Chambers

[4] And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: [5] And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. [6] But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: [7] And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. [8] And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Nehemiah 13:4-8

As we continue through the last chapter of Nehemiah, you have to wonder, what was the priest thinking? Or was he thinking? Tobiah was an enemy not only to Nehemiah but to the things of God. The chamber in the house of God had been cleaned out to store the sacrifices and other items used in sacrifices. (Nehemiah 12:44) The priest went into the chamber and had it cleaned up and makes an apartment for Tobiah.  We are not told what the alliance was but historians believe Tobiah was married to a Jewess. 

Just picture the whole scene, Nehemiah has been away for awhile. He comes back to check and see how everything is running where he once was governor. He remembers how everything was left,  redistricting and everyone working together. I am sure the dedication and celebration are in his memory as he starts to go to the house of God.

Imagine his surprise and shock when he finds Tobiah in the house of God, living in a “great chamber.” In Nehemiah fashion, he does the right thing. He takes all of Tobias’s “household stuff” and throws it out of the chamber.

Are we filling the “chambers of our heart” with stuff that doesn’t belong there? Is it full of the “things of this world”? Where are your daily thoughts? Are they focused on the day’s activities or focused on what Jesus would have you do?

Review the following verses and make changes where needed.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Goals 2012

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

As I sit and reflect on the past year I remember many things, some are positive and some are negative. As I wrote I thought, negative to whom? The Bible says, “All things work together for good to them that love God …” Romans 8:28

I usually set spiritual goals for myself each year, reviewing periodically to “stay on track”. One of the meanings for the word goal is “the end toward which effort is directed: aim “. My aim is to draw closer to the Lord to “know him and the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

Today I reviewed the goals I set last January. I kept or surpassed most of the goals. There was one that I didn’t even do, which I will again put on my list. I was encouraged by what I did accomplish.

Do you want to grow closer to the Lord this year? Set some goals. Do not start with big goals but with little goals.

Suggestions:

1. Keep a prayer/praise journal. What can you write? Write prayers to the Lord. Write down answers to prayers. Write down praises, thanksgivings and gratitude to God.

… I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

2. Memorize verses that will help with a problem in your life i.e. gossip, anger, selfishness etc.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

3. Read the Bible daily.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalm 119:16

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

4. Pick up a daily devotional or sign up for an email devotional.

5. Be an encourager in your corner of the world. Send cards, emails or make phone calls to those hurting or those who need to be encouraged by a kind word or deed.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

6. Read nonfiction Christian books i.e. spiritual growth, biographies.

Everyone is in a different spiritual place in life. Don’t look at what others are doing, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to do.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2Peter 3:18

As you set goals for 2012, do not look back on what you did not do, look forward to what you will do, with the Lord’s help.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Comparing ourselves

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

Do not compare yourselves to others. I have a tendency sometimes to do this, I see someone doing something for the Lord and think I should do that too. God is usually not leading me in that direction. God made each one of us different. We need to use our gifts and abilities that God gave to us for His glory. He has a plan for each of us.

When you compare yourself to others you are comparing yourself to another sinner. Comparing yourself to others will: depress you, discourage you, and take your eyes off God to put on another person, the list goes on and on.

Praise God for making you a unique individual.

Have a blessed day,
Donna