SOAP 10/11/2014; Nehemiah 6:11-12

Today's reading: Nehemiah 5, 6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

S) "¹¹ But I said, 'Should a man like me flee? And could one such as I go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.' ¹² Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him."

Nehemiah 6:11-12 (NASB)

O) Nehemiah was trying to reestablish the city of Jerusalem as a holy people, sanctified to the LORD, and he was experiencing heavy opposition from other officials, namely Sanballat and Tobiah. In v.10, a man named Shemaiah tries to convince Nehemiah to enter the temple to flee for his life. Not only would that be conceding to the fear of man, but it would also violate the Law. Nehemiah calls him on both of these points, and he was given clarity that this was a foe; he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. This became evident to Nehemiah through two main principles working together. First, he understood the words of the Law (defining which people could enter the temple, and how). Second, equally important, he understood the meaning of the Law as a whole, and the story of God that it tells - in this application specifically, that he should fear no man, only the LORD his God.

A) It is absolutely vital, to know what the Bible says. There are many, many specific instructions (even just in the New Testament) that are applicable to daily life. Equally important, though, is that I understand the Bible as a whole, and the Gospel it portrays and the character of God it reveals. If I only understand the detailed specifics, then I have nothing more than anecdotal references. If I am only interested in seeing a broad view of God, without those detailed specifics, then I will surely miss the mark and assume things about Him that are simply not true. I must seek to do both.

P) Father, I confess the truth of Isaiah 55:8, that Your ways are not my ways and Your thoughts are not my thoughts, and they are too much for me to understand fully. But, I also cling to the promise of 1 Corinthians 2, that assures me that the wisdom of Christ is mine to have through the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit. Father God, I want to understand who You are, and I want to understand Your will. So, as I study Your word each day, help me to learn the details of Your words with accuracy and intimacy. At the same time, open my eyes to see the broader view, and put the entirety of Scripture into context of who You are. Let me correctly understand and have wisdom, so that I can correctly, biblically interpret the world around me, according to Your truth. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/10/2014; Nehemiah 3:8

Today's reading: Nehemiah 3, 4; Luke 23

S) "⁸ Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah of the goldsmiths made repairs. And next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall."

Nehemiah 3:8 (NASB)

O) The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem had begun, and virtually everyone was involved (see v.5). There is a fairly extensive list of who helped, many of them by name, and there are details about which sections of the wall were built up by which people (which is the entire chapter). Reading through that listings, the above verse caught my eye, because the occupations of Uzziel and Hananiah are listed, and they struck me as almost opposites. While they were both makers of finer things, it seems (at least to me) that a goldsmith would be more accustomed to working with his hands. Maybe I just need to research perfumers more, but the main point is that this verse shows a crucial characteristic of the LORD: He calls everyone to accomplish His will. Goldsmiths and perfumers (v.8), priests (v.1), politicians (v.9), temple servants (v.26), and gatekeepers (v.29) are all listed. You know what occupations I didn't see? Stone masons, blacksmiths, or woodworkers. I'm not saying they weren't there, but I'm saying they would be expected. But, God uses everyone. It's also likely that the people listed among the workers could have been financiers, but maybe that just furthers the point: we can all contribute, even if our "skill set" doesn't exactly align with the task at hand.

A) When I think of "ministry" I do, admittedly, usually think of helping in terms of my passions or talents. While I think that is a wonderful use of the gifts God has given me, and can fulfill long-term purpose and God's plan, I cannot neglect need. When my church family makes a need known to me, I need to let go of preconceived ideas of what I can or cannot contribute, and instead simply ask God if I am being called to it.

P) Father, I want to do Your will. You have blessed me beyond measure, and it fills me with gratitude. Forgive me for my shortsighted view, and make me sensitive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, when a ministry opportunity is made known to me. Help me to humble my heart, and give freely of my time, talents, money, and ultimately, of myself. Remind me that I am loving You, by loving others in Your name. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/09/2014; Nehemiah 1:4

Today's reading: Nehemiah 1, 2; Psalm 133, 134; Luke 22

S) "⁴ When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

Nehemiah 1:4 (NASB)

O) This verse is the introduction to the actual prayer as Nehemiah recorded it (vv.5-11). Really, I wanted to highlight the entire passage, but that started to seem excessive, and since this verse introduces the prayer, it seemed good to highlight it. First, note how deeply moved Nehemiah was to hear about the struggles of his countrymen who had returned. He isn't depressed, however, and I note that because his sadness moved him to action, which is significant. He took to prayer and fasting, when he was so deeply grieved. Next, as we review his prayer, we see a powerful, humble, exemplary prayer. He began with praise and thanks, declaring the goodness of God's character and grace (v.5), then he moved into a confession of his sins, and the sins of his people (v.6-7). The next portion is easy to miss, but he was actually confirming the will of God having been done, and asserting God's righteousness in His actions toward Israel (v.8), and then he was imploring that God's will to be finished in His promises (v.9). Nehemiah summarized with praise again (v.10), before finally asking his request of the LORD (v.11). What I found so beautiful, is how this prayer is so perfectly aligned with the Lord's prayer from the Gospels.

A) The significance of Nehemiah's example, is that his prayer was not a mimicry of Jesus' prayer. He wasn't praying a vague, nonspecific prayer of generalizations. He was quite specific, and yet followed the form that Jesus taught very closely. So, this is a confirmation to follow Jesus' instruction, but to emphasize that Jesus didn't say, "pray these words," but He said, "Pray, then, in this way." (emphasis added, see Matthew 6:9-13). So, I will follow the model of Jesus' prayer, but like Nehemiah, I will be specific with my praise, confession, submission to His will, and finally my requests.

P) Father, You have blessed me with so much, and have always been faithful to me, even when I was completely unfaithful to You. You have preserved my life, my marriage, given me blessed relationships, and You have always provided. But, I have struggled with arrogance lately, Father. I believed the lie that I could promote myself, that I could provide for my family with more hard work. I believed the lie that I was able to do things without You, even while I was asking for Your help. I have not been completely submitted to Your sovereignty, trusting Your goodness entirely. In Your mercy, thank You for forgiving me and hearing my prayer. You are against haughty eyes, but You lift up the humble. You prove Your strength in our weaknesses, to the glory of Your name. Father, I am seeking favor with my boss at work, and I want a new position. But, please continue to accomplish Your will in my life, whatever that might mean for my career, finances, or any other aspect of my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/08/2014; Psalm 131:1-3

Today's reading: Ezra 9, 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

S) "¹ O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
² Surely I have composed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child rests against his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me.
³ O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever."

Psalm 131:1-3 (NASB)

O) This is a short psalm, but there is a lot here to examine. What David has basically done, is tied peace to humility. He started by humbling himself, not letting himself get caught up in things beyond his control. He acknowledged his limitations in circumstances too big for him. The effect, then, is a quieted soul, which he compares to a "weaned child" who is at rest with his mother. That term, "weaned child" means this is no longer a baby, he's talking about. The child is old enough to experience a bigger world, old enough to observe some of the chaos, danger, and strife in the world around him. However, the child is young enough to still be comforted by the proximity of his mother. This is like a toddler, able to recognize things that are too big, too scary for him, but he still has every confidence and faith in the protection and provision of his mother. The result, as we see in the final verse, is hope. David is acknowledging that things are too big for him, but not for the LORD, his Father God.

A) Like David, I see things in my life that are big and scary. I can try to put on a brave face, but really, there are things in my life that are simply beyond me. There are matters in my life that are too great for me, too difficult. So, I humble myself to remove my focus from problems too big for me. I quiet my soul, remembering to rest against my Father God. I place my hope in the LORD.

P) Father, I am impotent in great matters. There are fights I cannot win, circumstances I cannot navigate. I humble my heart, and lower my eyes, and I will not involve myself in matters too great for me. Help me to quiet my soul, resting against Your great strength and security. Let me rest in Your protection, Your assurances. I will place my hope in You alone, from this time forth and forever. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/07/2014; Ezra 8:21-23

Today's reading: Ezra 7, 8; Luke 20

S) "²¹ Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. ²² For I was ashamed to request from the king troops and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had said to the king, 'The hand of our God is favorably disposed to all those who seek Him, but His power and His anger are against all those who forsake Him.' ²³ So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty."

Ezra 8:21-23 (NASB)

O) Ezra was about to head back home to Jerusalem, to help with the rebuilding of the temple, and was bringing a few hundred people with him, priests, Levites, temple workers, etc. King Artexerxes had given him a very generous written commission, providing silver, gold, animals, as well as grain, oil, and wine; they had all they needed. Somehow, amid all that generous provision, Ezra decided to forgo any militant protection for the journey. Instead, he professed the LORD as their protection. Indeed the LORD was their protection, but it seems that Ezra might have regretted his hasty confession of faith. However, he didn't back down or retract his belief. He clung to the same truth spoke to his king, and the LORD proved him correct.

A) There is a duality at work here, of sorts. In the beginnings of God's people, Abraham refused help from a foreign king, because he didn't want any glory to be stolen from his God. However, this homecoming isn't the first time Israel was blessed by someone other than their God. It wasn't even the first time during this exile. I don't think the lesson is about whether or not I should accept help from people (every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights, after all). The real application, is the conviction of my words. When, for whatever reason, I assert faith in God's character, then I should follow that confession of truth! Maybe the Holy Spirit will lead me to speak the truth without thinking, maybe it will be the habit of quoting a Bible verse. Whatever the cause, if I find myself in a similar circumstance, I need to hold firmly to the faith I profess, because God is faithful to answer my call.

P) Father, You are a daring God. Over and over, You dare people to believe, to speak something in faith, then to act on it. Help me be more bold with my words, professing Your good character, ad believing the words I speak. Let me walk by the convictions of my own confession of who You are. Let me be bold about what You do! I want to brag about my Father God, the LORD, the Creator of all things. Be glorified, first by my words, then by my actions, which prove my words! I sing songs about Your greatness, so let me believe those words. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/06/2014; Esther 10:3

Today's reading: Esther 9, 10; Luke 19

S) "³ For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation."

Esther 10:3 (NASB)

O) You could easily make the argument, reading through the Book of Esther, that it could just as easily have been called the Book of Mordecai. He played just as large a role in the history here, as Esther did - it was just a different role. In fact, his name appears more in the book of Esther, than the her own name does. Having said that, I think it's wonderful to have another book of the Bible named after a woman. This last chapter is short, ending the book, but the verse above shows us that their saga extended beyond this one year. The book ends by telling us that Mordecai continued what he had been doing from the start of this book - looking out for the good of his family, his people, his nation within another nation (see yesterday's SOAP re: Esther 3:8). Mordecai knew that God arranges specific people into specific places for specific purposes. He told Esther as much (see Esther 4:14), and his own position and purpose were not lost on him.

A) Whether seeking more involvement or responsibility within the church family, or seeking promotion at work, or (not seeking, but simply) being at home with my family, I need to acknowledge that God has purpose in my placement. A promotion at work might be a financial blessing, but that could be the least of God's purpose. A new role in my Life Group at church might be refreshing and keep me engaged, but that might be the least of His purposes. I need to remember that my life was redeemed at a great price. That puts tremendous value on my life, and I need to remember daily - it is not my life anymore. God paid a heavy price to purchase me, but He deemed it was worth the price, and in thanksgiving, I will humble myself and ask for His direction each day, with my physical position, with my title, with my role in life.

P) Father, You are exceedingly good to Your servant. I know that You personally created me, specifically placed me, and directly purposed me to accomplish Your will. I pray that Your will be done. I agree that Your purposes are good, and I confess that I desire Your will in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Whatever the cost, God, I want fulfill Your purposes. I desire to please You, but I also rejoice and rest in Your grace. I know that I am not perfected, yet, but through the strength You've given me, by the Holy Spirit, I know that I am now able to fulfill my purpose in You. Thank You for the grace You've given me, that I can participate in the fruition of Your plans. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/05/2014; Esther 3:8

Today's reading: Esther 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Luke 18

S) "⁸ Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, 'There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people and they do not observe the king’s laws, so it is not in the king’s interest to let them remain.'"

Esther 3:8 (NASB)

O) Villainous Haman is plotting against all of the sojourning, exiled Jews for two distinct reasons. First, because of historical bad blood, as he was an Agagite. Second, because of his spite, from the perceived disrespect by Mordecai (Esther's uncle, who had adopted her). This verse, in particular, reveals a very important concept, though. The Kingdom of God does not rely on an earthly king to lead it. The Kingdom is not defined by flags or politics. The Kingdom is not confined by borders. These people belong to the LORD, and no governing laws or captivity would change that. Their allegiance was not geographical, but spiritual. The Kingdom is, and has been, a counter-culture. It is a simul-kingdom, if you will, that exists alongside, or within, or overlaid atop another kingdom/government.

A) I need to remember, it is not an invisible Kingdom. Mordecai knew it existed, others knew throughout the exile, and today the Kingdom should be felt in my world as well. Mordecai was noticed because he refused to bow down before Haman (which was breaking a law, or possibly just a custom, but it was taken as disrespect). The New Testament makes it very clear, though, that I am to be in subjection to the ruling authorities over me, so long as they are not asking me to sin. So, I should be bold like Mordecai, but understand what could be at stake. At the very least, I should be prayerful, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, before I disobey governing authorities or break laws. But, my allegiance in God's Kingdom should be felt, even still. Particularly, it should be the shining light on the hill, about which Jesus talked. I should be a beacon of hope, that will invite questions about my faith and my Lord, and I should be ready (see 1 Peter 3:15).

P) Father, Your Kingdom is everlasting, and it is present on earth even now. Just as Jesus preached, that the Kingdom of God was at hand, He brought a new understanding that the Kingdom is in our hearts, when we commit our lives into Your hands, devoting ourselves to discipleship to Your Son. This is both beautiful and powerful. Open my eyes, Father, to more fully see Your will and plan, my part that You want me to play in Your Kingdom. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.