Julie

One reason His compassion is emphasized so strongly is to make us understand that God will forgive us if we love Him with all out heart and repent. God’s compassion is present because of His Love for us. Relates the same way with his love for us, God gave His Son as a ransom for our sins of the past, present, and future.

For the Scripture that was being read to then opened the peoples eyes and hearts to what Gods Law has been telling them they finally understand and mourn for their breaking of the commandments! Scripture reading is significant because it is how we come to understand Gods word and how God works with other believers in bringing His word to us. Without faith there is no Joy. With faith comes Joy. You will find Joy in your heart as you come closer and closer to the Lord when you immerse yourself in His word.

Nehemiah risk his life. Arrow prayer is for immediate help. The arrow prayer is a quick prayer of what he has been praying for.

In both they are asking for help. This is how God gets us where we need to be at the exact moment needed. Obedience is our responsibility and we are to put God First. This can cause danger to our positions at work and to our lives as we know it.

Nehemiah appeals on the basis of God’s promises. He begins by confessing his peoples sins, asking for forgiveness and asking the Lord to forgive them. I learned that a prayer is what we plead to God for our needs and the needs of others.

Nehemiah prays for months while fasting and weeping because he is deeply hurt emotionally and wants to be sure God hears him. Which is not excessive.

Ooops, if compel means to force someone, then NO God is not forced to do anything.

He is shocked and then starts to mourn. No, its not an act No, he does not overreact For the sins separate them from God If we do not feel something we may be out of touch with God. I felt this the other day, when I heard on the news about infant abortions, I immediately said out loud I am sorry Jesus and felt it in the heart.

To make sure all the gold and silver was still there, that no one stole it. No. If we have learned anything from the past, it is that all forms of money leads many to be tempted. For it is wise.

Ezra called for a fast because he wanted God’s protection. Yes, fasting compels God to answer our prayers for God’s word promises us that “Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven” (Mathew 18-14). So I think if you are the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven, then God will be compelled to answer our prayers. What does fasting accomplish in us? We are to fast privately, (without others aware of our fast), so that we are not asking them for their approval. A form of self-righteousness for us.

Yes, for God’s word is to not intermarry. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14-18). They respond by doing as they are told, by supporting him. Ezra, has them take an oath, and Ezra humbles himself.

It will be fulfilled in the future, at end of tribulation. Future Because they are His people.

Because these people have a self - serving attitude and are not serving the Lord. Leaders are to serve. What would it look like, everyone would be happy serving others.

Q2. (Zechariah 7:9-10; 8:16-17) What does it look like to operate from a policy of mercy and compassion? God commands justice for the poor and oppressed in our culture. How can we be sure that the poor are treated justly in our courts? How do you treat aliens in your country, sojourners from another land? Why is speaking truthfully with others so important to God? A deep sense of compassion for people, a mercy giver. By treating them with respect and dignity. By making sure our courts are just and fair. Because speaking the truth pleases God. So we speak, not to please men, but rather God.

Although not done intentionally I have made Christmas more about gifts and easter about candy and egg hunts. We must pray that we do not become inwardly focused on ourselves and pray that our churches do not develop a self- centered, self- serving attitude. We must remember that we are to serve.