Mocked, While We Built.

Nehemiah 4:3-6 NKJV

[3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” [4] Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! [5] Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders. [6] So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

      The mockery of Sandballt was painful enough, but adding another salt to the injury by the  action of the Ammonite was very heavy to break their bones. The Ammonites were a Semitic people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. They were descendants  of Ben-Ammi, a son of Lot who slept with his younger daughter while drunk. They were not a covenant people. They served a god called Milcom, not Jehovah. Yet, they had a mouth to join the mockery. 

    Sometimes the persons trying to mock you down may not even have done the things you have tried. Sometimes they are hiding wounds of their own. We watched a football game on television. A football spectator made so much noise about the game. He criticised every player who made mistakes in the game so loudly. Then the camera man tilted the camera in his direction. We all gasped in horror. He had no legs. They may mock you, but they may actually have no legs. Keep playing. So Israel kept building 

    The prayers of Nehemiah in v.4 is what you pray: " Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads..". God answered the prayers. Ezek.25:3; Zeph.2:8; Ezek. 21:32. Be careful with a child of God. Keep building while they mock.  We are the builders. Let them remain the mockers. Good morning.

    

Collaborative leadership in Action

Collaborative Leadership In Action 

Nehemiah 3:1-3 NKJV

[1] Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel. [2] Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. [3] Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. 

     

     Nehemiah understood the state they were in. He knew he had to get the cooperation of the people before anything could be accomplished. Having resources was not enough. He had to get the people to buy into his vision of getting the walls rebuilt. The result of that meeting was action from the people.

     My Ai describes Collaborative leadership as a style where leaders encourage and facilitate teamwork and shared decision-making. It moves away from a traditional top-down approach where leaders make decisions alone, and instead, involves diverse perspectives and insights to reach better outcomes. Nehemiah had no Ai. He had Divine wisdom. His talk was so powerful that the Priests started first. They worked between the Sheep gate and the Tower of Hananel. After that it was free for all. Even the Priests had their share of the work. In normal set ups, they probably wouldn't have been bothered, but this was emergency. 

     In 2013, Change Matrix developed  what they called the 4 Cs coaching model to eliminate disparity in behavioral health.They outlined:  Culture, Change, Conflict and Communication as the components of collaboration . Participants reported gains in: Increased understanding of the value and process of collaboration for themselves and their organizations. They identified and understoond conflict, culture and change as a part of collaboration. They had increased awareness and application of a framework for cross cultural dialogue. Nehemiah's team did not write down their learnings, but it wouldn't have been too different from that. 

    When the project is very big, apply collaborative leadership. Cut up the work into manageable pieces and see your people prosper. You can do it. Nothing  is impossible. Good morning.