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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah—Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth—places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. Nehemiah 3:7

Read: Nehemiah 3:2-7
Listen: Nehemiah 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

It isn’t only the residents of Jerusalem rebuilding the city’s walls and gates. Nehemiah notes that men from Jericho (18 miles away), Gibeon (six miles away) and Mizpah (eight miles away) are also actively involved. People invest in this project even though it isn’t for their security and benefit. These walls will protect someone else’s family. But here they are—cutting wood, hammering metal and hanging gates. All for the benefit of someone else.

We all want lives of significance. We desire to be a part of something that matters. We want our lives to count. Some of the most significant work we can do in life is for others. This means taking the focus off us and helping someone else. This can look like giving two hours a week to help second-grade boys know Jesus. We might give an hour a week to coach a family in getting their finances in order. We might invest two nights a month to mentor a couple attempting to rebuild their marriage.

Lives of significance include investing in others and their own rebuild. It means to “value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). We help others build or rebuild their lives so their lives can also glorify God. Investing in others, our church and the next generation makes a difference.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Pray a prayer of openness to serving others in their rebuild. Ask God to give you a heart that wants to serve and is gladly willing to be inconvenienced to do so.

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.