Nehemiah 1:1-3:14, 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, Psalms 31:19-29, Proverbs 21:4
What God said to me – In ancient times cities were surrounded by walls for their protection. They had gates that were opened and closed at certain times and watchmen on the walls to spot danger approaching. The walls brought a level of comfort and sense of peace when they were maintained but were a cause of reproach when they were broken down because it showed they had either succumbed to an attack or they were negligent or careless in their maintenance. When the people of Israel began returning to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon, they rebuilt the temple but until the time of Nehemiah, they had neglected the walls which had been torn down when the city was destroyed so it was vulnerable to attack. Nehemiah came for the express purpose of rebuilding the wall and he rallied them to do the work with various groups and families taking responsibility for each section. In the same way, My people, the church, are to work together for the building up of the body so it is strong and mature and above reproach. Each one of you is to work diligently in the ministry to which I called you using the gifts I have given you – as each one is diligent to work and to serve in this way, then the entire body is strengthened. You be faithful to take care of your “piece of the wall” so the enemy cannot find an easy point of entry because when one of My children falls, all are affected and My church becomes an object of reproach rather than of blessing.