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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” Nehemiah 2:16-17

Read: Nehemiah 2:16-17
Listen: Nehemiah 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Nehemiah enters Jerusalem with the city in a state of severe disrepair. The wall is broken, and rubble still permeates the city. People are likely planning their lives around the wreckage. Shops, vendors, merchants and travelers might re-route their daily routines just to maneuver around the mess. A part of their lives for 70 years—those living in the city are accustomed to the rubble.

The same is often true regarding the rebuilds of our lives. Sometimes, we become accustomed to or comfortable with the rubble. Maybe we have learned to live with relational tension or strain rather than beginning the process of piecing things back together. Perhaps we become accustomed to unavoidable financial stress rather than take steps to rebuild financially. Instead of settling for inaction—it’s best to admit a rebuild is necessary. This is the role of honesty. The first step to a successful rebuild is often admitting a rebuild is necessary.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Ask God to help you see where you’ve grown comfortable with rubble and need to rebuild. Ask him to reveal any hidden sins or habits holding you back. Confess what he reveals and commit to rebuilding. “God, I confess I’ve grown comfortable with _____________. Please forgive me and help me begin the process of rebuilding. Show me what steps to take in your power. Amen.”

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

October is SERVING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.