Nehemiah_10

Scripture Nehemiah 10:39 “We will not neglect the house of our God.”

Observation

 

The rebuilding of the wall was complete. There was celebration, worship, thanksgiving, prayer and fasting, consecration...and a new covenant between God’s people and the Lord.  One of the promises was how they were going to take care of the house of God by giving.

 

Nehemiah 10:39 The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and olive oil to the storerooms, where the articles for the sanctuary and for the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the musicians are also kept.

 

BETHEL - (beth ha-'elohim), a designation of the sanctuary = "house of Yahweh"  Spiritually, in the New Testament, the "house of God" (oikos theou) is the church or community of believers

 

Understanding

 

God is so good and so worthy of our praise and obedience.  When I think of all God has done, how he has shown himself faithful to me, time and time again. He reveals his love for me by meeting my needs financially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. He continues to show love as he teaches and disciplines me. 

 

Using my church community at Desert Streams has been one of the main ways God has shown himself to me. My pastors teach the word so I am able to apply it to my life. Serving has created opportunities for me to be discipled by my ministry leaders. 

 

My friends in my church community have prayed for me when I’m in need, they have counseled and ministered to me when I need emotional support. They have been able to come alongside me and offer real life support when my family or I have had a need, whether it is financial or meals or just friendship. 

 

I couldn’t imagine neglecting it. 

 

Application

 

I am so grateful for the church body and all that it has given to me.  Yes, even the conflict with other people is good. Why? As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

 

In what ways has God used the church body in your life? In what ways has God been using Desert Streams church body in your life? In what ways can you bless our church community today? 

• Be grateful:) Say thank you to our pastoral leaders who give their time to teaching the word, counseling, and praying for you. 
• Serve:) Sign up to serve in one of our ministries. Even our house has work to be done. What better house to work in than God’s house:) and alongside our church community. 
• Give:) Give your time, give your gifts and talents, give your finances. In our own homes we establish that all members of the family are contributing members. They give by doing chores, preparing meals, maintaining repairs, paying bills... “It’s always better to give than to receive.”

Should it be any different in our church home? We need all our church community to partner together with God. We can only fulfill our mission together!

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

 

Deborah Lee