September 28-October 4, 2025

Heart Prep...
This is just a basic repeat of every “heart preparation” I have read in these devotions up to this time; at least to  some degree...
Let’s pray that Father God would reveal to us His heart; pray that what we read in His Word – his living Word – will envelope our very beings, even to the point of shouting in the streets (or at least wanting to), and proclaiming His Holy Name – everywhere! 
This Week’s Study:

• Sunday, Sept 28th –  Nehemiah 8-10
• Monday, Sept 29th – Nehemiah 11-13, Psalm 126
• Tuesday, Sept 30th – Malachi 1-4
• Wednesday, Oct 1st – Luke 1, John 1:1-14
• Thursday, Oct 2nd – Matthew 1, Luke 2:1-38
• Friday, Oct 3rd – Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52
• Saturday, Oct 4th – Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3

Some Things to Look For:
- Standing Strong: God’s people are reminded and encouraged to stand strong before those who oppose the rebuilding of the temple.
- Obedience: God’s people are reminded of all he has done for them; before, during and after the exile; and their need to be obedient to Him.
- Genealogies: As we read the end of the Old and beginning of the New Testament, we will see these a number of times; confirmation of the family line of God’s people – all the way up to the Messiah!
- Ezra reads the Book of the Law: Notice how “all the people” implore him to read from the book of the Law of Moses, and they celebrate and rejoice because they are able to understand it. In fact, they celebrate and hear the Law read to them every day for the next week...
- Prophesies: Look for them! They are written in these passages many times, confirming that all of God’s promises find their “yes” and “amen” in Christ Jesus.
- Joy (and praise): Look for it! Again, we will see this word (and action) quite evident – and repeated many times here as we read the OT and NT.
- Angels: Look for them! Everywhere from personal visits, to legions of them singing joy and praise! 


My Personal Insight:
Time and again, Nehemiah encourages God’s people (sometimes rather abruptly) to stand strong and fight as they build (rebuild) God’s temple. Backed by the writings and encouragement of Malachi and Ezra and echoed in Psalm 126, I am obliged to ask myself, “where am I at in the building and rebuilding of God’s temple in my own life – in this heart of mine? You see, “taking captive every thought,” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV) and “being transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2 NIV) are a daily process, and staying true to God’s word and professing Jesus Christ (as his cousin John did) are not always as easy as they sound. We all too recently saw the Enemy try to wreak havoc in the wake of losing Charlie Kirk; however, the Holy Spirit proved otherwise; indeed, Charlie is still very much “alive.” We see divorce – which God hates – running rampant (even among the Christian community) – yet we stand strong and continue to encourage the development and continuity of sound marriages. I think of Jesus touching and healing the leper; this may have been the first time that individual had ever been touched by another person! And ladies and gentlemen, Jesus is still very much in the business of touching peoples’ lives. He is the same: yesterday, today and tomorrow, and He is still in the business of leading His church as we support and encourage one another.


Prayer:
Our gracious heavenly Father, we thank you that Your Word is never compromised. Your amazing love and Your amazing grace are boundless, and it is indeed humbling that we have been called according to Your purpose. Let us never take that for granted. Today, we worship You and we give You all glory and honor and praise!
In Jesus’ Name, 
Amen. 

-studog