Pastor Bob DuPar
August 11, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 21:4

Observation

How would you like to start your day with news that “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire?” Such was Nehemiah’s predicament. But, Nehemiah was a man of God and he prayed, “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man (King Artaxerxes).” (Nehemiah 1:11) And, God granted his request and gave Nehemiah success.

I’m impressed not only by Nehemiah’s vision and leadership but also by his personal knowledge of his team. In reading Nehemiah 3 it becomes evident that Nehemiah knew each and every person who was working together to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The phrase “next” or “next to” is mentioned no less than 23 times in chapter 3! Nehemiah knew each person, each family that was working.

I particularly liked Nehemiah 3:12,

“Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.”

How cool that Shallum’s daughters rolled up their sleeves and joined the workforce. With three of my own daughters I can visualize this, and can relate to the joy Shallum must have felt in having his daughters team with him in the task.

Finally, 1 Corinthians 7:23 stood out to me,

“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”

Application

My takeaway from today’s reading is that good leadership places a high priority upon the importance of personal relationship. Seeing teammates and coworkers as indispensable partners rather than just as “means to an end” is the prescription for successful and enduring ministry. I need to continually take the time to tell people and demonstrate to them their value and importance on the team.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the joy of team ministry. Thank You for gifting and equipping each of us in such a way that we work better together rather than in isolation.”