Maybe it's just a Southern thing, but have you noticed there’s a whole lot of “blessing” going on?

Even as fragile and small as we are, we have been entrusted with responsibility to manage the planet. . . . The psalmist gives us not only inspiration but also hope in Psalm 8.

This year, as in every year, we are called to join our Creator and our King in creating, renewing, restoring, and subduing until he comes again.

Learning from the example of Nehemiah and considering the poverty advocated by the first Beatitude—those are the possibilities offered by this week’s posts. Which ones do you want to read again? Which would be best for you to share with a friend?

How readily will we seek a state of spiritual poverty? Are we ready to stand before God and agree we really have nothing to offer him?

Maybe prayers that ask God to remember are really more about us remembering that God keeps his promises. I think that became Nehemiah’s issue.

Good leaders not only take on projects. They also develop the people that will lead when they have finished their assignments. The first step Nehemiah took was to appoint leaders for different functions to extend and continue the work of the city.

Instead of threats, they offered him kindness. But Nehemiah knew their overtures were really just another effort to distract him from the work God gave him.

Opposition from without was not the only problem Nehemiah faced. Just as dangerous were situations he found among his own people.

Too often today, if someone doesn’t like something another is doing, the response is to mock them or question their worth. That’s what Nehemiah’s opposition did, but it was not what he did. He chose to pray.

The year has begun, and how are you doing? These colder, grayer days can sometimes sap the spiritual energy from the fervor we felt over the holidays. This week’s posts can help! Choose one or two to read again and share with a friend who also needs the encouragement only God’s Word provides.

Was Zechariah being punished for doubting the angel, or was his problem—and is yours—something else altogether?

Once the question leads to action, the activity will grow. What will prompt your upcoming work? What will prompt someone to join you?

Nehemiah experienced what you will discover: When God calls you to restore and rebuild, you can be confident at least two things will happen.

God prompts, often where we don’t expect, sometimes before we even realize we need his help. Are you hoping to feel his nudge?

We have something in common with Nehemiah. Faced with falling walls, he found God’s strength to get busy rebuilding. Will we?

It’s the equivalent of “hello,” but maybe this year we can make it mean more.

Posts this week focus on the new year ahead. Which of these has helped you anticipate the coming months with new courage and resolve? 

The echoes of “Happy New Year” are still ringing in our ears. But, frankly, Lord, “happy” doesn’t quite describe the way we’re feeling as we look ahead to 2022.

We teach the next generation to praise God by the way we praise him in both the good and the bad days of our lives. How did that happen in 2021? How will it happen next year?