Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Matthew 20:27&28 "27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." After studying the ANT we wonder what IF we were ready and willing to work? Didn't need a guide to direct us in what to do; or anyone to oversee us, to make sure we do it right. We DO find inspiration in the person and work of our Lord and Savior. JESUS is the serv-ANT! He came here to do His work and did it diligently.  Today's verses, from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter twenty, verses twenty-seven and twenty-eight: "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your SERVANT: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Jesus came to us. Jesus took our punishment. Jesus comes in our Baptism. Jesus comes in Holy Communion. He comes to us. He is our SERV-ANT. We are His people. Praise th...

Philippians 2:7&8 "7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." We are studying the ANT! We CAN learn a thing or two from ANTS! They don't need a supervisor, boss, leader, guide, or coach. What IF people didn't need a guide to direct them in what to do; or anyone to oversee them, to make sure it's done right. What IF we were ready and willing to work!?!?  We can find the inspiration we need in the person and work of our Lord and Savior. Today's verses, from Philippians, chapter two, verses seven and eight; "But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a SERVANT, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." JESUS is the serv-ANT! H...

Proverbs 6:7&8 "7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Our study is on a much SMALLER subject; the ANT! Our world is covered with ANTS! They are present on every continent EXCEPT one; ANTarctica! By GOD'S design ANTS are ecosystem engineers! They improve soil chemistry, they aerate soil and improve drainage, they disperse seeds, and prey upon pests like ticks, termites, scorpions and stinkbugs! It should not surprise us that we CAN learn a thing or two from ANTS! Yesterday's verse; "Go to the ANT, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be WISE:" We don't want to be a habitually lazy person or "sluggard." We do want to be "WISE." We need to pay attention to the ANT!  Today's verses; "Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Imagine how it would be is people worked...

Proverbs 6:6 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:" This week we turn to the Book of Proverbs. While other books of the Holy Bible record profound theological truths, witness to us about lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or recount prophetic preaching to disobedient people, Proverbs very simply and effectively relates many short instructions for living an effective life.  Our study is on a much SMALLER subject; the ANT! Our world is covered with ANTS! They are present on every continent EXCEPT one; ANTarctica! Ants are strong, they can carry 50 times their own body weight! There are 12,000 species of ants on our planet. If we add the mass of all the humans in the world in comparison to all the ants in the world, they would be EQUAL! It is believed that ants have existed on this planet for 130 million years. They are the worlds’ first farmers. They have had agriculture longer than human beings! The average black garden ant has a lifespan longe...

Proverbs 2:6&7 "6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." This past week we studied Daniel in the LION'S den! It is an incredible event! This event was a POWERFUL testimony to King Darius and all his kingdom! Daniel was FAITHFUL to GOD and the king. This power struggle is happening in every heart of every person all over the world. GOD protects and guards the Daniel side of our hearts. It's this part of us that the Holy Ghost inspires faithfulness to GOD. And, this makes ALL the difference in the way we act and react, think and feel. We do not want to be cast into the den of lions metaphorically or literally. Lord have mercy on us.  This week we are going to refocus our study onto a much SMALLER subject. We appropriately turn to the Book of Proverbs. While other books of the Holy Bible record profound theological truths, witness to ...

Daniel 6:24-26 "24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. 25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end." Daniel did NOT seek revenge.  Justice was served by King Darius and GOD! "...they cast THEM into the den of LIONS," The people who plotted against Daniel and those close to them were all subjected to the punishment they intended for Daniel! Their evil plans were visited upon them, the King of BEAST devoured...

Daniel 6:22&23 "22 My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God." Daniel "BELIEVED in his GOD." Daniel emerged from the LION'S den WITHOUT a scratch on him! Daniel was innocent before GOD and before man. So, GOD "sent His angel" to keep the LIONS from devouring Daniel! It's a miraculous event!  It's also amazing that Daniel is not mad. Daniel had served the king honorably for decades and this is how he is treated. It was a profound betrayal and yet Daniel comes out in a good mood. He is not salty. He's not holding a grudge. He is grateful. He is not dead. Daniel did not let ...

Daniel 6:20&21 "20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever." It was a sleepless night for King Darius. He didn't eat or listen to music. His mind was consumed with worry. He was probably restless. Maybe even pacing the floor. Likely he had all his servants and staff worked up and stressed out! It was a VERY long night. "Then the king arose VERY early in the morning, and went in HASTE unto the DEN of LIONS." In today's verses; "And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of THE LIVING GOD, is THY GOD, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" Catch that Daniel was NOT the only believer. Th...

Daniel 6:17-19 17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions." The sleepless night. It's interesting that the Daniel narrative follows King Darius here. The king doesn't eat. He doesn't listen to music. His mind is consumed with worries. He is not able to sleep. Probably restless. Maybe pacing the floor. Likely has all his servants and staff worked up and stressed out! It's a VERY long night. Daniel's night was not any shorter. He had to understand that, his friend, the king, was bound by law to punish him by casting him into the LION'S den. This is a profound betrayal, ...

Daniel 6:15&16 "15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." GOD will deliver you. It's a remarkable statement of FAITH from a pagan king! King Darius has witnessed Daniel's FAITH and GOD'S provenance in his life. Daniel thrived while in captivity. His FAITHFUL service to the Lord in a land and culture hostile to him, makes him all the MORE remarkable. Service to the Babylonians is almost all he knows; he spends 70 years in captivity.  In that time his captors got to know him too. Daniel was favored by King Darius. So, much so that others in the King's court grew jealous and plotted to get Daniel executed! Their plan has...

Daniel 6:13&14 "13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him." This week we are focused on the king of beast; the LION! We are going to go with the Prophet Daniel into the LION'S den!! Daniel is unique in the Old Testament; he is the only figure with a completely positive record of his actions. And his FAITHFUL service to the Lord in a land and culture hostile to him, makes him all the MORE remarkable.  Daniel lived through the 70 years of captivity of his people. He raised through the ranks of his captors to become one of only three administrators over the kingdom. Daniel was favored by King Darius. So, much so ...

Daniel 6:11&12 "11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not." We have studied the rooster that crowed upon Peter's betrayal and the DOVE that descended upon Jesus at His Baptism. We want to continue our study of God's Word in the hopes that the words of our mouths, and the meditation of my hearts will be acceptable in thy sight of GOD. This week we will focus on the king of beast; the LION! We are going to go with Daniel into the LION'S den!! Daniel is unique in the Old Testament; he is the only figure with a completely positive record of his actions....

Psalm 19:13&14 "13 Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." On the banks of the Jordan River, witnessed by John the Baptizer and the multitude of people; clearly the HOLY TRINITY was revealed!!! "The heavens DECLARE the GLORY of GOD!" Read Psalm 19 with all this in mind; The Gospel message has gone out to every corner of the world! Where God's word is preached and taught there is light and knowledge! There we will find goodness and mercy.  "Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression." The great transgression would be to NOT believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. While t...

Psalm 19:1-4 "1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun," "The heavens DECLARE the GLORY of GOD!" Everyday, and especially on that day on the banks of the Jordan River, witnessed by John the Baptizer and the multitude of people; clearly the HOLY TRINITY was revealed!!! This is an incredible event!! We see God is at work showing that Jesus is The One. The Law was the foreshadowing of what was to come, to who is here NOW!  From here the Son of God goes on to preach and teach to all who will listen. So much so that He draws the ire of the leaders of the day and they have Him executed! And, that doesn't stop Him! Jesus is Resurrected and His Discip...

Matthew 3:17 "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." GOD'S VOICE! "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The HOLY GHOST! "the Spirit of God descending like a DOVE, and lighting upon Him:" JESUS CHRIST! "He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water..." Right here! Right now! In this one moment we see clearly the HOLY TRINITY!!! This is an incredible event!! God is at work showing that Jesus is The One. The Law was the foreshadowing of what was to come, to who is here NOW!  Witnessed by John the Baptizer and the multitude of people on the banks of the Jordan River that day. They did not fully understand as things unfolded and afterwords they began to understand. With the outstanding witness of the Holy Bible you and I KNOW Jesus is our Servant King. Jesus is at the center of all that we do. He paid for it ALL in full. God gave us all The Gift. Making all we do more importan...

Matthew 3:15&16 "15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. 16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:" After Jesus was born Mary and Joseph traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem to make the sin offering required by the Jewish tradition. Mary and Joseph brought a pair of TURTLEDOVES. The Holy Family wanted to fulfil all requirements of righteousness, and to show obedience to the law. Some thirty years later the other Father shall bestow His DOVE upon His Son. Jesus is stepping out of the wilderness and into His public ministry. There is a large crowd of witnesses here. Many have come to hear John the Baptizer speak and maybe even get baptized by him. John is a prophet filled with the Holy Ghost from when he was in his mother’s womb.  ...

Matthew 3:13&14 "13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" This week we are studying the DOVE in Holy Scriptures. Yesterday we read in the Gospel of Luke, Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem to make this sin offering required by the Jewish tradition. Wealthy families would bring a lamb, but Mary and Joseph brought a pair of TURTLEDOVES. The Holy Family wanted to fulfil all requirements of righteousness, and to show obedience to the law. They are an example for us to follow. Some thirty years later the other Father shall bestow His DOVE upon His Son. We turn to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, verses thirteen and fourteen; "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him." Jesus is stepping out of the wilderness and into His public ministry. There is a large crowd of witnesses he...

Luke 2:22-24 "22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Last week we were learning from the Apostle Peter. The rooster crows did reveal his betrayal of Jesus. BUT, Peter went on to "CROW" like a rooster about Jesus Christ and bring THOUSANDS to salvation! We are going to continue looking at birds of the Holy Scriptures. This week is the DOVE. Today we turn to the Gospel of Luke, right after Jesus's birth. Luke was a Greek, or Gentile, and here he is faithfully reporting the Jewish customs of the day. Leviticus 12:1-6, that for the first seven days, every woman who had borne a child was unclean. Mary and Joseph were tra...

John 13:6&7 "6 Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Peter FAILED the night of Jesus's arrest. Peter denied that he was a Jesus follower, repeatedly. He did not lived up to his OWN expectations. We can turn to the Gospel of John 21:1-19 where Jesus works to restore Peter's ego and self-image. And, then in Acts 2:1-41 we read about the first Pentecost where Peter is once again the bold leader in front of a crowd of Jewish people "CROWING" like a rooster about Jesus Christ! On that day, through PETER, the Holy Ghost brought 3,000 souls to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior!!! We want to learn from Peter. He did not let his failure define him. He was saved by Jesus and he was able to share The Gospel message. We have a HUGE advantage over Peter in that we see more of the pieces of the puzzle that is Jesus...

Acts 2:37&38 "37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Peter FAILED. Peter was the Rock! He was gonna be the foundation that the church would be built upon. Peter was the strongest. Peter denied that he was a Jesus follower, repeatedly. He did not lived up to his OWN expectations. This shattered his self image. This destroyed his ego. This helped make Peter the humble servant that the church needed in the coming years! We can turn to the Gospel of John 21:1-19 where Jesus works to restore Peter's ego and self-image.  Then when we arrive at the first Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles, 2:1-41 we read about Peter once again the bold leader. Here Peter is in front of a crowd of Jewish p...

Mark 14:71&72 "71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. 72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept." Peter was the Rock! He was gonna be the foundation that the church would be built upon. Peter was the strongest. Peter was the best. And, the strength of Peter's conviction even inspired his fellow Disciples; "Likewise also SAID THEY ALL."  Only when the moment of truth came they all lost confidence and hope and FLED the scene in all directions. Peter snuck into the palace where the religious leaders have taken Jesus. There when asked Peter denied that he was a Jesus follower. Now he is being confronted with the truth of being a Disciple of "JESUS of Nazareth." His PRIDE does NOT help him out of this situation.. "But he began to CURSE and to SWEAR, saying, ...

Mark 14:69&70 "69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. 70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto." "THIS is one of THEM!" It was obvious. It's not just the young lady who can see it. They all recognize that Peter looks like a "Galilaean" and he sounds like one too! There is nothing Peter can do. He has snuck in to this palace under the cover of darkness. The religious leaders trial of Jesus is going on inside. Surely Peter knows he is about to be arrested and brutally taken into custody by the temple guards or worse yet The Romans! What can Peter do? He is all alone! If they find him here and now; they will KILL him!!! Just minutes earlier Peter was among his friends. He had BOLDLY proclaimed that he would NOT betray Jesus! Peter proclaimed that he would stand up to the ...

Mark 14:66-68 "66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. 68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew." The center of "sin" and the center of "pride" is "I." We are ALL guilty of PRIDE.  PRIDE tempts us to be self-sufficient rather than trusting God. PRIDE lets us have a high opinion of our own dignity, importance, merit, strength and superiority. Especially for those of us that have something to be PROUD of, like Peter.  When Jesus tried to prepare His Disciples for the night of terror after Judas betrayed Him; Peter said "NOT ME!" Peter proclaimed that he would stand up to the authorities and never leave Jesus's side. Peter is the Rock! He is the foundation that the church will be buil...

Mark 14:30&31 "30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all." Right after the Last Supper Jesus tells His Disciples what will happen. They are about to witness one of their own betray Jesus. They will experience TERROR as the authorities crack down on them hard. They will lose confidence and hope. They will FLEE the scene in all directions. Fearing the worst; that they too will be arrested and subjected to the punishment, pain and possibly death at the hands of the authorities. To this the Apostle Peter says; "NOT ME!" Peter proclaimed that he would stand up to the authorities and never leave Jesus's side. Peter is the Rock! He is the foundation that the church will be built upon! Peter is the strongest!! Peter is the BEST!!! Today's ...

Mark 14: 28&29 "28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I." Last Sunday was Pentecost. The 50th day and the seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. As described in the Book of Acts 2:1-31. It is an amazing event!  For our study we are turning back to the Thursday before Easter Sunday. Jesus and His Disciples have just completed the Last Supper. They sing together and then Jesus lays these words upon them; "All ye shall be OFFENDED because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be SCATTERED." How do you prepare for the worst? Time and time again Jesus tells His followers what will happen. Minutes from now His followers will witness one of their own betray Jesus. They will experience TERROR as the authorities crack down on them ...

Mark 14: 26&27 "26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." This Sunday was Pentecost. The 50th day and the seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. As described in the Book of Acts 2:1-31. It is an amazing event!  For our study we are turning back to the Thursday before Easter Sunday. Jesus and His Disciples have just completed the Last Supper. They sing together and then Jesus lays these words upon them; "All ye shall be OFFENDED because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be SCATTERED." How do you prepare for the worst? Time and time again Jesus tells His followers what will happen. Minutes from now His followers will witness on...

Romans 8:31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" We haves studied verses from Nehemiah in the Old Testament. There we read a great example of sacrifice and dedication. Nehemiah shows leadership skills and a winning strategy so they can rebuild Jerusalem. Through it all they had FAITH; "...our God shall fight for us."  Some people sacrificed to get back what the previous generation lost. Some even paid the ultimate price for their community. God has made us a community too. Like Nehemiah and his team we too have to rebuild our community and protect our families from the violence and evil of the world. And, you and I have something that Nehemiah and his people did not; our Lord and Savior was sacrificed on the cross to DEFEAT SATAN. The victory is WON. Jesus carried the weight of the world's sin. He paid the ultimate price. We have to stand up for the next generation and leave them this FAITH that continues to be BUILT...

Nehemiah 4:19&20 "19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. 20 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us." Nehemiah not only had a plan. He communicated to all the stakeholders. And, setup a way for them to communicate BACK. And, a strategy to help each other WHEN and WHERE it was needed. AND! Most importantly, they had FAITH; "...our God shall fight for us."  Their lives were in the hands of GOD! They trusted and experienced God's good provision and help. They had to provide the BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS. Even that became a blessing from God as their pride and confidence grows as they rebuild their hometown. Some people sacrificed to get back what the previous generation lost. Some even paid the ultimate price for their community. God made us a community too. Like Neh...

Nehemiah 4:18 "For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me." Nehemiah had a plan. He communicated to all the stakeholders. They were trained and prepared. They were determined to see their goal completed. They were committed to success and nothing less. No matter the cost of BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS.  God made us a community for a reason. We have to remember and honor all that came before us and built everything we have. Many people sacrificed to get us where we are today. Some paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This can happen to all that serve. It should never happen to children. We have to renew and strengthen our resolve to protect and serve. Especially the vulnerable among us! It is easy to give up hope. Our Lord and Savior was sacrificed on the cross to defeat Satan. The victory is won. Jesus carried the weight of the world's sin. He paid the ultimate price. We have to stand up for the n...

Nehemiah 4:17 "They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." It's not that unusual.  People making a difference often come under attack. It seems to be the way of the world. Nehemiah's example is outstanding; he gave up his good job in the palace to return to a hometown he never knew and undertake the hard and laborious task to REBUILD IT! From a posh life with the royals to a life filled with BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARS.  The Samaritans are trying to demolish the protective walls around Jerusalem Nehemiah and his team are building! Nehemiah’s people had to go to work prepared for BATTLE. This was a all hands on deck situation. Even the rulers were there at the wall. Encouraging the workers and guards. Sometimes even assisting with their own hands. And, sometimes commanding the defensive force when they were assaulted! This was a VERY dangerous ...