Good early morning. I just read a short but powerful story. Nehemiah the prophet heard of the jewish leaders taking lands and vineyards, fields etc to pay taxes. The people needed grain and oil, etc to feed their large families. So they complained. By the way, in some cases the tax collectors were kin to the people that they took away all their lands and orchards etc.
Nehemiah became furious when he heard the complaints of the people. Nehemiah went to the leaders and complained himself about the fact that some of the female family members were being taken as slaves to pay taxes. Wow. Nehemiah ask the leaders....Shouldn't you live in fear of God in order to stop our enemies from ridiculing us? Nehemiah worked it out with the leaders. Told them not to charge them interest. They agreed and gave back their lands. Then Nehemiah made them swear to do whats right. They did. Then Nehemiah brushed the dust off his clothes and said "may God brush off everyone that refuses to do as they promised" The congregation all praised God and said Amen. They did what they promised. Some points that got my attention. When i see wrong, hear about wrong, its okay if i get angry. You powder puff Christians can just step back and learn. Even when I'm being wronged its okay for me to have righteous anger. Some people are just full of themselves. Never thinking of who they hurt. These people are extremely hard to deal with. Hard hearted. Willing to strip anyone who gets in their way of any dignity. Leave them without anything. And like these Jewish leaders they need to be confronted about their narcissism. And just like the leaders they are even doing it to their familes as well. I've been in the middle observing this stuff. They low rate someone living for Christ, then they turn on themselves. Devouring themselves. Yes this is an old problem, but many Pastors or teachers are afraid to confront this. They say "oh we should just ignore it" Be nice they say. Well Nehemiah was not gentle nor passive, he was furious. This is not a call for every Tom ,Dick, or Harry to start jumping on each other. But you weak leaders know who you are. I find that these weak leaders are weak in their own homes. So they fear what people may say or do, so they wimp out. I say people do not always give you respect, sometimes you must stand up and take it. And it will cost you. Many strong men of God have had wives or children turn on them and leave. Okay, do you not fear God more than them? If they ridicule you, God will shame them. Nehemiah knew there would be the chance that someone would be lieing about their vow, so he issued a promise, that if they did, God will brush them off just like he brushed the dust off his clothes. I was in my yard after midnight praying. I ask God about how should i conduct myself. Because i have had much opposition. He directed me to Nehemiah chapter 5 verse 1-13. So i shall not fear anyone but my Lord, who is my judge.
He directs my paths. Anyone who claims to be my friend, my spouse, my ally, and vows that they are with me.....then if your not then i brush the dust off my clothes, and you know what happens next. Do not act puzzled, when things fall apart on you. I am very serious about righting wrongs that make me furious. And i go to my alter where i find my God and Savior waiting to hear my petitions. Do as these people did. Right your wrong. When you do, guess what's at the end of that road waiting on you?
Actual real love. Not a counterfeit like you will find searching your way. I love you guys. Sorry if your offended, someone had to say it. Amen.
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