Title: Two Lessons From Nehemiah/ Topic: Community and Preparedness

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:5
5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.

Observation: Nehemiah has motivated a massive community effort to get the wall of Jerusalem rebuilt. Everyone is joining in the work but he takes time to note that the nobles of Tekoa are working with only half-hearted effort. It bothered him enough to make note of it in the records.

Application: When I am lazy, neglectful, or unenthusiastic in my work it affects others around me and has a negative impact on them. It discourages my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ when I don't participate with delight and full energy in the work of the Lord.

Prayer: Help me Lord to work with enthusiasm and with all my strength so that I will be a positive influence instead of a negative one and so that the work you give us to do can be done better and more effectively.

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:21-23
21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. 22 At that time I also said to the people, "Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and workmen by day." 23 Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.

Observation: The enemies of the people had made threats to come upon them while they were rebuilding and kill them. Nehemiah's solution to the threat was that each man was to stay vigilant, they took turns guarding the workers, even at night, and every man stayed prepared for battle, even when doing daily chores like getting water.

Application: We must remember we are constantly in a spiritual battle and keep vigilant at all times. There is never a moment when we can forget this or we become sitting ducks for the enemy. We must also help by "guarding" our brothers and sisters through prayer and by speaking up if we see them falling into the enemy's trap (accountability).

Prayer: Father, help us to remember that our enemy is always looking to attack us when we are unaware. Help us to remember that he seeks to pick off the weak of the flock and let us look out for each other and warn each other when we see him on the prowl. May we build up the wall of our protection through prayer. This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.