I'M BUSY
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 5-9

"...But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them:  I am doing a great work!  I cannot stop to come and meet with you."  Nehemiah 6:2-3 NLT

Allow me to set the stage...

Nehemiah has busied himself with the repair of Jerusalem's wall.  He has been granted monies from the government officials, has organized work crews, has set straight some sinful habits of God's chosen people coming back from captivity.  Now, amid all the work, he receives a note from his enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and their cronies asking him to meet them at an assigned place, 'just to talk'.

Nehemiah, with God's leading, knew better.

And I love his response:  Busy about God's work!  Can't stop it now!

I'm going to start telling satan the exact same thing.

I'm going to deny his request to lead my mind on a wild goose chase of things already covered by God's forgiveness.  I'm going to pass on his offer to take my mind into the gutter.  I'm going to refuse to be led astray, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, by his ploys to do me harm.

But in order to do it in the right way, I'll also have to be busy doing something for God.  Praying, perhaps?  Opening my Bible for a few minutes more a day?  Jotting down a note to a struggling Christian sister?  Choosing to think on what is lovely, pure, perfect and right?  Preparing for the Bible study I joined?  Re-reading the sermon notes from Sunday?  Giving my child the better part of my day?  Spending my time and money on others instead of myself?

Yes, I'm going to be so busy doing what God asks me to do that I cannot give satan the time of day!