Rebuilding Lives: Embracing Prayer, Purpose, and Perseverance
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the story of Nehemiah and the lessons it holds for us as we seek to rebuild and restore the broken areas of our lives. We began by reflecting on the state of Jerusalem, where the walls were torn down and the gates destroyed by fire. Nehemiah's response to this news was one of deep mourning, fasting, and prayer. He confessed the sins of his people and his own family, pleading with God to remember His promises and grant him favor with the king. This heartfelt prayer set the stage for Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem.
We then transitioned into a time of prayer, asking God to speak to us and give us the strength and blueprint needed to rebuild our lives. The theme for today was "I'm working on something," emphasizing the importance of focus and dedication in our spiritual journey. We acknowledged the worship team and musicians for their role in leading us into God's presence and officially marked the third week of our sermon series, "Build It Again."
The sermon highlighted two significant obstacles that believers often face: fear and doubt. These emotions can paralyze us and prevent us from fulfilling our God-given assignments. However, we were reminded that if God calls us to do something, He equips us with the grace and ability to accomplish it. We were encouraged to lay hands on ourselves and declare, "I got what it takes."
We also discussed the importance of authenticity in our spiritual walk. The church has often taught us to mask our struggles, but true healing comes from being honest about our pain and seeking support from our community. Nehemiah's story was used as a case study to illustrate how receiving information should move us to intercession, which in turn sets our intentions and aligns us with God's will.
The sermon then shifted to a practical exercise, asking us to write down what we are building or feel called to build. These written declarations were to be placed on the altar as a symbol of our commitment and faith. We were reminded that if our burden doesn't lead us to deep prayer and fasting, it may not be a true burden but merely a passion.
We also touched on the relational challenges that come with emerging into our God-given identity. Jesus Himself faced rejection from His own family, teaching us that sometimes affirmation comes from unexpected places. We were encouraged to focus on our "life work," the most important work to which we give our time and effort. This involves understanding our purpose, passion, and the unique clues that God has placed in our lives.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to discover our burdens and life work. We were reminded that prayer is not a method of procrastination but a means to align our will with God's. As we prepare to rebuild, we were encouraged to see the opportunity in opposition and the favor in frustration. Nehemiah's story serves as a powerful reminder that with God's help, we can rebuild and restore what has been broken.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Confession: Nehemiah's response to the news of Jerusalem's destruction was to mourn, fast, and pray. He confessed the sins of his people and his own family, pleading with God to remember His promises. This teaches us the importance of heartfelt prayer and confession in aligning ourselves with God's will and seeking His favor. [01:06:31]
2. Overcoming Fear and Doubt: Fear and doubt are significant obstacles that can paralyze us and prevent us from fulfilling our God-given assignments. However, if God calls us to do something, He equips us with the grace and ability to accomplish it. We must declare over ourselves, "I got what it takes," and trust in God's provision. [01:10:24]
3. Authenticity and Community Support: The church has often taught us to mask our struggles, but true healing comes from being honest about our pain and seeking support from our community. Nehemiah's story illustrates the importance of receiving information, moving to intercession, and setting our intentions in alignment with God's will. [01:37:22]
4. Discovering Your Life Work: Understanding your life work involves recognizing your purpose, passion, and the unique clues that God has placed in your life. This helps you focus on what truly matters and avoid wasting time on things that are not aligned with your destiny. Your life work reflects your purpose and the reason behind your existence. [01:14:08]
5. Seeing Opportunity in Opposition: As we prepare to rebuild, we must train our eyes to see the opportunity in opposition and the favor in frustration. Nehemiah's story reminds us that with God's help, we can rebuild and restore what has been broken. We are encouraged to see our position and favor, trusting that God will provide the resources and support we need. [01:40:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06:31] - The Power of Prayer and Confession
[01:10:24] - Overcoming Fear and Doubt
[01:37:22] - Authenticity and Community Support
[01:14:08] - Discovering Your Life Work
[01:40:26] - Seeing Opportunity in Opposition
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Nehemiah 1:1-11 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing the news about Jerusalem's destruction? ([01:05:17])
2. How did Nehemiah's prayer reflect his understanding of God's promises and his own people's sins? ([01:06:31])
3. What specific request did Nehemiah make to God regarding his mission to rebuild Jerusalem? ([01:06:31])
4. How did Nehemiah's position as the king's cupbearer play a role in his prayer for favor? ([01:38:29])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed upon hearing about Jerusalem's condition? How does this reflect the importance of heartfelt prayer and confession? ([01:06:31])
2. How do fear and doubt act as obstacles in fulfilling God-given assignments, and what can we learn from Nehemiah's approach to overcoming these emotions? ([01:10:24])
3. In what ways does authenticity and community support contribute to true healing in our spiritual walk, as illustrated by Nehemiah's story? ([01:37:22])
4. How does understanding one's life work help in focusing on what truly matters, and what clues can we look for to discover our purpose and passion? ([01:14:08])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did prayer and confession help you align with God's will and seek His favor? ([01:06:31])
2. Identify a current fear or doubt that is hindering you from fulfilling a God-given assignment. How can you declare over yourself, "I got what it takes," and trust in God's provision? ([01:10:24])
3. Think about a struggle you have been masking. How can you be more authentic about your pain and seek support from your community for true healing? ([01:37:22])
4. What is your life work? Take some time to reflect on your purpose, passion, and the unique clues God has placed in your life. How can you focus more on this work and avoid distractions? ([01:14:08])
5. Consider a burden you feel called to address. Does this burden lead you to deep prayer and fasting? If not, how can you discern whether it is a true burden or merely a passion? ([01:35:33])
6. Have you experienced relational challenges while emerging into your God-given identity? How can you seek affirmation from God and unexpected places rather than relying solely on familiar sources? ([01:12:45])
7. How can you train your eyes to see the opportunity in opposition and the favor in frustration, as Nehemiah did? What practical steps can you take to recognize and embrace these opportunities? ([01:40:26])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Confession
Nehemiah's response to the news of Jerusalem's destruction was to mourn, fast, and pray. He confessed the sins of his people and his own family, pleading with God to remember His promises. This teaches us the importance of heartfelt prayer and confession in aligning ourselves with God's will and seeking His favor. Nehemiah's deep mourning and intercession set the stage for his mission to rebuild Jerusalem. When we face broken areas in our lives, our first response should be to turn to God in prayer, confessing our sins and seeking His guidance and favor. This act of humility and dependence on God opens the door for His intervention and sets the foundation for restoration.
Nehemiah's story reminds us that prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means of communication with God. It is through prayer that we align our hearts with His will and receive the strength and wisdom needed to rebuild and restore. As we confess our sins and the sins of our community, we acknowledge our need for God's mercy and grace. This act of confession not only brings healing to our own hearts but also paves the way for God's redemptive work in our lives and communities. [01:06:31]
Nehemiah 1:4-6 (ESV): "As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, 'O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned.'"
Reflection: Think of an area in your life that feels broken or in need of restoration. Spend time in prayer, confessing any sins related to this area and asking God for His guidance and favor. How can you make heartfelt prayer and confession a regular part of your spiritual practice?
Day 2: Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Fear and doubt are significant obstacles that can paralyze us and prevent us from fulfilling our God-given assignments. However, if God calls us to do something, He equips us with the grace and ability to accomplish it. We must declare over ourselves, "I got what it takes," and trust in God's provision. Nehemiah faced immense challenges and opposition, but he did not let fear and doubt deter him from his mission. Instead, he relied on God's strength and guidance to overcome these obstacles and successfully rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
When we encounter fear and doubt, it is essential to remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. By declaring God's truth over our lives and trusting in His provision, we can overcome these negative emotions and move forward in our God-given assignments. It is important to recognize that fear and doubt are natural human responses, but they do not have to control us. With God's help, we can rise above these obstacles and fulfill the purposes He has for us. [01:10:24]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Identify a specific fear or doubt that has been holding you back from pursuing a God-given assignment. How can you declare God's truth over this area and trust in His provision to overcome it? What practical steps can you take today to move forward in faith?
Day 3: Authenticity and Community Support
The church has often taught us to mask our struggles, but true healing comes from being honest about our pain and seeking support from our community. Nehemiah's story illustrates the importance of receiving information, moving to intercession, and setting our intentions in alignment with God's will. When Nehemiah heard about the destruction of Jerusalem, he did not hide his emotions but openly mourned, fasted, and prayed. This authenticity allowed him to connect deeply with God and receive the guidance and strength needed for his mission.
In our spiritual walk, it is crucial to be authentic about our struggles and seek support from our community. True healing and restoration come when we are honest about our pain and allow others to walk alongside us in prayer and encouragement. The church should be a place where we can be vulnerable and find the support we need to grow and heal. By being authentic and seeking community support, we create an environment where God's love and grace can flow freely, bringing healing and transformation to our lives. [01:37:22]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Reflect on a struggle or pain you have been masking. How can you be more authentic about this area and seek support from your community? Who can you reach out to for prayer and encouragement today?
Day 4: Discovering Your Life Work
Understanding your life work involves recognizing your purpose, passion, and the unique clues that God has placed in your life. This helps you focus on what truly matters and avoid wasting time on things that are not aligned with your destiny. Your life work reflects your purpose and the reason behind your existence. Nehemiah discovered his life work when he felt a deep burden for the broken walls of Jerusalem and committed himself to rebuilding them. This burden led him to seek God's guidance and take practical steps towards fulfilling his mission.
Discovering your life work requires introspection and a willingness to follow the clues that God has placed in your life. It involves understanding your unique gifts, passions, and the needs around you that resonate with your heart. By focusing on your life work, you can make a meaningful impact and fulfill the purpose for which God created you. It is important to regularly seek God's guidance and be open to His leading as you pursue your life work. [01:14:08]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Take time to reflect on your unique gifts, passions, and the needs around you that resonate with your heart. What clues has God placed in your life to help you discover your life work? How can you take practical steps towards fulfilling your purpose today?
Day 5: Seeing Opportunity in Opposition
As we prepare to rebuild, we must train our eyes to see the opportunity in opposition and the favor in frustration. Nehemiah's story reminds us that with God's help, we can rebuild and restore what has been broken. Nehemiah faced significant opposition and challenges, but he saw these as opportunities to rely on God's strength and provision. By focusing on the opportunities in opposition, he was able to successfully rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the city.
When we encounter opposition and frustration, it is important to shift our perspective and see these challenges as opportunities for growth and reliance on God. Opposition can reveal areas where we need to strengthen our faith and trust in God's provision. By seeing the favor in frustration, we can remain hopeful and confident that God is working all things together for our good. This perspective allows us to move forward with courage and determination, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [01:40:26]
Romans 5:3-4 (ESV): "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
Reflection: Think of a current opposition or frustration you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see the opportunity in this challenge? What steps can you take to rely on God's strength and provision as you move forward?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you don't know what you're willing to die for, you're not willing to live. You know, the old school church used to say, think about that. This is a suffering way. Oh, we ain't heard that in a long time. That's what some of your faces are looking like. That's a foreign concept. Jesus said, in this world, you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer, for I have already overcome. This is a suffering way. Now, we're not being persecuted and we're not suffering in the same manner as others in other parts of the world. But even in America, this is a suffering way." [01:19:47]
2. "If you can train your eye and train your faith to see the opportunity in the opposition, to see the favor in the frustration, to see the solution in the problem, if you see your position, you will see your favor. God is strategically repositioning move in a realm of immense favor. And grace. We're going to see throughout the book of Nehemiah how he moves from receiving a burden to now becoming a blessing and how the favor for the resources that he needs to get the assignment done, he doesn't even have to work for it when it comes to it." [01:40:26]
3. "Your life work reflects your purpose or reason for being. And it also reflects your passion. Your life work also reflects your passion. That which you are willing to suffer and endure for. What are you willing to die for? If you don't know what you're willing to die for, you're not willing to live." [01:18:21]
4. "The altar alters. Catch the wordplay. The altar alters, A-L-T-E-R-S. The altar is designed to alter your will. So when you come to the altar, you don't come because you're being asked to come. You come because you're willingly sacrificing what it is you desire, your timetable, your dream for your life, your aspirations for your life. You got to lay that down on his feet." [01:33:31]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The spirit of fear is only powerful when you allow it access into your life. When you yield your thoughts and you yield your emotions and you yield your confessions to fear. What was once faith comes out as fear. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. I would see myself as a sociologist in another life. One of the things I also see is how doubt, how we doubt our own ability, our own capacity, our own wherewithal to do what it is that God has called us to do." [01:10:24]
2. "If your burden doesn't call you into deep prayer and fasting, it's not a burden. If your burden doesn't require you to go in a deeper place of prayer and intercession and fasting and consecration, it's not a burden. It may be a passion, but it's not a burden." [01:35:33]
3. "The relational challenges that come as you are emerging as I teach your emergence you coming into who you are coming into your own identity coming into what God has called you to be and do upset in the face of the people in the first place the first place that you're going to see people be upset and offended is within your own family Jesus had to face rejection within his family so the reason that he was unbothered by the Sadducees and the Pharisees was because he was already accustomed to and knew how to maneuver around it." [01:12:45]
4. "Your life work is the most important work to you and to which you give a lot of time and effort. Your life work is the work that is most important to you and to which you give a lot of time and effort. The reason I want you to know your life work is so you don't waste time doing things that are not allocated to your life." [01:14:08]
5. "Nehemiah receives information. Verses 4 through 9, it moves him to intercession. Watch me. Intercession sets his intention. Verses 10 through 11. He says, I, God, if you're with this is something I'm going to do. I've been praying this. You've got to stop praying. God, if you're with me, give me favor with the king at my job. Give me favor with the individual in authority. Give me favor with the individual that I need. God, if you're really with me, give me favor for what you're asking favor that's on your life." [01:37:50]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 27, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?