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Day 134 Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. 15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. 16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. 17 Moreover there were at my table a hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. 18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also, fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. 19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. Do you take account of yourself? Do you compare yourself with others? Nehemiah, along with the people of Judah, worked on the walls of Jerusalem. They worked with their weapons in one hand while they worked on the walls with the other hand. In the twelve years, he was in Jerusalem, Nehemiah didn’t exact from the people what the former governors did regarding food, wine, and money. Instead, the people gave him freely what he needed daily for his table and those who ate with him. In everything he did, Nehemiah asked God to look at what he did. He didn’t boast about his accomplishments to the people. Many Christians serve in positions so they can have people look at what they do for others. When they step behind closed doors, they take off the mask of piety. What they present to the world isn’t what they are when no one is watching. Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore, when thou do thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 3 But when thou do alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand does: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which sees in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou pray, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye, therefore, like unto them: for your Father knows what things ye have need of before ye ask him. Consider what you do, and why you do it. It might be time to change in your life to reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Don’t do things for vainglory. Do your work for God, not man. Let’s pray: Father, You know my heart. Cleanse me of anything that does not bring You glory. Let my life reflect You in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 24 October 2021 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay.