Shore up the low points

Therefore, I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows."
Nehemiah 4:13 (NIV)

Throughout its history, ancient Israel's obedience to God led to blessing and disobedience led to trouble. When the kings of Israel and Judah failed to live up to the kingship covenant that was made with David, God declared through His prophets that He would judge His people's faithlessness.

Consequently, after centuries of repeated disobedience, the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians (722 B.C.), and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and the southern kingdom of Judah taken into exile in Babylon (587 B.C.). In His mercy, however, God declared that after He judged His people, He would bring them back.

And so it went. The Babylonian Empire was eventually overthrown by Cyrus, king of Persia in 539 B.C. Through the Persian rulers, God brought favor to His people and the exiles not only were allowed to return home but encouraged to practice their own religion. The Jews could at last restore their temple at Jerusalem; work that was completed in 516 B.C.

Fast forward circa 445 B.C. Despite several abortive attempts to construct Jerusalem's city walls, they remained in ruins. (Ezra 4:7-23) Without protective walls the city was vulnerable to numerous enemies. When word reached Nehemiah, who was living away in Babylonia, about the sorry plight of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, the royal cupbearer to king Artaxerxes was distressed at the news. He prayed to God about the situation. Convicted that God wanted him to ask the king if he might be released from his post and be given authority to go to Jerusalem and organize the rebuilding of the city walls, Nehemiah prayed that Artaxerxes' heart might be favorably disposed toward him. God answered his prayer, the king consented, and Nehemiah set out on the 1,100 mile journey home.

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah made a personal inspection of the city and organized the project. He found the people willing to work; and with his dynamic leadership, people of all sorts--priests, perfumers, goldsmiths and merchants--joined together in the rebuilding. Nonetheless, they faced first ridicule and then blackmail, intimidation and threats from powerful opponents.

Nehemiah's reply to the opposition was prayer and faith, plus practical action: "we prayed...and set a guard...Remember the Lord...and fight." (Nehemiah 4:1-20) His unshakable confidence came from the certainty that "our God will fight for us." A practical man, an organizer and leader, a man of courage, determination and deep spiritual resources to draw on, it took just 52 days, despite all opposition, to build 1.5 miles of wall.

Some days, exhausted and anxious because I've been pushed to my limits, I feel weary clear down to the marrow of my bones. My nerves are shot, my emotions vulnerable; I wonder whether I will ever accomplish anything of value.

It's at those moments that I station my Help at my exposed places. Taking up the Sword, which is the Word of God, I remember the Lord who is great and awesome. And, determined to fight, I dig deep into the spiritual resources of His Truth and declare my longing to remain faithful to what He has called me to.

What trouble do you face today, dear friend? Are you challenged with a difficult decision, hurting from a broken relationship, or drained by a rebellious child? Are you burdened with financial matters, concerned about a health issue, or fretting at the days ahead?

My friend, God answers prayer. He protects those who trust Him. His means of deliverance are never exhausted.

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Focus on family

...And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him...

Colossians 3:14-25

My daddy was just shy of his 24th birthday when I was born. In and of itself, that tidbit of information isn't very noteworthy. The fact that I was part of a second set of twins--born just 16 short months after a first set--makes this detail a bit more interesting. At 23 years old, my father was responsible for four babies under the age of two.

Were he living today, I thought about what I would say to my dad in recognition of this Father's Day. I believe my tribute would include the following.

How many times did you lie awake in the dark hours of the night, Daddy, wrestling with the unknown and fighting the uncertainty of how to care for your young family? Thank you for your bravery. You worked the land day in and day out to provide a roof over our heads, put food on the table, give us clothes to wear, and grant us a sound education. Thank you for your gift of determination.

You shared your rich, tenor voice and handed down your passion for singing. I cherish the memories watching you glide across the dance floor with mom in your arms. Thank you for passing on to me the joy of song and dance.

Thank you for loving Mom and modeling how a man should honor and respect the mother of his children. When it came to discipline, you demonstrated how a "look" garnered as much respect, if not more, than a "hand." You taught me the value of working hard, living within my means, setting aside money in savings, and being a good neighbor. How I treasure you showing me how to live with integrity.

Most of all, Pop, thank you for bringing me to the Lord and helping me embrace what it means to be part of the body of Christ. With love, your grateful daughter.

It's been said that raising a family today is, quite simply, harder than it was 50 years ago. With an overabundance of electronic gadgetry, a plethora of personal comforts, and an assortment of activities, parents struggle with a seemingly endless array of distractions. It's hard to keep life simple. Sometimes I wonder, however, if there are indeed more things today that distract us. Or, as in every generation before, do we simply need to choose to focus on the thing that matters.

I'm forever thankful to have had an earthly father who chose to focus on his family.

Happy Father's Day!
Faithfully Following

PS A fifth child was born to my father 15 months after my birth; followed by another son 13 years later.

On my knees, looking up!

"...Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:8b-9 (NIV)

I get to start a new job!

Each of our moves presents me with the opportunity of a new job. I've had the absolute delight to work for some of the most amazing health care, publishing, post-secondary education, and non-profit ministry organizations.

I now find myself working in the world of the arts; non-profit classical ballet to be exact. Once more, my stomach is in knots and my eyes divulge a rather stunned, deer-in-headlights demeanor. I know absolutely nothing about the art form of dance!

Now that I think about it, at the time I also knew nothing about hospitals, publishing, or Christian ministry. Looking back, I can trace how each position served like a rung on a ladder. With each job, I learned something new that helped prepare me to take the next step in my business career.

The Old Testament book of Joshua takes the story of Israel's history forward from the death of Moses, through the conquest of Canaan, to the death of Joshua. Joshua himself was born in Egypt. He became Moses' right-hand man during the exodus and desert wanderings.

An excellent military commander, he was one of the 12 spies sent to investigate the land. He and Caleb alone had the faith and courage to recommend advance and in consequence were the only ones to survive the 40 years of wandering. Long marked as Moses' successor, Joshua was given the formal commission to lead the nation of Israel into Canaan directly from God as Moses' life drew to a close.

Imagine how Joshua felt when God tells him Moses is dead and he is to get the people of Israel ready to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land promised to them. What an awesome undertaking as the responsibility of Moses falls to Joshua! Three times the LORD commands Joshua to be strong and courageous.

Accompanied by failure, the book of Joshua is an account of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God. We know Joshua meets with success as the leader of God's people. Approaching the age of 110 (Joshua 24:29), he delivers a farewell address recalling the victories the Lord has given and reminding the people of the instructions he was given years earlier. "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left." (Joshua 23:6)

Joshua's faithful leadership demonstrates two kinds of promises in the Bible--conditional and unconditional. The fulfillment of unconditional promises is based on God's trustworthy character alone. When God promises that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), His commitment to that promise is not dependent upon our actions, but on His character.

God's promise of success to Joshua, however, was conditional upon his following the laws of Moses. Obeying God is the key to the people's success under his leadership. Humanly speaking, had he not obeyed, we may have never heard of him.

Taking on a new job is like entering unchartered territory. Full of "what ifs," I don't know how this new chapter of my life will play out. I'm certain that if I go it alone, I will at best, mucky up my opportunities for success. At worse? Well, let's just not go there.

By the grace of God, like Joshua I'm adhering to the Lord's commands with courage and faith. Entrusting the unknown to the all-knowing God, I'm assuming a posture that has served me well over the years--overwhelmed and pushed to my limits, I'm on my knees looking up!

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

PS Dear friend, if you're experiencing a job search, I hope the 10 Tips for a Successful Job Search below will be of help to you.


Assessment - Before applying for a specific job, give serious thought to what you like and don't like, what you do well, and what you enjoy doing. This includes on the job and in your personal life.

Job search plan - The more thoughtful and systematic you are developing a plan, the more options you're likely to have. Learn about the job market in your area. Create a daily schedule to keep your search going. Establish professional sounding voice mail and e-mail address systems. Upgrade your skills, if necessary; work as a volunteer to enhance your qualifications.

Get connected - Talk to anyone and everyone you can about your plans, goals, and ideas; attend networking events, seminars, job fairs; join user groups, online job boards. Stay informed of the latest business news in your community or the city where you want to work.

Resume - Regardless of your occupation, work history, or objective, you need a well-written resume. Write your resume to reflect a strongly positive and proud portrayal of your depth of capabilities and talents.

Cover letter - When selecting job applicants, most employers read the cover letter first. A well-crafted letter shows what you bring to the company and why you are a good match for the job.

Interview - The secret of having a good interview is selling your strengths. Be positive and leave your baggage at the door. Take time to research the employer, anticipate questions, and prepare your talking points. Always overdress and arrive 10 minutes early.

Follow up - A short thank you note reminds the employer of you. Mention the position, reiterate your interest, reinforce the connection between your experience/skills and the job qualifications.

Learn from experience - Take time after the interview to replay the experience in your mind. What did you do well, what should have have done differently, what did you learn that suggests you should change your approach?

Keep track - Track everything you are doing. Include name and contact information of people you meet, job sites joined, username/passwords established, meetings/networking events attended.

Don't give up - Looking for employment is never an easy process. If you select and prepare yourself for new opportunities that fit your personal values, skills, and work environment, you will eventually be rewarded with lasting satisfaction and a sense of self-worth through your work.

The guy on the horse

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:8)

I recently visited Gettysburg National Military Park, site of the bloodiest conflict ever fought on U.S. soil. Nearly 1,400 monuments dot the now silent battle field in memory of 51,000 casualties and what was then a chance meeting between General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and General Mead’s Union Army of the Potomac.

On the cover of the park’s Official Map and Guide is an artist’s illustration of one of the many skirmishes occurring during those three fiercest days of combat in 1863. In the middle of the fray, with troops pounded by artillery and rifle fire and the ground strewn with dead and wounded, sits a man atop a white horse.

Who is this guy?

Amidst the chaos of battle it’s almost impossible to understand how the foot soldier kept his sense of direction, much less knew the enemy’s position. Was the figure on the white horse helping point direction?

Did the drained and fatigued soldier, already exhausted from a war two years in the making, look to this leader to be reminded of the purpose for which he fought?

Far from home, family, and those he loved, did the image on the horse give confidence to the soldier that he was not alone? Was he the one encouraging, “Don’t give up, men! Keep fighting! I’m with you!”?

The New Testament book of Ephesians reminds us of the battle we are in (Ephesians 6:11-12). Our struggle, however, is “…not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We desperately need a strong, mighty leader; and throughout God’s Word, we are given promise upon promise of direction (John 14:6, James 1:5), the reason for standing firm (Nehemiah 4:14; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18), and encouragement that we are not alone (Matthew 28:20).

Are you in need of encouragement or direction today? As we move on, let’s fix our eyes on our mighty leader, Jesus Christ, “…the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Blessings, my friend.

Faithfully Following