Intensified
Is the enemy getting angry because his attacks are not keeping you from moving forward? Sometimes the attack will intensifiy with greater attacks. It is important. Nehemiah and the Jews faced the same thing when the wall was at half height. Intimidation didn’t stop the work and that made their enemies furious. You will sometimes see and intensification of the battle in such cases.
Nehemiah 4:6-9
6 At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm. 7 [d]But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. 8 They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. 9 But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.
Sanballat increased his assault as well as influencing more groups of people in the surrounding area to join with him in his attack and hatred towards the Jews. They were incensed that their intimidation didn’t stop the wall from going forward. So they plotted together to physically attack the city and bring great confusion. Today was like this for me and it took me awhile to see what was happening. I’d overcome attacks and the devil’s whispers….so he launched an all out attack . I missed the truth of it for awhile and fell prey most of the day, but God in His Great Mercy kept speaking to my heart. The Jews had to guard the city….we need to guard our heart.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Nehemiah 4:1-6:Tactics of the enemy Part 1
Nehemiah 4:1-6
Tactics of the enemy and ways to overcome
Nehemiah's book reminds me of real life and the spiritual battles we face. Throughout the book we will see core enemies again and again. It will become apparent that these enemies have intertwined themselves in such a way that one would never imagine. Yet God gives wisdom to Nehemiah and those who will work toward God’s plan for Jerusalem. The enemy has many weapons that we need to be aware of in our walk with God.
Intimidation
Nehemiah 4:1-3
1 [a]When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”
Sanballat and his team were human beings, but they give us information about how the enemy of our soul works to bring destruction. The first thing we see here is intimidation and the casting of doubt. He calls the Jews feeble and mocks their ability to accomplish the task. He intensifies weakness instead of what unity under God can do. Think about this a moment. Are there things that God has placed in your heart that have been set aside because of the enemies tactic of ridicule and doubt casting? Don’t brush over this question. You may well find yourself realizing that you laid down the dream because of the enemies voice of intimidation. He may use people or simply plant a thought of inability in your mind. The question is what are we going to do with those voices the enemy yells in our ear?
Nehemiah 1:4-6
4 Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of[b] the builders. 6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.
The people worked with all of their heart despite the insults and mockery thrown their way because they trusted God and Nehemiah’s leadership of steadfastness. Nehemiah’s response was so important because it would determine what those under his leadership would do. If he gave up and accepted the seeds of doubt and inability it would funnel down to the workers. He had to stand firm in what God told him and in God’s ability. You see it wasn’t just what he thought he could do…it was about what God could do through yielded vessels who understood the need to reject the tactics of the enemy and believe what God said to be true. Notice the prayer of Nehemiah. Basically, “Lord, I trust you to deal with these enemies.”
Tactics of the enemy and ways to overcome
Nehemiah's book reminds me of real life and the spiritual battles we face. Throughout the book we will see core enemies again and again. It will become apparent that these enemies have intertwined themselves in such a way that one would never imagine. Yet God gives wisdom to Nehemiah and those who will work toward God’s plan for Jerusalem. The enemy has many weapons that we need to be aware of in our walk with God.
Intimidation
Nehemiah 4:1-3
1 [a]When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”
Sanballat and his team were human beings, but they give us information about how the enemy of our soul works to bring destruction. The first thing we see here is intimidation and the casting of doubt. He calls the Jews feeble and mocks their ability to accomplish the task. He intensifies weakness instead of what unity under God can do. Think about this a moment. Are there things that God has placed in your heart that have been set aside because of the enemies tactic of ridicule and doubt casting? Don’t brush over this question. You may well find yourself realizing that you laid down the dream because of the enemies voice of intimidation. He may use people or simply plant a thought of inability in your mind. The question is what are we going to do with those voices the enemy yells in our ear?
Nehemiah 1:4-6
4 Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of[b] the builders. 6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.
The people worked with all of their heart despite the insults and mockery thrown their way because they trusted God and Nehemiah’s leadership of steadfastness. Nehemiah’s response was so important because it would determine what those under his leadership would do. If he gave up and accepted the seeds of doubt and inability it would funnel down to the workers. He had to stand firm in what God told him and in God’s ability. You see it wasn’t just what he thought he could do…it was about what God could do through yielded vessels who understood the need to reject the tactics of the enemy and believe what God said to be true. Notice the prayer of Nehemiah. Basically, “Lord, I trust you to deal with these enemies.”
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Nehemiah 3: Putting Your Shoulder to the Work.
Unity
Chapter 3 is an amazing chapter that relates to any project God asks you to undertake. It gives the names of groups of people who worked on the wall. People of differing social standings began to work together on the wall that was near their dwelling. Priest, perfumers, sons, goldsmiths and even a father and his daughters worked on the wall. When we get in line with God's vision, God's leader, and work together God will bless the work of our hand.
Unfortunately we also read in this chapter about some nobles (leaders) that refused to put their shoulders to the work.The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.[a] We don't know why these leaders didn't take part. Perhaps they didn't want to be under Nehemiah's direction.>>> Whatever their reason they lost the blessing of God and surely were not a good example.
Whether our current God project involves church, home or community it is important to follow His lead, His leaders, and put our shoulders to work in a spirit of unity. All those who willingly do this are surely leaders to be admired.
Take a minute to read Nehemiah chapter three and ponder how God can use unity and the hard work of individuals to fulfill His purposes.
Chapter 3 is an amazing chapter that relates to any project God asks you to undertake. It gives the names of groups of people who worked on the wall. People of differing social standings began to work together on the wall that was near their dwelling. Priest, perfumers, sons, goldsmiths and even a father and his daughters worked on the wall. When we get in line with God's vision, God's leader, and work together God will bless the work of our hand.
Unfortunately we also read in this chapter about some nobles (leaders) that refused to put their shoulders to the work.
Whether our current God project involves church, home or community it is important to follow His lead, His leaders, and put our shoulders to work in a spirit of unity. All those who willingly do this are surely leaders to be admired.
Take a minute to read Nehemiah chapter three and ponder how God can use unity and the hard work of individuals to fulfill His purposes.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Nehemiah: Sharing the Vision
Yesterday we talked about being careful about sharing the vision the moment God gives it to us or the even when we are in the midst of the people God has called us to. There is a correct time and sometimes we are called to survey the situation and seek God's timing. After Nehemiah accessed the situation and had a better appreciation for what needed to be done he knew it was time to cast the vision to the leaders of his people.
Nehemiah 2:17-18
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”
Get used to seeing these enemies throughout the story of Nehemiah. They hate the people of God and anything that would help give courage and peace to Israel. Nehemiah's reactions keep everything going according to God's plan. Remember your reaction to the devil and his assaults can make or break a situation. First of all, remember God's plan is to prosper His people and to see their good come about. Remember also that even things that seem impossible are possible with God. Nehemiah's enemies try to claim they have a right to the land...Nehemiah lets them know that in reality they have no historic right to the land. The enemy of our soul tries to destroy God's plan....I'm convinced we can like Nehemiah stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord.
Nehemiah 2:17-18
<<<<18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. >>>>
In ancient days a wall around a city was protection against enemies who would invade and plunder at will. Nehemiah told the leaders what they already knew about the potential for plunder and encouraged them to rebuild the wall so that they would no longer be sitting ducks for their enemies and publicly disgraced. Sometimes we know the problem but don't know how to solve it...God brought Nehemiah to show God's plan. Nehemiah shared with them the story about how God had given him favor with the king and provision for the job. The plan was accepted and the work was to be started.
Enemies Mock: Nehemiah responds
Nehemiah 2:19-20But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”
Get used to seeing these enemies throughout the story of Nehemiah. They hate the people of God and anything that would help give courage and peace to Israel. Nehemiah's reactions keep everything going according to God's plan. Remember your reaction to the devil and his assaults can make or break a situation. First of all, remember God's plan is to prosper His people and to see their good come about. Remember also that even things that seem impossible are possible with God. Nehemiah's enemies try to claim they have a right to the land...Nehemiah lets them know that in reality they have no historic right to the land. The enemy of our soul tries to destroy God's plan....I'm convinced we can like Nehemiah stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Nehemiah: When not to broadcast your vision.
Have you ever had a time where God spoke to you and you couldn't wait to tell folks about it. It is truly amazing when God places vision in the heart of a person. It might be vision for your future or some needed information and wisdom about a situation in your life. The Word tells us that, "His sheep know His voice." Nehemiah knew what it takes awhile for many of us to learn. We are not necessarily suppose to blab the vision the minute the Lord reveals it too us. So far in Nehemiah's journey he had only told the governors of the Trans-Euphrates by giving them a copy of the kings letter on his way home. His enemies had learned of his plan this way and began scheming. One would think as long as he had given the governors the letters he should just tell all the home folks as well. Nehemiah didn't do that. He wanted to get a first hand look at the problems himself rather than rely on second hand information. So he went throughout the route of the wall and accessed the damage himself. When Nehemiah did speak with the elders it would be with knowledge.
Has God shared something with you? Ask him what if anything you should share with others at this moment. Perhaps there is a waiting period. You can use that time wisely by allowing the Holy Spirit to help you be prepared for the task and how best to present it.
Nehemiah 2:11-16
11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode. 13 And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to pass. 15 So I went up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall; then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the others who did the work.
Has God shared something with you? Ask him what if anything you should share with others at this moment. Perhaps there is a waiting period. You can use that time wisely by allowing the Holy Spirit to help you be prepared for the task and how best to present it.
Nehemiah 2:11-16
11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode. 13 And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to pass. 15 So I went up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall; then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the others who did the work.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Nehemiah 2 : Enemies Revealed
Nehemiah had been given the favor of the Lord. The king had given him favor and help for his mission. This of course became known to others.
Nehemiah 2:10
10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.
Doesn't it baffle the mind that when God gives favor there is often an enemy that emerges? Sanballat's name means the god of sin (moon god) . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin_(mythology) We will see these enemies as the story continues. They have no desire to see God's people succeed. Nehemiah fights the enemy with God's power and so can we. When ever we do some thing great for God we will see resistance from God's enemies.
Whenever we have a God given dream in our heart the devil fights. He uses people, intimidation and a whole arsenal of weapons. The Word tells in Ephesians 6:12, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
As we read we further we will see how Nehemiah fought this and how he avoided getting entangled with the enemies plans. Sometimes our own flesh can bring hurt to God's plan. The enemies introduced understood clearly....they didn't want Israel to be blessed of God or succeed in anyway. We will learn the difference between enemies and the uninformed as we read this amazing book of the Bible.
God is still able and is greater than any enemy.
Nehemiah 2:10
10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.
Doesn't it baffle the mind that when God gives favor there is often an enemy that emerges? Sanballat's name means the god of sin (moon god) . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin_(mythology) We will see these enemies as the story continues. They have no desire to see God's people succeed. Nehemiah fights the enemy with God's power and so can we. When ever we do some thing great for God we will see resistance from God's enemies.
Whenever we have a God given dream in our heart the devil fights. He uses people, intimidation and a whole arsenal of weapons. The Word tells in Ephesians 6:12, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
As we read we further we will see how Nehemiah fought this and how he avoided getting entangled with the enemies plans. Sometimes our own flesh can bring hurt to God's plan. The enemies introduced understood clearly....they didn't want Israel to be blessed of God or succeed in anyway. We will learn the difference between enemies and the uninformed as we read this amazing book of the Bible.
God is still able and is greater than any enemy.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Nehemiah: The Favor of the Lord
Last week we completed chapter one of Nehemiah. We find Nehemiah accepting God’s call to help his people and praying for the favor of the Lord upon him. It is revealed that Nehemiah was the kings cup-bearer.
1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
Favor can come in the midst of our daily life. Nehemiah didn’t barge in to the king and demand anything. God prepared the kings heart. You may not be in a palace, or work for a politician like Nehemiah but God can still bring the right person into your life. It is not always quite what we expect. Nehemiah was afraid when the king noticed his sadness because a cup-bearer or advisor of the king was not to show his own cares….he was to concentrate on the needs of the king. Yet God prepared the kings heart to care about Nehemiah and Israel. Nehemiah…spoke up when asked and began to share his heart about why he was sad and what God had put on his heart. We have to be careful not to let fear keep us from favor.
4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” 6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. 7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. 9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
Have you ever thrown up a quick prayer in the midst an important situation? He hears. (Remember though Nehemiah had already been seeking God and fasting )When we have prayed and believed He is in the midst and can help us say and do the right things. The queen sat by the king that day (a practice that was employed to bring mercy) Nehemiah was asked what he wanted. He could have just asked for permission to take time off to go to Jerusalem and access the situation. Instead he went beyond the obvious and asked for more. His request was granted.
1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
Favor can come in the midst of our daily life. Nehemiah didn’t barge in to the king and demand anything. God prepared the kings heart. You may not be in a palace, or work for a politician like Nehemiah but God can still bring the right person into your life. It is not always quite what we expect. Nehemiah was afraid when the king noticed his sadness because a cup-bearer or advisor of the king was not to show his own cares….he was to concentrate on the needs of the king. Yet God prepared the kings heart to care about Nehemiah and Israel. Nehemiah…spoke up when asked and began to share his heart about why he was sad and what God had put on his heart. We have to be careful not to let fear keep us from favor.
4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” 6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. 7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. 9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
Have you ever thrown up a quick prayer in the midst an important situation? He hears. (Remember though Nehemiah had already been seeking God and fasting )When we have prayed and believed He is in the midst and can help us say and do the right things. The queen sat by the king that day (a practice that was employed to bring mercy) Nehemiah was asked what he wanted. He could have just asked for permission to take time off to go to Jerusalem and access the situation. Instead he went beyond the obvious and asked for more. His request was granted.
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