THE TROWEL AND THE SWORD
Suggested Reading: Nehemiah 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Broad Wall is an ancient defensive wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. The wall was unearthed in the 1970's by Israeli architect Nahman Avigad and dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (late 8th century BC). This wall is referred to in Nehemiah 3:8.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Nehemiah 4:6
So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
Those who opposed the building of the wall tried to stop the project in several ways. Firstly, they used ridicule, mocking the vision of the Jews. Secondly, when their indignation had turned to anger, they conspired to use violence against the Jews. The response of those who had God’s vision for the wall was to have, “a mind to work,” to make “our prayer to our God,” and to “set a watch against them [their enemies] day and night.”
In doing the will of God for our lives today, let us work hard, pray hard, and watch carefully for enemy activity. Why do we fight the fight of faith? Yes, for our own futures, but as 4:14b tells us, we fight for our families, “our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters [also for those in other families who have no one to fight for them], our wives [husbands] and our houses.” The imagery of a trowel (the work) in one hand and a sword (the protection of daily reading God’s Word) in the other hand, is powerful. A complimentary New Testament reading could be Mark 10:28-31, where we are promised by Jesus 100 times more in houses, brothers, sisters, etc. The best results come from doing God’s will in spite of opposition.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for daily strength to work diligently for Your cause, and to stand on guard against all attacks on Your great purposes for my life and that of my family. In the Name of the Carpenter who said, “I will build My Church,” and “I make all things new,” Jesus, Himself, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In Canada’s national anthem we repeat several times, “We stand on guard for thee.” This brings to mind a story from my Dad and his partner in guard duty at Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario, during WWI. Private Mainse and Private Hawley were on night duty walking the circumference of the fort outside the walls. They would meet, salute, turn about face and walk the opposite directions until they met again. Each time they met they would each quote a sentence from the Bible which they had memorized the day before. The son of Private Hawley, Martin Hawley, confirmed this story to me not long ago. Both Privates became Generals in my books. It’s no wonder that they both were called of God into His service. They became ordained ministers of Christ.
The last building project in which I was involved was the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario (picture below). 143,000 square feet of TV studios, offices, a restaurant, and convention facilities. Check it out here. I invite all our readers to visit. I traveled to a quarry in Muskoka to choose the great stone you see pictured outside the entrance. The Scripture below the stone says, “Thus saith the Lord: stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls!” Jeremiah 6:16 (NRSV).
Yours for having, “a mind to work,” and “rest for your souls” and “to not be afraid,”
David
The Crossroads Centre, Burlington, Ontario. Opened in 1992.
As Christians we need to fortify our souls with the truth of the Word of God in order to stand in times of trials and temptations. Ephesians 6:10:20 is a good read. For trials will surely come in one form or another and it is a good thing to be prepared in the event of spiritual battle.
Yes Scott, an excellent read indeed. So good, I think we should type it out for all our blog-buddies to read:
Ephesians 6: 10-20 (NKJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the word of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
The Crossroads Centre is a building which comes alive with friendly people, volunteers and staff. The bookstore, restaurant, studios, chapel and conference facilities are a sight to behold. When we visited, we were given a tour by an enthusiastic attendant and were amazed by the many outreach programs, events and ministries involved. There can be much more said about our visit, but I encourage others to make the journey, if possible, and see for yourselves. Have a great day and blessings to all!
Yes your so right David . No matter where you live , a visit to The Cross Roads centre is a wonderful experience and worth the travel time and cost . In 2011 my family and I visited on a day of a live taping of100 Huntley . . It was fun to watch David and Norma-Jean and the other staff members as they shared the goespel and took live telephone pledges for the ministry from viewers. The room was a buz with love and pure Joy while ON THE AIR.
What really touched my heart was that… off the air it was just as loving and Joyful. I thought this is a TV studio …..but there are no actors here.
This is the real deal. These people truly love people and they love the Lord and they love to do his work.
Back in the days of Nehemiah it took a lot of love and dedication and many hands to rebuild that wall , just as it did to relocate The Cross Roads Centre in Burlington. To me it is like an alter or a temple built in onhour of God , Jesus and the Holy Spirit . May the Cross Roads Centre Continue to be a beacon of love and light for those in need . Amen!
M. 🙂
“Thus saith the Lord, stand at the crossroads and look and ask where are the ancient paths, where the good way lies, and walk in them, and find rest for your souls.” A famous singer from the eighties said that the Bible was written two thousand years ago and is obsolete because the world has changed. To this Jeremiah 6:16 answers and then Jesus declares the truth that He is the truth and the way and the light.
Hello ! to Beverly and all of the other fellow Saints “you know who you are. ” Just want you to know . Your replies are greatly missed.
Hope all is well with you. So looking for word to your next reply.
Love and prayers to all .
M. 🙂
Dear Rev. David M. and precious fellow bloggers
Hoping to visit Crossroad center around the end of August or beginning of September Ok gang I am going to be very bold and ask a little request would it be feasible to try to gather some of us , this would be so awesome . I long to embrace each of you for through this past year of this daily walk through the 100 Words you have all become my sisters and brothers in Christ .
Have a blessed day dear fellow saints.
xxxx Carole .
Hi Carole,
I would love to meet everyone but I’m from Tofino B.C
Thanks for your Blessings.
God Bless You and the meeting.
Hi David and fellow bloggers, The team work we read about today, was amazing, as each family took their position to build the wall of Jerusalem. Imagine how much more effective “The Church” would be if we each put our shoulders to the wheel and offered our gifting to support the work and vision of our local churches. l guess sometimes we are waiting to be asked, so our leaders need to make us aware of the needs at any given time.So often it’s just a small percentage of people doing all the work, obviously there is something wrong with that picture! Personally l think it’s wonderful to see people in church on Sunday mornings in our sad culture, and each one is l’m sure there to honour our Lord,celebrating their salvation and giving thanks and praise. l know that when visiting unsaved family, l was so frustrated to be walking around a Flea Market every Sunday morning, that l jumped out and went and found a church service one week.It was wonderful to be with the family of God again! l love you all so much!
Thanks Pastor David for your sharing of your dad’s loyal and faithful standing guard of the country, and of the Crossroads building history.
Yes, we need to fight the good fight of faith!
Thanks for reminding me on the following:
1) work diligently in serving the Lord
2) pray fervently for all things and in all circumstances
3) stand guard against attacks, so as to keep us and our families securely in the Lord
Thanks for bringing out the precious spiritual virtue from Nehemiah 3-4 today.
Janet
i am a young lady eager and willing to serve the Lord in any little way i can, and since the day i heard you talk on CTS, i knew there is a lot i can learn from you by the grace of God to help me become the Christian i want to be:) God bless you Sir! Even though you don’t exactly know me, i am pleased to announce to you that you are my Mentor and Role Model!! i thank God for the opportunity to discover CTS and hear you talk about not judging people, no matter what. thank you so much Sir! God bless you and Keep you healthy by His grace:) AMEN
David, our mutual friend Brian Stiller has recently published a great book (you’re probably aware of this) on Nehemiah, “Find a Broken Wall.” Your readers might find it a helpful and inspirational read.