God's View on Sex (Part 3 of 3)

Greetings All,

This will be the last installment on God's Views On Sex unless you go to the Word on your own. Those of us who have been *saved* for any length of time can tell you that the Holy Spirit will allow certain Scripture to jump out at us when He wants to get our attention. We may have read the same chapter every day for months and it was about God's amazing love. Then the day you really needed to hear from the Lord...... He's right on time.  SO MEN PLEASE LISTEN UP!

"Why Does Proverbs Include So Many Warnings About Unauthorized Sex?"

(Proverbs 5:3)  "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech;"  

This "Adulteress Woman" is a Prostitute. Proverbs includes many warnings against unauthorized sex for several reasons: (1) A lady of the evening's charm is used as an example of any temptation to do wrong or to leave the pursuit of Wisdom. (2) As previously mentioned, sexual immorality of any kind was and still is notably dangerous. It destroys family life. It disintegrates a person's ability to love.  It degrades human beings and turns them into objects. It can lead to disease. it can result in unwanted children. (3)  Remember Sexual Immorality is against God's law. In Corinthians 6, teachings about sexual immorality and prostitutes was especially important for the Corinthian Church because the temple of the love goddess Aphrodite was in Corinth. Paul clearly stated that Christians are to have no part in sexual immorality, even if it is acceptable and popular in our culture. Back in 1 Corinthians 4 Paul told the Corinthians  to imitate him. Men we ought to listen to the man of God. Now Paul was able to make this statement because he walked close to God,  spent time in God's Word and in prayer, and was aware of God's presence in his life at all times. Paul wasn't expecting others to imitate everything he did, but they should imitate those aspects of his beliefs and conduct that were modeling Christ's way of living.

"In Sexual Sin Someone Always Gets Hurt"         

(Proverbs 6:25-35) Let's be honest in the past how many times have you thought that it is right to break God's law against sexual sin especially if nobody  gets hurt. If truth be told, somebody always gets hurt. Men, spouses are devastated. Children are scarred. The partners themselves, even if they escape disease and unwanted pregnancy, lose their ability to fulfill commitments, to feel sexual desire, to trust and to be entirely open with another person. God's laws are not arbitrary. They do not forbid good, clean fun; rather, they were used against destroying ourselves through unwise actions or running ahead of God's timetable.  In Romans 1:26-27  We're reminded of God's plan for natural sexual relationships for his creation, you and me. Unfortunately, sin distorts the natural use of God's gifts. Sin frequently means not only denying God, but also denying the way we are made. When people say that any sex act is acceptable as long as nobody gets hurt, they are fooling themselves. Brothers can we talk, In the long run  ( and often in the short run), sin hurts people - individuals, families, whole societies. How sad it is that people who worship the things God made instead of the creator so often distort and destroy the very things they claim to value!

Men homosexuality was as widespread in Paul's day as it is in ours today. Many pagan practices encouraged such behavior. Our God is willing to receive anyone who comes to him in faith, and Christians should love and accept others no matter what their background. Yet, homosexuality is strictly forbidden in scriptures (Leviticus 18:22). "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."  Sexual desires and activities must be placed under Christ's control. God created sex for procreation and pleasure, and as an expression of love between a husband and wife. Sexual experience must be limited to marriage, to avoid hurting ourselves, our relationship to God, and our relationships with others.  

"Ways To Avoid Sexual Sins"

Proverbs 7:25-27   There are precise steps you can take to avoid sexual sins, first, guard your mind. Don't read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires. Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin. Third, don't think only of the moment - focus on the future. Today's thrill may lead to tomorrow's ruin.

"Committing Mental Adultery"

You have heard that it was said, you shall not Commit Adultery;  (28) But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Back in Exodus 20:14  You shall not commit adultery. But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with someone other than your Spouse is Mental Adultery and thus Sin. Jesus emphasized that if the act is wrong, then so is the intention. Men to be faithful to our Spouse with our body but not our mind is to break the trust so vital to a strong marriage. Jesus is not condemning natural interest in the opposite sex or even healthy sexual desire, but the deliberate and repeated filling of ones mind with fantasies that would be evil if acted out.  Some think that if lustful thoughts are sin, why shouldn't a person go ahead and do the lustful actions too?  Acting out sinful desires is harmful in several ways:  (1) It causes people to excuse sin rather than to stop sinning;  (2) It destroys marriages;  (3) It is deliberate rebellion against God's Word; (4) It always hurts some one else in addition to the sinner. Sinful action is more dangerous than sinful desire, and that is why desires should not be acted out. nevertheless, sinful desire is just as damaging to righteousness. Left unchecked, wrong desires will result in wrong actions and turn people away from God. We are in a battle for our lives and the lives of our families. If we stay Pure, Clean and Healthy in the Lord, what chance will our families have in the long run. Remember when Jesus said to get rid of your hand or your eye, he was speaking figuratively. He didn't mean to actually gouge out your eye, because even a blind person can lust. But if that were the only choice, it would be better to go into heaven with one eye or hand than to go to hell with too. Sometimes we abide sins in our lives that, left unchecked, could eventually destroy us. Brothers it is better to experience the pain of removal  (getting rid of a bad habit or something we treasure, for instance) than to allow the sin to bring judgment and condemnation.  Men SCRUTINIZE your life for anything that causes you to sin, then take proper precautions to remove it.

Have a wonderful Christmas in the Lord and please remember God's Views on Sex.

Humbly Yours in Christ,

              Jim

God's View on Sex (Part 2 of 3)

 I heard from a few of you yesterday and all I can say is "God be the glory"...  Strap in and let's continue on this journey into the bible.

"WHY DID GOD INCLUDE SO MANY LAWS ABOUT SEXUAL SINS"?

(Deut.22:13-30)   Laws on Morality were given to God's chosen people and also for us today. Instructions about sexual behavior would have been essential for three million people on a 40 - year camping trip. But they would by equally important when they entered the Promised land and settled down as a nation. In the book of Colossians chapter 3:5-8, Paul recognizes the importance of having carved in stone rules about sex for believers because sexual sins have the power to disrupt and destroy the church. Are you strapped in? Sins involving sex are not innocent dabbling in forbidden pleasures, as is so often portrayed, but powerful destroyers of relationships. They confuse and tear down the characteristics of respect, trust, and credibility so essential for solid marriages and secure children. Brothers it's time for us to stop being selfish, when we cheat on our spouse, in whatever form it maybe self gratitude can open the door to the pit. Before I inadvertently forget to list Colossians 3:5-8 "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. (6) For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, (7) and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. (8) But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth".

"HOW TO COMBAT TEMPTATION"

(Judges 16:15)  We've all read about Sampson and Delilah and more important how Delilah deceived Sampson as the serpent in the garden deceived Eve. The serpent was described as more crafty than any beast in the field. Now, Delilah thought that she was more clever than others. Men how do we keep our desire for love and sexual pleasure from deceiving us?  (1) We must decide ahead of time what kind of woman we will entertain as our possible mate for life. My son is in his early thirties and he is still single and walking with the Lord. Everyday I'm praying for the Godly woman, that our Lord is preparing for my son. Determine whether a person's character and faith in God are as desirable as his or her physical appearance. (2) Men, most of the time that we spend with our wives will not involve sex, our companion's personality, temperament, and our duty to solve problems must be as gratifying as that special thing that makes your wife melt, or your or her kisses. (3) Men be patient... Remember that we are searching for your life long partner. It's OK to take a second or even a third look. Often will reveal what is under the surface. I'm not referring to what she looks like when the makeup is off but what she's like when it's just you and her.

"WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MARRIAGE"                             

(Genesis 2:18-24) Marriage is God's idea - (Genesis 24:58-60) Commitment is essential to a Successful Marriage - (Song 4:9-10) Romance is important - (Jeremiah 33:10-11) Marriage holds times of great joy - (Malachi 2:14-15) Marriage creates the best environment for raising children - (Matthew 5:32) Unfaithfulness breaks the bond of trust, the foundation of all relationships - (Matthew 19:6) Marriage is permanent - (Romans 7:2-3) Ideally, only death should dissolve marriage - (Ephesians 5:21-33) Marriage is based on the principled practice of love, not on feelings - (Ephesians 5:23,32) Marriage is a living symbol of Christ and the church - (Hebrews 13:4) Marriage is good and honorable.

"RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRIDE AND SEXUAL IMMORALITY"     

Men no matter how you look at another woman who is in sexual sin. An adulteress is a seductive woman or a prostitute. Two of the most difficult sins to resist are Pride and Sexual Immorality. Both are alluring. Pride says, "I Deserve It" ;  Sexual Desire says, "I Need It" ;   In combination, their appeal is deadly. In fact, says Solomon, only by relying on God's strength can we overcome them. Pride appeals to the empty head; Sexual enticement to the empty heart. Always remember by looking to God, we can fill our heads with Wisdom and our Hearts with his Love. Don't be fooled - remember what God says about who you are and what you were meant to be. Ask Him for Strength to Resist these Temptations.

OK men that's enough for now, it looks like there will be a Part 3.  Lord Willing I'll see ya soon.

God's View on Sex (Part 1 of 3)

This message is of such importance that I may have to share it with you in parts, so please strap in and get ready for a ride through the Bible.

It's my prayer that you are all standing in the Word of God. Today's subject is sex and I'm not sure if we're on the same page. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the word "sex" (1) either of the two major forms that occur in many living things and are designated male or female according to their role in reproduction; also (2) the qualities by which these sexes are differentiated and which directly or indirectly function in reproduction involving two parents. 

"WHY SEX MUST BE LIMITED TO MARRIAGE"

(Deuteronomy 23:17-18) "None of the daughters of israel shall be a cult prostitute, nor shall any of the sons of Israel be a cult prostitute. (vs18) "You shall not bring the hire of a harlot or the wages of a dog into the house of the Lord your God for any votive offering, for both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God. Our God did not over look anything in His law, prostitution is rigidly forbidden. Almost every other religion known to the Israelites included cult prostitution as an integral part of its worship services. prostitution makes a mockery of God's original idea for sex, treating sex as an isolated physical act rather than an act of duty to another. Outside of marriage, sex destroys kinship with marriage, if approached with the right attitude, it can be a relationship builder. Young people need to be reminded about premarital sex, and adults need to be reminded about sexual loyalty.

"SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS IN MARRIAGE" 

(Proverbs 5:18-20) "God does not intend faithfulness in marriage to be boring, lifeless, pleasureless, and dull. We are told to rejoice in the wife of our youth. We are to be stimulated always with her love. Real happiness comes when we decide to find pleasure in the relationship God has given or will give us and to commit ourselves to making it pleasing for our spouse.

 "SEXUAL SIN"

 "CONSEQUENCES OFTEN DEVASTING"     

(Genesis 34:27-29)  When Shechem raped Dinah, the consequences were far greater than he could have imagined. Dinah's brothers were outraged and took vengeance, pain, deceit, and murder followed. Sexual sin is devastating because it's consequences are so far reaching.

"RESISTING SEXUAL SIN"  

(Genesis 39:9)  "There is one greater in this house than I, and he has witheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?"  Wow, what a man of God. Joseph truly was a man with character. Potiphar's wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted this temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. One has to wonder how many other times Potiphar's wife seduced other men and was successful. Joseph didn't say, to Potiphar's wife, "I'd be sinning against Potiphar," or "I'd be sinning against myself." Under pressure, such excuses are easily explained away. Men remember that sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults. We know that it is an act of disobedience against our God. None of us I don't believe gets up each day and says, let's see how can I disobey God today. We must purpose in our heart to stay sin free. We need to realize how important it is to engraft scripture into our daily lives. Just afew weekends ago while praying for someone at the altar a brother in the Lord came up to me an handed me a list of scriptures that we all should memorize and speak into other lives.

"WHY SEXUAL SIN IS SO DANGEROUS"                                                                   

(Leviticus 20:10-21)  God's prohibition against sexual sins come with notably harsh punishments. God has no understanding for such acts for the following reasons: (A) They shatter into smithereens the mutal commitment of married couples; (B) They can surely destroy the sanctity of the family (C) They twist people's mental well - being; and (D) They spread disease. Sexual Sin has always been widely available, but the glorification of sex between people who are not married to each other often hides deep catastrophe and hurt behind the scenes. When society portrays sexual sins as attractive, it is easy to forget the dark side.When we neglect to pray and search the scriptures daily for guidance and strength will can stumble and Fall. God had good reasons for prohibiting sexual sins.He loves us and wants the very best for us.

 I believe I will stop right here for now as I don't want to bowl you over today.   I'll be back with Part 2!

Until next time stay tuned...

 

Humbly Yours in Christ,

              Jim

Is Your House Built On Rock Or Sand

Greetings To You All,

I have a very important question for you.Have you excepted the challenge yet? Are you still just getting by... What I mean is some of us coast through life on what was achieved in the past. (James 1:5) " but if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him". How easy is this, just ask and receive. Knowledge, insight, and good judgment and the path of less Resistance. In the book of Luke 6:48 speaks on obeying God, which is likened to building a house on a strong foundation. Is your families substructure based on the Word of God? Are you building your house, your temple on a solid ground? We all know that life has bumps in the road, so it's vital to build on rock rather than sand. Isn't it a great feeling to know that you're prepared in case of any situation in your life. In the Gospels we're told about Jesus calming the storm. The disciples have seen many things that they never heard of before. We should know by now that Jesus is always with us know matter the situation we find ourselves in. The Lord is looking for you and me to trust Him in all facets of our lives.

We need to en graft this concept that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. He will provide every thing we need. Nows the time to check and see what you're made of. Many of us read the Word Daily and we are in church every time the doors are open. But we still don't trust God in an wholehearted manner. One day Jesus stepped into a boat and his 12 disciples followed. Remember that these were fishermen accept for a few. These men had not thoughtlessly set out in a storm. being familiar with these waters they truly had been caught without warning, and in their minds they were in trouble. These men had first hand knowledge of many miracles performed by Jesus Christ. These men for some reason did not think that Jesus could handle this situation. Are we like that, do we know that Jesus can handle any situation. There is often a stormy area of our human nature where we feel, that for whatever reason God can't or won't work, in that situation. I confess that I have given something to the Lord then took it back when I figured out a solution.When we truly understand who God is, however, we will realize that he controls both the storms of nature and the storms of the troubled heart. Jesus is willing to help if we only ask him. We should never discount his power even in terrible trials.

"Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? Yielding to God is like building your house on a strong, solid foundation that will stand firm when the storms of life come. When life is calm, our foundations don't seem to matter. On the other hand when crises come, our foundations are tested. Friends we must be sure our life is built on the solid foundation of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ. I'm reminded of when Jesus taught about the vine and the branches. (John 15:5-6) "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing". (vs 6) " If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned".

That's all for now, have a great day in the Lord.

Humbly Yours in Christ,
Jim

"Endeavor to become a person of Integrity"

Have You Checked Your Insurance Policy?

I'm sure that all of us have been reading about what's going on in Southern California. My wife and I spent about ten years out west. In fact two of our children were born in Southern California, and our third was born in the great state of Massachusetts. We have been through fires, flood, earthquakes and hurricanes. We truly understand just how devastating wild fire can be, we've seen fire burn right up to the house and stop. If one does not believe in God I just don't understand. My Bible says the earth will be judged by fire. 2 Peter 3:7 "But by his His Word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men". In the days of Noah the earth was judged by water; and the Word says at the Second Coming it will be judged by fire. This fire is described in the book of Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15.

I'm a people watcher and I believe that we all should have the facts. My friend Tony S. sent me a link that took me back to days of yesteryear. I enjoyed watching a program called "Dragnet", the star was a character named "Joe Friday". His famous line when questioning a witness he would say "Just The Facts". This program ran from 1952 - 1959, then 1967 - 70. I believe that we all should have the facts. In order to make the best decision for our lives. We should understand that we have a clear choice of where we will spend eternity. Some walk around with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Still some walk around saying to themselves let's live for today as we may die tomorrow. I believe that we should live our lives expecting Jesus Christ any moment. 2 Peter 3: 8-9 "But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord One Day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like One Day. (9) The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. God may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered. Know that our God is not slow; He just is not on my or your timetable. Psalm 90:4 "For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night". Moses reminded us that a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. God is not limited by time. It's easy to get discouraged when years pass and the world doesn't get better. Some wonder if God is able to see the future. But assume that God has our limitations. God is completely unrestricted by time. Because He is eternal, we can depend on Him. Please understand that our God is an on time God. We must stand and wait on God's timing. Psalm 39:5 " Behold, you have made my days as hand-breadths, and my life time as nothing in your sight; surely every man at his best is a mere breath." The shortness of life is a theme throughout the books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Jesus also spoke about it (Luke 12:20). Remember Judges 7:19 "So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and smashed the pitchers that were in their hands". It's always important to trust God. There marching orders come from the Lord, then to Gideon, to the 300 soldiers. The night was divided equally into three watches. The beginning of the middle watch would have been around 10:00 P.M. many in the camp would still have been awake confusion of the enemy. Gideon's army simply watched as the army of Median fell into panic, confusion, and disordered retreat. "Not one man had to draw a sword to defeat the enemy. Now regarding a Deceitful Heart Jeremiah 17:11 "As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, so is he who makes a fortune, it will forsake him, and in the end he will be a fool".

There is a right way and a wrong way to do any task. Jeremiah says that the man who becomes rich by unjust means will end up Foolish and Poor. Whether at school, work or play we should strive to be people of Integrity in all of our dealings. Getting a Promotion, Passing an Examination, or gaining Prestige Unjustly will never bring God's Blessing or Lasting Happiness.

Now, Doom of the Beast and False Prophet. Rev. 19:20 "And the beast was seized and with him the False Prophet who performed the signs in his presence by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the Beast and those who worshipped his image, these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone". The lake of fire which burns with brimstone ("Sulfur") is the final destination of the wicked. This lake is different from the abyss ( Bottomless Pit ) referred to in Rev. 9:1. The Antichrist and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire. Then there leader, Satan himself, will be thrown into that lake ( 20: 10), and finally death and hades ( 20:14). Afterward, everyone whose name is not recorded in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake Of Fire (20:15).

"Bottomless Pit" Rev. 9:1 "Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him". Most likely it is a good angel, that has fallen to the earth. The key to the bottomless pit is normally held by Christ (Rev. 1:17-18), and it was temporarily given to this other being from heaven (see also 20:1). This being, whoever he may be, is still under God's control and authority. The bottomless pit represents the place of the demons and of Satan, the king of demons (9:11). See also Luke 8:31 for another reference to the bottomless pit ( also called the abyss). (Rev. 1:17-18) When I saw Him, I fell at His Feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am First and the Last, (18) and the living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. As the Roman Empire stepped up it's persecution of Christians, John must have wondered if the church could survive and stand against the opposition. As always Jesus is with us evermore, reassuring John that he and his fellow believers had access to God's strength to face these trials. If you are facing difficult problems, remember that the power available to John and the early church is also available to you ( see 1 John 4:4). Our sins have convicted and sentenced Hades. He alone can free us from eternal bondage to Satan. He alone has the power and authority to set us free from sins control. As believers we don't have to fear Hades or Death, because Christ holds the keys to both. All we must do is turn from sin and turn to Him in faith.

Every time I attempt to control my life and disregard God, I'm setting a course which leads directly to hell. But when we place our lives in Christ's hands, He restores us now and resurrects us later to an eternal, peaceful relationship with Him. Most of us have life and health Insurance, plus Homeowners and Automobile Insurance but we neglect "Eternity Insurance" Why do we procrastinate when it comes to Eternal Salvation. We cannot hide from Christ; He knows what sin is in our hearts and minds, and still He loves us, the sins we try to hide from God need to be confessed to HIM. Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts every time we sense we should turn to him. Jesus wants to have fellowship with us, and he wants us to open up to Him. Jesus has proven to be patient and persistent in trying to get through to us. The lamb of God is a gentle Savior. Make no mistake about it God will separate his obedient followers from Pretenders and Unbelievers. How well do your actions separate you from Pretenders and Unbelievers? My God is in control.

We all get tested from time to time and it's important that we measure up. We should remember, know matter what, Flood, Fire or even Hurricane/Tornado our God is in control. If I lost everything, it would be my prayer that I totally Trust God. Even in total destruction and loss, "TRUST GOD"

Humbly Yours in Christ,
Jim

"We fathers must earn the right to be heard".

Men our actions speak louder than words, I heard this many times growing up from my parents. As father we must accept each person just as he or she is. this is especially true in the home, do we always put our best foot forward? Children learn values, morals, and priorities by observing how their parents (me and you) act and react every day. How many times in our own way do we try to tell someone to do it this way or that. Our wives, children even those who we work with. we are to be in a position of Learner and Servant. We should appreciate each person, and time will tell about the future. Stay with me for a moment , if parents exhibit a Deep Reverence for and Dependence on God, our children will catch these Attitudes. As the strongman in our families we are held by God, accountable for each child, who has been entrusted to us. By allowing our children to see our reverence to God.

Teach them right living by giving worship an important place in your family life and by reading the Bible together. Remember as Husbands and Fathers it's our job, no our Responsibility to never compare any of our family members to one of greater ability. As a Husband and Father looking back I confess that I made mistakes in the rearing of my family. It's imperative that we check ourselves daily. This can be done at anytime during the day. When my family was young and my children were preteens I would depressurize on my way home in my automobile. I would talk everything out with my Lord. If we don't repent from our sins, we may never receive the full blessings of the Father.

In the book of Numbers we're reminded: The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations. OK, Moses pleaded with God, asking him to forgive his people. Isn't it wonderful to know that we don't have to wait for someone else to stand in the gap for us, all we have to do is repent. Moses plea reveals several characteristics of God: (1) God is immensely patient; (2) God's love is one promise we can always count on; (3) God forgives again and again and (4) God is merciful listening to and answering our prayer requests. God has not changed since Moses day. Like Moses, we can rely on God's love, patience, forgiveness, and mercy.

Remember it's very important to repent from sin and ask for forgiveness. As a man we should be strong enough to ask to be forgiven. Daily I ask for WISDOM... Proverbs 16:16 "How much better to get Wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver".

Until next time

Humbly Yours in Christ,
Jim

Nehemiah

There are few times in our lives when we think that everything is going well and there seems to be little to no problems that we know of. We have a good family life. We have found a good church to attend that helps us to learn and to grow. And we have a good job which helps us not only to pay the bills but to have some prestige. Those are times we need to keep our eyes open and look around to see how God is going to use us. God does love us and He is going to bless us simply because we are His children, but there are times when He will put us into places in order
to accomplish His will.

Such was the case several times in the Old Testament. These include Queen Esther whom was used to protect the Jews and this was the case with Nehemiah, cupbearer to king Artexerxes (Nehemiah 2:1). The problem from Nehemiah's day was that the walls of Jerusalem had been torn down (Nehemiah 1:3). If it truly is a God-given task that we have on our hearts then our requests will be granted when we go to the "authority" figure seeking permission and possibly
even when we seek funding.

In Nehemiah 2:4 Nehemiah went to the king to seek permission to step away from his role as the cup bearer and to return to "home" where his fathers were buried to rebuild it. Since he was favored in the king's eyes he was granted permission to go. Not only that, but the king also sent him with letters to other provinces to give Nehemiah safe travel as well as timber. Again, the king granted the request, but he didn't stop there. The king also sent officers and calvary to accompany Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:9).

It wasn't until Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem that he saw just how much devastation there was that he knew the extent of the damage and how much work was going to be needed in order to accomplish the rebuilding task. And to make matters worse, even though Nehemiah was there with the king's permission and was going to accomplish God's will, but there were also those who opposed the work. As you can see in verses 19-20 there were those who mocked and ridiculed Nehemiah.

Despite the opposition Nehemiah and the rest of the Jews were faithful and began the work to repair the walls around Jerusalem / Judah. The work was divided upon families and the prominent Jewish leaders. Each leader was given a section of wall or gate in order to repair (Nehemiah 3).

Then in Nehemiah 4 the opposition goes from being ridicule and mocking to being active opposition and the enemies plotted against the rebuilding of the wall (Chapter 4). So in 4:16 half of the men worked on the wall while the other half of the men stood protection. They would then rally to where ever the trumpet would sound and converge to help in the event of an attack.
Despite all of the obstacles the wall was completed and God's will was accomplished. Even then opposition continued.

Just because they were following God's will did not mean that opposition would stop. This is a very important lesson for us to learn. Even when we are following God's will and seeking to serve Him we will still run into problems and have difficulties in life. Even with the problems we should continue to serve Him and to overcome. His will is going to be done, if not by us then by others. Then we will fail to receive the blessings that accompany serving God and
seeking His will for our lives.

It is always better to follow God's will for our lives rather than to get comfortable and stop seeking His will and stop serving Him. In those instances we risk losing the blessings that He has bestowed upon us when He raises up someone else to help.

In Him,
Benjamin