Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 22, 2015
Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:17-18
To build anything worthwhile with eternal consequences requires a disciplined process. If by God’s grace, I want to build a life of character, it will take a disciplined process of prayer, Bible study, application and small group accountability. If I want to build a marriage, it will require selfless service, love and respect. If I want to build a family, it will involve a disciplined process of faith, love, hope, comfort, forgiveness, training and parental modeling of what’s expected of the child. If I want to build an enterprise with a culture of trust—collaboration and execution are necessary.
Nehemiah came home to discover his family, friends and culture in disarray. The walls of Jerusalem which represented safety, security and stability were torn down. The powerful preyed on the poor and the people in general were overwhelmed by fear and hopelessness. Within 24 hours Nehemiah organized the diversity of tribes and trades into a disciplined process of rebuilding the wall. Each group stayed true to their tasks in spite of resistance. He believed God called him to this vision and the Almighty would bring him success. He designed a disciplined process.
“He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success” (2 Chronicles 26:5).
What disciplined process is the Lord calling you to in this season of life? Avoid the temptation to quit just because it is hard. Stay in the process with perspiration and prayer. It may seem like you are going backwards, but eventually you will make progress. Building a relationship may be the most difficult discipline. Continue to initiate acceptance in the face of rejection. Forgive when offended and smile when frowned upon. Relationships grow with consistent investment. Like money compounds over time, so grows love and patience sown into a soiled soul. Be disciplined.
What is your God given vision for your family and work? If you desire a family environment of faith, fun and love then institute a regular process of church attendance and family devotions. Facilitate communication over meals to discuss everyone’s good and bad experiences of the day. If you crave a work culture of excellence and impact then start a process for team members to give regular feedback to one another on: 1) Same as, 2) More of and 3) Less of. Keep doing the same effective tasks, offer more helpful support and fewer unproductive ideas. By the Holy Spirit a disciplined process facilitates the Lord’s will for your life. Stay in a disciplined process.
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage, faith and accountability to follow Your disciplined processes for my life.
Related Readings: Proverbs 25:28; Genesis 1:1-31; 1 Corinthians 9:27, 14:40; 2 Timothy 2:3-5
Post/Tweet this today: By the Holy Spirit a disciplined process facilitates the Lord’s will for your life. #process #wisdomhunters
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