Lesson 7: Move Your Feet! Day 4

Nehemiah 2:6; 6: 15 - 16



I love the way Nehemiah responded to King Artaxerxes' questions about timing. The text tells us in 2:6 "So I set a time." I tend to be an overanalyzer. Does anyone else fall into that trap? I can debate within myself both sides of nearly every possible scenario that exists ... and even create scenarios that do not exist. That takes a lot of time and even more energy. The opportunity for Nehemiah opened ... so he set a time. And then began to put a plan in place. Had it been me, I might still be there trying to decide the absolute best day for departure! The lesson I learn is when God opens a door ... GO! MOVE! Quit overanalyzing. Now, that requires descretion and wisdom. It actually requires a "prayed up" spirit that we spoke about yesterday. But when those things are in place, we really can (I should say, I really can!) ... JUST DO IT! He's my hero.



I close this week with the words in 6:16 "they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." Any good we do is because of God and by God. Any accomplishments we experience happen with the help of our God. Any successes we enjoy, large or small, are orchestrated by God. And so I ask, How do I communicate that God is the reason for any and all success in my life? Any gifts and talents that we possess ... any strengths that we carry ... all have originated in the hand of God who generously pours out upon us. When you receive a compliment or a praise over something, accept it graciously ... but in your own spirit, or, when appropriate, with a simple word, forward it to God. He is the originator. Offer Him the praise and the glory.



The book of Nehemiah ends with these words: "Remember me with favor, O my God." (13:31b) Those words are precious to me because they are also carved into the headstone that marks my grandfathers grave: Remember me, O mighty One. I think that is a good prayer for us to close today's work:

Remember us with favor, O mighty One.

Lesson 7: Move Your Feet! Day 3

Nehemiah 2:1 - 5



Anyone struggle with fear? Fear of what could happen? Fear over the conditions, both economically and culturally, in our country? Fear of new, unknown things? Fear for your children? Nehemiah has a word for us. You are going to sometimes feel fear. That is a given. We see his statement "I was very much afraid" in verse 2. Acknowledging your fear is not a bad thing. It is not a lack of faith. It is honest. I think it is wise to consider the reasons ... wise to try and identify the source of the fear. Only then can it be addressed. I assume that Nehemiah's fear came from the absolute power over his life and death that King Artaxerxes held in his hand. That is indeed a fearful thing! What makes Nehemiah stand out as one of our heroes of faith is found in the tiny word "but" that begins verse 3. In the face of his fear, Nehemiah still moved! He still said to this king what he needed to say. Remember that Nehemiah belonged to the people of God. He wanted to help his people in Jerusalem. I think he believed it to be the will of God. He was absolutely "prayed up" over the situation. He still felt fear.



I am intrigued by the way he began his statement. "May the king live forever!" That was the appropriate, culturally relevant way to begin any conversation with an eastern monarch. He did not bypass the relevant forms of communication for his time. We can learn from that ... being culturally relevant does matter. It allows communications to be "heard".



Notice in verse 4, when the king asked him what it was he wanted, the text tells us that Nehemiah "prayed to the God of heaven, and answered the king ..." It is all one sentence. I believe it indicates the heart of prayerfulness that was the heart of Nehemiah. There was no need to tell the king, "Let me get back to you on that one ... let me pray about it." Because he had already spent time in prayer over the matter. Therefore, it seems that this refers to an "arrow" prayer that connected all he had previously confessed and cried out before God to the moment. He was ready. I see two questions for us. First: Do I spend time with God in prayer so that I am ready when moments arise? Second: Is my heart so prayerfully atuned to God that any response from me echoes a heart that "prays continually" as Paul instructs in 1 Thessalonians 5:17?



As I think on these things ... how to respond to this day's lesson is not subtle! A more prayerful spirit. More time talking and listening to my God. Only then can I be ready to face my day ... even when fearful things appear on the scene!

Lesson 7: Move Your Feet! Day 2

Nehemiah 1: 5 - 7, 11

There are several lessons that speak to me in these few verses. One is that our God is a covenant-keeping God. And His covenant is one of love. That leads me to consider the covenant relationships that I am currently in. What kind of covenant-keeper am I? Can I be depended upon? Am I faithful to the covenant? What about you? Also, do I fully trust God as a covenant-keeper? If you have been born again by the Spirit of God, you are in a covenant relationship with the God of the universe. Trust Him ... He keeps His covenants of love!

In verses 6 - 7, I see again that confession is both personal and communal. We are a part of a larger whole - the body of Christ, a country, a family, etc. We are connected to one another. When I fall, my family and my church are affected. We don't like to think about that. We are products of the "I am a rock, I am an island" kind of thinking (thank you Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel!) and it is just not true. We are not islands - standing alone. Nehemiah understood that. Are you willing to confess the sins of the larger whole as your own? Remember, confession is agreeing with God and His value system. It is not merely my likes and dislikes. That requires my familiarity with God's values.

I love verse 11! I love that Nehemiah was fervent in prayer, specific in asking for success and favor in the presence of King Artaxerxes. However, he did not tell God how to answer his request! He laid the need out before his God ... but did not tell God what to do. That is beautiful trust. That is acknowledging the need and allowing God to be God, accepting that God's wisdom and paths are better than mine. Do I do that? Do you? Or are we more prone to tell God exactly how He needs to move in response to our requests? God is wiser than we are. God knows the whole picture, not just the tiny scene in which I appear. Our primary need? TRUST HIM ... remember, He keeps His covenant of love!

Lesson 7: Move Your Feet! Day 1

Nehemiah 1: 1 - 4

Once again we see the way God lets us know, specifically, that He is in the midst of history. It is such a good reminder for me - God has always been involved in history and He still is. He is in the midst of our history, this year, these circumstances. He is here.

What moved me the most in this day's meditation is found in verse 3. Hanani's report to Nehemiah is that "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down ..." The wall of God's city was broken down. And that was cause for disgrace. The NASV uses the word "reproach" and the NIV uses "disgrace". I traced that word to gain additional insight into the sense of it. It means "scorn, state of dishonor, shame". It carries the sense of "casting blame with the purpose of harming one's character". It is the antithesis of honor. What in the world brought such a pitiful state for these people? Why were they being mocked and shamed by their enemies? Verse 3 tells us - the wall of Jerusalem is broken down.

What's the big deal? The wall of an ancient city was considered its protection. Therein was its security, its safety. It symbolized all that was strong and secure for the city. And the fact that Jerusalem's was broken down was the source of the shame, the disgrace, the mocking for this remnant of God's people. Are there any lessons in that for you and me? Hear Psalm 18:2 "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge." And Psalm 31:3 "For You are my rock and my fortress. For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me." And finally, Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." OUCH! God is our security. He is the wall around us - providing protection and safety. It is indeed a disgraceful thing for God's people to be eaten up with anxiety and fear when God is our wall. When His strength surrounds us, what is there to fear? I am writing more to myself right now than to you!

Why was Jerusalem's wall broken down? It had been the "receiver" of enemy attack and of neglect. So the question for me today (and, perhaps, you?) is: What does Satan use against me to break down my "wall", my security in God? Where are your vulnerable places? Don't neglect them! Keep them fortified. Shore them up in the Name of our God. He is our fortress - our rock - our security - our strength.

There is no reason for "disgrace" when God surrounds you.

Lesson 7: Move Your Feet! Introduction

We have reached the final lesson in this particular study. Our reading this week is in the book of Nehemiah. Set aside a little time and carefully read Nehemiah 1, 2, 6, & 8. Anne comments that we are going to be seeing "how God's call in our life motivates us forward into action."

After the overview reading ... spend 4 days with meditation and reflection on the following: (remember to look for lessons ... what is God telling you through these verses? What does He want you to do about it?)

Day 1: Nehemiah 1: 1 - 4
Day 2: Nehemiah 1: 5 - 7, 11
Day 3: Nehemiah 2: 1 - 5
Day 4: Nehemiah 2:6; 6: 15 - 16

May God bless your study of His word this week.

Lesson 6: Just Say Yes! Wrap-Up

Before you "shift your gears" and start thinking about Nehemiah (our next stop!) I want to share with you some highlights from the video discussion.

1. Crawford Loritts commented that he wondered if Uzziah had been a distraction to Isaiah. Had God been calling for a long time ... and it took Uzziah's death for Isaiah to hear? Very often we have to get some clutter out of our own lives to be able to hear God.

2. The risk of failure pales into insignificance when compared to the risk of missing God. There is no failure when you are doing His bidding. It matters not what the world sees.

3. Available hearts are what God uses ... more than anything else. He provides the ability and the sufficiency for any tasks He calls mortals to.

4. When Isaiah's lips were cleansed, THEN his ears were opened. Again ... and again ... and again we hear the need for cleansing ... and it can only be done by God.

5. Don't try to go BACK to missed opportunities. When God gives another opportunity ... take it as a fresh moment, a new thing ... and say "Yes, Lord. Here am I."

Lesson 6: Just Say Yes! Day 3

Isaiah 6: 6 - 8

Human need ... divine provision ... grateful, passionate response.

Have you ever experienced needing something and being completely unable to provide for that need? Think about a newborn baby. The little one desperately needs food. Without it - that life will be forfeit. So ... someone steps in to provide for that need. On a much more mundane level, when I have car trouble - I desperately need someone to step in and meet the need because I am totally unable to meet it myself!

The greatest human need is for atonement. Definition: "a making at one, points to a process of bringing those who are estranged into a unity." (The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Volume 1)
Our separation from God presents our deepest and most profound human need. And we can do absolutely nothing to meet the need. Try as we will ... through being good, through religious practice, through spiritual discipline, some try by denying that God even exists ... we cannot meet that primal need. So ... God steps in to meet it for us - to make us "at one" with Him. God provides. God supplies. Purity and wholeness can only come from God. He alone can meet that need. He alone can clothe us so that we can stand in His holy presence. He does so for Isaiah. And Isaiah fully realizes the extent and the power of the reality. Do I "get it"? Sometimes I wonder ... because, I think, when we "get it" lives are forever changed!

Isaiah hears God asking and immediately - no hesitation, no negotiating - responds. "Here am I. Send me." He could respond so quickly and so completely because he had seen God - because he understood what God had done for him. What is God asking of you right now? Is it to deal with some particular sin or habit that is harmful? Is it to be a peacemaker in some situation? Is it to tell of your faith to someone? Is it to forgive an offense? Is it to go to someone and seek amends for an offense that you were responsible for? Why are you waiting?

When you get a vision of the Holy God and what God has done for you, life is forever changed. Your path is changed. Your direction is changed. Your desires begin to transform.

Here we are Lord. Send us. Let us be difference-makers. Let us be the ones to show what it truly means to walk as "Christ-ian". Here we are Lord. Ready, willing, and able because of the sufficiency that You provide. Here we are.

Lesson 6: Just Say Yes! Day 2

Isaiah 6: 4 - 5

We have so "tamed" our Lord. I wonder why? As you study and explore the Old Testament, there never seems to be a cavalier, ho-hum encounter with God. I wonder if the truth of a personal relationship with God (and it is true!) has led us away from the awesome otherness of the living God? Movies of the "Bruce Almighty" genre, while entertaining, have contributed to making it seem as if God is our "buddy". Passages like Isaiah 6 cure that image very quickly!

The holiness of God shook the temple (verse 4) ... and the holiness of God still shakes our world. As I meditate on this verse, I must ask myself if I truly believe that. Or have centuries of the dailiness of living dulled my senses to that reality? Perhaps that could be our prayer today, "Lord we acknowledge that you are all holiness. Your glory surrounds us. We acknowledge that You hold the very foundations of our world together. And it is Yours to hold them steady or to shake them. We take refuge in the shadow of Your wings."

Receiving a vision of the person of God always allows us to get a true vision of ourselves. And it is never a pretty picture! Connect this Isaiah passage to Luke 5: 4 - 8. Luke tells us about a time when Jesus was in Peter's boat teaching the people standing on the shore of the lake. When He finished He told Peter to cast his net out. Peter balks. They had already been fishing all night and had caught nothing. He knew fish ... he knew their patterns ...he knew this lake. But out of respect for Jesus, Peter does it. So many fish were suddenly there that their nets began to break. Peter realized something "other" was going on. And his response is classic - verse 8: "But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!'" He saw the otherness. Isaiah saw the otherness. And both saw themselves. Isaiah cries out that he is unclean. Peter cries out that he is sinful. Seeing God allows us to see ourselves. And that is a good thing - in the same way that a mirror provides really good feedback! Have you looked closely enough into the person of God to be able to see yourself? If not, why not? Is it too painful? Too discouraging? Never fear ... remedy is available. Before you close your Bible today ... read again verses 6 & 7. We will talk more of that miracle tomorrow.

May you see God's holiness today ...

Lesson 6: Just Say Yes! Day 1

Isaiah 6: 1 - 3

I wonder if Isaiah was in mourning for King Uzziah. Was Isaiah discouraged with the passing of his king? We don't know for sure. But if he was, it fits a pattern that I think is real. God comforts His own in times of mourning with a greater reality of Himself. I suspect some of you reading this can give testimony to that fact! He takes our eyes off our own losses ... and allows us to get a glimpse of His glory. Of course, Isaiah got more than a "glimpse"!

I noticed the word "full" and "filled" in these three verses. It appears in verse 1 and in verse 3. The "train of His robe filled the temple." I have seen trains on very formal wedding gowns that filled an aisle - but never the whole place. Do you remember the pictures of the train on Princess Diana's wedding gown? It definitely filled the entire aisle of Westminster Abbey - but far from the entire temple. Can you picture this scene - the train of the robe of God filling the entire temple? And in verse 3, "the whole earth is full of His glory." Fullness - God completely filling. Remember that you and I are the temple. Are you surrendering self to allow the presence of God to "fill" the temple - or are you content with just an aisle? Look for the glory of God this week - the whole earth is "full" of it! That means it surrounds you.

In verse 2 we learn that the seraphs hovering above the throne of God had 6 wings. I learned some interesting insights from "A Commentary: Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments":
2 wings cover their faces: symbolic of being unworthy to look on the holy God
2 wings cover their feet: literally it would translate their "lower parts". This was the usual stance in the presence of an Eastern monarch - a token of reverence
2 wings flying: representing their readiness for instant flight in God's service.

What do I learn from these seraphs? 1. Do I fully understand that the ONLY reason I can lift my head to the heavens is because of my Savior? 2. How do I show reverence in my time, in my life for this King? 3. Am I ready to do God's bidding? How am I "in training" so that when He calls, I am ready to fly?

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory."

Lesson 6: Just Say Yes!

This week we will spend a little time in Isaiah. The reading assignment is Isaiah 6. We will once again observe a great man of God as he encounters the living God.

Read Isaiah 6 in entirety.

For meditation and reflection (looking for lessons and applications)

Day 1: Isaiah 6: 1 - 3
Day 2: Isaiah 6: 4 - 5
Day 3: Isaiah 6: 6 - 8

There are only 3 days of reflection in the lesson this week.
So ... read, reflect ... and check back in a couple of days!
May God bless your study of His Word.

Lesson 5: Bend Your Knees! Wrap-Up

Thoughts for your reflection from the video discussion:

1. Don't waste your wilderness time. Ezra didn't. He studied and became well versed in the law of God - even in a place of captivity.
2. Don't abuse God! After receiving such "severe mercy" from God in being allowed to return, to rebuild, to reestablish ... they return to the very sins that caused the chastisement and suffering. We have received even a greater "severe mercy" in the cross of Christ! The chance to return (to God) to rebuild (life as it should be) and reestablish (life for eternity)
3. We have become cushioned to sin, soft on it. Even among the people of God today, there is little "passionate pursuit of holiness". We want to be friendly with the world. James tell us (James 4:4) that "anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
4. We can't dumb down the standard. God's Word still provides the plumb line for us. Know it.
5. "Repentance" is a tender and positive word. Such a sweet concept and reality because true repentance draws us closer to the heart of God and God's heart closer to ours. Continually do it.
6. Bottom line: Do I love my sin or my God more?
7. The greatest honor we can pay to God is to believe Him. Do you?

My take home from this week: Know God's word ... Take it seriously ... Believe God ... Don't cut myself any slack when I am off course and God reveals it to me!

Lesson 5: Bend Your Knee! Day 4

Ezra 9:13, 15; 10:1

Ezra acknowledges the absolute righteousness of God in verse 15. While "righteousness" is a religious word in our particular day and time, it is a beautiful word! Embodied in it is all that is right, and pure, and good. Our God is righteous. That fact alone makes me know that this God, THE God, is worthy of my worship. Where have you seen the righteousness of God demonstrated even this past week? When have your worshiped this past week? If you assemble with a group of believers, your assemblies together provide one way to worship - but, remember, it is only one way! There are a host of others - personal, private, in spirit as we see truth manisfested daily.

As we worship, notice again verse 13: "... our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant ... " How many times have you made a statement like: "Well, he/she is just getting what they deserve!" Usually, when we make that kind of statement we are doing it with a bit of self-satisfaction. An "uh - huh - about time" kind of mentality. It reminds me how far we are from the mind of God!

I have benefited from a little book titled: "Twelve Steps for the Recovering Pharisee" by John Fischer. In it, Fischer applies the concept of the twelve step format developed by the originators of Alchoholics Anonymous - a format that has helped countless numbers deal with their slavery to alchohol. That procedure has been adopted by so many in different areas of addiction. Fischer applies it to our tendency toward Phariseeism. As I read what Ezra prays in verse 13, I am reminded of Steps 3 and 4 in Fischer's book. I include them here for your reflection:

Step 3: We realize that we detest mercy being given to those who, unlike us, haven't worked for it and don't deserve it.

Step 4: We have decided that we don't want to get what we deserve after all, and we don't want anyone else to either.

I worship today ... I worship a God that loves so much, so deeply, He willingly took punishment that I deserved, so that I would not have to bear it. He paid a debt He did no owe ... so that you and I could belong to a "remnant" of people who believe that in Jesus Christ we can be saved from the destruction that we deserve. There is nothing to do or say ... all we can do is "Bend our knee" and worship - in gratitude and awe.

A righteous God ... loves us that much!

Lesson 5: Bend Your Knee! Day 3

Ezra 9: 8 - 10



Yesterday's thoughts laid so heavy on me ... I needed the words from the middle of Ezra's prayer today as he recounts some of what God has done for His people. Refreshment always follows conviction! Let's just slowly relish the things Ezra acknowledges about our God ...



1. God's grace gives us a firm place to stand in His sanctuary. (verse 8) Celebrate that fact today. Paul tells us the we can be pressed in on every side ... but not crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8) and that we can put on the armor of God which will enable us to stand (Ephesians 6:10 ff). The grace of God provides what we need so that we can stand. Praise His Name!



2. God gives light to our eyes. (verse 8 ) Jesus is that light ("I AM the light of the world - John 8:12). God's Word gives light ("Your Word is a light unto my path" - Psalm 119:105). We do not have to walk in darkness. Thank you Lord!



3. God gives relief from our bondage. (verse 8) In reality, this God gives FREEDOM from bondage. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) Hallelujah!



4. God does not desert us. (verse 9) Jesus says "I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor to be with your forever - the Spirit of truth." (John 14:16 - 17) Never alone - a precious gift!



5. God shows us kindness. (verse 9) God's grace is "expressed in His kindness..." (Ephesians 2:7) List the ways that you see the kindness of God in your own life ... in your current circumstances. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!



6. God gives new life. (verse 9) A new creation ... born of God. "You must be born again" (John 3:7) And miracle of miracles ... God does it ... He births us again, by Spirit, into new life! And I bow in worship to this amazing God!

Lesson 5: Bend Your Knee! Day 2

Ezra 9: 4 - 7



I am interested in this word "appalled" that is used in 9:3 - 4. It is the Hebrew word "shamem". The word is used 90 times in the OT. Of those 90 references, only 13 of them are translated "appalled". Other English words that are used to translate include: horrified, desolate, devastated, ruined. Dictionary definitions of shamem include: stunned, stupefied, laid to waste, ravaged. Seeing some of the nuances around this word help me understand the depth of Ezra's dismay. And I am again stunned into silence by the seriousness of ignoring the words, warnings and instructions from God. Oh, Gail - look carefully at yourself and pay attention! Has God revealed anything to you lately that He wants changed? My friends - we MUST get on with it!

Did you notice in 9:4 when Ezra said "eveyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me ..."? It seems that not all trembled at the words of God. It seems that not all had a sense of fear of the Lord. Those who did - came. Those who did not - evidently went about their business. I am reminded of Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." The wise ones in the midst of Jerusalem came alongside Ezra. Do you want to be wise? If so, then the words of the God of Israel - the God of our Savior, Jesus, matter! They matter tremendously. There is foolishness in our self-absorption. And while our God is shepherd, tender, merciful, compassionate, love ... we must never forget that He is a consuming fire, worthy of our most profound respect and awe.

Are you ever "appalled" at yourself? I hope I am not the only one that has to admit to that! Have you ever witnessed yourself saying one thing and doing another? Have you ever violated the words of God by choices and/or behaviors? Again, I hope I am not the only one that has to admit to that. Because if you can see yourself there with me, we can sit together, appalled. And then we can join Ezra, on our knees with hands outstretched to the Father, and call out to our God who is full of mercy and compassion. Anyone with me?

Lesson 5: Bend Your Knee! Day 1

Ezra 7:6; 9: 1 - 3

I love that Ezra is described as a teacher "well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given". (7:6) Not all teachers are. Some are experts in the ways of the world, in human knowledge and wisdom, in the latest trends of thought. While those things can be very interesting, and often helpful, they are of no eternal value. The things of eternal value come from the mind of God. Think for a moment - who are your favorite "teachers"? Perhaps you are a student through the things that they write. Perhaps you are a student under their tutelage. Are some of the people on your list of "favorites" teaching about the things of God - or are they mostly teaching human wisdom? Now we have to take this thought to a different level. Of those that ARE teaching things of God, do you take the time to check the plumb line of the Word of God to see if the things being taught are true? (Like the Bereans of Acts 17:11) If not, why not?

As I think about this description of Ezra, I think about us as teachers - and not the "stand up in front of a class" kind! You are teaching someone. It may be a child, it may be a spouse, it may be a niece or nephew, it may be a friend. You are teaching - through words, reactions, behaviors, choices - we are teaching. So I must ask: What kind of teachers are we? Am I (you) "well versed in the Law of the Lord"? Your participation in this study tells me that you have a desire to be. So do I! So let's keep on ... committed to the discipline of reading and meditating on and studying the Word of our God.

In 9:2 we learn that even the leaders of the people have led the way in the unfaithfulness. Now, my friends, in the ways that we are all teachers, we are also all leaders. So the same questions must be asked: What kind of leader am I (you)? Am I the kind that leads into unfaithfulness ... or do I stay on the path of faithfulness? What about you? How do you exhibit faithfulness to God, first, then to your spouse and children and body of Christ?

My prayer for us this week: Lord, make us more like Ezra - committed to being well versed in You, committed to walking in faithfulness and appalled at the things that appall You.

Lesson 5: Bend Your Knees!

Our study this week will be in the book of Ezra. Before we begin meditating on a few specific verses, read Ezra 7 - 10. Read it first for the story. It is a remarkable story. Ezra's life had been in Babylon as part of a conquered people, people in exile and captivity. That is what he knew. But he also knew the Word of God. Your reading will describe him as "skilled in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given..." You will find this man to be trustworthy and prayerful. You will find him acquainted with self-denial. He was a man of faith who honored God's Word.

After you get a sense of the events and circumstances, then move into meditation over these few verses. Remember, we are looking for open eyes to see God and for open ears to hear a word from Him for our lives right now.

Day 1: Ezra 7:6; 9: 1 - 3
Day 2: Ezra 9: 4 - 7
Day 3: Ezra 9: 8 - 10
Day 4: Ezra 9: 13, 15; 10:1

May God bless your study of His word this week.

Lesson 4: Rend Your Heart Wrap-Up

Following are some of my highlights from the video discussion of Lesson 4, Psalm 51:

1. We cannot afford to let down our guard over our own hearts. Sin is so deceptive. We even get lured into calling sin by other names ... makes it milder, less threatening. Calling things by other names also dulls our hearts to the need for confession and repentance.

2. Never say what you would never do!

3. The "cross" provides, not only forgiveness, but the power to live above our sin natures.

4. Sin actually "hurts God's heart"

5. David grieved over the root, the cause of his sin ... not just over the consequences.

5. Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death ..." Whatever area in your life where sin is present, that area begins to "die". (marriage, business, family ...)

6. Don't stop thinking about this until you go all the way to the remainder of Romans 6:23:
"... but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
And there is the celebration!

Lesson 4: Rend Your Heart! Day 4

Psalm 51: 14 - 17

This Psalm is probably the most quoted Psalm of confession, the most beautiful cry of a penitent heart, the most eloquent in its profound simplicity. Songs are still written inspired by this "song". I pray that it has led you close to the heart of God this week.

As we finish the last few verses, I am so challenged by verses 16 - 17. I wonder how many sacrifices have been offered over the years, all in the name of God, that had nothing to do with God and everything to do with the "sacrificer". Even our Christian service can sometimes be more about us than God. Cain offered sacrifice - God was not pleased. (Genesis 4). The Israelites offered countless sacrifices - God was not pleased. Spend some time reflecting on the "why" of that fact. It has to be because the sacrifice was offered as an end in itself - as if there was some mysterious, magical power in it. For Cain - I think it was easy, it was what he wanted to offer, it was "some" not first fruits. For the Israelites - I think they saw the religious sacrifices as "duty", required to appease a god. "Let's just do this and get it over with!" mentality. We must examine our hearts, my friends! Why do you serve God, if you do?

This God we serve desires hearts ... He desires relationship with His created ... He is love ... He desires love. When we face the reality of the way we fail Him ... there is nothing left but a broken and contrite heart and spirit. And that reality places us right where we need to be - submitted to, surrendered to, in love with this amazing God.

Sing with me ... "I keep falling in love with Him, over and over, over and over again. He gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by. Oh what a love between by Lord and I. I keep falling in love with Him, over and over, and over and over again."

Lesson 4: Rend Your Heart! Day 3

Psalm 51: 10 - 13

We spend quite a bit of time thinking about and focusing on "needs". There exists a significant collection of books on the differences in male needs and female needs. Spouses are wise to consider the needs of their mates and ways they can help meet those needs. Parents spend both time and emotional energy considering the needs of each of their children - the differences, the things that make one flourish. While many needs of the human being are universal ... so many are individual. Therein lies the challenge, right?

These four little verses in this profound Psalm speak to me of human need - not the individual things that make me secure and content - but the universal things that fulfill the longings and hungers of the human heart. The things we need as we look - past the short journey on this planet - to eternity, toward complete union with God. Read the verses again with that thought in mind before you look at my "list". Can you see the necessities required for a holistic spirit?

1. A pure heart
2. A steadfast spirit
3. God's presence
4. God's Spirit
5. Salvation
6. Joy
7. A willing spirit

We could spend days reflecting on each of these. Why are they necessary? What do they provide for me? How would my days be different if I were secure in my realization of the possession of these things? Would my relationships look different? Would I handle my children differently? Would I interact with my spouse differently?

The needs of the human heart ... David understood the necessity ... do I?

He closes this stanza with an anthem of testimony! When these needs are met by the God of creation - how can I not tell of it!

Lesson 4: Rend Your Heart Day 2

Psalm 51: 5 - 9

In verse 6 we learn that God's desire is for us to have truth deep inside us. He does not want me to have false things and ideas in my spirit. Can you think of things that you once believed to be "true" but have found that they were false? How did God reveal the falseness to you? God is our quintessential teacher! As we journey, both physically and spiritually, I pray to have open eyes and an open heart to confront anything in me that is false.

In the flow of this particular Psalm, I think the "truth" has to do with our view of ourselves. It confronts the reader with personal sin and the continual battle against it. Some of you may remember the comedy of Flip Wilson: "The devil made me do it!" (snicker, snicker, ha, ha). That image of sin as comedy has marked many in my generation. And the image makes it funny, not tragic. The image strips away personal responsibility, leaving continual blame in its wake. That is something "in our inner parts" which is false. Time to lay aside that falsehood and claim the truth of this Psalm - I was born with a penchant for sin and desperately need to be washed clean. One person, only one, can accomplish that washing ... Jehovah God . Are you willing to look at yourself - honestly? If so, be sure that you are willing to go all the way to crying out to this God for cleansing. He offers it - is able and willing to do it - and even brings joy and gladness and rejoicing on the other side (verse 8).

Why not have a time of confession right now? What do you see in yourself that needs washing? Any behaviors? Attitudes? Thoughts? And then ... listen for the reverberations of joy that surround you. Remember: This God is faithful and just ... He will forgive and purify. That's the TRUTH! (1 John 1:9)

Lesson 4: Rend Your Heart Day 1

Psalm 51: 1 - 4

I love what I see of God in these verses. From verses 1 and 2, I see a glimpse into God that helps me. This God I serve has both the authority and power to wash away the stain of sin and the mercy and compassion to do so. Isn't the combination of these two qualities wonderfully comforting? Power wielded without compassion is so often destructive. And mercy and compassion without any authority or power accomplishes nothing. In God all these necessary pieces come together in perfect unity. That leads me into worship!

I love what I see of David in these verses. Verse 3 reminds me that personal awareness is the essential beginning place of any restoration. David did not indulge in personal denial. Do I? Do you? Isn't it easy to make excuses and rationalizations for the sin and failure in life? I respect David for not doing that. And I am impressed by his understanding that sin, while it definitely effects other people, while it carries consequences that will touch other people, sin is against God. Can you remember a time in your life when this realization came to a clear light in your own mind and heart - when the rationalizations, the excuses, the blaming finally ceased - and you fell at the foot of the cross asking God for the cleansing that can only come from His hand? If you have not come to that realization ... read verses 3 and 4 again ... and learn from David.

Lay your heart and soul bare before the Lord. He has the authority, the power, the mercy and the compassion to handle "you" with marvelous care. Release yourself into those hands ...

Lesson 4: Rend Your Heart

As we close our thinking about this encounter between Moses and God, I so wish I could talk with each of you and hear what God is teaching you as you carefully read His Word! Feel free to post your comments and lessons learned. Moses is one of my "heroes" ... for many reasons. One is definitely his companionable relationship with God. And alongside that companionableness, he exhibited a holy fear that is so appropriate coming from the created ones! He is also one of my heroes because he was so sure that he could not do the task that God sent him to do. I can totally relate to his hesitancy and initial unwillingness to boldly go where God said go. I love that Moses was on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured (Matt 17) "talking with Jesus". Can you imagine that conversation ... how I would love to know what was shared so intimately between the three (Jesus, Moses and Elijah). And yet we see this Moses, this friend of God, still needing a fresh vision of his God before he could continue the journey. Did you get one this week? I pray that God gave you fresh eyes to "see" Him as you studied. The apostle Paul applies this particular Old Testament passage for us. Read his words in 2 Corinthians 3: 7 - 18.

Here are some highlights from the video discussion: "Revelations of God match our current need"; "The glory of God IS His character. Don't rush so after experience, seek Him"; "When a heart is seeking, the Spirit reveals".

This week ... Lesson 4 ... we will try to learn some lessons from David, the great shepherd - king of Israel. Read 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51 at one time. Remember, just read through, letting the context and content of the whole chapter settle in your spirit. Read 2 Samuel 12 first to set the context. Then read Psalm 51. Tomorrow we will begin looking at specific verses from the Psalm and search for personal lessons imbedded there.

Day 1: Psalm 51: 1 - 4
Day 2: Psalm 51: 5 - 9
Day 3: Psalm 51: 10 - 13
Day 4: Psalm 51: 14 - 17

I pray God's blessings and peace to permeate all your being this day.