Remember a few blogs ago when we read about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem? In the book of Nehemiah we learn about a man who gave up a comfortable life in Persia to return to the homeland of his ancestors to rebuild Jerusalem's wall. He was wise in defensive measures regarding caring for the safety of his people and in keeping the work going smoothly. After the wall was built, Nehemiah read the Books of the Law aloud to his people and brought about the repentance of all.
In Nehemiah, Chapter 3, each man or group of men are listed individually as to who will work on what portion of the wall. For instance, in Neh. Chap.3, Verses 1,2, "Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jerico built the adjoining section, and Zaccur, son of Imri, built next to them."
In this way, the entire wall and each of its gates were rebuilt.
In the Study, we find: "Nehemiah kept his mission a secret and surveyed the walls by moonlight to avoid unhealthy gossip about his arrival and also to prevent enemies from being alerted to his plans. Only after planning carefully would he be ready to go public with his mission from God. He didn't need tedious planning sessions; he needed one plan that would bring quick action.
When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for Him, share the idea with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don't regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When one encourages and inspires others, teamwork goes into action to accomplish God's goals."(End Study)
I am thinking of a plan I had for a retreat for the women from our small church. I did the entire thing by myself. Later, I could see how much more the women might have felt it was "their retreat" if I had not tried to do it without help. Sometimes, you make a mistake in judgment and "pay for it." I paid for it,and because I was very busy with other details, the payment came when I realized I had forgotten the grape juice and bread for the communion planned at the end of the day!! The women were forgiving and I thank God for it.
I pray for your brain-power and your common sense in sharing with others your great ideas and thoughts regarding services to God. May you have the same success as Nehemiah had. I know God will be pleased!
And you won't have to pay the piper!
JoinMN
No comments:
Post a Comment