Shayne on August 31st, 2007

Well, we have reached the last day in this study of the Book of Nehemiah – what did you think of it?
The next issue, for Sept/Oct 2007, is called ‘Tough Sayings from a Tender Heart’, “in this issue Selwyn looks at the hard sayings of Jesus, he shows that by ignoring them we end up [...]

Continue reading about The final scenes

Shayne on August 30th, 2007

Today Selwyn looks at Nehemiah 13:15-22, these verses cover Nehemiah’s actions to stop the Jewish people from working on the Sabbath; and to stop traders coming into the city on the day of rest. He goes so far as to order the gates to be shut and threatens the merchants with imprisonment if they trade outside the [...]

Continue reading about A desecrated Sabbath

Shayne on August 29th, 2007

We are now approaching the end of the Book of Nehemiah; today, Selwyn looks at Chapter 13, verses 4 to 14. In these verses we see a common, recurring theme found in many areas of the Bible. We have a person, who is dedicated to following God’s ways and there can be no compromises - their vision is [...]

Continue reading about An intruder in God’s house

Shayne on August 28th, 2007

As good as Selwyn’s daily studies are, they can never be a substitute for reading the Bible. I know from personal experience that God uses the Bible to reveal more and more of His character to us. In addition, to taking Jesus’ hand as we walk each day with its share of good times, hard knocks [...]

Continue reading about Opening up the Word

Shayne on August 27th, 2007

Today’s study is packed with a lot of good points: first off, Selwyn introduction, “At a time of great rejoicing it is very easy to join with others and sing and even dance, but true praise is not momentary; rather, it involves honouring God continually.”
Likewise, his conclusion is worth thinking about: “When we are right [...]

Continue reading about How to sustain joy

Shayne on August 26th, 2007

I really like the main verse set for reading and meditation: “The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.” (Nehemiah 12:43). The reason I like it is because one day I’ll hear the sound of rejoicing when in God’s presence and it will never stop! Likewise, this bit written by Selwyn is [...]

Continue reading about It’s OK to be exuberant

Shayne on August 25th, 2007

In this section of Nehemiah (12:1-26), there is a long list of names. Selwyn makes this important point: “As we examine these names, tedious as it may seem, we are reminded afresh of the significance of those who served the Lord before we arrived on the scene, and the importance and power of godliness in [...]

Continue reading about Look back to the past