In the early 2010s, the Philadelphia Phillies came close to establishing a dynasty. They won a World Series in 2008 and claimed the pennant again in 2009. With Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, they had the best pitching staff in MLB. However, by 2012, they were a .500 team, suffering losing seasons in 2013 and 2014. It took three rough seasons before they decided to rebuild. Knowing when and how to rebuild a team is challenging and often leads to failure. The Chicago Bulls’ rebuild after Michael Jordan’s final retirement demonstrated how difficult it can be. 

Nehemiah 1-2 – Bold Initiative

The Bible provides a historical record that reveals the sinfulness of humankind and God’s gracious response and plan. Nehemiah writes about events that began during the reign of King Artaxerxes in the Persian Empire.

The Book of Nehemiah begins where Ezra left off, detailing the historical restoration of Jerusalem. Ezra had motivated the Jews to renew their loyalty to the Lord. Thirteen years later, Nehemiah returned with an ambitious goal to rebuild the city’s walls. When the opportunity arose for Nehemiah to speak to the king, he was prepared with a proposal and a strategy for executing his plans. He understood that his people had faced ridicule and danger due to the damaged walls and gates. It was time to rebuild, and the Lord used this faithful man of God to accomplish the task!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete expect the Holy Spirit to use their faith and persistence to cultivate a thirst and willingness to guide people in God’s way.

Bible Memory Verse – “‘…but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been banished were at the ends of the sky, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.’” Nehemiah 1:9  (LSB)