DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JUNE 14, 2026
READ: Nehemiah 2 (Focus vs. 17-18 & 3 (Focus vs. 6-12)
MEMORY VERSE
““Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18
BACKGROUND
Serendipity Bookstore, a popular spot in Chelsea, Michigan, needed to expand. The owner found a building twice the size just a block away. She wanted to make the move quickly instead of closing the store for days and boxing up all the books.
So she requested help from the community. More than three hundred people showed up! They stood shoulder to shoulder, forming a human conveyor belt, and passed the books from one person to the next, moving 9,100 books in just under two hours.
The owner said, “[The bookstore] is really a part of the community, and [the people] have ownership.” They all enthusiastically worked side by side.
When Nehemiah, a Jew who was the trusted cupbearer to the Persian king, learned that the wall surrounding Jerusalem lay in shambles, he cried out for God’s guidance (Nehemiah 1:3-11).
The Babylonians had destroyed the walls in 587 bc. After investigating, Nehemiah recruited help from the community. He said to the Jewish leaders, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins . . . . Come, let us rebuild the wall” (2:17).
Chapter 3 describes how leaders and citizens alike willingly repaired the section of the wall that was right in front of each one. They worked side by side.
We too can impact our community by serving together under God’s direction and in His strength.
Anne Cetas
INSIGHT
Cooperation is on display in Nehemiah 3 as people with various gifts, talents, and callings stacked their hands to accomplish one good work. Among them were priests (vv. 1, 22, 28) and Levites (v. 17); goldsmiths, perfumers, and merchants (vv. 8, 31-32); rulers (vv. 12-19), and others.
The wall-building project, like other worthwhile community endeavors, required good leadership, and Nehemiah provided that. A survey of his qualities reveals that he was a man of prayer (1:4; 2:4), vision (2:5, 11-16), good communication skills (2:7-8, 17-18), and courage (vv. 19-20).
Today, we can also serve others by working together with God’s strength.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
What are your God-given abilities? How might He be calling you to work side by side with others?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“(Believers) can impact their communities by serving together under God’s direction and in His strength.” Adapted
PR’s TAKE
The church with her neighbors makes up the community. The church without a community is an island unto itself and a community without the church has no soul. Pr
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”Helen Keller
I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things (for the Kingdom) Mother Theresa
PRAYER
“Please open my eyes, dear God, to those around me so I might serve You in ways that help my community.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“KINGDOM BUILDERS SIDE BY SIDE” Darren Winfield
We’re called beyond the walls we build alone
Each heart and gifting woven in Your plan
No heroes rise apart from Body’s grace
But side by side, together, we will stand
Kingdom builders, hand in hand
Sent by Ruach HaKodesh across this land
United in vision, united in love
We carry the light, the hope from above
Apostles sent, the Church arises strong
Each gifting honored, every path embraced
Through prayers and sending, generations grow
Multiplying Christ’s Kingdom, mercy
Mercy, and grace
Kingdom builders, hand in hand
Sent by Ruach HaKodesh across this land
United in vision, united in love
We carry the light, the hope from above
Father, send us—together we go
Breaking every wall, restoring the flow
Give us courage to yield and to trust
To build, to send, to serve as You must
Apostolic vision, prophetic release
Unity growing as love is increased
Commission us now—Your Body, Your bride
Extending Your Kingdom, with Christ as our guide
Kingdom builders, hand in hand
Sent by Ruach HaKodesh across this land
United in vision, united in love
We carry the light, the hope from above
May Yahweh unite you with partners who lead
May Ruach HaKodesh provide every need
May you be sent, supported, and strong
A Kingdom builder whose story belongs
Kingdom builders, hand in hand
Sent by Ruach HaKodesh across this land
United in vision, united in love
We carry the light, the hope from above
