Gosh, why does the book of Nehemiah have to end this way? If you have ever read Nehemiah 13, you know what I'm talking about...its a bit depressing. I read this chapter about a week ago...which was odd, here's the story...
I was asking and seeking God on some direction on what to read from His word...when I felt God calling me to Nehemiah 13. The odd thing was that I had just finished chapter 9 the day before and found it odd that God was pressing in on me to read the end of the story. I will be honest, I didn't remember the ending, I last read the Book of Nehemiah back in December of 2008, but it didn't take long to jog my memory. So, I read the end of the book...thought 'well, that sucks' then took a couple of days off of Nehemiah and came back and read the chapters that I had missed...which I blogged about yesterday. The story doesn't end the way we want it to...but it hit me...OUR STORY DOESN'T HAVE TO END THIS WAY! We can learn fromm this book and not make the same mistakes...we have all broken promises, probably even to God, but our broken promises do not have to be the end of our story like it was the end of this story...our book isn't completed yet! I am so encouraged by this sad story, strangely enough...but unless I learn from Chapter 13, I will end in tragedy too. So...here is what I learned and am learning from Chapter 13...
'When this passage of the Law was read (the passage about no Ammonite or Moabite being permitted to end the assembly of God), all those of foreign decent were immediately excluded from the assembly.' -Nehemiah 13:3
1) When this passage was read...they excluded foreigners from their meeting? How was it that they didn't know that beforehand?? They were not familiar with the Law of the Lord...that's how. Hmm...ring a bell with anyone but me?? Has anyone ever heard that ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it? Me too...in this case, the Israelites were breaking God's law! But, once they realized it, they repented...this is such a beautiful example of God's redemptive power. In my life, I must KNOW scripture, not in a 'bible drill' style, not a 'know of' style, but a 'KNOW' style.
2) In Nehemiah's absence, the church fell into disarray. The leaders neglected their roles and needs stopped being met! Was it Nehemiah's fault that the leaders stopped doing their jobs? I mean, he picked them, right? NO...Nehemiah is not at fault here...he was doing what God called him to do, it just didn't turn out the way Nehemiah wanted! In my life, I need to understand that no matter what happens, if I am following God, I am not at fault for the results...what a liberating thought!! GOD WILL RECEIVE GLORY...STOP PUTTING SO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF AND JUST FOLLOW HIM WHERE HE LEADS! Thank you Jesus!
3) Nehemiah revises his previous plans, he puts trustworthy people in place, but why didn't he do that before? I guess he didn't think about it...I think, because God didn't let him, God didn't put that thought in his mind. Wait...Am I saying that what happened in Chapter 13 is what God wanted?? Yes...I am. Here is what God is pressing in on me about as I read this part of the Chapter (vs. 13-14)...I have to stop beating myself up over apparent failures in ministry when I know I was following God...especially with The CHILL. For me to be a good leader and to rebuild the walls of TLH hand-in-hand with students...I must have complete confidence that wherever Jesus leads me, I need to go...with no fear of the outcome.
4) Nehemiah asked for God to remember him (vs. 22), to not let his work be done in vain...remember me O' God...please make my labor good for something, anything...The cry of Nehemiah here is the cry of every leader, pastor, everywhere...God remember me...
5) Sexual sin kills movements of God. (vs.23-29) The times in my life when I have been furthest from where I need to be spiritually is when I am struggling with some sort of sexual sin...The Israelites here are intermarrying with other races of people, who are not believers in the one True God...so, Nehemiah gets mad! Remember the promises from the previous blog post...hmm, they break EVERY SINGLE ONE in Chapter 13...EVERY ONE.
6) Lastly, history is a great teacher...in verse 26, Nehemiah says, "Wasn't this exactly what led King Solomon of Israel into Sin?" (marrying pagan peoples). How about David with Bathsheba, the list goes on and on...I must learn from history, both the history of others and my own history to become what God wants me to be in the present and future.
The Book of Nehemiah is awesome...read it.
OK...Subject Change.
I finished the book "Fight Clubs" by Jonathan Dodson this morning...Are you in a fight club? Actively fighting for the Gospel and against your sin?? Just go get this book and read it...its short and good.
God is planning something huge at TLH and I am so excited about being a little part of it...if you want to be involved with THE CHILL at T.L. Hanna or Westside, let me know...we will start meetings for next year in August and you do not want to miss it!
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Book of Nehemiah: Post 6: The Good Times
Books I'm Reading...
1) When I Don't Desire God by John Piper (Good, real good)
2) Doctrine by Mark Driscoll (A Brilliant, Tough Read)
3) Fight Clubs by Jonathan Dodson (A MUST READ...GO BUY IT!)
Book I just finished:
1) A Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper (I Loved this book, could not put it down. It explains the Book of Ruth...need I say more? Piper...Book of Ruth...its solid).
Books I want to read:
Whatever book you want to give me! :)
What I'm Doing...
1) Meeting once a week with a young man that loves God, his name is John Hardy and he just graduated from high school and loves the Lord. We are meeting as accountability partners right now and hopefully I am mentoring him a little.
2) Homegroup...I am in a homegroup that meets on Thursday nights...get involved in something like this at your church/town/city, whatever...it will change your life!
3) Coaching...I coach football...yep.
4) Reading.
5) Staring at a computer...I haven't done this as much, but it happens.
Prayer Requests:
1) Urgency (We have one life to live...I need to make a change)
2) More Reflective in my faith (Meaning, I want to actually think about how I live each day more)
3) My "Dents" 'Help me to remember that my Dent does not determine my identity!'(Pastor Jeff Kapusta, LifePoint Church, Wilmington, NC)
4) The Gauntlet!! My church is taking over 1000 students to Daytona Beach, FL for our version of youth camp from the 26th-30th....its gonna be awesome!
Alrighty...so, as I have been reading Nehemiah, I have realized that this book is the story of my life. What a tragedy! In Chapters 8-10, we see a group of people "sold out" to God's cause. They are so excited and seemingly ready to change their lives for God.
Chapter 8: Ezra Reads the Law. There are several things that take place in Chapter 8 that make everyone think that the Israelites are finally starting to get their acts together.
1) They have a unified purpose.
vs. 1 "All the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate." So these people were serious...they were ready to do work for the Kingdom! They had just gotten back from "Youth Camp" and they were ready to change the World!
My previous post touches on other things that happen in Chapters 8-9, but the point here is that they seemingly had it together. I want to focus on Chapter 10 for a while now...
2) They make promises.
vs. 30 "We PROMISE not to let our daughters marry the pagan people of the land."
vs. 31 " We PROMISE that if the people of the land should bring any merchandise or grain to be sold on the Sabbath, we will refuse to buy it.
vs. 32 "We PROMISE to obey the command to pay the annual temple tax."
vs. 35 "We PROMISE to bring the first part of every harvest to the Lord's temple.
vs. 38 "We PROMISE together not to neglect the Temple of Our God.
3) Nehemiah Set Provisions in Place
In Chapter 12:44-47, Nehemiah puts people in charge of different things in the city and temple to insure that everything would get done. Surely, Nehemiah did this because he was leaving to go back to King Artaxerxes for a little while...he hoped and prayed that he would return to a thriving city, full of fervor for the things of God...but he didn't.
After Chapter 12, everyone is thinking, "Praise God, they get it! They are finally doing what they have been commanded to do! Chapter 11 goes on and the Israelite nation is doing great and on into Chapter 12, things were going well! God was being praised and people were being faithful!"
Isn't it refreshing to see God's people carrying out God's plan? Doesn't it encourage you? I know it does me. Things are going well here...and if the story stopped at the end of Chapter 12, who knows what would have happened...but it doesn't. Chapter 13 will rock the Israelite nation and Nehemiah. We will get into this next time...
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
1) When I Don't Desire God by John Piper (Good, real good)
2) Doctrine by Mark Driscoll (A Brilliant, Tough Read)
3) Fight Clubs by Jonathan Dodson (A MUST READ...GO BUY IT!)
Book I just finished:
1) A Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper (I Loved this book, could not put it down. It explains the Book of Ruth...need I say more? Piper...Book of Ruth...its solid).
Books I want to read:
Whatever book you want to give me! :)
What I'm Doing...
1) Meeting once a week with a young man that loves God, his name is John Hardy and he just graduated from high school and loves the Lord. We are meeting as accountability partners right now and hopefully I am mentoring him a little.
2) Homegroup...I am in a homegroup that meets on Thursday nights...get involved in something like this at your church/town/city, whatever...it will change your life!
3) Coaching...I coach football...yep.
4) Reading.
5) Staring at a computer...I haven't done this as much, but it happens.
Prayer Requests:
1) Urgency (We have one life to live...I need to make a change)
2) More Reflective in my faith (Meaning, I want to actually think about how I live each day more)
3) My "Dents" 'Help me to remember that my Dent does not determine my identity!'(Pastor Jeff Kapusta, LifePoint Church, Wilmington, NC)
4) The Gauntlet!! My church is taking over 1000 students to Daytona Beach, FL for our version of youth camp from the 26th-30th....its gonna be awesome!
Alrighty...so, as I have been reading Nehemiah, I have realized that this book is the story of my life. What a tragedy! In Chapters 8-10, we see a group of people "sold out" to God's cause. They are so excited and seemingly ready to change their lives for God.
Chapter 8: Ezra Reads the Law. There are several things that take place in Chapter 8 that make everyone think that the Israelites are finally starting to get their acts together.
1) They have a unified purpose.
vs. 1 "All the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate." So these people were serious...they were ready to do work for the Kingdom! They had just gotten back from "Youth Camp" and they were ready to change the World!
My previous post touches on other things that happen in Chapters 8-9, but the point here is that they seemingly had it together. I want to focus on Chapter 10 for a while now...
2) They make promises.
vs. 30 "We PROMISE not to let our daughters marry the pagan people of the land."
vs. 31 " We PROMISE that if the people of the land should bring any merchandise or grain to be sold on the Sabbath, we will refuse to buy it.
vs. 32 "We PROMISE to obey the command to pay the annual temple tax."
vs. 35 "We PROMISE to bring the first part of every harvest to the Lord's temple.
vs. 38 "We PROMISE together not to neglect the Temple of Our God.
3) Nehemiah Set Provisions in Place
In Chapter 12:44-47, Nehemiah puts people in charge of different things in the city and temple to insure that everything would get done. Surely, Nehemiah did this because he was leaving to go back to King Artaxerxes for a little while...he hoped and prayed that he would return to a thriving city, full of fervor for the things of God...but he didn't.
After Chapter 12, everyone is thinking, "Praise God, they get it! They are finally doing what they have been commanded to do! Chapter 11 goes on and the Israelite nation is doing great and on into Chapter 12, things were going well! God was being praised and people were being faithful!"
Isn't it refreshing to see God's people carrying out God's plan? Doesn't it encourage you? I know it does me. Things are going well here...and if the story stopped at the end of Chapter 12, who knows what would have happened...but it doesn't. Chapter 13 will rock the Israelite nation and Nehemiah. We will get into this next time...
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Monday, July 12, 2010
Christmas Break in South Korea
I just wanted to post a quick little thing about what I am doing in December/January! From the title of the post, you probably got it already, but still...I am going to South Korea! Please pray for me as I go to South Korea from December 26th through January 2nd...it will be a short trip that will kinda be a vacation/mission trip. I really don't know all of the details on what I will be doing yet, but some of the biggest churches in the World are in South Korea and the Gospel is spreading in a mighty way there! I cannot wait to experience just a glimpse of that while I am there. Here are a couple of things I would love you to do...
1) Pray for me.
I am excited and I am ready to go...I have sold some stocks I have (they have lost enough money already) for me to be able to go, but I do still need to raise a little money. So, pray for that but more important pray for me in general...that I will be spiritually ready for an amazing time of helping fellow believers.
2) Pray about going.
Hey...the more the better (not really, too many can make this trip terribly complicated!) but if you feel God calling you to go...go. It is kinda pricey, but not as much as you may think, so let me know if you want to go.
3) Hold on tight.
What does that mean?? What I mean is...when you start praying about doing missions...don't be surprised when God takes you on an incredible ride. I am absolutely blown away that God is allowing me to do missions all over the World...I NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS POSSIBLE!
In conclusion, I am so thankful for all of you and hope this blog can continue to help many of you as it helps me by writing it. I will go...wherever, whenever...and I am holding on tight!
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
1) Pray for me.
I am excited and I am ready to go...I have sold some stocks I have (they have lost enough money already) for me to be able to go, but I do still need to raise a little money. So, pray for that but more important pray for me in general...that I will be spiritually ready for an amazing time of helping fellow believers.
2) Pray about going.
Hey...the more the better (not really, too many can make this trip terribly complicated!) but if you feel God calling you to go...go. It is kinda pricey, but not as much as you may think, so let me know if you want to go.
3) Hold on tight.
What does that mean?? What I mean is...when you start praying about doing missions...don't be surprised when God takes you on an incredible ride. I am absolutely blown away that God is allowing me to do missions all over the World...I NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS POSSIBLE!
In conclusion, I am so thankful for all of you and hope this blog can continue to help many of you as it helps me by writing it. I will go...wherever, whenever...and I am holding on tight!
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Book of Nehemiah: Post 5: Rebellion & Redemption
My Birthday was yesterday and I am so thankful for all the texts, facebook messages, e-mails, etc...and also thankful for all my friends, family and former students that decided to come to hang out at the races last night, God has blessed me way beyond what I deserve...which brings us to Nehemiah.
In Nehemiah 9:33 it says, "Every time you punished us you were being just. We have sinned greatly and you gave us only what we deserved." Can I just say that I am thankful God hasn't given me what I deserve! Holy cow...I mean, aren't we all pretty thankful we don't get what we deserve!?! (Which is hell, by the way).
Anyway, I would like to talk about what God taught me today in Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9.
1) We must be unified.
For God's redemption to take place where we are, we need to be unified. In Chapter 8:1, the Israelite nation was unified by a common purpose. In my life, I need to seek unity with all believers. In regards to The Chill, I need to work with every Christian at TLH to try to help bring the School to Christ. When our purpose is full of disunity or without clarity, our effectiveness will be minimal. Let's unify this year to take the Gospel to our school (or wherever you are). There is strength in numbers. Lastly, I do not care what Church you go to...let's stop trying to change the school through our church and start trying to change it through our Savior. Inviting people to church or The Chill is awesome, but the reason they will actually go to your church or group is because they see the Savior living in you.
2) Why are you sad??
Verse 10 of Chapter 8 says "...Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." As the Israelites heard and understood the Book of the Law, they cried...it doesn't tell us for sure why in the text, but I think it is because they understood how far from God's commands they had fallen. They realized the severity of their sins. They were heartbroken by how short they had fallen of the glory of their great and holy God. But Nehemiah said to them that the time for mourning is over, the wall is rebuilt and God is restoring His people! So, my question for all of us is...Why are you sad? We have the victory! We have a Savior that has redeemed us! Yeah, we have all screwed up and it is easy for all of us to focus on our failures...but God doesn't focus on our failures, so why should we!
3) The Story of our lives...Rebellion and Redemption
Chapter 9 starts with the people confessing their sins to God and then the Levites begin to pray...they start by praising God. They mention that He is the only God and in verse 8, says that He always keeps His word. Then, in verses 9-15, the Levite leaders started mentioning God's past faithfulness in the prayer. Verse 16 is back to rebellion of the Israelite nation...it continues through the rest of the chapter. God is faithful and delivers them, the people rebel against God, bad things happen, they cry out to God, he delivers...its the same ole story. One thing I learned from this passage is that God is faithful, we are not...so, in order for me to stay on the right track I need to remember Gods past faithfulness and walk in confidence knowing that God is bigger and better than anything my wandering heart may seek. I'm still working on this, but by the grace of God, I will continue to understand Him more. I started this post by talking about verse 33 of chapter 9...we do not want what we deserve, but whatever God decides to do is just. So, no matter what trials may come, I must walk in God's redemption, not Rebellion.
In conclusion, many of us are facing lots of temptations this summer...just like I teach my Defensive Backs in football...it only takes one mistake to cost us the game, it only takes one bad decision to cost us our testimony or even worse...our lives. Don't be an idiot this summer...your half-way there...stay strong (or become strong).
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
In Nehemiah 9:33 it says, "Every time you punished us you were being just. We have sinned greatly and you gave us only what we deserved." Can I just say that I am thankful God hasn't given me what I deserve! Holy cow...I mean, aren't we all pretty thankful we don't get what we deserve!?! (Which is hell, by the way).
Anyway, I would like to talk about what God taught me today in Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9.
1) We must be unified.
For God's redemption to take place where we are, we need to be unified. In Chapter 8:1, the Israelite nation was unified by a common purpose. In my life, I need to seek unity with all believers. In regards to The Chill, I need to work with every Christian at TLH to try to help bring the School to Christ. When our purpose is full of disunity or without clarity, our effectiveness will be minimal. Let's unify this year to take the Gospel to our school (or wherever you are). There is strength in numbers. Lastly, I do not care what Church you go to...let's stop trying to change the school through our church and start trying to change it through our Savior. Inviting people to church or The Chill is awesome, but the reason they will actually go to your church or group is because they see the Savior living in you.
2) Why are you sad??
Verse 10 of Chapter 8 says "...Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." As the Israelites heard and understood the Book of the Law, they cried...it doesn't tell us for sure why in the text, but I think it is because they understood how far from God's commands they had fallen. They realized the severity of their sins. They were heartbroken by how short they had fallen of the glory of their great and holy God. But Nehemiah said to them that the time for mourning is over, the wall is rebuilt and God is restoring His people! So, my question for all of us is...Why are you sad? We have the victory! We have a Savior that has redeemed us! Yeah, we have all screwed up and it is easy for all of us to focus on our failures...but God doesn't focus on our failures, so why should we!
3) The Story of our lives...Rebellion and Redemption
Chapter 9 starts with the people confessing their sins to God and then the Levites begin to pray...they start by praising God. They mention that He is the only God and in verse 8, says that He always keeps His word. Then, in verses 9-15, the Levite leaders started mentioning God's past faithfulness in the prayer. Verse 16 is back to rebellion of the Israelite nation...it continues through the rest of the chapter. God is faithful and delivers them, the people rebel against God, bad things happen, they cry out to God, he delivers...its the same ole story. One thing I learned from this passage is that God is faithful, we are not...so, in order for me to stay on the right track I need to remember Gods past faithfulness and walk in confidence knowing that God is bigger and better than anything my wandering heart may seek. I'm still working on this, but by the grace of God, I will continue to understand Him more. I started this post by talking about verse 33 of chapter 9...we do not want what we deserve, but whatever God decides to do is just. So, no matter what trials may come, I must walk in God's redemption, not Rebellion.
In conclusion, many of us are facing lots of temptations this summer...just like I teach my Defensive Backs in football...it only takes one mistake to cost us the game, it only takes one bad decision to cost us our testimony or even worse...our lives. Don't be an idiot this summer...your half-way there...stay strong (or become strong).
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Monday, July 5, 2010
Book of Nehemiah: Post 4: I hate you.
Wow...did I just title this blog post "I hate you??" I think I did...or as Ricky Bobby would say "That just happened." haha.
Anyway, I am continuing a biblical journey through the Book of Nehemiah and it is continuing to shape and change the way I view my Christian Walk. Today, I have been reading in Nehemiah 6-7, which has been awesome. There are five points I want to draw out of these two chapters that will help me and maybe help someone that is reading this blog. When we are following God, several things will happen...
1) People will try to intimidate us.
Nehemiah is being threatened for finishing the wall. He was threatened before the wall was completed, which makes perfect sense because the work was not done! But, why would he be intimidated by people when the work is complete?? Simply put, just because the wall was built did not mean he was finished! That was just a step in Nehemiah's life...just a stepping stone. God has TONS more he wanted to do through Nehemiah! I must understand that no matter how the "now" may be that God has more in store...finish the "Wall" and move on! I know right now I need to help "rebuild the walls" at TLH, but who knows what the future brings. Maybe God will call me to another country one day, I have no idea...but, I do know that this is just a step in my race of faith. So, people will intimidate you...if you let them. There are people that HATE what you do, when you do it for God...and if they don't hate you, Satan does...intimidation attempts are coming, react the way Nehemiah did in 6:9 "So I continued the work with even greater determination."
2) People will try to discourage you.
The attempt to intimidate Nehemiah in Chapter 6 is to discourage Nehemiah from doing God's plans. It is simple really, if those opposed to God and His ways can discourage us by intimidation, then they will do it. Think about it, how many times have we been discouraged by our circumstances? We think to ourselves that the risks are too great, that the odds are stacked against us...but we must understand that discouragement is evidence of a lack of faith, when what we are discouraged from doing is something we know God is calling us to! Be bold...be courageous...at home, school, wherever...thats my prayer for all of us. Discouragement and intimidation come in many forms...and in all cases, the plan is to stop you from doing God's work.
3) People will try to make you sin.
"They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin." Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me." -Nehemiah 6:13
Either a person is for God, or against Him...there is no in between, no 'gray area' in this. Life apart from Christ is sin...its prideful, lustful, greedy, sin. We have nothing good in ourselves apart from God, who is the essence of Good. So, when we are around those who hate God's work...we will be more likely to sin. In verse 13, Nehemiah says that they were using intimidation to try to make him sin, but this mentality can come in many forms and shapes. We have all been around people that make it easier for us to sin, they may not literally push you to sin, but they are happy when you decide to do what they are doing...which is basically the same thing, really. I have heard people say that they can hang out with whoever they want and not sin...for a while, maybe...but it will catch up to you, no matter what your intentions are...I have lived it, trust me on this one. Remember that the whole reason that people try to talk us into sin is because then they can discredit us...sinners are running from God, they want a reason to discredit Christianity and Christians in general...therefore, you sinning makes them think what you do is pointless. With that said, we all sin...and God is just as real, no matter how we as believers may act...but we have to stop giving people reasons to discredit God's work...I am chief sinner in this aspect.
4) Deceiving others is easy.
Look at verses 18-19 of Chapter 6...People can easily be deceived, Tobiah made everyone think he was an honest man, however, he was sending threatening letters to Nehemiah! Lord, give me a discernment and intuition to know when someone is a "wolf or a sheep" (Mark Driscoll, Spiritual Warfare Lecture). Tobiah seemed good...to everyone BUT Nehemiah...because Nehemiah knew the other side to Tobiah, the side that wanted to KILL Nehemiah and stop God's plans. Be careful who you follow, high schooler...college kid, adult (I am preaching to myself here as well). I have deceived people myself...I have been involved in things I shouldn't and still pretended everything was fine, when really I was so convicted of sin that I couldn't sleep at night...but, Tobiah was not a believer...he was just a bad guy pretending to be good, so that he could destroy the work of God...let's be careful!
5) Nehemiah's next step.
In chapter 7, verse 5, God tells Nehemiah to call all Jews back to the homeland because there is so much extra room in Jerusalem. Once the wall was built...God commanded Nehemiah to move on. What Nehemiah moved to was something huge, the return of God's people! There were 42,360 people that moved back (verse 66) and the city of Jerusalem was populated by God's children once again! In my life, I can't help but think about my next step...what is it?? Is it soon? Will ANY step ever involve a wife? Family? Is God preparing me for something that I could never do if married?? I have soooooo many questions about what God is calling me to...but all I have to do is look back at the steps I've made to know that God will be faithful in future steps...I have now been to Peru three times...that was a step. I sponsor a Christian group...that was a step. Before that, I joined NewSpring and started helping with FUSE...that was a step. One thing I KNOW is that each step has been more exciting than the one before and WHATEVER that involves, with whoever that is involved with, makes me joyful and content, no matter what.
What is God calling you to do next?? Do you know? Do you even ask Him? What I know is that it will be exciting and challenging...and in the end bring contentment that can't be explained. God is calling us to some amazing stuff...maybe the reason he hasn't told you is because you aren't ready? Me too...let's get ready!
After I rebuild the walls of TLH, I have no idea what is next...but I know who is directing my steps...and I got a lot of confidence in that guy...(its Jesus, btw).
If you are reading this and you have no idea about God or you have questions...shoot me an email at faithalone3@hotmail.com.
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Anyway, I am continuing a biblical journey through the Book of Nehemiah and it is continuing to shape and change the way I view my Christian Walk. Today, I have been reading in Nehemiah 6-7, which has been awesome. There are five points I want to draw out of these two chapters that will help me and maybe help someone that is reading this blog. When we are following God, several things will happen...
1) People will try to intimidate us.
Nehemiah is being threatened for finishing the wall. He was threatened before the wall was completed, which makes perfect sense because the work was not done! But, why would he be intimidated by people when the work is complete?? Simply put, just because the wall was built did not mean he was finished! That was just a step in Nehemiah's life...just a stepping stone. God has TONS more he wanted to do through Nehemiah! I must understand that no matter how the "now" may be that God has more in store...finish the "Wall" and move on! I know right now I need to help "rebuild the walls" at TLH, but who knows what the future brings. Maybe God will call me to another country one day, I have no idea...but, I do know that this is just a step in my race of faith. So, people will intimidate you...if you let them. There are people that HATE what you do, when you do it for God...and if they don't hate you, Satan does...intimidation attempts are coming, react the way Nehemiah did in 6:9 "So I continued the work with even greater determination."
2) People will try to discourage you.
The attempt to intimidate Nehemiah in Chapter 6 is to discourage Nehemiah from doing God's plans. It is simple really, if those opposed to God and His ways can discourage us by intimidation, then they will do it. Think about it, how many times have we been discouraged by our circumstances? We think to ourselves that the risks are too great, that the odds are stacked against us...but we must understand that discouragement is evidence of a lack of faith, when what we are discouraged from doing is something we know God is calling us to! Be bold...be courageous...at home, school, wherever...thats my prayer for all of us. Discouragement and intimidation come in many forms...and in all cases, the plan is to stop you from doing God's work.
3) People will try to make you sin.
"They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin." Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me." -Nehemiah 6:13
Either a person is for God, or against Him...there is no in between, no 'gray area' in this. Life apart from Christ is sin...its prideful, lustful, greedy, sin. We have nothing good in ourselves apart from God, who is the essence of Good. So, when we are around those who hate God's work...we will be more likely to sin. In verse 13, Nehemiah says that they were using intimidation to try to make him sin, but this mentality can come in many forms and shapes. We have all been around people that make it easier for us to sin, they may not literally push you to sin, but they are happy when you decide to do what they are doing...which is basically the same thing, really. I have heard people say that they can hang out with whoever they want and not sin...for a while, maybe...but it will catch up to you, no matter what your intentions are...I have lived it, trust me on this one. Remember that the whole reason that people try to talk us into sin is because then they can discredit us...sinners are running from God, they want a reason to discredit Christianity and Christians in general...therefore, you sinning makes them think what you do is pointless. With that said, we all sin...and God is just as real, no matter how we as believers may act...but we have to stop giving people reasons to discredit God's work...I am chief sinner in this aspect.
4) Deceiving others is easy.
Look at verses 18-19 of Chapter 6...People can easily be deceived, Tobiah made everyone think he was an honest man, however, he was sending threatening letters to Nehemiah! Lord, give me a discernment and intuition to know when someone is a "wolf or a sheep" (Mark Driscoll, Spiritual Warfare Lecture). Tobiah seemed good...to everyone BUT Nehemiah...because Nehemiah knew the other side to Tobiah, the side that wanted to KILL Nehemiah and stop God's plans. Be careful who you follow, high schooler...college kid, adult (I am preaching to myself here as well). I have deceived people myself...I have been involved in things I shouldn't and still pretended everything was fine, when really I was so convicted of sin that I couldn't sleep at night...but, Tobiah was not a believer...he was just a bad guy pretending to be good, so that he could destroy the work of God...let's be careful!
5) Nehemiah's next step.
In chapter 7, verse 5, God tells Nehemiah to call all Jews back to the homeland because there is so much extra room in Jerusalem. Once the wall was built...God commanded Nehemiah to move on. What Nehemiah moved to was something huge, the return of God's people! There were 42,360 people that moved back (verse 66) and the city of Jerusalem was populated by God's children once again! In my life, I can't help but think about my next step...what is it?? Is it soon? Will ANY step ever involve a wife? Family? Is God preparing me for something that I could never do if married?? I have soooooo many questions about what God is calling me to...but all I have to do is look back at the steps I've made to know that God will be faithful in future steps...I have now been to Peru three times...that was a step. I sponsor a Christian group...that was a step. Before that, I joined NewSpring and started helping with FUSE...that was a step. One thing I KNOW is that each step has been more exciting than the one before and WHATEVER that involves, with whoever that is involved with, makes me joyful and content, no matter what.
What is God calling you to do next?? Do you know? Do you even ask Him? What I know is that it will be exciting and challenging...and in the end bring contentment that can't be explained. God is calling us to some amazing stuff...maybe the reason he hasn't told you is because you aren't ready? Me too...let's get ready!
After I rebuild the walls of TLH, I have no idea what is next...but I know who is directing my steps...and I got a lot of confidence in that guy...(its Jesus, btw).
If you are reading this and you have no idea about God or you have questions...shoot me an email at faithalone3@hotmail.com.
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Book of Nehemiah: Post 3: Bringin' It.
So, I have read a couple of different blogs today...and they have encouraged me so much! Before I get into the Book of Nehemiah and what God is teaching me, I have some prayer requests...
1) The Chill
I am meeting with the Presidents at both "CHILL" groups tomorrow...be praying that God will give us clarity. I am also meeting with some raising Senior guys about THE CHILL next week, pray that they will get involved!
2) Missionaries in Peru
I wish I was in Peru everyday, but that was not in God's plans for this summer ( other than the two week trip). Join me in praying for the 40 or so summer missionaries and all the missionaries who live there.
3) This Month
Pray that I don't waste it. :)
I realized that I have not been actually talking about things that I am doing on any post since...well, last august, really...so...I am getting ready for football season, working in the yard, keeping my house spotless, watching tv, reading my Bible...now you know why I haven't mentioned it :)
Now to the Book of Nehemiah.
I was reading Nehemiah 5 this morning and I am just gonna write what I wrote in my journal...maybe it can encourage someone.
Vs. 5: It will not take long for those who were once with you to start falling away. There is no doubt that no matter how hard you work and how sure of your calling, people will complain and try to talk you out of what God is calling you to do. I must remember that my calling is not based on others' opinions, but on God's opinion of me. Sometimes people will say how much they have sacrificed as if their troubles trump God's calling, but I must NEVER allow myself to look at my circumstances to determine God's plan for me. Yes...we all sacrifice things to do the Lords work many times, but that's ok!
Vs. 6: When Nehemiah heard these complaints, he was very angry. The next part is where I struggle...maybe someone else feels me on this..."so AFTER THINKING IT OVER" he responded. I must become less reactive if I am going to rebuild the walls at TLH.
Vs.7-8: Nehemiah was willing to say the things that made his peers uncomfortable, he was not afraid of what they may say about him. His life was for one purpose, he had a wall to rebuild...so, after getting angry...he cooled down a little and told them what they needed to hear...he continued in Verse 9...
Vs. 9-15: Although Nehemiah knew that the people were speechless after his little speech, he pressed in a little more. He tells them their enemies are all around them and God has protected them thus far, so they should fear God. After this speech, the people tell him they will be obedient, but Nehemiah made them promise! He even told them that he would pray that God will punish them if they break this promise.
Wait a second...Nehemiah didn't blindly believe them?? But, they said they were gonna do what was right! I must remember that a life of disobedience, even for a short time, can make others lose trust in me...just like Nehemiah needed proof that these people would do what God was calling them to do, sometimes we have to prove ourselves. These people had been charging interest to Jewish brothers that had the same purpose...they were forcing people to do all kinds of things that hindered what God was trying to do! I love what Nehemiah says about why he did not do those things in verse 15 "But because I feared God, I did not act that way." WOW...that pretty much sums it up Nehemiah!
Vs. 19: When we do what God calls us to do...we can pray the prayer that Nehemiah prayed in Verse 19..."Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it."
Nehemiah was confident that he had done what God had called him to do...my prayer is that one day I can pray this prayer in confidence.
In conclusion, Nehemiah told people what they needed to hear...not what they wanted to hear, but he did not do it in a reactive way, he thought about it, then spoke. More opposition is coming in the next chapter and unity amongst the Jews will be essential to their success...
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
1) The Chill
I am meeting with the Presidents at both "CHILL" groups tomorrow...be praying that God will give us clarity. I am also meeting with some raising Senior guys about THE CHILL next week, pray that they will get involved!
2) Missionaries in Peru
I wish I was in Peru everyday, but that was not in God's plans for this summer ( other than the two week trip). Join me in praying for the 40 or so summer missionaries and all the missionaries who live there.
3) This Month
Pray that I don't waste it. :)
I realized that I have not been actually talking about things that I am doing on any post since...well, last august, really...so...I am getting ready for football season, working in the yard, keeping my house spotless, watching tv, reading my Bible...now you know why I haven't mentioned it :)
Now to the Book of Nehemiah.
I was reading Nehemiah 5 this morning and I am just gonna write what I wrote in my journal...maybe it can encourage someone.
Vs. 5: It will not take long for those who were once with you to start falling away. There is no doubt that no matter how hard you work and how sure of your calling, people will complain and try to talk you out of what God is calling you to do. I must remember that my calling is not based on others' opinions, but on God's opinion of me. Sometimes people will say how much they have sacrificed as if their troubles trump God's calling, but I must NEVER allow myself to look at my circumstances to determine God's plan for me. Yes...we all sacrifice things to do the Lords work many times, but that's ok!
Vs. 6: When Nehemiah heard these complaints, he was very angry. The next part is where I struggle...maybe someone else feels me on this..."so AFTER THINKING IT OVER" he responded. I must become less reactive if I am going to rebuild the walls at TLH.
Vs.7-8: Nehemiah was willing to say the things that made his peers uncomfortable, he was not afraid of what they may say about him. His life was for one purpose, he had a wall to rebuild...so, after getting angry...he cooled down a little and told them what they needed to hear...he continued in Verse 9...
Vs. 9-15: Although Nehemiah knew that the people were speechless after his little speech, he pressed in a little more. He tells them their enemies are all around them and God has protected them thus far, so they should fear God. After this speech, the people tell him they will be obedient, but Nehemiah made them promise! He even told them that he would pray that God will punish them if they break this promise.
Wait a second...Nehemiah didn't blindly believe them?? But, they said they were gonna do what was right! I must remember that a life of disobedience, even for a short time, can make others lose trust in me...just like Nehemiah needed proof that these people would do what God was calling them to do, sometimes we have to prove ourselves. These people had been charging interest to Jewish brothers that had the same purpose...they were forcing people to do all kinds of things that hindered what God was trying to do! I love what Nehemiah says about why he did not do those things in verse 15 "But because I feared God, I did not act that way." WOW...that pretty much sums it up Nehemiah!
Vs. 19: When we do what God calls us to do...we can pray the prayer that Nehemiah prayed in Verse 19..."Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it."
Nehemiah was confident that he had done what God had called him to do...my prayer is that one day I can pray this prayer in confidence.
In conclusion, Nehemiah told people what they needed to hear...not what they wanted to hear, but he did not do it in a reactive way, he thought about it, then spoke. More opposition is coming in the next chapter and unity amongst the Jews will be essential to their success...
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Book of Nehemiah: Post 2 "Clock-in and clock..."
Alright...so, I am reading periodically in Nehemiah and it has really blessed me. Let me preface everything I say with...I know nothing. Ok, got that out of the way...now may God teach all of us something that will impact our lives and help us change the World around us.
There are several things that will happen to all of us when we are doing God's work.
1) Opposition will come.
In Nehemiah 4:1 we see that Sanballat was very angry because he found out that the Jews were rebuilding the wall. So, he started taunting them and making fun of them to their faces! Then another guy chimed in with, "That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it." So, needless to say, the Jews are receiving lots of abuse and their peers are really making them feel a ton of pressure.
This happens in our lives all the time, for example "What do you mean you don't drink?" or "You could go out with him/her and you aren't, what's your problem?!?" or You can't change anything, you aren't popular enough, etc... The list goes on and on in our lives, we get made fun of for doing what God has called us to do. My question is...HOW DO YOU REACT?
2) Our Reaction is Key to our Effectiveness
I love Nehemiah 4:6, this is what it says, "At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm!" After getting made fun of and mocked for doing God's work...THEY DID IT HARDER, FASTER, MORE DETERMINED THAN BEFORE! Peer pressure was NOT going to defeat these people...after all, they had a wall to rebuild! I am so encouraged by this passage...I cannot help but think how much of my life would be different and more effective if I reacted this way to opposition...what a testament to our great God and King for us to react with determination rather than defeat.
3) Being Overwhelmed does not mean you are headed in the wrong direction!
We have such a misconception of our God sometimes. We sometimes think that when we feel overwhelmed, we must be doing something wrong...the Jews felt all of their enemies oppressing them and felt that they would never finish the building. They were tired. But, did that mean that God's calling for them had changed? Did that ensure that they were headed in the wrong direction and should stop? Did it even mean that they were being disobedient? NO NO NO! Quick newsflash...God puts more on us that we can bear on our own all the time! BEING OVERWHELMED PROBABLY MEANS YOU ARE FOLLOWING GOD! When we feel overwhelmed as followers we must remember that in our flesh, yes...it is impossible, but with God all things are possible and if He says do it, I gotta do it. Period...end of discussion! We all have those "freak out" moments, especially when God calls us to do something that seems crazy...(like tell our classmates about Jesus, go on a mission trip, etc...) but we must do it! The great thing is...in the end, we will find contentment because we were doing what God called us to do!
Lastly, understand that it is a sin to worry...so be careful when you feel overwhelmed that you understand that God is there and worrying is pointless.
4) Work, Work, Work...you can sleep when your dead!
Now, obviously I say that "tongue-in-cheek" but I must remember that I am always "on the clock" with God...I don't check out, ever...my workday is never over. I may suck at my job sometimes, but it is still my job...GO AND TELL.
In conclusion, be encouraged when opposition comes...and in response, WORK HARDER. We have to stop being defeated by our peers...do as the Jews did in Nehemiah 4...DO WORK.
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
There are several things that will happen to all of us when we are doing God's work.
1) Opposition will come.
In Nehemiah 4:1 we see that Sanballat was very angry because he found out that the Jews were rebuilding the wall. So, he started taunting them and making fun of them to their faces! Then another guy chimed in with, "That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it." So, needless to say, the Jews are receiving lots of abuse and their peers are really making them feel a ton of pressure.
This happens in our lives all the time, for example "What do you mean you don't drink?" or "You could go out with him/her and you aren't, what's your problem?!?" or You can't change anything, you aren't popular enough, etc... The list goes on and on in our lives, we get made fun of for doing what God has called us to do. My question is...HOW DO YOU REACT?
2) Our Reaction is Key to our Effectiveness
I love Nehemiah 4:6, this is what it says, "At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm!" After getting made fun of and mocked for doing God's work...THEY DID IT HARDER, FASTER, MORE DETERMINED THAN BEFORE! Peer pressure was NOT going to defeat these people...after all, they had a wall to rebuild! I am so encouraged by this passage...I cannot help but think how much of my life would be different and more effective if I reacted this way to opposition...what a testament to our great God and King for us to react with determination rather than defeat.
3) Being Overwhelmed does not mean you are headed in the wrong direction!
We have such a misconception of our God sometimes. We sometimes think that when we feel overwhelmed, we must be doing something wrong...the Jews felt all of their enemies oppressing them and felt that they would never finish the building. They were tired. But, did that mean that God's calling for them had changed? Did that ensure that they were headed in the wrong direction and should stop? Did it even mean that they were being disobedient? NO NO NO! Quick newsflash...God puts more on us that we can bear on our own all the time! BEING OVERWHELMED PROBABLY MEANS YOU ARE FOLLOWING GOD! When we feel overwhelmed as followers we must remember that in our flesh, yes...it is impossible, but with God all things are possible and if He says do it, I gotta do it. Period...end of discussion! We all have those "freak out" moments, especially when God calls us to do something that seems crazy...(like tell our classmates about Jesus, go on a mission trip, etc...) but we must do it! The great thing is...in the end, we will find contentment because we were doing what God called us to do!
Lastly, understand that it is a sin to worry...so be careful when you feel overwhelmed that you understand that God is there and worrying is pointless.
4) Work, Work, Work...you can sleep when your dead!
Now, obviously I say that "tongue-in-cheek" but I must remember that I am always "on the clock" with God...I don't check out, ever...my workday is never over. I may suck at my job sometimes, but it is still my job...GO AND TELL.
In conclusion, be encouraged when opposition comes...and in response, WORK HARDER. We have to stop being defeated by our peers...do as the Jews did in Nehemiah 4...DO WORK.
I WILL GO
Chase Culbertson
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Book of Nehemiah: Post 1
First of all, I haven't blogged in a lonnnnnnnnng time...but I feel that this series of blogs can really help people. I started reading Nehemiah this morning and although I have read it before, God definitely took my train of thought in a different direction. I usually look at Old Testament Books and read them looking for their historical significance, with little spiritual lessons every once in a while. As a history major in college, I tend to find myself looking at these books that way far too often. However, this day was different...way different. I read the first two chapters of the Book of Nehemiah and God really started convicting me of some stuff...
1) I need to be broken by brokenness.
Now, I am talking about me being spiritually broken by people whose lives are in pieces. Instead of thinking to myself, well...'they shouldn't have made that decision' or 'that's what you get'...I need to think...'that could easily be me, but for the grace of God.' I am so guilty of this...so hardened to the troubles of high school kids...I let news of a pregnant girl or a guy who gets caught up in drugs and drops out of school not phase me anymore. It is sad that I have become that way and I could make hundreds of excuses, but there is no excuse for being anything but broken by the broken lives at TLH.
Nehemiah was devastated by what was happening to the people he loved...Am I devastated by what happens where God has called me?? What a convicting thought!
"When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven"
-Nehemiah 1:4
2) I must use my position for God's glory.
Nehemiah was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes...that is a big deal. Nehemiah was a big deal in the Kingdom...but the only reason Nehemiah was in this position was so that God could use him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
So...I began to ask myself why God allows me to teach, do mission work, work at FUSE (when I can), coach, sponsor The CHILL, and it became clear...TO REBUILD THE WALLS OF TLH...what a task we at TLH all share! This is a tough place, peer pressure is everywhere...both for students and teachers...yet God has called me there! This school is getting worse every single year...the kids begin partying younger and younger...hopelessness runs ramped here...the walls need to be rebuilt. I am not ready for what God wants to do in and through me...but I pray that come August I will be (please pray with me). This is not some emotional thing, this is about fact...the fact is...I have major work to do right where I am.
Nehemiah requests many things from the King in Chapter 2 and the King agrees to it because God was calling Nehemiah. We can stand in confidence when we are working for the Kingdom. We can ask for things that will help us and things we would like to have (see Nehemiah 2:8) like timber for a house, when we are doing the will of God. I am not a prosperity Gospel guy AT ALL...but in the case of Nehemiah, God granted him things he needed and wanted.
3) What seems impossible and hopeless is possible with God.
Before Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem there were probably few people who believed rebuilding the city walls was a possibility at all, maybe ever...but when Nehemiah arrived, hope was restored! This hope was restored because God sent someone to do the work...
I hope you see where I am a going with this because God dropped some bombs on me as I was reading...There is hope at TLH, there is hope at whatever school you attend, the family you live in, the village where you serve, the city God has called you to...BECAUSE YOU ARE THERE! What an incredible testimony of God's plan for our lives!! We are where we are on purpose!! With purpose!! FOR A PURPOSE!
Lets rebuild some walls where we live...after all, God put us there for that purpose.
I WILL GO.
1) I need to be broken by brokenness.
Now, I am talking about me being spiritually broken by people whose lives are in pieces. Instead of thinking to myself, well...'they shouldn't have made that decision' or 'that's what you get'...I need to think...'that could easily be me, but for the grace of God.' I am so guilty of this...so hardened to the troubles of high school kids...I let news of a pregnant girl or a guy who gets caught up in drugs and drops out of school not phase me anymore. It is sad that I have become that way and I could make hundreds of excuses, but there is no excuse for being anything but broken by the broken lives at TLH.
Nehemiah was devastated by what was happening to the people he loved...Am I devastated by what happens where God has called me?? What a convicting thought!
"When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven"
-Nehemiah 1:4
2) I must use my position for God's glory.
Nehemiah was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes...that is a big deal. Nehemiah was a big deal in the Kingdom...but the only reason Nehemiah was in this position was so that God could use him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
So...I began to ask myself why God allows me to teach, do mission work, work at FUSE (when I can), coach, sponsor The CHILL, and it became clear...TO REBUILD THE WALLS OF TLH...what a task we at TLH all share! This is a tough place, peer pressure is everywhere...both for students and teachers...yet God has called me there! This school is getting worse every single year...the kids begin partying younger and younger...hopelessness runs ramped here...the walls need to be rebuilt. I am not ready for what God wants to do in and through me...but I pray that come August I will be (please pray with me). This is not some emotional thing, this is about fact...the fact is...I have major work to do right where I am.
Nehemiah requests many things from the King in Chapter 2 and the King agrees to it because God was calling Nehemiah. We can stand in confidence when we are working for the Kingdom. We can ask for things that will help us and things we would like to have (see Nehemiah 2:8) like timber for a house, when we are doing the will of God. I am not a prosperity Gospel guy AT ALL...but in the case of Nehemiah, God granted him things he needed and wanted.
3) What seems impossible and hopeless is possible with God.
Before Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem there were probably few people who believed rebuilding the city walls was a possibility at all, maybe ever...but when Nehemiah arrived, hope was restored! This hope was restored because God sent someone to do the work...
I hope you see where I am a going with this because God dropped some bombs on me as I was reading...There is hope at TLH, there is hope at whatever school you attend, the family you live in, the village where you serve, the city God has called you to...BECAUSE YOU ARE THERE! What an incredible testimony of God's plan for our lives!! We are where we are on purpose!! With purpose!! FOR A PURPOSE!
Lets rebuild some walls where we live...after all, God put us there for that purpose.
I WILL GO.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)