What Community Can Achieve

MORNING

Read Nehemiah 6:15-16; 7:1-3

Devotion

It took 52 days for the Jews to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. That’s incredible. I’ve watched roadworks that have taken years to complete using modern equipment, and here the Jewish community, under significant pressure and opposition, rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem (including brand new gates) in less than two months. With a new wall around their capital, the Jews could control their own destiny (under God) at last. This is the power of a community working together under God.

Nehemiah was a godly leader. He grieved, prayed, believed, shared faith vision, and helped deal with external opposition and internal conflict. But the community did the work. Nehemiah would have had no chance of completing this project by himself or with the small team he brought from Persia to Jerusalem. He needed everyone to pull their weight. And they did.

You can imagine the community’s excitement and confidence in God when the last gate was hung. This was their wall. Everyone knew that God had done something very special, including the surrounding nations. As you live and serve with your community, you will see God do things that seemed impossible. This is the power of a community of disciples serving God together.

Prayer

In a divided world that prizes independence and individualism, may our church community show our world that we are stronger and better together. As Your disciple, may I humbly serve with my community, encouraging and strengthening others as well as giving it my best shot. And most of all, may those who surround us see that we are doing all this with Your help.

Today’s Bible Focus

“The surrounding nations realized that this work had been done with the help of God.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.