Nehemiah faced relentless attempts to distract, discredit, and derail him from completing God’s work. His enemies used deceit, false accusations, and even spiritual manipulation to try to lure him off the wall, but Nehemiah responded with bold focus, unwavering conviction, and consistent prayer. Refusing to come down, he modeled what it means to stand firm in the face of pressure and stay faithful to God’s mission. This passage challenges us to silence the noise, resist fear that’s been dressed as faith, and declare with confidence: “I’m doing a great work—I cannot come down.”

I. The Distraction of Deceit

II. The Distraction of False Accusations

III. The Distraction of Spiritual Manipulation

Talk with God: Meditate on Isaiah 41:10 this week and ask the Lord to give you the strength to continue faithfully in your calling.

Talk with others: If you’re facing a struggle or battling distraction, ask a pastor, mentor, or trusted believer to lock shields with you in prayer and practical ways.

Talk with kids: How can we show thankfulness in all circumstances?

During the last two days, we have practiced and proclaimed the gospel to our community. Both Love Day and Freedom Celebration were outward expressions of the good news about Jesus Christ loving the world. But why not make it a lifestyle that continues year-round? Today we will explore four reasons Paul the apostle was not ashamed of the gospel.

I. Because It’s Good News

II. Because It’s God’s Power

III. Because It’s Given Freely

IV. Because It Gets Us Right

Talk with God: Meditate on “the righteousness of God” (v. 17) and spend time in worship as you thank Him for the salvation and freedom He’s given you through His

Son’s sacrifice.

Talk with others: Come alongside a believing friend or family member facing sorrow or difficulty this week and encourage them to rest in God’s grace and continue to “live by faith” (v. 17).

Talk with kids: Why is Jesus the perfect and final sacrifice for sin?