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UNLESS THE LORD...

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain,” Psalm 118:14 ESV. King David acknowledged that even though he was both a king and a warrior, he was powerless without God’s favor and help. When Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s terrible condition with its walls destroyed and its enemies plundering it without restraint, he wanted to defend it by rebuilding the walls around the city. However, he did not start with gathering resources or recruiting help, he began with repentance: “I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you,” Nehemiah 1:6 NIV. We cannot effectively stand against the enemies around us until we address our own standing with God. Father forgive my sins and grant me Your strength that I do Your bidding. 

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