Rebuilding Through Brokenness: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Friesland Community Church. Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the grace and mercy of our Lord, inspired by Psalm 145:1-6. We began with a prayer and sang "His Mercy is More," celebrating God's unending grace. During the children's message, we discussed how Jesus is the light of the world, much like a campfire that provides light and warmth. We encouraged the children to let their light shine before others, reflecting Jesus' love and guidance.
We then transitioned to our ongoing series on the book of Nehemiah, focusing on rebuilding what has been broken. Nehemiah's story is a powerful blueprint for us, showing that we must first face our brokenness before we can rebuild. Nehemiah inspected the broken walls of Jerusalem, understanding that acknowledging the problem is the first step toward healing. We emphasized that brokenness is an invitation to rebuild, not a reason to retreat. God calls us to face our issues with honesty and courage, trusting in His plan and provision.
Nehemiah's journey from the king's court in Babylon to the broken walls of Jerusalem teaches us the importance of planning and prayer. He had a clear vision and a plan, which he communicated to the people, inspiring them to start rebuilding. We, too, need a blueprint for our lives, starting with prayer and followed by actionable steps. Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:27-30 remind us to count the cost and plan wisely, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in faith and purpose.
We also discussed the importance of community and support. Nehemiah faced opposition from non-believers, but his faith and determination inspired the people to rebuild. Similarly, we must surround ourselves with a supportive community that encourages us to follow God's blueprint for our lives. We highlighted the need for small groups, youth programs, and community outreach as essential components of our church's mission.
As we move forward, we are called to assess our brokenness, face it with honesty, and create a plan for rebuilding. Whether it's personal struggles or communal challenges, God provides the strength and guidance we need. Let's embrace this journey of restoration, trusting in God's faithfulness and the power of prayer.
### Key Takeaways
1. Face Your Brokenness: Before we can rebuild, we must first acknowledge and inspect the broken areas of our lives. Nehemiah's inspection of Jerusalem's walls teaches us that we cannot fix what we won't face. Honest self-assessment is the first step toward healing and restoration. [38:23]
2. Brokenness as an Invitation: Our brokenness is not a reason to retreat but an invitation from God to rebuild. Nehemiah's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem reminds us that God sees potential for renewal where we see ruins. Embrace your brokenness as an opportunity for God's transformative work. [45:29]
3. The Power of Planning and Prayer: Effective rebuilding requires both prayer and planning. Nehemiah's journey began with prayer and was followed by a well-thought-out plan. Similarly, we must seek God's guidance through prayer and create actionable steps to address our challenges. [49:19]
4. Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to follow God's blueprint. Nehemiah inspired the people to rebuild despite opposition. In our lives, small groups, youth programs, and community outreach are vital for mutual support and growth. [53:23]
5. Faith Overcomes Obstacles: Faith sees possibilities where the world sees futility. Nehemiah faced ridicule and opposition, but his faith in God's plan led to success. Trust in God's blueprint for your life, even when it seems foolish to others. God's plans are always for our good and His glory. [56:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:44] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[11:30] - Children's Message: Jesus, the Light of the World
[17:14] - Campfire and Light Analogy
[19:40] - Announcements and Prayer Shawl Ministry
[21:23] - Prayer Requests and Community Support
[23:12] - Prayer for Healing and Recovery
[27:23] - Transition to Traditional Hymns
[33:00] - Introduction to Nehemiah Series
[34:16] - Nehemiah's Inspection of Jerusalem's Walls
[38:23] - Facing Our Brokenness
[45:29] - Brokenness as an Invitation to Rebuild
[49:19] - The Importance of Planning and Prayer
[53:23] - Community Support and Opposition
[56:20] - Faith Overcomes Obstacles
[57:53] - Church Roof and Small Groups
[01:00:59] - Youth Program and Community Outreach
[01:04:11] - Questions for Reflection and Prayer
[01:11:14] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 145:1-6: "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds."
2. Nehemiah 2:9-20: "So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. 'What is this you are doing?' they asked. 'Are you rebelling against the king?' I answered them by saying, 'The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.'"
3. Luke 14:27-30: "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 145:1-6 emphasize about God's character and actions?
2. In Nehemiah 2:9-20, what steps did Nehemiah take before he began the rebuilding process?
3. According to Luke 14:27-30, what does Jesus say is necessary before someone begins to build a tower?
4. How did Nehemiah respond to the opposition he faced from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? ([37:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to acknowledge and inspect the broken areas of our lives before attempting to rebuild, as illustrated by Nehemiah's inspection of Jerusalem's walls? ([38:23])
2. How can brokenness be seen as an invitation from God to rebuild rather than a reason to retreat? ([45:29])
3. What role do planning and prayer play in the process of rebuilding according to Nehemiah's example and Jesus' teaching in Luke 14:27-30? ([49:19])
4. How does community support contribute to overcoming obstacles and following God's blueprint for our lives? ([53:23])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a broken area in your life. How did you acknowledge and inspect it before taking steps to rebuild? ([38:23])
2. In what ways can you view your current struggles as an invitation from God to rebuild rather than a reason to retreat? ([45:29])
3. How can you incorporate both prayer and planning into addressing a specific challenge you are currently facing? ([49:19])
4. What steps can you take to surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to follow God's blueprint for your life? ([53:23])
5. Identify a specific area of brokenness in your life. What is your blueprint for addressing it, and how will you count the cost and plan wisely? ([52:13])
6. How can you be a source of light and support for others in your community who are facing their own brokenness? ([17:14])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to trust in God's plan and provision, even when facing opposition or ridicule? ([56:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Acknowledge Your Brokenness
Before we can rebuild, we must first acknowledge and inspect the broken areas of our lives. Nehemiah's inspection of Jerusalem's walls teaches us that we cannot fix what we won't face. Honest self-assessment is the first step toward healing and restoration. Nehemiah's journey from the king's court in Babylon to the broken walls of Jerusalem teaches us the importance of planning and prayer. He had a clear vision and a plan, which he communicated to the people, inspiring them to start rebuilding. We, too, need a blueprint for our lives, starting with prayer and followed by actionable steps. Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:27-30 remind us to count the cost and plan wisely, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in faith and purpose. [38:23]
Nehemiah 2:13-15 (ESV): "I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that you have been avoiding or neglecting? Take a moment to honestly assess this area and ask God for the courage to face it head-on.
Day 2: Embrace Brokenness as an Invitation
Our brokenness is not a reason to retreat but an invitation from God to rebuild. Nehemiah's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem reminds us that God sees potential for renewal where we see ruins. Embrace your brokenness as an opportunity for God's transformative work. Nehemiah's journey from the king's court in Babylon to the broken walls of Jerusalem teaches us the importance of planning and prayer. He had a clear vision and a plan, which he communicated to the people, inspiring them to start rebuilding. We, too, need a blueprint for our lives, starting with prayer and followed by actionable steps. Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:27-30 remind us to count the cost and plan wisely, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in faith and purpose. [45:29]
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV): "To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel broken or defeated. How can you see this as an invitation from God to rebuild and renew? What steps can you take today to start this process?
Day 3: The Power of Planning and Prayer
Effective rebuilding requires both prayer and planning. Nehemiah's journey began with prayer and was followed by a well-thought-out plan. Similarly, we must seek God's guidance through prayer and create actionable steps to address our challenges. Nehemiah's journey from the king's court in Babylon to the broken walls of Jerusalem teaches us the importance of planning and prayer. He had a clear vision and a plan, which he communicated to the people, inspiring them to start rebuilding. We, too, need a blueprint for our lives, starting with prayer and followed by actionable steps. Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:27-30 remind us to count the cost and plan wisely, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in faith and purpose. [49:19]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that requires both prayer and planning? Spend time in prayer asking for God's guidance, and then write down a practical plan to address this challenge.
Day 4: Community Support
Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to follow God's blueprint. Nehemiah inspired the people to rebuild despite opposition. In our lives, small groups, youth programs, and community outreach are vital for mutual support and growth. Nehemiah's journey from the king's court in Babylon to the broken walls of Jerusalem teaches us the importance of planning and prayer. He had a clear vision and a plan, which he communicated to the people, inspiring them to start rebuilding. We, too, need a blueprint for our lives, starting with prayer and followed by actionable steps. Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:27-30 remind us to count the cost and plan wisely, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in faith and purpose. [53:23]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that provide you with support and encouragement? How can you actively engage with this community to strengthen your walk with God?
Day 5: Faith Overcomes Obstacles
Faith sees possibilities where the world sees futility. Nehemiah faced ridicule and opposition, but his faith in God's plan led to success. Trust in God's blueprint for your life, even when it seems foolish to others. God's plans are always for our good and His glory. Nehemiah's journey from the king's court in Babylon to the broken walls of Jerusalem teaches us the importance of planning and prayer. He had a clear vision and a plan, which he communicated to the people, inspiring them to start rebuilding. We, too, need a blueprint for our lives, starting with prayer and followed by actionable steps. Jesus' teachings in Luke 14:27-30 remind us to count the cost and plan wisely, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in faith and purpose. [56:20]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are facing obstacles or opposition? How can you exercise faith in God's plan and trust that He will lead you to success?
Quotes
1. "There's not a one of us. There's not a one of us in this room that has the perfect life. We all have had and do have issues that we struggle and wrestle with. And that's kind of the story of Nehemiah where he sees something that has been broken and needs repair and it breaks his heart. Last week we talked about the idea that we need to have a broken heart for what breaks God's." [33:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We can't fix what we won't face. Nehemiah, he knew about this. He couldn't necessarily do anything. And the people of Jerusalem, they had been living with this for years, these broken down walls. But Nehemiah went out. By night, I went through the valley gate towards the jackal well, the dung gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down in its gates, which had been destroyed by fire." [38:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We get to this point, this place where we get so comfortable in our brokenness that we don't necessarily see even a need to rebuild. I'm sure at times, the Israelites living in Jerusalem were sitting there thinking, man, I'm kind of scared. At any moment, anyone could come into this city and take us and kill us. But yet, they didn't do anything about it. And when you read this, you think, well, that's dumb. Why didn't you do that? But in reality, we all do this to some extent." [40:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Brokenness is an invitation to rebuild, not a reason to retreat. We need to understand this because when we feel like we're not okay, when we feel broken, we want to pull away from others and the help that actually will help us. Because we're ashamed. It's shame. And shame does not come from God. It comes from the enemy. So when you're feeling shame about your current situation, it is not from God. Conviction is, but conviction moves us to do something." [44:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Where others see ruins, God sees renewal. Where others see defeat, God sees a fresh start. And he sees that in you and me. So you are not, you are not too far gone. None of us are. If you have following the living God through Jesus, you have this power. It doesn't have to be and stay broken. But the blueprint for rebuilding doesn't just happen out of thin air. It begins with prayer, which we talked about last week. It also has planning." [48:39] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Faith sees possibility where the world sees futility. Faith in what God can do sometimes looks like lunacy to many people. And they will do everything they can to stop you. And this is where we see our last point. That Nehemiah is faced with non-believers. People that are kind of around Israel, but they're not part of Israel. In 1 Corinthians, here's what Paul says to the Corinthian church. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him." [53:23] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Don't discount something that looks like foolishness to the world if it was God calling you to it as long as it's not sin. We need to understand God's blueprint is good. So in our own lives and even in our church lives we need to assess where our brokenness lies. We need to face it with honesty, see opportunities for restoration, and expect the world not to see it when someone from outside of the kingdom of God comes and says that's just kind of what are you trying to do here?" [56:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Where are your walls broken? Where are things in your life that aren't whole? What have you denied or ignored? What are some things in your life that you've just kind of said, you know what, I can't face that right now or I don't want to face that? God's calling you to start the process of rebuilding. Then finally, what's your blueprint? How are you going to make a process to fix what's broken?" [01:04:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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