“And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.””
Nehemiah 4:14 NKJV“So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah.”
Nehemiah 4:16 NKJVSentry
In chapter four of Nehemiah, we see that the children of Israel are proceeding to rebuild the walls of Jereusalem to the chagrin of their enemies. As the wall is sealed, one stone at a time, the enemy sees their opportunities dwindling to attack and put an end to the effort. The threat becomes more real, and the enemy begins to increase its momentum to attack. Nehemiah is aware and takes the necessary steps to secure his people.
Modern day believers can take much from this passage, as we too are under a spiritual attack as the enemy seeks to put an end to the work and destroy all that has been accomplished. Nehemiah’s weapons were spears, shields and armor. Ours are spiritual ones for spiritual warfare.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJVLike the servants of Nehemiah, we must use the weapons of the Spirit as we defend those in the household of faith. We go forward with no fear, but with faith, as we pray, and seek the Lord. He is our defender, the one who gives us strength, the one who goes against our enemies. Brothers and sisters, let us not be distracted from the work that we have been given.
Like Nehemiah, we must set a guard over those we love and serve. Every mother and every father, should be in deep prayer for their children, praying that they come to Christ, that they grow, that they are safe in the Lord. Pray hardest as they get to the age where they begin to make up their own minds. So many of the families that I am praying for have children that are falling away from the faith, or have already departed.
Congregations should be in deep prayer for their pastors and their wives, and families, as they are the biggest targets of the enemy. It seems like each week I hear from some the many pastors that I pray for, of the struggles, the pressure that they face. We look to them for leadership. Pray for leaders, for teachers, for everyone with a role in the local church. Much struggle is coming, and we must set a guard.
If you are not serving, you should be praying. For the years that I have seen my health decline, I asked of God, “why”, as I toiled and struggled against my failing flesh. I now know that it was for such a time as this. If I were able, I would not have the time to devote to prayer and Scripture. While others do the work, I am on guard.
Brothers and sisters, much is coming in the future that will pose great threats to our liberty, our ability to share the Gospel, and the very nature of our beliefs. We will need to be alert. The evil one is on the prowl.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
I Peter 5:8-9 NKJVWe are not alone in this struggle, as others face the same adversary, we all have a great God who is sovereign and on guard at all times!
THE PRAYER CHAIR IS OPEN! Send me your requests!
Sentry
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Musings from an idle mind 
Absolutely! He is able!! A very happy Thanksgiving to you my friend!!!
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