How about search their meanings...
Judah - to praise.
Benjamin - son of my right hand.
Shemaiah - hears God.
Jeremiah - raised up by God.
Me - smiling.
Six short weeks ago, I began this journey searching my heart and ears for God. I had no plan. I had no motive. I didn't know why I chose the 12:34 verses in the order that I did, but God knew exactly what He was doing. Looking back, I see God's direction and my heart aches with joy. He has been with me all the days of my life just waiting for me to seek Him first. He has spoken and I have listened. I'm still listening, Lord. Lead me.
Nehemiah 1:3 "...Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire." Nehemiah's response in 1:4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. The Lord revealed to Nehemiah that He wanted him to rebuild the the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:18 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. Though it was dangerous, those who believed were encouraged and ready to help Nehemiah rebuild. In chapter 3 of Nehemiah each verse lists someone different rebuilding each section. It seemed like such an enormous job, but when broken down into smaller pieces it wasn't overwhelming. Nehemiah 4:6 "...for the people worked with all their heart." Nehemiah 4:14 "...Don't be afraid of them, Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Even through intimidation and opposition, the wall was rebuilt in 52 days. Nehemiah 6:16 The work had been done with the help of God.
God has torn down walls rebuilding Paul and me and working on us from the inside out while we've been praying for Christian friendships to support and encourage our new life together. God answered that prayer this week by revealing his power and strength through others. Whether it was a phone call, a text message, a message through facebook or friends in our home, we were overwhelmingly blessed. I truly had no idea how powerful and comforting it was to talk about the love of God. ALL. THE. TIME. We even had a friend this week half jokingly say, "If you don't want to talk about God with me, then I don't think we have anything to talk about." The absolute best gift of all is that many of these "new" friendships aren't new. Most of the godly people in our lives are "old" friends who have become new again. God is doing some amazing things in the lives of many and we are witnessing it first hand. Thank you Jesus for not leaving us lonely.
In Nehemiah 12:27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. Nehemiah 12: 34;43 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah and Jeremiah were assigned to a choir. And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. I love the fact that Nehemiah was the final 12:34 I read. This is a book of celebration and praise to the Lord and it's exactly where Paul and I are now - in praise and celebration of our Heavenly Father for rebuilding us into who He wants us to be. Our journey has not finished. It is just beginning.
I thank you for allowing me to hear you by raising me up and I praise your Son who sits at your right hand.
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