Let's Meet David's "Mighty Men"

Do you ever meet people in your day-to-day activities without learning anything about them. I know you do, and so do I. Sometimes, we do similar things when we read the Bible. We will read over names and events without really considering why they are recorded in God's Book.
In this essay, I want to introduce you to some people (men) that I’ve met in the Old Testament, men who are often overlooked. In 2 Samuel 23:8-23, we meet four men who were David’s mighty men.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Adino.
Verse eight of our text begins a list of what David, Monarch of Israel, calls his “mighty men.” A man by the name of Adino was at the top of his list—“The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite....” The text goes on to tell us that Adino “...lift[ed] up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.”
Why was Adino in the camp of David’s mighty men? Could it be that he was included in this list because he was able to do so much with so little? The text says that he killed eight hundred with just one spear. How many times have we read in the Bible about those who have done great things with so little?
I think about the widow in Luke 21. In contrast to the rich who were casting great gifts into the treasury, here was a woman who put “two mites” (literally, two small coins) into the treasury. Jesus said, “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had” (21:3-4).
Then, there is the parable of the talents. You know the story: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man traveling, and who gives talents (a talent is one hundred and eighty seven pounds ten shillings) to his servants. To one he gives five talents; to another two talents; and, to another he gives just one talent. The man with five talents made a trade and profited five more talents. The one with two talents gained two more. But, the one with just one talent hid it in the ground. The master was pleased with his servants that doubled their talents. But, to the one who hid his talent, the master was greatly displeased.
What’s the point of this story? Most of us will never be two or five talent men. Generally, we will be one talent men. What then will we do with our talent? Will we be maximum producers? Or, will we be like the one who buried his talent? May we be like Adino—a man who did so much with so little.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Eleazar.
Eleazar was “...the son of Dodo the Ahohite....” Why was he included in the list of mighty men? Well, consider what was written about him, “...when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He [Eleazar] arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword...” (23:9-10). Eleazar was mighty because he fought a battle. Not just because he fought a battle, but because he did it all by himself.
Have you ever had to fight a battle alone? Maybe it's a battle in the home. Perhaps you’re trying to lead a child in the way he should go (in the Lord), and yet your spouse is of little to no help. Or, have you ever tried to fight a battle in the work place? Every member of your work team is trying to do something on a project that is lacking in good ethics, and you fight to do what’s right, even if it means the loss of your job? Maybe you’ve fought a battle in a congregation where you have attended. Have you ever seen elders in the church go the direction of the “change agents,” and you are the only one who fought for truth? If you’ve ever found yourself fighting a battle alone, then you can relate to Eleazar.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Abishai.
Abishai “...lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them...,” but “...he attained not unto the first three...” (23:18-19). In other words, he was great but not the greatest.
God is not looking for great men whom He can make leaders. He is looking for ordinary men who are willing to be faithful, and whom God can make great. When I think about this, I’m reminded of Peter. We are all aware that Peter did great things for Jesus and His kingdom. But let’s not forget who led Peter to Jesus. It was his brother, Andrew (Jn. 1:40-42). A disciple of Jesus, by the way, whom we know very little about. Andrew was not the greatest of men, but he was a great man.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Benaiah.
Benaiah was among David’s mighty men because of the conditions in which he had to fight. The text says, “And Benaiah...slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow...” (23:20-21). Did you notice when Benaiah fought and slew the lion? It was “in the midst of a pit in time of snow.”
Benaiah went down into the pit. In this action, he was risking his own safety and ability to flee danger. He did it during the time of snow. This shows the difficulty of traction and the inability to run from the aggressor. In short, Bebaiah risked his life.
What do I learn from this, and what lesson can apply to my life today? I learn that God gives me the ability to accomplish even the most difficult of tasks.

Let’s read God’s word carefully and not overlook the “little heroes” of the Bible. There are a number of practical lessons to be learned from God’s mighty men and women.

Rekindle the Fire

Ezekiel was a priest, later called by God to be a prophet. His ministry began toward the end of the time period of history we commonly refer to as "Judah Alone." From such passages as 2 Kings 24:14-17, we learn that Ezekiel was deported, along with Judah, to Babylonia in about 597 B.C. It wasn't until about five years later that he began to prophesy (Ezek. 1:2). During the time in which Ezekiel was prophesying Nebuchadnezzar took the city of Jerusalem, destroying it in 586 B.C. Shortly following this event (565 B.C.) Ezekiel penned the words found in Ezekiel 37:1-14.
God's people, because of their own rebellion, are now in captivity. Their capital and the temple were destroyed, and as a people they had no independence. Up to this point in Ezekiel, the prophet had been speaking the words of destruction and judgment. Now, he is going to share with them a message of hope. It is a message of restoration and revival.
God sent to Ezekiel a vision. He was put in a valley among countless numbers of dry bones. It was as if he was in the midst of an ancient battlefield. It is quiet. There are no vultures, no wolves, just thousands of sun-bleached bones. Can you imagine the scene (no sound, the picture of desolation)? Then, a voice breaks the silence, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
We learn of Ezekiel’s faith in this passage. He did not play the role of a skeptic, he simply said, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest" then he obeyed the voice of the Lord. As a result, the bones lived again.
What a wonderful passage of restoration and revival. Revival is the process of bringing to life that which was previously alive, but is now at the point of death. By way of this essay, I want to ask a question. Can God make us live again? Can the fire in our bones once again be rekindled?

The fire needs to be rekindled
Robert Robinson, in 1758, wrote the song "O Thou Fount of Every Blessing." He later fell from the faith. He met a young lady singing his song. She, noting his sadness, wanted to share the lyrics with him. Robinson responded, "Madam, I wrote the song and I'd give a thousand worlds to have that feeling once again."
The fire within our bones needs rekindling because of a number of reasons. Such as: 1) we are not as evangelistic as we once were; 2) our youth are in trouble; 3) a great wave of worldliness is sweeping through the world and the church like a cyclone; 4) we are no longer people of the Word; 5) spiritual conversation embarrasses us; 6) we rationalize for sin; 7) we attend services, but it doesn’t make a difference in our lives; 8) money dominates our lives; 9) it does not bother us that others are in misery and spiritually lost.

How to rekindle the fire
Negligence is sin. Jeremiah said, "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully [negligently],..." (Jer. 48:10). When I have become slothful and negligent in the Lord's service, I must repent.
Only when I stand justified in the sight of God, will I be ready and able to praise Him and serve Him. Case in point: Nehemiah for the people, "Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned" (Neh. 1:6).

The results of rekindling the fire
Churches will have a passion for seeking the lost to save. "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk. 19:10).
Christians will be committed to keeping the commandments of the Lord, thus demonstrating their love for Him. "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15).
Broken marriages will be repaired and estranged families will reunite. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord...Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Eph. 5:22-25; cf. Lk. 15:11-32).
Individuals will be more holy in their thinking process. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8).
Congregations will be transformed into what God wants them to be. "...Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rm. 12:2).


Sources:
Steven Guy, Revival.
MSOP Lectures, Ezekiel and Lamentations.Johnny Ramsey, Practical Bible Studies, Vol. 2.

What's in an Elder's Toolbox?

Elders carry an invisible toolbox. Inside that toolbox are a variety of items that help to make the elders successful in their work as shepherds of the souls of the church. The following are some things that you will find in an elder's toolbox:

In every elder's toolbox, there should be a pillow.
I don't know how you could be an elder in the Lord's church if you are not intimately involved with God. Intimacy with God cannot be had separate from a devoted prayer life. Elders need to spend time on their knees in prayer—thus the need for a pillow.
The "Good Shepherd" (Jn. 10:11,14) was a praying person. One of the most memorable occasions of the Lord praying was when he was in the Garden. "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder" (Mt. 26:36). Jesus found a private place to pray. What about elders in the Lord's church?
Wendell Winkler used to tell the story about serving under an elder who literally had a prayer room built away from the house in his yard. He would actually retire there every morning and pray. On one occasion, this godly man was asked to lead a prayer during a gospel meeting. When he was finished, the preacher leaned over to brother Winkler and said, "I would have traveled all this distance just to be a part of that prayer."
I wonder how many elders, preachers, and Christians in general, have "prayer closets?" Jesus said, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret..." (Mt. 6:6). We need shepherds who know how to pray.

In every elder's toolbox, there should be a phone.
By definition, a shepherd is one who looks after the flock. With the hustle and bustle that exists among the members of the local church, it can be a real challenge to drop in for a visit. But, there are very few folks who cannot be reached by a simple phone call. Add to that, virtually everybody has voicemail. A quick call from an elder with "how are you," "missed you Wednesday," or "let's get together for lunch or a cup of coffee and talk," will go a long way to show the congregation that the elders who labor among us care for our souls.

In every elder's toolbox, there should be a pair of steel toed shoes.
Though the work of an elder can be a wonderful experience, it can also be a discouraging one. To borrow a statement from Franklin Camp, "No men on earth have a graver responsibility than elders." With that responsibility comes a certain amount of criticism.
It never ceases to amaze me how some members of a local congregation will constantly criticize the eldership. If the elders try to move in a direction to facilitate spiritual and numeric growth [maintaining soundness of course], there is always someone who works as a detractor. That same person will complain to the elders, and more often than not, to anyone in the church who listen, until one of two things happen--the elders give in and give up, or the disgruntled member leaves and starts attending another congregation.
We need leaders in the church today who have strong backbones and refuse to give in to the minority. Yes, elders need to wear steel toed shoes.

In every elder's toolbox, there should be some tissues.
A man can never serve successfully as an elder without compassion. We live in an age where people are hurting. Elders must learn to get down where people are, and weep with those that weep (Rm. 12:15).
Approximately every twenty-seven minutes a husband and wife call it quits--get divorced. Have you ever seen a wife leave a husband and take the kids, and he through no fault of his own is forced to bear the financial burden so that a deadbeat wife can live it up with another man? How do you deal with that? With compassion.
Are you aware of any homes where the wife is giving due diligence to be the Christian that she ought, but the husband sees no use for the Lord, and in turn makes everyday a challenge for his wife to maintain her faithfulness? How do you help this wife to hang in there? With compassion.
When death makes its cold harsh blow on the life of a man, and his spouse is left behind to mourn for a man she wanted to be married to for fifty more years, who should be at her side? The preacher? Sure! But the tender touch she needs to feel is that of a shepherd caring for his flock.

Lock the Doors! Why Do Christians Leave the Church?

For every one soul that is converted to Christ, there are at least two who walk away from Christ and His church. We must put Christ and the church together. Some are under the impression that they can be unfaithful to the church, but still be faithful to Christ. But this is an impossibility. You see, Christ is the head of the church, and the church is the body of Christ.
Why do people leave Christ and His church? Some say, "I don't like being in crowds." Someone else says "So and so said something that really hurt my feelings." What about this one? "There are too many hypocrites in the church."
There are a number of reasons why so many leave the church. Let's look at a few of them and then observe the remedy for keeping more souls in the church of Christ.

Some lack true conviction.
In the parable of the soils (Lk. 8), we read about four types—good, way side, thorny, and rocky. I only want to mention two of these—the rocky and thorny soils. The rocky soil is the one that receives the seed, it penetrates the soil, but because of the rocks beneath the soil, it soon loses root. With the thorny soil, the word is received, but when the plant that the seed produces grows, the thorns choke the life out of it.
Some Christians are like rocky soil. They receive the word, but when temptation, trial, or persecution come along, they just quit and walk away. Some new Christians face a great deal of ridicule from friends and family, and if they are not strong, and do not have a strong support system within the church, they will often walk out the back door and never return.
Other Christians are like the thorny soil. Just when they really start to grow, they are bombarded with the things of life—some of which are very legitimate. Sometimes it's a profession. For others it's pleasure (by the way, God is not anti-pleasure). Others are overwhelmed with riches. Many get wrapped up with recreation and hobbies. None of these things are inherently wrong, but allowing them to take number one priority in our lives hurts God, and will eventually cause one to walk out the back door.

Some, because of loss, have become calloused.
Good brethren often become unfaithful because they suffer loss—enduring great trial within their own lives or in the lives of someone they love.
Sometimes that loss is a wife or husband. Some have left the church of Christ because of the loss of a son or daughter—to illness, war, or some other tragedy. Others have left Christ and His church because they have lost their job. Many will leave the church because of a family crisis—death, divorce, sickness, a move, etc.
For some, the loss is more than they feel like they can bear. I use the words "feel like" because God will never give us more than we can bear. There is not one trial that we experience where God does not give us a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).

Suggestions to keep people from losing their commitment.
As we said in the beginning, for every one person who is converted to Christ, thus becoming a member of the church of Christ, there are at least two who leave Christ and His church. Since we know this is a real problem, what can we do to lock the doors? Below are just a few suggestions that may help the local congregation:
1. Clarify doctrinal questions. New Christians are just that—new. They are still going to have questions—Why should we not use instruments in worship? Why is it wrong for women to lead in worship? What is wrong with calling the preacher, pastor?
2. Have high expectations of people. This is something that elders really need to keep in mind. Expect great things from the flock, and hold them to it. When members become negligent, remind them that their dereliction of duty is having a negative impact on the church.
3. Have a new converts class. New Christians are generally very zealous, but need direction. Let's not kill their enthusiasm by not showing them where to begin.
4. Get people involved in ministry. Not everybody has the same ability. Some are great personal workers, but terrible song leaders. Others are great song leaders, but can't preach from the pulpit. That's alright. We don't all have to have the same ability, but let's encourage everyone to do their part to help the local church thrive.
5. Have an affective Bible school program. Many will say, "I'm a faithful Christian today because I had a wonderful Sunday School teacher." Let's create an atmosphere that will lend itself to encouraging the young and old to become Christians, and to grow as Christians. 6. Instill within people the attitude that says, "I want to be like Jesus." I mean this reverently when I say, we need to see "little Christ's" running around our community. Elders, preachers, Bible Class teachers, Godly parents and concerned faithful Christians, should create in us the desire to be just like Jesus (Phil. 2:5).

The Tongue, Consider the Possibilities

While looking for tidbits about the use of the tongue, I ran across a rather interesting quote: Can it be that the average person spends one-fifth of his or her life talking? That's what the statistics say. If all of our words were put into print, the result would be this: a single day's words would fill a 50-page book, while in a year's time the average person's words would fill 132 books of 200 pages each!
This being true, I think we can see the importance of using our tongues wisely. When we do, behold the possibilities.

The Tongue Should be Constructive
Here is how James 3 begins: "My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (3:1). In an overall context that dwells on the proper use of the tongue are words to public teachers.
Not every Christian should teach in a leadership capacity (i.e. Bible Class teachers, preachers, etc.) (1 Cor. 12:28; 12:17). Only those who spend time with the Word, and then applying the Word should be allowed to teach--"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Tm. 4:16). Only the faithful are qualified to be teachers—"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tm. 2:2).
Think about the constructive possibility of the tongue. It has the ability to bring a precious student to Christ for the salvation of the soul. It has the potential to encourage the young to pursue a life of spiritual excellence-- faithfulness. It has the capability of instructing the young adults how to be successful in child rearing. It can tell the aged saint about the responsibility of teaching the younger. It offers encouragement to the discouraged; help to the helpless; hope to those in pain; life to the one experiencing death. Oh the constructive possibility of the tongue!

The Tongue Should be Controlled
Without question, the tongue is a difficult member of the body to control--yea, the most difficult. Benedict de Spinoza said, "Men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues...". James, the inspired writer said, "But the tongue can no man tame [it cannot continually be tamed]; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (Jas. 3:8).
When the tongue is not controlled, it is "a fire, a world of iniquity" (Jas. 3:6). "It defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of Hell [gehenna]" (Jas. 3:6). When it is not continually being tamed, the tongue is "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (Jas. 38).
In "Growing Strong", Swindoll quoted Publius, a Greek sage who observed, "I have often regretted my speech, never my silence". Willian Norris, the American journalist who specialized in simple rhythms that packed a wallop once wrote: "If your lips would keep from slips, Five things observe with care: To whom you speak; of whom you speak; And how, and when, and where".
Oh if we could only learn to control our tongues. If we could see the potential for tragedy ahead of time, maybe we would be more careful. "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" (Jas. 3:5).

The Tongue Should be Consistent
Perhaps James was looking out his window at one of the fountains of Palestine when he wrote, "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?...no fountain [can] both yield salt water and fresh" (Jas. 3:11,12). Maybe an olive tree caught his eye when he wrote, "Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?" (Jas. 3:12).
James reminds today's reader that it is impossible to for one to say that which is righteous, and then say what is unrighteous, all the while remaining on the right side of the ledger (Jas. 3:9-10).
I read recently, the story of Robert Redford walking through a hotel lobby, when an admirer spotted him. She followed him to the elevator and asked, with great excitement, "Are you the real Robert Redford?" As the doors of the elevator closed, he replied, "Only when I am alone!" I also read about a rather pompous-looking deacon who was endeavoring to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. "Why do people call me a Christian?" the man asked. After a moment's pause, one youngster said, "Maybe it's because they don't know you." Oh how we ought to be consistent with our tongues, and with our lives. Consider the possibilities of the tongue in the areas of constructiveness, control, and consistency.

Nehemiah, An Impressive History

Beginnings (Gen. 1:1-5:32), Flood (6:1-8:19), New Beginnings (8:20-11:32), The Great Patriarchs (12:1-45:28), The Egyptian Sojourn (Gen. 46:1-Ex. 14:31), Wilderness Wanderings (15:1-Deut. 34:12), Conquest of Canaan (Josh. 1:1-Judg. 3:11), The Judges (Judg. 3:12, Ruth, 1 Sam. 12:25), United Kingdom (1 Sam. 13:1, 2 Sam.-1 Kgs. 11:43, 1 Chron-2 Chron. 9:31), Divided Kingdom (1 Kgs. 12:1-2 Kgs. 18:12, 2 Chron. 10:1-28:7), Judah Alone (2 Kgs. 18:13-25:7, 2 Chron. 29:1-36:21), Babylonian Captivity (2 Kgs. 24:1-25:3, 2 Chron. 36:6-23), and Return from Captivity (Ezra 1-6, Esther 1-10, Ezra 7-10, Neh. 1-12). These are the thirteen general periods of time that make up the book we call the Old Testament.
It is in the period called “Return from Captivity” that we find the text for our study in this essay—the book of Nehemiah. By way of this study, we only want to make four observations.

A Book With an Impressive Historical Setting.
By impressive we mean, a vivid impression upon our minds. Following Israel’s deportation into captivity, Judah maintained the Southern Kingdom. Yet, they did not learn their lesson from their northern brethren. Therefore, Judah came under Babylon’s control, and the first captives were taken out of the land in 606 B.C. (Dan. 1:1-7). Two subsequent deportations of captives occurred in 597 and 586 B.C. Jeremiah, a contemporary of these events, prophesied that the captivity would last 70 years (Jer. 25:12). No details are given of those 70 years of captivity.
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah pick up the account of God’s people, the Jews, returning home from captivity. It began with the decree of King Cyrus in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1:1-4). This return home came in three groups. Zerubbabel led the first group home in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1:5-6:22). Under Zerubbabel’s leadership, the first group was to rebuild the temple. After having faced the adversaries, and overcoming complacency with the help of Haggai and Zechariah, the temple was finally built and dedicated (some 20 + years after returning to Jerusalem). Ezra led the second group home in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:1-10:44). It was during this time that the Jews experienced a great spiritual revival. We have skipped nearly 60 years, and Ezra, with a commission from King Artaxerxes 1, leads a second group home. Ezra finds that God’s people have intermarried, compromising their spiritual devotion. He prayed for the people and began a series of reform. Nehemiah led the last group home in 445 B.C. Nehemiah would now lead home the last group of Jews in order that they might rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

A Book With an Impressive Historical Account.
Johnny Ramsey says, “Some critics of the Bible scoff at Nehemiah as being a bricklayer’s book. But there is a much deeper plot than that in this dramatic section of God’s word. The purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall was to keep Abraham’s seed safe within and the world outside the confines of the city David had taken from the Jebusites (2 Sam. 6). It was imperative that Israel remain intact until the coming of the promised Seed (Gal. 3:16)” (Practical Bible Studies, p.p. 111-112).
Upon the recognition of Nehemiah's own errors and those of his people, he requested of the king safe passage back to Jerusalem (Neh. 1-2). Nehemiah’s request is granted. Nehemiah returns home, and under his outstanding leadership, and by the divine providence of God, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days--and that in spite of the opposition of Sanballat and his followers (Neh. 2-6). Too, Nehemiah improved the religious character of his own people (Neh. 7-13).

A Book With an Impressive Historical Character.
Nehemiah was an impressive leader. But, what made him so? He had an unstoppable faith in God (Neh. 2:8; 2:18; 2:20; 4:14-15). He encouraged his Jewish brethren to cooperate (Neh. 2:18; 4:6; 4:17). Nehemiah knew how to prepare himself and his people (Neh. 2:12-18). Nehemiah was enthusiastic, and that enthusiasm was contagious (Neh. 4:6). He was a praying person (Neh. 4:9). Nehemiah was a watchdog--one who protected his people (Neh. 4:9; 4:17).

A Book With an Impressive Historical Message For Us.
We will only emphasize two messages that God, through Nehemiah has for us today in this great book. First, we learn how to be good leaders. Second, we learn more perfectly the importance of prayer.
Observe who a good leader is. A good leader is one who knows how to relate to his people. “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven” (Neh. 1:4). My question is why? Because his people were hurting. He knew how to sympathize with his people. Add to that, a good leader will inspire others to go to work. “Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (Neh. 2:17). They all went to work, and the wall was built in just 52 days. Then, a good leader will not give in to the opposition. “But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build...” (Neh. 2:19-20).
Observe what a good prayer life is. One should pray in earnest. “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them” (Neh. 4:9). Add to that, our prayer life should be continual (cf. 1 Thes. 5:17—“Pray without ceasing”).
Nehemiah—What a History. When we look through the telescopic lens of time back to about 430 B.C. we read the autobiography of a man who was a great servant of God. May we be like he was.

On the Subject of Giving

By its very nature, the topic of giving is the least popular, and the most popular of subjects. It is the least popular because it deals with a man’s wallet, and it is the most popular because everyone wants to know, “Exactly how much should I give?” I want to briefly make three observations on the subject of giving.

PEOPLE WHO GAVE
God was and is a giver. Consider the “Golden Text” of the Bible: “For God [the greatest being] so loved [the greatest thing] the world [the greatest number], that he gave his only begotten Son [the greatest gift], that whosoever believeth in him [the greatest faith] should not perish [the greatest tragedy], but have everlasting life [the greatest reward]” (Jn. 3:16).
The widow was a giver. Read Mark 12:35-44. This widow gave out of her extreme poverty. She gave all her living all that she had to live on. She trusted in God to supply her wants, and devoted her little property entirely to him. Do we truly deny ourselves in giving? Most give out of an abundance. Does it hurt us to give?
Barnabas was a giver. Read Mark 12:35-44. Oh to be like the Christians in the first century. They gave out of love. They looked after their brethren. They even sold their homes to help the church. It is possible that the land Barnabas gave constituted his whole estate*having no dependents, he gave of himself and his possessions for the ministry.
The Macedonians were givers. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-19 the apostle Paul is writing to Christians who have struggled in the area under consideration in this essay. He was encouraging Christians in Corinth to follow the example of those in Macedonia. The Christians in Macedonia: gave while under affliction (v. 2); gave with abounding joy (v. 2); gave with abundant liberality even in “deep poverty” (v. 2); gave as they were able” “according to their power” (v. 3); gave more than they were able” “and beyond their power” (v. 3); gave willingly” “willingly of themselves” (v. 3); begged Paul to receive and administer their gift (v. 4); surprised Paul by their giving (v. 5); “First gave their own selves to the Lord” (v. 5); gave liberally so their giving might be like their other gifts (v. 7); were moved to liberality by the example of others and to prove their love (vv. 8,9); made commitments to give liberally (v. 10); gave out of a willing mind (vv. 11,12); gave that there might be equality (vv. 13-15); considered those who urged them to give as one who really cared (vv. 16,17); realized their giving would bring glory to God and meet the needs of the poor (v. 19).

PARTICULARS ABOUT GIVING.
Giving is obligatory. The text says, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order” (1 Cor. 16:1). This phrase is equivalent to a command. It is just as much a command as “Go into all the world” and “Repent and be baptized”. The Greek word employed here, diatasso, is not only used in reference to a command, but it means command plus arrangement. In other words, God has given a definite plan, order, and arrangement for the financing of his own work.
Giving is specific, relative to time. The text says, “Upon the first day of the week” (1 Cor. 16:2). The KJV and ASV leave out a very important word here “every”. Why, I do not know. The Greek phrase is kata mian sabbatou, and means “on the first day of every week”. The day is significant for several reasons. It’s the day the Lord arose from the dead (Mk. 16:9). It’s the day the church of our Lord was established the first day of Pentecost after our Lord’s resurrection (Acts 2). It’s the “Lord’s Day”, and the early church regularly assembled on that day (Acts 20:7). The apostle Paul explains that when Christians come together in regular assembly upon the first day of every week, they are to give of their means*God, through Paul said it, and that settles it.
Giving is to be personal. The text says, “let every one of you” (1 Cor. 16:2). By principle and application, this refers to every member of every congregation of God’s people—young, old, and in between. Every Christian has as much responsibility to give upon the first day of every week as they do to partake of the Lord’s Supper.
Giving is to be deliberate. The text says, “lay by him in store” (1 Cor. 16:2). The Greek word employed here is titheto, which is the present active imperative, and means “I set, or I place”. The imperative mood signifies the obligatory nature of the matter, and the present tense stresses the continuous action prescribed. So, a liberal rendering might be: “keep on setting aside”. “Let him set it apart; let him designate a certain portion; let him do this by himself, when he is at home, when he can calmly look at the evidence of his prosperity. Let him do it, not under the influence of pathetic appeals, or for the sake of display when he is with others; but let him do it as a matter of principle, and when he is by himself.”
Giving is to be proportionate. The text says, “as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2). Our giving should be properly proportionate to our blessings—our income. This sacred principle is set in the following passages: “Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Cor. 8:11-12). “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (Jas. 1:17). “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Lk. 12:48). Yet someone still asks, “Exactly how much should I give?” “Is ten percent enough?” The only kind of giving that God accepts is “liberal giving”. Every passage with reference to the amount I am to give says “liberal”. Every example of giving is “liberal”. Whenever you have direct teaching and example, then you have strong evidence to support the position. Liberal giving always does two things: It is always sacrificial. It will always equal or exceed the giving of past dispensations. Patriarchs gave 10% of their monies. Jews gave 10% of their monies, add to that an additional 23% when you consider their gifts of possessions” every seven years they gave equivalent to one year’s salary. Christians, can we do any less? Is Christianity inferior to the other dispensations?

PRACTICAL POINT ON GIVING
If we fail to give as we have prospered, then we are robbing God. Malachi wrote it down this way, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation” (Mal. 3:8-9). Ill: Suppose I said to you, “You have come to the church building today from your stolen house, driving a stolen car, wearing stolen clothes, and adorned with stolen jewelry.” You would not like this, and neither would I. Yet, If we pay for these things with the money we withheld from God on Sunday, and spent it upon ourselves, then we have robbed God. When we rob God, we are making several value statements about ourselves. I am saying, to God, “I am ungrateful for what You have done for me.” I am saying, “I just don’t understand how important it is to my soul and to the church to give as I have prospered.” I am saying, “I’m greedy.” When we rob God, notice what we do to the church of His son. We rob the church of progress. We rob the church of respect. We rob the church of salvation, of our own soul.

Just Finish the Race!

It’s not whether or not you lead the race, or even win the race. The important thing is to finish the race. Paul said to run the race (Heb. 12:1). By implication he also says to finish the race.
Some folks are slow coming out of the starting block, but they still finished the race. Winston Churchill’s was a race of fame, but he seemed so dull as a youth that even his father thought he would be incapable of earning a living in England. Thomas Edison’s was a race of science, but his first teacher said he was “addled.” His father nearly convinced him that he was a “dunce.” What’s the point? The point is that they were slow starters, but both of them finished their race.
In Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians, he talks about the need for Christians to persevere—to just finish the race.

Persevere, being not “soon shaken...or troubled” (2:2).
When adversity finds its way through your front door, don’t be shaken. At work, if your trying to teach someone the gospel and they just won’t listen, don’t allow them to shake your confidence.
Maybe your faced with an illness, or the illness of someone you know and love, don’t let those troubles get you down. I really like the answer the lady gave to the preacher when he asked what her favorite verse of the Bible was. She responded “All those verses that say 'and it came to pass.’” All of the difficulties will pass, and you can find comfort in the fact that God will never give us more than we can bear.

Persevere, letting “no man deceive you” (2:3).
People will often let us down. Sometimes, those we love the most, for whatever reason, let us down. Maybe it is a family member—a husband, wife, mother, father, son or daughter. Perhaps it is a member of the church—an elder, deacon, the preacher. Because all of these are flesh and bone, they are bound to make mistakes once in a while. Though this happens, and we forgive them, there is one who will never let us down—Jesus the Christ.

Persevere, standing fast (2:15).
When the storms of difficulty blow and beat so hard upon your soul that you feel like giving up and letting go, remember that Paul said to hold on tight. The idea here is to hold on with a white knuckled fist.
The old postage stamp illustration makes a valuable point here. When you put a stamp on an envelope, it holds on tight until it reaches its destination. So, be like that stamp. Hold on until you get to heaven.

Persevere, comforting your hearts (2:17).

As you run the race, and come across the pitfalls of life, always remember to pull the love of God to the side of your heart. Allow the knowledge of his grace and your obedience to his Word to comfort you. Allow every good word and work in which you engage to make you stable in Christ Jesus.