June 20, 2008 Ghost Town
ODB RADIO: Listen Now <http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/06/20/devotion.aspx ##> | Download <http://rbcorg.httpsvc.vitalstreamcdn.com/rbcorg_vitalstream_com/odb/200 8/06/odb-06-20-08.mp3> READ: Nehemiah 1:4-11 <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?language=english&passage=Nehemiah+1:4- 11> What does the Lord your God require of you, but . . . to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. -Deuteronomy 10:12 A gold rush that began in the 1970s made Boa Vista, Brazil, a boomtown on the edge of one of the world's richest gold fields. That changed when the gold mines were shut down. Government officials say the miners were destroying the rain forest, dumping mercury into the rivers, and bringing guns and diseases that killed thousands of local residents. Today Boa Vista is a "town of lost souls and frustrated adventurers too poor to return to their bleak beginnings." Such was the picture of God's people exiled in Babylon. All they had were memories of the days when God's favor was on them. Jerusalem was in ruins because a blessed people had been exploiting the weak, not caring for the land entrusted to them (2 Chron. 36:19-21), and going through the motions of worshiping God. The prophet Nehemiah confessed: "We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments" (Neh. 1:7). God loved His people too much to let them continue harming themselves and others. By letting them "do time" in Babylon, He helped them see what can happen when a blessed people get caught up in a life that leaves God out of the picture. He'll do what it takes to help us see that as well! - Mart De Haan <http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/Mart-DeHaan.aspx> The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne And worship only Thee. -Cowper God gives blessing to us so we can give glory to Him. ________________________________ "This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended solely for the addressee and could contain information that is confidential; If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or dissemination of this e-mail and any attachment is strictly prohibited and you should immediately delete it. This message does not necessarily reflect the views of Bank Indonesia. Although this e-mail has been checked for computer viruses, Bank Indonesia accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus and any malicious code transmitted by this e-mail. Therefore, the recipient should check again for the risk of viruses, malicious codes, etc as a result of e-mail transmission through Internet" ________________________________ * “This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended solely for the addressee and could contain information that is confidential; If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or dissemination of this e-mail and any attachment is strictly prohibited and you should immediately delete it. This message does not necessarily reflect the views of Bank Indonesia. Although this e-mail has been checked for computer viruses, Bank Indonesia accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus and any malicious code transmitted by this e-mail. Therefore, the recipient should check again for the risk of viruses, malicious codes, etc as a result of e-mail transmission through Internet”
