Giving to God’s Work

Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
TEXT: NEHEMIAH 7:5 ,6
 
Key verse: “These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city“ ( Nehemiah 7:6 ).

 
Recording and strict documentation of events, incidents and dates are integral parts of accountability. They are inevitable in human life. More often, accounts relating to births, deaths, admission, dismissals, debts and payments are kept. God keeps a record of names of every believer in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 20:15).

 
In our text, Nehemiah thought it fit to have an account of the people. He found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up at the first. He found written therein those who had come back from the captivity. He called the rulers and the people, that he might have an account of the present state of their families: the number, strength and where they were settled. Having revived the old register to get the new established, he then compared the present account with the old.

 
We dare not underestimate the fact that God in heaven keeps and updates His records concerning us. It is evident from Scripture (Revelation 20:11-15), that God has a book of life and other books of reckoning. A believer's name is removed immediately the person sins against God (Exodus 32:33). At the Great White Throne Judgment, people would be judged by God out of those things which are written in the books, “according to their works”. Whosoever is not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.

 
Are you in the number of those whose names are in the Book of Life? Is your name already blotted out from the Book because of sin? What account is God keeping concerning your deeds? You need to settle the matter now and get your name written or restored in the only Book that matters, 'THE BOOK OF LIFE.'

 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Those who take heed to their souls will be spared the tremor of hell-fire.

 
Daily Manna 2014: Watching Over God's Treasure
Monday 03, February 2014
TEXT: NEHEMIAH 7:1-4
 
Key verse: “… Let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, and everyone to be over against his house…“ ( Nehemiah 7:3 ).

 
God's special care for His own Church is the reason He sets shepherds or overseers to watch over them. They provide nourishment, protection and love for His sheep. He says: “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem…” (Isaiah 62:6). God's watchmen warn, instruct, correct and see to the growth and increase of His flock.

 
Having fortified Jerusalem with gates and walls, Nehemiah's next care was to see that the city was kept. He appointed porters, singers and Levites in their places. Also, governors were appointed to take care of the city and to provide public peace and safety. The men so appointed had integrity and they feared God. He instructed that the gates be shut and barred every night. The walls also must be guarded. The walls would be to no purpose if the gates remained open.

 
God expects us to be vigilant and watchful over spiritual and physical things. Ourselves, houses and all the heritage of God in our charge must come under our watchful eyes. We must not be presumptuous. The general safety of our church, family and the country (physically and spiritually) depends upon every one's particular effort to guard himself/herself and his/her own family against sin and that common enemy – the devil.

 
It is every one's duty to watch, but many do not understand this. As a Christian, you are already a watchman appointed to turn sinners to God and also to be your brother's keeper. We are also to keep our hearts with all diligence. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that “except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watcheth but in vain …” (Psalm 127:1).

 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Walls without watchmen, a poor defence to a city.