JRMITCH85 Uncategorized

Jesus Gives Us Enough

Complaints and calls for change stem from an utter lack of satisfaction today. Although a quest for satisfaction is not new, it hearkens back to the beginning of the world when humans in Eden wanted more as they succumbed to temptation in the garden. The Rolling Stones echoed this, as they couldn’t get satisfaction. This lack leads to all sorts of questing for more, and people will go to odd ends to do so. From seeking validation through online platforms and measuring our worth by the number of followers or likes we receive rather than finding our identity in Christ. We may constantly compare our spiritual lives or achievements to those of others, leading to envy, pride, or a sense of inadequacy instead of finding contentment in Christ. We may look to human authorities for validation or direction rather than seeking guidance from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

We may become preoccupied with outward religious practices or adherence to specific doctrines while neglecting the true heart transformation that God desires. Our appearance takes precedence rather than cultivating a genuine relationship with God. This action leads to overlooking the daily miracles of creation – the sunrise, the changing seasons, the intricate design of a flower – and failing to see them as reflections of God’s glory. When this happens, we neglect the everyday miracles of human connection and the blessings of relationships. Jesus presented himself to the people for a relationship and showed great compassion for them, but even with all the miracles, there were many who simply wanted more.

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them.8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mark 8:1-13.

God’s unwavering care for humanity is exemplified through His divine sustenance and mercy, regardless of our worthiness. This undeserved favor should fill our hearts with gratitude. Christ’s compassion is evident as He perceives the physical needs of the crowd even before His disciples do. His compassion precedes provision, reminding us that God is always aware of and cares for His people, proactively acting on our behalf. Before performing the miracle of feeding the multitude, Jesus offers thanks, acknowledging that all good things originate from God and are ultimately His to bestow. Our response of gratitude recognizes our dependence on Him. The crowd’s contentment with Jesus’ provision teaches us to be content with what God provides, trusting in His wisdom and believing that He knows and will fulfill our needs.

Arrogantly seeking more than what we have already been given implies that we believe we deserve something extra. Jesus Christ, the ultimate sign from heaven, exemplified by His miraculous feeding of 4,000 people, affirms His divine authority and power. He is the fulfillment of all divine promises, and we should not seek guidance or fulfillment elsewhere. Seeking signs beyond Christ reveals a lack of faith, as seen in the Pharisees’ demand for a sign. Their hearts were challenging God rather than genuinely seeking Him. True faith in Christ alone is sufficient; it does not necessitate additional proof or signs. Christ’s sufficiency silences our demands, as He has already provided everything necessary for our salvation and life through Him.

In our journey of following Christ, worship finds its ultimate expression in thanksgiving. This natural response to our undeserved faith echoes the crowd’s reception of the meal as a gracious gift from Jesus. Just as they received salvation and spiritual blessings, we too are recipients of these undeserved favors. This unmerited favor cultivates humility within us, reminding us of our dependence on God and countering the pride that seeks more than Christ’s sufficiency. Furthermore, gratitude fosters a heart filled with praise and adoration, leading us to worship God for who He is and all He has done. Recognizing His sufficiency fuels our worship, as we adore Him in response to His grace. In this way, worship becomes a cycle of receiving and responding, a beautiful exchange between us and our loving Father.

The passage concludes by emphasizing the importance of cultivating gratitude as followers of Christ. This gratitude is rooted in recognizing God’s providential care, Christ’s sufficiency, and our own grace in Him. We are called to be content with what God provides, trusting that He is enough and that asking for more is unnecessary. Furthermore, we are called to be agents of compassion and justice in the world, inspired by Jesus’ compassion for the hungry crowd. We are to see the needs around us and respond with love and action, following Jesus’ example. Just as Jesus provided physical bread for the crowd, we are called to share the “Bread of Life” – the Gospel – with a world hungry for meaning and purpose. While we may feel inadequate or our resources may seem small, the passage reminds us that God can multiply what we offer for His glory. The cultivation of gratitude, coupled with our role as agents of compassion and the sharing of the Gospel, encapsulates the essence of our calling as followers of Christ.

JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope, thanksgiving

Healed And Ready To Serve

The season of illness is upon us. Those with schoolchildren especially see all sorts of sicknesses spring up around them. Despite the best defensive measures, classrooms become Petri dishes for viruses and bacteria. Ever since the fall of man, sin has been a virus that infects our souls, seemingly breaking us free from our original purpose of worshipping and enjoying the benefits of creation. Instead, we toil and spin into the disease of selfishness and look primarily to our desires rather than caring for others. But Jesus came to heal us. The sacrificial act on the cross restored humanity to a relationship with God. His actions, like those in the healing of the ten leperous men, teach us that healing is a complete body, mind, and soul undertaking. He came to heal our souls from sin and our bodies from disease. This transformative power of God’s healing, when we truly understand it, fills us with hope and inspiration, compelling us to turn our healing into a service to the Almighty.

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Luke 17:11-17.

Jesus comes to us; therefore, there is no need to travel to a specific place to encounter healing. We don’t see Jesus acting here in a special holy place. Instead, we see this act occurring while He travels and encounters people in their everyday context. Lepers were ritually unclean and forced to live apart, which is why they kept their distance. Yet, Jesus met them where they were, both physically and spiritually, showing that His grace extends to all, regardless of their perceived worthiness or social standing. The lepers were cleansed “as they went.” This signifies that faith in Jesus sets healing in motion before the physical manifestation is complete. We don’t have to earn or achieve access to God. He comes to us in grace through Christ. Just as Jesus met the lepers, He came to us in our brokenness and need. We don’t have to make ourselves “worthy” or travel to a special location. Our part is simply to cry out to Him in faith, like the lepers did, and trust in His mercy.

Trusting God begins by believing in the efficacy of God’s power. When Jesus tells us to do something, we mustn’t question it. Jesus instructed the lepers to show themselves to the priests before they were healed. Even without understanding this unexpected command, they were demanded to trust in Jesus’ authority and the efficacy of His word, prior to seeing the results of Jesus’ power. In the same way, we are called to trust and obey God’s Word, even when before we understand it, because it is His revealed Will for us. True faith is not passive; it leads to action and obedience. While salvation is by grace alone, true faith will inevitably produce good works in response to God’s grace. True faith involves trusting in God’s power and obeying His commands. It’s a call to active obedience, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than ours and that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. For this reason alone we must fill our hearts and minds with thankfulness.

In all circumstances, we must remember Thanksgiving. God heals us because the Almighty loves us and doesn’t require exorbitant payment for services rendered. However, in worship, we respond to God’s goodness with thanksgiving. The one leper’s response shows that gratitude is not merely a feeling but an act of obedience and a mark of spiritual growth—the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are gradually transformed into the image of Christ. Gratitude is central in this process, shaping our hearts and minds to be more like Christ. It’s a call to appreciate and be humble in the face of God’s goodness. We worship not to earn God’s favor but to express gratitude for what He has done for us in Christ. Therefore, thanksgiving isn’t just a polite afterthought; it’s an essential part of the Christian life, acknowledging our dependence on God and praising Him for His goodness. God’s grace is unmerited by its nature. As we receive unmerited favor, our hearts must flood with thanksgiving and move toward serving God’s mission in our communities. 

The story of the ten lepers reminds us that God’s healing and salvation are gifts of grace. True faith responds with heartfelt thanksgiving and worship, acknowledging our dependence on Him and glorifying Him for His abundant mercy. Even facing illness and disease, while painful and complex realities, we understand that they are not meaningless occurrences, but consequences of the Fall, where sin entered the world and disrupted the perfect harmony of creation. So, even while suffering, God’s sovereignty and grace are at work, using even these trials to draw us closer to Him, refine our faith, and ultimately bring about His redemptive purposes. Most people who experience God’s healing do not respond with thankfulness, but we are called to more. As recipients of God’s amazing grace, we are called to a life transcending the world’s pervasive ingratitude. As healed people, let us strive to recognize, appreciate, and respond to God’s goodness with hearts overflowing with gratitude.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, thanksgiving

We’ve Been Delivered

Thanksgiving usually gets confined to that brief window between Halloween and Christmas. With it, we think of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and an abundance of food that everyone at least satiated and most likely a bit stuffed. The holiday invites us to reflect upon our thankfulness. At my parents’ home last year, my niece invited us to write down items for which we were thankful. This gesture reminds me that often, we need to look at thankfulness with the heart of a child. However, throughout the scriptures, there are calls and reminders that thankfulness is necessary throughout the year. We have much to be thankful for in all circumstances, and one of our primary focuses should cause us to look at God’s blessings on us even when we have done nothing deserving of anything. The Psalmist leads us toward thanksgiving because when we are in need, God provides deliverance from our struggle, not because we are good or deserving, but because God is good and loves us abundantly.

107 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, 

for his steadfast love endures forever! 

2  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, 

whom he has redeemed from trouble 

3  and gathered in from the lands, 

from the east and from the west, 

from the north and from the south. 

4  Some wandered in desert wastes, 

finding no way to a city to dwell in; 

5  hungry and thirsty, 

their soul fainted within them. 

6  Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, 

and he delivered them from their distress. 

7  He led them by a straight way 

till they reached a city to dwell in. 

8  Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, 

for his wondrous works to the children of man! 

9  For he satisfies the longing soul, 

and the hungry soul he fills with good things. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 107:1–9.

God’s enduring love is always present with us, regardless of our circumstances, and it is always good. It is this gift that the Psalmist directs our hearts to, first and foremost; therefore, our focus in any circumstance must direct us back to focus on God’s providence and mercy. Regardless of where the Israelites are, God shows His followers love by guiding us and leading the people back to the Almighty. This is the repeating refrain of the psalm. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can always rely on God’s love and faithfulness. He is always there to deliver us. That deliverance is not temporary nor dependent on some beneficent action on our part. Instead, it comes directly from the grace imparted to the people through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Due to God’s enduring love, we are directed to worship and thank God for delivering us from our circumstances and granting us hope for our future, providing us with a constant source of reassurance and comfort.

When we find ourselves in a precarious position, God hears our cries for mercy and help. The psalmist describes people in distress: lost in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, imprisoned. But when they cry out to the Lord, He hears them and delivers them from their troubles. We can always pray to God, no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem. The Almighty hears our cries, and God provides us comfort, mercy, and peace when we seek shelter in God’s arms. When we are backed into a corner, the temptation may be to bargain with God, promising to be better than the person we were if God helps us out of the jam. However, that contradicts the prayers and cries God asks of us. Instead, we come before the Almighty with thankful hearts and a spirit of gratitude, requesting deliverance because we recognize God’s merciful heart. 

God delivers us from our physical troubles, but more significantly, God’s deliverance heals us spiritually so that we are transformed into a new creation. The Psalmist recounts that the people were in need and that God had led them gently until that need was fulfilled. This type of fulfillment doesn’t simply create a reliance upon the Almighty God but elicits a response toward transforming their minds toward worship and thanksgiving. Not only does God deliver us from trouble, but also fills our physical and spiritual needs. The Almighty satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry stomach. This speaks to God’s abundant provision and desire to bless people. Once our needs are met, God uniquely touches our hearts so that we may respond to this goodness with gratitude and thanksgiving. These transformative experiences help lead us to a life focused on fulfilling God’s call through worship, prayer, and thanksgiving, inspiring us to live a life of gratitude and service.

Ultimately, Psalm 107 calls each of us to thank God for His goodness and mercy. We thank God for hearing our prayers, delivering us from trouble, and providing for all our needs. Our minds should be focused on acts of devotion, regular prayer, and studying sacred scriptures. These practices help us connect with the Almighty God, cultivate gratitude, and reflect on the blessings in our lives, keeping us engaged and connected to our faith. For God’s enduring love is with us at all times and in all seasons. Whenever we find ourselves in times of trouble we approach the Almighty with hearts full of gratitude and a spirit of appreciation, seeking deliverance. Recognizing God’s compassionate nature, we humbly request His divine intervention. With thankful hearts, we can recognize the love of God has always carried us out. God desires us as followers to not only come before the Almighty when in trouble, but with thankful hearts always lean into the mercy seat, and transform into a new creation that honors God, loves people as God loves people, and worship the Almighty through living our life as an act of worship.

JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope

Why Things Fall Apart

The history of the church in America is full of awakenings and revivals, during which the Holy Spirit moved among vast swaths of people, either devoting themselves to the Gospel or rededicating themselves to a life with God. These stories are not relegated solely to the past, as every so often, we either experience or read about revivals on college campuses throughout the nation. Most frequently, there have been reports from The Ohio State University about a revival led by several of the school’s football players.

While revival and rededication are absolute blessings, the real work of faith comes after the mountaintop experience, and you need to live in the faith that you turned to in that moment. During these times, people are tempted to drift from the way of the Gospel toward the way of the world. It was precisely this type of situation that Nehemiah came back to in Jerusalem. Years after the walls were rebuilt, the people had fallen away from the promises of God and had started to veer away from the Law and toward acting as if they were not living out the promises of God in their lives.

15 In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. 16 Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ne 13:15–18.

The fall from the post-revival high inevitably comes as our priorities move from Holiness and Worship to commerce and politics. In his observance, Nehemiah was deeply troubled by the people of Judah’s violation of the Sabbath. They were treading winepresses, bringing in harvests, and transporting goods into Jerusalem on the holy day. This desecration was particularly egregious as it involved not only the Jews but also people from Tyre, who were bringing fish and other wares into the city for sale. When separated from regular connection to God’s will, our mindset will lean toward doing what we want instead of asking ourselves what God wants us to accomplish. Namely, we will seek the things that fill our carnal desires in money and power and fall from the ideal set before us in Christ Jesus. The world is grasping for our attention, and if we are not diligent in following God through the gauntlet placed before us, we might easily be led astray. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to prayer, fellowship, scripture, and worship to ensure we seek God’s Kingdom first and foremost.

A leadership void is created when the Church fails to fulfill God’s calling. With the shift in priorities, the place of worship is endangered to become just another social club rather than a house of prayer and worship. Nehemiah, filled with righteous indignation, confronted the nobles of Judah. He rebuked them for their blatant disregard for God’s commandments, reminding them of the historical consequences of Sabbath-breaking. The destruction of Jerusalem was a direct result of the people’s disobedience, a stark reminder of the need for spiritual renewal. The churches that were places of revival and commitment often became places where faith and the world intermingled. People utilized the church to huddle into positions and belief systems, much like in social clubs. In doing so, the church abdicates its leadership position to the core principles of the Gospel. God calls the Church to stand out and seek holiness over acceptance. Holiness understands that the church is a place of worship and doesn’t belong to any singular social or political group but must welcome all who seek to worship God. Only by fulfilling this mission does the church lead people to repentant living.

We forget about God’s faithfulness and turn back into the people we were before the Gospel transformed us. Less than a few years after the walls were up and the city was rebuilt and dedicated, the people had already walked away from their vows to give God the glory due. They resumed integrating worldly living into their daily lives and neglecting their relationship with God. The transformation in the Gospel is supposed to change our life and perspective. However, without a regular recharge, we become susceptible to the same thinking we had before the Gospel changed us. It leads to the question of how people know we are followers of Christ or among those commonly called Christians. If it is only because of a bumper sticker or piece of jewelry, how is that different from carrying an ID card so people know we belong? As Christ’s disciples, we are expected to have it shown through the way we act, the words we speak, and how we treat others. 

Even as things seemingly fall apart and we lose hope, we must remember that there is always room for repentance. Even though we are far from God, the Gospel reminds us that we are welcomed back to honor God by following the Holy Spirit. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after a significant period away and saw that the people’s devotion to God had ebbed. They had become the type of people who led to the exile. His response was to try to create space so that the people could not sin, but ultimately, this process failed as the people continued to fall away from God. Therefore, it isn’t putting walls around sin that will keep the faithful following God; it has to be ingrained in us to maintain our relationship with the Almighty. Instead of working to outlaw and prevent sin, our focus should be on guiding people to a fulfilling life of walking in worship and focusing on the Gospel message that even while we were sinning, God went out of the way to save us. Our calling is to live a life full of worship, singing God’s praises, looking to God in prayer, and seeking community with God’s people through church and the scriptures.

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A Grateful Community Of Faith

The fragmentation among churches has led many Christians to worship in privacy, undermining the true essence of communal worship. The historical divisions within the church, from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent emergence of numerous denominations and individual belief groups, have contributed to this phenomenon. It is essential for the church, as a community of faith, to unite in gratitude for God’s blessings and seek divine guidance for a welcoming and sacred worship experience. Rather than focusing on differences, the church should come together to celebrate God’s grace and seek divine guidance in understanding scripture. A prayer is offered for divine guidance in fostering a welcoming and sacred worship community where all believers can come together in unity and fellowship.

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 12:27-30

In Jerusalem, where walls once stood in disrepair, a vibrant community gathered to celebrate the wall’s dedication with worship and praise. This momentous occasion showcased the transformative power of communal faith and underlined the profound gratitude for God’s work in their midst. The physical gathering of believers emphasized the necessity of collective worship for a balanced and fulfilling faith. While individual devotional practices hold great value, they alone are insufficient to experience the richness and depth of worship fully.

Within the faith community, effective communication and worship are essential for understanding God’s message and fostering deeper connections. Through shared experiences of praise, prayer, and reflection, believers journey together from brokenness to restoration, finding solace, joy, and gratitude in one another’s presence. This journey calls us to engage deeply in our faith, embracing the transformative power of communal worship.

Gratitude for God’s blessings and communal worship serve as a wellspring of joy and support through life’s challenges. When we gather to worship, we celebrate God’s goodness and create a space to uplift and encourage one another. Even in times of sorrow, worshiping as a community allows us to experience God’s comforting presence and find strength in our shared faith. In the inspiring words of Nehemiah, we are reminded of the importance of a more committed and enthusiastic approach to attending church. He underscores the vital role of community in spiritual growth and emphasizes that understanding God’s joy is inextricably linked to our engagement with others.

The community serves as a location for spiritual preparation, refining our hearts and minds to embrace God’s joy amidst life’s challenges. Through communal worship, we learn to surrender our burdens, trust God’s providence, and find hope and peace amid adversity. Ultimately, joyful worship in the community is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless love of God. As we gather together, we become part of something greater than ourselves, experiencing the fullness of joy and the assurance of God’s presence in our lives.

A unified and grateful church community is vital for spiritual development, meaningful worship, and support in times of challenges, emphasizing the significance of communal faith and appreciation for divine blessings. Being in tune with the Holy Spirit and spiritually prepared equips individuals to respond promptly when the call to action arises, much like runners poised at the start of a race. A grateful faith community engages in collective worship, aiming to share God’s word, joy, love, and peace with all. This community actively seeks to hear God’s message through joint preparation for worship and extend joy, love, and peace to their congregation and beyond. A faithful community is called to worship with gratitude and intentionality, uplifting and glorifying God’s name.

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Who Is Going To Lead?

Our world is currently grappling with a severe leadership crisis. Many leaders are driven by personal ambition, using their positions to elevate their names and reputations. They see leadership as a path to self-aggrandizement rather than a humble service to others. However, God’s vision for the church’s leadership is starkly different. One does not seek to glorify the leader but to bring glory to God’s Holy name. The situation in Nehemiah 11 serves as a powerful reminder that authentic leadership is not about personal glory, but about serving others and bringing glory to God. When leaders prioritize the needs of their constituents and seek God’s guidance, they foster a climate of trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. This, in turn, inspires and motivates others to achieve great things.

Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 11:1-2

In a world where the significance of leadership cannot be overstated, God calls the church to embody His provision and the transformative power of the Gospel. The leaders in Nehemiah were required to have a physical presence in the political epicenter and the spiritual heart of the nation, Jerusalem. This had a profound impact on shaping governance and upholding worship as a central societal pillar. However, genuine leadership demands more than mere rhetoric; it necessitates leaders aligning their actions with their calling, eschewing hypocrisy by expecting others to embrace what they are unwilling to do. As Christian leaders, we must prioritize the worship of God, allowing the Gospel’s transformative example to be mirrored in our lives. Only then can we effectively guide others toward righteousness and transformation.

The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the subsequent choosing of leaders to establish their homes in the capital provided a beacon pointing to the nation’s restoration and rightful return as a bastion of hope and symbol of resilience after the exile. Therefore, we must echo these actions and strive to bring our community together stitched with hope given to us by the Almighty God. Leaders must prioritize the well-being of all people, shunning self-serving, divisive, and conquering tactics. We must reject divisiveness and animosity towards others, aspiring to be a beacon of unity in a world yearning for connection. If we live antithetically to the promise and sow division within the community, we shatter hope.

Every church must strive to sow hope and actively demonstrate its commitment to the community’s prosperity. In Jerusalem, leaders demonstrated their dedication to the city’s restoration by residing there and encouraging others to follow suit. Their presence symbolized Jerusalem’s safety and potential, inspiring confidence in the rebuilding efforts. We must be willing to exist within our community and not just swoop into and out of the community. Without a personal stake in the community, leaders lack the necessary perspective to make decisions that genuinely benefit their members. God expects us to strive for the flourishing of our communities, as it is a means of extending His mercy and grace to those residing within them.

Within our communities, we yearn for leaders who embody the divine light, carrying the torch of God’s message into the darkest corners. Our mission is to deliver the transformative power of the Gospel, a beacon of strength that transcends divisions and brings forth a harmonious unity. Through the Holy Spirit’s unwavering presence, the Church possesses the ability to ignite the flame of hope within hearts. As we embrace the Gospel’s message, we open ourselves up to the boundless love and forgiveness that God offers, emboldening belonging and purpose within our community. The Church can lead by overcoming the divisive forces that seek to tear us apart, embracing the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. This leads to a Gospel power that brings light to every dark corner of our community.

The leaders’ presence in Jerusalem served as a profound symbol of the city’s revival, transcending practical considerations and resonating on a deeper, spiritual level. Their dedication and presence were not mere gestures, but they laid the groundwork for a future characterized by hope. Therefore, we must align our actions with God’s command. By reflecting God’s character in our leadership, the Church inspires trust, unity, and cooperation within their communities. Additionally, the Church’s presence has the power to influence the perception and mindset of those they lead. Just as the leaders’ presence in Jerusalem symbolized hope and renewal, the Church can create an empowering environment through it’s physical presence and actions. In essence, when leaders embody God’s heart and align their actions with His commandments, they become beacons of hope and inspiration for those they lead.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope

Only Your Best

Some weeks start with an exhausted body and mind, and I doubt what I will be able to accomplish. Entering with a fatigued or negative mindset adversely affects my work output, and I simply do not give my maximum effort. However, this lack of doing my best contrasts with how God requires us to live because our life reflects our worship of the Almighty. Many religious traditions today encourage members to tithe (give 10% of their income) or make regular charitable donations to support their religious communities and those in need. This practice mirrors the biblical practice of giving a portion of one’s resources to support the church’s or faith tradition’s work. While this is often seen as the minimum with which we serve the church’s work, God requires us to examine the purpose and act of giving as reflecting worship. After confessing their sins and the sins of their ancestors and hearing the law, the people rededicated their worship through giving. No longer was giving seen as something optional; instead, giving to the church became a vital act of worship. God’s abundant mercy, shown by allowing the people to return from exile, required a response that was recompense. Therefore, the people obligated themselves to give their best to God, as shown in Nehemiah 10.

We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 10:35-37.

God requires the best of our work, reflecting our worship of God. To exemplify this, as part of their worship, the Jerusalemites committed to bringing the first and best of their crops and fruit trees to the house of the Lord annually, demonstrating their gratitude and recognition of God’s provision. To ensure we have the same attitude, even in our most worn down and depressed state, we must recall that God’s providence never fails us or leaves us and that God calls us to something higher in our giving and our working. God loved us, and now we work for the Almighty and give to the Almighty in all circumstances. While the people proclaim to give to God in the ecstasy of accomplishment and worship, we must ensure we keep the same momentum and spirit in our times of defeat and despair. God calls us to give our best in both victory and defeat and everything in between.

Everything belongs to God; therefore, we should not think of anything as belonging to us. Understanding that worship connected to their relationships, the people of Jerusalem vowed to dedicate their firstborn sons and the firstborn of their animals to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all life and fulfilling the requirements of the Law. This extends to our time and belongings; when we back up and realize that we have committed our lives to God, we no longer rely on the perfect situation to be our best for God. To worship God means that we understand that it cannot stop, nor can we turn off our worship, but everything that comes out of us should be an act of worship. Let it go. We want to hold onto and control all the variables in life so that everything will align perfectly so that we can get the best in life. However, God asks us to relinquish the reigns of our life to God as we worship God. This requires a new mindset that doesn’t control but realizes that we belong to God, and in that, we find hope, and the power of that hope leads us to be the best we can be every day.

God has given us abundantly; therefore, we should give everything to God with joy-filled hearts because God knows how to use our resources better than we do. In Nehemiah, the people of Jerusalem pledged to give a portion of their produce to the priests and tithes of their harvest to the Levites, ensuring the support of those who served in the Temple and religious leadership. Today, many congregations financially support their religious leaders, recognizing the value of their service and enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties. This practice aligns with the biblical idea of providing for the priests and Levites. However, beyond financial support, the church needs to partner with its leaders and spread God’s message to the neighborhoods and communities. Jesus worked to break down the barriers between priests and God’s followers; now, we all have the ability and mandate to give the best of our work directly to God. We do this by sharing the Gospel with the world.

The concept of first fruits, originating in agrarian societies, remains relevant today and can be expressed in several ways. One way is to dedicate a portion of one’s paycheck to God or a charitable cause, symbolizing the offering of one’s initial earnings. Another way is to present the first fruits of creative endeavors, such as art, music, or writing, as an act of worship. Furthermore, setting aside time each day for prayer and spiritual reflection allows individuals to offer the “firstfruits” of their time to God. The initial part of a harvest is typically the best because it represents the most mature and ready part of the crop. Similarly, the best part of our work reflects our capabilities, competency, and commitment to excellence. It is essential to strive to consistently offer God our best, regardless of circumstances. Rather than allowing circumstances to dictate our approach to the day, we should focus on worshipping God through our work, sharing with others, and living in a way that reflects our faith.

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We Messed Up

Amongst the most challenging phrases to utter are the three words “I was wrong.” Pride or the fear of repercussions may hinder these words from naturally flowing from our mouths. However, particularly in the presence of God, we must acknowledge that we have all sinned and made mistakes. Without admitting our failures, we risk repeating them or leading others into the same painful mistakes we have experienced. Therefore, our response to the Gospel must be that we need it as much as anyone else. After hearing the law in Nehemiah, the people responded with a sincere confession. They recognized that the appropriate response to God’s favor was to express remorse. Instead of making excuses or rationalizing their failures and those of their ancestors, they acknowledged their sinful nature, recognizing that they came from a lineage of sinners who desperately needed God’s redemption.

But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 9:16-21.

Humanity’s propensity to rebel, even when it goes against our best interests, is a recurring theme throughout history. The Hebrew people’s repeated disobedience and rebellion serve as a poignant illustration of this tendency, emphasizing our innate inclination to stray from God’s commandments despite witnessing His mighty acts of deliverance and miraculous intervention. As we reflect on our own lives, we often find ourselves looking back with a nostalgic lens, selectively remembering positive moments while conveniently forgetting our mistakes. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the reality of our sinful nature and the fact that we all deserve the ultimate punishment of death. Yet, in His abundant grace and mercy, God lovingly intervenes, carrying our burdens and offering us redemption. If we truly embrace the Word of God and the Gospel message, we must ensure that our hearts bow in humble obedience and reverence. For we have sinned and justly deserve punishment, yet God has chosen to love us and deliver us from the consequences of our sin.

Amidst our transgressions, we are compelled to acknowledge our acts of rebellion. This passage illuminates God’s unwavering love and readiness to forgive, despite our shortcomings. This divine attribute encourages us to confess, assuring us of compassion and restoration upon sincere repentance. Our transformation from sinful ways begins with the acknowledgment of our sins. To prepare ourselves for God’s service, we must understand not only our sinful nature but also the need for profound reliance on Him. Our inherent rebellious nature makes it easy to deviate from God’s path. This deviation can often occur without conscious awareness, as we may firmly believe we are steadfast in our principles for God, while in reality, we are driven by selfish interests. Confessing our rebellion allows us to recognize our fallen state and humble our pride, paving the way for God’s mercy and light to illuminate our path.

Despite our rebellious nature, God’s unwavering presence guides us toward enlightenment. The passage emphasizes God’s continuous provision and direction throughout the people’s wilderness journey. He provided sustenance, hydration, guidance, and protection, demonstrating His commitment to sustaining and nurturing His people, even when they falter. God’s love remains constant despite our failures. Instead, He extends mercy and peace during our open rebellion. Therefore, when we turn away from rebellion, God is already present, guiding us further into the light and away from darkness. All the while, He reminds us that we don’t need to stray from grace, mercy, and peace because in the Almighty God, we find everything we need. With gratitude in our hearts, we respond to this grace with confession and a fervent desire to embrace the Gospel as we move forward. To do this effectively, we must take special care to keep the Gospel close to our hearts, leaving no room for rebellion to enter.

Through our sinful actions, we have fallen and distanced ourselves from God. Acknowledging our misdeeds is crucial, as it allows us to embrace God’s grace and mercy. However, upon confessing our sins, we gain a profound understanding of God’s love, transforming our sinful ways into obedient devotion. This act presents an opportunity for each of us to cast aside our pride and humbly approach the Almighty. God extends an invitation to all, regardless of the depths of our transgressions, to turn to the gospel and embrace His mercy. We then respond by recognizing our shortcomings and rejecting the falsehoods of pride that prevent us from accepting God’s promises. Begin by confessing past sins, allowing God to guide the church into a future illuminated by His grace and compassion.

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So We All Understand

As time passes, the intricacies of tasks we haven’t engaged with fade from memory. Many of us would struggle to achieve a perfect score on simple math and English tests without reviewing the material. Similarly, without regularly engaging with the Word of God, our memories of it can diminish, leading us to rely solely on our imperfect recollections. Even stories familiar from our youth may fade into distant memories. During the 70-year exile, the people of Jerusalem had neglected their regular reading and understanding of the scriptures. As a result, Nehemiah enlisted Ezra’s help to remind the people of the Law and the Scriptures as though they had never heard them before.

And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 8:1-8.

Understanding God’s Word is fundamental for believers to align with His mission on Earth. Ezra’s reading of the Law, aided by the Levites, emphasizes the importance of listening to and engaging with God’s Word to grasp its meaning and application. Regular engagement in personal study and corporate worship enables us to discern God’s messages and directives for our lives.

Responding to God’s Word ensures that we don’t merely listen in vain. With hearts filled with reverence and worship, the people responded to the reading of the Law by standing, lifting their hands, bowing their heads, and worshipping God. This exemplifies the appropriate posture when encountering God’s Word. The Scriptures aim to elicit a response from us, prompting us to become active readers who listen and respond to God’s guidance.

Leading others to understand Scripture requires spiritual leaders who can effectively communicate and explain God’s Word. Ezra and the Levites played a crucial role in bringing God’s Word to the people, emphasizing the importance of leaders who make God’s Word accessible to everyone. As followers of Christ, we are called to worship God by sharing the Gospel with our communities, spreading the Good News, and living lives that reflect the transformative power of God’s Word.

Recognizing the importance of regular engagement with God’s Word, we should avoid straying from a life that reflects the Gospel. To make a meaningful impact, believers must undergo a transformation themselves, showcasing evidence of the Gospel’s transformative work. God’s mission for the world is to share the message of love through the Gospel, and for the church to effectively share this message, its members must become familiar with it and learn to convey God’s love to others. This empowers the church to stand in as priests, demonstrating the incredible lengths God will go to show the world His love. 

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Holiness Above All

In the recent Olympics, the gymnastics athletes showcased their extraordinary talent, combining balance, strength, and flexibility. While their performances were breathtaking, I couldn’t help but wonder how they handled the pressure of watching their competitors. The constant scrutiny of the cameras mirrored the watchful eyes of the world upon us. The lyrics of The Police’s hit song, “Every Step You Take,” serve as a reminder to live lives beyond reproach. Like the gymnasts, we must refrain from rejoicing in others’ downfalls or indulging in sin. God chose us to share the Gospel, calling us to set ourselves apart. The story of Nehemiah teaches us that rebuilding the wall was not enough; the restoration of God’s people in Jerusalem was the ultimate goal. Proper preparation and holy worship were essential for the people to reconnect with God. In the same way, we must live our lives with integrity and devotion to reflect Christ’s teachings.

The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove their fathers’ houses nor their descent, whether they belonged to Israel: the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, 642. Also, of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but it was not found there, so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummim should arise.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 7:61-65.

In an era of uncertainty, holiness serves as a bridge between the past and the future. Nehemiah’s example illustrates how communities that preserve traditional practices demonstrate their dedication to the values and beliefs of their forefathers, ensuring the continuity of their faith for generations to come. This unwavering commitment fosters the community’s spiritual well-being and resilience, equipping it to face future challenges with unwavering faith. In our contemporary world, this translates into upholding moral and ethical principles in both personal and professional endeavors. Embracing integrity, honesty, compassion, and justice in our interactions strengthens the fabric of society and creates a foundation for a brighter future.

Holiness empowers us to serve as instruments of God’s mission. The story of Nehemiah exemplifies the significance of holiness in the priesthood. Only individuals with established lineage and unwavering commitment to purity standards were entrusted with priestly responsibilities, especially the handling of sacred food offerings. Holiness isn’t just a personal endeavor; it encompasses our communities and extends to the broader world. We can embody holiness by serving others, championing justice, and striving for a society characterized by equity and compassion.

In ancient Israel, holiness was closely associated with adhering to God’s Will. Sacred objects called Urim and Thummim were used by the High Priest to gain divine guidance and determine God’s will in specific situations. However, when there was no priest to discern God’s will, patience and proper worship were crucial. In contemporary times, we can seek wisdom and direction through prayer, meditation, practicing spirituality, and engaging with religious texts or leaders. These practices can guide us through life’s challenges and help us make decisions that resonate with our values and ultimately align with God’s will.

While we may not have a physical temple like the Israelites, we can create sacred spaces in our homes, workplaces, or communities to connect with the divine. Within our homes, workplaces, or communities, we can create sacred spaces that foster spiritual practices and deepen our connection with the divine. These spaces can be used for activities such as prayer, reflection, meditation, and other spiritual rituals. By engaging in prayer, we can communicate with a higher power, expressing gratitude and seeking guidance. Reflection involves contemplating spiritual texts, teachings, or personal experiences to gain insights and wisdom. Meditation helps quiet the mind, bring focus to the present moment, and cultivate inner peace. These activities allow us to connect with our faith, providing a sense of community and strengthening our spiritual connection.