High Alert!

There are different terror alert levels in our country since 9/11/2001.  We as a country stay on alert every day, but some days there are threats that cause our government to raise the threat level. This threat level system was color coded early on and changed in 2011 to National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). These systems are meant to alert the American public to credible threats against our security. I have learned to pay close attention to my surroundings in public and notice other people a bit more carefully.  I’m not trained like law enforcement, but I can use some common sense and be alert to people who are acting a bit abnormal.

Nehemiah was leading a crusade of exiled Jews to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Persia was thin charge of the homeland of the Jewish people. Nehemiah had the kings blessing. He had the king’s resources. He had been given security for the journey. He now faced opposition from some local troublemakers. Check this out….

¹⁴ Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”

¹⁵ When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. ¹⁶ But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah¹⁷ who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. ¹⁸ All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. (Nehemiah 4:14-18 NLT)

I love the courage and confidence of Nehemiah. He trusted in the Lord to be present and fight for them. He obviously felt like they were to do their part as well. They were armed with weapons as well as their hammer or tools for building.

I think it’s wise for me to be aware of an enemy who wants to harm me.

I think it’s wise for me to be armed with the Sword of Truth, aka the Word of God.

I think it’s wise for me to be on high alert for the enemy who wants to destroy me and my family. He wants to diminish any impact or influence that I might have for the Kingdom of God. He tempts me. He attracts me. I have to be on high alert to his latest tactics and schemes.

I am constantly asking for the Lord to fight for me.

I’m constantly asking the Lord to frustrate the enemies plans against me and my family.

I am armed and ready to fight when it’s called for.

I feel strong and ready to engage the enemy when the Lord is with me. Sometimes my enemy is invisible and sometimes he’s very visible and very close by. I’m keeping my ETL (Enemy Threat Level) on high alert today and every day as long as I live.

Pressing On!

Dwayne