Inquiring Minds

I ask a lot of questions. Not to be nosy; just sincerely curious I think. When I eat lunch with my buddies, I like to ask things like what books they are reading, what keeps them up at night, and what accomplishments they are celebrating in their jobs. I’ve decided that the questions we ask of others can reveal our heart’s passion. For example, my wife and I share a desire to see young couples develop healthy, dynamic marriages and I find that when I’m around young married men I usually end up engaging them in a discussion about their marriage out of a desire to encourage them in their love for their wives. I’ve also got a friend who runs his own business and invariably when we are together I inquire how things are going with developing his new team at work; revealing my keen interest in leadership.

I’ve been reading lately about another man who liked to ask questions. Nehemiah of the Old Testament. Nehemiah was an amazing leader responsible for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem around 445 B.C. His heart is revealed in the opening chapter of the biblical account bearing his name. Nehemiah’s brother and a few of his friends had traveled to Jerusalem and upon returning, Nehemiah was quick to ask about the condition of the Jews who had returned there from Babylonian captivity. Not, “How was your trip brother?” Not, “Did you do anything exciting on your vacation?” But, “What is the condition of our fellow Jews in the land of our Fathers.” This question was prompted by an urgency in his heart to see Jerusalem restored. Shortly after asking this question and hearing of the distress and reproach of his people, Nehemiah took leave of his prestigious position under the king of Persia, assembled supplies and laborers on his way to Jerusalem, established the city, and rebuilt the wall. Wow!

What great work is God stirring in your heart? It may be revealed in the questions you are asking today.

I'm back

Took a break to mow the yard this summer.