Text: Nehemiah 4:13-17
Memory verse:
“And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.””
Nehemiah 4:14
The devil seems to have directed most of his missiles against the Christian homes today. His goal is to ruin your relationship with your spouse, your parents or your children.
In our memory text, while the returnee Jews were rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah directed them to arise to fight for their families. “… fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!””(Neh 4:14 NLT)
They didn’t leave any loophole for the enemy to gain advantage or to reproach. While they were building, they also defended their families. “…The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.” (Neh 4:17-18 NLT).
One hand with a work tool and the other with a sword!
God is not giving any lesser instruction to the Christian parents today. While you are busy working for God, you must not leave your home open for the attack of the enemy through strife, bitterness, lack of commitment, bad attitudes, wrong priorities and hardiness of heart. You must protect your marriage vows, be more committed to your spouse and your relationship, teach and show good examples to your children, affirm your spouse and children and honour your parents.
Nehemiah encouraged them that when they fight for their spouses, sons and daughters, then God will fight for them. (Neh 4:20).
Friends, stop blaming God or living helpless, you have a part to play to keep your family and your children. If you play your part, God will play His and make your family stand out, strong and healthy.
Prayer points
1. Father, I am willing to fight for my family, please teach me what to do in Jesus name.
2. Father, as I stand up to play my part, please fight for my family in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. I can’t be serving God when my relationship with my family is sour.
2. I don’t leave all for God to do, for I have a part to play in raising a godly and healthy family.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng