I sipped on my morning coffee and clicked the “refresh” button on my chrome browser to see if anything changed in our bank account. I hoped a check we waited for came through before the mortgage payment was processed. I never knew following God’s lead into pastoral ministry would demand so much of our mind, body, and souls—and that we would persevere through years of financial strain.
Like Nehemiah and his workers, following God in ministry—inside and outside the church—can exhaust us in ways we never imagined. With muscles aching from lifting stones and eyes constantly strained from scanning the horizon for threats (Nehemiah 4:17), following God’s lead in our vocation or volunteer work can be more challenging than we ever expected. In the middle of our weariness, Nehemiah’s story offers us a word of encouragement.
The walls of Jerusalem were toppled and the gates burned. When Nehemiah heard about it, he crumbled in grief (Nehemiah 1:4). But instead of merely mourning, he fasted and sought the Lord (vv.4–11) and then set himself up to do something about it; he stepped out to restore the walls of the city where God’s glory had dwelt (Nehemiah 2).
And God blessed Nehemiah—in ways we think one should be blessed when doing God’s work. God provided favor with the king (Nehemiah 2:1–6), resources to build the wall (vv.7–9), and people of the city to help him build it (vv.16–20).
But God did not provide peace on all sides (v.19), the absence of deadly threats (Nehemiah 3), enduring human strength (Nehemiah 4:10), or consistent provision (Nehemiah 5). In American Christianity, we might wonder, “If God was blessing him, then he wouldn’t have so many struggles, right?”
Wrong.
Doing God’s work does not mean a worry free, coasting life. We see this truth from the Apostle Paul too. He endured many opposing threats and stood his ground but not by his strength. Paul wrote, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2Timothy 4:17).
God blessed Nehemiah with His strength as well. When he faced a barrage of false accusations, when he knew his opposers were trying to wear him and his men down so that they would be too weak to work, Nehemiah prayed, “But now, my God, strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9).
God gave Nehemiah what he asked. God proved to be Nehemiah’s mighty Creator and gentle Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11)—the One powerful enough to sustain the universe, who was also tender enough to carry Nehemiah when he was weary (vv.28–31).
Through God’s strength, the wall was completed and all of Nehemiah’s opponents replaced their scoffing with fear, “for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God” (Nehemiah 6:19).
Maybe part of why we endure trials of various kinds as we serve the Lord is so others can see God’s glory, just like God’s enemies saw His glory through Nehemiah’s endurance. Maybe when we depend on God’s provision in our need, we glorify Him best to a lost world.
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125 thoughts on "The Wall Completed"
Our mundane struggles are where we glorify Him best! Lord, strengthen my hands
Loved this message
We have to trust god in his timing which isn’t always easy.
Powerful words
Amen ❤️
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Maybe when we depend on God’s provision in our need, we glorify him best to a lost world.
..every time I wanted to give up I thought about how much of God’s glory I get to show ppl. He definitely stood by me !
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That’s an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness, Ebony❤️
Enduring Breast Cancer treatment 6/28/23- April /2024…. 6 rounds of Chemo 10/23- 1/24 and 30 rounds of radiation 2/24-3/24 taught me this. Every
Hi Ladies!
I was having a conversation with one of my grown daughters last night. We were sharing with each other about the current Bible studies we were each in the middle of. And when she said she wondered why she kept having to learn the same lessons over and over. Why couldn’t she seem to get it? And I nodded and agreed that yes, at my age (66years), you would think I would have learned some of these things by now. LOL
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But tonight it occurred to me.
I’m not having to learn the same things over and over again. God is building something new in me each time. And showing me a different aspect of His character each time.
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I’ve been through a journey with Steve that has revealed God’s healing touch.
We’ve gone through trials that have revealed how He provides.
And He is faithful and true.
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And each time my faith continues to grow. And my joy. And peace…
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So it may seem like I’m studying the same lessons, but really He’s showing me more of who He is.
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Amen GramsieSue!
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So Good! This blessed me today.
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Please pray for my mom (Connie). She fell the other day and cracked her pelvis. She was prescribed some things (a pain med and a muscle relaxant), which she has stopped taking b/c she was acting strangely and hallucinating (mostly in the evening, though, like Sundowners). Our oldest son is living at her house and taking care of her. She had some incontinence issues today. Please pray that the meds were the problem, and that they’ll be out of her system soon. Thanks, sweet sisters.
Adrienne, how scary! I am glad your son is with her and pray she recovers soon from the injury and the meds. ❤
Thanks so much. ❤️ I goofed on my reply.
Praying now.
Oh, thank you! ❤️
Prayers for your mother friend!
Thank you so very much. ❤️
Thanks so much.❤️
Adrienne, I’m praying for your mom and your family !
Thank you, Victoria.
“Maybe part of why we endure trials of various kinds as we serve the Lord is so others can see God’s glory, just like God’s enemies saw His glory through Nehemiah’s endurance. Maybe when we depend on God’s provision in our need, we glorify Him best to a lost world.”
Our family has been under constant attack the last 3-1/2 years. And even as I face another court date this Friday, I know that God has strengthened me even as He has stripped me of so much I counted valuable in my life. I have taught for years that “Jesus is enough.” I have gotten to live out that truth daily over the last few years.
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength…”
I have prayed from the beginning for God’s Name to be glorified in how He resolves all the troubles. This last paragraph of the devotion hit squarely with me. Thanks be to God!
Oh wow, I’m sorry Grammy D you have been in a true battle. Hold fast…steadfast, and keep trusting and He WILL be GLORIFIED!
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This passage makes me question today “where in our own lives is fear stopping us from doing God’s work? Where can we push farther into God and less into our own ways?”
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What an honour to partner with the God of the universe!!!
What stood out to me today:
1- “I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease?” Nehemiah 6:3. This shows courage to say no. Not every “invitation” is an opportunity, some are traps. Be courageous. Like Nehemiah, keep saying no to distractions as many times as needed. Don’t assume one refusal is enough. Don’t be a people pleaser.
2- Five times the enemies bothered him to wear him down. On Mount Carmel, after praying for rain, Elijah sent his servant SEVEN times to check the horizon. Each time, the servant came back with nothing, until the seventh, when he finally reported seeing a tiny cloud rising from the sea. Unless we push more than the evil one, we can’t overcome. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Resist resist resist. God will give us strength, so we won’t faint during …to go take a nap. Wait on the Lord and He shall renew your strength.
3- Stamina: look at the mental stamina and physical stamina Nehemiah shows here. The wall was finished in a short time despite so much stress. Stamina. “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete”- James 1:3–4. I am brought back to the trio imagery, soldier, farmer, athlete that Bible taught us to be like. This is no joke. If you have joined the army or have families in the army, you would know how serious God is when He says we need to be His soldiers (aka don’t be a sissy). The army builds courage, mental toughness, focus, decision making under pressure (life and death), grit, persistence, physical fitness, obedience, team work, honoring your superior/leadership. A soldier won’t let pain stop them. Consider the Soldier, Athlete And Farmer. “No one while serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of life, in order that he may please the one having enlisted him. And also if one competes [in an athletic contest], he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully. The laboring farmer must be first to receive a share of the fruits” -(2 Timothy 2:4-6). Don’t be a softie, this will cost you so much. Don’t run away from God’s training in hardships. Run towards it and say thank you Lord. Stamina is not natural, not by accident, it’s built through consistent training and reliance on God’s strength. How to train your stamina: build daily spiritual discipline, build habits (prayer life, bible intake-spiritual food, bible study, worship and gratitude), be in godly community and accountability (Soldiers never train alone. Farmers work with their families. Athletes have coaches and teams). Likewise, Christians need mentors, friends, accountability partners. Fellowship keeps you from spiritual fatigue and encourages you to keep going. “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Thank you for reading. I love unpacking scriptures. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNNE ❤️- wishing you a fantastic birthday week. May the Lord guard over you and bless you with your heart’s desires. Be blessed dear sisters.
Mercy, what great references! Thanks so much!
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“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Resist resist resist. God will give us strength…”
That reminded me of Satan tempting Jesus and Jesus repeatedly putting him in his place.
And forgiveness- 70 x 7- we must apply a similar thought to resisting evil. No limit!
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“Christians need mentors, friends, accountability partners. Fellowship keeps you from spiritual fatigue and encourages you to keep going. “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).” – Amen!
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Wow Mercy! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you Mercy
I tend to be fearful. Always have been. As a little girl I would hear sirens as I was walking home from school and worry it was something to do with my family. In later years it became true. My parents lost their house to a fire and my dad was in the home. My son’s rare illness. I could list more examples. I need to conquer this spirit of fear. To trust that God will carry me even if it’s something tragic. I need to pray on this.
Traci, those are certainly potential fear inducers! ❤
I,too, was a fearful child and young mom but I now remind myself the God did not give me a spirit of fear:
2 Timothy 1:7NLT-
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
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I Love the lyrics in Fear Is a Liar by Zach Williams:
Chorus
Fear he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
Cause fear he is a liar
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I love that song, CeeGee!
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Hugs, Traci. ❤️
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God reminded me this morning of all that He is building in me. Greater joy, peace, and contentment—to name a few things. And I am reminded this morning that He will complete His work in me (Phil. 1:6)—just like He accomplished this wall project through Nehemiah.
Nehemiah KNEW that he was doing important work, solid in his purpose which made him not stop. They attempted to discourage the builders and Nehemiah did not fall for it. May we stand on truth, on God’s word. His ways, His purpose, HIS job for us. Nehemiah lets God handle it and he just keeps doing his important work. Not allowing their plan to try to discredit him.
Keep doing the work Sisters, keep standing on truth, don’t water it down, don’t back down, don’t get distracted, don’t let anyone try to discredit you or make you question your work. Know it is important and don’t stop! The LORD will FIGHT for us, we need only to be still. He fought for Nehemiah and he fights for us.
He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lamb in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment.
100% amen!
Thank you for sharing such marvelous truths, Kristy!
AMEN
Amen, so good Kristy!
Yesssss!!❤️
Amen!
Yes! Amen!
Amen. Thank you❤️
Strengthen my hands, indeed!
It struck me today how many times it specifically says that the enemies goal was to cause fear. They knew it was fear that would ultimately undermine the work and cause them to stop. With so much unrest & division around many of us, I think it’s really easy to feel doubt, fear, and uncertainty. I told my husband the other day that it sometimes feels like you’re all alone and that God’s people are few and weak. Such a great reminder that, despite our weakness, God’s work will be done, and the enemy will be silenced because they see it was God who did it. I heard someone say that God likes to stack the odds against Himself in order to show it was only Him who was able to overcome such great obstacles. ❤️
Definitely struggling with this season that I am in. It’s been taking all of my will power to not go i quit. I can’t.
And I cant. Not without the help of Jesus by my side. Lord let this season be a testimony to you, a remembrance stone for me marking what you have done and will continue to do.
Praying for new strength.
Opposition from within and without. How can anyone be steadfast in purpose under those conditions? Personally I think I would start to second guess my belief in God’s will and waver under that kind of pressure. What a good reminder we see in Nehemiah to stand firm and let God strengthen us.
Agree, I love when the word confirms! Stand firm against opposition! I love the word steadfast…I forgot what my word was at the beginning of the year, so it shall be STEADFAST now.
After responding individually to a couple of you I decided it would be better to thank you as a group (less comments for every one to read). Thank you for your birthday wishes yesterday! Love to all of you!
Happy belated birthday Lynne❤️❤️❤️
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I am encouraged by everyone’s comments! I love how all my devotions and Bible readings have the same theme! “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” 2 Tim 4:17
Saturday I could not straighten up from my lower back. I was in pain but God in His great mercy heard my prayer for help and Sunday I was much better. I needed to be there for my 2-3 year old class! I just want to give glory to God!
Praying for all! Stand firm! That was the word from my Pastor on Sunday. Let us keep standing firm no matter what comes our way! We never walk alone!
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Cheryl, Praise the Lord for His provision! As a mom of a 2.5 year old, I just want you to know that you are such a blessing to those littles and their families! We are so thankful for those who take time out of their Sunday to pour into our little one and I know the parents at your church feel the same. Praying your lower back continues to be strong!
“So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?’”
Nehemiah 6:3
I once heard a message about this passage. We need to be careful to not allow the enemy to keep us from the task and purpose that the Lord has given us. So many times we can be distracted from the Lord‘s plan. We need to do as Nehemiah, and stick to God’s plan.
I pray that we women in the Word would keep our eyes on Jesus and the plans He has for us, because the Bible says that the plans He has for us are not to harm us, but for a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Blessed Tuesday, Sisters. ❤️
Amen! ❤️ We need to keep the enemy from getting the best of us!
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I love Nehemiah 6:9- “But now, my God, strengthen my hands”. What a prayer to pray. I dare say we need our hands strengthened to do His work or rebuilding all that has been lost and destroyed. I’ve never read this book before and I am finding it so very timely! Thank you SRT authors and thank you dear sisters for coming together and sharing your thoughts, wisdom, needs, and prayers as one. Have a great day!
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LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Praying there is healing in the memories of past birthdays with your precious Jack! Hugs, sister! ❤❤❤
Thank you so much! It was an emotional day because Jack always made my birthday a huge, week-long event but I definitely felt the love.
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Where is your reflection today Cee Gee? I was scrolling up and down to look twice. Miss your beautiful thoughts (^.~)
❤ Oh, Mercy, bless you! I have had a busy day and just haven’t centered my thoughts! Taking a quick break- may be something later. ❤
So much to be grateful for as I read this passage and was reminded how we can be steadfast in the Lord, He indeed is the One who renews our strength …recently going through a difficult situation, I was so physically and emotionally tired and yet I was needed in another place, a place of commitment and I asked the Lord to give me strength even though I just wanted to sleep, He heard, He answered and the result was renewed strength and a joy that filled me up! He is so good. Nehemiah’s trust in God has helped me to keep my eyes on the Lord. So grateful for this study!
Beautiful ❤️
Happy Birthday Lynne ❤️
As we read these verses each day, Nehemiah’s humble, faifthful heart and commitment to the Lord is evident over and over. Its what leads him in seeing the walls completion. This is no small task with it being physically demanding and with opposition the entire time. His example of steadfast faith really is a testimony and encouragement. Keep going. Eyes on Jesus. Be humble. Be diligent. Never stray from pursuing good, right & true. Perseverance through hardship and suffering. So often I get tired but may I be postured to pray, persevere, press on and trust as Nehemiah did….
“But now, my God, strengthen my hands.” Neh 6:9
Thank you so much!
Just as Searching shared I was struck by how the wall was completed in fifty two days. This work was done by our God v 16.
Have a blessed Tuesday sister She’s.
I am in a season of physical struggle (injured ankle, dry socket from a tooth pull, and diabetes) and financial struggle as well. Today’s message was a great reminder to trust God through the struggle and that He can bless while I am in a rough season. It’s not an “or” situation- struggle or bless- with Him. Praise be to God!
Praying for you Ashleigh in this hard season that God will renew your strength and for a breakthrough soon.
Praying for you!
Praying that you will feel the Lord especially close to you during this time of trouble.
This story is a good reminder of how God strengthens our minds with discernment and wisdom. I often fixate on needing physical or emotional strength but we see here that Nehemiah was strengthened with discernment not to fall into an enemy trap. Any other type A personalities just love how strategic and even “practical” God is?!
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Type A personality here… Yeppers! ❤️
Yes! Good point!
I wanted to wish Lynn from Alabama a Happy Birthday here in case ya’ll didn’t see it on the FB page!! It was yesterday. Was it your first bday without your beloved Jack? I hope you found many blessing throughout your day and know the love from your She’s!
♥️Birthday Blessings, Dearest Lynn!!♥️
Wishing Lynne a belated Happy Birthday!
Attempts to intimidate and harm. That seems to be the great tactic of the evil one. It does often cause fear and backing down, certainly for me. But I am learning being on God’s side, and rooted firmly in him, that I am standing on the rock, I will not cower, for he is my strength. We are tired of hiding our beliefs and being bullied. Hallelujah! What a great awaking and revival!!
Sometimes we wonder why God doesn’t just answer all of our requests to show a great miracle. He has, and he does, but more often we still have to fight, hard. Much. Often. Suffer.
Just like Paul, God saved him often, yet constant suffering and problems. He was intimidated, beaten, wrongly accused, and persecuted. If we are not suffering persecution for Christ, maybe we just aren’t doing enough for Christ. AND we celebrate and worship and praise…when we are persecuted! That’s HOW we Christians react in our trials!!! What a beautiful response to even assassination–to celebrate Jesus! May I remember this as I keep going to the Lion’s den and facing the Giants!
Amen Rhonda! You are on fire!
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Yes! Rhonda!! ♥️
“If we are not suffering persecution for Christ, maybe we just aren’t doing enough for Christ” – Wow! ♥️♥️♥️
When we struggle but trusting Him, we show His faithfulness and strength when we remain faithful in our trials and tribulations. God is always always with us!
“A strong, secure people of Jerusalem were a witness to surrounding nations. Many of us live Christian lives that no one takes notice of, because our walls are broken down. Let the LORD do a building work, and others will notice.” – David Guzik Enduring Word
When we choose to bring God our weakness so He can strengthen us and bring God our fear so He can replace it with confidence in Him we become a testimony to those around us. A testimony of a work that could only have been done by God (v16).
Lord, let my life testify of Your strength.
God is good
Strength for the Journey
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Nehemiah 6:9
“But now, my God, strengthen my hands.”
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God, I need Your strength. Strengthen my hands, my heart, and my will to keep rebuilding what’s been broken — with You.
❤️amen
“Maybe part of why we endure trials of various kinds as we serve the Lord is so others can see God’s glory.” Father God may we reflect your glory in all that we do, so that others will see you and come to know you.
Tobiah and cohorts were relentless and devious – used as tools of the evil one. But God!! (Tina ❤️) Our everlasting and almighty God is eternally ahead of the schemes and troublemakers- strengthening us and renewing us in the midst of the battles we face each day.
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Stay in God’s word, sisters, and strive to draw closer to Him each day. When something doesn’t sit right in our spirit, turn to Him, study His word, seek Godly counsel – pray before acting.
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Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands (Nehemiah 6:9b)
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V 15-16
15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.
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Reminds me of a song (or chorus?), Look What The Lord Has Done.
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Nehemiah standing his ground and not hiding in the temple reminds me of Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
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CEE GEE – He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother, she’s my sister, SHE’s are my friends ❤️
MERCY ❤️ “there is a social cost to speaking truth”
TAMI ❤️❤️
KELLY (NEO) ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️ happy birthday! (Per Kelly’s awesome tracking)
A WALTON – praying re: iron levels, praise the Lord for the visitors coming to church
Great insights. Thank you ❤️
Love what you posted today dear Searching! I will try!
Great word, Searching; thank you!
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Funny, I was singing last night- she ain’t heavy, she’s my sister! ❤ ☺ ❤
Searching- Thank you for sharing. Thank you for the reminder to stay grounded in The Lord and His Word. ❤️
❤️ “Nehemiah standing his ground and not hiding” amen sister.
Father be with me in the trials. I need You. In Jesus name, amen
“Maybe part of why we endure trials of various kinds as we serve the Lord is so others can see God’s glory, just like God’s enemies saw His glory through Nehemiah’s endurance. Maybe when we depend on God’s provision in our need, we glorify Him best to a lost world.”
Amen Seana!
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What stood out to me was the Israelites who were on the inside who were working with the enemy to thwart God’s work. Yet because Nehemiah knew God’s word, he discerned their attempts.
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MERCY – continued prayers for a resolution to the teacher’s request for more pay without a strike.
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LYNNE FROM AL – happy birthday!
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LAUREN M – God’s peace be with during your appointment today
Yes, Kelly! We need to be grounded in God’s Word!❤️
I noticed this too! That is why we need to know God’s word!
Happy Birthday Lynne from AL
Thank you KELLY for keeping track so good. How you summarized the issue in one condense sentence is amazing to me :) what a gift.
“…because Nehemiah knew God’s word, he discerned their attempts.” Amen, Kelly!
Amen❤️
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Amen. When we get weary, Lord strengthen our minds, hearts and souls to continue to do the work you have called us to do to build your kingdom
I had an older woman share with me Isaiah 40:11- “… he will gently lead those who are with young.” It was so encouraging to me.
This being low on iron has definitely made me feel weak. I’m glad to be reminded to not get fussed about it, but to wait on the Lord. He is where my strength comes from.
We had a great Sunday worship service this last Sunday. Our little church plant was packed. People just kept coming through the door. Our church will be 10 years in November. Hoping all these visitors will stay and find community to help with their relationship with God. Thankful.
Great to hear about the new folks. Agreeing with you about them returning.
That’s wonderful A Walton! I love how people are flocking to churches all over!
So excited to hear this happening at your church! Love how God is on the move!
Praying for renewed strength! Excited for your church!
Love this! A spark for God has been lit. I am so excited about all of the people desiring to get back to church or start for the first time. We praise you Jesus! You always take bad and turn it into good!
❤️ praying for your iron level sister. How faithful God is. Thank you for sharing.