Topic:  Obedience

Scripture:  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. (NIV) Nehemiah 4:17-18

Observation:  The rebuilding of the Temple Walls in Jerusalem caused much opposition, accusation and criticism.  But Nehemiah and the people Trusted the Lord no matter what and even did work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.  In otherwords they did what they had to do and continued building despite what they were faced with because they knew God was with them.

Application:   This scripture reminds of a passage in 2nd Corinthians 10:4-5:  "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."   In other words today the weapon we carry with us are spiritual---it is our time of devotions and unceasing prayer on our knees that we battle with and not our carnal or fleshly ways.  When faced with opposition, accusation and criticism our battle begins on our knees.  So yes we continue marching  ahead and building in the things of God's kingdom but at the same time we carry our spiritual weapon of devotions in the word and prayer.

Prayer:  Lord I am reminded of this building project we have on our Church Property when I read this passage.  It has been almost two years now since our permit application has been submitted and there have definitely been battles along the way.  Lord I pray a release of your favor and direction over this project and that no weapon formed against this project will prosper.  Let your timing and will be done in this area to advance Your Kingdom---for we will continue to build with one hand and hold our spiritual weapon in the other ..... in Jesus Name....Amen.