The Book of Nehemiah- 29 July 2007

The past few months have been packed with mostly work. Can't believe myself finishing 3 significant deals (1 IPO, 1 mega sized M&A and 1 privatisation) nearly all around the same period. Although I don't have time to update my Blog, doesn't mean I stop my daily devotional as the words of God is my strength and direction at all times!

Since June, instead of Our Daily Bread, I started to use another daily devotional materials which offer a systematic studies by following each book in the Bible in one go.

Just finished the book Nehemiah and I learnt something :

1. When doing things for God's kingdom (in this case re-built Jerusalem), strong leaders are needed. And strong leaders need to lead with strict discipline, loving understanding and a humble heart. It's not easy for leaders to lead with a humble heart as personal pride and people's praises will sometimes blur our focus on God's sovereignty. Let's try to be "humble but not weak".

2. When we are serving our God diligently, there bounds to be attacks. From both insiders and outsiders. It would hurt our spirit, but when you focus on God, what can men do to us as everything is under God's plan ? We feel hurt, because our pride is hurt, but when we leave our crown before our King, He will lift you up, for sure.

3. Nehemiah always pray before he makes a decision. Doing God's work is our blessing and His victory. No matter how difficult the process may seem, even in the most impossible circumstance, God never leave His workers alone. God never fail to provide nor open a way. He is always ready to give you cheer, to bring you delight, to nourish your life as you seek Him. Have we seek Him before we make plans ?

4. Upon completion of God's work, He permits celebration for it's a joyful time to give thanks to Him and share blessings amongst those who put effort in it. We have all the joy to tell the world that our God has helped us through difficulties and let others know the wonderous works our God has done for His people. Very often, we pray and ask for God's help, when He answered and did great things for us, we forgot to give thanks to Him and tell others about it.

Going onto 2 Corithians this month...