Nehemiah 2:17
Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace."
Recently, my husband, Danny, decides that the rotting logs supporting our retaining wall below our front deck are simply not dependable. He's determined to take action before more heavy rains, by which we've been plagued this winter, elect to make another inconvenient appearance. We can't afford to have an invasion of top soil pouring onto our driveway, and into the woods and creek beyond. And if you look closely at the photo above, you can see those defective and decaying logs, which once valiantly tried to create a border, piled above the wall's prep site.
Danny "hires" his youngest son, Nicco, to execute the task. Together, they take measurements, head to Home Depot, and return with the materials necessary to complete the project. It requires planning, dedication and sweat, but the result? Take a look and be amazed!
Yes, our wall is firm, set in concrete, and will work to keep the valuable top soil above it to remain contained and preserved on our property. As Christians, Danny and I feel strongly about being good stewards of God's creation. This wall, in its own humble way, serves to protect our local environs. And that's a good thing!
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When Nehemiah beholds the disgraceful state of his beloved Jerusalem, besieged and beleaguered, he is heartbroken. His longing and determination to rebuild the walls is to safeguard God's holy city. In my reading of this book in the Old Testament, it wasn't that outsiders would never be welcomed, but its goal centered on protection for those who worshiped the one true God. That needed to be Israel's first and foremost priority.
Because, you see, Nehemiah understood that walls, erected with the right intentions, were necessary to defend the integrity and well-being of a people. God's people.
And I think, in this day and time, most Americans understand this concept, too.
Amen!
I understand what you are saying.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I figured you would, Victor.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, I understand. Sadly, there are so many who still don't get it out there. Praying their eyes will soon be open to the truth. Thank you for this wonderful message today.
ReplyDeletePamela, I'm so gratified that you liked the message here. Yes, praying for all people in this country to open their eyes to the sad truth.
DeleteLove and blessings!
An excellent analogy and lesson, Martha Jane! Thank you for saying it so well today!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you, Terri, for your kind words here. I so appreciate them and you!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a powerful analogy, Martha! Thank God your Danny took appropriate measures before it was too late; I hope and pray it's not too late for our Country.
ReplyDeleteMevely, that is my prayer, too. I'm so glad the analogy spoke to you today. Not sure, judging by the few responses here today, that it is speaking positively to others, but if it's God's will, then it will!
DeleteLove and blessings!
does danny hire himself out? I need some work done around here. LOL Great analogy Martha. You threw me off though. I thought you would be talking about the walls we build to keep people out of our lives. I like yours better.
ReplyDeleteYes, we do build those kind of walls, too, Bill, though we absolutely should not. Unfortunately, Danny is not for hire - lol - if Nicco lived close to you, he'd take any odd jobs in a heartbeat!
DeleteGlad you liked the analogy.
Love and blessings!
Amen, and amen, sweet sister! We absolutely need the physical wall, and we need to rebuild the broken down places in the spiritual walls, also. I love the story of Nehemiah. It inspires me deeply each time I read it. May God help us all to do our personal part to make the positive difference that is so needed in this sin-darkened world.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you are so right to point out that we need to check and mend those places in our spiritual walls that have fallen into disrepair. And like you, I love the Book of Nehemiah and the lessons we can learn from it.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen, Martha! You've well stated the need for a wall at our boarders. Walls really are for protection, as you demonstrated through the work Danny and Nico did on your property.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Glad you agree, Kim. Yes, walls are necessary in so many circumstances, the border being one of them.
DeleteLove and blessings!
GREAT analogy! Glad to see you have drain pipes installed too! It is amazing the destruction water can render!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Oh, yes, Loralu, water can be incredibly destructive, as we learned many years ago when much of region experienced what is now called the "500 Year Flood." What a time that was!!!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Coming late to the party... Great analogy by the way. I'll be honest, this is a minor issue to me. I support it, I think it is needed. I think it would serve it's purpose well. I do, however, think it is a secondary issue to others and in my mind. I don't think it will be the end of the U.S. if it isn't built. I think there are other ways over, around, and through. The wall will not be impenetrable. It may slow down illegal border crossing for a time, but it will not stop it.
ReplyDeleteRyan, your input and insight are greatly appreciated here. We should ever feel free to express our opinions and stands with regards to the current political waters, and how they do align with God's Word. I do find the wall a necessity at this juncture in our nation's preservation, but that's only my opinion. Just know that everyone here is welcome to express opinions when like yours, it is delivered in love.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Well said, Martha! And tell Danny ... his wall is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh, Deb, I sure will, but he will pass those thanks on to Nicco who was the mastermind behind this project. So talented! Just praying that God will touch his heart mightily, and help him to navigate his life and know his true calling.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Kudos Danny! What a handy man, your guy.
ReplyDeleteDanny's a handyman, indeed, but son, Nicco, is the architect here for the retaining wall, Debra. He does have some amazing gifts from God, that's for sure!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Well said Martha and the men did a great job on that wall. Now if only some others would take a lesson from your post, team work makes a safe place when all agrees it is needed.
ReplyDeleteTeam work when all agree that it is needed . . . Amen to that, Betty! As Christians, we are the Body of Christ, not the being alone in Christ. From the beginning, love and worship of God involved community, and that is no less true today. May we find multiple ways to practice that.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a great job on the wall! How necessary it was to undergird and protect your resources before they washed away... and the analogy you set forth is a beautiful one, an excellent visual lesson both naturally here in our country, and spiritually in our own lives. Blessings and hugs to you my dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn, for your kind words here! Yes, walls can be necessary things, can't they? So happy that ours turned out so well.
DeleteLove and blessings!