READ Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah stops the internal mistreatment among the Jews by force of example.

INSIGHT
The prospects for some of the returned exiles are bleak. There are deficient rains and poor harvests. As a result, the farmers mortgage their lands to their wealthier brethren and, in extreme cases, sell their children into slavery to pay the king´s taxes. The rich, rather than helping out, are capitalizing on the situation to line their own pockets. This is inexcusable! Few things bring on more reproach to the cause of the Lord than the worldliness and hard-heartedness of those who claim to follow Him. Unselfish dedication to the common welfare of others in Christ is our spiritual obligation.

PRAYER
Because the Lord loves each of us equally and accepts our welfare as His obligation, we praise Him:
The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty;
The Lord is robed, enveloped in strength.
The world is firmly established;
It cannot be shaken.  
Your throne has been established
From the beginning; you are from eternity
(Psalm 93:1-2).

He is your praise and he is your God,
Who has done for you
These great and awe-inspiring works
Your eyes have seen (Deuteronomy 10:21).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
But he was pierced because of our rebellion,  
Crushed because of our iniquities;  
Punishment for our peace was on him,
And we are healed by his wounds
(Isaiah 53:5).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Your word is a lamp for my feet  
And a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater love for fellow Christians
• Missions in Europe
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all his armies,
His servants who do his will.  
Bless the Lord, all his works
In all the places where he rules.  
My soul, bless the Lord!
(Psalm 103:21-22).