Tag: family

Nehemiah 2 Part 1–The Right Man for the Job

Nehemiah was the king’s cup-bearer. In those days, that simply meant that he was the guy to take the first drink and bite to make sure the king was not poisoned.  No small task.  As that guy, the king became very attuned to changes in attitude and behavior. So when the king and his wife noticed Nehemiah’s sadness, they wanted to make sure it was not about them.  Nehemiah  knew that not being focused and positive to the king could literally cost him his job and his life. So, Nehemiah came clean.  He told the king he was heartsick about the devastated Jerusalem.  The exiles had returned a generation before, and yet it was still in shambles and the people a mess.
 
The king was probably relieved–Is that all? We can fix that–so he asked Nehemiah what he wanted to do and God’s man set a plan out to effect repairs.  If the truth were to be told, no one else was closer to the King, no one else was more passionate about the nation of Israel–so the king’s protector was now the man God chose to rebuild Jerusalem. It is so like God, He picks the last person we would expect but the absolute best person for the role.
 
In our lives, God chooses us often to fulfill roles we would never expect to fill.  He stretches us, tests us, disciplines us and prepares us to navigate the difficult path we call life. Sometimes we simply cannot understand why we are cast in the role He selects. We do not have to understand, we only have to trust and follow His lead. That is the life of Nehemiah–as we will see. More importantly, it is the life of all who would seek God and His leadership. Help me, Lord to trust and follow you!!!
 
God Bless You

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.

7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. 9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.

Nehemiah 1 Part 1–It is about the Community

he Book of Nehemiah is a tribute to both God’s faithfulness and the power of faith.  Nehemiah was a part of the descendants of the Israelites that were taken captive in Jerusalem. He was cupbearer to the King of Persia and lived approximately 150 years after the exile began.  After roughly 70 years, the exiles were allowed to return to Jerusalem and only 2% did so. Those that returned tried to get reestablished and rebuild the temple of God and the city of Jerusalem. 
 
Some 80 years later, Nehemiah inquires as to the condition of Jerusalem and Israel–God’s promised land.  He is greatly saddened to find that the walls of Jerusalem are still not restored and the city was still in shambles.  He is also saddened to hear that the people were a mess and living in shame.  This broke Nehemiah’s heart and he fasted and prayed to the Lord about how he could help. What happened next would be amazing.  
 
In our lives, we are faced not only with personal struggles, but also struggles within the community of believers and the church. If we are not careful, we become so entrenched in our own lives, that we forget we are part of the community.  The result is shameful. We literally forget about the needs of others and only focus on our own needs. 
The great news is that God never loses sight of the needs of his chosen and when the time is right, the Lord will raise those who are willing to be the leaders of restoration.  We simply need to, as did Nehemiah, pray and seek God’s leadership in how to give back.  It may be financially, it may be with our talents and labor. It may be we are to pray and seek assistance from others.  Whatever it is, like Nehemiah, we must have a tender heart for the church and all those who are a part of it! If we will do that, God will accomplish great things.
 
God Bless You

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.

Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”

Nehemiah’s Prayer

4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Now I was cupbearer to the king.

Ruth 4 Part 2–Being God’s Choice

So, at the end of the day, Boaz married Ruth.  They truly lived Happily ever after. They had a son Obed, who had a son Jesse, who had a son named David…not only do we see the lineage of David being born out of the faith of Naomi and Ruth.  But it also shows that God’s plan rarely looks like ours.  If one looks at the lineage of Jesus, it is filled with folks that most people would never have picked. Judah’s illegitimate child born out of deception, Rahab’s child born from a prostitute and spy. Ruth the Moabite and many more picks outside the norm.  
 
That is what makes faith so awesome.  We see throughout the Bible and throughout history–God using the folks and supplies He has to make the world different. plagues, miracles, people groups, and unlikely leaders dot the landscape of Bible history.  So as we look ahead, I personally am always looking to see how God might use me. We must always walk expectantly– to be the person available for what God has in mind. It worked for Boaz, Ruth, David, Paul, John, and so many more.  Jim Elliot said it best, “He is no fool that will trade what he cannot keep; to gain what he cannot Lose!”
 
God Bless You

Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Naomi Gains a Son

13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”

16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

The Genealogy of David

18 This, then, is the family line of Perez:

Perez was the father of Hezron,

19 Hezron the father of Ram,

Ram the father of Amminadab,

20 Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,[d]

21 Salmon the father of Boaz,

Boaz the father of Obed,

22 Obed the father of Jesse,

and Jesse the father of David.

Ruth 4 Part 1–God’s Way Works

Boaz knew he had to trust the Lord to effect His will in the lives of Naomi and Ruth.  So he followed the protocol for the passage of properties and people.  During the course, Boaz was able to acquire the property of Naomi and the hand of Ruth. Boaz was neither deceptive or withholding of information, he simply followed the rules and trusted the Lord. The plan for the Lord was not obvious then, but would in fact change the world.
 
In our lives, we are constantly tempted when things get difficult to try to help God out and take charge of our situation.  When we do, the circumstances can be turned into a colossal mess. While tempted, if we will simply continue to trust and follow the Lord, He then is released to do what He has planned. When God’s people follow God’s plan, they experience God’s blessing and God receives the credit for the work He completes in our lives.  As His chosen, We have simply to trust and honor God. We live lives that are pointed toward eternity and allows God to work His plan in our lives.
 
God Bless You

Meanwhile, Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer[a] he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

2 Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. 3 Then he said to the guardian-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our relative Elimelek. 4 I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you[b] will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.”

“I will redeem it,” he said.

5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the[c] dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.”

6 At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

7 (Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.)

8 So the guardian-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal.

9 Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. 10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”

11 Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Ruth 3 Part 2–God’s Plan v. Our Plans!

Boaz had a big job.  As Kinsman Redeemer for Naomi and her family, he was charged to care for them.  What does that look like for a man of means and the poor relations just back from Moab?  Well, first he made sure that Naomi did not starve.  He provided Ruth with grain and care and protection. Next came the job of looking more long term.  Naomi encouraged Ruth to go to the threshing floor and show kindness and humility to Boaz.  She did as she was instructed.  Now Boaz came face to face with the dilemma of being attracted to Ruth and being her redeemer.  Soo he set his heart to do right.  She needed a Husband.  He would present her to the nearest eligible relative to consummate the deal and get Ruth a husband, even if that meant not pursuing her himself.
 
So often our lives, we are faced with the opportunity to trust God to lead us. Many times His ways are not our ways. But, every time His way is best. If we truly believe that God is in charge, and loves us; and if we can cling to his word, then, when facing tough choices, we will honor God and allow Him to make our path straight.  It is very difficult to do so.  we want to “Help God Out” and give the Lord direction and instruction on how to proceed.  Amazingly, He does not need our help–He has this.  “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you–not to harm you! Plans to give you hope and a future!” Jer. 29:11.  
 
We, like Ruth and Boaz, must trust God’s way and follow His plans. If we will–great things will follow.
 
God Bless You

11 And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. 13 Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.”

14 So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “No one must know that a woman came to the threshing floor.”

15 He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and placed the bundle on her. Then he[c] went back to town.

16 When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?”

Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her 17 and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

18 Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

Ruth 3-Part 1–Listen and Humbly Follow

Ruth did not understand the customs of Israel.  She was focused upon the care of her sweet mother-in-law, Naomi.  Naomi was equally selfless in her heart for Ruth. So Naomi prepared Ruth to meet Boaz at the threshing floor. She knew as the family’s Kinsman Redeemer He would be the one to find her a husband. So she prepared Ruth for what to wear and how to respond. Ruth followed her instructions and began an adventure that would literally change the world.
 
In our lives, we are faced with opportunities to trust God. They seem odd, certainly not in our plan. But, if we will listen and selflessly follow the Lord, there is no telling what adventure the Lord has in store.  What is more, we have no idea what impact on others we will have.  We simply need to remain humble and faithful and allow God to do the things He needs to do to make our lives what He has planned.  If we will, the Bible tells us tha​t we can literally be a part of the plan to change the world.  We can at least be part of the plan to change our lives and draw those we love to Him.
 
God Bless You

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” 5 And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings[a] over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” 10 And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.

Ruth 2 Part 1–I see Fields to Gleen…

When Naomi and Ruth returned to Israel, there was no Indeed.com for them to find work. In fact, there were very few things a woman could do to make a living on her own. Fortunately, the law of the land allowed women to follow harvesters and pick up the leftover grain that remained in the fields. It was hard work, and dangerous; but Ruth attacked the job with a great attitude and ended up in the field of Boaz a relative of Naomi’s husband.  When Boaz saw Ruth and heard how hard she worked, he told her to stay within his fields and she would be safe.  He instructed his workers to watch out for her and provided water and other women’s company to fill her day.
 
God cares for His own. He always seeks to provide and prepare for whatever the need. It is rarely a simple thing, and often we long for an easier path, but, in the end, if we will trust and follow Him, the Lord will provide exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever hope or dream. (Rm 8:18).  The difficult task is to remain faithful and allow God to work His plan in our lives.  It is tough to stay the course.  It is even tougher to do so with a good attitude and a positive work ethic. If we will, however, God will do amazing things to move us along in the journey and bless our efforts–we just have to trust Him.
 
God Bless You

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”

Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”

“The Lord bless you!” they answered.

5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”