Loyal deeds
for the church—providing support for the pastor, staff and others at church. In
Nehemiah’s day this was about caring for the Levites and the singers—who when
they weren’t provided for had to go out into the fields and gather their own
food, so they weren’t in the synagogue taking care of the Lord’s business. God
had prescribed exact duties for the Levites and they were to be taken care of
with the tithe. We recently visited a church in South Carolina, The Cathedral of Praise, and the pastor gave an excellent sermon on tithing—giving a tenth of
our income to the Lord. That hasn’t changed since the Old Testament days. Even
Jesus said that we are to give. That is one way of expressing our faith and
loyalty to God. He promises to bless us IF we return a tenth of our income (gross, not net) to Him.
Nehemiah
asked that the Lord remember Him. As we worship and serve the Lord we can again
recall that He has promised to never leave or forsake us. How can He forget us
if He is always with us? No worries. God will not forget you or your deeds.
Training Tip – With your family make a list of your loyal friends
and family. Make a list of those to whom you are loyal. Compare the lists—who
are in common to both lists. What qualities in their character draw you to want
to be loyal to them? What character qualities do you have that make others want
to be loyal to you? What are you doing to encourage those traits in your
children and grandchildren?
Lord – Remember me for the things I have done for
You, Lord. Show me new ways that I can serve You and express my loyalty.
Finishing up
the Random Acts of Kindness Week—how did you show kindness today?
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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