Great stuff! I could probably do 100 blogs just on today's readings. I love listening to Jesus and John the Baptist, too. I will try to just focus on a few things though.

It is interesting how we read this week about John the Baptist preaching repentance and baptizing with water, and then preaching about one who was to come that would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16). Then Jesus brings those things up again in John 3:5.

Then in John 3:14-15, Jesus makes a great parallel to what happened in Numbers chapter 21.

And how could we leave out one of the greatest verses ever, John 3:16.

Lastly, I love Jesus's encounter with the woman at the well. We get to see what it is like for a person to really meet Jesus and what their reaction is. Jesus could have lit her up with her sinful lifestyle but instead she finds compassion and hope in him. So much so, that she is willing to go talk about it with everybody knowing that she is loved even though she has this sinful past. Then the whole town comes to believe in Jesus and we get to see how Jesus feels like this is better than food (John 4:32-34).

Our Lord certainly has a way of putting satan in his place (Mark 1, Matthew 4, Luke 4).  Jesus had nothing to prove to satan, and satan new it.  By attempting to twist the truth, deceive, and outright lie, satan had hoped to catch our Lord off guard, but our Lord has his number, and is the best example for us when confronted with life’s temptations.

Notice how Jesus responded to satan during each encounter in Luke 4 and Matthew 4, He began by saying “The Scriptures say”.  There are and will be times when we will be confronted with the temptations of this world, but Jesus gives us the playbook – His Word.  Study it, read it, and share it, and if needed, be prepared to use it as described in Ephesians 6:17 “…….and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”.  And don’t forget what Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 

Today’s reading also includes such great humility exhibited by John the Baptist (John 1:19-28), as he lays the ground work for Christ.  Read about the first Disciples coming along side Jesus in John 1:35-51, and don’t forget to read about the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12), and Jesus clearing the Temple (John 2:13-25).

May you have a wonderful and blessed weekend, and enjoy this wonderful weather……Larry

Proverbs 27:23-24 – 23)“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds, 24)for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”

    Today’s reading is about the birth of Christ. It seems a little early to celebrate Christmas. But, every year stores start the Christmas Season a little earlier. So in the not too distant future, the Christmas Season will probably start around this time of the year too. 
    I didn’t realize until yesterday that Luke was writing to “the honorable Theohilus”. So this Gospel is almost like a formal letter or legal brief to a dignitary presenting facts as evidence of a truth. While Matthew traces Jesus’ maternal genealogy from Abraham to Mary (past to present), Luke traces Jesus’ paternal genealogy from Joseph to Adam (present to past). Adam is even referred to as the son of God. 
     Chapter 1 of Luke is about John the Baptist. This chapter serves as a good introduction to chapter 2 because John the Baptist was precursor to Christ. Chapter 2 of Luke provides a lot of subtle clues and factual tidbits that leds to Jesus being the Messiah. 
         · It explains how the emperor’s decree contributed to Jesus beingborn in Bethlehem and still be referred to as a Nazarite.  
        · Since this was “Mary’s first child”, not her only child, we can assume that she had other children and Jesus had
siblings.
        · Jesus’ birth was a creation altering event because a vast heavenly host and the armies of heaven shouted in unison about the gift of “peace on earth” (Luke 2:13-14). 
        · Jesus’ sinless life started with his parents. They followed the letter of the law having him circumcised on the eight day, dedicating the first born to the Lord, and offering the required sacrifices.   
        · Another character I never took notice of until today was Anna. Anna was a prophet in the temple with Simeon, and testified to Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy. 
    All in all Luke presents some pretty compelling evidence of Jesus being the Messiah. I wonder if Theophius accepted it.

In the NLT , 1 Chronicles 9:1 says, "So all Israel was listed in the genealogical records in The Book of the Kings of Israel.The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord." In the ESV though, it says, "And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith." I like that play on words. Just like there was a breach in their walls that they had repaired, there was a breach in their faith, too, that needed to be repaired. In fact, it was their breach in faith that caused the breach in their walls. How is your faith? Has there been a breach in it that needs to be repaired?

Another thing I thought was interesting comes from,

Nehemiah 12:8 And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his brothers was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. (ESV)

And

Nehemiah 12:24 And the chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers who stood opposite them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, watch by watch. (ESV)

Both of these passages talk about these particular Levis being in charge of just praise and thanksgiving. These were to be a regular part of what happens there. Are praise and thanksgiving a regular part of what you do? Is our God not worthy of that continuously? Let us try to give Him praise and thanksgiving all throughout the day. Even if it just be one sentence here or there, let us give Him the worship He is worthy of.

So I have been time warped to 445 BC and come upon this town that is obviously under construction, and being rebuilt.  Its walls were just restored, and I heard that it only took 52 days to complete this feat.  Obviously, I am amazed and stunned at how fast something of this magnitude could be accomplished, and learn that their enemies and surrounding nations have been humiliated (Nehemiah 6:16) because of this accomplishment, and that they realized only God could have helped them complete a project of this size.

It is early October, and “The Festival of Shelters” is taking place (Nehemiah 8), and I observe people gathering branches from the nearby hills to make shelters in the town.  Looks like a big feast is going to take place as the people (that had been in captivity) learn from God’s word that they will feast for seven days, and hold a solemn assembly on the eighth as required by the law (Nehemiah 8:18).  I learn that they have not feasted and celebrated like this for over 800 years; since the time of Joshua, so you can imagine the great time that they will be having.

The Israelites also confessed their sins to God, and made vows to follow the Lord, and abide by the laws that had been written centuries before.  They also committed a tenth that had been collected, as a tithe, which would be delivered by the Levites to the Temple of God and placed in the storerooms.

I recall when I rededicated my life to the Lord.  It was in 2000 AD, and the Lord had been really tugging at my heart to renew my vows to him as the Israelites did in 445 BC, and literally having me run into the pastor at West Greenway (Pat Hail).  I can recall at least 3 times in a very short time span that the Lord had me crossing his path.  I told Terry that the Lord was really working me over, and then one day upon entering Greenway, he brought me to tears, and laid upon my heart the monetary needs that the church has.  We began Crown Ministries there and eventually here at Grace, and will continue it in the future.  I think if the people of Jerusalem could commit a portion of their earnings to the Lord over 2500 years ago, then Terry and I could do the same in this present day.  Have a blessed and wonderful weekend…………Larry

Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.”

NEHEMIAH 7:4-8:12

Today's scripture begins with a registration of the people who have returned from captivity back to Judah..  "So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah, in addition to 7,337 servants and 245 singers, both men and women." (Nehemiah 7:66-67). So just under 50,000 people have returned from captivity.  Now here comes the astounding part.....

Nehemiah 8:1 reads,

"In October, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given for Israel to obey."

All the people were unified...that in itself is amazing...but what are they unified to do?  They asked Ezra to bring the Book of the Law of Moses to read.  And Ezra does...in what had to look like today's concert, this group of men, women, and children who could understand the message, stood from early morning until noon to listen to Ezra read God's Word.

In addition the Levites explained the reading to so that all could understand.  The Levites had to translate the readings from Hebrew to Aramaic.  Remember the Jews have been in captivity, and many have forgotten Hebrew so the Levites made sure that all understood.

The people's first response was to weep and mourn, but Nehemiah says,

“Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.  And Nehemiahy]" continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:9-10)

Today's reading has me convicted.  As I look at today's culture I find myself being irritated, upset, and I'll admit angry.  Instead I should look around knowing that our culture is under captivity, these young people have never known God's grace, have never been taught of the pathway to light.  In short, like the Jews returning from captivity they have forgotten or never have learned Hebrew and had to have the Word translated for them. 

It is time to translate.  Not just read the Word, we need to translate to this culture in a way they can understand, the glory of God's grace, mercy and love.  I pray for God's wisdom in doing just that, will you join me?

In His Grip,

Art

During the rebuilding of the temple
Nehemiah faced external as well as internal strife and opposition. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Noadiah, all tried to intimidate him to make him sin. So they could accuse and discredit him. Internal strife came for Israelites oppressing one another. Through all of this work was going on all around the temple. Chapter 3 stats out describing how the rebuilding was a full 360 degree operation. It starts out at the Sheep Gate and ends at the Sheep Gate. It makes me think of thousands of ants running around in what looks like chaos. When actually each is doing his part to rebuild the whole. Notice that while they worked – they were also prepared for battle. Half stood watch and half worked. Even those who worked had a sword strapped to their side. Nehemiah told them that when the trumpet sounded they were supposed to go to rush to where it sounded and let “God fight for us”. 
 
The people’s responsibility was to be prepared, go to where they were needed and let God give the victory. Just like one plants, another waters, but God give the growth. Ultimately all victory is through Him. So while we go about building the church and serving in ministry areas, keep you sword (God’s Word) within arm’s reach. Then when the trumpet sounds rush to where it sounded and let “God fight for us” because ultimately the Victory is through HIM.

Today we begin Esther and there are a few things that stood out to me as I read through chapters 1-4. One of them comes from chapter 2, verse 20.

"Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him." (ESV)

This shows that Esther developEd the character trait of obedience before she even left Mordecai's home and was on her own. It is great to see her carry-on that obedience even when she was on her own.

Another thing that I noticed was Mordecai's character of faith in God. Not only would he not bow down and worship Haman but he also showed great faith that God would come through. We see this in Esther 4:14. He says to Esther,

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (ESV)

This shows his belief that even if Esther doesn't help out in the situation he knows that God will work out a different way to save the Jews. He believes though that quite possibly, God is wanting to use Esther to deliver the Jews. Either way, he believes in God and his faithfulness to them.

Lastly, what I find interesting is how Esther handled the situation. At the beginning of chapter 4, we see that Esther doesn't even know what's going on. She is living the nice life as Queen and notices that Mordecai is an sackcloth. She even sends him clothing to get him out of sackcloth and make his life better. However, when Mordecai explains to her the situation, she is forced with the decision that she knows may very well cost her, her life. She could keep on living a nice life and ignore the whole situation but she decides to risk her life in order to save others.

I wonder if there is something we can walk away with from that? Are there sacrifices that we might have to make in order to share the good news of Jesus with others and save their lives? It might cost us being made fun of or losing friends or even our very lives, but isn't it worth it? What have we to lose anyways? Our lives are already gone and the life that we now live is for Jesus. We will live with him forever. Let us risk it all in order to see God show his glory in the way that he works just like he did in Esther's situation as we will see.

This morning as I was reading our bible verses, I was inspired by Zechariah’s writing in chapter 10 (The Lord Will Restore His People).  His prophecy about God caring for Judah and Israel is not only reassuring, but uplifting as well.  I enjoy reading God’s encouragement through these faithful men, and how they inspired those around them.

May you also be inspired by His word today.  Encourage others as you do His bidding.   

And finally, Proverbs 13:11 tells us:  “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.”  Remember, 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs; a chapter for each day of the month.  Happy reading all.

 Have a blessed and wonderful weekend…………..Larry