"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24, 25).
You know the wonderful place that this text has in the wonderful epistle to the Romans. It stands here at the end of the seventh chapter as the gateway into the eighth. In the first sixteen verses of the eighth chapter the name of the Holy Spirit is found sixteen times; you have there the description and promise of the life that a child of God can live in the power of the Holy Ghost. This begins in the second verse: "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." From that Paul goes on to speak of the great privileges of the child of God, who is to be led by the Spirit of God. The gateway into all this is in the twenty-fourth verse of the seventh chapter:
"O wretched man that I am!"
There you have the words of a man who has come to the end of himself. He has in the previous verses described how he had struggled and wrestled in his own power to obey the holy law of God, and had failed. But in answer to his own question he now finds the true answer and cries out: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." From that he goes on to speak of what that deliverance is that he has found.
I want from these words to describe the path by which a man can be led out of the spirit of bondage into the spirit of liberty. You know how distinctly it is said: "Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear." We are continually warned that this is the great danger of the Christian life, to go again into bondage; and I want to describe the path by which a man can get out of bondage into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rather, I want to describe the man himself.
First, these words are the language of a regenerate man; second, of an impotentman; third, of a wretched man; and fourth,of a man on the borders of complete liberty.
The Regenerate Man
There is much evidence of regeneration from the fourteenth verse of the chapter on to the twenty-third. "It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me": that is the language of a regenerate man, a man who knows that his heart and nature have been renewed, and that sin is now a power in him that is not himself. "I delight in the law of the Lord after the inward man": that again is the language of a regenerate man. He dares to say when he does evil: "It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." It is of great importance to understand this.
In the first two great sections of the epistle, Paul deals with justification and sanctification. In dealing with justification, he lays the foundation of the doctrine in the teaching about sin, not in the singular sin, but in the plural, sins—the actual transgressions. In the second part of the fifth chapter he begins to deal with sin, not as actual transgression, but as a power. just imagine what a loss it would have been to us if we had not this second half of the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, if Paul had omitted in his teaching this vital question of the sinfulness of the believer. We should have missed the question we all want answered as to sin in the believer. What is the answer? The regenerate man is one in whom the will has been renewed, and who can say: "I delight in the law of God after the inward man."
The Impotent Man
Here is the great mistake made by many Christian people: they think that when there is a renewed will, it is enough; but that is not the case. This regenerate man tells us: "I will to do what is good, but the power to perform I find not." How often people tell us that if you set yourself determinedly, you can perform what you will! But this man was as determined as any man can be, and yet he made the confession: "To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not."
But, you ask: "How is it God makes a regenerate man utter such a confession, with a right will, with a heart that longs to do good, and longs to do its very utmost to love God?"
Let us look at this question. What has God given us our will for? Had the angels who fell, in their own will, the strength to stand? Verily, no. The will of the creature is nothing but an empty vessel in which the power of God is to be made manifest. The creature must seek in God all that it is to be. You have it in the second chapter of the epistle to the Philippians, and you have it here also, that Gods work is to work in us both to will and to doof His good pleasure. Here is a man who appears to say: "God has not worked to do in me." But we are taught that God works both to will and to do. How is the apparent contradiction to be reconciled?
You will find that in this passage (Rom. 7:6-25) the name of the Holy Spirit does not occur once, nor does the name of Christ occur. The man is wrestling and struggling to fulfill Gods law. Instead of the Holy Spirit and of Christ, the law is mentioned nearly twenty times. In this chapter, it shows a believer doing his very best to obey the law of God with his regenerate will. Not only this; but you will find the little words, I, me, my, occur more than forty times. It is the regenerate I in its impotence seeking to obey the law without being filled with the Spirit. This is the experience of almost every saint. After conversion a man begins to do his best, and he fails; but if we are brought into the full light, we need fail no longer. Nor need we fail at all if we have received the Spirit in His fullness at conversion.
God allows that failure that the regenerate man should be taught his own utter impotence. It is in the course of this struggle that there comes to us this sense of our utter sinfulness. It is Gods way of dealing with us. He allows that man to strive to fulfill the law that, as he strives and wrestles, he may be brought to this: "I am a regenerate child of God, but I am utterly helpless to obey His law." See what strong words are used all through the chapter to describe this condition: "I am carnal, sold under sin"; "I see another law in my members bringing me into captivity"; and last of all, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" This believer who bows here in deep contrition is utterly unable to obey the law of God.
The Wretched Man
Not only is the man who makes this confession a regenerate and an impotent man, but he is also a wretched man. He is utterly unhappy and miserable; and what is it that makes him so utterly miserable? It is because God has given him a nature that loves Himself. He is deeply wretched because he feels he is not obeying his God. He says, with brokenness of heart: "It is not I that do it, but I am under the awful power of sin, which is holding me down. It is I, and yet not I: alas! alas! it is myself; so closely am I bound up with it, and so closely is it intertwined with my very nature." Blessed be God when a man learns to say: "O wretched man that I am!" from the depth of his heart. He is on the way to the eighth chapter of Romans.
There are many who make this confession a pillow for sin. They say that Paul had to confess his weakness and helplessness in this way, what are they that they should try to do better? So the call to holiness is quietly set aside. Would God that every one of us had learned to say these words in the very spirit in which they are written here! When we hear sin spoken of as the abominable thing that God hates, do not many of us wince before the word? Would that all Christians who go on sinning and sinning would take this verse to heart. If ever you utter a sharp word say: "O wretched man that I am!" And every time you lose your temper, kneel down and understand that it never was meant by God that this was to be the state in which His child should remain. Would God that we would take this word into our daily life, and say it every time we are touched about our own honor, and every time we say sharp things, and every time we sin against the Lord God, and against the Lord Jesus Christ in His humility, and in His obedience, and in His self-sacrifice! Would to God you could forget everything else, and cry out: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
Why should you say this whenever you commit sin? Because it is when a man is brought to this confession that deliverance is at hand.
And remember it was not only the sense of being impotent and taken captive that made him wretched, but it was above all the sense of sinning against his God. The law was doing its work, making sin exceeding sinful in his sight. The thought of continually grieving God became utterly unbearable—it was this brought forth the piercing cry: "O wretched man!" As long as we talk and reason about our impotence and our failure, and only try to find out what Romans 7 means, it will profit us but little; but when once every sin gives new intensity to the sense of wretchedness, and we feel our whole state as one of not only helplessness, but actual exceeding sinfulness, we shall be pressed not only to ask: "Who shall deliver us?" but to cry: "I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord."
The Almost-Delivered Man
The man has tried to obey the beautiful law of God. He has loved it, he has wept over his sin, he has tried to conquer, he has tried to overcome fault after fault, but every time he has ended in failure.
What did he mean by "the body of this death"? Did he mean, my body when I die? Verily no. In the eighth chapter you have the answer to this question in the words: "If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." That is the body of death from which he is seeking deliverance.
And now he is on the brink of deliverance! In the twenty-third verse of the seventh chapter we have the words: "I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." It is a captivethat cries: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" He is a man who feels himself bound. But look to the contrast in the second verse of the eighth chapter: "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." That is the deliverance through Jesus Christ our Lord; the liberty to the captive which the Spirit brings. Can you keep captive any longer a man made free by the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"?
But you say, the regenerate man, had not he the Spirit of Jesus when he spoke in the sixth chapter? Yes, but he did not know what the Holy Spirit could do for him.
God does not work by His Spirit as He works by a blind force in nature. He leads His people on as reasonable, intelligent beings, and therefore when He wants to give us that Holy Spirit whom He has promised, He brings us first to the end of self, to the conviction that though we have been striving to obey the law, we have failed. When we have come to the end of that, then He shows us that in the Holy Spirit we have the power of obedience, the power of victory, and the power of real holiness.
God works to will, and He is ready to work to do, but, alas! many Christians misunderstand this. They think because they have the will, it is enough, and that now they are able to do. This is not so. The new will is a permanent gift, an attribute of the new nature. The power to do is not a permanent gift, but must be each moment received from the Holy Spirit. It is the man who is conscious of his own impotence as a believer who will learn that by the Holy Spirit he can live a holy life.This man is on the brink of that great deliverance; the way has been prepared for the glorious eighth chapter. I now ask this solemn question: Where are you living? Is it with you, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me?" with now and then a little experience of the power of the Holy Spirit? or is it, "I thank God through Jesus Christ! The law of the Spirit hath set me free from the law of sin and of death"?
What the Holy Spirit does is to give the victory. "If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the flesh, ye shall live." It is the Holy Ghost who does this—the third Person of the Godhead. He it is who, when the heart is opened wide to receive Him, comes in and reigns there, and mortifies the deeds of the body, day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment.
I want to bring this to a point. Remember, dear friend, what we need is to come to decision and action. There are in Scripture two very different sorts of Christians. The Bible speaks in Romans, Corinthians and Galatians about yielding to the flesh; and that is the life of tens of thousands of believers. All their lack of joy in the Holy Ghost, and their lack of the liberty He gives, is just owing to the flesh. The Spirit is within them, but the flesh rules the life. To be led by the Spirit of God is what they need. Would God that I could make every child of His realize what it means that the everlasting God has given His dear Son, Christ Jesus, to watch over you every day, and that what you have to do is to trust; and that the work of the Holy Spirit is to enable you. every moment to remember Jesus, and to trust Him! The Spirit has come to keep the link with Him unbroken every moment. Praise God for the Holy Ghost! We are so accustomed to think of the Holy Spirit as a luxury, for special times, or for special ministers and men. But the Holy Spirit is necessary for every believer, every moment of the day. Praise God you have Him, and that He gives you the full experience of the deliverance in Christ, as He makes you free from the power of sin.
Who longs to have the power and the liberty of the Holy Spirit? Oh, brother, bow before God in one final cry of despair:
"O God, must I go on sinning this way forever? Who shall deliver me, O wretched man that I am! from the body of this death?"
Are you ready to sink before God in that cry and seek the power of Jesus to dwell and work in you? Are you ready to say: "I thank God through Jesus Christ"?
What good does it do that we go to church or attend conventions, that we study our Bibles and pray, unless our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit? That is what God wants; and nothing else will enable us to live a life of power and peace. You know that when a minister or parent is using the catechism, when a question is asked an answer is expected. Alas! how many Christians are content with the question put here: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" but never give the answer. Instead of answering, they are silent. Instead of saying: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord," they are forever repeating the question without the answer. If you want the path to the full deliverance of Christ, and the liberty of the Spirit, the glorious liberty of the children of God, take it through the seventh chapter of Romans; and then say: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Be not content to remain ever groaning, but say: "I, a wretched man, thank God, through Jesus Christ. Even though I do not see it all, I am going to praise God."
There is deliverance, there is the liberty of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is "joy in the Holy Ghost."
Murray, Andrew. "O Wretched Man That I Am!." Chicago: Moody Press. Blue Letter Bible. 5 Apr 2004. 2008. 30 Oct 2008.
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Crossing Over Jordan - Joshua Ch.3
Old Testament experiences often help us to understand God’s distinct plan from the beginning. It also helps us to understand New Testament doctrine, which applies to us today. Pastor Dwayne Spearman, a dearly beloved brother of mine often quotes, “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” So with this in mind, let’s take a look into the third chapter of Joshua, as God brings his children from wanderings to victories!
To know the context in Ch.3, first we must look at where the Israelites have come from. They have been wandering in the wilderness for forty years, waiting for the old generation to pass away, that the new generation may go on into the new land, promised to their father’s in the Abrahamic Covenant.
Often times you hear people speak of, “Crossing over Jordan” as an allegory for entering into our new life in Heaven, that when we die and go to Heaven, we are “Crossing over Jordan.” This is not at all true, because in Heaven, there will be no more battles to conquer. When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan and went into the Promised Land, they still had to face opposition. There was still unfinished business that required them to persevere. So, now that we know what “Crossing over Jordan” isn’t, let’s talk about what it is. “Crossing over Jordan” is a beautiful picture of a believer who is crossing over into a victorious life in Christ. Moving on and laying hold of the promises which are found in Christ. Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Paul saw Jesus on the other side, not of the Law, but where there was promise, where there was real victory, a land filled with grace, mercy, and truth.
The onward call to “victory,” so let’s walk with the Israelites to the other side shall we. First we see Joshua, he rose up early and they headed out. “There is a time to pray and a time to act.” Here Joshua knew what needed to be done; therefore he acted by putting his hand to the plow. If we are going to be leaders, it would be wise to observe the wisdom and the foolishness of God’s leaders throughout the Bible. Here at this particular time, Joshua rose up early and acted, and at other times he rose up early and sought the Lord in prayer. Two things I see here, and that is Joshua didn’t live by a certain pattern nor was he lazy, and to me, that is evidence that he is following the Lord. Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. God does not stick to patterns, nor is He ever predictable. The Lord from day one has been teaching us to lean upon His understanding, and not our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. His ways are far above our ways, and we will never understand them in this finite mind of ours. Now moving forward, we know that we must follow the leader, seeing that we know not where we are going because we have not been there before. Vs. 3-6, the people received instruction to follow the Arc of the Covenant when it passed by, not getting to close and not falling too far behind. They were to follow because they had not been to this place beforehand. In Joshua, the priest were to pick up the Arc and follow Him. Jesus told His disciples to pick up their cross and to follow Him. Remember our dearly beloved brother Peter, what happened to him when he followed at a distance, he denied the Lord Jesus three times. If we are going to follow Christ, there is no other place but right behind Him.
Every Christian begins His walk with the Lord in the wilderness. Even the Lord Jesus began in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. I believe that we begin in the wilderness, in order that we might learn this fact: if we have any chance at following Him, it is going to be through Him, by His Spirit. It is through these wilderness experiences that God performs His work in us that we may be emptied of ourselves, in order to be filled with Him. Luke 4:14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.
We are called to be followers of Jesus Christ, and that means we are to drop our life for the sake of His, that is, if you want to receive life. Jesus made it very clear, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39 “Crossing over Jordan,” applied into our life today is simply this, forsaking all the belongs to us, for the sake of knowing Him. Our Promise Land is our life in Christ. He is the Promise Land, and where ever He is, there I want to be. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I don’t know about you, but I want to jump over the river into that abundant life with Christ. The children of Israel followed Joshua into the Promise Land, and we, we have the privilege of following Christ Himself. Where there are battles ahead, He will be there also. In our times of despair, He will be there to comfort us. When we fall, He will carry us. When we can’t carry on, He will carry us. When we are faithless, He will remain faithful. Onward is the call, and narrow is the way! Christ is our Leader who wants to be with us every step of the way. A leader should never lead where he is not willing to go himself, nor does he ask someone to do something that he is not willing to do. Christ has already walked the path ahead of us to sure the victory. He has already suffered all things that He might be there to comfort us on our way. Heb 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
To know the context in Ch.3, first we must look at where the Israelites have come from. They have been wandering in the wilderness for forty years, waiting for the old generation to pass away, that the new generation may go on into the new land, promised to their father’s in the Abrahamic Covenant.
Often times you hear people speak of, “Crossing over Jordan” as an allegory for entering into our new life in Heaven, that when we die and go to Heaven, we are “Crossing over Jordan.” This is not at all true, because in Heaven, there will be no more battles to conquer. When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan and went into the Promised Land, they still had to face opposition. There was still unfinished business that required them to persevere. So, now that we know what “Crossing over Jordan” isn’t, let’s talk about what it is. “Crossing over Jordan” is a beautiful picture of a believer who is crossing over into a victorious life in Christ. Moving on and laying hold of the promises which are found in Christ. Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Paul saw Jesus on the other side, not of the Law, but where there was promise, where there was real victory, a land filled with grace, mercy, and truth.
The onward call to “victory,” so let’s walk with the Israelites to the other side shall we. First we see Joshua, he rose up early and they headed out. “There is a time to pray and a time to act.” Here Joshua knew what needed to be done; therefore he acted by putting his hand to the plow. If we are going to be leaders, it would be wise to observe the wisdom and the foolishness of God’s leaders throughout the Bible. Here at this particular time, Joshua rose up early and acted, and at other times he rose up early and sought the Lord in prayer. Two things I see here, and that is Joshua didn’t live by a certain pattern nor was he lazy, and to me, that is evidence that he is following the Lord. Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. God does not stick to patterns, nor is He ever predictable. The Lord from day one has been teaching us to lean upon His understanding, and not our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. His ways are far above our ways, and we will never understand them in this finite mind of ours. Now moving forward, we know that we must follow the leader, seeing that we know not where we are going because we have not been there before. Vs. 3-6, the people received instruction to follow the Arc of the Covenant when it passed by, not getting to close and not falling too far behind. They were to follow because they had not been to this place beforehand. In Joshua, the priest were to pick up the Arc and follow Him. Jesus told His disciples to pick up their cross and to follow Him. Remember our dearly beloved brother Peter, what happened to him when he followed at a distance, he denied the Lord Jesus three times. If we are going to follow Christ, there is no other place but right behind Him.
Every Christian begins His walk with the Lord in the wilderness. Even the Lord Jesus began in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. I believe that we begin in the wilderness, in order that we might learn this fact: if we have any chance at following Him, it is going to be through Him, by His Spirit. It is through these wilderness experiences that God performs His work in us that we may be emptied of ourselves, in order to be filled with Him. Luke 4:14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.
We are called to be followers of Jesus Christ, and that means we are to drop our life for the sake of His, that is, if you want to receive life. Jesus made it very clear, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39 “Crossing over Jordan,” applied into our life today is simply this, forsaking all the belongs to us, for the sake of knowing Him. Our Promise Land is our life in Christ. He is the Promise Land, and where ever He is, there I want to be. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I don’t know about you, but I want to jump over the river into that abundant life with Christ. The children of Israel followed Joshua into the Promise Land, and we, we have the privilege of following Christ Himself. Where there are battles ahead, He will be there also. In our times of despair, He will be there to comfort us. When we fall, He will carry us. When we can’t carry on, He will carry us. When we are faithless, He will remain faithful. Onward is the call, and narrow is the way! Christ is our Leader who wants to be with us every step of the way. A leader should never lead where he is not willing to go himself, nor does he ask someone to do something that he is not willing to do. Christ has already walked the path ahead of us to sure the victory. He has already suffered all things that He might be there to comfort us on our way. Heb 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Leadership Principles of Nehemiah By: Aaron Armstrong
Leadership Principles of Nehemiah
Leadership Principle 1- Nehemiah’s heart is stirred to serve. Here in the beginning of the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah’s heart is stirred up by God. God opens his eyes and heart to see the need for the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls. God has a distinct mission for our life, a specific calling in life in which He has prepared and equipped us for. Our part is to listen in order to hear His call, and then answer the call by stepping forward and taking the initiative to meet that need. It may be a vision, a stirring of your heart, or a burden to meet a need that the Holy Spirit has pressed upon your heart. (Neh.1:3-4)
Leadership Principle 2- Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Chuck Smith has quoted this before, “That any significant work of God is birthed in prayer.” So if we plan to carry out the work of the Lord, than we must walk in fellowship with Him continuously, that we may be led and filled with His Spirit and not of our own flesh. When seeking the Lord’s direction or divine will, we should seek Him by the example of others in the Bible. For example, Nehemiah and Daniel both decided to fast and pray when the load seemed to be dumped on them. This was because they both were men of God who knew that the only way to complete the task was to be separated unto their Master. Prayer and Fasting is a time to rid yourself of your flesh and draw close to the Lord your God! (Neh.1:4)
Leadership Principle 3- Nehemiah was a man of confession. He was not afraid to be open with the Lord about his sins and the sins of his Israel. It is important to know our inadequacy as human beings apart from God. Not by might nor power, but by My Spirit says the Lord…. It is in Christ that we can do all things! Let’s know our inadequacies in order that He receives all the glory! (Neh.1:6-7)
Leadership Principle 4- Nehemiah was a man who knew God’s Word. Paul wrote to young Timothy and said, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. It is important to live in God’s Word daily. Let it be your bread of life for each day. One who loves God’s Word is one who truly desires to carry out the will of the Father. The Word of God is our compass, and if we are leading others we better know where were going. (Neh.1:7-9)
Leadership Principle 5- We are all called to full-time ministry. Where ever God has placed us, we can know this for sure, that there is a service there that needs to be done. Many times we look on the other side, when in all actuality, there are needs all around us. Let God be the instigator if He sees fit to move you. Let Him reveal His Heart it to you. Then you won’t run in vain. (Neh 1:9)
Leadership Principle 6- Leaders must first know how to serve. Jesus said, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” One of things I learned from my Lord is that you lead by example. Sheep are very skittish when it comes to- walking through a gate, but as soon as one of them builds up enough courage to take that first step through, they’ll go rushing through like a bunch wild football players charging the field. (Neh.1:10-11)
Leadership Principles 7- A leader is patient. It is important that we wait upon the Lord before we go charging into the next chapter of our life. Do you remember when the Lord was leading the Israelites out of Egypt with the Pillar of Cloud in the day and the Pillar of Fire by night. Well, we are His children as well and He longs to guide our ever-way. Nehemiah had to wait several months after he received word of Jerusalem’s fall before God opened the door for him to ask the king for permission to go help. (Neh 2:1-5)
Leadership Principle 8- A leader waits for the Lord’s timing. When we receive a vision from the Lord, it is important that we carry it out wisely. There are times when we are to act promptly on the matter, and then there are other times when we just say, “Ok Lord” then wait. God may reveal a matter to you, but it doesn’t necessarily mean He has equipped you for the task. Here is where we pray and fast to seek His perfect will, to know His heart on the matter. Allow God time to prepare you spiritually and physically.
(Ezra 8:21- Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.) (Neh.2:11)
Leadership Principle 9- Be decisive to respond to an open door. There will be times when God will open the door wide open and we need to act on it swiftly and decisively. My father often quotes Paul’s famous quote, “Blessed are the sons of God, for they are led by the Spirit of God.” That is God’s Word and we can rest in that. Let’s trust the Lord to be the instigator of our hearts, the One who moves us. Don’t consider that strange, that is what happens in a relationship with your Father, you can act on certain things because you know Him and you know what He would have you to do if He were there. When I worked for my dad in the past, I was placed in a place of leadership, and often I was alone. When the critical times came and my father wasn’t there to answer me, I made my decisions based upon what I thought my dad would do if he were there. Even if I made the wrong decision, my dad was still happy because he knew my heart was to please him, and that’s all that matters. (Neh.2:12)
Leadership Principle 10- Be prepared with a plan of action. Let’s look into how Nehemiah carried out God’s plan of action. First He made three request of the king:
1. Permission- Nehemiah was patient by waiting until God moved the kings heart with compassion. And when the king asked about the matter, Nehemiah was honest and simply poured out his heart towards Jerusalem. Nehemiah received permission from the king to carry out the will of God. Again, here we see how God initiated the whole process.
2. Protection- Nehemiah was not shy to ask about all that he needed. Sometimes we feel like we don’t want to be a hindrance to the “BIG GUY,” just remember that God is the Big Guy and if He has called you to something, don’t hesitate to ask for your every need. Nehemiah requested that he be given all the authority in and throughout the land to ensure the safety of his people, and it was given to him.
3. Provision- Be prepared with the proper materials and tools needed for the task. This was another thing that Nehemiah requested before he left. Wow, it’s almost as if Nehemiah is not the type of guy to walk forward blinded or empty handed. He wants to know God’s provision before he puts his hand to the plow. He left with the blessings of the king upon him. As leaders, if there is a need that we need, we have a King who is ever waiting to open up the windows of Heaven and pour out His Blessings upon His children and the ministry He’s called them to. Nehemiah knew exactly where he was going, exactly what he was he was going to do, and exactly how he was going to carry it out. (Nehemiah 2:12)
Leadership Principle 11- Leaders recognize God’s sovereignty. We need to realize that no matter what situation we are in, God is forever sovereign. He is on His Throne, and He never takes his eyes off us. So when the enemy is breathing down your shoulder, just smile and know that our God is our Protector. (Psa 23:4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Nehemiah 2:18)
Leadership Principle 12- Leaders utilize solitude. In those quiet times when God seems to be silent, or maybe you hear that still small voice calling you, those are the times that we need to yield ourselves to the Saviors Feet. Utilize the extra time God gives you to draw close to Him. I believe God is looking for hearts who are turned to Him, seeking His Presence in their lives, seeking His provision, seeking His Glory. A brother in Christ once told me this, that we always preach and worry about tithing ten percent of our money to God, but you hardly ever hear of us teaching the Body to give God ten percent of our time. That is two hours forty and minutes a day. (Nehemiah )
Leadership Principle 13- Leaders assess the need. Leaders evaluate the situation before they dive in and get started. It is wise to assess all that needs to be done, assess the damages. Find out what walls have been torn down. In the Body, Satan will keep attacking the weaker or younger Christians who are more vulnerable to his attacks. If he can wound one sheep, cause a sheep to be offended, there is a wall there that will need to be tended to. We need to realize that there is a spiritual wall in our lives and in the Body Christ that has to be continually guarded. As leaders, we must continually assess those walls, guarding them night and day. Be aware of those around you, and when you see a brother who is beat up, depressed, down, or anything other than just being filled with the joy of the Lord, we need to come alongside of them and help them carry their burden. Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Nehemiah2:19-20)
Leadership Principle 14- Keep from irresponsible chatter. As leaders, our goal is to edify the Body of Christ, to add life to the Body and not allow any room for corruption. Pro 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. How by the same mouth can we give the Gospel of Christ and then turn around and backbite the Body of Christ. It has to bring tears to His eyes when He sees us attacking our own brother. (Nehemiah )
Leadership Principle 15- Leaders communicate to inspire action. When ever we see a need, we shouldn’t assume that others see it as well. Leaders don’t point the finger at what needs to be done, they inspire others by taking the first step towards the task. When they see the leader taking the initiative to work with their own hands, it will only inspire and convict them to the same.
Leadership Principle 16- Leaders recognize God’s provision. Let’s keep in mind God’s sovereignty when we talk about His provision. Everything has been put in the Hand of our King. All power has been given to Him by the Father. Leaders remember the Lord’s Hand upon their life and trust that he will continue to do in the future what He has already done in the past, and that is take care of our every need. If God is for us, who can be against us. Even Satan himself is subject to our Lord. When the enemy encamps around us and God is calling us to move forward, than put your hand to the plow and don’t look back. Know that God will provide for each step of the way. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Leadership Principle 17- Leaders pray when dealing with opposition. In a sports tournament, the closer you get to the championship the harder the opposition is to face. You have tougher opponents and their fans are more intense than ever. Well, it’s the same with our walks with Christ, but we are not dealing with sports players and fans, we are dealing with legions of fallen angels and Satan himself. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: So when we are mocked, persecuted, and ridiculed, we can understand where it is coming from. How does a leader counter-act, well Paul made it very clear that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. Prayer is are weapon for battling the enemy. Remember that opposition is a promise to those who choose to follow Christ. Therefore STAND!
Leadership Principle 18- Leaders help those who are discouraged. A mature leader is one who realizes that his role is to tend and mend. It is not our role as a leader to beat the sheep. We help guide and take care of them. A leader needs to be intimate with his people, not separated. When a sheep is wounded we must pick them up and mend their wounds.
(Nehemiah 4:10)
Leadership Principle 19- Leaders prepare for battle. On your feet, standing firm as you wait for the next battle cry of the enemy, A leader must be sober and vigilant, awaiting the next attack. Enemies always wait for you to loosen your grip, then they strike. Nehemiah had people of all ages, gender, and position guarding the walls twenty-four -seven. Even the workers carried their weapons in one hand the their tools in the other. (Nehemiah 4:13)
Leadership Principle 20- Leaders instill assurance. People often forget the former trials and tribulations that the Lord has brought them through. As leaders, we should often remind the people of God’s faithfulness to them in the past, even unto their forefathers. Take them back through the Word of God and show them how the Lord provided for the children of Israel through the wilderness. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Read the Word of God straight to the people and their faith will be strengthened. (Nehemiah 4:14)
Leadership Principle 21- A leader keeps people on track. In verse 4:15, we see how quickly Nehemiah gets the people back on track. Messengers had come notifying them of the upcoming attack, and instead of withdrawing, Nehemiah just re-grouped, delegated the situation, and then pressed on. Never should the work of God cease. (Nehemiah 4:15 )
Leadership Principle 22- A leader reminds people of Christ’s return. We need to live our lives everyday as if Christ was coming home today and our wedding was tonight. Have you watched a bride on her wedding day, how she prepares herself for her groom. She has given herself solely to him, and her heart is prepared and willing to serve him all the days of her life. She is so excited about her new life in him. We should be excited and full of joy because we have a new life in Christ. (Nehemiah 4:18)
Leadership Principle 23- Leaders provide protection around the clock. Verse 4:22, “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by night.” As leaders, we need to be available, at any time of the day and night, to provide shelter and protection for the Body of Christ. That means we have to be willing to lay aside our priorities for the needs of others. (Nehemiah 4:21-22)
Leadership Principles 24- A leader gets the people in the Word. It is sad to see pastors and leaders who are seeking to bring revival to the Church of Christ by secular reasoning and methods. An unfruitful church is not lacking anything other than a spirit filled body, which comes from a pure relationship with Christ. And a pure relationship with Christ only comes through faith in Him, and faith comes by the hearing the Word of God. Get the people back into the Word, and you will see God in the people. God made it very clear that He holds His Word very high, even higher than His Name. (Nehemiah 8:5-9 )
Leadership Principle 25- A leader does not use the ministry as a means of gain. The only time recorded in the bible that Jesus showed any form of anger was when His Father’s house was being used for the profit of man. As leaders, our place of service in the church is that of serving souls. Whether they are saved souls or not, we should be a servant to all. Never should the church ask for anything other than ones “heart,” and it is to be given to the Lord. In the end times, Paul warns us of those who will use the cross of Christ as a means of gain. If the church or ministry is not able to function due to a lack of income, the problem lies within the vision of the church, either it is seeking more than the Lord has provided for, or it is totally off the tracks. One of the dangers of leading a ministry or being in a pastoral position is the sin of “BUILDING YOUR OWN MINISTRY!” I think it is easy to fall into the trap of striving in the flesh in order to gain God’s favor by building His kingdom. A leader recognizes that we already have God’s favor in Christ, and that we can not gain any more than we already have, because we have Jesus Christ. (Nehemiah 5:15)
Leadership Principle 1- Nehemiah’s heart is stirred to serve. Here in the beginning of the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah’s heart is stirred up by God. God opens his eyes and heart to see the need for the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls. God has a distinct mission for our life, a specific calling in life in which He has prepared and equipped us for. Our part is to listen in order to hear His call, and then answer the call by stepping forward and taking the initiative to meet that need. It may be a vision, a stirring of your heart, or a burden to meet a need that the Holy Spirit has pressed upon your heart. (Neh.1:3-4)
Leadership Principle 2- Nehemiah was a man of prayer. Chuck Smith has quoted this before, “That any significant work of God is birthed in prayer.” So if we plan to carry out the work of the Lord, than we must walk in fellowship with Him continuously, that we may be led and filled with His Spirit and not of our own flesh. When seeking the Lord’s direction or divine will, we should seek Him by the example of others in the Bible. For example, Nehemiah and Daniel both decided to fast and pray when the load seemed to be dumped on them. This was because they both were men of God who knew that the only way to complete the task was to be separated unto their Master. Prayer and Fasting is a time to rid yourself of your flesh and draw close to the Lord your God! (Neh.1:4)
Leadership Principle 3- Nehemiah was a man of confession. He was not afraid to be open with the Lord about his sins and the sins of his Israel. It is important to know our inadequacy as human beings apart from God. Not by might nor power, but by My Spirit says the Lord…. It is in Christ that we can do all things! Let’s know our inadequacies in order that He receives all the glory! (Neh.1:6-7)
Leadership Principle 4- Nehemiah was a man who knew God’s Word. Paul wrote to young Timothy and said, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. It is important to live in God’s Word daily. Let it be your bread of life for each day. One who loves God’s Word is one who truly desires to carry out the will of the Father. The Word of God is our compass, and if we are leading others we better know where were going. (Neh.1:7-9)
Leadership Principle 5- We are all called to full-time ministry. Where ever God has placed us, we can know this for sure, that there is a service there that needs to be done. Many times we look on the other side, when in all actuality, there are needs all around us. Let God be the instigator if He sees fit to move you. Let Him reveal His Heart it to you. Then you won’t run in vain. (Neh 1:9)
Leadership Principle 6- Leaders must first know how to serve. Jesus said, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” One of things I learned from my Lord is that you lead by example. Sheep are very skittish when it comes to- walking through a gate, but as soon as one of them builds up enough courage to take that first step through, they’ll go rushing through like a bunch wild football players charging the field. (Neh.1:10-11)
Leadership Principles 7- A leader is patient. It is important that we wait upon the Lord before we go charging into the next chapter of our life. Do you remember when the Lord was leading the Israelites out of Egypt with the Pillar of Cloud in the day and the Pillar of Fire by night. Well, we are His children as well and He longs to guide our ever-way. Nehemiah had to wait several months after he received word of Jerusalem’s fall before God opened the door for him to ask the king for permission to go help. (Neh 2:1-5)
Leadership Principle 8- A leader waits for the Lord’s timing. When we receive a vision from the Lord, it is important that we carry it out wisely. There are times when we are to act promptly on the matter, and then there are other times when we just say, “Ok Lord” then wait. God may reveal a matter to you, but it doesn’t necessarily mean He has equipped you for the task. Here is where we pray and fast to seek His perfect will, to know His heart on the matter. Allow God time to prepare you spiritually and physically.
(Ezra 8:21- Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.) (Neh.2:11)
Leadership Principle 9- Be decisive to respond to an open door. There will be times when God will open the door wide open and we need to act on it swiftly and decisively. My father often quotes Paul’s famous quote, “Blessed are the sons of God, for they are led by the Spirit of God.” That is God’s Word and we can rest in that. Let’s trust the Lord to be the instigator of our hearts, the One who moves us. Don’t consider that strange, that is what happens in a relationship with your Father, you can act on certain things because you know Him and you know what He would have you to do if He were there. When I worked for my dad in the past, I was placed in a place of leadership, and often I was alone. When the critical times came and my father wasn’t there to answer me, I made my decisions based upon what I thought my dad would do if he were there. Even if I made the wrong decision, my dad was still happy because he knew my heart was to please him, and that’s all that matters. (Neh.2:12)
Leadership Principle 10- Be prepared with a plan of action. Let’s look into how Nehemiah carried out God’s plan of action. First He made three request of the king:
1. Permission- Nehemiah was patient by waiting until God moved the kings heart with compassion. And when the king asked about the matter, Nehemiah was honest and simply poured out his heart towards Jerusalem. Nehemiah received permission from the king to carry out the will of God. Again, here we see how God initiated the whole process.
2. Protection- Nehemiah was not shy to ask about all that he needed. Sometimes we feel like we don’t want to be a hindrance to the “BIG GUY,” just remember that God is the Big Guy and if He has called you to something, don’t hesitate to ask for your every need. Nehemiah requested that he be given all the authority in and throughout the land to ensure the safety of his people, and it was given to him.
3. Provision- Be prepared with the proper materials and tools needed for the task. This was another thing that Nehemiah requested before he left. Wow, it’s almost as if Nehemiah is not the type of guy to walk forward blinded or empty handed. He wants to know God’s provision before he puts his hand to the plow. He left with the blessings of the king upon him. As leaders, if there is a need that we need, we have a King who is ever waiting to open up the windows of Heaven and pour out His Blessings upon His children and the ministry He’s called them to. Nehemiah knew exactly where he was going, exactly what he was he was going to do, and exactly how he was going to carry it out. (Nehemiah 2:12)
Leadership Principle 11- Leaders recognize God’s sovereignty. We need to realize that no matter what situation we are in, God is forever sovereign. He is on His Throne, and He never takes his eyes off us. So when the enemy is breathing down your shoulder, just smile and know that our God is our Protector. (Psa 23:4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Nehemiah 2:18)
Leadership Principle 12- Leaders utilize solitude. In those quiet times when God seems to be silent, or maybe you hear that still small voice calling you, those are the times that we need to yield ourselves to the Saviors Feet. Utilize the extra time God gives you to draw close to Him. I believe God is looking for hearts who are turned to Him, seeking His Presence in their lives, seeking His provision, seeking His Glory. A brother in Christ once told me this, that we always preach and worry about tithing ten percent of our money to God, but you hardly ever hear of us teaching the Body to give God ten percent of our time. That is two hours forty and minutes a day. (Nehemiah )
Leadership Principle 13- Leaders assess the need. Leaders evaluate the situation before they dive in and get started. It is wise to assess all that needs to be done, assess the damages. Find out what walls have been torn down. In the Body, Satan will keep attacking the weaker or younger Christians who are more vulnerable to his attacks. If he can wound one sheep, cause a sheep to be offended, there is a wall there that will need to be tended to. We need to realize that there is a spiritual wall in our lives and in the Body Christ that has to be continually guarded. As leaders, we must continually assess those walls, guarding them night and day. Be aware of those around you, and when you see a brother who is beat up, depressed, down, or anything other than just being filled with the joy of the Lord, we need to come alongside of them and help them carry their burden. Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Nehemiah2:19-20)
Leadership Principle 14- Keep from irresponsible chatter. As leaders, our goal is to edify the Body of Christ, to add life to the Body and not allow any room for corruption. Pro 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. How by the same mouth can we give the Gospel of Christ and then turn around and backbite the Body of Christ. It has to bring tears to His eyes when He sees us attacking our own brother. (Nehemiah )
Leadership Principle 15- Leaders communicate to inspire action. When ever we see a need, we shouldn’t assume that others see it as well. Leaders don’t point the finger at what needs to be done, they inspire others by taking the first step towards the task. When they see the leader taking the initiative to work with their own hands, it will only inspire and convict them to the same.
Leadership Principle 16- Leaders recognize God’s provision. Let’s keep in mind God’s sovereignty when we talk about His provision. Everything has been put in the Hand of our King. All power has been given to Him by the Father. Leaders remember the Lord’s Hand upon their life and trust that he will continue to do in the future what He has already done in the past, and that is take care of our every need. If God is for us, who can be against us. Even Satan himself is subject to our Lord. When the enemy encamps around us and God is calling us to move forward, than put your hand to the plow and don’t look back. Know that God will provide for each step of the way. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Leadership Principle 17- Leaders pray when dealing with opposition. In a sports tournament, the closer you get to the championship the harder the opposition is to face. You have tougher opponents and their fans are more intense than ever. Well, it’s the same with our walks with Christ, but we are not dealing with sports players and fans, we are dealing with legions of fallen angels and Satan himself. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: So when we are mocked, persecuted, and ridiculed, we can understand where it is coming from. How does a leader counter-act, well Paul made it very clear that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. Prayer is are weapon for battling the enemy. Remember that opposition is a promise to those who choose to follow Christ. Therefore STAND!
Leadership Principle 18- Leaders help those who are discouraged. A mature leader is one who realizes that his role is to tend and mend. It is not our role as a leader to beat the sheep. We help guide and take care of them. A leader needs to be intimate with his people, not separated. When a sheep is wounded we must pick them up and mend their wounds.
(Nehemiah 4:10)
Leadership Principle 19- Leaders prepare for battle. On your feet, standing firm as you wait for the next battle cry of the enemy, A leader must be sober and vigilant, awaiting the next attack. Enemies always wait for you to loosen your grip, then they strike. Nehemiah had people of all ages, gender, and position guarding the walls twenty-four -seven. Even the workers carried their weapons in one hand the their tools in the other. (Nehemiah 4:13)
Leadership Principle 20- Leaders instill assurance. People often forget the former trials and tribulations that the Lord has brought them through. As leaders, we should often remind the people of God’s faithfulness to them in the past, even unto their forefathers. Take them back through the Word of God and show them how the Lord provided for the children of Israel through the wilderness. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Read the Word of God straight to the people and their faith will be strengthened. (Nehemiah 4:14)
Leadership Principle 21- A leader keeps people on track. In verse 4:15, we see how quickly Nehemiah gets the people back on track. Messengers had come notifying them of the upcoming attack, and instead of withdrawing, Nehemiah just re-grouped, delegated the situation, and then pressed on. Never should the work of God cease. (Nehemiah 4:15 )
Leadership Principle 22- A leader reminds people of Christ’s return. We need to live our lives everyday as if Christ was coming home today and our wedding was tonight. Have you watched a bride on her wedding day, how she prepares herself for her groom. She has given herself solely to him, and her heart is prepared and willing to serve him all the days of her life. She is so excited about her new life in him. We should be excited and full of joy because we have a new life in Christ. (Nehemiah 4:18)
Leadership Principle 23- Leaders provide protection around the clock. Verse 4:22, “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by night.” As leaders, we need to be available, at any time of the day and night, to provide shelter and protection for the Body of Christ. That means we have to be willing to lay aside our priorities for the needs of others. (Nehemiah 4:21-22)
Leadership Principles 24- A leader gets the people in the Word. It is sad to see pastors and leaders who are seeking to bring revival to the Church of Christ by secular reasoning and methods. An unfruitful church is not lacking anything other than a spirit filled body, which comes from a pure relationship with Christ. And a pure relationship with Christ only comes through faith in Him, and faith comes by the hearing the Word of God. Get the people back into the Word, and you will see God in the people. God made it very clear that He holds His Word very high, even higher than His Name. (Nehemiah 8:5-9 )
Leadership Principle 25- A leader does not use the ministry as a means of gain. The only time recorded in the bible that Jesus showed any form of anger was when His Father’s house was being used for the profit of man. As leaders, our place of service in the church is that of serving souls. Whether they are saved souls or not, we should be a servant to all. Never should the church ask for anything other than ones “heart,” and it is to be given to the Lord. In the end times, Paul warns us of those who will use the cross of Christ as a means of gain. If the church or ministry is not able to function due to a lack of income, the problem lies within the vision of the church, either it is seeking more than the Lord has provided for, or it is totally off the tracks. One of the dangers of leading a ministry or being in a pastoral position is the sin of “BUILDING YOUR OWN MINISTRY!” I think it is easy to fall into the trap of striving in the flesh in order to gain God’s favor by building His kingdom. A leader recognizes that we already have God’s favor in Christ, and that we can not gain any more than we already have, because we have Jesus Christ. (Nehemiah 5:15)
Love Perseveres!
For this cause we also, since we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knoweledge of God;
Note: What was Paul talking about when he said,"Since we heard it?" Paul had got the message that this church had much faith in Christ Jesus and showed much love to all the Saints, and then went on to say that they do not cease to pray for them that they would increase in the knowlegde of God. These people were doing what they were supposed to be doing, so why is Paul still pressing on for them in prayer?
In todays society, many people have fallen asleep in their walks. There is no retirement plan in the will of God, but there is a glorious life in the Spirit, walking with the Lord. I believe that the majority of christians today aren't experiencing the fullness of God. Christ Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through me." Our walks with Christ are a continuing process. He said, Pick up your cross and follow me. Many people dwell on past experiences, some dwell on the good, and others on the bad, but both hinder you moving forward. An ox that looks back isn't worthy of the plow. It didn't say why the ox looked back, it just says he looked back. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord, by dying on the cross for our sins. This is where most people stop moving forward in life.
Allow His love to fill your heart, and we know His love by the cross, and that is all the love we need or could ever ask for. Our Joy comes from the fact that He has risen from the dead, defeated death, and with that power will also raise us up. So embrace the King who is worthy to be praised. Move forward in life by sharing His Love to the World, that they may also know Him. God's ultimate desire is that we abide in is Love. His two commandments are this, Love Him, and Love our neighbor.
Allow His love to fill your heart, and we know His love by the cross, and that is all the love we need or could ever ask for. Our Joy comes from the fact that He has risen from the dead, defeated death, and with that power will also raise us up. So embrace the King who is worthy to be praised. Move forward in life by sharing His Love to the World, that they may also know Him. God's ultimate desire is that we abide in is Love. His two commandments are this, Love Him, and Love our neighbor.
Prayer: Father, I pray, that we will humble ourselves to you, that you may mold His into the image of your Son Jesus Christ. May we yield ourselves to your Holy Spirit, and allow Him to comfort us and bring us into the knowledge of your will. May we continue to seek your Face.
Visit me at: pray4aaron.blogspot.com
email me: die4JesusChrist@yahoo.com
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