Saw Pan's Labyrinth tonight with Rachel. Twas a really good movie, but more violent than I thought it would be. At night I found out that USC somehow lost to Stanford, and after checking, found that it was the top headline on news sites around the web. Cal is probably going to be ranked number two after tomorrow.

Devotion time questions:

Nehemiah 2

It is 4 months from the month of Kislev when Nehemiah first heard about the condition of Jerusalem to the month of Nisan, when he finally receives an opportunity to present his request to the king. Reflect on the fact that Nehemiah had been praying “day and night” for 4 months.

Nehemiah did not dispair or give up praying when there didn't seem to be any progress or answer, but instead prayed earnestly for months and trusted that God would respond.

Reflect on the words “I had not been sad in his presence before” and what this reveals about Nehemiah. Given the fact that Nehemiah’s out-of-character countenance triggers this crucial conversation, what conclusion can be drawn about the role of a blameless character in being used by God?

Nehemiah must have been joyful in all situations prior to this, and therefore had a good reputation and the king's favor. He probably would not have been useful in this purpose had he been reguarly downcast and troubled.

Notice words describing Nehemiah’s reaction to the king: “I was very much afraid, but said to the king”; and “Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king.” What can I learn from this regarding fear, courage, vision, prayer, and dependence on God?

Nehemiah sets his personal fears and discomforts aside to obey God's will. He prays and has faith that God will do what's best. He is also quick to act and not complacent.

Notice the extensive set of specific requests Nehemiah lays out before the king. What does this reveal about Nehemiah?

He had carefully thought out exactly what needed to be done so he would be prepared when God presented the perfect situation to make his request.

Picture Nehemiah setting out at night to personally examine the entire wall, or the rubble that used to be the wall, up close. What does this reveal about Nehemiah, and what can I learn from this?

He was diligent and hard working, not sending other men to examine the wall but preferring to do the job himself. He was also courageous and confident, not worrying about what the people around him would think.

Reflect on the fact that what Nehemiah describes before the people in vs. 17—that “Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned”—was a very familiar reality to all of them (it had been this way for about 140 years). What are some troubling realities I have become accustomed to, but which I need to start redefining as unacceptable?

The spiritual and moral state of our country and the world.