TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. Nehemiah 2:11-12
Read: Nehemiah 2:11-15
Listen: Nehemiah 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem after a long journey. After staying three nights, his first order of business is to examine the walls. Nehemiah spends time surveying the lay of the land to understand better what sort of work is needed. Nehemiah doesn’t approach the city with a preconceived plan for what he will do. He spends time trying to understand the full situation. Nehemiah’s approach to the rebuild is one of humility—a submissive posture that genuinely seeks to learn what is best.
We see this posture of humility demonstrated in James’s instructions elsewhere in the New Testament, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). A posture of humility recognizes that we often do not have all the information or answers. Learning is a key part of growth and is often essential to any effective rebuild.
Being humble during a rebuild looks different. If it is a financial rebuild, maybe we complete a budgeting course or Financial Peace University class. If it is a relational rebuild, perhaps we humbly confess where we’ve contributed to wrong and ask for help to make changes. If it is a career-based rebuild, maybe we examine our blind spots and work on those things.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
One of the best ways to cement biblical truths into your heart and mind is through Scripture memory. Memorize James 1:19 to remember the value of humility in a rebuild. Write the verse somewhere and post it where you often see it to practice.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
October is SERVING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
