God Speaks
In Spite of Opposition, Nehemiah and the Returnees Complete the Wall and take a Census
Verse of the Day: [May the LORD help us to select leaders in every arena of influence like this man who was put in authority:] . . . because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. (Nehemiah 7:2b NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Nehemiah 6-7:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Nehemiah 6
1. God is willing to show people who follow Him the ways that the opposition is trying to deceive and intimidate them.
2. People who are trying to follow God should take courage and stand against the threats and intimidation of the opposition.
Nehemiah 7
1. God is continually working to draw people (individually and in groups) into a proper relationship with Himself.
2. It is important to keep accurate records of the people from the past, in the present and for the future.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Nehemiah 6-7?
O LORD God, thank You for keeping a watchful eye on me and our enemies. Thanks for revealing their schemes to destroy Your people and Your plans for our future. Show me and others of Your people how to avoid or void their attempts to distract, disable, or destroy us. Keep us united with each other and close to You for our good and Your glory. Holy Spirit, give us the courage to stand against their threats and intimidation. Use whatever means necessary to draw people into a personal love relationship with Yourself. May we keep accurate records, not so that we can brag, but so that we bring You glory, forever, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Nehemiah 6-7? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will be on the alert for the schemes of those who oppose the LORD and His ways.
- I will bring my concerns to the LORD in prayer and look for Him to deal with the schemers.
- I will publicly give credit to God for His work on my behalf.
- I will make and implement a plan for organizing my personal and family records.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.