I [HEART] People

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” Nehemiah 1:10-11 NIV

As I continue on this journey of ministry and evangelism, I realize that coupled with the aid of the Holy Spirit there is another continuous driving force egging me to go on. Even in times of depleting strength and growing weariness this one thing is what picks me up, shakes off the dust of despair, and places me upright to head into the trenches another day. I have a heart for people. I [HEART] PEOPLE.

Reading the story of Nehemiah, and witnessing his longing to see his fellow Jews thrive and prosper again after ruin, hit home for me. Nehemiah found himself weeping, fasting, and praying; not for himself, but for the betterment of his people. Identifying with this character trait I am intuitively understanding of why Jesus’ greatest commandment was to love God and to love one another. For it is this love, outside of one’s self, that becomes the driving force behind perseverance.

When believers feel that we are running this race alone (Just us and God) we often times yearn to quit. Have you ever just wanted to roll the credits and be ushered into heaven by the angels? Well, we have all been there at one time or another. But, what keeps us motivated is possessing the truly expansive heart of Christ. Jesus had the capacity of heart that cared more for people than His own circumstantial well-being. He understood, like Nehemiah, that, temporarily, He would have to put in taxing sacrificial work; but the reward of bringing others to true glory was well worth it.

Having a “Christ” heart for people is not always the easiest existence. But at the end of the day, knowing that people are rooting for you and are willing to help you “build that wall” is all the more to keep pushing! Be of good courage people of God! When the journey gets weary and quitting seems to be the only option, momentarily think about the people who would miss out on heaven if they never witnessed the ministry that God has placed within you. Let that be your motivation.

Pick up the next stone and keep building!

Nikki D

When Tested… Use Wisdom

There are times in life when we are tested by those with opposing opinions regarding our faith. As believers, we sometimes find ourselves caught in arguments and confrontations that could have been avoided had we exercised wisdom and sound judgment. As I look at the example given by Jesus in St. John 8:3-10, He shows us the proper way to handle discrepancies when they come.

When the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the middle of the court and put the case before Him. Teacher, they said, This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. Now Moses in the Law commanded us that such [women--offenders] shall be stoned to death. But what do You say [to do with her--what is Your sentence]? This they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Then He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger. They listened to Him, and then they began going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before Him in the center of the court. When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.(AMP)

When Jesus was presented with this case by hypocritical religious people, He could have very well called them out for their audacity. Because remember, the sole mission of the Pharisees that day was to develop a valid accusation against Jesus in order to arrest Him and later kill Him. Knowing this I’m sure that Jesus took His moment of silence to write in order to gather His thoughts and hear from the Father. Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a potential argument? Did you immediately argue your point, or were you able to take a quick moment to gather your thoughts and make a wise comment? It’s so easy for us to emotionally lash out in the heat of an argument; however, such a decision is unwise. When we take a moment to gather our thoughts and then make a sound, God initiated, decision we will then look up and notice that all our accusers have disappeared.

Therefore look up brothers and sisters and notice that your naysayers have left and that only Jesus stands before you. And all He asks of you is that you turn from your sinful ways.

Be blessed good people.

Nikki D