55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 54
July 24, 2025 (Thursday)

Scripture:
On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them—yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent.

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously put the grain offering, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, wine, and oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests. While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.

I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field. So I confronted the officials and said, "Why is the house of God forsaken?" And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses. And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.
Nehemiah 13:1-14 (ESV)

Reflection:
As Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after a period of absence, he found that spiritual compromises had taken root. Sacred space meant for God's purposes was being misused. Instead of serving God's mission, people had allowed comfort, politics, and neglect to creep in. Nehemiah did not look the other way. He took bold action to confront sin and restore holiness, calling the people back to complete obedience to God's Word.

This passage reminds us that faithfulness requires constant vigilance. Even in the most committed communities, distractions and compromises can settle in quietly. Remaining faithful to God's Word is not just about major decisions. It's about everyday alignment with His truth.

At NYCBC, God has graciously provided us with two buildings, good spaces with incredible potential. But buildings alone do not fulfill the mission. The real question is this: Are we using these spaces for the ministry of the Gospel? Are we treating them as sacred ground for evangelism, teaching, discipleship, outreach, worship, and care? Or are we letting comfort or routine distract us from what matters most?

Let's renew our commitment not just to personal growth, but to stewarding what God has entrusted to us with faithfulness and purpose.

Reflection Question:
Where is God calling you to realign more fully with His Word? Are there ways you can help make better use of the spaces and resources He has entrusted to us for the sake of the Gospel?

Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for Your Word, which leads us in truth. Forgive us when we drift from Your ways or misuse what You have entrusted to us. Thank you for providing our church with space and opportunity. Please help us to steward these buildings faithfully for the ministry of evangelism, teaching, and the Gospel. May we use every room, every gathering, and every moment for Your glory. Strengthen us to obey You with courage and conviction. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

By Pastor Pierre Tang