Date: Monday, May 26, 2014
Today's Chapters: Nehemiah 11-13
Message Title: It's Not In Vain

As much as I love God and try to live according to His Word, I still deal with a lot of doubt, not of my salvation or in His Word, but of His work in me. Just today, I looked up to God and said, “I love You God, but I am tired of serving You, I just don't know what You want me to do anymore.” Yes, words like these do come out of the mouths of those who faithfully serve God. So, what are we to do when we have doubts about the things we do for God making a difference in our lives, or anyone else's? Keep serving, and remind ourselves that nothing we do for God is worthless. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58.

When Nehemiah left Babylon he was determined to bring the presence of God back to Jerusalem and to see the people serving God faithfully. While Ezra and his crew were successful at restoring the temple, Nehemiah and his built the walls around Jerusalem to make sure no outsiders would get in and corrupt it anymore. However, very few of the people remained within the walls of Jerusalem, in fact, most moved out in the suburbs where they could make a living more easily. An account was given for all the people remaining in and maintaining the city. “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.” - Nehemiah 11:1-3.

It is a known fact that, since God created man, few that are saved remain within the walls of His safety. That leaves a lot of work for the rest of us to do, Jesus Himself said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:37b,38. Only through the power of God can we do His Word, that is if we want to make an impact in our lives and those around us. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:11-13.

Everything was complete, and a revival did take place, everyone willingly came to God, listened attentively to His Word, and worship was restored in the temple as intended. The Levites, people of Judah and Benjamin returned to serving God with great joy and forsook their own personal needs to rebuild the city. “Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward. Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.” - Nehemiah 12:1,24,43-45.

After being in Jerusalem for about 12 years Nehemiah returned home to Babylon, during his absence, the Jews began neglecting their duties and within a brief period of time, the people, including spiritual leaders and church workers had lost interest in pleasing the Lord and began focusing once again on the things in the world. Nehemiah returned to find people selling goods inside the walls, and strangers all over the place. Nehemiah quickly gathered everyone together, reminding them of why the walls were built in the first place.

“In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;” - Nehemiah 13:15,22,26,30.

There is a reason why God puts walls around us, it's to keep the outside world from creeping in and us creeping out into it. We all want to make a nice living and support ourselves and families, but we must be careful not to get outside of those walls, there are just some jobs Christians do not need, no matter how much money can be earned. God allows us to make a living in the world without allowing us to be a part of it, it's for the sole purpose of reaching others to Christ. As we are living in obedience to His commands, within His walls, we can have an impact on others, and make a nice living too. “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:29-32.

Today's Prayer: God, I want to remain within the protective walls that You place around me. Let me not be fooled by those who are content to make me fall, let me not be intimidated to compromise with those who do not dwell with You, and let me not fall into the temptation to go out into the world in order to get the things I need, You will provide me with everything I need as long as I keep my eyes on You. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to do all You call me to do and help me to let go out the doubt that anything I do for you is vain. I ask this is Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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