Oct.11th
October 11th
Title: Building with Integrity Amid Opposition
Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 5–6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
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Scripture Focus
“About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews.”
— Nehemiah 5:1 NLT
“After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. I told them, ‘You are hurting your own relatives by charging interest when they borrow money!’ Then I called a public meeting to deal with the problem.”
— Nehemiah 5:7 NLT
“Then I pressed further, ‘What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?’ … They replied, ‘We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.’ … The whole assembly responded, ‘Amen,’ and they praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised.”
— Nehemiah 5:9, 11–13 NLT
“But because I feared God, I did not act that way. I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.”
— Nehemiah 5:15–16, 19 NLT
⸻
Reflection
“About this time…”
While Nehemiah was already facing attacks from the outside—mockery, threats, and constant warfare—the enemy stirred up new trouble from within. Isn’t that so true in our own lives? When we set our hearts to build or rebuild something for the Lord, the enemy doesn’t stop—he just changes his strategy.
Nehemiah was building a wall, but for us, we’re building our lives on Jesus, our Cornerstone. We are His holy temple, and our hearts are His dwelling place. As we grow in Christ, there will be attacks from the outside that try to discourage us, and battles within that test our unity, faith, and love for one another.
The same is true in our church. We are in the building process—God is forming a body of believers, and each one of us has a part in strengthening His house. Like the people in Nehemiah’s day, we are working together for one purpose: to make His name great in our city. And just like Nehemiah, when we fear God and honor Him in everything we do, we can boldly lead, serve, and love others with conviction—trusting that God will take care of us as we pour ourselves out for His work.
Nehemiah didn’t take advantage of others. He refused to use his position for personal gain. Instead, he used what he had to bless those around him because he understood something powerful—they were all working toward one goal. He knew God was with him, so he could serve without fear.
And through all of this, the enemy never stopped attacking. The form of attack changed, but Nehemiah’s response didn’t—he prayed, stayed steady, and kept building.
At the end of the chapter, his prayer says so much about his heart:
“Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.”
That’s not pride—it’s devotion. He wasn’t asking for applause; he was asking for God’s approval. “Lord, You see my heart, You know I’ve done this for You.” What a beautiful way to live—serving faithfully, not for recognition, but for the joy of hearing God say, I see you, and I’m pleased.
⸻
Lesson for Me
Sisters, when we set our hearts to build what belongs to God—whether it’s our lives, our families, or our church—we can expect resistance. The enemy doesn’t attack what isn’t being used for God’s glory. He attacks what’s being rebuilt, what’s growing, and what’s standing firm.
Nehemiah teaches us that the fear of the Lord gives strength to stand with integrity, even when others compromise. He didn’t just talk about serving God—he lived it. He didn’t use his position for himself; he used it to help others. And that’s what it looks like to truly fear God—honoring Him in every decision, refusing to take advantage, and trusting Him to reward what no one else may see.
We are in the building process too. Every time we serve, give, pray, and encourage one another, we’re strengthening the walls of what God is doing here. The world may mock, and sometimes conflict may even rise up among us, but if we keep our hearts pure before the Lord, the work will continue, and He will get the glory.
May our prayer be like Nehemiah’s—“Lord, remember me, not because I deserve anything, but because I want my life to count for You.”
⸻
Application Questions
1.When opposition or conflict rises—whether from outside pressures or within your own circle—how do you usually respond? Do you stop building, or do you stay focused and pray like Nehemiah did?
2.Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed discouragement, fear, or division to slow down the work God has called you to do?
3.What does it mean for you personally to “walk in the fear of the Lord”? How might that change the way you lead, serve, or respond to others?
4.Like Nehemiah, do you see your position, resources, and influence as opportunities to bless and strengthen others?
5.If you could pray one “Remember me, O my God” prayer today—what would you want God to remember about the way you’ve lived and served Him?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing me through Nehemiah’s example what it means to build with integrity, courage, and compassion. When attacks come from the outside—or from within—help me keep my eyes fixed on You, the Cornerstone of my life.
Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord—to honor You in the quiet choices, in how I treat others, and in how I handle what You’ve entrusted to me. Let my heart be pure and my hands be faithful as I serve.
Strengthen Your church, Lord. As we build together, knit us in unity and love. Let no weapon formed against us prosper, and no division take root among us.
And when no one else sees, may You see. Remember, O my God, every act of service done for You.
May it all bring You praise. 🙌
⸻
✍️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him to speak to your heart.
Journal one or two of the application questions that stand out to you, and let the Holy Spirit show you what He wants to strengthen or change within you.
Title: Building with Integrity Amid Opposition
Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 5–6; Psalm 146; Luke 24
⸻
Scripture Focus
“About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews.”
— Nehemiah 5:1 NLT
“After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. I told them, ‘You are hurting your own relatives by charging interest when they borrow money!’ Then I called a public meeting to deal with the problem.”
— Nehemiah 5:7 NLT
“Then I pressed further, ‘What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?’ … They replied, ‘We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.’ … The whole assembly responded, ‘Amen,’ and they praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised.”
— Nehemiah 5:9, 11–13 NLT
“But because I feared God, I did not act that way. I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.”
— Nehemiah 5:15–16, 19 NLT
⸻
Reflection
“About this time…”
While Nehemiah was already facing attacks from the outside—mockery, threats, and constant warfare—the enemy stirred up new trouble from within. Isn’t that so true in our own lives? When we set our hearts to build or rebuild something for the Lord, the enemy doesn’t stop—he just changes his strategy.
Nehemiah was building a wall, but for us, we’re building our lives on Jesus, our Cornerstone. We are His holy temple, and our hearts are His dwelling place. As we grow in Christ, there will be attacks from the outside that try to discourage us, and battles within that test our unity, faith, and love for one another.
The same is true in our church. We are in the building process—God is forming a body of believers, and each one of us has a part in strengthening His house. Like the people in Nehemiah’s day, we are working together for one purpose: to make His name great in our city. And just like Nehemiah, when we fear God and honor Him in everything we do, we can boldly lead, serve, and love others with conviction—trusting that God will take care of us as we pour ourselves out for His work.
Nehemiah didn’t take advantage of others. He refused to use his position for personal gain. Instead, he used what he had to bless those around him because he understood something powerful—they were all working toward one goal. He knew God was with him, so he could serve without fear.
And through all of this, the enemy never stopped attacking. The form of attack changed, but Nehemiah’s response didn’t—he prayed, stayed steady, and kept building.
At the end of the chapter, his prayer says so much about his heart:
“Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.”
That’s not pride—it’s devotion. He wasn’t asking for applause; he was asking for God’s approval. “Lord, You see my heart, You know I’ve done this for You.” What a beautiful way to live—serving faithfully, not for recognition, but for the joy of hearing God say, I see you, and I’m pleased.
⸻
Lesson for Me
Sisters, when we set our hearts to build what belongs to God—whether it’s our lives, our families, or our church—we can expect resistance. The enemy doesn’t attack what isn’t being used for God’s glory. He attacks what’s being rebuilt, what’s growing, and what’s standing firm.
Nehemiah teaches us that the fear of the Lord gives strength to stand with integrity, even when others compromise. He didn’t just talk about serving God—he lived it. He didn’t use his position for himself; he used it to help others. And that’s what it looks like to truly fear God—honoring Him in every decision, refusing to take advantage, and trusting Him to reward what no one else may see.
We are in the building process too. Every time we serve, give, pray, and encourage one another, we’re strengthening the walls of what God is doing here. The world may mock, and sometimes conflict may even rise up among us, but if we keep our hearts pure before the Lord, the work will continue, and He will get the glory.
May our prayer be like Nehemiah’s—“Lord, remember me, not because I deserve anything, but because I want my life to count for You.”
⸻
Application Questions
1.When opposition or conflict rises—whether from outside pressures or within your own circle—how do you usually respond? Do you stop building, or do you stay focused and pray like Nehemiah did?
2.Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed discouragement, fear, or division to slow down the work God has called you to do?
3.What does it mean for you personally to “walk in the fear of the Lord”? How might that change the way you lead, serve, or respond to others?
4.Like Nehemiah, do you see your position, resources, and influence as opportunities to bless and strengthen others?
5.If you could pray one “Remember me, O my God” prayer today—what would you want God to remember about the way you’ve lived and served Him?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing me through Nehemiah’s example what it means to build with integrity, courage, and compassion. When attacks come from the outside—or from within—help me keep my eyes fixed on You, the Cornerstone of my life.
Teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord—to honor You in the quiet choices, in how I treat others, and in how I handle what You’ve entrusted to me. Let my heart be pure and my hands be faithful as I serve.
Strengthen Your church, Lord. As we build together, knit us in unity and love. Let no weapon formed against us prosper, and no division take root among us.
And when no one else sees, may You see. Remember, O my God, every act of service done for You.
May it all bring You praise. 🙌
⸻
✍️ Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him to speak to your heart.
Journal one or two of the application questions that stand out to you, and let the Holy Spirit show you what He wants to strengthen or change within you.