Lead Me Not Into Temptation

Jesus said to His disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come."
Luke 17:1

Temptations and stumbling blocks will come; take care that you don't bring them. Lead people away from sin and toward Christ.

Enough

"And God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8

God's grace is enough. He will provide you whatever you need. God has prepared you, so go out and do what He has sent you to do.

Walls and the Mission

Nehemiah 4:16-23

From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. 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 workmen by day.” 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.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Andy's part:

God wants you to be ready and willing to obey Him at any time. Some missions from God come more often, so be prepared for them.

Catherine's part:

Rebuilding the broken down walls (this can be anything, our relationship with God or others, learning to trust Him, etc.) in our is not a fun nor an easy task. It can only be done with God's strength and through His power. If we trust Him and listen to Him, and are always on alert, the walls will be rebuilt stronger than before.

Rely on God

2 Chronicles 13:10-12

“As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him. God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”

Andy's part:

Serve God; don't forsake Him. Turn to Him; rely on Him; set Him as your leader. You will not succeed otherwise. You will succeed with Him.

Consecration and Purification

2 Chronicles 29:15-16

When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the Lord, as the king had ordered, following the word of the Lord. The priests went into the sanctuary of the Lord to purify it. They brought out to the courtyard of the Lord's temple everything unclean that they found in the temple of the Lord. The Levites took it and carried it out to the Kidron Valley.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Andy's part:

The Levites consecrated and sanctified the temple of the LORD by removing everything wicked and filling it with tools to honor God. Your body is a temple to God, and you need to do the same to it.

Catherine's part:

The natural reaction and next step after purification is to worship God, and give Him glory and thanks: (2 Chronicles 29:29-30)

When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped.