Hello My Dear Family, Thank you for standing by me throughout this 13 journey into the book of Nehemiah. I believe that God has spoken to us, through this book of His past faithfulness, on steps we ought to take to rebuild and commit to our own damaged wall.
Today we finish our challenge with chapter 13 and it is the perfect conclusion. Nehemiah has struggled and persevered to inspire the people to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Now, with the wall rebuilt and the nation reestablished he looks around and sees the people already returning to the sins which led to their expulsion to begin with. Oh how quickly we forget! Please let us all learn from their mistakes and not have to make them ourselves.
When Nehemiah discovered the complacency of the Jews regarding certain of God's commandments and even their direct disobedience regarding His laws of holiness, he corrected the matters immediately. Let us do the same! Let us remain vigilant and not allow sin to enter our midst. Let us encourage one another in Godly wisdom toward Godly choices. Now is the time we must stand apart more than ever, be above reproach more than ever. God is rebuilding our house! Let's choose to honor Him for it.
Thank you again, my dear family and friends. I stand united with you as your friend and servant. Elise
Friday, July 30, 2010
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Twelve
My Dear Family,
We're almost there! Thank you for sticking with me this far. We have learned about God's faithfulness in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and we have remembered how to rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness.
Today we ready chapter 12, when the Jews dedicate their newly rebuilt wall to the Lord.
Verse 30 tells us that "The priests and the Levites purified themselves; they also purified the people, the gates and the wall."
It is time for us to purify ourselves, my friends. The wall can be rebuilt, our family can remain intact, but the future will only be what God truly desires it to be if we will purify ourselves and commit to live lives of holiness.
If we will make that leap, trusting that God will meet us at every point of weakness, then we will also be able to celebrate as the Jews did. Verse 43 "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.
Wouldn't you like our celebration to be so loud that it can be heard from afar? That will only happen if we will choose today to purify ourselves.
Tomorrow we will conclude our Nehemiah Challenge with chapter 13.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
We're almost there! Thank you for sticking with me this far. We have learned about God's faithfulness in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and we have remembered how to rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness.
Today we ready chapter 12, when the Jews dedicate their newly rebuilt wall to the Lord.
Verse 30 tells us that "The priests and the Levites purified themselves; they also purified the people, the gates and the wall."
It is time for us to purify ourselves, my friends. The wall can be rebuilt, our family can remain intact, but the future will only be what God truly desires it to be if we will purify ourselves and commit to live lives of holiness.
If we will make that leap, trusting that God will meet us at every point of weakness, then we will also be able to celebrate as the Jews did. Verse 43 "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.
Wouldn't you like our celebration to be so loud that it can be heard from afar? That will only happen if we will choose today to purify ourselves.
Tomorrow we will conclude our Nehemiah Challenge with chapter 13.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Eleven
Hello My Dear Family,
Today we read chapter 11 in the book of Nehemiah. I would like to direct your attention to verse two. "And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem."
Jerusalem has always been a hot bed of insurrection, division, and political conflict. If a rebellion was going to occur, it started in Jerusalem. If another nation chose to make war with Israel, they would attack Jerusalem. So, those who volunteered to live in the city of Jerusalem were volunteering for an honor, to live in the Holy City, but they also were making a commitment to be on the front lines of any struggle or battle that might come.
How does this apply to our church's current circumstances? Well, who is on the front lines? The leaders of the church. We, as members, must support and bless the current leaders of our church now more than ever. These leaders have not run from our current adversity but they have chosen to stand and fight head on.
Let us follow the example of the Jews in Nehemiah's day and "bless all the men who volunteer to live in Jerusalem." Bless, encourage, and support those leaders who have not fallen back from their responsibilities just because the job has become more difficult. Bless, encourage and support the leaders who have risen to this challenge and fight now on your behalf.
You can support your leaders with words of encouragement, prayer and even by rising up as leaders yourselves.
Let's stand together. No one is insignificant. No one is unnecessary. We are, each and every one of us, part of the Body of Christ.
Our Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 12!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Today we read chapter 11 in the book of Nehemiah. I would like to direct your attention to verse two. "And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem."
Jerusalem has always been a hot bed of insurrection, division, and political conflict. If a rebellion was going to occur, it started in Jerusalem. If another nation chose to make war with Israel, they would attack Jerusalem. So, those who volunteered to live in the city of Jerusalem were volunteering for an honor, to live in the Holy City, but they also were making a commitment to be on the front lines of any struggle or battle that might come.
How does this apply to our church's current circumstances? Well, who is on the front lines? The leaders of the church. We, as members, must support and bless the current leaders of our church now more than ever. These leaders have not run from our current adversity but they have chosen to stand and fight head on.
Let us follow the example of the Jews in Nehemiah's day and "bless all the men who volunteer to live in Jerusalem." Bless, encourage, and support those leaders who have not fallen back from their responsibilities just because the job has become more difficult. Bless, encourage and support the leaders who have risen to this challenge and fight now on your behalf.
You can support your leaders with words of encouragement, prayer and even by rising up as leaders yourselves.
Let's stand together. No one is insignificant. No one is unnecessary. We are, each and every one of us, part of the Body of Christ.
Our Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 12!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Ten
Hello My Dear Family,
We are nearing the end of this Nehemiah Challenge but we cannot fail or falter. Now, more than ever, we must remain strong, vigilant, and single-minded as a body of believers.
Today we read chapter 10 and it is an amazing chapter! The first several verses might seem unnecessary, but don’t just skip over them…realize what you are reading. You are reading the names of every family who covenanted together to live according to the law of the Lord. They wrote their names down on a signed and sealed document. There was no escaping this covenant!
We will not live like the nations around us. We will stand separate and apart, holy before our God. The names listed are those of the priests and leaders, but even below that, in verses 28-30, we read that “the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons and their daughters, all those who had knowledge and understanding, are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, which was given through Moses, God's servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of GOD our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes; and that we will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons.”
In one voice, as one nation, they declared that with this new beginning they would follow God’s commands. At any cost they would obey His word.
This is where we stand now, my friends. It is time to start over. We have an incredible opportunity to set out strong, with a newly constructed firm foundation beneath our feet. Will we choose to follow the ways of the world around us or will we choose to honor the Lord our God with all that we have?
I follow the words of Joshua, “Choose for yourselves this day who you will serve, but as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!”
If we will all agree, making that commitment in one voice, then we will be able to echo the covenant of the Jews in Nehemiah’s day, “we will not neglect the house of our God.” (verse 39)
That is my heart’s desire. Join with me now to surrender and follow Him with devotion and abandon. If you will do that, I guarantee that He will not disappoint!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 11.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
We are nearing the end of this Nehemiah Challenge but we cannot fail or falter. Now, more than ever, we must remain strong, vigilant, and single-minded as a body of believers.
Today we read chapter 10 and it is an amazing chapter! The first several verses might seem unnecessary, but don’t just skip over them…realize what you are reading. You are reading the names of every family who covenanted together to live according to the law of the Lord. They wrote their names down on a signed and sealed document. There was no escaping this covenant!
We will not live like the nations around us. We will stand separate and apart, holy before our God. The names listed are those of the priests and leaders, but even below that, in verses 28-30, we read that “the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons and their daughters, all those who had knowledge and understanding, are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, which was given through Moses, God's servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of GOD our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes; and that we will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons.”
In one voice, as one nation, they declared that with this new beginning they would follow God’s commands. At any cost they would obey His word.
This is where we stand now, my friends. It is time to start over. We have an incredible opportunity to set out strong, with a newly constructed firm foundation beneath our feet. Will we choose to follow the ways of the world around us or will we choose to honor the Lord our God with all that we have?
I follow the words of Joshua, “Choose for yourselves this day who you will serve, but as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!”
If we will all agree, making that commitment in one voice, then we will be able to echo the covenant of the Jews in Nehemiah’s day, “we will not neglect the house of our God.” (verse 39)
That is my heart’s desire. Join with me now to surrender and follow Him with devotion and abandon. If you will do that, I guarantee that He will not disappoint!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 11.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Nine
Hello my dear family,
We learned yesterday about how the Israelites moved forward, with God's law as their guide. They began by celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, as He had commanded them. Rejoicing, as one nation, for all that God had yet to accomplish.
Today we read about their reflections of the past. It can often be hard to move forward during uncertain times. Which way should we go? How should we proceed? How can we prevent these same mistakes in the future? Then more and more questions pile up...what will become of us now? What is going to happen? What is this going to look like when the dust settles?
Of course, only God knows the answer to any of these questions, yet He asks us to move forward with our faith and confidence firmly in Him.
How can we do that? Only with full knowledge of His past faithfulness, of His past victories on our behalf can we move ahead in boldness.
So, with the immediate work on the wall complete, a restored nation asks "Where do we go from here?" And the answer? Let's look back at all that God has done for us. Look back at all the times He saved us from our enemies. Remember how He miraculously provided for our physical needs? We never went hungry or thirsty...our clothes and shoes lasted for 40 years! Don't forget how He delivered us from slavery.
With this knowledge fresh in their minds, what could they fear? God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So, if He met our needs then He will do it again.
Likewise, my friends, as God has guarded and protected, healed and delivered, saved and guided us in the past, He will continue to do so. With the full assurance of His continued love and faithfulness we can look ahead to a future of promise. The best is yet to come!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow as we will read chapter 10. Keep running with me...the race is not yet won!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
We learned yesterday about how the Israelites moved forward, with God's law as their guide. They began by celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, as He had commanded them. Rejoicing, as one nation, for all that God had yet to accomplish.
Today we read about their reflections of the past. It can often be hard to move forward during uncertain times. Which way should we go? How should we proceed? How can we prevent these same mistakes in the future? Then more and more questions pile up...what will become of us now? What is going to happen? What is this going to look like when the dust settles?
Of course, only God knows the answer to any of these questions, yet He asks us to move forward with our faith and confidence firmly in Him.
How can we do that? Only with full knowledge of His past faithfulness, of His past victories on our behalf can we move ahead in boldness.
So, with the immediate work on the wall complete, a restored nation asks "Where do we go from here?" And the answer? Let's look back at all that God has done for us. Look back at all the times He saved us from our enemies. Remember how He miraculously provided for our physical needs? We never went hungry or thirsty...our clothes and shoes lasted for 40 years! Don't forget how He delivered us from slavery.
With this knowledge fresh in their minds, what could they fear? God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So, if He met our needs then He will do it again.
Likewise, my friends, as God has guarded and protected, healed and delivered, saved and guided us in the past, He will continue to do so. With the full assurance of His continued love and faithfulness we can look ahead to a future of promise. The best is yet to come!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow as we will read chapter 10. Keep running with me...the race is not yet won!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Eight
Hello my dear family,
I enjoy this chapter because it reminds us to keep everything in proper order. God was faithful to the Jews, enable and empowering them to rebuild their city wall and the first thing they did once their labor was completed was read HIS law and rejoice as HE had instructed them.
They spent a day listening to the law of the Lord and when they found areas where they had strayed from His commands they wept. Then, their priest and leader encouraged them, the time for weeping is past. Let's start over and start right from here on out. So, according to the word of God they restored the feast of booths.
The feast of booths (also known as the feast of tabernacles or sukkot) is our great earthly rehearsal for that time when we rejoice at the wedding feast of our Savior. It is a time when we celebrate the harvest God has given us as a symbol of the harvest of all souls which we will celebrate with Him in heaven.
What a perfect way to rejoice in God's work! As they Israelites celebrated God's faithfulness to them, they in turn, rejoiced in all He has yet to accomplish. They turned their back on the mistakes and rebellions of their past and moved fully and completely, as one nation with one purpose, toward our God.
This is where we stand, as a family of believers. What's done is done. What's past is past. Let us move together now, in one accord, in the center of God's will. Let's return to His word, to His promises and follow where He leads.
"...this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10b)
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 9. Don't give up now. Let's keep running the race!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
I enjoy this chapter because it reminds us to keep everything in proper order. God was faithful to the Jews, enable and empowering them to rebuild their city wall and the first thing they did once their labor was completed was read HIS law and rejoice as HE had instructed them.
They spent a day listening to the law of the Lord and when they found areas where they had strayed from His commands they wept. Then, their priest and leader encouraged them, the time for weeping is past. Let's start over and start right from here on out. So, according to the word of God they restored the feast of booths.
The feast of booths (also known as the feast of tabernacles or sukkot) is our great earthly rehearsal for that time when we rejoice at the wedding feast of our Savior. It is a time when we celebrate the harvest God has given us as a symbol of the harvest of all souls which we will celebrate with Him in heaven.
What a perfect way to rejoice in God's work! As they Israelites celebrated God's faithfulness to them, they in turn, rejoiced in all He has yet to accomplish. They turned their back on the mistakes and rebellions of their past and moved fully and completely, as one nation with one purpose, toward our God.
This is where we stand, as a family of believers. What's done is done. What's past is past. Let us move together now, in one accord, in the center of God's will. Let's return to His word, to His promises and follow where He leads.
"...this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10b)
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 9. Don't give up now. Let's keep running the race!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Seven
My dear family,
Today was difficult. Who knew what to expect? Who knew what was going to happen? But we got through…in fact, we triumphed through!
Now, it’s time to regroup.
In Nehemiah’s day, by the time we hit chapter 7, the eminent dangers of a breeched wall have been repaired. In this chapter they take a census of all of the families who have returned to Jerusalem from exile. This is what I’m calling “regrouping.” They take stock of the resources at their disposal so that they can move forward in strength.
How can we relate this chapter to our current circumstances? Well, our immediate questions have been answered. Now, with a still uncertain or unknown future before us, it’s time to regroup! It’s time to pull together and figure out what our strengths are. Where can we maximize those strengths? Where are their still weaknesses in our wall?
Every one of us has something to offer this family of believers. NOW is the time to stand up and share the burden of ministry. NOW is the time to jump into action. Use your gifts to serve, to support, to encourage the people of God.
At the end of chapter 7 we read “ And when the seventh month came, the sons of Israel were in their cities.” Being in their cities is powerful here. It indicates permanency, being at rest.
If we will join together now and pool our resources of time and gifts then when our “seventh month” comes, we, too, will be in our cities!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 8!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Today was difficult. Who knew what to expect? Who knew what was going to happen? But we got through…in fact, we triumphed through!
Now, it’s time to regroup.
In Nehemiah’s day, by the time we hit chapter 7, the eminent dangers of a breeched wall have been repaired. In this chapter they take a census of all of the families who have returned to Jerusalem from exile. This is what I’m calling “regrouping.” They take stock of the resources at their disposal so that they can move forward in strength.
How can we relate this chapter to our current circumstances? Well, our immediate questions have been answered. Now, with a still uncertain or unknown future before us, it’s time to regroup! It’s time to pull together and figure out what our strengths are. Where can we maximize those strengths? Where are their still weaknesses in our wall?
Every one of us has something to offer this family of believers. NOW is the time to stand up and share the burden of ministry. NOW is the time to jump into action. Use your gifts to serve, to support, to encourage the people of God.
At the end of chapter 7 we read “ And when the seventh month came, the sons of Israel were in their cities.” Being in their cities is powerful here. It indicates permanency, being at rest.
If we will join together now and pool our resources of time and gifts then when our “seventh month” comes, we, too, will be in our cities!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 8!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Six
My dear family,
As the wall of Jerusalem was nearing completion, Nehemiah and his people are met with challenges, false accusations and deception.
Throughout this book of the Bible I am continually amazed at Nehemiah’s strength, singleness of mind, and perseverance. His faith in his purpose was so strong that nothing anyone said or did stopped, swayed or deterred him. He never lost faith. He never even paused!
When met with false accusations he did not become ashamed or dance around the charges because he knew he had nothing to hide. He had done nothing but follow the purpose God gave him. He called the accusers out point blank, v. 8 “Such things as you are saying have not been done, but you are inventing them in your own mind.”
With the determination of Nehemiah as their driving force, the wall was completed. The people, working together with single purpose repaired the wall around the whole city of Jerusalem in just 52 days! (Looking back to yesterday’s chapter, remember, their minds were set to work!)
So the wall was completed and all of the enemies who had tried to come against Nehemiah personally and the Jews collectively lost their motivation to battle the people of God. Verse 16 reads, “When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”
If we will stand strong and rebuild our church with confidence found in God, then even our enemies, those who try to cause us to lose our faith and give up, will come face to face with the power of God moving among us. If we will yield ourselves to Him then HE will enable us to rebuild and stand strong in the end. In HIM we live. In HIM we move. In HIM we have our begin. And now, in HIM, we rebuild.
Tomorrow we continue our Nehemiah Challenge with Chapter 7!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
As the wall of Jerusalem was nearing completion, Nehemiah and his people are met with challenges, false accusations and deception.
Throughout this book of the Bible I am continually amazed at Nehemiah’s strength, singleness of mind, and perseverance. His faith in his purpose was so strong that nothing anyone said or did stopped, swayed or deterred him. He never lost faith. He never even paused!
When met with false accusations he did not become ashamed or dance around the charges because he knew he had nothing to hide. He had done nothing but follow the purpose God gave him. He called the accusers out point blank, v. 8 “Such things as you are saying have not been done, but you are inventing them in your own mind.”
With the determination of Nehemiah as their driving force, the wall was completed. The people, working together with single purpose repaired the wall around the whole city of Jerusalem in just 52 days! (Looking back to yesterday’s chapter, remember, their minds were set to work!)
So the wall was completed and all of the enemies who had tried to come against Nehemiah personally and the Jews collectively lost their motivation to battle the people of God. Verse 16 reads, “When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”
If we will stand strong and rebuild our church with confidence found in God, then even our enemies, those who try to cause us to lose our faith and give up, will come face to face with the power of God moving among us. If we will yield ourselves to Him then HE will enable us to rebuild and stand strong in the end. In HIM we live. In HIM we move. In HIM we have our begin. And now, in HIM, we rebuild.
Tomorrow we continue our Nehemiah Challenge with Chapter 7!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Five
Hello my dear family,
I am so grateful that so many of you have agreed to join me in the Nehemiah Challenge. I truly believe that we will see God's hand moving among us in response to our cries for His help.
Today we dive into chapter five of Nehemiah. There is a theme running throughout this chapter...being above reproach.
It came to Nehemiah's attention that the wealthy Jews were taking advantage of the Jews returning from captivity. They were using this trial as a means of increasing their own wealth.
We can draw a parallel between that and our own current circumstances. This is not the time for posturing, for trying to place ourselves above or apart from one another. This is the time to stand together. As Nehemiah admonished the wealthy people of his day to stand WITH their brothers, so we must put aside our differences and stand together.
The time for taking sides and bickering amongst ourselves is over. The time to stand united together has come.
During this time, when all eyes are focused on us and what we will do or say, how we will handle ourselves through this "scandal", we must remain above reproach. We must keep our eyes focused on our goal...the health of our community of believers.
Let us now accept what has come, and turn to the future. Join with me, my friends, my family, to rebuild this wall, one brick at a time.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
I am so grateful that so many of you have agreed to join me in the Nehemiah Challenge. I truly believe that we will see God's hand moving among us in response to our cries for His help.
Today we dive into chapter five of Nehemiah. There is a theme running throughout this chapter...being above reproach.
It came to Nehemiah's attention that the wealthy Jews were taking advantage of the Jews returning from captivity. They were using this trial as a means of increasing their own wealth.
We can draw a parallel between that and our own current circumstances. This is not the time for posturing, for trying to place ourselves above or apart from one another. This is the time to stand together. As Nehemiah admonished the wealthy people of his day to stand WITH their brothers, so we must put aside our differences and stand together.
The time for taking sides and bickering amongst ourselves is over. The time to stand united together has come.
During this time, when all eyes are focused on us and what we will do or say, how we will handle ourselves through this "scandal", we must remain above reproach. We must keep our eyes focused on our goal...the health of our community of believers.
Let us now accept what has come, and turn to the future. Join with me, my friends, my family, to rebuild this wall, one brick at a time.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Four
Hello my dear family,
I am sitting at a library in Wisconsin while my heart is bound to you, my Living Word family. So...even from a distance, let us continue with our Nehemiah Challenge - Day 4!
This is a hard chapter. It's not hard to understand, but it is hard to digest...trials are never easy and never fun.
At the beginning of the chapter we learn that Nehemiah's work is being mocked and ridiculed. The Jewish people are being criticized and insulted.
In times like this it is so very easy to jump to one side or another and to start accusing and defending. This is not what the Jews did, though. They cried out to God for HIS justice. They asked HIM to defend them and move on their behalf. And then what did they do right after they prayed to God for His help? Verse 6: “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”
Isn’t that amazing?! It gets me excited just thinking about it! They asked God for help and then left their concerns in HIS hands so that their minds were clear, unencumbered, ready to focus wholly on the task at hand. They were not running around worried or confused, “they had a mind to work.”
The assaults continued to come, and my friends, we surely can expect the same. We live in a small town and we are an easy target, but let us continue to follow Nehemiah’s example in verse 9 and pray to our God, and because of our accusers, set up a guard against them day and night.
Guard your hearts and minds right now from the verbal and emotional attacks that will come. “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
This is the time for us to rise up, stand together and continue the work God has set before us. I stand with you, following the path God has laid before us. This will be our finest hour.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
I am sitting at a library in Wisconsin while my heart is bound to you, my Living Word family. So...even from a distance, let us continue with our Nehemiah Challenge - Day 4!
This is a hard chapter. It's not hard to understand, but it is hard to digest...trials are never easy and never fun.
At the beginning of the chapter we learn that Nehemiah's work is being mocked and ridiculed. The Jewish people are being criticized and insulted.
In times like this it is so very easy to jump to one side or another and to start accusing and defending. This is not what the Jews did, though. They cried out to God for HIS justice. They asked HIM to defend them and move on their behalf. And then what did they do right after they prayed to God for His help? Verse 6: “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”
Isn’t that amazing?! It gets me excited just thinking about it! They asked God for help and then left their concerns in HIS hands so that their minds were clear, unencumbered, ready to focus wholly on the task at hand. They were not running around worried or confused, “they had a mind to work.”
The assaults continued to come, and my friends, we surely can expect the same. We live in a small town and we are an easy target, but let us continue to follow Nehemiah’s example in verse 9 and pray to our God, and because of our accusers, set up a guard against them day and night.
Guard your hearts and minds right now from the verbal and emotional attacks that will come. “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
This is the time for us to rise up, stand together and continue the work God has set before us. I stand with you, following the path God has laid before us. This will be our finest hour.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Three
My dear family,
Nehemiah Challenge – Day 3
I love this chapter! Here we read the detailed account of the process of repairing and rebuilding the city gate. These are the very chapters in the Bible that it is so easy to skim over, wondering why they are there in such detail. Why did I really need to know all of this construction information? Let’s take a moment together and look a little deeper though.
As each man is named, so is the job to which he was assigned. The picture is painted of many, many families, many individuals, working together toward one common end, the completed, whole wall of Jerusalem.
How does this apply to our life and our church’s current circumstances? Each individual represents each family or each ministry of the church. We all must take charge of different “gates” or different segments. What are you passionate about? What breaks or heart or drives you to action? Then go! Repair the breach within that ministry! Rebuild the faith of those in that sphere! Someone needs you right now to step up and rebuild.
Right now, my dear friends, I am hearing stories of families accepting this Nehemiah Challenge and reading this book together for the first time in their family history. I am hearing stories of the book of Nehemiah being read and discussed publicly in local businesses. When was the last time that we were so united? Let us stop and praise God for this one great victory that He has already brought forth from our struggle!
Begin rebuilding within your marriages, your families and bring your stronger marriages and united families to the house of God ready to fight, to rebuild the breaches within the walls of our temple. We have a tremendous opportunity to receive this challenge as a war drum, an alarm to wake up and get ready. I, for one, will answer with my own war cry. “Let us arise and build!”
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Nehemiah Challenge – Day 3
I love this chapter! Here we read the detailed account of the process of repairing and rebuilding the city gate. These are the very chapters in the Bible that it is so easy to skim over, wondering why they are there in such detail. Why did I really need to know all of this construction information? Let’s take a moment together and look a little deeper though.
As each man is named, so is the job to which he was assigned. The picture is painted of many, many families, many individuals, working together toward one common end, the completed, whole wall of Jerusalem.
How does this apply to our life and our church’s current circumstances? Each individual represents each family or each ministry of the church. We all must take charge of different “gates” or different segments. What are you passionate about? What breaks or heart or drives you to action? Then go! Repair the breach within that ministry! Rebuild the faith of those in that sphere! Someone needs you right now to step up and rebuild.
Right now, my dear friends, I am hearing stories of families accepting this Nehemiah Challenge and reading this book together for the first time in their family history. I am hearing stories of the book of Nehemiah being read and discussed publicly in local businesses. When was the last time that we were so united? Let us stop and praise God for this one great victory that He has already brought forth from our struggle!
Begin rebuilding within your marriages, your families and bring your stronger marriages and united families to the house of God ready to fight, to rebuild the breaches within the walls of our temple. We have a tremendous opportunity to receive this challenge as a war drum, an alarm to wake up and get ready. I, for one, will answer with my own war cry. “Let us arise and build!”
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Nehemiah Challenge - Day Two
Hello My dear family,
I hope that you have found a sense of unity as we, together, begin to read how God faithfully helped Nehemiah begin the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding Jerusalem. So He will remain with us as we begin what might seem like the impossible task of rebuilding our church.
After you have read the whole chapter, reread verse 18.
"I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, "Let us arise and build." So they put their hands to the good work."
I charge you now, Family of God, "Let us arise and build!"
I encourage you that none of you are alone. We are all in this fight together. This is the battle for our family, our community. Let us now put our hands to the good work!
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with Chapter 3.
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Nehemiah Challenge - Day One
I started this challenge for my church family as we faced an internal trial but I think that some of you might be inspired by it as well. So...welcome to the Nehemiah Challenge!
We are at the foot of a mountain. We have a choice. We can stand here, at the base, crying over what has happened. "Why me? Why us? Why now?" Or we can clothe ourselves in the full armor of God and trust Him as we start to climb.
I would like to ask you all to join me in what I am going to call the Nehemiah Challenge.
In the book of Nehemiah God proves Himself to be the Rebuilder of broken walls and broken lives. We need the God of Nehemiah to move now in our midst. Only then will we be able to climb this mountain and stand at the top, stronger than ever.
Join me today by reading Chapter 1 of the book of Nehemiah. As you read this chapter you will learn that Nehemiah learned of the sad state of Jerusalem and he spent days weeping and praying before God, grieving for what had transpired. Our grief, in the midst of this disappointment, is Biblical and expected. But Nehemiah turned his grief into earnest supplication to God.
Let us now follow his example, turn our hearts to God, repent for our own sin and our complacency.
We do not serve one man. We serve the one true God! We serve the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Remember that this is the time to work together for the kingdom of God to advance.
God have mercy on us and be glorified now within us.
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with Chapter 2. Let's work together and watch God rebuild!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
I would like to ask you all to join me in what I am going to call the Nehemiah Challenge.
In the book of Nehemiah God proves Himself to be the Rebuilder of broken walls and broken lives. We need the God of Nehemiah to move now in our midst. Only then will we be able to climb this mountain and stand at the top, stronger than ever.
Join me today by reading Chapter 1 of the book of Nehemiah. As you read this chapter you will learn that Nehemiah learned of the sad state of Jerusalem and he spent days weeping and praying before God, grieving for what had transpired. Our grief, in the midst of this disappointment, is Biblical and expected. But Nehemiah turned his grief into earnest supplication to God.
Let us now follow his example, turn our hearts to God, repent for our own sin and our complacency.
We do not serve one man. We serve the one true God! We serve the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Remember that this is the time to work together for the kingdom of God to advance.
God have mercy on us and be glorified now within us.
The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with Chapter 2. Let's work together and watch God rebuild!
Your friend and servant,
Elise
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tragedy and Triumph
I live in a very small town, only 7,000 in my whole county. Today, our community suffered a great tragedy. A van carrying a family of 12 passengers, traveling to celebrate a wedding, was hit by a semi. Ten of the twelve passengers, one a baby just a few months old, are dead. The only survivors, two little boys, now will grow up without their parents. The driver of the semi was killed as well, and somewhere in Alabama his family is mourning him too.
The family was part of the Mennonite community. All morning long I've been looking at my son and tearing up. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of loss that will be felt by those boys, and by everyone in their close community.
So much loss that seems, to us, so senseless. All I can say, and what I have been saying all morning, is that none of this took God by surprise. He knew it was coming, and therefore, He has already prepared a way.
There will be people who misread what I am trying to say. If God knew this was going to happen then why didn't He stop it, right? We live in a world where everyone makes choices and those choices affect us and everyone around us. I do not, and probably never will, know why so many tragic things happen. What I do know...what I know beyond any fear or doubt that might try to assail me, is that God remains in control, despite where any human choices lead.
As I prepare to celebrate with my family the death and resurrection, the sacrifice and victory, of my Savior, I rejoice for these who are now in His presence. I await His promise to turn all things to good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
Look at this picture of me and my baby...so many moments like this that I take for granted...when I look at my son and my eyes fill with tears, imagining two little boys who have lost both mother and father, I remember that no one ever could or will love them more than God, our heavenly Father.
Thanks for reading my ramblings...please remember to pray for the community of those killed this morning. Please pray for their two small boys, and please pray that our community at large will know how to reach out to them, and how to support them.
God is sovereign. God is faithful. We are His hands and feet...
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
What Is Greatness?
In C.S. Lewis book The Great Divorce there is a scene that has affected me and inspired me ever since I read it, probably over ten years ago now.
A man is sitting quietly with his mentor at the base of a mountain which is meant to signify Heaven. As they sit a glorious procession begins. Pomp and circumstance and celebration surround the arrival of a single woman. The man struggles to see her and then asks his mentor who the jubilation honors.
His teacher replies that she is no one the man ever will have heard of but the young man insists that surely she is famous for no where else has he seen such ado about a single soul.
His teacher then explains that she was no one to others on earth, while she lived, a poor widowed woman living in a humble home. But she always had room for those in need of shelter and she always had food to share with the hungry. She faithfully served others, living her life as God's hand and feet. Though on earth her life seemed unremarkable, in Heaven she received the greatest honor one can boast.
What do You want from me, Lord? Where should I go from here?
I want to make a difference for Your kingdom. I want to BE who You desire me to be.
Show me the path of my life, Lord. Help me to stop being so self-seeking and self-serving. Teach me to love and serve. I don't need to be great but I do have a deep need to do great things. I need to do Your will, follow Your ways, be Your hands and feet. What could be greater than that?
I need to stop desiring greatness and instead, become great.
"...but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant." Luke 22:26
Monday, February 22, 2010
Are You Kidding Me?
I'm telling this story for all of the stay-at-home, work-your-fanny-off Moms.
The other night my son was happily playing by himself with his cars while my husband and I each sat reading books. We were all in the same room and intermittently interacted with one another but for the most part we were all just having a relaxing evening passed as we each chose.
My husband looked up at me and asked, "So, is this what you do every day?"
In my head I said, "Excuse me? I think I just hallucinated...what did you ask me?"
Out loud I said, "Excuse me? I think I just hallucinated...what did you ask me?" Yeah, there was no stopping the immediate thought right then. It wasn't my most eloquent moment.
My husband had the sweetest smile on his face and he said once again, "Does he just play like this all day?"
This is where a Vulcan mind-meld would come in handy because the words I could find were so inadequate to the extreme that I just looked at him and said, "Uh...no."
This is the eternal question we find ourselves answering again and again, to our spouses, our friends, our family, our acquaintances, and if any of you are like me, to ourselves.
No I don't just sit on my tail reading all day while my son takes care of himself! That was the first time I've read between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM for over two months!
I sit and play cars. I sit and do puzzles. I sit and color. I sit and play blocks. I sit and play legos. I sit and read books...HIS books. I take him to the potty and then sit in the bathroom and read his books again...and again and again. We wash the dishes together and put them away together. We do the laundry together and dust together. We cook together. We learn letters together and sing songs together. There are somewhere in the ballpark of 4,062 things he could do that he loves to do in this house but they are just no fun unless Mommy is doing them too.
This can't just be me, right? You find something your child loves and you feel a moment of intense liberation. "Now I will have at least twenty minutes to do something while he is happily playing!" Then the sweetest voice I know rings out like an alarm clock waking me from a blissfully relaxing dream.
"Mommy, color too...Mommy, paint too...Mommy, cars too...Mommy, uppy-days*...Mommy, moe-knees+...Mommy...snack...etc.,etc.,etc."
There is no going to the bathroom alone or eating alone or sitting alone or standing alone or cooking alone or cleaning alone or relaxing alone. There is Noble and Mommy, a dynamic duo.
There are times when this is frustrating, of course, because I was an individual for 30 years, able to do whatever I chose whenever I chose. However, the reward comes when my husband notices.
"You know, Elise, you're always saying hoe smart Noble is, but he learns everything from you. You're the reason he's learning so much."
You mean he's not teaching himself while I sit on my sofa curled up with a cup of coffee and a book?...huh. Who knew?
* uppy-days - Up (This is his interpretation of "The people on the bus go up and down." He learned them together and still uses the whole phrase for "up."
+moe-knees - "milkies" our family's covert name for nursing
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Finding Freedom in the Middle of Nowhere
"Elise, you had a great job that you loved in the greatest city in the world, why did you leave it all behind to move to the best kept secret in Kentucky?" Well, the truth is, sometimes I have no idea.
I had a dream job in Manhattan, doing something I was good at and believed in, working alongside wonderful people. My boss believed in me and encouraged me. He was ready to keep pushing me forward and letting me succeed and I was excited about the future career and opportunities I had with that organization.
The City was perfect for me. I thrived on the energy and the opportunities. I loved that everything I could ever want was available to me. (Ah, how I miss Ethiopian cuisine!) In the midst of this amazing life experience, the elusive dream my husband and I had long desired came true. We had a baby!
At my husband's suggestion (and with my enthusiastic support) we packed up the bags and headed out of NYC. Can you raise a baby in New York? Of course! Could we raise our child(ren) the way we wanted to in New York? Questionable...not impossible but definitely improbable. We left the City behind and moved to a county of 7,000. Goodbye Metropolis, hello Mayberry.
Leaving behind New York City and its infinite promise and possibility, we took a chance on our dreams for our family, and here, in this small town I have found a freedom that New York never could have given me. I have found that some of my dreams really weren't such a big deal after all...nothing makes you feel more important than being the center of your baby's world. No achievement compares to my husband thanking me for taking such good care of him and our baby. That is success...the only success that matters.
New York has a lot to offer and I still miss it all the time, but as far as I'm concerned, Kentucky has a corner on the Freedom market.
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