Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:16-18 (NIV) 16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, 18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me

Observation:  Nehemiah and the Jews were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in the midst of  being threatened, attacked and despised of by some in the city. And although bombarded with harrassment they continued with half the men watching guard with their weapons and the other half working to rebuild the walls.  It must have been dreadful, discouraging and even frustrating to the Jews trying to accomplish their task.  One could imagine the anxiety they felt  knowing every morning they got up, they would have  to face the same situation over and over.

Application:  This scripture reminds me of a saying we hear quite often " I got your back".  In the case of Nehemiah and the Jews, this was something very literal that they had to do....kill or be killed.  As we  draw closer to the return of Jesus Christ, the pressure--persecutions--and even temptations will be even greater with each day that passes for  Christians.  It  is vital that we encourage, support, pray and help out our  brothers and sisters in Christ as much as possible. There is no time for back-biting, gossip, unforgiveness and disunity in the church.  Where there is unity God commands a blessings...We may not be physically building a wall like Nehemiah....but we are commmissioned to go and spread the Gospel....let the world know about the love of God through Christ Jesus....We are building a spiritual wall of Gods Kingdom!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father may you use us to spread your love throughout the world.  This morning I ask a simple prayer of unity in the brethren of Christ. We ask Holy Spirit that you would move in our hearts to work together for the betterment of the Church and the move of Your Kingdom on this Island.  We really need each other as brothers and sisters in Christ....in Jesus name I pray...Amen.