“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.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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