Here are my thoughts and highlights from Nehemiah as I continue my journey through the Bible:

  • "The point of what we’re urging is simply love–love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God."
  • "It’s true that moral guidance and counsel need to be given, but the way you say it and to whom you say it are as important as what you say." (Do you have reruns of stupid things you’ve said in the past going through your mind like I do?)
  • Paul equipped and empowered Timothy to carry on the ministry. Who are my Timothy’s? Am I setting them up for success?
  • God wants me to pray for people I know. And, he said it should be a priority to pray for our government leaders.
  • God wants everyone saved.
  • "What I want mostly is for men to pray–not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God."
  • Preconditions for ministry leaders: well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, hospitable, must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry, must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect, must not be a new believer and outsiders must think well of him.
  • We shouldn’t select unproven leaders. And, specifically, "Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily."
  • "The Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding."
  • I’m supposed to "exercise daily in God" to avoid "spiritual flabbiness."
  • "Don’t be harsh or impatient with an older man." Now you know why I’m so nice to old guys in my life like Tim and Mark.
  • "Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching." Are you surprised it says stuff like that in the Bible? God must have known that would be an issue in some churches.
  • I need to filter complaints. "Don’t listen to a complaint against a leader that isn’t backed up by two or three responsible witnesses." That’s why I tend to trust the leader over the complainer.
  • "Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it’s good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you." And it tastes better than NyQuil.
  • "Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble."
  • I want to "run hard and fast in the faith."

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