You Love Us Still!

“But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they turned their backs on your law. They killed your prophets, who had warned them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies. So you delivered them into the hands of their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.  “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time."
Nehemiah 9:26‭-‬28 NIV

Application:
We are so much like them. Time and time again we sin and turn away from God. And time and time again He rescues us only for us to turn away again. How sad are we? When will we realize that we can not live without Him and stop trying to do so? What will it take for us to love Him completely and whole heartedly?
What an amazing God to put up with us and love us so unconditionally, Time & Time again!
Praise God for His Mercy and Grace!

What does this say about God?:
God is ever so merciful and gracious. His love for us is like no other. Unconditionally perfect and pure. He never gives up on us. He is compassionate and understanding. His love is unyelding!

Father, You are amazing. Your love is everlasting and unyelding. We are incapable of wrapping our minds around the depth of your love for us. No matter how many times we turn away or fail, you never leave nor forsake us. No matter how far we run, You Love Us Still!
Lord, please help us to remember how our lives are not that much different from the Israelites. We are really no different at all. Help us to be different. Help us to recognize that we can't live this life without you. We always end up falling hard and come crawling back to you. Help us to recognize​  when we are about to fall so that we can stand before you and worship you. In Jesus name, amen.

We Are Under Attack And We Must Be Ready To Fight.

"From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other."
Nehemiah 4:16‭-‬17 NIV

Application:
In today's world at least in the U.S., our biggest threat is against spiritual attacks. I'm sure that at some point this will no longer be the case. I'm sure that at some point all of mankind across the globe will be in physical danger, and I pray for those who already face such danger.
But in the U.S. for now we must guard our hearts constantly. Either from things we watch on t.v., hear on the radio. Things we see or people that surround us. Everywhere we go we are being bombarded with things that can bring us down and break us. We must go through the day to day working with one hand and armed with the word of God in the other. The simpler times are gone my friend. Everything we say or do will be criticized. We Are Under Attack And We Must Be Ready to Fight!

What does this say about God?:
The Bible tells us that as we get closer & closer to Christ's return, we will be under more & more labor pains. Our way of life will start to crumble little by little and will change forever. We will suffer more & more. Matthew 24:6-13 says...
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.   “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,  but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
God is coming soon! We must be ready!

Father, this world is so very scary! It seems to grow worse day by day. Thank you  Father for giving us the comfort in knowing that you will not leave it this way forever. There will come a time when you will say enough is enough. Lord help us to stay armed with your word, ready to fight each day. Help us to stay strong and encouraged during these horrible times that we are facing. Help us to lead others to you so that they too will be armed and ready for your return.

Father, we pray for protection against those who are fighting not only the spiritual battle but also face the physical battle. Lord, their world is far more scary than mine and I can't imagine what horrors they have faced. Lord, please be with them. Please comfort them and give them the peace that passes all understanding. Lord, if they must continue to endure physical pain, please give them the strength and the joy to know that they fight for you. In Jesus name I lift them up to you.
-Amen.