Day 129
 |
| Nehemiah Overcame Well-organized Espionage and Sabotage... |
Scripture
Observation
Harsh living conditions during the period of construction place a severe financial strain upon the people, and result in yet another obstacle to the completion of the walls. In spite of prohibitions against charging interest or enslaving a Jewish brother, the loan sharks and slave merchants are flourishing, prompting Nehemiah to take swift and effective action. With internal affairs once again in order, Nehemiah faces a new threat from without: treacherous plot against his own life. But alert to the enemies' devices, and with complete trust in God, he moves ahead to complete the walls in world-record time: fifty-two days.
Application
Are you in the mood for a challenge today? Then try these words of our Lord on for size: "Let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father"
(Matthew 5:16). You might call this Christ's challenge for godly living in an ungodly world. And it's a tall order.
But Nehemiah's life stands as eloquent testimony to the fact that it can be done! Faced with the task of organizing and leading thousands of amateur brick-layers, and confronted with opposition from without and within, Nehemiah nevertheless did his job in such a way that God got the glory—even from unbelievers! In Nehemiah's own words, "When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated, and they realized that the work had been done with the help of our God" (6:16).
Actions speak louder than words, especially to those outside God's family. Are you ready to a real challenge? Ask your spouse or a close Christian friend, "Do my actions confirm or deny my claim that God is my Father?" Then listen carefully to what they say.
But Nehemiah's life stands as eloquent testimony to the fact that it can be done! Faced with the task of organizing and leading thousands of amateur brick-layers, and confronted with opposition from without and within, Nehemiah nevertheless did his job in such a way that God got the glory—even from unbelievers! In Nehemiah's own words, "When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated, and they realized that the work had been done with the help of our God" (6:16).
Actions speak louder than words, especially to those outside God's family. Are you ready to a real challenge? Ask your spouse or a close Christian friend, "Do my actions confirm or deny my claim that God is my Father?" Then listen carefully to what they say.
Prayer
God, we know that through prayer we can get things done for the mighty work of our spirit to spread the Good News. When we are confronted with opposition, let us do our job in such a way the you get the glory, we pray. Please help us to never grow weary in prayer. In Jesus name, amen!
 |
| Don't Grow Weary in Prayer |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
