Today’s focus in worship from our reading of Nehemiah highlights the importance of giving for the work of rebuilding, renewing and restoring the worship and community life of Judah following the devastating time of exile they had experienced at the hands of Babylon. As we read and reflect on this time in the life of the people of Judah, it is also an opportunity for us to consider the important role that giving plays in our life together as the people of God today. Giving has been (and continues to be) a vital practice for both putting God first AND expressing and spreading joy in life.