You have no plans for this July 4^th Weekend? Why not experience a vacation at America’s Keswick? Never been to America’s Keswick? Then why not try us out and get 50% off on your stay.  Dr. Tony Hart is our weekend Bible teacher. Conference begins Thursday at 3:00 PM and concludes with noon meal on Sunday, July 6th.

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Reflection on Nehemiah Leadership

If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps, strengthens us, and never abandons us. He is a true friend. Saint Teresa of Avila

Nehemiah lived during an interesting era in Jewish history. He is in captivity to the Persian King Axterzee while his Jewish counterparts were struggling because of a breech in their security, the wall. Like a good leader, Nehemiah first responds, “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4) Next, Nehemiah demonstrates that he had his priorities in order; after God, he addresses the chain of command. He respects the Persian king and asks to assist in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, and the king granted the request. Good leaders respect their leaders, and Nehemiah’s character was evident in the king’s positive response.

Nehemiah demonstrates wisdom in the process to rectify the situation. Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls (counting the cost) before he proceeds. He prays constantly inviting God to lead them in this endeavor. He communicates well with his team. For instance, when opposition arose he told half to work, while the other half to guard for the resistance. He doesn’t dictate; he inspires His team, “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind (Heart) to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6) Nehemiah illustrates fairness, godliness, generosity, participation, morality and many other leadership qualities.

The results,

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Good leadership produces positive outcomes, and furthermore this type of leadership was as effective then as it is today. Juan Mendez serves full-time at America’s Keswick and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 32-35

Think About This:Nothing is so trying to nature as suspense between a faint hope and a mighty fear; but we must have faith as to the extent of our trials, as in all else. Our sensitiveness makes us often disposed to fancy that we are tried beyond our strength; but we really know neither our strength to endure nor the nature of God’s trials. Only He who knows both these, and every turn of the hearts which He has made, knows how to deal out a due proportion. Let us leave it all to Him, and be content to bear in silence.Francois Fenelon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17