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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. Nehemiah 6:15

Read: Nehemiah 6:15-16
Listen: Nehemiah 6

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Throughout this series, we’ve followed the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. The walls not only mean safety and prestige for the people of Jerusalem but also play a vital role in the glory of God in the ancient world. We see that Nehemiah hears the news and is distraught. He’s grieving but doesn’t get stuck in grief. He takes time to pray, then takes action and approaches the king. He arrives in Jerusalem and honestly assesses the situation. He works with the people of Jerusalem and the surrounding area to rebuild. He overcomes the threats and rallies the people to push through the challenge of the middle. He recognizes the vulnerabilities and addresses them. He maintains focus on the task at hand to complete the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah rebuilds to bring God glory.

We will all experience a rebuild in some way. Though we might not always recognize it, our rebuilds have the opportunity to glorify God. As we conclude the series, some of us may need to start our rebuild. Others may need to restart and get moving again. While some of us may be close to the end and need to finish faithfully. Wherever we’re at with our rebuild, we should remember it’s about God. Rebuilds allow us to reveal something about God to those around us. A rebuild may be about repairing the relationship and bringing God glory. It’s an opportunity to rebuild our finances to bring God’s glory. It’s about restoring spiritual practices to grow closer to God. We can regain physical health to glorify God. We work to rebuild sobriety and point to God’s rescue. As God’s chosen representatives in the world—our rebuilds matter. They show the world a picture of who God is.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Take an honest assessment of what you’re rebuilding or need to rebuild. Then, consider where you are in the process. Ask God to help you see how he can be glorified through your rebuild. As you rebuild, we pray, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

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.

November is BIBLE MEDITATION. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.