In what ways can we rebuild spiritual "walls" in our lives today? Setting the Scene “Then I said to them, ‘You see the distress we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a reproach.’” (Nehemiah 2:17) Why Walls Matter • Walls mark identity—who belongs to the Lord (1 Peter 2:9). • Walls provide protection from spiritual predators (Proverbs 4:23; 1 Peter 5:8). • Walls preserve holiness, keeping out corruption (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Recognize the Ruins • Ask the Spirit to expose breaches—habitual sin, neglected disciplines, harmful relationships (Psalm 139:23-24). • Grieve over what is broken; godly sorrow motivates change (2 Corinthians 7:10). Seek God’s Blueprint • Return to the Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). • Align every stone (decision) with Scripture’s plumb line (Isaiah 28:17). • Pray for favor and guidance as Nehemiah did (Nehemiah 2:4-5). Commit to Holiness • Repent quickly; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Practice daily consecration—set apart time, mind, and body for Christ (Romans 12:1-2). • Eliminate gateways of compromise: media, speech, unwise alliances (Ephesians 5:3-4). Guard the Gates • Install watchmen: Scripture meditation morning and night (Joshua 1:8). • Post checkpoints: accountability partners who ask hard questions (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep the gates closed to the enemy by wielding the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). Labor Side by Side • Each family repaired its section (Nehemiah 3); likewise: – Parents build discipleship walls at home (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). – Church members serve according to gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). – Older believers mentor younger (Titus 2:3-5). Stay Alert Against Opposition • Expect ridicule and intimidation (Nehemiah 4:1-3). • Respond with prayer and vigilance: “With one hand they worked and with the other held a weapon.” (Nehemiah 4:17). • Use the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Celebrate Completed Sections • Acknowledge God’s help after each victory (Nehemiah 6:15-16). • Give thanks publicly; testimony strengthens others (Psalm 107:2). • Keep the feast of joy—maintain worship so the walls never fall again (Nehemiah 12:43). |
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