​SUCCESS is defined as the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted, and it is usually understood that the achievement is something good.

​Have you ever worked on a project that seemed to take forever? It was an important project, but you grew weary of doing sections, adding to it, or taking away from it. I have so many times. But Nehemiah is a role model for us when we are trying to do what God has called us to do. Just remember it is always something!

​Has anyone ever openly challenged your faith? Or do you sometimes feel repressed speaking up for your beliefs? Contrary to what we may expect, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:10 say, “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

​The book of Nehemiah destroys our tendency to believe that God cannot use us because we think we do not have what it takes. The point here is that nobody has ever had what it takes. But when we depend on God and in faith step out, He accomplishes the impossible through us. Nehemiah meets the Task!

​There is no greater privilege for anyone than being able to personally talk with and speak into the ears of Almighty God. I love the stickers that are around our church that say, “Pray, You Never Stand Taller Than When You Are on Your Knees.” 

​This coming Sunday we are starting a new sermon series called “Rebuild Together.” We are looking at a situation in the Bible that looked hopeless. There was a man named Nehemiah who God called to lead the people to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. The people there were defenseless. They were vulnerable to attack and harassment because they had no protection. They were discouraged and defeated.

​Have you ever been talking with someone and they ask you a question about the Bible, and you did not know the answer to the question? If your answer is YES, I want you to know you are not alone. 

​In America, most of us do not know much about hunger and thirst. Being hungry is a Big Mac attack. Being thirsty is Miller Time. Mother Teresa says that in India they are starving physically, but in America, they are starving emotionally.