Nehemiah 5:14-7:72, 1 Corinthians 8, Psalms 33:1-11, Proverbs 21:8-10

What God said to me – When My people had finished the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem and the gates were finally set back in place, Nehemiah gave instructions about when the gates were to be opened and when they were to be shut and bolted.  He appointed guards from the inhabitants of the city and assigned them posts near their own houses because when they were posted by their homes, they had a vested interest in making sure their families and property remained safe.  In the same way you need to set up a guard and protection around your family.  You must be careful and watchful about what you allow into your home and family.  Today it is not just books and magazines and television and movies, but with computers and the internet the enemy has many more ways to encroach.  I have placed My Spirit within you, and He will give you discernment, so pay attention.  The more time you spend with Me, seeking to know Me, and honor Me with your entire life, the easier it will be to spot the incursions of the enemy.  Stay alert.  Be diligent.  Put down your devices and pick up My word.  You be holy because “I AM” holy.

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalms 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7

What God said to me – Have you ever watched a movie about someone breaking wild horses?  Some of the horses are only controlled and do what the rider wants when they are saddled and have a bit and a bridle and even then, the rider has to jerk the reins to get their attention.  Others are so responsive all it takes is a gentle nudge of the rider’s knees to direct them.  Like a trainer teaches and trains horses, “I AM” your teacher and instruct you in the ways of holiness and how you can please Me and direct you in the way you should go.  The sad reality is that most of My children are like the stubborn horse or mule who only responds to stern pressure.  They only come to Me when they perceive that they are in trouble and can’t handle things themselves.  Unless I use adverse circumstances to jerk the reins of control and change directions, they keep going their own way.  My eye is always on you.  I know what you need and when you need it so look to Me at all times seeking My direction and instructions and learn to respond quickly to My gentle nudges.

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.