“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days.” Nehemiah 6:15 (NIV) Fifty-two days did not happen by accident. The wall did not get finished because Nehemiah wanted it badly enough. It got finished because…
“I sent him this reply: ‘I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?’” Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV) Nehemiah did not hesitate. The letter came…
“And next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.” Nehemiah 3:12 (NIV) The wall is not finished. And you are the reason. Not the only reason. But a…
“Malkijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.” Nehemiah 3:14 (NIV) Nobody was lining up to build the Dung Gate. It…
“And next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.” Nehemiah 3:12 (NIV) Your kids are not watching what you say about faith. They are watching what you do…
“And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.” Nehemiah 3:5 (NIV) Some absences leave a mark that presence cannot erase. The Tekoite nobles had every advantage. They had influence, resources, and…
“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the…
“They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18 (NIV) Nobody in Jerusalem waited until they felt ready. They heard Nehemiah name the problem, claim the shared burden, and testify about what God had already…
“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.” Nehemiah 2:18 (NIV) God was moving before you knew there was a problem. Nehemiah did not tell the people…
“Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” Nehemiah 2:17 (NIV) “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.” Isaiah…