August Day 13

Nehemiah 7 - After the war was complete, Nehemiah was given the responsibility of governing because he feared God more than most. When selecting people to lead, Godliness is essential. He told him not to leave the gate open in the hottest part of the day. It is likely that they would leave it open during the heat of the day because they didn’t expect an attack then. I think it’s a warning to them and to us is to not grow complacent in defending against the enemy. He will often attack when you least expect it.

Proverbs 11:16-31 - The evil and wicked will love money, be greedy, and their reward will be judgement.  A beautiful woman who lacks discretion will find herself in slop like a gold ring in the nose of a pig.  The wise will gain respect, be kind, find stability, find real life, be generous, prosper, be refreshed, refresh others, and win friends.  Wisdom is real wealth.

Luke 17:11-19 - Only the foreigner returned to Jesus to thank him for healing their leprosy.  Maybe the others just wanted something from Jesus, but the Samaritan wanted to know Jesus.  Maybe they felt like they deserved it while the Samaritan understood he had no claim to it.  Our response to God's grace should be gratitude that causes us to be drawn to him and to give him glory. 

2 Timothy 2:1-13 - Following Christ will likely mean suffering, because Jesus suffered. We can't get caught up in the things of the world bc it will prevent us from fully following Jesus.  God will reward those who work hard because he is faithful.