Remember the scripture about removing the plank from one’s own eye before trying to help a brother with the speck in his eye? Nehemiah’s prayer reminds me of this. He was begging God for help in restoring this city. Before asking God to do him a favor, he first wanted to come before God with a cleansed heart and repentant spirit.

It grieves me when I hear people say, “God’s never done anything for me.” So untrue! God did the ultimate for every person ever born when He gave His Son as the sacrifice for our sins. But too often we want something from God without giving any thought to what He needs from us. Nehemiah recognized that he shouldn’t beg for God’s help repairing the city until the children of Israel had repaired their relationship with their Father-God. In Monday’s devotion, I indicated that we are called to serve in His name. Before we can serve in His name, we must stand in right relationship with Him so He will receive the glory. So there’s step four: Stay in close fellowship with God by confessing our wrongdoings and striving to live righteously before God and man.