July 7, 2006

 

As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days….

--Nehemiah 1:4

 

We see here Nehemiah’s response to the news about the destruction of Jerusalem. And I believe what bothered him the most was that the name of God was disgraced. Nehemiah had a deep concern for the glory of God.

 

Nehemiah’s brokenness is quite different from what we see in so much of contemporary Christianity. The health, wealth, and happiness cult tells us that the chief purpose of life is to enjoy ourselves. But the Word of God tells us that the chief purpose of life is to employ ourselves in sacrifice and surrender to our God.

 

Christian, Jesus didn’t die on the cross in agony for us to simply enjoy the Christian life! 

 

Of course, there’s great joy in knowing Jesus Christ, and I want to be happy just like anyone else. But many people live as if God’s entire purpose is to make us happy and to make us feel good. Friend, we are to live for the glory of God, to serve, and to make a difference! 

 

Perhaps you’ve come to the point in your life where your marriage is broken. Or perhaps your family is fractured. Maybe even your finances are in shambles.

 

Wherever you may be in your life today, I pray you’ll be able to cry out to God for help…because He wants to help you, my friend!

 

NO GREAT WORK FOR CHRIST CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT BROKENNESS.