MONDAY January 9, 2017
The Character of a Godly Man
…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. - Titus 2:7-8
Throughout the book of Nehemiah we find that Nehemiah was a patriotic man (Nehemiah 1:1-4), a prayerful man (Nehemiah 1:5-11), a man of perspective (Nehemiah 2:1-18, 20), and a man of persistence (Nehemiah 4). Nehemiah was also a person of great persuasion (Nehemiah 5), and he proved to be a person who had pure motives (Nehemiah 5:14-19).
When Nehemiah went to spy out the land, with some other men, as they looked at the rubble of the city; God confirmed his vision to Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:11-14). Nehemiah showed himself to be a man of great perseverance, through every affliction, trial and temptation (Nehemiah 6). As a man of God, he was steadfast and always moved ahead with God’s plans. He never quit because he knew God was on the throne.
It is important to start out in ministry with the right heart motives. Do not be concerned about your own interests or seek to build your own kingdom. Otherwise God may never show you the vision He intended for your life––the Lord always checks our hearts. Even if you do get to see what God wants to do and you get excited about the vison; if you place yourself above others, He will not allow you to be a partaker of the work.
When God calls a person to do a great work for Him they must be obedient, with the right heart. Ask yourself, “Am I a person who is persistent, who perseveres and has pure motives to work for God?”
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
but the Lordtests the hearts.
~Proverbs 17:3~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!