Word for the day “It’s time to Rebuild.”
Nehemiah 8:9 (MSG) Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, “This day is holy to God, your God. Don’t weep and carry on.” They said this because all the people were weeping as they heard the words of The Revelation.10 He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”
Great Day Leaders,
I believe even leaders experience life’s setbacks, shortfalls, and challenges just like everyone. However, I’m convinced leaders have a mentality and spirituality that empowers them to believe in the best outcomes even in the face of devastation. I’m one of those leaders today, and I pray I’m encouraging you to be one of those leaders as well.
GREAT LEADERS RISE TO THE OCCASION AT THE OPPORTUNE TIME.
Nehemiah, the great rebuilder of Jerusalem, is a great example of a leadership faith, and an unshakable commitment to God.
He didn’t let the huge task of the long-delayed restoration of Jerusalem discourage him to the point of losing his faith in God. He realized that it was never too late for God’s people to begin the process of rebuilding.
He took direct and forceful action. His faith, wisdom, and courage kept him focused on his goal. He was determined to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which was symbolic of rebuilding God’s plan for God’s people in a new way.
Notice in his leadership journey he faced foreign opposition and discord among his own people, but the wall was completed in just fifty-two days.
This was an incredible feat (Nehemiah Chapter 6)! Soon after this victory, Nehemiah directed the people toward the second phase of restoration.
He called upon the great teacher Ezra to lead the people in a study of the Scriptures. Confronted by God’s word, they were soon in tears because they could see the truth of how far they’d strayed from God’s law.
They confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They accepted responsibility for generations of unfaithfulness on the part of their people and grieved openly before God.
IF GOD IS IN IT, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO REBUILD YOUR LIFE.
When Nehemiah returned to Babylon, the people returned to their sinful ways. Nehemiah found himself again, putting the people of God back on the right path.
This example of short-term restoration shows how prone we are to drift away from what’s right if we’re not held accountable.
The encouragement: it wasn’t too late to rebuild the wall, and it’s not too late to rebuild your life.
If we lose our awareness of God and begin to think and act as if the Lord does not exist, God often allows painful reminders of our need for Him, just as He did with the nation of Israel.
Many cause-and-effect sequences are recorded in Scripture for our instruction and warning.
Once we respond to our sins with the Lord, the Lord has a way of responding to us, as we hear in today’s compelling message.
When we experience specific difficulties in our lives, we should discern if they are consequences of sin. However, the hardships we experience often have nothing to do with sin and why we must be prayerful and know we live in a fallen world.
Whatever the reason for our challenges, whether it be our sin or the fallen world we live in. God is faithful and compassionate and loves each of us beyond human comprehension (Ephesians 3:19).
POINT TO PONDER
Begin today by doing the next right thing. If we could only perceive the final cost of our sin, we would shrink from committing it. We are often waiting on God, but I have discovered God is waiting on us!
Therefore, God exposes areas in our lives to rebuild in His mercy, allowing others to see the devastating consequences of going down a path He has not destined.
In this way, we are warned not to be fooled by “the pleasures of sin,” which last for a season. (Hebrews 11:25).
What part of your life do you need to rebuild?
Have you forgotten the great things the Lord has done for you?
Do you see any parallels between today’s message and your life?
How often do you read God’s Word and feel convicted like the children of Israel did in today’s message?
What type of leader are you?
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in February 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Judith Battle, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Sonja McRae, Mrs. Ranghill P. Walker-Philip, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,