Workers and Warriors

Greetings!
It was a great night!  We started out with a song - He Leadeth Me (Here)

We dove into the homework and discussion which focused on the beginning of rebuilding the gates and the wall of Jerusalem.  

I loved how Kelly made some important connections this week!  First, as it was the Jewish people's job to rebuild the wall, it is our job to restore each other's hearts in love and faith through Jesus Christ who takes away our sin and shame.  "You yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5  Jesus is our cornerstone. (Eph 2:19-22)

Then, as the Jews worked, they filled the gaps in the wall just as we fill each other's gaps 'in faith'.  We are not called to serve alone.  We can work right along each other just as the Jewish workers did.  Sometimes, this is the best way to get to really know someone when we serve with them.  Our natural life experiences and gifts will naturally cause us to care more deeply about some things than others.   What better way to serve and relate to others than remembering the lessons we've learned in life to help others.  2 Corin 1:4 says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

Sure enough, as they set to work, here came the obstacles!!  As President Roosevelt stated to the nation, " The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Amen!  There is nothing the devil likes more than for us to fear.  It's paralyzing and contagious!  It spreads just like it did through the Jewish people when they were threatened.  Frightened people discourage others and help bring defeat. (Deut. 20:8)  When we are facing fear in our lives, we have to remind ourselves of the greatness of God!  Nehemiah was so great at this. :) 

When the enemy learned that the Jewish people were armed and ready to 'watch', they backed off!  God frustrated their plot!!  "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;  He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations."  Ps 33:10-11  Yep.  He is our Sovereign God, however it is not enough to build the wall; we must also be on guard lest the Enemy take it from us.

Kelly asked us to keep considering the connections of the Jews guarding their city as we think about guarding our hearts. (p 45)  She had us read Eph 6:10-18, The Armor of God.  As the workers kept an eye out for the enemy, they kept an ear out for the trumpet too. (vs 18)  What an example for us to follow as we wait on the return of our Lord!!  " For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.  Therefore, my dear sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  (1 Thess 4:16, 1 Corin 15:58, )
Take up your spiritual armor, Watch and Pray!!

The link to the video-session 3  click here

We talked alot about guarding our hearts tonight.  I remembered back to the second video when Kelly said that when we are a part of a culture, we start to look like that culture!  Is this bad or good?
What do you do when fear creeps in?
What is the best team you have been a part of.  Was it of varying ages/cultures? Did your faith grow?        


**Helpful Information taken from Warren Wiersbe's book - Be Determined- Nehemiah