MY PART
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"...So we promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God." Nehemiah 10:39 NLT

Mind helping me with a resolution I'm wanting to succeed at? It's one that I'm so determined to 'get right' that I'm willing to start these few weeks before New Year's Day. It's one that influences my family, some very dear friends, folks I do not know yet and myself.

I want to live out the vow Nehemiah and his congregation made to preserve, promote and participate in God's house.

It goes beyond attending, which shouldn't be neglected. It surpasses slipping a check in the plate, although it's the least we can do. It extends to my attitude, my preparation for worship and my prayers for my church--the mission, its ministries, my church family and the ones God will direct to come through our doors.

I need help.

Oh, it's not that I don't want to fulfill this task with excellence, it's just that sometimes, well, sometimes I get in the way.

I need to do all I can to build my church. I need to help in every way I see to promote its growth and increase its size. I need to stoop to pick up candy wrappers and wipe little noses. I need to be prepared, before Sunday, to worship wholeheartedly--for God's sake, for my sake and for the sake of the service. I need to be grown-up enough to realize not everyone will do things my way. I need to expect my feelings to be hurt and be willing to let the bruises be healed by God. I need to not neglect my church.

And that's where I need your help. It's a mighty big job, one I cannot do well on my own. Won't you help me? I'll do the same for you, if you need me to.