Nehemiah 10:1-31

Continuing off the previous devotion yesterday, we see here the commitment to remain faithful and obedient unto the Lord is co-signed by the following people. Nehemiah gives us a list of individuals who were part of this seal, acknowledging sin and affirming God’s law. They also make a promise to not allow their daughters to marry those around them nor take their daughters for their sons. Such marriages may lead the Israelites away from the Lord. They also agree not to purchase from neighboring groups when they sell on the Sabbath.

For some reason today’s devotion reminds me the importance of accountability and community. Our church has made a commitment unto the Lord to acknowledge sin and affirm the gospel. When I think about our upcoming membership class, every person that wishes to become a member must sign a membership covenant. The covenant is not difficult to understand, in fact it simply states the most obvious about what it means to be a member of a congregation. 

Christianity is not meant to be a relationship with God alone. It is meant to be a communal. This is why it is important to continually gather together as a church with our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you were to read Hebrews 10:19-25, this is what the author is reminding the people as to why they should not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing. We must be able to rely on one another to persevere and spur one another towards love and good deeds. 

I am thankful Christianity is not a lonely religion. I am thankful for a church community that is loving and continually encourages one another to love and to do good works. I am thankful to have brothers and sisters in Christ I can rely on and call upon when I am going through a difficult period of time. I am thankful for our GCC Canvas family.

Proverbs 20

To honor and respect one another, we should do our best to avoid arguments or strifes. It says in verse 3 that “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” 

Don’t be all talk, show it through your actions. It says in verse 6 that “many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” We can claim to love God and love others but if we are not faithful, what good is our words with no actions?

Avoid those that gossip too much because they will eventually gossip about you or about what you have shared. It is a red flag for you to avoid. It says in verse 19 that “a gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” 

Ultimately it is love that will bring great security. We must love God and remain faithful unto Him and we will find great satisfaction and peace for His throne will last forever. It says in verse 28 that “Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.”