This week we found on our doorstep the latest phone directory. Does anyone still use the telephone directory? With the help of Siri or google, it has just about become obsolete. Reading chapters 11 and 12 of Nehemiah, these genealogies and lists of names are almost like reading from the Memphis telephone directory.

We understand that Nehemiah found favor with the Persian King who allowed him to return to the promised land and to build the wall around the city of Jerusalem, as God wanted him to do. Despite external and internal opposition that he faced, Nehemiah said “yes” to God’s direction, and moved forward in obedience with the building of the wall until it was completed.

Now his task was to occupy the city of Jerusalem. The Priests and leaders were already there, and now he was to choose one out of ten from each of the tribes. The interesting thing is, these “chosen” men had the last word. They could say “yes” or they could say “no” to living within the walls of the city. God does not force His will on any of His children.

Today, we could say all of us who know the Lord are His “chosen,” like the men from each of the tribes. As God’s children, like the wall of Jerusalem, we too could have a “wall of protection” around us. It is up to us to decide whether we live within that wall of protection or choose otherwise.

One great way to weave worship into our daily lives is to fill it with music that helps focus our hearts on our great God. Here is a Spotify playlist that has all the songs our worship team has led us through in the last month’s Sunday evening services to get you started. http://bit.ly/GBCPMThisMonth It’s updated weekly, so “follow” it to keep fresh worship music in your life.