SUNDAY June 4, 2017
Engaged in a Deadly Battle
But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner. Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand.It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. - Nehemiah 6:4-6
Nehemiah’s enemies were very persistent in their attempts to force him to meet with them. Four times they persisted to see if he would give in and compromise. However, Nehemiah regularly checked in with the Lord and waited on Him for discernment. God revealed to him that behind their scheme and their plots, they wanted to kill him.
Nehemiah was in a deadly battle but he never compromised. So, the fifth time his enemies tried a different tactic. They published a false letter that spread slander about the Jewish people, saying they planned to rebel. Then, they slandered Nehemiah’s character. They said the only reason Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the wall was to set himself up as king! Yet, Nehemiah never stopped God’s work because of their petty lies and threats.
Think of how many churches are destroyed by slander. Maybe a person does not like the pastor, or the tremendous work God is doing through him? They then become filled with jealousy and begin to spread a bunch of lies about him and the ministry. How can they think of such things? Understand the human heart is very deceitful.
Think about the different areas of your life were the enemy tries to get you to compromise. The enemy is so persistent my friends. Then, you must strengthen that area of your life. But any time you raise a defense against the enemy, believe me, you are going to have a fight on your hands. Compromise is a deadly force. You must fight the enemy or slowly you will be defeated, and he will wound your life.
We can tell when we have been influenced by the world. It is when we find ourselves neither hot nor cold, just compromised.
~Malcolm Watts~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!