Tag Archives: Service

Oct 07

Moved to Act

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Photo Credit: cristianbernal.com via Compfight cc

 

What would you do if your home was unprotected from outsiders? Would you just leave your home as is, or would you do whatever was necessary to ensure your home was protected even if it was inconvenient for you?

When Nehemiah learned of the situation in Jerusalem and how the city was still in ruins because the walls were broken down and the gates were destroyed by fire (Neh. 1:3), he was heartbroken. Those were his people and Judah was where his ancestors were buried (Neh. 2:3). He couldn’t just sit back, pretend he didn’t know what was happening and do nothing.

After months of prayer and fasting, Nehemiah went before the king and requested a leave of absence in order to travel hundreds of miles back to Judah and to rebuild (Neh. 2:1-8). With just a quick reading of the text it may be easy for us to miss the significance of Nehemiah’s request. First, he was willing to appear sad in heart before the king which was forbidden. Second, he was willing to make some pretty bold requests of the king for provisions (papers for safe passage and timber for the rebuilding project). Third, he was willing to give up a position many people would love to have in the king’s court. Being the cupbearer in the king’s court was a great honor and one only for those who were considered trustworthy. Most likely with this position came access to private information and considerable wealth (Neh. 5:14-18).

Why would Nehemiah want to put his life on the line and go before the king and make such bold requests? Why would Nehemiah allow his life to be inconvenienced by the happenings back in Jerusalem? It appears he was so deeply concerned about the people back in Jerusalem, he had to act.

What moves you to act? Are you moved to act out of concern for what’s going on around you or are you only moved to act when and if it is convenient? Nehemiah’s concern for Jerusalem and her people led him to take action in spite of the inconvenience it demanded. May we all be moved to act courageously, even when it’s an inconvenience to our lives.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What are some things that move you to act even though it may cause an inconvenience to your life?

Feb 06

Words Aren’t Enough

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The apostle Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39).

Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (I Pet. 4:10).

John reminds us, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (I Jn. 3:18).

Paul summed it up by saying, “Through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Gal. 5:13b-14).

The words above have been lived out by so many recently. Over the course of time Caden was in the hospital, I can’t count the number of calls, texts, Facebook comments/messages and visits we had. Miranda and I were overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we were shown by our church family as well as many others. We can’t even begin to thank you enough for your kindness. There aren’t enough words to truly express our gratitude so please accept our sincere and heartfelt thanks. We consider ourselves blessed to be a part of the Lord’s church. When Caden is old enough to understand, we will share with him your love and concern for him, as well as Miranda and me, during his time in the hospital. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, Thank You.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy” (Phil. 1:3-4).

Now that’s Something to Think About!