Armor Up Part 3, and A Mother's Broken Heart

I'm thoroughly enjoying the study of the book of Nehemiah.  This guy was a man of faith, a man of prayer.  He knew to put his confidence and trust in the Lord 1st and then proceed with the work and the "doing".  In chapter 2 he takes the time to assess the situation and prepare before beginning.  And in all things he puts the Lord 1st, going to Him in prayer and then dedicating the work and outcome to His glory.  The Jewish workers are also a great example of how The Church should be operating, everyone doing their share of the work, working alongside each other for the common good.  Half of the workers performed the physical labor while the other half were on watch.  In today's world I see that as those of us that are out on the mission field (wherever that is, not just cross culturally) and those that are faithful prayer warriors guarding our backs.  One thing that I am being especially convicted of in studying this book, is how Nehemiah repents of his sin and the sins of the people FIRST, before asking God for anything.  Oh, I'm great at praying and asking God for stuff, for giving Him thanks for all of His provision and blessing.  And at various times I do repent and ask for forgiveness.  But isn't that something I should do first?  Go into the throne room with an attitude of sorrow and humbleness and ask for the cleansing of forgiveness before I present my requests?  Somehow I think I should have known that, should have figured that out a long time ago.  Maybe I did know it at one point, but just kind of let it go...I don't now.

That thought led me to Psalm 51 and David's cry of repentance.  This was following his affair with Bathsheba, but it is a wonderful example of the contrite and repentant heart we should have when we approach God.  After all, a sin is a sin is a sin in the eyes of the Lord.  I remember singing that old hymn while growing up "Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me."  I didn't think much about the words, but they are deep down in the memory banks, now bringing new insight and understanding to my relationship with the Lord. 

I am using my Nelson Study Bible to look at this book, but if anyone can recommend a good commentary I would appreciate it. 

Last week Juan Carlos asked me if I could meet the girfriend of William, the man that was murdered in front of The Bells and Michael's apartment building and I said absolutely.  Monday night, however, instead of the girlfriend he brought William's mother and 3 of her other children to Micah.  I sat and listened to her tell me how she is absolutely broken hearted over her son's death.  She seems to have a strong faith in God and said that is the only thing that is getting her through this.  William was the main breadwinner in the house so they have very little money to buy food with and are struggling immensely.  She was embarrassed to ask for help but said she just had nowhere else to turn.

I have been up until 2 and 3 in the morning every night since then, my heart so burdoned for this woman.  There are 22 total people living in her house.  12 are her children, the others are either grandchildren or nieces and nephews.  There are 3 two year olds, a 3 and a 4 year old, 2 five year olds, and a 6 year old.  There are 2 pregnant young women that will be bring 2 more mouths to feed into the house in 2 months.  One of them is the girlfriend.  The doctor said the baby is a boy and she said he will have his father's name.    I have been praying and asking the Lord what He wants me to do, how I can help.  The needs in this one house alone are overwhelming.  There are only 5 people even old enough to get jobs (other than the pregnant gals) and only 2 of them have been able to find work.  This poor woman is just beyond frazzled.

We took a bunch of food to them on Tuesday and yesterday we went back to take a mattress and to just visit. I will be going back tomorrow to take her out of the house, without any kids, and just take some time to listen.  If you could please be praying that God would give me wisdom and discernment as to what He wants me to do I would really appreciate it.