9/5/13- Being on Guard

21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. 22 At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” 23 Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water. (Nehemiah 4:21-23)

Thoughts: The workers were on high alert all the time.  Between September 2002 and January 2004 The United States was on high terrorist (orange) alert for over three months.  While terrorist threats were real, the nation could not move forward in economic or real investment until the threat was behind them.
     Nehemiah and his people built their way out of their threat.  But while building half the men kept watch, and people slept within the half-built walls for protection.  The soldiers and Nehemiah himself never allowed their guard to slip down enough to even change clothes.
    Seven times Jesus asks his disciples to "be on your guard."  1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The spiritual dangers we face to our souls are not imaginary, but dangerous because their damage can be deeper and longer lasting (eternal).  So be alert during times of spiritual danger, and look to do the work of the Lord to continue to move forward doing God's will.  When the church or the faith is in danger, it is not time to retreat, but it is time to witness, to love, to encourage, to help those in need in the name of God.  

Prayer: Help me, O Lord to be alert and on guard against the things that would destroy my soul.