In chapter 7 Nehemiah writes about two important criteria he used to select leaders within the Israelite people 1) integrity and 2) a respect for God that was greater then most. These two factors are still valid today and we can look into our own actions to identify where we could mature. He finishes talking through the completion of the wall again, and his actions remind us that although our efforts towards a certain assignment for God may rest; our relationship with Him never does. 

We know how important it is to have a heart for God, and in chapter 6 Nehemiah shows us what it can look like to have a back bone for Him as well. Having a back bone for God against the things of this world is not easy, and yes it comes at a cost, but He is worth and promises to always be with you. 

Tonight we get a master's level lesson on charity, selflessness and helping others from Nehemiah and an elementary level lesson on finances and ethics from Dad. It's a good chapter and unique topic for Bedtime Bible Boys. 

Tonight, we take a break from our Nehemiah reading and dig into my profound purpose as a Father and how it has become one of the great blessings and joys of my life. Every Father should give his son a blessing, an identity, validation, acceptance, purpose and love. Sometimes hearing what that sounds like can help us learn how to do it for sons and daughters and children who we are guiding. 

Nehemiah continues to give us leadership and management lessons as we conclude our description of the who's who on Jerusalem wall building. Uriah, David, what it means to follow God's heart, and diligent management are all key lessons. 

In chapter 3 Nehemiah shows us a strategy to use as leaders: get your team invested in the success of a project. He offers a second lesson: whenever possible, just ignore those who are lazy and stay committed to the task at hand. Some quarrels cannot produce fruit and these should be avoided - work diligently in the purposes the Lord has given you and with the excellence with which He has blessed you. 

We are called to be encouragers, those of us who belong to the way. However, in life we will struggle against the flesh and we will certainly struggle with other in the flesh and those who are not of the way. It is important as we face this negativity we remember, like Nehemiah, that the Lord's purpose is with you and that He works out all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose - so we don't have to worry about what others may say about our endeavors. 

We kick-off a new book of the Bible tonight with Nehemiah, which chronologically is an extension of Ezra. Nehemiah leads the third group of exiles to Jerusalem and returns to find a nation lost in sin. Nehemiah follows Ezra's example of confession and repentance and pleads for the Lord's mercy. Fortunately, when we read this scripture today, we know of a thing greater than mercy and that is the Grace by which our Father eternally loves and accepts us through the sacrifice of His son, our savior, Jesus Christ. 

We don't talk much about it, but chapter 10 concludes the book of Ezra. In a chapter of mixed feelings we can take note of the instinct of the Israel leadership to confess and repent how they have lived after coming back to Jerusalem (even in light of all the ways God has blessed and delivered them). However, we also see a scary tactic play out which is delayed obedience. We struggle with this one still today, "Ok Father I will do it your way, just wait one more minute..."

All of the Old Testament is good, and true, and all of it can provide good direction on Godly living and keeping strong in the spirit. Sometimes, it is good to remember how good the good news of the New Testament is and how the truth of Jesus Christ literally changes the our entire stance in our righteousness with God. In this chapter we read about Ezra in despair over the Israelites failure to keep the commands of God. Unhappiness is still a good instinct when we fail to honor the relationship we've entered into with our Father, but in Christ we have a right standing that never leads to shame and despair. Instead, He gives us a hope that cannot be taken away. And in that hope we find that although we are still broken in the flesh - He blesses us.