“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’” – Mark 4:35 (NIV) As the sun sets on this final day of the year, we find ourselves standing on the brink…
Month: December 2024
The enemy’s tactic of intimidation is nothing new, and Nehemiah knew that well. His opponents hoped that if he became afraid, he would falter and the work would stop. Yet, Nehemiah didn’t let his fears make the decisions; instead, he prayed for strength and refused to let fear determine his actions. This bold move teaches us that though we may feel fear, we don’t have to obey it. Fear is a choice we make, but faith is a choice we can make too. Nehemiah’s discernment was rooted in his firm trust in God, reminding us that we don’t have to let fear rule.
Slander is one of the enemy’s sharpest tools, often aimed at undermining our character and motives. When Nehemiah’s enemies failed to distract him with “peaceful” meetings, they turned to another weapon: false accusation. Sanballat’s letter, filled with vague accusations, claimed Nehemiah had ambitions to make himself king and that his work on the wall was merely a path to rebellion. Nehemiah’s steadfast response teaches us that sometimes, when the enemy’s initial distractions fail, he turns up the pressure with lies designed to cause us to stumble.
Distractions are often subtle. They can come disguised as good intentions, urgent demands, or even seemingly noble causes. But in Nehemiah 6:3, we see a man who understood the value of focus. He was doing a “great work” for God, and he knew that any detour—no matter how harmless it seemed—would draw him away from his purpose. Nehemiah didn’t simply dismiss the invitation from his enemies once; he resisted it four times. Each time, he stood firm, reminding himself that his commitment to God’s work was far more important than any outside influence.
Nehemiah’s ability to discern the true intentions behind Sanballat and Geshem’s invitation was crucial. Their invitation sounded innocent, maybe even friendly, but Nehemiah knew better. He recognized that not every open door is from God, and not every kind word holds good intentions. His example shows us the importance of discernment: seeing situations, people, and decisions through God’s eyes rather than through outward appearances alone. This kind of spiritual insight comes when we draw close to God, allowing His Spirit to guide our hearts.
Nehemiah’s life and leadership provide us with a powerful example of generosity in action. Even though he had access to significant resources through the king’s provisions, Nehemiah didn’t take more than he needed or keep anything for personal gain. Instead, he regularly hosted 150 people at his table, ensuring everyone had enough. He could have chosen personal profit, but he understood that real blessing lies in giving, not receiving. His actions reveal a heart focused on serving others rather than being served.
When God chose to announce the birth of His Son, He didn’t reveal it to scholars or leaders but to humble shepherds. These unlikely recipients of the greatest news highlight God’s ways, which are often beyond human understanding. The shepherds’ involvement points us to profound truths about God’s character and His plans.
Why was Jesus born? Beyond the where, when, and how of His birth, the ultimate reason is clear: He came to save us. The angelic proclamation in Luke 2:11 declares this truth plainly—Jesus was born to be the Savior. This message resounds throughout Scripture and was recognized by those who awaited the Messiah.
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14 (NASB) When we celebrate Christmas, we often focus on…
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” — Colossians 1:15 (ESV) The world often obscures the true meaning of Christmas by elevating myths like Santa Claus while minimizing the profound reality of Jesus Christ….