July 9

Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah stops the internal mistreatment among the Jews by force of example.

INSIGHT

The prospects for some of the returned exiles are bleak. There are deficient rains and poor harvests. As a result, the farmers mortgage their lands to their wealthier brethren and, in extreme cases, sell their children into slavery to pay the king´s taxes. The rich Jews, rather than helping out, are capitalizing on the situation to line their own pockets. This is inexcusable! Few things bring on more reproach to the cause of the Lord than the worldliness and hard-heartedness of those who claim to follow Him. Unselfish dedication to the common welfare of others in Christ is our spiritual obligation.

PRAYER

Because the Lord loves each of us equally and accepts our welfare as His obligation, we praise Him:
The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The Lord is clothed,
He has girded Himself with strength.
Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved.
Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting (Psalm 93:1-2).

He is your praise, and He is your God,
who has done for you these great and awesome things
which your eyes have seen (Deuteronomy 10:21).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed
(Isaiah 53:5).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater love for fellow Christians
• Missions in Europe and Asia
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Psalm 103:21-22).