Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 08
Day 08 - Wednesday, July 03
Read Nehemiah 4 & 5
Highlight
Despite his good intentions, Nehemiah faced significant external opposition from surrounding enemies who sought to intimidate and stop the work of rebuilding the walls. Even still, he remained steadfast and encouraged the people to trust in God. In addition to the outside pressure and ridicule, Nehemiah has internal issues as well, addressing injustices within the community and ensuring that the poor were not exploited. He called for repentance and restitution, reminding his people of God’s commitment to righteousness and fairness. Nehemiah's ability to handle both external threats and internal conflicts with wisdom and integrity ensured that the work continued and that justice was upheld within the community. His leadership was not just about rebuilding walls but also about rebuilding the community's faith and commitment to the God of Israel.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Nehemiah 4 & 5
Highlight
Despite his good intentions, Nehemiah faced significant external opposition from surrounding enemies who sought to intimidate and stop the work of rebuilding the walls. Even still, he remained steadfast and encouraged the people to trust in God. In addition to the outside pressure and ridicule, Nehemiah has internal issues as well, addressing injustices within the community and ensuring that the poor were not exploited. He called for repentance and restitution, reminding his people of God’s commitment to righteousness and fairness. Nehemiah's ability to handle both external threats and internal conflicts with wisdom and integrity ensured that the work continued and that justice was upheld within the community. His leadership was not just about rebuilding walls but also about rebuilding the community's faith and commitment to the God of Israel.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Posted in Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes