TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.” Nehemiah 2:19-20
Read: Nehemiah 2:19-20
Listen: Nehemiah 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Nehemiah and the city officials start rebuilding the walls, but there is one small problem. Not everyone is happy the walls are being rebuilt. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem are warlords from neighboring cities who do not want to see the walls rebuilt or Jerusalem thriving again. These men mock Nehemiah and the builders, “What is this you are doing?” they ask. “Are you rebelling against the king?” (Nehemiah 2:19).
We shouldn’t be surprised when we face resistance in our rebuilds too. This resistance could come from internal desires, outer circumstances or spiritual oppression. When starting a good work, such as a rebuild, sometimes an enemy gets in the way. The Apostle Peter reminds believers that we have an enemy, but we are not alone and can resist, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider what opposition you might face in your rebuild efforts. Then join the Ada Bible Worship team as they sing “Promises.” Praise God that no matter what you face, “You remain the same. Though the earth may pass away, your word remains the same. There’s nothing you can’t do. You’re faithful and true.”
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.
