“For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors and singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.” Nehemiah 12:46

I finished reading through Nehemiah this morning and have been reminded of the reforms that come in our lives when we let the Word of God wash us clean. The Israelites, who had just returned from exile by the mercy of God, found the Book of the Law, read it publically, and repented of their sins. Nehemiah reformed the people through the guidance of God’s Word. The people, nor Nehemiah, had been keenly aware of the presence of their sin until the Word was read. They applied the Word and cleansed their lives. Not only were they thankful to have returned to their God-given home of Jerusalem through the politically unlikely decree of a pagan king, they were thankful to have found God’s Word so they could purify themselves and their motives unto His pleasure.

I am so thankful that God has called you and soon-to-be many others to plant a disciple-making, life-giving church in Raleigh! You each are a blessing to me and a blessing to God, especially when we all let His Word cleanse our thoughts and deeds, reforming them unto the stream of His direction.

Nehemiah 12:46 became characteristic of the returned exiles and they marveled at God’s grace and mercy despite their sin. Might we also respond to God’s grace and mercy with repentant lives freshly aimed at His purposes.

We have another core group meeting this coming Sunday night, November 30^th, from 6:30-8pm at my parent’s house ( 1316 Wagram Ct. Raleigh, 27615). The format will be very similar to the last meeting. Bring your Bibles and feel free to bring friends whom you think are great candidates for our core group. Please call me and tell me about them and I look forward to talking with them myself.

Please be committed to the 4 Areas of Extreme Importance. In the next few days, I plan to contact friends who will join us in prayer for Harvest Raleigh and potentially consider giving financially for our work. Year-end giving, as you might know, is a tremendous opportunity for financial stability in churches. People love to give once informed. Let us grow our sphere of prayer and giving asking boldly, “Would you join us in prayer for this work?” “Would you consider giving to this work?” The second question is bold and certainly not comfortable for me and perhaps you, but I am increasingly overwhelmed at the Lord’s provision when we are faithful and bold to involve others. Think about it, 4 months ago, we didn’t even have a core group and now we all meet together, pray, and give for God’s work through Harvest Raleigh! Checks should be made out to Harvest Bible Fellowship with Raleigh in the memo line and sent to Harvest Bible Fellowship; c/o Terri Quaid; 1000 N. Randall Rd.; Elgin, IL 60123. We will soon have a bank account in Raleigh (!) and I will let you know when all giving can be directed there.

Let the ‘Amen!’ sound from His people again!
You are loved!
Happy Thanksgiving!

mike