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not unusual

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 work.

The closest modern equivalent might be the nation building the USA did in Afghanistan with the Taliban trying to stop them every step of the way. AND, the modern state of Israel with all of their neighbors wanting to wipe them off the map. Our culture feeds this desires of the Devil. The Devil lives for hatred and violence. He wants to snuff out good. Extinguish love, kindness and hope. We must find a way to defend ourselves while loving our neighbors as ourselves. We need to live the Good News of the Gospel. 

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.

The good parts of these daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. You can watch it by following this link... https://youtu.be/lf3DWkYPh64
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