Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Participation in Nation Building a Christian responsibility

Bible portion (Neh. 2:11-18)

I told them about the gracious hand of my God up on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied “let us start building” so then began this Good work. Nehemiah 2:1

Devotional Text
Nations are built by their Patriotic citizens, not by foreigners and not by wealth. The book of Nehemiah shows us a kind of significant impact one individual can have on a nation. Nehemiah served in secular offices, using his position to bring back to the Jews order, stability and proper focus on God. The walls were a protection, but they were also an important physical symbol of establishment of Jews as a people. Nehemiah expressed empathy, listened actively and built strong relationships with the people he led. Nehemiah’s communication skills were vital in uniting diverse individuals and keeping them focused on their shared mission.
Sometimes communication is viewed as a secondary quality in a leader.
The story of Nehemiah shows that God blesses the work of those who work faithfully.
Nehemiah is one of the most prominent examples of spiritual leadership that viewed
authority as God given privilege, a responsibility not a mandated right. Just as Nehemiah overseas the physical reconstruction of the city’s defenses, Jesus works to rebuild and redeem the spiritual lives in individual. The broken wall represents the brokenness of humanity due to sin, while rebuilding process symbolizes Christ’s mission to restore and transform lives.
Vision must translate into Commitment “we will arise and build”. STRATEGIC VISION
BASED ON A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT MUST TRANSLATE IN TO COMMITMENT
TO HARD WORK IN DEPENDENCE GOD’S GOOD FAVOUR DESPITE INTIMIDATING
OPPOSITION Encourage one another. Jesus wants us to encourage others who feel defeated.
                                                                 PRAYER
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you and Praise you for all the blessings you have
showered up on us. Like Nehemiah help us to relay on God’s Provision, help and strength to
accomplish daunting task and overcome impossible. God help us to be strong in our faith
Help us to rely on God all the time and be saturated with prayer. Help us to encourage one another.
Help us to pray continually as an intercessory prayer warrior. Amen          
                                                  
                                              THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
               Prayers and planning work together to identify and then confirm
                 God’s will. You never need to fear when you are doing God’s will.
                                             
                                           MARIAM JOHN
                       Epiphany Marthoma Church, New York

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