Nehemiah 12:27-47 The people of God come together to celebrate the walls completion, and to commit to the people building. The repopulation of the city (11–12:26) means that the people of God are finally in the place of God, trusting the promises of God. Their joyful celebration reflects this. This chapter sets us up with a picture of celebration which helps us to look forward to the ultimate celebration
Confession is the very first step on the way to repentance. But it can be so difficult, we feel shame and guilt, all because we need to know better the heart of Christ. Confession should be a humble act that leads us to worship.
Where does our joy and strength come from? Particularly when times are hard? The people of God are to look to him for all their joy. It is their duty and delight. For us today as we live in this world as citizens of the next, we need to have our souls refreshed and strengthened by the joy of the Lord.
The word of God central to the worship of God by his people. We need to not treat it as secondary, side-line it, or substitute it. We should certainly realise that it is for everyone and needs to be understood. And our relationship with God should be strengthened by his word, leading us to worship and joy.
Nehemiah 6:1–7:4 As the building of the wall comes to an end, Nehemiah still faces opposition, as we today face opposition. How can we endure in the face of danger, defamation, deception, and dilution? And how can we make sure that we keep our priorities right as we walk our Christian journey?
Genesis 4:1-24 “It is the best-known story in the world, because it is everybody’s story. It is the symbol story of the human soul. The story of mankind”. So claims one of the characters in John Steinbeck’s epic novel ‘East of Eden’ about the biblical account of Cain and Abel. It holds up a mirror to ourselves and the world in which we now live.
Genesis 4:1-24 “It is the best-known story in the world, because it is everybody’s story. It is the symbol story of the human soul. The story of mankind”. So claims one of the characters in John Steinbeck’s epic novel ‘East of Eden’ about the biblical account of Cain and Abel. It holds up a mirror to ourselves and the world in which we now live.
Matthew 2:1-12In the UK we are more obsessed with Christmas than any other country, according to Google research. But we are less obsessed with the Christ of Christmas. That is very odd. If we get what Christmas is about, the Christ will be our magnificent obsession.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15Many of us are stressed-out control-freaks obsessed with being productive. But so often life does not go as we planned. Recognising that things are under God’s control and not ours can enable frustration to lead to worship.
Psalm 84:1-12 What’s it like to praise God from the heart? what effect does praising God have on us? Psalm 84 has the answer. Listen in and calibrate our heart as we praise the Lord.
