Nehemiah 2:18 / So they said, "let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good work.
I've always favored the book of Nehemiah. We have a man who is in turmoil because he receives news that the walls of the city of Jerusalem have been broken down and set on fire. He prays earnestly to God...He fasted...He prayed some more. In the end, God appointed Nehemiah to be the one who returns to Jerusalem to set about the task of rebuilding the walls. Never mind that Nehemiah was a slave in service to the king. God had plans, and nothing was going to stand in the way.
If you read the scripture, you'll find that Nehemiah had all manner of people come against him to stop this task of rebuilding the walls. These so called friends (maybe not the right word to use) spoke smooth words to Nehemiah trying to get him to compromise in this task. He refused.
So using this example of walls being torn down around a city, which allowed the enemy to enter and exit at will, what would that have to do with us today? Well, how about your testimony ( as the old folks would say) of who Jesus truly is in your life. Do you ever think about building in a proper way the things that Jesus has shown you, taught you, revealed to you? Or do you simply go to church weekly giving no thought as to how others may see you. Now I'm not talking about seeking the favor of people, or trying to get their approval. But when they see your life......when they hear you speak does your life reflect the glory and goodness of God? Came across a statement made by pastor Carter Conlon.
There is a spiritual wall that separates those who are truly serving God and those who are bringing carnality into His church. If God is going to be honored in this generation we must begin to rebuild the testimony of Christ in our lives. You may ask yourself how does this happen? How do I begin to rebuild this wall? The first thing we do is apply the truth of God's Word to every area of our life where we are not in agreement with Him. Secondly, we must remove the rubble in our homes that has blocked the door to the prayer closet. Lastly, call our children by example into the work of God. Suddenly there will be a people arise and begin to build according the ways of God and they will do it all for His honor!
My love for the things of this world creates these broken down places in my life and in my testimony. A brick here......a brick there, and before long I have given the enemy access through my divided heart. Ephesians 4:27 reads, "Do give the devil a foothold." Such is why we need to be aware and check ourselves in the light of God's word to make sure that we are not bringing attacks on ourselves and our families because of these broken places.
Maybe it's time we do a maintenance check....
God on you...
mbb
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