Day 88 | Monday, 15 June 2020

Day 88  |  Monday, 15 June 2020     
    
One  more COVID case in our battalion over the weekend

 I trust that everyone had a good Lord’s Day yesterday and that you were able to connect with worship in some way.  I also trust that each one of you is maintaining a healthy spirit – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Today, I am copying the commentary on Nehemiah from “Our Daily Bread” for June 15, 2020.  I seemed appropriate.  As you read the scripture and the commentary, reflect.  Are we as a country in need of rebuilding?  We have been trough a lot since February.  As a community, we will also be going through a rebuilding process.  Whatever the process is, we must seek God’s guidance to get us through it all.

 Today's Scripture & Insight: Nehemiah 2:11-18

“11 When I reached Jerusalem and had been there for three days, 12 I set out at night, taking only a few people with me. I didn’t tell anyone what my God was prompting me to do for Jerusalem, and the only animal I took was the one I rode. 13 I went out by night through the Valley Gate past the Dragon’s Spring to the Dung Gate so that I could inspect the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down, as well as its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 

 14 Then I went on to the Spring Gate and to the King’s Pool. Since there was no room for the animal on which I was riding to pass, 15 I went up by way of the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I turned back and returned by entering through the Valley Gate.  

16 The officials didn’t know where I had gone or what I was doing. I hadn’t yet told the Jews, the priests, the officials, the officers, or the rest who were to do the work. 17 So I said to them, “You see the trouble that we’re in: Jerusalem is in ruins, and its gates are destroyed by fire! Come, let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we won’t continue to be in disgrace.” 18 I told them that my God had taken care of me, and also told them what the king had said to me. 

 “Let’s start rebuilding!” they said, and they eagerly began the work.”  “It was nighttime when the leader set out by horseback to inspect the work that lay ahead. As he toured the destruction all around him, he saw city walls that had been destroyed and gates that had been burned. In some areas, the vast debris made it tough for his horse to get through. Saddened, the rider turned toward home.”
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“When it came time to report the damage to the officials of the city, he began by saying, “You see the trouble we are in” (Nehemiah 2:17). He reported that the city was in ruins, and the protecting city wall had been rendered useless.”

“But then he made a statement that energized the troubled citizens: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me.” Immediately, the people replied, “Let us start rebuilding” (v. 18).”
“And they did.”

“With faith in God and all-out effort, despite enemy opposition and a seemingly impossible task, the people of Jerusalem—under Nehemiah’s leadership—rebuilt the wall in just fifty-two days (6:15).

“As you consider your circumstances, is there something that looks difficult but that you know God wants you to do? A sin you can’t seem to get rid of? A relationship rift that’s not God-honoring? A task for Him that looks too hard?”

“Ask God for guidance (2:4–5), analyze the problem (vv. 11–15), and recognize His involvement (v. 18). Then start rebuilding.”

By:  Dave Branon

“Reflect & Pray:” “What are a couple of “destroyed wall” situations that are troubling you? How will prayerfully asking for God’s help and guidance help you start the rebuilding process?”

“God, I need Your help. I can’t fix these problems alone. Help me to understand the situation, and then to seek Your help and guidance in resolving the challenges before me.” Lord, hear our prayers.

Today: Those helping guide us through the rebuilding process.