Building God's Kingdom: Vision, Action, and Legacy

Devotional

Day 1: Building Beyond Today: The Legacy of Shira

Shira, though mentioned in only one verse, stands as a powerful example of someone who built beyond her own lifetime, leaving a legacy that shaped generations. Rising from family tragedy, she constructed three cities—Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen Shira—strategically positioned to serve Israel for centuries. Her story reminds us that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, and that what we build today can become the foundation for victories, blessings, and stories yet to come. As we reflect on Shira’s life, we are challenged to consider what we are building—not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us. [23:42]

1 Chronicles 7:24 (NRSV)
"His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah."

Reflection: What is one thing you are building today—whether in your family, work, or community—that you hope will bless future generations?

Day 2: Vision: Seeing What Could Be

True kingdom builders possess vision that looks beyond present circumstances to see what God can do. Shira saw the potential in the land and built cities in places that would become crucial for God’s purposes, even though she could not have known the full impact at the time. Her roads became the very paths for divine intervention, military victories, and spiritual stories. Vision is not just about dreaming, but about discerning God’s purpose and stepping out in faith to begin what others might not even imagine. [28:06]

Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)
"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God calling you to see beyond your current situation and trust Him for something greater?

Day 3: Action: Building with What God Has Given

Vision without action is just a daydream. Shira not only saw what could be, but she rolled up her sleeves and built what was needed, using the resources, skills, and opportunities God had given her. She was a planner, a provider, and a strategist, building not for her own glory but for the good of her people and the generations to come. God equips each of us with unique gifts and resources, calling us to put our faith into action and build according to His blueprint. [30:41]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to put your God-given vision into action, using the resources already in your hands?

Day 4: Legacy: Building What Will Last

Shira’s story is a testament to the power of generational thinking—she built not for recognition, but for a legacy that would endure. Her cities became the foundation for future victories and blessings, and her name was remembered because she built with purpose, not for status. We are called to lay foundations that will bless our children, our communities, and the generations yet to come, trusting that God sees and honors faithful builders. [32:38]

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."

Reflection: What kind of foundation are you laying in your life right now, and how can you ensure it is built to last for God’s glory?

Day 5: Building Together: The Power of Community

Kingdom building is not a solo endeavor; it happens in community, where vision is cast, plans are made, and faith turns into action. Just as Shira’s work impacted her people, we are called to build together—encouraging, equipping, and supporting one another as we pursue God’s mission. No matter our size or background, God has equipped us with everything we need, and together, we can build something that will bless generations. [36:55]

Ephesians 4:16 (ESV)
"From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: Who in your community can you encourage or partner with this week to help build something greater for God’s kingdom?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to lift up the glory of the Lord, to let His praises and songs rise among us, and to declare our deep love and worship for our God. We celebrated the truth that God’s presence is not just for a moment, but is meant to rise and dwell among us, transforming our hearts and uniting us in worship. As we honored God for His faithfulness and the opportunity to worship together, we were reminded that our lives are testimonies of His grace—if it had not been for the Lord on our side, we would not be here today, clothed in our right minds and able to give Him praise.

We turned our attention to a powerful example from Scripture: Shira, the daughter of Ephraim, whose story is tucked away in a single verse in 1 Chronicles 7:24. Though her mention is brief, her impact is profound. Shira was a builder—she constructed three cities that became strategic centers for Israel’s military, economic, and spiritual life. Her legacy was not in fighting battles, but in building something that would outlast her, something that would bless generations to come.

Shira’s life teaches us three essential principles for kingdom building. First, she had vision—she saw what could be, even in the aftermath of family tragedy. She built with purpose, choosing locations that would serve God’s people for centuries. Second, she took action—she didn’t just dream, she rolled up her sleeves and built what was needed, using the resources and wisdom God had given her. Third, she built for legacy—her work was not for her own glory, but for the benefit of future generations, laying foundations that others would build upon.

We are called to be kingdom builders like Shira. Our task is not just to build for today, but to construct with vision, action, and legacy in mind. We must ask ourselves: What are we building? Are we building for God’s glory or for our own recognition? Are we laying foundations that will bless those who come after us? God has given us everything we need—vision, resources, and His Spirit. Now is the time to rise up, to build together, and to trust that our faithful work will have generational impact. We are not just gathering; we are building the kingdom of God, one stone at a time, for today and for generations yet to come.

Key Takeaways

1. Vision Beyond the Moment: Shira’s story reminds us that true kingdom builders see beyond their present circumstances. Even after tragedy, she envisioned cities that would serve God’s people for generations. Our calling is to look past our immediate struggles and ask God to reveal what could be, not just what is. Vision rooted in God’s purpose will always outlast temporary setbacks. [27:33]
2. Action That Aligns with Purpose: Vision without action is just a daydream. Shira didn’t stop at seeing what was possible—she acted, building three cities with strategic significance. God equips us with resources, wisdom, and opportunities, but it is our responsibility to put faith into action, constructing what is needed for His kingdom and not just for ourselves. [29:22]
3. Building for Legacy, Not Recognition: Shira’s name is barely mentioned, yet her legacy endures. She built not for her own fame, but for the benefit of those who would come after her. Our work for God may not always be recognized by others, but when we build with legacy in mind, we lay foundations that will bless future generations and honor God’s eternal purposes. [31:56]
4. The Danger of Building Without God: The builders of Babel had vision, unity, and resources, but lacked God’s blessing. Ambition without divine assignment leads to emptiness and collapse. We must continually check our motives, ensuring that what we build is aligned with God’s will, not just our own desires for recognition or success. [33:15]
5. Community and Consistency in Kingdom Work: Building God’s kingdom is not a solo endeavor. Shira was one woman, but her work required community, planning, and perseverance. Likewise, we must stay connected, consistent, and committed to the mission together, trusting that God is doing something greater through our collective faithfulness than we could ever accomplish alone. [36:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:51] - Let the Glory of the Lord Rise
[12:00] - Our Hearts Cry: Worship and Praise
[17:09] - Honoring God’s Faithfulness
[19:08] - Prayer for the Word
[19:52] - Building Beyond Today: Introduction
[21:06] - Shira: A Real Woman of Power
[23:00] - Shira’s Legacy in One Verse
[26:56] - Three Kingdom Building Principles
[27:33] - Principle 1: Vision
[29:22] - Principle 2: Action
[31:56] - Principle 3: Legacy
[33:15] - Warning from Babel: Building with God
[36:19] - Community and Consistency
[38:11] - Equipped for Kingdom Building
[40:08] - Keep Building: Generational Impact
[43:16] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[45:44] - Invitation and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 7:24 (ESV) — And his daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV) — “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

Observation Questions

According to 1 Chronicles 7:24, what specific accomplishments are attributed to Shira, and why is her mention in the genealogy unique? [23:00]
In the sermon, what were the three main principles that Shira’s life demonstrated about building for God’s kingdom? [26:56]
How does Jesus describe the wise builder in Matthew 7:24-25, and what is the result of building on the rock?
What warning did the sermon give about the builders of the Tower of Babel, and how does this contrast with Shira’s approach to building? [33:15]

Interpretation Questions

Shira’s story is told in just one verse, yet her impact lasted for generations. What does this suggest about the importance of faithfulness in small or unnoticed acts? [31:56]
The sermon highlights that Shira built after a family tragedy. How might personal hardship shape someone’s vision for what God can do through them? [27:33]
The builders of Babel had vision and unity but lacked God’s blessing. What does this teach about the difference between ambition and divine assignment? [33:15]
Jesus says the wise builder is the one who hears and does His words. How does this connect to the idea of putting vision into action, as seen in Shira’s life? [29:22]

Application Questions

The sermon asked, “What are we building?” Take a moment to reflect: In your daily life, what are you actively building—at home, at work, or in your community? Is it for God’s glory or your own recognition? [24:23]
Shira built with vision, action, and legacy in mind. Which of these three do you find most challenging, and why? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? [26:56]
The message warned about building for recognition instead of legacy. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek applause or approval? How can you shift your focus to building something that will bless others after you? [31:56]
The sermon emphasized that God has already given us resources, vision, and His Spirit. What is one resource or gift you have that you could use more intentionally for God’s kingdom? [41:20]
Shira’s work required community and consistency. Who are the people God has placed around you to build with? How can you encourage or partner with them more intentionally this month? [36:19]
The builders of Babel were united, but their motives were wrong. How can you check your own motives when you start a new project or ministry? What practical step can you take to make sure you’re building with God and not just for yourself? [33:15]
The sermon said, “We are not just gathering; we are building the kingdom of God, one stone at a time.” What is one small, faithful action you can take this week to help build God’s kingdom in your context? [39:31]

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