May 2, 2019

​THE WORD FOR TODAY
Nehemiah 1-3
 
 Nehemiah 1-3 (Click to read Today’s Word)
 
Nehemiah 1:4  4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
 
Galatians 6:2 in the ESV says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Today’s passage is about a “burden bearer” that made a difference.
 
Hanani visited Nehemiah one day while he was in exile.  Nehemiah inquired about the condition of the Jews in Jerusalem.  He was told, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.”  This news caused hm great pain to point of weeping and mourning.  But don’t miss his response to that pain…he fasted and prayed to the God of heaven.
 
I remember waking up to the news that a group of missionaries reportedly trying to help with the children in Haiti were arrested for kidnapping.  Today, all but one of them has been freed and don’t expect any charges.  My heart went out to this group of Christians who wanted to make a difference but just the opposite happened.  Even with unknown circumstances I prayed for these missionaries and the serious danger they faced.  We can help bear the “burdens” of the hurting through the powerful privilege of prayer.  Today if you know someone who is hurting because of circumstances that are overwhelming…PRAY!
 
You know the pain of those who weep because life can be so difficult.  Reveal Yourself in powerful ways in their life this day LORD…In Jesus Name…AMEN!!!
 
Blessings
Brother William
 
PS:  Here are some of the praises from people in a recent devotion…
 
Thankful for the good health of my family.  Thank you Jesus
 
Thank You, God, for the love and support my family show each other during times of trouble. I know it is due to Your love, grace and mercy that we have that bond.
 
Sparing my son’s life this past week from an auto accident.  Children are blessings from God.  We are concerned about their health, spiritual condition and safety, among other things.  They are in our prayers daily and on our minds constantly.  
 
Dear Brother William,
One blessing that cause me to have a joyfilled heart is when I was saved by the GRACE of God...For years i had suffered from addiction to ciggarettes and alchahol, and was very lonely and depressed deep down. > I am free from the addictions now, and I have GAINED my freedom through CHRIST!!! I have also gained a wonderful church family who I love!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!
 
God gave us a wonderful miracle in our life.  In August,2009, Johnny was diagnosed with Burkett's Lymphoma.  The doctor told him that without any treatment, he had 2-3 months to live.  We immediately prayed and told God that we were turning it over to Him and we would accept His will.  We had so many people praying for us.  The last of March, the doctor told us that the cancer is completely gone.  We are praising God every day for the miracle He has done in our life.  God Bless, Johnny and DeloisJacobs, Milton, Fl.
 
I am grateful for my wonderful parents.