04/21/2021 – Day 339 – Nehemiah 5 – 9 // “How to abound in blessings.”
We see the pronouncement of the Jerusalem Walls being completed in 6:15-16 with the note even their disheartened heathen detractors could deny that God in fact did the work through His sovereign will. As Paul noted in Romans that “no man has an excuse” for God’s power and sovereignty is evident for all to see.
- “As the beast in the meadow knows not the far-reaching thoughts of him who reads the star and threads the spheres, so neither can the carnal man make so much as a guess of what are the joys which God hath prepared for those who love Him, which any day, when our hearts seek it, He reveals to us by His spirit. This is “the joy of the Lord,” fellowship with the Father and with His son Jesus Christ. Beloved, if we reach this point, we must labor to maintain our standing, for our Lord saith to us ‘abide in me.’ The habit of communion is the life of happiness.”Charles Spurgeon
The commentary titled after my title on this post is for chapter 7:2. Although in this case, I fail to perceive the direct connection, no matter, for we cannot fail to God’s wisdom in it. So I encourage you to look up the referenced verses as well.
“The Bible asks the rhetorical question: ‘Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithfal man?’ (Proverbs 20:6) There hard-to-find ‘faithful’ people often have unique and much appreciated characteristics:
- When asked to do something, they will almost always write it down. This shows that they consider the request to be of importance and don’t want it to slip their mind. This also reveals a humble hear, because it shows they are aware of their weaknessesw. God didn’t just speak the Ten Commandments. He wrote them down so that we would remember them. (see Deuteronomy 9:10)
- They will never complain when asked to do something, even though they may be extremely busy. It has been well said that if you want something done, give it to the busiest person you know. He will do it and do it quickly (see Proverbs 25:13)
- They will keep their word, even if it hurts them (see Psalms 15:4).
- They enthusiastically appreciate their job, and take pride in their appearance and their workplace (Colossians 3:23).
- Proverbs 25:19 says, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.” A bad tooth and a foot out of joint produce pain when pressure is applied. It is during the times of pressure that a faithful person is most appreciated.
- The basis of all these things is that they love and fear God, and do all things as unto Him (see Psalm 101:6, Colossians 3:23)
- God’s hand is evident in them: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings.” (Proverbs 28:20)