The Daily Devo by Vince Miller

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. — Galatians 1:11-12 CALL OUT: Shout out today to David Andrews from Stratham, NH. Thanks for purchasing video access on our website. I hope our videos and bible study resources bless you and your men. Speakers frequently use quippy statements like Paul does here to drive home a point they want others to remember. Paul's point here is that just because he preached the Gospel doesn't mean the Gospel belongs to him. He was only a messenger of a message that was communicated and revealed by someone else. This is precisely what some listeners and communicators of the Gospel forget sometimes. The Gospel message does not belong to us even though it is for us. The ancient Greek word for "Gospel" is "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion). In Greek, this is a compound word. The first part of this word is "εὐ" (eu), which means "good." The second part of this word is "ἀγγέλιον" (angelion), which means "news." So, "εὐαγγέλιον" translates literally to "good news." In the context of ancient Greece, this word was often used to refer to any significant news or proclamation made to a King. For example, "good news" would be brought to a King after announcing a victory in battle or the event of a significant event in a kingdom. Gospel messages carried the connotation of joyful events that brought hope, comfort, or relief. Within the New Testament, the Greek term "Gospel" was appropriated to describe the message of salvation through Jesus Christ our King. It is particularly associated with the four books known as the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which record the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, presenting him as the fulfillment of the message of Salvation for all mankind. Note this: Jesus is the culmination of the "Gospel" in all aspects. He communicated it entirely. He lived it with perfection. He sacrificed his life by dying for it. He rose from the dead, sealing it. Jesus's life and message are the Gospel. So, the word "Gospel" conveys the idea of joyful and life-changing news—one that does not belong to us but is for us. And in turn, we are tasked with communicating the Gospel to others. And that is what Paul is doing in this text. He is clarifying his role with Jesus's message. He is reminding the churches that what he has spoken might appear to be from him, but it's not from him. It is the truth about God's great testament to all mankind revealed through the men of renown and culminating in the Prophet, Priest, and King — Jesus Christ. So, share the Good News today. And remember, you need to tell God's good news God's way because it is his good news for others not just for you. #GospelTruth #DivineRevelation #GoodNewsForAll #ShareTheGospel #GodsMessage ASK THIS: How can we ensure that when we share the Gospel, we're faithfully communicating God's message and not merely our own interpretation or perspective? In what ways can we reflect Jesus's example in both communicating and living out the Gospel message in our daily lives? DO THIS: Share the Gospel today. PRAY THIS: Father, guide my words and actions as I share the Good News with others, reminding me always that it is Your message, not mine, to proclaim. Help me emulate Jesus's example of sacrificial love and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel in all that I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: Tell Somebody.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. — Galatians 1:10 CALL OUT: Shout out today to Chris Keeper from Minnesota, who is hosting me as his keynote speaker this coming weekend at the Big Sandy Men's Retreat. I am fired up and ready to go. This text drives to the root issue with the churches in Galatia. From how Paul states this, it is clear that some were questioning Paul's message by questioning his motives as the messenger. So Paul barks back at these accusations about his motivations. But what's ironic about Paul's defense is that the matter at hand is misaligned motives. But it's not Paul's motives that should be in question. It's the motives of the religious legalists who are manipulating the message to serve their means. When it comes to your relationship with God, your motives are everything. They are the silent force behind what you do and why you do it. But afully surrendered believer has a keen awareness of this. They know that nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13). They understand that God judges their actions and their motives (1 Samuel 16:7). They know that God sees everything and that, eventually, they will have to give an account of their motives to him (Hebrews 4:13). This means believers should be some of the most honest, open, and transparent (H.O.T.) people alive. We should never have anything to hide from God or others. Every unrighteous motive should be exposed and sharpened against the truth of the Gospel. When surrendered to Christ, we become slaves of Christ to live no more for our motivation but for his. And this is Paul's point. He is only the messenger of a message that is not his; therefore, he is motivated by his motive and not his own. So if you are hiding something today and your motives are impure or you are working to please man, confess and repent and get those misaligned motives properly aligned. #HeartCheck #AlignWithGod #SurrenderedLife #TransparentFaith #MotivesMatter ASK THIS: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of your motives in your daily actions and decisions? Are there areas of your life where you struggle with aligning your motives with God's will, and what steps can you take to surrender those areas to Christ? DO THIS: Get your motives aligned. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to examine my motives honestly and surrender them to you, knowing that true servanthood comes from aligning my heart with yours. Grant me the strength to live transparently before you and others, reflecting your truth and grace in all I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: Stay Strong.

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. — Galatians 1:8-9 CALL OUT: Shout out today to Shaun Bonnell from Grand Rapids, MI. Thanks for hosting me for Men's Corner this week what a great event with so many great men. This is one of the harshest statements in the entire New Testament. Paul is intensifying his argument, which is focused entirely on the importance of the Gospel message. First, he clarifies that anyone who adds to or subtracts from the message of God will be condemned to the fires of hell because it's God's message, not ours. Second, he clarifies that any messenger who does this, that is, Paul or even an angel (for example, a fallen angel like Satan), is also not exempt from the fires of hell. This statement sounds harsh, but it's 100% appropriate. Let me explain. A genuinely loving person will warn others that things they hear or do will lead to lasting harm. This may require assertive language. Some people will avoid this, fearing it might come across as unloving. But it's not unloving. Sometimes, it's the most loving thing we can say and do. Many believers let people they love, like their children, parents, and friends, continue down a path of destruction for two reasons. Either they are not sure about the message of the Gospel, so they don't know how to communicate it. Or they find themselves overly concerned with being interpreted as unloving, pushing a person away, thus saying nothing. And my response to this is two-fold. First, if you don't know how to communicate the Gospel message meaningfully, given a specific situation, figure out how to do it. The Gospel is God's way to everlasting life and applies to everyone, every time, and in every situation. Second, if you are overly worried about saying something unloving, just broaden your perspective. Consider what is more unloving—saying something that stings now or saying nothing and letting a person you love spend eternity in the fires of hell. This is the genius of this harsh but appropriate text. Paul intimately knows the Gospel and precisely how to present it to legalists because he was a legalist. Paul is also willing to speak a harsh word because the ultimate end is infinitely harsher. So today, I would like to urge you. If someone in your life is making eternally harmful decisions, first get to know the Gospel message and second communicate it before it's too late. #GuardTheGospel #SpeakTruthInLove #EternalWarning #PaulineWisdom #ShareTheGoodNews ASK THIS: How can we ensure that we fully understand and effectively communicate the Gospel message to those we care about who may be veering off course? Reflect on a time when you had to confront a loved one about a harmful decision. What lessons did you learn about balancing truth and love in that situation, and how can you apply those lessons going forward? DO THIS: Know it. Communicate it. It's loving. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and courage to boldly share your Gospel message with love and clarity, even in difficult situations, so that I may help lead others to the path of eternal life. Strengthen my resolve to guard the truth and speak it in love, following the example set by Paul in his firm yet compassionate warning. Amen. PLAY THIS: God Really Loves Us.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. — Galatians 1:6-7 CALL OUT: Shout out today to Jay Fehr from Melbourne, FL. Thanks for your support and partnership in the Gospel. The other day, I was outside and heard a young father yelling a warning call to his three young children who had strayed into a busy street. The call of this father sent a chill up my spine. It was startling and appropriate. This father's only concern was the safety of his children. And it's with a call that this that Paul begins this letter. "What are you doing?!" screams Paul, seeing that the churches in this region have strayed into a dangerous street. This brings attention to a vital point in the spiritual journey. Sometimes, we need someone to grab us by the facemask, look us right in the eye, and exclaim, "What are you doing?!" Being on either end of these moments is challenging. But they are necessary sometimes, which means if you are a believer, you must learn how to give and receive it. Right here, Paul is giving it to the Galatians. But don't forget he also received it. Jesus Christ himself got right in his grill on that Damascus Road, dropped him to the ground, and blinded him because he opposed the Gospel. And here, over a decade later, he is doing the same, mainly because he has been there—dragged away by a similar apostasy. Another word for apostasy is the word Paul uses here, "desertion." It is the act of deserting a belief that one previously held. But as we will see all the way through the letter, their apostasy was a "desertion of addition." In other words, they had deserted the Gospel by adding something to the Gospel. Here's the equation: Gospel +/- Anything = Apostasy. Apostasy happens every day. It's happening in churches, colleges, and companies at alarming speeds. They add and subtract to the Gospel to "enhance" it or "adjust" it to make it more relevant. Many are dragged away by this and never return to the purity of the Gospel alone. In fact, I bet you know someone who has been dragged away by apostasy. Someone who has deserted the Gospel by addition or subtraction, which is tragic because the Gospel is God's story, and it needs no help from us. None! Given our current times, we need to test everything we hear. We need to sharpen our senses when it comes to the Gospel. We need to listen to teachings with more care. We must ensure that the Gospel we believe in is the untarnished Story of God. This means we need to know the genuine Gospel so well we can recognize even the smallest alterations or deviations, which prevents us from being swayed into dangerous situations and equips us to warn others against doing the same. #GuardTheGospel #StayTrueToTheGospel #AvoidApostasy #KnowTheGenuine #SpreadTheWarning ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to add or subtract from the Gospel to make it more appealing or relevant. How did you handle this temptation, and what did you learn from the experience? In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the authentic Gospel so that you are better equipped to recognize and resist false teachings or distortions? How can you encourage others to do the same? DO THIS: Know the genuine Gospel well. PRAY THIS: Father, help me to cling steadfastly to the purity of your Gospel, guarding against any temptation to alter or dilute its truth. Grant me discernment and wisdom to recognize and reject any distortions, and empower me to boldly proclaim the unadulterated message of salvation to others. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Gospel.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. — Galatians 1:3-5 CALL OUT: Shout out today to Robert Fiscalini from Willis, TX. Thanks for your financial support and partnership in the Gospel. This introductory clause here is so important. First, it is with the word "grace" that Paul is going to begin the letter and the same term he uses to close the letter (Galatians 6:18). Second, grace is the whole reason he is writing in the first place. Here is how we define grace. Grace is God's loving kindness and favor we don't earn or deserve. It's freely given to us because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Through Jesus, God offers us forgiveness, salvation, and a restored relationship with him, even though we fall short and make mistakes. It's a gift demonstrating God's unending love for us and his desire to be close to us. Once we start digging into this letter, you will see why he intentionally uses the term "grace." It's because they had drifted from God's grace primarily because they were listening to some teachers who weren't teaching the doctrine of "grace" but of "works." So today, I want to break both terms down for you and how they relate directly to our salvation and the core message of this book. First | The Doctrine of Grace The doctrine of grace teaches that salvation, or being made right with God, is a gift freely given by God. It's not something we can earn through our good deeds or efforts. Instead, it's entirely based on God's love and mercy toward us. This grace is made possible through Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death. When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, we receive the gift of grace, which includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. Second | The Doctrine of Works On the other hand, the doctrine of works emphasizes the idea that our actions and good deeds play a role in earning salvation or favor with God. This perspective suggests that following religious laws, performing rituals, or doing good works can somehow merit God's acceptance and approval. However, according to Christian belief, no amount of human effort or good deeds can make us righteous in God's eyes. The Bible teaches that all people fall short of God's perfect standard (Romans 3:23) and that our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to God's holiness (Isaiah 64:6). With this understanding in place, let's come back to our text. Paul is saying that God's grace by means of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection is our deliverance. His grace is our only deliverance. Those of you listening today who have been in situations where you knew nothing you could do to save yourself understand what it means to trust in the grace of another person and God alone. If you have been caught in adultery by a spouse, knowing it was wrong and desiring to reconcile, you understand that your spouse's grace and God's grace in them is all you have. And many of you have been in situations just like this. Where there was no work you could do. Grace was your only hope. It's you who understand grace. And this is what Paul is about to remind these Galatian churches about — incredible grace. God's grace. And it's not made possible by something you can do. I want to recognize that some of you need some grace right now—grace from a person and God. And today, I am going to pray for you. "Father, the believer on the other end of this devotional today needs grace. They realize their sinful deeds have gotten them to where they are today and that they can do no good deed to make right the wrongs. They realize their only hope is your grace in this ungracious and unforgiving world. They need your deliverance. Deliver them now as promised by the only man who did any good work, your sinless and perfect son, Jesus. Redeem their life, remove their sin, and restore their relationship with you, made possible by Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, in which they place all their faith and belief right now. Amen." If you prayed this prayer, let me know at vince+grace@beresolute.org #GraceInGalatians, #SalvationByGrace, #FaithNotWorks, #GodsUnendingLove, #RedemptionThroughJesus ASK THIS: How does understanding the difference between grace and works impact your perception of your relationship with God and your approach to living out your faith? In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to fully rely on God's grace rather than trying to earn His favor through your own efforts? DO THIS: Accept the only grace you need. It comes from God. PRAY THIS: Father, I humbly come before you, acknowledging my need for your grace and redemption in every aspect of my life. Thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and help me to live each day in the fullness of your grace and love. Amen. PLAY THIS: This Is Amazing Grace.

[Paul, an apostle] ...and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia. — Galatians 1:2 JOURNAL: https://bit.ly/devogalatians CALL OUT: Shout out today to Jeffrey Brewer from Festus, MO. Thanks for your financial support and partnership in the Gospel. I love Paul's opening declaration: "All the brothers who are with me." I love it because it draws attention to the unique spiritual relationship believers have with each other, even in and through challenging moments of our lives. You know, if we were honest with one another, we would probably all admit that we have felt lonely at some point in the past week. There was at least one moment where you encountered a relational challenge or lonely moment that drew your attention to your need for relational connection. The best part of being a believer is not only a restored relationship with God but the fact that we are now part of a spiritual family that is made for connection to one another. Let me illustrate. I talk to believers all over the country and the world. Most of the time, it's a believing man looking for direction or guidance. And I can talk with him and immediately feel a deep spiritual connection. It's often so immediately strong that if someone were to overhear it, they would assume that we have been friends for years. This is the nature of spiritual relationships.Believers are brothers and sisters because we are children of a Heavenly Father. This is the status assigned to us by God and made possible through Jesus. It is established by the nature of spiritual rebirth, not by physical birth. Therefore, by the nature of our relationship with the Father, we have an instant family with brothers and sisters who share in both the challenges of our sin and the power of God's grace. But here's the deal. We have to pursue these relationships. We have to put ourselves in the community of faith and in the family of God. I hear complaints all the time about church and pastors and all the issues and challenges that go with it. I think Paul would even complain about the problems in the church. In fact, this little letter was one addressing a bunch of problems in the church. But Paul also understood that these challenges did not exclude him from the brotherhood. Instead, it was the reason he leaned into it and addressed it. He knew relationships in Christ with the family of Christ were the evidence for the faith and the wonderful reason to pursue it. So, if you are not pursuing relationships in the body of Christ, change that today. Reach out to a believing brother and share your spiritual need for ongoing relationships, get plugged into a church, or even lead a group and create the brotherhood that you know you need. Take a risk, and be courageous because God did not design us to do his life and this family alone. #SpiritualConnection #ChristianCommunity #BrotherhoodInFaith #BelongingInChrist #BuildingSpiritualFamily ASK THIS: How can you actively pursue deeper relationships within the body of Christ this week, whether through reaching out to a believer, getting involved in a church community, or initiating a small group? Reflect on a time when you felt the power of a spiritual connection with another believer. How can you cultivate and nurture more of these meaningful relationships in your life? DO THIS: Take one step toward building brotherhood. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for the gift of spiritual family and the deep connections we share as brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to actively seek and nurture these relationships, drawing strength and encouragement from the community you've placed me in. Amen. PLAY THIS: Brother.

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead — Galatians 1:1 JOURNAL: https://bit.ly/devogalatians CALL OUT: Shout out today to Rayes Gonzales from Las Vegas, NV. Thanks for your support and partnership in the Gospel. We would be remiss not to read the first verse very slowly because hidden in it are clues to the problems Paul would address in Galatia and the secret to Paul's emotional fortitude that gave him the courage and strength to address it. Have you ever been attacked for something untrue, knowing that you needed to correct it, yet knew it would take a lot of personal strength to do it? Well, that's what's happening with Paul. In verse one, we see how Paul handled this and learn how we can handle it, too. As we mentioned yesterday, Paul wrote this letter to combat a form of legalism being taught by Jews who had converted to Christianity. These false teachers were called "Judaizers." They taught that Gentile believers needed to hold to Jewish customs to be considered true followers of Christ. They were attempting to blend Jewish customs with the Gospel. In the process, these false teachers attacked Paul's teachings by attacking his legitimacy as an apostle and teacher. This is a typical counterattack when a false teaching is broke and under attack by the truth. The false teacher turns from proving their position to pounding a person and their credibility, diverting attention from the truth. In this situation, Judaizers attack Paul and his legitimacy as an apostle. Simply put, the Judaizers perpetuated the false propaganda that Paul was an illegitimate apostle, so people should ignore his teaching. And it was true that Paul was not one of the original twelve apostles. But this is not concerning to Paul because being one of the original twelve is irrelevant when it comes to the truth of the Gospel. In fact, the Gospel truth has nothing to do with our resume. It has everything to do with Christ's resume. But rather, what gave Paul strength in this moment was the resume of Jesus Christ and his resurrection from the dead, which led to his testimony spoken to him by Jesus on the Damascus Road, calling him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Note this here: the certainty of Paul's testimony and task anchored in the resume and title of Jesus were the anchors for his rebuttal to these false teachers and their attacks. Another way to say this would be that Paul is not about to stand for a personal attack on his legitimacy as an apostle and let their false propaganda convince him or anyone else that his life and Gospel are not 100% legitimate. For believers who right now are under attack, what Paul declares in verse one is a potent reminder for you. First, remember your testimony and be anchored to the truth of what Jesus did and is doing in you, and don't let anyone convince you that what Jesus Christ did in you was illegitimate. Second, remember your task because with every testimony comes a task, and be faithful to follow through on this to the very end of your days. #Galatians#PaulineTruth #AnchoredInChrist #GospelResilience #TestimonyStrength #LegitimacyInChrist ASK THIS: How can we emulate Paul's unwavering confidence in the truth of Christ's resurrection and its relevance to our own lives when faced with attacks on our faith or character? In what ways can we ensure that our testimony of Christ's work in our lives remains steadfast despite challenges or doubts raised by others? DO THIS: Remember and strengthen your testimony and task. PRAY THIS: Lord, anchor me firmly in the truth of Your resurrection and the legitimacy of Your work in my life, empowering me to withstand attacks on my faith and testimony. Grant me the strength and resolve to remain faithful to Your calling, trusting in Your grace and guidance every step of the way. Amen. PLAY THIS: Anchor.

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead — Galatians 1:1 GALATIANS SCRIPTURE JOURNAL HERE: https://bit.ly/devogalatians CALL OUT: Shout out today to David Fredricksonfrom Lake City, MN. Thanks for sending me an email and letting me know you are praying for me regularly. I appreciate this and love you brother. As we embark on a brand new book of the Bible — Galatians, I want to step back for a moment and give you two insights so that you will see the backdrop and the message of this book. Insight One | Galatians Was Written To A Collection of Churches First, you should know that this book was not written for a single church but a grouping of churches in the region we know as first-century Galatia (modern-day Turkey). It was meant to be a shared letter, much like a great book or, even better, a popular magazine addressing the prevalent issues in the church of the time. One church would read it and then pass it on to the next and the next. Insight Two | Galatians Was Written To Combat False Teaching Second, the reason Paul wrote this book was to address a growing issue in churches that was circulating in this region. The issue was a form of legalism being taught by Jews who had converted to Christianity. These people have been called "Judaizers." A Judaizer was someone in the early church who believed that Gentile believers needed to adhere to Jewish customs and laws, such as circumcision and dietary regulations, in order to be considered true followers of Christ. They attempted to blend elements of Judaism with Christianity, imposing these additional requirements on Gentile converts. As you will see in this letter, Paul strongly opposed this belief and used this letter to counter this false teaching. He instead points out that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from adherence to the Jewish Law, and along the way, points out the real purpose of the Law. Here's The Backdrop & The Message Here is a way to think about the backdrop for this letter. Imagine that this new trainer or teacher shows up at your business or school one day. They start throwing around all these "new" ideas presented as a failsafe solution for bringing people and cultures together. They throw out all these strange acrostics and acronyms, presenting what appears to be a reasonable new way to think about assimilation, inclusion, and equity. The problem is that the ideas are not as freeing as they thought. The training is exhausting, and the teaching is burdensome. Rather than giving promised freedom, their measures and metrics steal it. They become a burden. This is precisely what has happened in the region of Galatia at the time. Some popular Jewish teachers were perpetuating legalistic teaching that blended religious practices of the past with the present revelation of the Gospel. The problem is that this teaching constrained their freedom, which was the whole purpose of the Gospel. And this is the central message of Galatians – Freedom! (Watch a William Wallace clip in Braveheart for inspiration today.) Except the freedom Paul wants these people to know is a different type of freedom. Freedom from the bondage of sin. Freedom from the demands of the law. Freedom to live in the fullness of God's grace. So, to counter all the false teachings, Paul passionately asserts that salvation is not attained through human effort or adherence to legalistic rituals but is solely found by faith in Jesus Christ alone. The sufficiency of Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross secures our justification and redemption apart from the works of the law. So, if you are in desperate need of freedom today and you are experiencing bondage to sin and slavery to the systems of this world, Paul is going to tell you that you can find freedom. Real spiritual freedom. Not freedom to do whatever you want, but freedom in Christ. And this little book contains the message that will guide you there. So get ready to rediscover salvation and the freedom that only Jesus provides, which will lead you to grace and the joy you truly desire. #Galatians #GalatiansDevo #FreedomInChrist #FaithAlone #GraceOverLaw #TrueFreedom ASK THIS: How can we discern between true freedom in Christ and the bondage of legalism in our daily lives and interactions with others? In what ways can we actively embrace the sufficiency of Jesus's sacrifice and live out the freedom it offers, especially when faced with pressures to conform to religious rituals or cultural norms? DO THIS: Find freedom in Jesus. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me discern and embrace the true freedom found in Christ alone, freeing me from the burdens of legalism and leading me into the fullness of Your grace. Guide me to live confidently in the sufficiency of Jesus's sacrifice, walking in the liberty and joy that only He provides. Amen. PLAY THIS: Freedom.

GALATIANS SCRIPTURE JOURNAL HERE: https://bit.ly/devogalatians And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I chased him from me. Remember them, O my God, because they have desecrated the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites. Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good. — Nehemiah 13:28-31 CALL OUT: Today's shout-out goes to Salvatore Augerifrom Lutz, FL. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel. Don't forget Galatians begins on Monday, so get the Galatians Scripture Journal from the website. At the close of the book, Nehemiah mentions one last concerning detail. His concern is the purity of the high priestly line. According to the Law, a high priest could not marry a foreign woman (Leviticus 21:14). The high priesthood was an inherited role, so the grandson of a high priest could become the acting high priest. Eliashib was a high priest when Nehemiah first came to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:1). Jehoiada was a high priest after his father (Nehemiah 12:10–11). Still, it is unclear if he had become a high priest by the writing of chapter 13. But the issue here is his son had married a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite, who had been a long-standing enemy of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:10). Nehemiah sees this issue and addresses it not only by calling it out but by expelling this son from the community and preserving the purity of the priestly line. This reveals something worthy of noting about spiritual leadership. Spiritual leaders in the Temple (Old Testament) and the Church (New Testament) have a determined set of qualifications. Sometimes, people don't like this. Therefore, they adjust the qualifications to their liking, making exceptions. But we don't get to make these exceptions; we only get to accept them as they are. The Temple and the Church are God's institutions, not ours. God is the one who is worshipped, and he determines the structures, processes, and qualifications of his spiritual leaders. Therefore, some are naturally disqualified from leading in the church. And guess what? We need to be okay with this. God has set these qualifiers in place. But remember, just because a person is disqualified from leading in the church does not mean they cannot aptly lead in other environments like their business, family, and the rest of life. Remember, Nehemiah was disqualified from Temple service as well. His lineage excluded him. He was not from Aaron's line. Therefore, he was unable to hold the role of High Priest. Yet still, he led and left an indelible mark on the people of God in his time. And the mark he left has been read by generations of believers in the book we just completed. So get out there and leave your spiritual mark on the world. But do it the way God wants and in the way that brings honor to his name. #NehemiahsLeadership, #SpiritualQualifications, #PurityinLeadership, #GodsInstitutions, #LeaveYourMark ASK THIS: How can we maintain the integrity of leadership roles in our own communities and organizations, ensuring they align with the standards set by God? Reflecting on Nehemiah's actions, what adjustments might we need to make in our own lives to honor God's qualifications for leadership, both in spiritual and secular contexts? DO THIS: Get out there and spiritually lead. PRAY THIS: Lord, guide me to uphold the standards of spiritual leadership with integrity, just as Nehemiah did, and help me to honor Your qualifications for service in all areas of my life. Grant me wisdom and discernment to follow Your will faithfully, leaving a lasting impact that brings glory to Your name. Amen. PLAY THIS: Let My Life Be Worship.

GALATIANS SCRIPTURE JOURNAL HERE: https://bit.ly/devogalatians As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice. But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love. — Nehemiah 13:19-22 CALL OUT: Big call out today to Ryan Jacobsonfrom Clyde, NC. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel. Don't forget Galatians begins on Monday, so get the Galatians Scripture Journal from the website. I love this moment. Nehemiah rocks. Yesterday, we talked about how the people were not making good on their commitment to keeping the Sabbath. One of the issues was that Persian vendors were bringing goods to sell in Jerusalem on the Sabbath, which was too tempting for the people. Thus, they were breaking the Sabbath and being disobedient to God, which got them into this mess with Babylon, Assyria, and Persia. So, Nehemiah reminds them about this. But he also takes preventative measures to keep the people of God from being tempted again. First, he locks the gate the evening before the Sabbath to keep vendors from tempting the people. Second, he publicly warned the vendors to stay away for a couple of weeks, which was also a warning for his people. If believers supplemented their spiritual commitments with these two actions, they might be more committed to the process of spiritual change. For example, if you aim to lose a few pounds, then keeping certain foods out of the house and publicly declaring this to others who live with you, telling you you don't want certain foods in the house, will help. Or if you desire to stop cursing, then not being exposed to people who curse and declaring to others that you need their help by permitting them to call you out will help. What Nehemiah does here is pretty simple, yet it's precisely what these people need to stay on track with God. So how about you? What do you need to keep out of your house and confess to others to strengthen your commitment to God? #SabbathCommitment #NehemiahLessons #SpiritualDiscipline #GuardingTheGates #FaithfulToGod'sWord ASK THIS: How can you implement Nehemiah's approach of "locking the gates" and publicly declaring your commitment to avoid temptation in your own life to strengthen your walk with God? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to take preventative measures, just as Nehemiah did, to ensure you remain faithful to God's commands? What steps can you take today to make those changes? DO THIS: Keep it out and publicly confess it. PRAY THIS: God, help me follow Nehemiah's example by taking proactive steps to guard my heart and commitment to You, locking out temptations and publicly declaring my dedication to Your path. Strengthen me to live a life that honors You and keeps me on track with Your will. Amen. PLAY THIS: I Surrender.

GALATIANS SCRIPTURE JOURNAL HERE: https://bit.ly/devogalatians In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath. — Nehemiah 13:15-18 CALL OUT: Big call out today to Gordo Christiansen from Vernon, VT. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel. GALATIANS SCRIPTURE JOURNAL HERE: https://bit.ly/devogalatians Nehemiah shows up to discover that not only have the people neglected the tithe for the Levites (read yesterday's devotional), but the people of Jerusalem have already disregarded their Sabbath commitments. Remember, in Nehemiah 10:31, the people committed to reinstating the Sabbath. The agreement was not to purchase goods from foreigners on the Sabbath. This was with the understanding that Sundays were standard days for trading in the present Persian culture. The issue was that Persian traders kept showing up in Jerusalem on Sabbath days, and the people were tempted to buy because it was easy. This is precisely how temptation works in every believer's life. We make new or renewed commitments to God, and then these things progressively happen: Cultural patterns continue. We encounter a "weak" moment. Old desires are resurrected. The temptation to act is made accessible. We justify the action. We act in disobedience. We are right back in the same boat as before. For Nehemiah, the insanity and results are apparent. But for the people, it appears it isn't. This is why Nehemiah plays the tape forward for the people at the end of this text. He wants them to play the tapes forward so they will see the results of their compromised commitments. Today, here is what I want you to do. Identify a commitment or goal you have made. It could be a spiritual, physical, or financial goal. Then, for a few minutes, play the tape forward. Play the tape forward in two ways: First, what it would look like if you kept this commitment and followed through on this goal. Second, what it would look like if you did not keep this commitment and failed to accomplish the goal. Imagine both ends in your mind. Be imaginative and descriptive. And then, like Nehemiah does with the people here, settle on the vision and ending you want. Take some time to do this today because tomorrow, we are going to see how Nehemiah is going to make accomplishing spiritual goals even easier for the people. #SabbathCommitment, #NehemiahWisdom, #TemptationStruggles, #SpiritualGoals, #GuardingTheFaith, #ResistingTemptation, #ChooseWisely ASK THIS: What specific commitment or goal have you made recently in your life, and how can you guard it against external pressures and temptations, similar to Nehemiah's challenge with the Sabbath? As you play the tape forward in your mind, envisioning the consequences of both keeping and breaking your commitment or goal, which outcome aligns more with your desired vision for your life, and what steps can you take to reinforce your commitment towards that vision? DO THIS: Play the tape forward in your commitments. PRAY THIS: Lord, I humbly ask for the strength and wisdom to guard my commitments and goals as Nehemiah did, resisting the temptations that may lead me astray. Help me envision the path of obedience and grant me the determination to follow it, knowing it leads to Your blessings and fulfillment in my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: Abide.Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Vince socially: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller

I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field. So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses. And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service. — Nehemiah 13:10-14 CALL OUT: Big call out today to all the men signing up for the training event in Florida. I am pumped about this event. What is happening here is that Nehemiah discovers that the Levites were not receiving their allowances for temple service so they could attend to the Temple. So, to break this down for you, there were two major groups of people who served in the temple: Priests and Levites. Priests performed sacrifices and rituals, served as mediators between God and his people, and taught the Law of Moses. Levites were the support system for the priests performing Temple duties; they were involved in worship and other administrative tasks. The primary difference was ancestral. Priests were from the lineage of Aaron. Levites were from the lineage of Levi. In this situation, the Levites were not being cared for financially by the people, so they had to go back to civil work, which took them away from their religious work. Thus, the temple service was being neglected, and priests were bearing the load because the people of God were not giving sacrificially as directed. Here's the lesson: Sometimes, what appears to be practical and frugal is not always right and righteous. Here's what I mean. God always wants us to give him our best. Sometimes, giving him our very best pushes the limits of our reasonable ability. We don't always like this because we trust our reasonable ability more than we trust God. But when we push our reasonable limits to live in obedience, we put ourselves sacrificially in the hands of a great and trustworthy God. It is here, in this moment, that we experience faith. This is what Nehemiah wants from the people. He wants them to give God their best, stretching their limits just enough so that they will live by faith, trusting that in giving God their best in the administration of the Temple to the Levites that, God will provide for them. Most believers miss out on this because they give God what is practical and reasonable. So maybe for you, it's time to be unreasonable. Be more unreasonable today with your time, talents, and treasures. Don't be stupid, but be more unreasonable because our understanding of unreasonable is usually just being faithful to a trustworthy and generous God. #SacrificialGiving, #FaithOverFrugality, #TrustInGod, #BeyondReason, #ServiceToGod, #LivingByFaith, #GenerousHeart, #TempleDuty, #NehemiahChallenge, #UnreasonableFaith ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you chose practicality over faithfulness in your giving (time, talent, or treasure). How did it affect your relationship with God and your ability to serve Him fully? Considering Nehemiah's example of confronting neglect and ensuring the Levites were provided for, how can you push beyond what is "reasonable" in your own life to serve God's kingdom sacrificially? What specific steps can you take to start this journey of faith-driven generosity? DO THIS: Live in faith even if it is unreasonable to you. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to trust You beyond my own understanding of what is reasonable, guiding me to give sacrificially and serve Your kingdom with all that I am. Strengthen my faith so I may live boldly for You, knowing You are always faithful to provide. Amen. PLAY THIS: Living Sacrifice.

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously put the grain offering, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, wine, and oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests. While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. — Nehemiah 13:4-9 CALL OUT: Big shout out today to Marcus Pitre from Glenpool, OK. Thanks for being a member of the website, and I pray our videos and lessons help you in your spiritual growth. These verses tell us about a religious leader who is compromised. Eliashib, not just a priest but the high priest who directed the chambers of God, had a grandson who was married into Tobiah's family and influence. Remember, Tobiah was one of the three enemy forces while building the wall. So why does Eliashib do this, given the recommitment they publicly made? There are two reasons. First | Absence of Committed Leadership It's hard to see in this text, but Nehemiah had returned to the Persian capital city of Suza. In his absence, even though he had put stop gaps in place, things began to fall apart. We do not know how long he was away. Still, he discovered that in his absence, even the highest spiritual leader was unfaithful to his commitments, primarily because Eliashib was not a committed spiritual leader. Second | Small Relational Compromises When you are entangled in the wrong relationships, you will eventually make compromising decisions. This is precisely why separation from these relationships is vital in some instances. Relational entanglements are tempting for us all. Eventually, there will be a point where you no longer have an influence on them but become influenced by them. So here is the lesson. The character and leadership of a believer are always revealed by the choices they make when left to themselves. After Nehemiah's departure, Eliashib reveals he is not a capable leader and is easily influenced by social politics and relational influence. Eliashib is a failure. He is a leader without character and commitment who will make compromises. Even worse, he is the spiritual leader of the people of Israel. For some of you reading today, this might be a wake-up call. If so, remember, who you are when no one is looking is who you are. Therefore, if there is a difference between who you are in public and who you are in private, then close that gap today. Stop making compromises and lead with commitment. One private choice at a time: go public with an uncompromised commitment and lead with greater integrity because we need more great spiritual leaders today. #Leadership, #Integrity, #FaithJourney, #Compromise, #CharacterMatters, #SpiritualLeadership, #Accountability, #Commitment, #Relationships, #Nehemiah13 ASK THIS: Reflect on a situation in your life where you were tempted to compromise your principles due to social or relational pressure. What steps can you take to ensure you maintain your integrity and commitment in such circumstances? Consider your role as a leader, whether in your family, workplace, or community. How can you actively lead with unwavering commitment and integrity, especially when no one is watching? What changes can you make in your leadership approach to set a positive example for others? DO THIS: Integrate the private and public commitment you have with God. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my commitment to walk in integrity, both in public and in private. Guide me to make choices that honor You and inspire others to follow the path of unwavering faith and leadership. Amen. PLAY THIS: Honesty.

GET THE GALATIANS JOURNAL: https://bit.ly/devogalatians On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them—yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent. — Nehemiah 13:1-3 CALL OUT: To all the men jumping in to lead other men with the 30 Men Who Lived With Conviction book. There were a lot of you. I am super excited you want to lead. Also, we are in chapter 13 of Nehemiah, which means we are almost done. Which means we are starting a new book of the Bible soon. Next is Galatians, a New Testament book. Go to the link today and get your Galatians Scripture Journal now so you can take notes and follow along. What has happened here is that after opening the Scripture again, the people discovered they had made some wrong assumptions about worship procedures. They stumbled on a text from Deuteronomy 23:3–6, which stated that certain foreigners were not supposed to be participating in the worship of God. This troubled them, so they made the necessary change. There are times when we read Scripture that this will happen to us. We are going to read something in the text, and it's going to bother us. Often, we are bothered by it because we are doing it or someone we know is doing it. And it's right at this moment we get to make a crucial choice. We can either choose to act on it or decide to dismiss it. What the followers of this time did, at least at this moment, was choose to act on it. They adjusted their life to Scripture, not the Scripture to their life. This is always what obedient followers do. Scripture is the divine plumb line of God. Scripture provides us with the unwavering standard of truth and righteousness. Just as a construction plumb line ensures that a building is upright and aligned with the earth's gravitational pull, Scripture helps us align our lives with God's will and purpose. Therefore, when we read Scripture and stumble into a plumb line, we don't adjust the plumb line. We get in line with it, understanding it's the standard. This means believers should always make one humble assumption when they read Scripture—we are wrong, and it is right. And sometimes, this can be challenging. This is because making a change to an unplumbed life sometimes means we have to tear down the walls and rebuild everything on a new foundation that is leveled correctly so we can replumb the framework of our entire lives. And this is why many non-believers and believers don't like Scripture. Scripture demands we get in line and make the change, not the other way around. Always remember: Adjust your life to Scripture, not Scripture to your life and liking. #ScriptureTruth, #BiblicalObedience, #AligningWithGod, #SpiritualGrowth, #DivineGuidance, #HumbleFaith, #LifetoScripture, #ObedientBelievers, #FaithfulLiving, #WordofGod ASK THIS: How can you identify areas in your life where you might be "dismissing" Scripture rather than aligning your life with it, and what steps can you take to make the necessary changes? Reflect on a specific instance in your life where Scripture challenged your beliefs or actions. How did you respond, and what lessons did you learn from that experience that can guide your future obedience to God's Word? DO THIS: Assume you are wrong and Scripture is right. PRAY THIS: Father, I humbly ask for the wisdom and strength always to align my life with Your unchanging Word, even when it challenges me. Help me to embrace obedience and make the necessary changes in my life, knowing that Your Word is the divine plumb line of truth and righteousness. Amen. PLAY THIS: Jesus Does.

On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered. And they performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon. For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers and the gatekeepers; and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron. — Nehemiah 12:44-47 CALL OUT: To David Keck, some of our listeners and financial partners from Augusta, GA. I recently had the privilege of praying with and for David and his family. I am so glad you are feeling better and excited you are serving at our next Leadership Training Event in Florida. And, by the way, if you are interested in getting trained to lead in men's ministry and take your ministry leadership to the next level, check out Forged. There is a link above. Every attendee will receive a copy of our new men's ministry leadership book at this event. This text tells us that the celebration of the rededication of the wall is about more than just a celebration of a wall. It is celebrating all those who performed ministry in service to God. It's clear as we have read through this book that Temple service, special celebrations, scriptural teaching, and sacrificial offerings were greatly neglected or nonexistent since Israel's exile. But with this return, some critical spiritual things were put back in place, which is what the people of God wanted. The rebuilding of the wall was just a few stones that aided in rebuilding something far more important to the people—the restoration and re-establishment of their relationship with God. This is where building projects and sometimes entire ministries go awry. They start a project because they have a passion for God, but along the way, their passion is lost because all they can think about is the project. By the time they get done, there is so much carnage and mission drift that the celebration is lost because they took their eyes off the purpose—God and his glory. Nehemiah never loses sight of this. His goal from beginning to end is God. All he sees is God's glory, which is why the obstacles he faces are so small to him. Therefore, when he arrives at this moment, the people finally see Nehemiah's real goal and purpose—the complete re-establishment of the worship of God. So, at this celebration, he appointed men of the cloth to ministry. And as we read, the people were very thankful. We should celebrate, support, and thank those who work in the ministry who keep us focused on the glory of God. So do that today. Tell someone who works in ministry who has kept you pointed north, "Thank you," and be sincere. You might be shocked. Hearing this is more rare than you realize. #MinistryFocus #RestoringWorship #PurposeInMinistry #GodsGlory #Nehemiah #MinistryAppreciation #CelebratingService #ReestablishingFaith #KeepingTheFaith #ThankfulInMinistry ASK THIS: In your own life or ministry, how can you ensure that the focus remains on God's glory, just as Nehemiah did during the rebuilding process? What steps can you take to prevent mission drift and stay true to your purpose? Think of someone in ministry who has played a significant role in keeping you focused on God's glory. How can you express genuine gratitude to them today? What impact could your appreciation have on their service and your spiritual journey? DO THIS: Tell a ministry worker thank you! PRAY THIS: Father, help me stay unwavering in my commitment to keep my eyes fixed on Your glory in all I do, just as Nehemiah did. Thank You for the dedicated servants in ministry who continually guide me toward You; may I express my gratitude and support for them in meaningful ways. Amen. PLAY THIS: Thank You.

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall. Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate. And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah, and Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, and certain of the priests' sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph; and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them. At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east. The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall, and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard. So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me; and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. — Nehemiah 12:27-43 CALL OUT: To Matthew McIntyre, some of our listeners and financial partners from Carrollton, TX. Thank you so much for your partnership. I bet this event was something else. The people of God organized two big parades—one kicked off in the south and weaved its way around the wall, while the other started up north, circling the city wall. Imagine a reawakening of spiritual and national pride celebrated with unhindered singing and joy. And the two parades join at the temple for a concert of decibel-deafening proportions. This last year, I attended a football game at Neyland Stadium to watch the Tennessee Volunteers play the Georgia Bulldogs. At the opening kick-off, the Volunteers ran the ball back for an unhindered touchdown against the #1 ranked team in the nation. The roar in the stadium was incredible. That day, Neyland Stadium set a new decibel record in college football—137 decibels, breaking the previous 133.6 decibels set at a 1992 Washington-Nebraska game. That's what we should imagine here. A celebration that was so loud and unhindered that, at moments, it was heard miles away. We all need moments like this. Moments that we mark as a new beginning. Days marked with celebration and joy. And we shouldn't hold back if we are genuinely proud of them. We should be unashamed to tell the world about them. One of these moments for believers today is the event of baptism. Baptism is a Greek word that means "to immerse." It is one of the great New Testament symbols of rebirth and recommitment. It's a public proclamation of a personal decision to follow Jesus. As John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of his ministry, we too are baptized in water, marking the start of our ministry and the new life given by Jesus. Symbolically, baptism expresses an identification with Christ’s death and resurrection—the old self was crucified with Christ (through the waters of death), and now followers of Jesus have risen with him in “newness of life” (Romans 6:3-11). Some of you reading this today have been baptized. You have marked this moment with the celebration of baptism. But I also realize that some of you have not. Some of you have confessed faith but have not yet been baptized. Today, I want you to change that. I want you to publicly mark your personal decision of faith, taking what has been private and making it public. Tell your pastor, leader, or spiritual confidant you are ready to be baptized. They will be honored. It's time to wade into new waters of faith. This moment marks a personal decision that must go public. And I want to celebrate with you. If you choose to do this in 2024, I want to know about it. Reach out to me and let me know because I made this for you. A shirt celebrating that you went "All In in Baptism" that marks this celebratory moment. Let's make this year a year of celebration of believers going all in for Jesus. #DedicationOfJerusalem, #JoyfulCelebration, #PraiseAndThanksgiving, #WallOfJerusalem, #MusicAndSinging, #SpiritualReawakening, #Baptism, #NewBeginnings, #FaithInAction, #AllInForJesus ASK THIS: How can we, in our daily lives, create moments of celebration and joy that mark new beginnings and proudly proclaim our faith in Christ, just like the people of Jerusalem did during their dedication? Have you personally experienced baptism and publicly marked your decision of faith? If not, what steps can you take to make this personal commitment public, and how can this act of obedience strengthen your walk with Jesus in 2024? DO THIS: Be baptized. PRAY THIS: Lord, I pray that in 2024, I may experience moments of unbridled celebration and joy, just like the people of Jerusalem during their dedication, and may I boldly proclaim my faith in You through acts of obedience like baptism, marking a new beginning in my journey with You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Baptism Song.

These are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua. And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his brothers was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. And Bakbukiah and Unni and their brothers stood opposite them in the service. And Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada, Joiada the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan the father of Jaddua. And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai; of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethanel. In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, the Levites were recorded as heads of fathers' houses; so too were the priests in the reign of Darius the Persian. As for the sons of Levi, their heads of fathers' houses were written in the Book of the Chronicles until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib. And the chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers who stood opposite them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, watch by watch. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers standing guard at the storehouses of the gates. These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra, the priest and scribe. — Nehemiah 12:1-26 CALL OUT: To all the brothers at A Better Way Ministries, some of our listeners from Senoia, GA. This is a great recovery ministry that some of you might need to know about today. Check out their website here: https://abetterwayministries.com/ This is another list of names. But this time, it's a listing of holy men. Priests in the time of Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:1–7) High priests and priests from Zerubbabel and beyond the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 12:10–21) Levites around the same time (Nehemiah 12:22–26) These genealogical listings in scripture are often difficult for us. But still, they are essential, and here is why: They Reaffirm Identity and Purpose: These lists helped the exiles rediscover their identity and role as God's chosen people. They Validate Historical Authenticity: The lists validate traditions lost post-Babylonian exile. They Demonstrate Fulfillment of Prophecies: The lists confirm God's fulfilled promises and covenants. They Establish Legitimacy: The lists confirm the tribal lineage essential in national spiritual restoration. They Direct Continuity: They teach us about God's sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness and obedience. These lists should remind us that we each live and will leave a legacy. As believers, we are called to be obedient and faithful. When we do, we are joining with a long heritage and generations who have gone before us. We are named and numbered with those who were like these. Today, live in line with God's legacy. Be obedient and faithful; one day, let's find our name together in the Book of Life. As Jesus said in Revelation 3:5, "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels." #LegacyOfFaithfulness, #NehemiahList, #GodsStory, #SpiritualHeritage, #FaithfulAncestry, #BookOfLife, #ChristianIdentity, #ObedienceAndFaith, #BiblicalLineage, #DivinePurposeLegacy ASK THIS: How can you embrace your role in God's unfolding story, just as the names in Nehemiah's list embraced their identity and purpose? What practical steps can you take to live out your faith legacy? In what ways do the genealogical lists in Nehemiah remind you of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in your own life? How can you ensure that your name remains steadfastly written in the "Book of Life," as mentioned in Revelation 3:5? DO THIS: Live and lead a legacy. PRAY THIS: Lord, as I reflect on the lessons from Nehemiah's genealogical lists, I pray that you guide me to embrace my role in your divine story, to live faithfully, and to leave a lasting legacy of obedience and faithfulness. Help me find my name written in the Book of Life, and may I always honor and confess your name before you and your angels. Amen. PLAY THIS: Legacy.

And as for the villages, with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba and its villages, and in Dibon and its villages, and in Jekabzeel and its villages, and in Jeshua and in Moladah and Beth-pelet, in Hazar-shual, in Beersheba and its villages, in Ziklag, in Meconah and its villages, in En-rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth, Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and its fields, and Azekah and its villages. So they encamped from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom. The people of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Michmash, Aija, Bethel and its villages, Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. And certain divisions of the Levites in Judah were assigned to Benjamin. — Nehemiah 11:25-36 CALL OUT: To Adam Wallace, one of our subscribers and partners from Chesapeake, VA. Thank you for your partnership, brother. We could easily skip over this text since reading the names is tricky, and locating the towns and villages is nearly impossible. But this text is the realization of Israel's long-lost dream. The return after captivity and the reestablishment of the greater community, even though it was now within and under the Persian empire. I cannot tell you if this was Nehemiah's vision, but I know it was part of God's. According to Isaiah, the next stage of the vision would include a prophet wandering in the desert named John, who would proclaim the way for the one and only Prophet, Priest, and King—Jesus. Jesus would establish a whole new kingdom, one made without hands. For now, God guided His people out of captivity and back towards a life of community. This new chapter in their lives was centered around Jerusalem, with their homes spread across various towns and villages. There is a twofold lesson in this for us today. One | We Have A King & Kingdom First, we need to remember that no king or kingdom is as great as God and his kingdom. Like Nehemiah, we live under the rule of vain and selfish kings. Our kings and kingdoms will always be corrupt regardless of where we live: China, Russia, or even the U.S.A. While we want a better king, there is no king greater than Jesus and no kingdom better than the one he has already established. Two | We Need A Community Second, we must also remember that community is essential in the journey. Believers need to stick together and do life together. A spiritual community isn't nice. It is necessary. Living out our faith with one another is required for all believers until the King and his Kingdom come again. So let me give you something very practical to do. If you're not yet part of a spiritual community, you need to find one. In our busy world today, where individualism is the norm, forming spiritual connections can be challenging—but this makes it more crucial. And I will warn you, it's work. And for those out there today who know it's needed and feel called to lead like Nehemiah. I want you to know that I am behind you. But I am going to make it easier for you today. If you feel called to lead a group of men, I will send you a copy of one of my best and newest Bible Study Handbooks for free so you can start your own group. I have a brand-new, easy-to-use guide (Thirty Men Who Lived With Conviction) for leading discussions for men in any group. It's so easy it needs almost no prep; it drives discussion and gets men into the Bible. And yes, I will give you these books at no charge; if you have 3-5 men, you can gather into a small group. So if you are ready, need community, and want to give a shot, reach out to me right here, and we will help you get started: REQUEST COPIES: https://resolutecheckout.wufoo.com/forms/z1bl3o51jxhvei/ #Nehemiah11, #DreamsOfRestoration, #SpiritualCommunity, #KingdomOfGod, #ChristianLeadership, #BiblicalWisdom, #FaithInAction, #MensMinistry, #ChristianUnity, #LiveWithConviction ASK THIS: Reflecting on Nehemiah's story of rebuilding the community, in what ways can you contribute to strengthening and nurturing your own spiritual community? How can you actively participate in or initiate activities that foster a sense of unity and growth in faith among your peers? Considering the concept of Jesus as our ultimate King and His kingdom that transcends earthly realms, how does this influence your view of earthly leadership and governance? In what ways can you align your daily actions and decisions with the principles of Christ's kingdom, especially in contexts where earthly leadership may conflict with your faith values? DO THIS: Join or lead in the community. PRAY THIS: Father, guide me to actively engage in and nurture my spiritual community, reflecting the unity and love found in Your kingdom. Grant me wisdom and strength to live out Your principles, honoring Jesus as my King in every aspect of my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: Every Hour.

Nehemiah 11:3-24 CALL OUT: To Brian Harper, one of our subscribers and partners from Cookeville, TN. Thank you for your service to the kingdom! Verses 3–24 provide a categorical listing of the 3000 who settled in Jerusalem and the number of each group that moved back in: The children of Judah (Neh. 11:4–6) The sons of Benjamin (Neh. 11:7–9) The Priests (Neh. 11:10–14) The Levites (Neh. 11:15–18) Some other groups (Neh. 11:19–24) Even if you don't understand how to pronounce every name on this list, like me, we learn a couple of things: First, the believers who moved into Jerusalem lived together and not in separate divisions within the city. Second, believers with different skills would work together to serve God and the greater community. Essentially, we have a church of 3000 people who formed a spiritual community dedicating their working lives to God. Of all the things that occur in this book, I wish I could have been a part of this because I think this is something we all want. We long for mission, community, worship, and service with a higher purpose. This experience is the full use of our time, talent, and treasure for a purpose that is greater than ourselves. And if you are thinking to yourself right now, "Vince, this is hard to find." I don't disagree. It is. But it's not impossible. I believe this still happens, and it is all sparked by one willing, prayed-up, passionate man who will step in sacrificially and live his life on a mission. That's how this book began. Nehemiah, called by God, was obedient, and his continued obedience led to this very experience. Two months later, a city is rebuilt, worship reinstituted, policing is established, enemies are fought off, recommitments are made, and 3000 people move back into the city. So, if your family, church, or spiritual community is not thriving today, you have a clear path and plan. And the path is not complaining about it. The plan is scripted right here in this book. And I know a little secret that some do not. The same God that worked out Nehemiah's path and plan is working today. The only thing God is looking for is one willing man who will step up and do it. #NehemiahCommunity, #SpiritualUnity, #TogetherInFaith, #ChurchAsOne, #GodsPlanInAction, #MissionDrivenLife, #WorshipAndService, #BiblicalLeadership, #BuildingSpiritualWalls, #FaithfulObedience ASK THIS: Reflect on your current spiritual community or church. In what ways can you contribute more actively to foster a sense of unity and collaborative service, similar to the community in Nehemiah 11? Considering Nehemiah’s obedience and leadership that led to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, how can you embody these qualities in your daily life to positively impact your family, church, or community? DO THIS: What do you need to do to foster and build spiritual community? PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and courage to embrace unity and collaboration in my spiritual journey, just as Nehemiah led the people of Jerusalem. Help me to use my talents and strengths in serving You and building a strong, faithful community around me. Amen. PLAY THIS: Build Your Kingdom Here.

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 Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem. — Nehemiah 11:1-2 CALL OUT: To Dan Tanner, one of our subscribers and listeners from Graham, WA. Dan is a retired village missionary. So to Dan and all the other retired pastors and missionaries, and those still doing missionary work today—thank you. You are modern-day heroes of the faith. Thank you for your service to the kingdom! I like this moment here at the start of chapter 11. It emphasizes something about Nehemiah's leadership that takes his mission to a whole new level. We discover his vision was bigger than just rebuilding a wall. He was also concerned about the continuity of the people and their community. What Nehemiah does is everything a great Governor should do. He secures the border. He establishes a security. He establishes the Law. He invites community agreement. He moves people back into the city to strengthen spiritual life, commerce, and the continuity of the people of God. Now, we finally see how spiritual and political values intersect. Some people believe that political policies and religious beliefs are two separate matters. They are not. At some point, they join. As a believing being, my spiritual beliefs are inextricably tied to how I live and govern my life. But not just my life. They should affect my family, church, and community. So, in this chapter, Nehemiah makes a strategic move. He encouraged people to move back into the city to create social, spiritual, and economic stability. Some volunteered, and some were drawn by lot. The goal was to persuade 1 in 10. Here's the application. At some point, our spiritual beliefs must affect how we govern ourselves, but this should impact our families and communities. In other words, our religious beliefs should affect our political actions. When we cross this divide, it requires a little more sacrifice on our part. But if you are a believer today who thinks religious belief and political actions are two separate matters, you are dead wrong. They never are. They eventually intersect. This is why we have inspiring stories about great biblical heroes like Moses, David, Daniel, and Samuel in the Old Testament and John, Barnabas, Paul, and Timothy in the New Testament. We remember these men for how their bold beliefs collided with the culture. And your beliefs should as well. And do you know what is needed to make this happen? Public confession and courageous action. For too long, I have watched comfort, individualism, self-preservation, and shame silence our call to public confession and courageous action. Many believers would prefer to be silent, separate themselves from the tension, and maintain the status quo than confess their faith and act in faith. But right in this moment, Nehemiah challenged the people to think differently. He invited them to consider this question: Are you going to live quietly on the outskirts, playing to the status quo, living in self-preservation, or will you dare to choose to declare publicly to the Persians and your ancestors that you believe so much in your God that you will move your family back into the walls of this city for the well-being of all? Do you see what Nehemiah is doing here? He is saying, I made a bold move for God. But that's not enough. We have to make a bold move together. So, what bold move do you need to make today? What public confession and courageous action do you need to take? And once you decide, don't wait too long, or you won't do it. #NehemiahLeadership, #BoldFaithAction, #SpiritualGovernance, #CommunityBuilding, #FaithInPolitics, #PublicConfession, #CourageousChristianity, #BiblicalHeroes, #TransformativeFaith, #LivingYourBeliefs ASK THIS: In what ways can you, like Nehemiah, take a bold step in your community or family to bridge the gap between your spiritual beliefs and practical actions? How can this step impact those around you? Consider a situation in your life where you feel called to make a public confession of your faith. What challenges or fears might you face in doing so, and how can Nehemiah's example inspire you to overcome these obstacles? DO THIS: Make a bold move with a public confession and courageous action. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the courage of Nehemiah to boldly integrate my faith into every aspect of my life, influencing my family, community, and the world for Your glory. Help me to confidently make public confessions of my faith and take courageous actions, just as Your faithful servants did in the scriptures. Amen. PLAY THIS: Follow You Anywhere.

We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: for the showbread, the regular grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, the appointed feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, have likewise cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers' houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the Law. We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor. And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse. For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.” — Nehemiah 10:32-39 CALL OUT: To Tony Wendt, one of our subscribers and financial partners from Neenah, WI. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. As I mentioned two days ago, the section from verses 30-39 lists specific changes the people agreed to make as a community with God. I have broken these down into three parts: Marital Purity (Nehemiah 10:30). Sabbath Renewal (Nehemiah 10:31). Temple Priority (Nehemiah 10:32-39). Today, we will focus on the third tenet of their rededication, their recommitment to Temple Priorities. There are a lot of details in this text. Many of them might seem a little foreign to you. So, let me break them down for you. The first two verses here address the Temple Administration. These were monies used for operational needs in service to God. Shewbread: These were 12 loaves of bread made of fine flour prepared for the golden table every Sabbath day. Regular Offerings: These included grain offerings and burnt offerings. They were part of daily rituals to honor God. Special Offerings: These offerings were made on special days like the Sabbath, New Moon festivals, and other religious feasts. Holy Offerings: These were special offerings dedicated to God. Sin Offerings: These offerings were made to seek forgiveness for sins. General Temple Upkeep: The tax was also used for the maintenance of the temple and its properties. The rest of the verses address the First-Fruit Offerings. In the Law of Moses, "First-Fruits Offerings" were the first portion of crops and produce that were harvested by the Israelites. These were offered to God as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment that the land and its produce belonged to Him. They were: Symbols of Gratitude: The offering of the first fruits was a way for the Israelites to express their thankfulness to God for the fertility of the land and the harvest. It was also an acknowledgment that everything they had came from God. Offerings for the Temple: These first fruits were brought to the Temple and presented to the priests. The offering included various types of produce, depending on what the individual had harvested. Supplies for Celebrations: The offering of first fruits was often associated with their religious festivals, like the Feast of Booths, which they had just celebrated. Presentation of God's Best Provision: By offering the first and best of their produce, the Israelites showed their trust in God's continued provision. It was an act of faith, given that they offered these first fruits before the full harvest was gathered. The first fruits were a tangible way for the people of God to participate in worshipping something greater than themselves. They were tangible reminders of their dependence and need for the provision of God. Two applications here. First, we should always give God the best of our time, talent, and treasure. We all should. As your pastor and teacher, I should give you my very best. But you should give your very best as well. The believing body needs each other, and we should all bring to bear in the community our very best to help administrate the regular and daily work of the Lord. The things I do here don't just happen. Some people join with me to make it happen. I have a finance team, website team, prayer team, volunteer team, publishing team, planning team, and videography team. In fact, [shameless plug 😬] I am currently looking for someone with some video-editing/social media skills. When all these things work together, God uses us to reach his people for his kingdom and glory. Second, we also give our first and best to keep our pleasures subject to God's ongoing provision. Every believer will always struggle with selfishness and pride, but the first-fruits principle is a full frontal attack on this. The first fruits practice keeps our pleasures pointed at God's pleasures. Giving our first and best requires us to regularly submit our selfish desires and prideful passions to God and his priorities, plan, pleasure, and provision. Therefore, when we give God "our best," we recognize that this is an output of "his best," which is a gift to us; we are only allowed to steward, which keeps us dependent on his goodness. So, do me a favor. Like I give my best to the body, I want you to give your best to the body today. This could be your family, a group, or your church. But give for their benefit, your benefit, and God's glory. #SabbathRenewal, #Nehemiah10, #FaithInAction, #GodsCommandments, #ModernFaith, #RestAndWorship, #BiblicalPrinciples, #ChristianDiscipline, #SpiritualGrowth, #DailyDevotion ASK THIS: How can we apply the principle of Sabbath renewal in our contemporary lives, especially considering the challenges of modern work and technology? Reflect on ways you can integrate rest and worship into your weekly routine, honoring God amidst a busy lifestyle. In what areas of your life might you be tempted to dismiss certain biblical teachings as culturally irrelevant, and how can you actively engage with these Scriptures instead? Discuss how the commitment of the Israelites to adapt and uphold God's commands, despite changing circumstances, can inspire us to find relevant applications of biblical principles in our daily lives. DO THIS: Let Scripture convict you and change you. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to honor Your Scriptures in a way that is true to Your Word, and give me the wisdom to apply its principles in my daily life, reminding me of the importance of rest and worship in my relationship with You. Guide me in living out Your teachings faithfully, even when they challenge the norms of my surroundings, so that my actions may reflect my commitment to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Faithful. CALL OUT: To Tony Wendt, one of our subscribers and financial partners from Neenah, WI. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. As I mentioned two days ago, the section from verses 30-39 lists specific changes the people agreed to make as a community with God. I have broken these down into three parts: Marital Purity (Nehemiah 10:30). Sabbath Renewal (Nehemiah 10:31). Temple Priority (Nehemiah 10:32-39). Today, we will focus on the third tenet of their rededication, their recommitment to Temple Priorities. There are a lot of details in this text. Many of them might seem a little foreign to you. So, let me break them down for you. The first two verses here address the Temple Administration. These were monies used for operational needs in service to God. Shewbread: These were 12 loaves of bread made of fine flour prepared for the golden table every Sabbath day. Regular Offerings: These included grain offerings and burnt offerings. They were part of daily rituals to honor God. Special Offerings: These offerings were made on special days like the Sabbath, New Moon festivals, and other religious feasts. Holy Offerings: These were special offerings dedicated to God. Sin Offerings: These offerings were made to seek forgiveness for sins. General Temple Upkeep: The tax was also used for the maintenance of the temple and its properties. The rest of the verses address the First-Fruit Offerings. In the Law of Moses, "First-Fruits Offerings" were the first portion of crops and produce that were harvested by the Israelites. These were offered to God as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment that the land and its produce belonged to Him. They were: Symbols of Gratitude: The offering of the first fruits was a way for the Israelites to express their thankfulness to God for the fertility of the land and the harvest. It was also an acknowledgment that everything they had came from God. Offerings for the Temple: These first fruits were brought to the Temple and presented to the priests. The offering included various types of produce, depending on what the individual had harvested. Supplies for Celebrations: The offering of first fruits was often associated with their religious festivals, like the Feast of Booths, which they had just celebrated. Presentation of God's Best Provision: By offering the first and best of their produce, the Israelites showed their trust in God's continued provision. It was an act of faith, given that they offered these first fruits before the full harvest was gathered. The first fruits were a tangible way for the people of God to participate in worshipping something greater than themselves. They were tangible reminders of their dependence and need for the provision of God. Two applications here. #SabbathRenewal, #Nehemiah10, #FaithInAction, #GodsCommandments, #ModernFaith, #RestAndWorship, #BiblicalPrinciples, #ChristianDiscipline, #SpiritualGrowth, #DailyDevotion ASK THIS: How can we apply the principle of Sabbath renewal in our contemporary lives, especially considering the challenges of modern work and technology? Reflect on ways you can integrate rest and worship into your weekly routine, honoring God amidst a busy lifestyle. In what areas of your life might you be tempted to dismiss certain biblical teachings as culturally irrelevant, and how can you actively engage with these Scriptures instead? Discuss how the commitment of the Israelites to adapt and uphold God's commands, despite changing circumstances, can inspire us to find relevant applications of biblical principles in our daily lives. DO THIS: Let Scripture convict you and change you. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to honor Your Scriptures in a way that is true to Your Word, and give me the wisdom to apply its principles in my daily life, reminding me of the importance of rest and worship in my relationship with You. Guide me in living out Your teachings faithfully, even when they challenge the norms of my surroundings, so that my actions may reflect my commitment to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Faithful.

And if the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day. And we will forego the crops of the seventh year and the exaction of every debt. — Nehemiah 10:31 CALL OUT: To Michael Howells, one of our subscribers from Lakeville, MN. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. He recommended our next book of the Bible, which will be Galatians. We will start talking about that in a couple of weeks. As I mentioned yesterday, the section from verses 30-39 lists specific changes the people agreed to make as a community with God. I have broken these down into three parts: Marital Purity (Nehemiah 10:30). Sabbath Renewal (Nehemiah 10:31). Temple Priority (Nehemiah 10:32-39). Today, we will focus on the second tenet of their rededication, their recommitment to Sabbath Renewal. Let me explain in the simplest terms what was happening with this tenet. The people read the old rules regarding the Sabbath and Sabbatical Year, to which they had not been adhering. They were convicted about them, but their time and situation had radically changed. For example, the Sabbath in the Persian Empire was not a religious practice, which would make inactivity challenging since a lot of commerce happened on the weekend. Also, regarding Sabbatical Year practices, most did not have slaves since they were slaves, so this practice had to be tailored a bit as well. But here is what I like about their agreement to this tenet. They understood that just because their situation had changed, caused by their sin, this did not mean God's commands were any less relevant. So, because they were so committed to this process, they attempted to find the most meaningful way to make it work instead of just opting out. This is where some believers are tempted to make a critical compromise. Let me explain. When we read a Scripture that convicts us and know it challenges our thinking and demands a change, we have a choice. We can either reject the Scripture and dismiss it as culturally irrelevant, or we can accept it and engage the Scripture, finding a way, some way, any way, to apply the principle to our everyday lives. The latter is what the people of Israel do here, and this is what we should do as well. Choosing to punt on Scripture and calling it irrelevant is always irreverent. In our time, we encounter the same challenge in applying this tenet. For example, we don't practice the Sabbath exactly like ancient Israel did, but we should take a day for rest and worship dedicated to the Lord. Also, we don't have a direct equivalent to the Sabbatical Year, but there are ethical and spiritual lessons in this practice for us; for example, our faith should shape how we think about and interact with society. This is why I do what I do right here with you daily. I work hard each day to study, interpret, and find application in the text so that you will find immediate and simple ways to apply the Scripture to your everyday life. But here's the deal—the tenets of Scripture are only effective when you actually do them. They have an effect when you read, understand, feel, and then act upon it. So, like these people did here, let's make that agreement together. The next time you are convicted about Scripture, you will act a little quicker and find any way possible to live it out in your everyday life. #SabbathRenewal, #Nehemiah10, #FaithInAction, #GodsCommandments, #ModernFaith, #RestAndWorship, #BiblicalPrinciples, #ChristianDiscipline, #SpiritualGrowth, #DailyDevotion ASK THIS: How can we apply the principle of Sabbath renewal in our contemporary lives, especially considering the challenges of modern work and technology? Reflect on ways you can integrate rest and worship into your weekly routine, honoring God amidst a busy lifestyle. In what areas of your life might you be tempted to dismiss certain biblical teachings as culturally irrelevant, and how can you actively engage with these Scriptures instead? Discuss how the commitment of the Israelites to adapt and uphold God's commands, despite changing circumstances, can inspire us to find relevant applications of biblical principles in our daily lives. DO THIS: Let Scripture convict you and change you. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to honor Your Scriptures in a way that is true to Your Word, and give me the wisdom to apply its principles in my daily life, reminding me of the importance of rest and worship in my relationship with You. Guide me in living out Your teachings faithfully, even when they challenge the norms of my surroundings, so that my actions may reflect my commitment to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Faithful.

We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. — Nehemiah 10:30 CALL OUT: To Richard Maisel, one of our subscribers from Council Bluffs, IA. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. The section from verses 30-39 lists specific changes the people agreed to make as a community with God. It's clear as you read it they read the Law of Moses and discovered that there were some things they were doing that they should not have been doing. For the next three devotionals, I am going to break these down into three parts: Marital Purity (Nehemiah 10:30). Sabbath Renewal (Nehemiah 10:31). Temple Priority (Nehemiah 10:32-39). Today, we will focus on the first tenet of their rededication, their recommitment to marital purity. Most of you following me through the book will remember in Nehemiah 6:17-19, that we discussed the challenges of their intermarriage with the Persians. (Read Here) During the period when the Israelites were captives in Babylon, Assyria, and later in Persia, they naturally intermarried with foreigners who did not share their belief in God. Given the plunder of the nation and the destruction of the wall, city, and temple, they became distant from the Scripture and slipped into forbidden practices. Religious intermarriage was one of these unlawful practices. This always happens when we distance ourselves from Scripture. We slip into forbidden practices because sinful and selfish people will always take the path of least resistance. But as we saw in the previous chapter, the leadership and people get reacquainted with the Scripture. When they read it, they were convicted by what they read, which is both interesting and challenging. First, it's interesting because religious intermarriages were a source of tension for Nehemiah during the rebuilding of the wall. Some of the civic leaders of Israel had children who intermarried with the leaders of Persia and, therefore, sympathized with them during the rebuilding of the wall. These families worked to hijack the communication and incite fear in hopes of preventing the project's progression. And Nehemiah had to call it out. Thus, unbiblical marriages created conflicts of interest and tensions that were obstacles to rebuilding and renewal. Second, I am sure addressing the matter of intermarriage was also challenging. Addressing something the people had readily accepted and only now discovered is unacceptable is tough to confront and change. It is especially difficult when it is something like a marriage between two people who have become emotionally, spiritually, and sexually entangled with the religion of the opposition. As we know, there was a large percentage of the civic leaders of Israel who were already intermarried and had to have been deeply grieved by this. But still, they agree to this first tenet—a renewal of marital purity. As I have deepened my relationship with Scripture, I've gained profound insights into the sacredness of marriage. When rooted in a shared belief in God, this holy union holds immeasurable richness and strength. However, I've also witnessed the challenges and often the heartache in marriages where two people hold differing religious beliefs. Through these experiences, I've come to understand that for a marriage to thrive, it must be built on a foundation of aligned spiritual values and beliefs. It only works by the rules God instructs—a marriage between one man and one woman who are both believers for a lifetime. I was recently taken aback by a testimony from a young Christian man who had married a young woman who was not a believer. This young couple had their first child. Then, a few years later, his wife wanted to reassign the gender of their child. Because he disagreed and his (Christian) views were considered abusive, fundamental, and unloving, they were divorced, and the child was forcibly removed from his custody. Now, the future of his child, his flesh and blood, is going to be subject to an ideology that he disagrees with that will affect this child and this man for the rest of their lives. This is a very vivid illustration of the dangers of two competing religious beliefs within marriage. The only way marriage works is God's way. God designed man and woman. Marriage was his idea. It is not a cultural construct that we can manipulate to our liking. It was constructed in the mind of God, and he has rules for it. Like it or not, they are his rules. But when we abide by his rules and live under his reign, we find everything: companionship, alignment, blessing, continuity, and emotional, spiritual, and sexual fulfillment. So, if you are unmarried or a young man or young woman listening today, do not compromise on this. You may think you can convince them to side with your beliefs over time, but this rarely happens. What ends up happening is you both make compromises, and over time, it leads to drift, and before you know it, your family and the next generation are a long way off from God. You will be in the same situation that some of these people were. Instead, I want to implore you to be dedicated to the principles of Scripture upholding the sanctity of marriage. Just do it God's way. It's the best way. And in your dedication to Scripture and God, pray that he will bring you a believing spouse that will result in your pleasure and God's glory for you, your marriage, and your next generation. #MaritalPurity, #Nehemiah10, #FaithfulMarriage, #GodsDesignForMarriage, #ScripturalWisdom, #ChristianUnion, #SacredBonds, #SpiritualAlignment, #BiblicalMarriage, #FaithAndFamily, #GodlyPartnership, #HolyMatrimony, #ChristianDevotional, #SpiritualIntegrity, #MarriageInFaith ASK THIS: In what ways does the story of the Israelites' struggle with marital purity in Nehemiah 10:30 challenge your current understanding of the importance of shared faith in marriage? How can these insights be applied in your own life or in guiding others towards making spiritually aligned marital choices? Reflect on a time when you, or someone you know, faced a challenge due to differing religious beliefs in a relationship. How did it impact the relationship's dynamics, and what lessons can be learned about the importance of shared spiritual values in building a strong, God-centered marriage? DO THIS: Take Scripture and marriage seriously. PRAY THIS: Father, guide me in understanding and upholding the sacredness of marriage as You designed, and help me to seek a partner who shares my faith and commitment to You, so that together we may glorify Your name in our union. Grant me wisdom and strength to make choices that align with Your will, fostering a relationship that is blessed and rooted in Your love. Amen. PLAY THIS: Carry You Through.

GET DANIEL HERE: https://amzn.to/3vx1VVn On the seals are the names of Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah, Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests. And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; and their brothers, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, Baanah.— Nehemiah 10:1-27 CALL OUT: To Jeff Kendell, one of our ministry partners from Denver, NC. Thanks for being a member and subscriber. I know this text contains a long list of names, but there are a couple of things that captured me here today: First | Leaders Commit To Going First The rededication starts with the spiritual and civic leaders committing themselves. Verses 1-27 list every leader's signature, showing their dedication to God through a covenant. This marks a significant leadership renewal. This is what leaders do. They willingly go first. This is leadership in its purest form. When leaders embrace a new or renewed commitment, they proclaim it themselves. It's not just a strategic leadership move; it's a declaration of their conviction for the cause they conveyed. This principle is so simple yet so forgotten. Sometimes, we assume that our personal and private declaration is good enough because we are making a commitment. And that is great, but not great as we lead people. If you want others to follow you in your family, church, and workplace, you will have to move it from private to public. There are lots of occasions that it's appropriate to do this, like meals and special gatherings. Nehemiah, Zedekiah, and Ezra declared a special day to make this personal commitment public to the people. Second | Leaders Commit To Integrate However, personal commitments are not made public to put on a show but rather to show others they need the community to accomplish their commitments. And this is where integrity comes into play. The public commitment of the leader must be deeply integrated into their personal life before the people will integrate it into theirs. Take, for instance, a family. If a father wants to set a new tone about respect, honesty, and love in his home—he can't just have a family meeting where he demands it from everyone in the house. He has to talk the talk and walk the walk. He needs to declare a commitment to these values and then live them out himself. When his family sees how he walks his talk, there is a greater likelihood they'll pick them up, too. He's not just saying it. He's doing it, and that's integration. The same thing goes for the workplace. Employees can tell if their boss believes in the company's stand or if they're putting on a show. When a leader is truly all in, putting their heart and soul into the company's goals and values, it rubs off on everyone else. It's contagious, which builds loyalty and trust, affecting others in the company. Great leadership is a continuous grind. Though declared publicly, a leader's values and commitments must always endure long-term testing. When followers see our words and actions align, they begin to trust and believe in us, making it easier for them to commit to our cause. So, are you ready to be a leader worth following? Commit to going first and commit to integrating. #LeadingByExample, #PublicCommitment, #NehemiahLeadership, #IntegrityInAction, #FaithfulLeaders, #ConvictionAndCourage, #LeadershipCovenant, #ActionableFaith, #ChristianLeadership, #CommitToLead ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you witnessed a leader make a public commitment to a cause or value. How did this act of leadership influence your perception of them and motivate you or others to follow their example? In your own life, consider a value or commitment that you hold privately. What steps can you take to integrate this more deeply into your daily actions, and how might making this commitment public strengthen your role as a leader in your community, family, or workplace? DO THIS: Go first and public with your commitment and integrate it. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me the strength to lead with a brave heart, to stand up for what's right and true in both my deeds and speech. Let me be a beacon for others, guiding them to a life of honesty and belief, just like Nehemiah. Let me wear my devotion to You on my sleeve, in everything I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: For Me and My House.

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention to your commandments and your warnings that you gave them. Even in their own kingdom, and amid your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land that you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their wicked works. Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress. “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. — Nehemiah 9:32-38 CALL OUT: To Scott Collins, one of our ministry partners from Poncha Springs, CO. Thanks for your support and partnership in the Gospel. I pray this blesses you today. This moment is potent. It reminds me of those moments in our lives when we sit in the valley between our sins and God's salvation. These moments are difficult to navigate. But this text reveals that spiritual leaders guide them with three actions. Three actions aid in moving the people hurting to healing and from their sin to God's salvation. Action One | They Looking Back So, first things first. Ezra is going to clarify their past patterns of sin. And Ezra was honest about it. Ezra lays it all out there in detail, sparing no detail. You'll notice he doesn't generalize their sins or the sins of past generations. He is specific as he recalls and reflects on every one of them. As we move through the valley in our lives, we need to do the same. We need to look back on our sins. We don't look back on it to beat ourselves down. But we look back on it intending to avoid it in the future. We should know it well enough to articulate it, understand what instigated it, and identify it the next time it arises so we can go to war with it. Here are three questions that might guide you through the process of looking back: What was my specific sin? Why did I sin? How will I respond the next time this sin tempts me? Action Two | They Look To God Ezra then directs them to God. He proclaims God's never-ending faithfulness. This is intentional and purposeful. It's a declaration that God is not the problem; they are. It's a declaration that God has not changed; they have. He is faithful even though they have been unfaithful. When we are in the valley, it's crucial to see the gap between us and God. God is not like us. He never breaks a promise. He keeps all his covenants. His character never falters. In the gap, we see that every sinful event of this life is the consequence of our sin. And we only understand the reaches of this when we look at God and see him for who he is (and we are not). Third | They Look Forward Finally, Ezra wraps up this rededication and confession by putting all their names on a covenant agreement with God. It's a public agreement set to pen and paper. This is powerful. This is not going to be a tongue-in-cheek agreement. It's far more. I wish churches and believers did this far more often, especially regarding our confession of faith in God and the rededications we make to God. They should be more than just a silent prayer in your seat, a modest raise of a hand, or standing up in your seat. They need to be public declarations of faith that pronounce the old is gone, and a new covenant has come. Some of you reading this today need this first start or a fresh start with God. You have sat in the valley long enough. You are tired of the old life and ready for a new life with God. If so, maybe now is a time to declare a new covenant with God. If so, do what these people did: Look back and confess your sins. Look to God and see his greatness, faithfulness, and justice. Then look forward and make a new commitment. And you can do that right here. In the comments below, declare these three things. Me and my team will hear you. We will pray for you. And those reading and listening today will hear your confession and rededication. And then go and sin no more. #Nehemiah9, #SpiritualJourney, #FacingThePast, #EmbracingFaith, #GodsFaithfulness, #RenewalInChrist, #ConfessionToCovenant, #ChristianGrowth, #BiblicalWisdom ASK THIS: In what ways have you, like the Israelites in Nehemiah 9, experienced the consequences of your own sins or the collective sins of your community? Reflect on specific instances where you've recognized this impact. How has acknowledging these sins personally led you to a deeper understanding of God’s grace and mercy in your life? Nehemiah 9 emphasizes the importance of not just acknowledging our sins but also actively rededicating ourselves to God. What does making a "new covenant" with God mean to you in your current spiritual walk? Discuss practical steps you can take as an individual or as a group to publicly affirm and live out this renewed commitment to God and His commandments. DO THIS: Make a first-time or renewed commitment if you are in the valley. PRAY THIS: Lord, when I look back on my life and see the mistakes I've made, I ask for Your help. Please give me the humility to ask for Your forgiveness and the courage to follow Your path. Remind me of Your unwavering love and loyalty, and steer me towards a fresh start, living life as You would want me to. Amen. PLAY THIS: I Will Offer Up My Life.