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Book of
Nehemiah Chapter 3-1
(Bible Illustrations by Sweet Media) |
What is your favorite book of the Bible? What is your favorite book apart from the Bible? How did each of your favorites turn out in the end? (Serendipity Bible 10th Anniversary Edition, page 1103).
Any
Christian, of course, highly values the Gospels along with the entire
New Testament. They are simply indispensable. But I have to admit
that my favorite book is found in the Old Testament. I love the book
of Nehemiah for it shows the tangible application of faith in a
construction project. Nehemiah epitomizes my view of a practical and
effective man of faith.
Apart
from the Bible two books stand out. The Methodist Hymnal provides
the musical underpinnings of my faith. It is hard to overestimate the
impact of the weekly singing of hymns beginning in my formative years so that
the theology, phraseology, and tunes of the hymns become second
nature and deeply ingrained. The confessional in the Sacrament of
Holy Communion (which appears in the hymnal) is forever etched in my
memory and portrays well the stance I desire to take in this
imperfect life. It appears
in bold in the hymnal indicating the entire congregation is to read
aloud: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
maker of all things, judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our
manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most
grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy
divine majesty. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for
these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us.
Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For
thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness
of life, to the honor and glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen
Recently another book has come to my attention that promises to be a companion of mine for the rest of my life. It is a book of daily meditations written by the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. The title is: Through the Year with Jimmy Carter. This book is imbued with authenticity and faithfulness to Scripture. I suppose in a way I see Jimmy Carter as a modern-day Nehemiah: a man of faith, character, and ability.
Recently another book has come to my attention that promises to be a companion of mine for the rest of my life. It is a book of daily meditations written by the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. The title is: Through the Year with Jimmy Carter. This book is imbued with authenticity and faithfulness to Scripture. I suppose in a way I see Jimmy Carter as a modern-day Nehemiah: a man of faith, character, and ability.
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