2 Kings 19:1-37; Jeremiah 52:1-34; 1 Timothy 3:1-16
So I prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah was an inspiring leader. His prayers attested His confidence in God. God’s interests were His goals (1:8-9). He left his honoured position to honour God (2:5). Knowing the adversaries, He foresaw the needs and His plans met those needs (4:16, 21). He valued unity and exemplified the self-sacrifice he required of others (4:15, 23). He was considerate of his workers (4:22). He was willing to die to finish his work (6:11). He advanced others (Ezra) to bless God’s people (chapter 8). When his people sinned, he interceded for them (chapter 9). In short, he was like the Lord Jesus. May God help us to have the same qualities. —David W. Oliver
Give me a faithful heart, likeness to Thee.
That each departing day, henceforth may see,
Some work of love begun, some deed of kindness done. —S. Phelps