“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”

I will be talking about the power of a made-up mind from Nehemiah chapter 4. I’m not going into detail, but I’m going to do a recap of the points that Pastor brought out. I would admonish anyone who did not hear the message to please go back and listen The Power of a Made-Up Mind.

A made-up mind gives us the backing to be able to say no to something that might hinder what God wants to do. That is a very powerful point, because sometimes we have to understand that the enemy is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He doesn’t sleep. He doesn’t slumber — but sometimes we lose sight of this when we get caught up in what’s going on in our world, in our personal lives, and in our families. A made-up mind will give us the strength we need to look at something we know is not of God — and say no — because God has a bigger plan. There are things God wants to do, and we must be able to recognize and be discerning.

A made-up mind gives you the backing to say no to what could hinder God’s work in you and through you.

“Don’t wait for God to get your attention.” There are times when we are so caught up — even in things we feel are important — that we miss the many ways God tries to speak to us. It could be a dream, a word from someone, or something that happens in our everyday lives where only God could be a part of it.

Don’t wait — because sometimes when God wants to get our attention, something negative may come into our lives to shake us up and rock our world. When things are going well, it is easy to lose sight of who God is. But when a trial comes — then we cry, “Oh God, help us!” As we go into the New Year — if God spares our lives — we don’t want to wait for God to get our attention. Give Him your attention right now. Say, “Lord, what are You showing me?”

All of us can think of times when we were determined to get something we wanted. We went through every hurdle to get what we wanted. I think of myself going back to school as a mature adult. My mind was made up — nothing could get in my way. And so it is with the things of God. When He shows us what He wants us to do — the gifts and talents He gave us — we must make up our mind that we will please the Lord, no matter the cost.

Disobedience can make us stay longer than we want to stay. And I will add this — it can make you pay more than you want to pay. Disobedience is spoken of in Scripture. There are consequences. Disobedience is a choice. You know when you are being disobedient. You will pay a dear price for disobedience. You cannot box with God. Your arms are too short to box with God. You will lose every time.

Nehemiah was willing to be used because he saw the need. Do you see the need in our house? In your community? Do you see the peril we are in? Do you feel the passion when you are around people who need God?

Ministry to the “least of these” is everywhere. We are our brother’s keeper — not just about “me and mine.”

The enemy will tear you down because of who you are — a royal priesthood. He does not sleep. He wants to destroy you by any means necessary. That is why we must be vigilant — walking in the Spirit. Recognize the enemy and send him right back where he belongs. He is not your friend. He will put things in your path to make them look like something they are not.

Sometimes obstacles come from within your family — from those closest to you. But you must recognize Satan working through someone you love. Rebuke the spirit — not the person. This is where discernment must kick in. The battle is not ours — it is the Lord’s. We cannot do it on our own. We need His help. We give the enemy too much power when we listen to him and allow him to break us down. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Christ is our solid rock — all other ground is sinking sand.

This message is simple yet profound: Is your mind made up? All we have is this moment — we don’t know what the end of the day will mean for us. The Hebrew boys said, “We will not bow.” Esther said, “I have come into the kingdom for such a time as this.” Many throughout Scripture determined to go God’s way, not the world’s way. My mind is made up. My heart is fixed. We don’t know what the New Year will hold — but we know God has us. He will not leave us nor forsake us. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Know who your God is — that is what will get you through when your back is against the wall. There is nothing God cannot do. If He doesn’t do it — His sovereignty kicks in. It is not because He can’t. “Is there anything too hard for God?” No.

My mind is made up, and I’m not going back — in Jesus’ name.

Amen.