Daily Reading // Nehemiah 1-4
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Nehemiah 4:17 (NKJV) Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
I have always been very impressed with this mental image. The wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt by men with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other.
God had granted favor upon Nehemiah to accomplish the work in Jerusalem. But that doesn’t mean it was easy. It doesn’t mean it was without opposition. It took courage and hard work for Nehemiah and the whole crew. They had to endure threats all around them.
They did what had to be done, not what was easy.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
Just because God tells me to do something that doesn’t mean it will be easy.
Doing a good job isn’t always easy. Staying strong in marriage isn’t always easy. Parenting kids in a godly way isn’t always easy. Giving generously, being faithful in tithing isn’t always easy. Caring for those in need isn’t always easy.
Easy is not an indicator of God’s direction. It wasn’t for Nehemiah and it isn’t for me.
Sometimes obeying God requires a tool and sometimes it requires a weapon. Maybe even one in each hand. Nehemiah left the comfort of the king’s palace to take on this hard work for the good of his people.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Holy Spirit, empower me today with tools and weapons sufficient for my task. Amen.