“Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, ‘What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a day if they offer enough sacrifices? Look at those charred stones they are pulling out of the rubbish and using again!’”
Nehemiah 4:1-2 (NLT)

MAY 8 - Nehemiah set out to rebuild the dilapidated wall of Jerusalem, and nothing was going to stop him. Nonetheless, it was no trouble-free task. His greatest enemy, Sanballat, was on a constant tirade, trying to destroy Nehemiah by crudely discouraging all of his builders. Soundly determined to do God’s will, even in the midst of vitriolic criticism, Nehemiah led his team to complete the wall.

Sanballat’s criticism would have been a great excuse for Nehemiah to throw in the towel. He could have keenly listened to its banter, firmly believing it, and then finally quit. But Nehemiah understood that criticism would only hurt him if he allowed it.

On our journey to fulfill the will of God, we’ll inevitably pick up a few critics. On December 1, 1953, at age 38, Dayan became the highest ranking Israeli commander with rank of Major General, the role for which he seemed destined. Whether it was waiting in line for his share of rations, or breaking his leg during paratroop training, all criticism vanished as far as General Dayan’s service was concerned— the divine power of his assignment broke down (as it did with Nehemiah) every wall and every critic. When you hear criticism, strengthen your resolve to complete your assignment so that you, too, can glorify God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that Your Word is the truth about me. I decide from this moment on to shrug off criticism, look to Your Word, and finish the tasks Heaven gives me.

Family Scripture Reading

1 Peter 1

Featured Resource

Wisdom Devotional - Book

Your daily devotions will be complete with this combination package containing both leather-bound devotional and hardback journal, in the color black or burgundy.

Posted under Criticism

“There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
Numbers 13:33 (NKJV)

MARCH 15 - Now, please allow me to ask which of the following questions is the most important in regard to the way you see yourself:

• How others see you?
• How you see yourself?
• Or how God sees you?

At first guess you may say, how God sees me, of course! Although it is important how God views us, it doesn’t override the inner image we have of ourselves. Let me clarify. While you were living in sin, distant
from God, did God view you any different than He does right now? No, He certainly didn’t. His Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Psalm 139:17 says, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them.” God has always thought only positive things about you.

In His eyes, you are righteous. You are pure, holy, and just. But how do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as righteous, holy, pure, and just? Or do you see yourself worthless even in Christ? Do you like
yourself? Do you see yourself victorious? The Israelites saw themselves as grasshoppers, but Solomon said it like this, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” How God thinks about you is not the issue; it is how you think about you. Begin today to implant God’s thoughts into your internal hard drive and cultivate the self-image of Christ Himself. Only then, can you walk as Christ did.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I do everything cheerfully as unto You. I possess a great attitude. I am a problem solver and continue to walk in ever-increasing favor.

Day 15: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

Genesis 11

Featured Resource

Give Up Worry Forever - CD Series

It is estimated that more than thirteen million American adults are chronic worriers. The National Institute of Mental Health says anxiety disorders are America’s most commonly reported health problems. The medical community also confirms that a significant portion of physical sickness and disease is caused or exacerbated by mental/emotional triggers such as stress, worry, anxiety, fear, and depression.

In this valuable series, Dr. Robb Thompson not only discusses the causes and effects of worry in your life, but also shows you how to overcome worry and anxiety through the Word of God.

God equipped you for every good work! Choose today to put the Word of God into practice and see peace begin to rule and reign in your heart!

Posted under Perspective