“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10 After an oral reading from the book of the Law, those gifted in its truths exposited the text to make the meaning clear. But why did they need to translate the Scripture? These people were Jews by birth, but […]
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Revival at the Water Gate
They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Nehemiah 8:8 Tucked away in the old book of Nehemiah is the first recorded revival. And of all places, the revival occurred at the Water Gate. According to Nehemiah […]
Read MoreEven as the Enemy Blasts, God Builds
They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. Nehemiah 6:9 Sanballat’s weapon of choice was rumour, which has at least two distinctive characteristics. First, a source is never declared. Note the vague reference, “It is reported among […]
Read MoreDoing a Great Work
“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” Nehemiah 6:3 If you are a leader, you spend a lot of your time either on the top or on the bottom. You’re either hero or villain; respected or reviled. Rarely anything between […]
Read MoreMaking Wrong Things Right
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 A good leader does not stop with rebuke. Nehemiah took steps to correct problems—steps we should take first as leaders when we are wrong and steps we should […]
Read MoreWhen the Godly Are in Authority
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2 Regardless of the perils of leadership and promotion, I hope you will never forget Proverbs 29:2. In this proverb, Solomon gave us a tremendous truth. When born-again people are promoted to places of increased leadership […]
Read MoreHandling Promotion
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23–24 Few people can live in the lap of luxury and maintain their spiritual, emotional, and moral equilibrium. Sudden elevation, often disturbs […]
Read MoreCounting the Cost
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.” Luke 14:28–29 Making sense with […]
Read MoreCures for Discouragement
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” Nehemiah 4:14 How involved are […]
Read MoreThe Anatomy of Discouragement
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and […]
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