Global Church of the Nazarene DAY 27 OF 40 - Better Together Through Prayer And The Word

Global Church of the Nazarene

DAY 27 OF 40 - Better Together Through Prayer And The Word

Nehemiah 7:1-3

1 Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. 3 And I said to them, "Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes."

2 Timothy 1:14

14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

DAY 27 – PROTECTING THE CITY TOGETHER

Our study today takes us past the time of rebuilding the wall to the time of protecting what has been restored. The restored wall and installed gates brought security and peace to the once fearful and harassed inhabitants of Jerusalem. Securing the gates and providing proper protection for the city during the night was crucial to the success of the whole project. Hostile enemies were still around, and the sight of a walled Jerusalem was a great threat to their ambitions. In this passage, Nehemiah was caring for the ongoing security of Jerusalem’s inhabitants.

Paul’s writing to Timothy expresses a similar truth to the future Christian community. Peace and security in Christ rests upon our vigilance. That is why Paul tells Timothy, “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). God provides us with salvation and frees us from our past enemies, but then He calls us to develop habits of holy living, such as daily prayer, Bible reading, and ministry to others in Christ’s name. To do less is to give the enemies of God’s kingdom a foothold and to destroy what He has graciously helped us build.

LIFE APPLICATION: Change is a constant in our world. That change pressures us to adapt our lifestyle and habits. What changes are you experiencing which challenge your security in Christ? What habits are you developing individually, as a family, or as a church community which help bring God’s peace and security to your life during this time of change? Who has the integrity to lovingly keep you accountable as you grow as a Christian?

Add this statement to your prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to be conformed to the world but be transformed by Your Spirit. Help me guard the good investment You have made in my life so I might help others find peace and security in You. Amen.

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