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Divine Healing & Retreat Centre Sydney, Australia

Morning Prayers by Divine Retreat Centre, Sydney Australia

Bible Online (Encouragements-Part 4)

Psalm 91 (audio). 诗篇 91 (audio). Bible verses.

Luke 10:19 -> “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

 

The Imitation of Christ (audio) by Thomas à Kempis.

7 Deadly Sins, 7 Heavenly Virtues.

 

The Book of Esther (RSVCE, NRSVCE, NIV, NIV audio, Visual Bible, Bible movie, movie)

01 (Queen Vashti Deposed (audio). ²² he sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, declaring that every man should be master in his own house. (Esther 1:22) Making Laws out of one’s selfish motives for his own comfort, in doing that, he is committing a sin. Rules and Laws should only be made for the good of everyone, not to feed the selfish motive of oneself.

02 (Esther Made Queen. Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy (audio). ¹⁰ Esther did not reveal her people or kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to tell. ¹¹ Every day Mordecai would walk around in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared. (Esther 2:10-11) ³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33))

03 (Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews (audio).  ⁵ When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or do obeisance to him, Haman was infuriated. ⁶ But he thought it beneath him to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, having been told who Mordecai’s people were, Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. (Esther 3: 5-6) The wounded pride of Haman, thus he wants to destroy him and the People. This is devilish! It is NOT a good nature to expect everyone needs to follow and support you! Note that everyone is created unique.

04 (Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help (audio). ¹⁴ For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) You have to break this silence. There are some moments we need to speak out, that you can save many. In this case, God has raised up Esther as Queen to save the Jews. You have to speak for Truth, to speak for God, for the common good of others.

05 (Esther’s Request to the King. Haman’s Rage Against Mordecai. Audio. ¹² Haman added, “Even Queen Esther let no one but myself come with the king to the banquet that she prepared. Tomorrow also I am invited by her, together with the king. ¹³ Yet all this does me no good so long as I see the Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” (Esther 5:12-13) You are NOT God on yourself. Hammon is acting like God, he wants only honour, comfort and care for himself. He wants everyone to obey and honour him. We are only created beings and don’t act God on ourselves. Even with my various imperfections and limitations, I am only God’s beautiful creation and NOT God.

06 (Mordecai Honored. Audio. ¹² Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. (Esther 6:12) This is God’s work in a hidden but active manner. God is using the king as His instrument to honour Haman, but making use of him to honour Mordecai even Haman has devised an excellent plan to kill Mordecai. Mordecai did not hate Haman but praying ALL the time and doing God’s work. This is what God will do for us if we act like Mordecai: ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ (Matthew 22:44)

07 (Haman Impaled. Audio. ¹⁰ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated. (Esther 7:10) Downfall of Haman: Haman is a wicked man. When Mordecai refused to honour him, Haman wants to kill not only Mordecai but all his People unreasonably. God always work mysteriously and in a hidden manner. The king commanded Haman to be hung on the gallows that Haman prepared for Mordecai. See ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Haman was given a position above other officials by the king, but his own wickedness caused his down fall. Similarly, if we keep wicked things, plan wickedness, secretly harbour evil intentions, continue with evil and wrong doing, we will be walking towards our own downfall. ⁵ The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. (Proverbs 11:5)

08 (The King’s Edict in Behalf of the Jews. Audio. ¹⁷ In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them. (Esther 8:17) Professed to be Jews. Why?? God saved the Jews through Esther, Mordecai and the king has also been made an instrument for that! God’s plan is an important aspect of our lives, His plan will come true and we just need to open to God, to stand for God, to walk in goodness in the presence of God and God’s eternal plan will come to us.

09 (Purim Established. Audio. ² the Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who had sought their ruin; and no one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. (Esther 9:2) The presence of God among the Jews made them into a powerful nation! Fear destroys Everything! Normal Fear keeps us from danger. Whenever there is excessive fear that is NOT from God, they are from the evil ones,  this will steal us from Joy, Peace & Happiness. Excessive Fear is caused by lack of Trust in the Lord, we are His chosen ones, beloved and His children, we need to face everyday challenges trusting in God, we need to face our challenges Trusting in God, when we Trust God more and more, fear will go away automatically. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Everyone has their own challenges, face your challenges with Trusting in God and NEVER doubt God, and you will see how God is helping you from uncontrollable Fear in life.

10 (NRSV Catholic Bible. The Greatness of Mordecai. Audio. ⁴ And Mordecai said, “These things have come from God; ⁵ for I remember the dream that I had concerning these matters, and none of them has failed to be fulfilled. (Esther 10:4-5) Fulfilling one’s dream. Mordecai cooperated with God and he had this patience to wait for the timing of God. But we must do our responsibility now cooperate with God.

11 (Postscript. ¹⁰ And they cried to God: and as they were crying, a little fountain grew into a very great river, and abounded into many waters. ¹¹ The light and the sun rose up, and the humble were exalted, and they devoured the glorious. (Esther 11: 10-11).  Our God is the God of the impossible.)

13 (¹⁴ But I did this so that I might not set human glory above the glory of God, and I will not bow down to anyone but you, who are my Lord; and I will not do these things in pride. (Esther 13:14) Mordecai just want to give Glory to God 100%. See 1 Corinthians 10:31, Philippians 2:9-11, the purpose of us being created beautifully is to give Glory to the Father, Son & Holy Spirit).

14 (³ She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: “O my Lord, you only are our king; help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, ⁴ for my danger is in my hand. ⁵ Ever since I was born I have heard in the tribe of my family that you, O Lord, took Israel out of all the nations, and our ancestors from among all their forebears, for an everlasting inheritance, and that you did for them all that you promised. (Esther 14: 3-5) See Psalm 121:1-2, John 15:5. Only God can help us!)

15 (30 March 2022) Looked happy but her heart was frozen with FEAR.

Word of God: ⁵ Esther said, ‘If it pleases you, and if I have found favour, let an order be sent rescinding the letters that Haman wrote and sent to destroy the Jews in your kingdom. (Esther 15:5)

16 (30 March 2022) Excellent Order.

Word of God: ¹⁵‘But we find that the Jews, who were consigned to annihilation by this thrice-accursed man, are not evildoers, but are governed by most righteous laws ¹⁶ and are children of the living God, most high, most mighty, who has directed the kingdom both for us and for our ancestors in the most excellent order. (Esther 16:15-16) Whenever there is the Presence of God, there is excellent ORDER. Excellent order will only be possible when we acknowledge God.

 

The Book of Judith (RSVCE, NRSVCE, audio, Visual Bible Part 1 & Part2)

01 (Nebuchadnezzar Issues Ultimatum. Audio. ¹² Then Nebuchadnezzar became very angry with this whole region, and swore by his throne and kingdom that he would take revenge on the whole territory of Cilicia and Damascus and Syria, that he would kill with his sword also all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the people of Ammon, and all Judea, and every one in Egypt, as far as the coasts of the two seas. (Judith 1:12) ¹⁹ You must understand this, my beloved:[a] let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰ for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. (James 1:19-20) ²⁶ Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and do not make room for the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27) Look at the enmity between Ukraine & Russia.)

02 (The Expedition against the West. Audio. ³ They decided that every one who had not obeyed his command should be destroyed. (Judith 2:3) Selfishness can destroy Nations. This only shows how selfish they as they have imperfections within them and yet they us want all People to obey them. Thus, it is good to listen to opinions of others and considers them.)

03 (Entreaties for Peace. Audio. ⁸ Yet he demolished all their shrines and cut down their sacred groves; for he had been commissioned to destroy all the gods of the land, so that all nations should worship Nebuchadnezzar alone, and that all their dialects and tribes should call upon him as a god. (Judith 3:8). Am I acting god of myself and demand and want things to be done my own way instead of surrendering to God and obey Him?)

04 (Judea on the Alert. Prayer and Penance. Audio. ¹¹ And all the Israelite men, women, and children living at Jerusalem prostrated themselves before the temple and put ashes on their heads and spread out their sackcloth before the Lord. (Judith 4:11) In the Old Testament, behind their every victory, there is Fasting, Prayer and Alms Giving or just be charitable and helpful to someone in need Physically, Spiritually, Financially or just being with them. God then answered their prayers.)

05 (Achior’s Report. Audio.²⁰ “So now, my master and lord, if there is any oversight in this people and they sin against their God and we find out their offense, then we can go up and defeat them. ²¹ But if they are not a guilty nation, then let my lord pass them by; for their Lord and God will defend them, and we shall become the laughingstock of the whole world.” (Judith 5:20-21) When there is one sin and it will create other sins. When I am with God, walk with His Grace and Power, no one can touch me when I am in the state of Grace.)

06 (Achior Handed over to the Israelites. Audio. ¹⁸ Then the people fell down and worshiped God, and cried out: ¹⁹ “O Lord God of heaven, see their arrogance, and have pity on our people in their humiliation, and look kindly today on the faces of those who are consecrated to you.” (Judith 6: 18-19) Instead of finding and begging help from others, the Israel community always turn towards God, turn to the right person.)

07 (The Campaign against Bethulia (audio). ³⁰ But Uzziah said to them, “Courage, my brothers and sisters![b] Let us hold out for five days more; by that time the Lord our God will turn his mercy to us again, for he will not forsake us utterly. 31 But if these days pass by, and no help comes for us, I will do as you say.” (Judith 7: 30-31) Good to hold on God again in any Crisis, being a child of God, we will see how God works beautifully in a wonderful way in the lives of His children.)

08 (Judith and the Elders (audio). ²⁸ Then Uzziah said to her, “All that you have said was spoken out of a true heart, and there is no one who can deny your words. ²⁹ Today is not the first time your wisdom has been shown, but from the beginning of your life all the people have recognized your understanding, for your heart’s disposition is right. (Judith 8:28-29) Whatever I do, the most important is the disposition of my heart and the intention of my mind. Any of these is wrong, we will not get any reward from God. God looks into the heart of the person. The disposition of the heart is the most important in every action.)

09 (The Prayer of Judith (audio). ¹¹ “For your strength does not depend on numbers, nor your might on the powerful. But you are the God of the lowly, helper of the oppressed, upholder of the weak, protector of the forsaken, saviour of those without hope. ¹² Please, please, God of my father, God of the heritage of Israel, Lord of heaven and earth, Creator of the waters, King of all your creation, hear my prayer! (Judith 9: 11-12) ¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) Only through Believing, God can fill our hears with Love, Joy, Peace and Hope.

10 (Judith Is Brought before Holofernes (audio). ¹ When Judith had stopped crying out to the God of Israel, and had ended all these words, ² she rose from where she lay prostrate. She called her maid and went down into the house where she lived on Sabbaths and on her festal days. (Judith 10: 1-2) We need to pray and get Counsel from the Holy Spirit before any mission so that we can proceed smoothly with success from God.)

11 (Judith Explains Her Presence. ⁶ If you follow out the words of your servant, God will accomplish something through you, and my lord will not fail to achieve his purposes. (Judith 11:6) There is a specific purpose when God has created me, to complete the purpose, to worship God, to adore God, acknowledge God and to follow His commandments. See Jeremiah 29:11: ¹¹ “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” We can walk to achieve this purpose when we walk with God on earth. God will not fail with his purpose on us in our lives.)

12 (Judith Attends Holofernes’ Banquet (audio). ¹⁶ Then Judith came in and lay down. Holofernes’ heart was ravished with her and his passion was aroused, for he had been waiting for an opportunity to seduce her from the day he first saw her. ¹⁷ So Holofernes said to her, “Have a drink and be merry with us!” (Judith 12: 16-17) Look out for such selfish intention especially when you receive special treatment (like those given by Holofernes to Judith) as it will likely lead us into sin or disaster and we must avoid harbouring selfish intention on others.

13 (Judith Beheads Holofernes (audio). ¹⁷ All the people were greatly astonished. They bowed down and worshiped God, and said with one accord, “Blessed are you our God, who have this day humiliated the enemies of your people.” (Judith 13: 17) When we do something terrific, we give honour to God. When I am a good instrument, then God will use me powerfully for His Kingdom on earth.

14 (Judith’s Counsel (audio). ¹⁰ When Achior saw all that the God of Israel had done, he believed firmly in God. So he was circumcised, and joined the house of Israel, remaining so to this day. (Judith 14: 10) Once we experienced God and His Love, we need to take Him seriously.

15 (The Assyrians Flee in Panic. The Israelites Celebrate Their Victory (audio). ¹ When the men in the tents heard it, they were amazed at what had happened. ² Overcome with fear and trembling, they did not wait for one another, but with one impulse all rushed out and fled by every path across the plain and through the hill country. (Judith 15:1-2) Fear sometimes can be good as it will advert us from danger and Fear of God makes us avoid sin. However when you have excess or uncontrollable fear, then it is NOT from God but from the evil one. Excess Fear because we do not trust in God or with a shallow Faith in Him. See Deuteronomy 3:22, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:13, Matthew 10:28. In short, we just need to have Fear of God as we walk in this life.)

16 (Judith’s song of Praise to God (audio). ²⁴ and the house of Israel mourned her for seven days. Before she died she distributed her property to all those who were next of kin to her husband Manasseh, and to her own nearest kindred. (Judith 16:24) It’s good to do Charitable works regularly  to help those in need, we will find joy from God.)

 

The Book of Tobit (RSVCE, NRSVCE, audio, visual)

01 (Tobit’s Youth and Virtuous Life. Taken Captive to Nineveh. ³ I, Tobit, walked in the ways of truth and righteousness all the days of my life. I performed many acts of charity for my kindred and my people who had gone with me in exile to Nineveh in the land of the Assyrians.  (Tobit 1:3) ¹² Because I was mindful of God with all my heart, (Tobit 1:12) This is the basis of his righteous ways in all his dealings.)

02 (Tobit becomes blind. Tobit’s Wife Earns Their Livelihood. ¹⁴ But she said to me, “It was given to me as a gift in addition to my wages.” But I did not believe her, and told her to return it to the owners. I became flushed with anger against her over this. Then she replied to me, “Where are your acts of charity? Where are your righteous deeds? These things are known about you!” (Tobit 2:14) Charity should begin at Home!)

03 (An Answer to Prayer. ¹⁰ On that day she was grieved in spirit and wept. When she had gone up to her father’s upper room, she intended to hang herself. But she thought it over and said, “Never shall they reproach my father, saying to him, ‘You had only one beloved daughter but she hanged herself because of her distress.’ And I shall bring my father in his old age down in sorrow to Hades. It is better for me not to hang myself, but to pray the Lord that I may die and not listen to these reproaches anymore.”  (Tobit 3:10) As humans, even we have done all things right, we will definitely face distress and possibly other tribulations in our daily lives generated by others. We can only overcome evil with GOOD.)

04 (Tobit Gives Instructions to His Son. ¹⁴ “Do not keep over until the next day the wages of those who work for you, but pay them at once. If you serve God you will receive payment. Watch yourself, my son, in everything you do, and discipline yourself in all your conduct.  (Tobit 4:14) The whole family is away from sin, with the fear of the Lord and always do good, thus they are always wealthy in their lives, it does not always mean material things, you will always have Peace, Joy and Serenity. When anyone loves to do good, he is serving God because God is the absolute GOOD & Pure LOVE!

05 (The Angel Raphael. ²² For a good angel will accompany him; his journey will be successful, and he will come back in good health.” (Tobit 5:22)  ³ Then Tobit answered his son Tobias, “He gave me his bond and I gave him my bond. I[c] divided his in two; we each took one part, and I put one with the money. And now twenty years have passed since I left this money in trust. So now, my son, find yourself a trustworthy man to go with you, and we will pay him wages until you return. But get back the money from Gabael.”[d] (Tobit 5:3) The name of “Raphael” means God heals. Saint Raphael is the Patron Saint for the Sick and those who are struggling especially those who have frequent nightmares.)

06 (Journey to Rages. Raphael’s Instructions. ¹⁸ the demon will smell it and flee, and will never be seen near her any more. Now when you are about to go to bed with her, both of you must first stand up and pray, imploring the Lord of heaven that mercy and safety may be granted to you. Do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you before the world was made. You will save her, and she will go with you. I presume that you will have children by her, and they will be as brothers to you. Now say no more!” When Tobias heard the words of Raphael and learned that she was his kinswoman, related through his father’s lineage, he loved her very much, and his heart was drawn to her. (Tobit 6:18) 1 Corinthians 7:15-16. You can save your spouse in the sacrament of matrimony only through mutual love, support and respect and the basis of all these is Prayer for  mercy from God and the safety of your matrimony.)

07 (Marriage of Tobias and Sarah.  ¹¹ I have given her to seven men of our kinsmen, and all died on the night when they went in to her. But now, my child, eat and drink, and the Lord will act on behalf of you both.” But Tobias said, “I will neither eat nor drink anything until you settle the things that pertain to me.” So Raguel said, “I will do so. She is given to you in accordance with the decree in the book of Moses, and it has been decreed from heaven that she be given to you. Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her brother and she is your sister. She is given to you from today and forever. May the Lord of heaven, my child, guide and prosper you both this night and grant you mercy and peace.”  (Tobit 7:11) Look at Raguel, he is transparent about his dealing with Tobias and told him what had happened to Sarah earlier. Lack of Transparency in your Dealings with others will have adverse effects on the relationship and could end up broken and in marriage, may end up in divorce. Thus Raguel and his wife are able to walk with Freedom, without anxiety and fear.) 

08 (Tobias Routs the Demon. ¹⁶ Blessed are you because you have made me glad. It has not turned out as I expected, but you have dealt with us according to your great mercy. (Tobit 8:16) When Tobias obeyed the Angel Raphael, he was able to rout the demon and ensure his victory over any difficulty or trials in life. It is the same for us too. Exodus 23:20-33.

09 (The Money Recovered.  ³ For you know that my father must be counting the days, and if I delay even one day I will upset him very much. (Tobit 9:3) Tobias has a great love for his father and refuses to upset him. Try not to upset the Family members that are staying with you! I should not be the cause to upset or hurt someone.)

10 (Anxiety of the Parents. Tobias and Sarah Start for Home. ¹² Then he kissed his daughter Sarah and said to her, “My daughter, honor your father-in-law and your mother-in-law, since from now on they are as much your parents as those who gave you birth. Go in peace, daughter, and may I hear a good report about you as long as I live.” Then he bade them farewell and let them go. Then Edna said to Tobias, “My child and dear brother, the Lord of heaven bring you back safely, and may I live long enough to see children of you and of my daughter Sarah before I die. In the sight of the Lord I entrust my daughter to you; do nothing to grieve her all the days of your life. Go in peace, my child. From now on I am your mother and Sarah is your beloved wife. May we all prosper together all the days of our lives.” Then she kissed them both and saw them safely off.  (Tobit 10:12) In-laws Problem Solution given  by Fr Roni George: Honour your Parents in Law and you will develop the respect and then you will love them.)

11 (Homeward Journey. ¹⁴ and he wept and said to him, “I see you, my son, the light of my eyes!” Then he said, “Blessed be God, and blessed be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels. May his holy name be blessed throughout all the ages. (Tobit 11:14) Tobit immediately give Glory to God when something good happens. For anything and everything, we give Glory to God, the Creator of the entire Universe.)

12 (Raphael’s Exhortation. ⁶ Then Raphael called the two of them privately and said to them, “Bless God and acknowledge him in the presence of all the living for the good things he has done for you. Bless and sing praise to his name. With fitting honor declare to all people the deeds of God. Do not be slow to acknowledge him.  (Tobit 12:6) ³² “Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.³³ But whoever disowns Me before others, I will disown before My Father in heaven.  (Matthew 10:32-33) ⁸ Prayer with fasting is good, but better than both is almsgiving with righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than wealth with wrongdoing. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold. ⁹ For almsgiving saves from death and purges away every sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life, ¹⁰ but those who commit sin and do wrong are their own worst enemies. (Tobit 12:8-10))

13 (Tobit’s Thanksgiving to God. Turn back, you sinners, and do what is right before him; perhaps he may look with favor upon you and show you mercy.’ (Tobit 13:6b) If you turn to him with all your heart and with all your soul, to do what is true before him, then he will turn to you and will no longer hide his face from you. (Tobit 13:6a) …you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12:30) ⁵ Then Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5))

14 (Tobit’s Final Counsel. ⁹ So now, my children, I command you, serve God faithfully and do what is pleasing in his sight. Your children are also to be commanded to do what is right and to give alms, and to be mindful of God and to bless his name at all times with sincerity and with all their strength. So now, my son, leave Nineveh; do not remain here. (Tobit 14: 9) ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) In whatever we do, do it with FAITH in Jesus in order to please God. Story of Ahikar.)

 

The Book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah)

01 (Nehemiah’s Prayer. ⁴ When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. ⁵ I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; (Nehemiah 1: 4-5) Love God with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my strength and follow His commandments, then I will always experience His steadfast love as His covenant with me is 24/7 active!)

02 (Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem. Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls. ² So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. (Nehemiah 2:2) When we can’t complete the will or work of the Lord, we will feel sadness of the heart. We can take out the sadness by completing God’s will.)

03 (Builders of the Wall. Then the high priest Eliashib set to work with his fellow priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors; they consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And the men of Jericho built next to him. And next to them Zaccur son of Imri built. (Nehemiah 3:1-2) Everyone has a mission, and when we work to complete Christ’s mission together, it is so beautiful, the mission of Christ is the salvation of souls.)

04 (Opposition to the Rebuilding. ¹⁴ After I looked these things over, I stood up and said to the nobles and the officials and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your kin, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14)

05 (Nehemiah Helps the Poor.  ¹⁵ The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people, and took food and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 Indeed, I devoted myself to the work on this wall, and acquired no land; and all my servants were gathered there for the work.  (Nehemiah 5:15-16) Fear of God comes from love of God and it is one of the gift of the Holy Spirit. The outcome is total surrender and submission to God. I follow God because I love God. We will then deal with others so lovingly and gently because of the Fear of God.

06 (Further Opposition to the Rebuilding & Completed Wall. ⁸ Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done; you are inventing them out of your own mind” 9 —for they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:8-9) See Romans 12:2. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2) My mind is the watchtower of my life, if I am not feeding my mind in the right manner, but  negativities and evil, the mind can create chaos and mess up my own life. What you think all times, this is what you are.) 

07 (The Temple has been rebuilt and the Returned Exiles. ² I gave my brother Hanani charge over Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel—for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. (Nehemiah 7:2) When there is faith in God and Fear of God, then he can be faithful to God and to others. Faith produces Faithfulness. When there is NO Faith and No Fear of God, you can’t expect that person can be faithful to you even you are faithful towards him/her in Friendship. When this person has such qualities, then he/she can be relied on to  take care of something important!)

08 (All the people came together as one in the square. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ¹¹ So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” (Nehemiah 8:10-11) When we come to realise the need of God in our life then we begin to experience the joy of the Lord.)

09 (The Israelites confess their sins. The Agreement of the People. ³ They stood up in their place and read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a fourth part of the day, and for another fourth they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God. (Nehemiah 9:3) The more we grow closer to God, the more we are aware of our sins and the need for repentance.)

10 (The Covenant made with God. There are mainly 3 parts of the Covenant: First, faithful to God connected to the romantic relationship, in the sacrament of matrimony. Second, we will be faithful in doing Business, resting on the Sabbath Day. Third, we will do whatever needed to help the work of the Lord.)

11 (The New Residents of Jerusalem. ¹ Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem; and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city Jerusalem, while nine-tenths remained in the other towns. ² And the people blessed all those who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11: 1-2) To live in Jerusalem (in a city which is a central of worship, where there is a lot of business & trade), you live far away from the relatives and know you would be the target of the enemy.)

12 (Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem. ³⁰ And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people and the gates and the wall. (Nehemiah 12:30) Purity of Heart, of Mind, of Body is one of the criteria to worship God. Psalm 24:3-4, John 4:24 in order to obtain healing and blessing. How to obtain this? 1 John 1:9, Joshua 3:5.)

13 (Nehemiah’s Final Reforms. ² because they did not meet the Israelites with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them—yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. (Nehemiah 13:2) See Numbers 22. God has the ultimate power to turn all the curses into blessings when we follow His commandments and walk in His path, so just ignore those who abuse us and/or curse us. Jesus has the power to restore blessings out of all the curses, so do not get upset when someone curses or abuse you.)

 

Compiled by: Emmanuel & Maria International Consultants LLP

 

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