The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Nehemiah 5-7
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 9: Return: God Delivers His People Again
Background Information: Nehemiah 5-7
Proverbs 25:28 says that a man without self-control is like a city without walls. A lack of self-control leaves a person defenseless against the enemy of sin. Our cities generally don’t have walls; we have other modern forms of defense against enemies. Walled cities were essential in Nehemiah’s time to help keep enemies out. As the citizens of Jerusalem found out years earlier, the walls could slow down armies, but they were not an absolute defense against them. Nevertheless, walls were essential for the everyday safety and security of the city. It had been over fifty years since the temple had been rebuilt. The city was still largely inhabited as returnees had lived in a state of continual uncertainly and insecurity. The enemies of the Jewish people had lived in Judah for a long time. They were not excited about the return of a Jewish kingdom in what was now, in their minds, their land. They tried to draw Nehemiah away from the city in order to kill him. They tried to accuse him of sedition in order to have him killed. They made up a prophecy to get him to take shelter in the Temple so that he would lose credibility, or worse, be killed for entering the Holy Place. In the face of all this opposition, the wall was completed with enormous human grit, but, appropriately, God was given the credit for their success. It doesn’t appear that Nehemiah wasted energy wondering why he was under attack, even though he was doing exactly what God wanted him to do. We are often surprised when we encounter great difficulty in the midst of trying to live an obedient life. Peter said that we must not be surprised when we suffer trials; this is nothing strange, in fact this is quite normal. (1 Peter 4:12). Paul said matter-of-factly, “If you want to live a godly, obedient life, you are going to be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12). Build the wall of self-control around your mind. Do not allow the enemy’s thoughts, like self-pity or blaming God, to enter. We don’t have to like trials; I’m sure Nehemiah didn’t. We ‘re going to experience them, and we must do so with both grit and grace.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask to speak to students as they go to Fall Conference in Salina this weekend. Pray for a deepening desire for holiness and a commitment to make the wonder of the gospel known.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.