Prayer: Father, there is a lesson to be learned from today’s scripture. Reveal Your will through the scriptures today. Amen.
Reading: Nehemiah 11 key: vs. 1-2 “So the leaders of the people dwelt in Jerusalem while the remainder of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine remained in the other towns. Then the people blessed all the men who volunteered to dwell in Jerusalem.” TLV
Attention: We tend to do something similar today in the government seats of each state. States have designated capitals where all our state governing leaders congregate during sessions of state representatives. There are certain times that they are in session and required to be in attendance.
Jerusalem was the governing and spiritual center of Israel. There was no separation of governance and religion. Their religious life was the law and lifestyle of all Israel. All peoples were to travel to Jerusalem for the festivals which were established by God. So, during the time of Nehemiah, the leaders (spiritual) lived in Jerusalem. To establish Jerusalem as the center it was important to ensure Jerusalem was the prominent center of Israel, they “cast lots” (like drawing straws) to determine who would relocate and live in Jerusalem. One in ten people from the outer regions surrounding Jerusalem were required to live in Jerusalem. In addition, some people volunteered to live in Jerusalem. Like today, some prefer the big city appeal to cultural availability, and some prefer the rural settings.
Thankfully, no action of state or federal governments have legislated a percentage of the population of a state must live in the capitol city. Fortunately, we have not faced mandates on where we must. For now, we have freedom of choice; however, unless we oppose the forces which seek to impose their will upon our freedoms, we sadly will find ourselves at the mercy of our oppressors.
I encourage your activism and involvement at every level of community, state, and federal government. Be an active engaged citizen by attending city council meetings, school board meetings, by volunteering for precinct captains and polling place overseers. Please engage in the voting process.
Action: I choose to be an active participant in the decision-making process of my community, state, and federal government.
Yield: I choose to give the Holy Spirit leadership in guiding my engagement in the decision-making process of my community and nation.
Engage: I choose to be an active participant in the decision-making process of my community.
Relationship: I choose to live in intimate relationship with Adonai, my God.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for a nation which allows its citizens the right to be actively involved in the decision-making processes at all governmental levels. May we choose to be Your voice in all matters of our nation and communities. Amen.
Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:3 “A voice cries out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of Adonai, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” TLV
Music Video: Josh Baldwin—We Are Messengers—God You Are https://youtu.be/PducS0rwLkM?si=b5Q6f5ALpQXqZgWZ
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!