Date: 01-28-15
Text: — Nehemiah 2:13-15 — 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Systematic inspection offers a better perspective of the damage.
My Thoughts:
Being one who loves doing things systematically, I really enjoy watching a professional troubleshoot a problem. Be it an automotive issue or an electrical problem, the way the pro goes about it is simply fascinating. Recently, I was at my sister’s house. She noted a rather large water bill and asked if I could help her hunt down the like. Well, through a series of trial and error, I determined it had something to do with the hot water line. However, it wasn’t until my nephew, a trained electrician, came over, we were able to verify it and determine its approximate location. My nephew took his electrician training and used it to troubleshoot the water leak. It was fascinating to watch him start at the source and eliminate many possibilities that I didn’t even consider. What a pleasure to see someone who knows what they are doing do it!
Nehemiah was a professional. He took his cupbearer training and applied it to the rebuilding of the wall by first troubleshooting the problem. In the above passage, he is seen systematically inspecting the wall, making the circuit where possible and getting a better perspective of the damage….
Lifestyle worshipers, in our “An Awareness Walk,” (aka “A Nehemiah Walk”), it is wise to take a systematic approach as any troubleshooter would. Take the skills you have acquired in another field and apply them to your current situation. Get perspective, too, and properly assess the damaged of the situation you are concerned about.
I know for some this systematic approach may seem awkward and almost Spirit-Squeezing, but I’m sure He will enlighten you through the process and give you insight into the matter before you. Your thoughts.
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
— Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV84)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV84)
For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?”But we have the mind of Christ.
— 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV84)
Heavenly Father, I yield to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and insight into my situation. May He grant me insight and perspective. Forgive me for acting hastily and in an uniformed manner. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike