A to Z Blogging Challenge "Lessons from Nehemiah"

"Lessons from Nehemiah"
by Shelly Burke 

(The photos in this post are
photos of the walls of
Jerusalem.)

Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem in 445 BC. . He wanted to spur the people into action in rebuilding the protective wall around Jerusalem (which had been destroyed in 586 BC).

The rebuilding was tricky because many enemies of the Jews did not want the wall rebuilt. Their armies marched against Jerusalem to try to prevent the rebuilding. When Nehemiah heard of the plot to cause confusion and prevent the rebuilding, he took proactive action; some of the people worked on the construction of the wall, and some “held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail” and protected the others (Nehemiah 4:16).

Later, when the wall was almost rebuilt, Nehemiah’s enemies tried to distract him by asking him to meet them to talk. They tried four times to distract Nehemiah, but he refused to leave his work. (Nehemiah 6:4)

Later another enemy tried to scare Nehemiah into retreating to and living in the temple so he wouldn’t be killed. Nehemiah wisely saw that God had not sent the man, but Nehemiah’s enemies had, hoping to scare him. (6:10-12)

Once the rebuilding started, it took only 52 days to finish.

I’m always amazed at how the narratives (not stories; to me the word “stories” indicates non-fiction, and I believe every event recorded in the Bible happened) in the Bible give us lessons thousands of years later. We can take several messages from Nehemiah’s examples.

1. Be on guard. We don’t need "spears, shields, and bows” like the people in Nehemiah’s day did, as we go about our daily work,  but we can and should “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-17) to guard us against the temptations of today. 

2. Avoid distraction. Our lives today are full of distractions; work, work at home, the internet, Facebook, cell phones, sports, children, grandchildren, etc., etc., etc. Nehemiah realized that his enemies were trying to distract him from finishing the wall; today we are distracted from worshiping God, studying His Word, and praying. 

“Finally brothers {and sisters!}, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

3. Be discerning. Messages with the potential to scare us come from every side. Foreign nations threaten us. It seems a new “cause” of cancer is found every day. Things we previously thought were “healthy” are found to be harmful. The economy stinks. Politicians from both sides tell dire tales of what will happen if someone from the “other” side is elected. How do we know which messages of today are true? How can we live without constant fear? Look to the best source for guidance and reassurance. 

“But the wisdom from above {which you can find by reading the Bible} is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”            Romans 8:31   

4. Be focused. It took Nehemiah and his men only 52 days to finish the rebuilding of the wall. The references I’ve looked at say it’s difficult to figure out exactly what parts of the wall were restored, despite Nehemiah’s detailed list. One of the maps I saw shows the wall being shaped as a rough triangle, about 3000 ft. long on the long sides and about 1000 ft. long on another side. Any way you look at it, there was a LOT of wall to rebuild! 

Nehemiah and his men were clearly very focused on completing the job—they had to avoid any type of distraction to get the wall done, especially considering their enemies could attack at any time.

When I’m working on a devotion or article or putting the Nebraska Family Times together, I have to be focused too. It’s difficult—I do much of my work on the computer so am tempted to check my e-mail or Facebook, or throw another load of laundry in or…I need to remind myself to FOCUS on the task at hand. I do this by praying—praying that I would find articles and information that would touch the hearts of my readers and bring them closer (or lead them for the first time) to God. I ask Him to guide my work.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 16:3

How can you use the lessons of Nehemiah in your life today?

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is

Read the entry today and learn how to “Never Run Out!” of anything. 

A to Z Blogging Challenge "Monitors"

 Monitors

David wrote, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…When I was woven together…your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16 (excerpted)

My mother-in-law recently had knee surgery and I sat with her as she was recovering after the surgery.

As a nurse I’m naturally interested in all of the monitoring devices—many things have changed since I was in school! Various devices monitored her oxygen level, blood pressure, and temperature.

A device collected her own blood from the surgical site; later her own blood was infused back into her body to help speed recovery. Although her oxygen level is fine, she is breathing extra oxygen through prongs in her nose; this has also been found to speed healing.

IVs administer antibiotics to prevent infection.

A device automatically moves the leg that was operated on to speed healing. A device on her other leg periodically squeezes it from toes to thigh to prevent blood clots from forming.

Special nerve blocks, in which medication was injected into nerves that lead to her leg and knee, should keep the surgical site free from pain for hours.

Lab techs come in to draw blood and check if her hemoglobin level drops too much.

All of this technology is necessary to monitor my mother-in-law’s condition and speed healing.

But for One, none of the monitoring is necessary. He was there when she was being knit together in her mother’s womb. He created her inmost being. He knows the number of hairs on her head and the number of days of her life has already been written in His book (Psalm 139).

He knows her temperature, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level and hemoglobin level without the use of any machine. He has designed her body so that it will heal; the man-made devices will help speed healing but He has formed the cells, the fibers, the muscles that will actually heal, and He has set in motion that process that is more complicated than we can imagine.  

Despite all of the technology, the devices and tools to measure function and speed healing and prevent complications—we remember that He is the Great Physician. He is the true Healer.

I praise You, Lord, that I am so fearfully and wonderfully made. Even as we are thankful for “modern” equipment that helps us maintain and regain health, we know that You are the ultimate Healer. Amen.

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is.

Check out the post today about “Making Preparations for Severe Weather

and Spiritual Storms.” 

Blogging A to Z Challenge "Light will Dawn"

“Light will Dawn”

(I took this picture this spring; it was
amazing to see the cross in the sunrise.)

“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright.” Psalm 112:4a

It is dark outside as I write this. I cannot see anything outside (we live in the country so there are no street lights, and the deck light is burned out). However, I have faith that the sun will come up in a few hours.

Obviously this verse refers to much more than just the light of the sun; we have faith that the light of the Son will always dawn in our times of personal darkness.

God’s Son faced the ultimate darkness in His death, and three days later the world experienced the brightest dawn in history (even if most people didn’t know it at the time) when He rose from the dead. Through His death and resurrection, we can have the unshakable confidence that, no matter what we face, the Son will shine through any and every darkness we experience.

What darkness are you facing today?

Lord, please be with me today as I face my personal darkness. Thank You so much that I know that your Son can shine through that darkness. Please show me His light today.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is.

Today I’m posting my book review of the devotion book

“A Chocolate Life; Savoring God’s Sweet Grace.”

And it’s FREEBIE FRIDAY—go to Home is Where the Mom Is

to see how you can win a copy!

Blogging A to Z Challenge "The King who Tried to Hide from God"

"The King who Tried to Hide from God"
by Shelly Burke

Ahab was a very evil king of Israel during Old Testament days. In fact, the Bible says that he “did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” (1 Kings 16:30) 1 Kings 22:30 tells of Ahab’s attempt to disguise himself in battle so that he would not be killed, as Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord, had prophesied.

My immediate thought when I read this was, “How dumb! Did Ahab really think that the Lord would be fooled? Did he seriously believe that he could avoid death with a disguise?” Of course he could not! We are talking about the Lord! 

In Psalm 139 David tell us that the Lord knows, “…when I sit and when I rise…” Also according to Psalm 139 the Lord: 

o       Perceives thoughts from afar

o       Discerns our going out and lying down

o       Is familiar with all our ways

David continues by saying, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?... even the darkness will not be dark to You…”

And Ahab thought a simple disguise would change his fate?

But then I realized that I (and I bet you too!) have done the same thing. How? I’ve tried to disguise my sin by saying, “But I deserve to be happy,” or “That commandment doesn’t really apply these days,” or the ever popular, “But I waaaaaaant to!”

Obviously the Lord sees through these disguises and sees our sins for what they really are.

Ahab’s attempt at disguise did not work. During the battle he was hit between the sections of his armor and we are told that “the blood from his wound flowed into the bottom of his chariot, and that evening he died.” (1 Kings 22:35b) He died despite his disguise.

We can be eternally thankful that Jesus’ blood, again through prophecy, flowed for a purpose—to wash away our sins. The Lord will forgive us—for any and every sin, no matter our attempt to disguise them. All we have to do is believe in Him and His promises, and ask.

Lord, please show me how I’ve attempted to disguise my sins, and forgive me for doing so. Thank you so very much that I don’t have to try to hide from You; You will forgive me just for asking for that forgiveness. Amen. 

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I'm also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is. 

See today's post about a special-needs camp, "His Kids Camp." 

A to Z Blogging Challenge: "Gratitude Journal"

"Gratitude Journal"

(This article appeared in the January issue of the Nebraska Family Times.Even though the "official" day for resolutions--Jan. 1st--has passed, I challenge you to begin a Gratitude Journal. "Counting my blessings" every day helps me realize how truly blessed I am--and it will do the same for you. If you would like a FREE sample copy of the Nebraska Family Times, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net. Please include the address to which you'd like the sample copy sent.) 

The Bible commands us to be thankful. Psalm 106:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 repeats the command, as does Psalm 136:1.  And God truly is good. He gives us the greatest blessings in life—eternal life through the death of His son. He also gives us our faith, family, friends, homes, and on and on. 

The Bible also tells us we should be “always giving thanks…for everything” (Eph. 5:20) and we should “give thanks in all circumstances“(1 Thess. 5:18). Always” and “in all circumstances”—not just when we’re having a good day. 

Obviously the biggest benefit of giving thanks is obeying and honoring our Lord. But there are other benefits as well. 

Research has shown that people who made a list of three to five things they were grateful for every day were more optimistic about the future and felt better about their lives overall than people who recorded daily hassles or negative happenings. Listing things daily resulted in a greater increase in gratitude than only doing so weekly.  Some research shows that feelings of thankfulness can help reduce stress; stress is linked with many illnesses, including heart disease. 


Grateful people are usually more optimistic than others, and some researchers say that being optimistic helps boost the immune system. This means that people who are thankful may become ill less often. A thankful attitude has also been linked to quicker recovery after surgery or when sick An “attitude of gratitude” has been linked to better sleep, a decrease in anxiety and depression, kinder behavior toward others, higher satisfaction with life in general, and overall better health. When we focus on gratitude, even for small things, our thinking shifts to being more positive in general.  

One of my goals for 2012 is to list 5 things I’m thankful for, every day. Will you join me in starting a “Gratitude Journal”?  Choose a notebook or journal, big or small, fancy or plain, and take a few minutes every day to jot down 3-5 things you’re thankful for. You could also make your list on your calendar. Your list can be in phrases, complete sentences, or even paragraphs. But keep it simple so you’ll find it easy to do every day.


If you would like, share part of your journal with me. Every month in 2012 I’ll be listing some of the things I am thankful for, and/or contributions from readers. Just e-mail me at shelly@shellyburke.net with what you are grateful for—it can be one thing or several. 

Here's what I was thankful for yesterday, April 10th, 2012:

1. I got to talk to Cody several times; he needed information faxed to him so he could finish his taxes. It's always nice to hear his voice.
2. I got several hugs from Morgan; she's 18 and almost ready to graduate and sometimes hugs are rare!
3. It was a beautiful spring day and I got to spend some time outside; even the usual Nebraska wind wasn't blowing!
4. My refrigerator is full of plenty of food--and leftovers, so I didn't have to cook!
5. Our beagle, Jenny, who is always ready to cuddle when I'm feeling down. 

What are YOU thankful for today?

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I'm also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is. 

Check out the post today, titled

"Just say "NO"!"

Blogging A to Z Challenge "Whiney Israelites"

Whiney Israelites

God had gotten His people out of slavery in Egypt. He showed His power against Pharaoh through the plagues that, after a few, only affected the Egyptians, leaving the Israelites untouched. (You can read the narratives of the examples below in the book of Exodus, chapters 1-17.)

God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

He parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape again from the Egyptians. When the Egyptians followed them, the water closed over and killed them.

He made the bitter, undrinkable water sweet at Marah.

He sent manna from heaven, providing food for years.

He made water come from a rock.

The Israelites’ clothing did not wear out for 40 years.

Over and over again, time after time after time, the Lord showed His power and His love for His people, the Israelites, through guidance, miracles, and providing for them.

And over and over and over, they whine, complain, and grumble.

“We would be better off back in Egypt!”

“Why did you bring us here?”

“We’re tired of manna!”

“We’re thirsty!”

I see this pattern of ungratefulness in the Israelites and shake my head at them. How could they be so blind to God’s love for them?

But then…I remember my own gripes and whining.

“But Lord, I waaaannnnnttttt it! Why can’t I haaavveee it?”

“I’m so tired of dealing with this situation!”

“Why can’t my life be easier?”

(Many times I picture God rolling His eyes and shaking His head at me…”I’ve provided for her soooo many times, and she STILL doubts?”)

And then…I remember the words of Matthew 7:3, in which Jesus says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

It’s easy for me to see (and criticize) the speck in the eyes of the Israelites, and ignore the plank in my own eye. It is so easy for me to forget the countless answered prayers, the endless blessings, the ways God has so clearly shown that He is with me and loves me.

And I have so much more than the Israelites! I have the Bible at my fingertips and can read reassuring verses every day. I have study Bibles and aids to help me understand.

And instead of a hope of a Savior in the future, I have the narrative of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection right in front of me, available to me every single day.

Lord, You have given me so very much, and I have so much more than the Israelites. Please forgive my whining!   

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I'm also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is  

Today my entry is titled "Independent; Raising Your Kids to Be." 

Blogging A to Z Challenge "From the Heart"

"From the Heart"

I am in a funk today. After the excitement and joy of spending the weekend celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, and time with family and a great meal, today is a letdown. Of course I know that every day is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection and our family will be together again in just a few weeks.

The occasion of our “get together” in a few weeks will be Morgan’s graduation from high-school. I’ve had a lot of bittersweet moments lately, thinking about how things will change so much at the end of summer when she goes off to college.

The next weeks will be filled with “lasts”—the last FFA Banquet is tonight. Her “last” Prom will be a week from Saturday. The “last” Honor’s Night will be shortly after that, and then the “last” day of school—her last day of high school ever!

To keep from bursting into the tears that are just below the surface, I’m going to count my blessings today, and to keep in the theme of the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I’m going to count the blessings that begin with the letter “H.”

1. FaitH (Yes, I know “faith” doesn’t start with “H” but it ends with “H” and is the most important thing in my life!)
2. Husband. J
3. Home—warm, secure, and in a beautiful spot in the country.
4. Health
5. Hungry—the leftovers in the refrigerator assure that I—and my family!—will not be hungry all week!
6. Hands—that type and write, allowing me to do the work I love!
7. Hugs. See number 2.
8. Hurts—that send me back to my Savior, and thankfulness that ALL of my hurts can be soothed through Him.
9. Children who bring Tim and I such joy—they are God’s greatest blessings!
10. Hope. I have the hope and knowledge that although there are many changes ahead, not just for me but also for my husband and kids, there is one thing, One Who will never, ever change. And I’m so very, very thankful for Him.

 “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

What are you thankful for today?

I’m also blogging on my other blog, Home is Where the Mom Is. Today I’m talking about “How to get Started Writing.”