Hi guys. So this is it, the end of these short devotionals, for now. I plan to post once a week after today. If you want to receive the post to your inbox, be sure to sign up below. If not, I plan to post to social media upcoming posts.
“But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.” (Nehemiah 9:31 NIV)
My husband who enjoys barbequing, recently made a poor choice, in my eyes. I walked into the kitchen and found him using one of my specialty square shaped baking pans to baste the evening’s dinner, chicken. I stood there, grappling with the reality of the raw chicken resting in my pan, with spices and oil on it’s carass. I explained to him his mistake to which he said, “Ya, but doesn’t it fit perfectly?” And I had to admit it did.
The people in chapter nine are telling God how truly great and amazing he is because he did not destroy or leave his people in their poor choices. Spoiler alert! These people of Nehemiah’s time are not going to get it right either. They too will stray from God’s will for them.
The comparison to my husband’s pan choice is not a good one. A stronger image would be if my pan jumped out of the cupboard and offered itself to hold the chicken rather than the cake batter it was designed for. That is what I do when I grumble at a fellow driver. Or become impatient with my family. It seems appropriate at the moment but it was never intended for me to become one with those thoughts and actions.
Gracious and merciful is our God. He revealed his eternal lovingkindness best through Jesus Christ. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls that in the end would not protect the people, because they would choose to rebel. As we come out of this time behind the walls of our homes, or remain within them, may we keep our focus on Jesus. The only hope we can be eternally secure in.
Lord,
As we wait for a shift back to normalcy, we praise you. We have peace, joy, and love in this time because of you. Help us gather courage and speak peace and joy into another’s life today. The walls of our homes need not confine us because Jesus is within us. Help us shine your light to those around us. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
Only God could love me in my rebellion! Amazing grace! I have loved your postings. Thank you for the inspiring guidance. I would like your weekly postings to go to my inbox as I don’t spend much time on social media. Thanks, Michele, for sharing your gifts with your readers.
Hi Nancy. What a gift to have you stop by so regularly. We bolster one another in the Lord, as we are to do. I would love for you to receive emails when a new post comes out. If you go on my website, there is an area at the bottom of the screen where it asks you to enter your email. It is that simple! And you will being to receive new post alerts in your inbox. Have a blessed day Nancy!