### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Let's take a moment to lift our voices and declare the holiness and righteousness of our God. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is worthy to be praised. In His presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. It is by the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, for His compassion never fails. Each morning, His mercy is renewed toward us. If the enemy had his way, we would have been defeated long ago, but because God is the greatest power, we shall never be defeated. This is why we give Him praise and glory.
On this first Sunday in June, we reflect on the changes and challenges we've faced, yet the Lord has kept us. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. If you can hear me or see me, know that God is not done with you. Encourage someone next to you and tell them, "God's not done with you." We have several announcements for June, including our altar night prayer this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. We must do more than just have church; we must be the church.
Let's turn to Nehemiah chapter 2. Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer, a position of great responsibility and privilege. He was tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem, a city in ruins. Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of being prepared and having a plan. When the king asked how he could help, Nehemiah was ready with dates and figures. We must also be prepared for divine opportunities and have a clear plan for what we need.
Nehemiah's task was not just to rebuild walls but to bring reformation to a people who had mixed their faith with other practices. We must be careful not to mix our faith with worldly practices. God is calling us to be holy and set apart. Just because God was with us in the past does not guarantee His favor if we are rebellious and disobedient now. We must be willing to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
As we prepare to give, remember that we are a tithing church. We believe in the principle of sowing and reaping. Let's sow generously and expectantly. We are also partnering with a sister church, extending kindness and favor to them. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us.
In closing, never despise your position or contribution. Your current season is preparing you for the next. Be faithful and committed, and God will elevate you in due time. Let's pray for clarity and boldness as we face new opportunities. May the favor of God be upon you, and may you walk in divine consciousness and awareness.
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Key Takeaways
- 1. God's Mercy and Protection: Each morning, God's mercy is renewed toward us. If the enemy had his way, we would have been defeated long ago, but because God is the greatest power, we shall never be defeated. This is a cause for praise and gratitude. Reflect on the fact that you are alive and well because God wants you to be. [22:53]
- 2. Preparedness for Divine Opportunities: Nehemiah teaches us the importance of being prepared. When the king asked how he could help, Nehemiah was ready with dates and figures. We must also be prepared for divine opportunities and have a clear plan for what we need. This readiness allows us to seize the moment when God opens doors for us. [54:37]
- 3. Holiness and Separation: Just because God was with us in the past does not guarantee His favor if we are rebellious and disobedient now. We must be willing to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Mixing our faith with worldly practices leads to confusion and loss of God's favor. [63:32]
- 4. Faithfulness in Current Season: Never despise your position or contribution. Your current season is preparing you for the next. Be faithful and committed, and God will elevate you in due time. Your position may not always match your season, but faithfulness will lead to elevation. [73:26]
- 5. Proximity Principle and Influence: The principle of proximity points out the tendency of those physically close to one another to form social relationships. Identify the top five influential people in your life and pray for divine insight on how they can help you in your next season. Cultivate these relationships intentionally. [01:20:44]
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Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:53] - God's Mercy and Protection
- [24:04] - Mid-Year Reflection
- [25:48] - Announcements and Observations
- [50:05] - God's Preservation During the Pandemic
- [50:54] - Nehemiah Chapter 2: Divine Help
- [54:37] - Preparedness for Divine Opportunities
- [55:33] - Prayer and Introduction to Nehemiah
- [56:39] - The Cupbearer's Role
- [57:41] - Build It Again Series
- [58:45] - Remnant, Ruin, Reproach
- [59:44] - Consequences of Rebellion
- [60:39] - Tradition vs. Current Move of God
- [63:03] - Living Sacrifice and Consecration
- [63:32] - Holiness and Separation
- [64:06] - Babel and Confusion
- [65:00] - Religious Syncretism
- [68:00] - Faith to Wait
- [69:44] - Internal Compass and Value System
- [71:45] - Nehemiah's Position and Contribution
- [73:26] - Faithfulness in Current Season
- [77:35] - The Cupbearer's Responsibility
- [80:44] - Proximity Principle and Influence
- [82:52] - Cultivating Clarity
- [85:28] - Boldness in Opportunity
- [89:04] - Specificity in Prayer
- [92:53] - Prayer for Divine Favor
- [94:52] - Waiting on the Lord
- [95:39] - Tithing and Generosity
- [96:18] - Partnership with Sister Church
- [97:21] - Sowing Seeds Forward
- [98:01] - Preparing to Give
- [99:45] - Season of Favor and Kindness
- [101:23] - Prayer for Increase and Favor
- [102:11] - Closing Prayer and Benediction