Sacrifice, Service, and Self- Denial (Nehemiah 11: 1-3) Troy and Melody Appleton

Nehemiah 11: And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. 2. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. 3. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Shorter Catechism, Question 1 – Q. What is the chief end of man? – A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Jonathan Edwards ( ) “God is (most) glorified not only His glory being seen, but by it being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart. God made the world that he might communicate and the creature receive, His glory, and that it might be received both by the mind and the heart.”

Puritan Prayer called “God’s Cause” “Sovereign God, Thy cause, not my own engages my heart, and I appeal to thee with greatest freedom to set up Thy kingdom in every place where Satan reigns. Glorify thyself and I shall rejoice, for to bring honor to Thy name is my sole desire. I adore thee that thou are God and long that others should know it, feel it, and rejoice in it…Lord, use me as thou wilt, do with me what thou wilt, but O promote thy cause, let thy kingdom come, let thy blessed interest be advanced in the world…O do thou bring great numbers to Jesus. Let me see that glorious day, and give to grasp for multitudes of souls, let me be willing to die for that end, and while I live for thee, let me labor for thee to the utmost of my strength…”

Jonathan Edwards Diary, January 12, 1723 – “In the morning, I have this renewed my covenant…I have been before God and have given myself, all that I am and have, to God; so that I am not, in any respect, my own self. I can challenge no right in this understanding, this will, these affections, which are in me. Neither I have any right to this body, or any of its members: no right to this tongue, these hands, these feet, no right to these sense, these eyes, these ears, this smell or this taste. I have given myself clean away, and have no retained anything, as my own. I gave myself to God…and I have told Him that I gave myself wholly to him.”

Jonathan Edwards – “God in seeking His glory seeks the good of His creatures, because the emanation of His glory…implies the….happiness of his creatures…God’s happiness arises from…the creatures exercising a supreme regard to God…in beholding God’s glory, in esteeming and loving it, and rejoicing in it.”

Muslim Governor’s Question ( – “Now what will be my attitude to Jesus? When I see Him coming I will do all I can to show my gratitude to Him for what He has done for me.” – “So,” said the Vali (governor), “Do you mean to tell me that the work you do here in this hospital and in the schools in done to show your gratitude to God for something that He has already done for you, and not for the purpose of winning the favor of God?” – “Yes, Sir, exactly,” I replied.

George Mueller at age 91 – “What opportunity is there for service for the Lord?” – They told him he needed rest. – Mueller replied, “Being free from my usual labors, I feel I must be occupied in some way in the service of God. For to glorify Him is my object in life.”

Amy Carmichael (Missionary to India) Us: “Jesus, savior, dost thou see When I’m doing work for thee? Common things, not great or grand, Carrying stones and earth and sand?” Jesus: “I did common work, you know Many, many years ago; And don’t forget, I see Everything you do for me.”