I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. (Nehemiah 5:6, ESV) When Nehemiah heard about the poverty and the corruption that was happening, he grew angry. He was not happy at how people had been treated and how they had suffered injustice. Jesus tells us that the poor will always be with us. Poverty often happens because of a mindset. But poverty also … [Read more...] about Fighting Injustice and Oppression
Devotions
A Great Outcry
Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives . . . (Nehemiah 5:1, ESV) We have all watched as the devastation in Houston, TX and the surrounding area has unfolded. There is great sadness. Many of us have prayed and donated. Others of you are on your way to help. And I know that many of my readers are from Texas and are likely caught up in the situation … [Read more...] about A Great Outcry
Common Unity
“In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Nehemiah 4:20, ESV) Jesus promised that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is present with them (see Matthew 18:20). God dwells in community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Created in his image, he designed us to dwell in community with others. We are at our … [Read more...] about Common Unity
What Matters Most
“And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”” (Nehemiah 4:19–20, ESV) Nehemiah shared how the work was spread widely. Everyone was scattered doing … [Read more...] about What Matters Most
Carry the Sword
“And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.” (Nehemiah 4:18, ESV) While the walls of Jerusalem were being built, the people were prepared against an attack from their enemies. Half the people were working on the wall while the other half kept an eye out for an invasion. Those who worked also … [Read more...] about Carry the Sword