Get Real November 23 Devotional
November 23, 2024
NEHEMIAH 4:15-17| When our enemies heard that their plot was known to us, and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armor; and the leaders posted themselves behind the whole house of Judah, who were building the wall. The burden bearers carried their loads in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and with the other held a weapon.
EPHESIANS 6:13-17 | Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Nehemiah and his builders were not deterred. They organized guards to defend their work, and in a compelling picture, took up tools with one hand and swords with the other. That is determination! Similarly Paul wants us to be ready to fight spiritual opponents, armed with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.
Ezra the priest, and Nehemiah the layman, succeeded in rebuilding the city and temple and reinvigorating the people of God. They started a new era in the story of God’s work with Israel.
Pray for determination this year as we finish our building and embark on a new era of ministry for Christ.
