Making Space for God: Embracing Community and Renewal
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of making space for God in our lives, both individually and as a community. We began by acknowledging the unique setup of our worship space, which serves as a reminder that church is more than just listening to a sermon; it's about engaging with one another and with God. This morning, we were encouraged to open our hearts and minds to the presence of God, allowing Him to challenge and stretch us in new ways. We prayed for a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the church, emphasizing the importance of community and being equipped for God's work.
We delved into the story of Nehemiah, drawing parallels between his mission to rebuild Jerusalem and our call to rebuild and restore in our own lives and communities. Nehemiah's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, resilience, and community in overcoming challenges. We were encouraged to see ourselves as part of a "Nehemiah generation," called to rise up and build, to partner with God and each other in bringing about restoration and renewal.
Throughout the service, we were reminded of God's faithfulness and goodness, and the assurance that He will never let us down. We were invited to bring our burdens and needs before God, trusting in His provision and breakthrough. As we worshiped, we were encouraged to envision the breakthroughs we need, whether in our personal lives, finances, or health, and to trust in God's supernatural ability to meet those needs.
As we concluded, we were reminded of the power of community and the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations with one another. We were encouraged to take what we've learned and experienced today and apply it in our daily lives, allowing God's love and kindness to flow through us to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Making Space for God: We are called to intentionally make space for God in our lives, allowing Him to challenge and stretch us. This involves being open to His presence and willing to engage with Him and our community in new ways. [08:18]
- The Nehemiah Generation: Like Nehemiah, we are called to rise up and build, partnering with God in the work of restoration and renewal. This requires prayer, resilience, and a willingness to work together as a community. [01:06:17]
- God's Faithfulness and Provision: We can trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, knowing that He will never let us down. As we bring our burdens and needs before Him, we can expect His supernatural provision and breakthrough. [49:00]
- The Power of Community: Engaging in meaningful conversations and building relationships within our community is vital. As we connect with one another, we can support and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys. [01:20:08]
- Living with Hope and Purpose: We are called to live with hope and purpose, drawing from the well of God's love and grace. As we align ourselves with His plans, we can be agents of change and transformation in the world around us. [01:11:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:09] - Introduction and Announcements
- [07:31] - Prayer and Giving
- [08:43] - Worship Begins
- [12:01] - Invitation to Worship
- [18:14] - Clearing the Clutter
- [27:38] - Thanksgiving and Praise
- [46:08] - Vision of Breakthrough
- [49:00] - Envisioning Breakthrough
- [55:03] - Closing Prayer
- [57:44] - Personal Shifts and Breakthroughs
- [01:00:17] - Introduction to Nehemiah
- [01:06:17] - The Nehemiah Generation
- [01:11:03] - Living in Hope and Purpose
- [01:20:08] - Engaging in Community Conversations
- [01:50:57] - Final Encouragement and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah 1:4-11
2. Isaiah 35:10
3. John 3:16-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the condition of Jerusalem, and how did he respond? (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the "Nehemiah generation" and their call to rise up and build? [01:06:17]
3. In Isaiah 35:10, what promises are given to the ransomed of the Lord, and how does this relate to the theme of restoration discussed in the sermon? [46:58]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of community in the process of rebuilding and restoration? [01:20:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be part of a "Nehemiah generation," and how can this concept be applied to modern-day challenges faced by the church community? [01:06:17]
2. How does the story of Nehemiah parallel the life and mission of Jesus, and what implications does this have for believers today? [01:04:06]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer and resilience are crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving restoration? [01:12:11]
4. How does the assurance of God's faithfulness and provision, as mentioned in the sermon, influence the way believers approach their personal struggles and community involvement? [49:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life situation. Are there areas where you need to intentionally make space for God? What practical steps can you take this week to open your heart and mind to His presence? [08:18]
2. Consider the concept of the "Nehemiah generation." What specific area in your life or community do you feel called to rebuild or restore? How can you begin this process with prayer and community support? [01:06:17]
3. The sermon emphasizes the power of community. How can you engage more deeply in meaningful conversations and relationships within your church or local community? What barriers might you need to overcome? [01:20:08]
4. Think about a personal burden or need you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's supernatural provision and breakthrough in this area? What steps can you take to actively seek His guidance and support? [49:00]
5. The sermon encourages living with hope and purpose. Identify one way you can align yourself with God's plans this week to be an agent of change and transformation in your environment. [01:11:03]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this past experience encourage you to trust Him with current or future challenges? [49:00]
7. How can you practically support someone in your community who is going through a difficult time, drawing from the themes of restoration and community discussed in the sermon? [01:20:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Creating Sacred Space in Our Lives
We are called to intentionally make space for God in our lives, allowing Him to challenge and stretch us. This involves being open to His presence and willing to engage with Him and our community in new ways. Making space for God means setting aside time and energy to focus on our relationship with Him, amidst the busyness of life. It requires a conscious effort to prioritize spiritual growth and community engagement, recognizing that our faith journey is not meant to be walked alone. By creating sacred space, we invite God to work in us and through us, transforming our hearts and minds. [08:18]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside this week to intentionally focus on your relationship with God, free from distractions?
Day 2: Embracing the Nehemiah Generation
Like Nehemiah, we are called to rise up and build, partnering with God in the work of restoration and renewal. This requires prayer, resilience, and a willingness to work together as a community. Nehemiah's story is a powerful example of how faith, determination, and community can overcome great challenges. As a "Nehemiah generation," we are invited to see ourselves as active participants in God's plan for restoration, both in our personal lives and in the world around us. By embracing this call, we commit to being agents of change, working alongside God and each other to bring about healing and renewal. [01:06:17]
"So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life or community that needs rebuilding or restoration, and how can you begin to take action in partnership with God and others?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Faithfulness and Provision
We can trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, knowing that He will never let us down. As we bring our burdens and needs before Him, we can expect His supernatural provision and breakthrough. Trusting in God means believing in His promises and relying on His strength, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It involves surrendering our worries and fears to Him, confident that He is able to provide for our needs in ways we cannot imagine. By placing our trust in God's faithfulness, we open ourselves to experiencing His peace and provision in every aspect of our lives. [49:00]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific burden or need you are currently facing, and how can you actively trust God to provide for it this week?
Day 4: The Power of Community
Engaging in meaningful conversations and building relationships within our community is vital. As we connect with one another, we can support and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys. Community is a gift that allows us to share our joys and struggles, offering and receiving support as we grow in faith. By investing in relationships, we create a network of encouragement and accountability that strengthens our walk with God. The power of community lies in its ability to reflect God's love and grace, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey. [01:20:08]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to this week for a meaningful conversation or to offer support and encouragement?
Day 5: Living with Hope and Purpose
We are called to live with hope and purpose, drawing from the well of God's love and grace. As we align ourselves with His plans, we can be agents of change and transformation in the world around us. Living with hope means trusting in God's promises and looking forward to the future with confidence. It involves embracing our unique purpose and using our gifts and talents to make a positive impact. By living with hope and purpose, we become a reflection of God's love, bringing light and transformation to those around us. [01:11:03]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can align your daily actions with God's purpose for your life, bringing hope and transformation to those around you?
Quotes
We are called to intentionally make space for God in our lives, allowing Him to challenge and stretch us. This involves being open to His presence and willing to engage with Him and our community in new ways. [00:08:18]
We prayed that you just remind us what being part of the church really means, Lord, that it is also meaning that we are being equipped and that we are a part of a community. Lord, we thank you for the connections that we're going to make this morning and the way that you're going to challenge us and help us grow. [00:08:18]
Some of you came in with some really heavy burdens this morning. You came in with a need, and there's a special presence this morning that's here to meet that need. I just saw supernatural provision over some of you. A scripture that the Holy Spirit highlighted to me was in Isaiah 35:10. [00:46:08]
I believe that some of you are going to start seeing this this week as you change the way that you're thinking, as you see yourself seated in these heavenly places. So will you be all around you, your thoughts. That's where everything starts is on our thoughts. [00:46:08]
We are a people through which the love of heaven is meant to flow through to society, to culture, to community, to each other. And it really is that glue that draws us together as we build and battle together. [01:11:03]
A Nehemiah generation will battle and build together in community and not in isolation. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a task that was larger than any one person. A Nehemiah generation will partner with those around them for the building that would come through them. [01:06:17]
A Nehemiah generation will understand their access and will use their influence to rebuild, restore, and revive what the enemy has broken. It's a generation that's willing to rise up and press into the purposes of the kingdom. [01:06:17]
A Nehemiah generation will be intentionally resilient and bypass the noise of the denter. You know, when the voice of the accuser comes or the voice of those attempting to suffocate the life out of what it is that you are building, how is it that you find yourself responding? [01:06:17]
A Nehemiah generation will partner powerfully with heaven as prayer strategists. You see Nehemiah before he lifts a hand, before the work of their hands is strengthened, you see that he went to prayer for about a 4-month period. [01:06:17]
We are called to live with hope and purpose, drawing from the well of God's love and grace. As we align ourselves with His plans, we can be agents of change and transformation in the world around us. [01:11:03]
We are invited to bring our burdens and needs before God, trusting in His provision and breakthrough. As we worship, we are encouraged to envision the breakthroughs we need, whether in our personal lives, finances, or health, and to trust in God's supernatural ability to meet those needs. [00:49:00]
Engaging in meaningful conversations and building relationships within our community is vital. As we connect with one another, we can support and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys. [01:20:08]
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