Because Nehemiah had a real and menacing threat from the opposition, he ensured his people were ready to face any attack.  Nehemiah had the people keep their swords close by at all times. He took his enemy seriously and prepared  his people to defend themselves at a moment’s notice. Like those Jews rebuilding the wall, we have a real enemy who wants to destroy God’s work in us. 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 good news is we haven’t been left defenseless. We have the armor of God, and our sword is the Word of God Armed with God’s truth, we can withstand Satan’s lies and the self-doubt that plague our minds. With God’s Word hidden in our hearts, we can avoid giving into sin, step confidently into the future and make a difference in our broken world. Every day, difference-makers ask, “What truth from the Bible can I apply in my life right now?” Read:  Nehemiah 4 Ephesians 6:10-17, Hebrews 4:12   Prayer:  Father, help me as I commit to reading your word, the Bible, today. Enable me to understand and apply what I read to my life. – In Jesus Name.