Shayne on July 31st, 2007

I liked today’s study – it had a good ending! Another point I thought was good, was that the people, as a community (for a short while at least) were united as one. I think that the divisions we see within the Christian community are extremely sad. A lot of energy is lost because of [...]

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Shayne on July 30th, 2007

Selwyn talks about the need to confront those who profess to follow God’s ways but their actions don’t match what God requires. In Chapter 5, we read that Nehemiah courageously confronts those in the wrong (Nehemiah 5:9): “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God …  ?”
I [...]

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Shayne on July 29th, 2007

Selwyn looks at how Nehemiah handled his anger when he heard about the harsh treatment of the poor.
He makes a number of good points: ” … people handle anger in several different ways. Some get angry but convince themselves they are not. These people live in (unhealthy) denial. … Others feel anger and proceed to [...]

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Shayne on July 28th, 2007

Today, we hear that Nehemiah, as well as dealing with threats from neighbouring areas (Samaria), now has to deal with internal dissension. The cause of the trouble was a famine, made harder by the practice of the rich to charge interest when they lent money to the poor.  This was against Jewish law, established by [...]

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Shayne on July 27th, 2007

I don’t have much to say about this area.
I though his conclusion was thought provoking: “The willingness to reorder our priorities, whenever necessary is something we all ought to be open to, whether or not we are leaders. Those who are not prepared to do this get stuck in a rut. And if you find you’re [...]

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Shayne on July 26th, 2007

I like what Selwyn has to say in today’s study – that there needs to be a balanced approach in our daily journey with our Lord.  He says: “As we seek to rebuild the walls that have been broken down either by neglect or by Satan and his forces, let us not forget that we [...]

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Shayne on July 25th, 2007

Today, we hear that because of Nehemiah’s success in getting the people of Jerusalem to repair the city’s walls – the enemies of Judah decide to wage war. As Selwyn says: “(Nehemiah) turns once more to prayer (when he hears the disturbing news); ‘We prayed to God and posted a guard day and night to [...]

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