Stewardship and Celebration: Building for God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: God’s People Are Called to Be Stewards of His Blessings

Nehemiah and the Israelites were entrusted with the task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall, a symbol of God’s blessing and protection. Despite limited resources and opposition, they organized themselves, pooled what they had, and worked together to restore what God had given them. Their stewardship was not just about bricks and mortar, but about honoring God’s provision and ensuring His purposes could flourish in their midst. In the same way, every gift, opportunity, and resource we receive is a trust from God, meant to be used for His glory and the good of others. [41:25]

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV)
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Reflection: What is one resource or blessing in your life that you have been taking for granted? How can you intentionally use it this week to serve God or others?

Day 2: God Provides What We Need to Accomplish His Purposes

Throughout the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, God provided Nehemiah and the people with favor, protection, and resources—even when the task seemed impossible. The king’s letters, the timber, and the unity of the people were all evidence of God’s hand at work. When we step out in faith to pursue God’s calling, He often supplies what we need in unexpected ways, reminding us that our efforts are empowered by His provision, not just our own strength. [43:43]

Nehemiah 2:1-5 (ESV)
In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.”

Reflection: Where do you feel overwhelmed or under-resourced in your calling or responsibilities? Ask God today to show you how He is already providing for you, and look for one sign of His provision.

Day 3: God Accomplishes Great Things Through Our Faithfulness

The completion of Jerusalem’s wall in just 52 days was a testimony to God’s power working through the faithfulness and unity of His people. Even when others doubted or opposed them, the Israelites pressed on, trusting that God would accomplish what He had promised. Their story reminds us that God can do far more than we imagine when we offer ourselves and our efforts to Him, and that our faithfulness can become a witness to others of His greatness. [51:23]

Nehemiah 6:15-16 (ESV)
So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Reflection: What is one area where you have seen God accomplish something significant through your faithfulness or the faithfulness of your community? How can you share that story to encourage someone else?

Day 4: Our Spaces and Resources Are Tools for God’s Kingdom

Every building, ministry, and resource we have is not an end in itself, but a tool to help people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and serve others. As John Wesley taught, our spaces should be dedicated to building up God’s kingdom, not our own comfort or prestige. When we consecrate what we have to God’s purposes, we create environments where lives can be transformed, needs can be met, and disciples can be made for generations to come. [38:19]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection: How can you use your home, workplace, or another space you influence as a tool for God’s kingdom this week? What is one practical step you can take to make it more welcoming or purposeful for God’s glory?

Day 5: God’s Work Is Ongoing—We Are Invited to Join Him

Even after the wall was rebuilt, there was more to do—more people to reach, more ministries to grow, more needs to meet. God’s mission is never finished, and He continually invites us to participate in what He is doing in our neighborhoods, our city, and the world. As we celebrate what God has done, we are also called to look forward with anticipation, offering our time, resources, and hearts to the ongoing work of His kingdom. [54:15]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is one new way you sense God inviting you to join in His ongoing work—either in your church, community, or beyond? What first step can you take this week to respond to that invitation?

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of celebration and gratitude, as we gather in a space that stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and provision. Looking around, we see not just renovated walls and new floors, but the fruit of many prayers, sacrificial giving, and the vision God placed on the hearts of His people years ago. This space is more than a building; it is a tool for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission—a place where lives will be transformed for years to come.

Drawing from the story of Nehemiah, we are reminded of the call to stewardship. Nehemiah, though exiled and serving as cupbearer to a foreign king, was moved by the brokenness of Jerusalem and responded with courage, prayer, and action. He sought God’s favor, rallied the people, and led them to rebuild the city’s walls against all odds. The work was daunting, the resources seemed insufficient, and opposition was fierce, yet God provided every step of the way. The people gave what they had, worked together, and trusted God to do what only He could do.

In our own journey at Asbury, we have seen similar patterns. From the initial daunting estimates for repairs and upgrades, to the doubts about what could be accomplished in challenging times, God has continually provided—often beyond what we imagined. Through the generosity and faithfulness of this congregation, we have been able to renew and expand our facilities without debt, ensuring that ministry can flourish in every season. Every improvement, every dollar given, every hour volunteered is a testimony to God’s ongoing work among us.

But the story does not end with a finished building. Just as Nehemiah and the Israelites continued to serve, worship, and care for one another even as they built, so too are we called to ongoing stewardship. This space is dedicated not to our comfort or reputation, but to the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. There is still much to do—more lives to reach, more ministries to grow, more needs to meet. As we dedicate this space, we also rededicate ourselves to God’s mission, trusting that He will continue to accomplish great things through us as we remain faithful stewards of all He has entrusted to us.

Key Takeaways

1. Stewardship is a sacred calling, not just a financial responsibility. Nehemiah’s example shows that stewardship involves recognizing God’s blessings, feeling the weight of what is broken, and responding with both prayer and action. True stewardship means using every resource—time, talent, and treasure—to build up God’s kingdom, not our own comfort or status. [41:25]
2. God’s provision often exceeds our expectations, but it rarely comes without faith and sacrifice. In both Nehemiah’s time and our own, the resources needed seemed out of reach, yet God moved through the generosity and unity of His people. When we step out in faith, God delights to provide in ways that remind us the work is ultimately His. [35:26]
3. Opposition and discouragement are inevitable when pursuing God’s vision, but perseverance and unity are essential. Nehemiah faced taunts, threats, and logistical challenges, yet he organized the people to work and watch, ensuring the mission continued. In our context, challenges—whether financial, logistical, or spiritual—are opportunities to trust God more deeply and to support one another in the work. [46:22]
4. Ministry does not pause for building projects; it flourishes alongside them. Even as the wall was being rebuilt, Nehemiah ensured the people’s needs were met and worship continued. Likewise, our church has continued to serve, teach, and reach out, demonstrating that facilities are a means to ministry, not the end. [51:23]
5. Dedication is not a one-time event but a continual offering of ourselves and our resources to God’s purposes. As we celebrate what has been accomplished, we look forward with anticipation, knowing God is not finished with us. Every act of generosity, every prayer, every moment spent in service is part of a larger story of God’s glory being revealed through His people. [54:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:19] - Introduction to Nehemiah and Today’s Celebration
[29:11] - Nehemiah’s Prayer and Call to Rebuild
[30:31] - Personal Story: The Leaky Roof and God’s Provision
[35:26] - Asbury’s Building Audit and Challenges
[35:59] - Discovering Needs and God’s Faithfulness
[37:16] - God’s Provision Through Generosity
[38:19] - The Purpose of Sacred Spaces
[41:25] - Stewardship: Lessons from Nehemiah
[43:43] - The Wall: A Community Effort
[46:22] - Overcoming Opposition and Organizing for the Task
[48:35] - Stewardship at Asbury: Our Response
[50:03] - God Accomplishes Great Things Through Us
[51:23] - Ministry Continues Amidst Building
[54:15] - Looking Ahead: Dedication and Anticipation
[55:57] - Prayer of Dedication
[57:21] - Litany and Congregational Dedication
[78:22] - Final Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 2:1-5, 17-18 (ESV) —
> 1 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence.
> 2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid.
> 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
> 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.
> 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.”

> 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.”
> 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Observation Questions

What moved Nehemiah to take action for Jerusalem, and how did he respond to the king’s question about his sadness? ([28:19])
What specific steps did Nehemiah take before and after asking the king for help? ([29:11])
According to the sermon, what were some of the challenges faced both by Nehemiah and by Asbury Church during their building projects? ([35:26])
How did the people respond when Nehemiah shared his vision and God’s provision with them? ([41:25])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Nehemiah’s heart was so burdened for Jerusalem, even though he was living in comfort and security in a foreign land? What does this say about his priorities? ([28:19])
The sermon describes stewardship as more than just financial giving. In what ways did Nehemiah and the people demonstrate stewardship with their time, talents, and resources? ([41:25])
The opposition Nehemiah faced was both external (enemies) and internal (discouragement, lack of resources). How might these types of opposition show up in our own church or personal lives? ([46:22])
The sermon says that ministry does not pause for building projects. Why is it important for a church to keep serving and worshiping even during times of transition or challenge? ([51:23])

Application Questions

The sermon says stewardship is a sacred calling, not just a financial responsibility. What is one area of your life (time, talent, or treasure) where you feel called to be a better steward for God’s kingdom? ([41:25])
Nehemiah responded to the brokenness he saw with prayer and action. Is there a “broken wall” in your life, family, or community that God is calling you to notice and respond to? What would a first step look like? ([29:11])
The people in Nehemiah’s time and at Asbury gave sacrificially and worked together, even when resources seemed limited. Can you share a time when you saw God provide in a way that surprised you? How did that experience affect your faith? ([37:16])
The sermon mentions that opposition and discouragement are inevitable. What is one challenge you are currently facing in serving God, and how can the group pray for you to persevere? ([46:22])
Asbury’s building project was not just about comfort, but about creating space for worship, discipleship, and mission. How can you use your home, workplace, or another space in your life as a “tool” for God’s purposes? ([38:19])
The story of Nehemiah and Asbury both show that God’s provision often comes through the unity and generosity of His people. Is there a specific ministry or need at Asbury (or elsewhere) that you feel prompted to support or get involved with? ([54:15])
The sermon ends with a call to continual dedication. What is one practical way you can “rededicate” yourself to God’s mission this week? ([54:15])

Sermon Clips

God's going to provide what we need. We've pledged close to the $2 .5 million. And so if you hadn't pledged, you'd like to come alongside. Still room for you to come alongside. But God's provided in a way that we haven't had to take a loan on anything. Last year, as we did the HVAC, the money was in from your generosity. As we redid this space, as we do the parking lot outside, you know, that another $900 ,000 from the $1 .2 million that's been given. [00:37:13] (37 seconds) #GodsOngoingWork

It's not about fancy, although this is pretty fancy, right? What John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said is every space that you create should be a tool that helps build up God's kingdom, right? That is used to help people come to know Jesus. That's used to grow in that wall of faith and that journey of life and faith and discipleship. To help serve those who are in need, to help be equipped so that we can go beyond these walls and make a difference out there. [00:38:14] (37 seconds) #SpacesForKingdomGrowth

Friends, here at Asbury, we've been steward of God's blessing. The facilities that we have here at Asbury are a gift from God. But we needed to do even more. We needed to take care of the gift of God. We needed to renew and refresh the gift from God so that we could use these buildings for months for months and years to come to continue to build up his church and to have an impact on his kingdom. [00:48:37] (31 seconds) #EverydayKingdomBuilding

God provided the resources for that. While they were doing their thing, Nehemiah also realized, hey, the people are giving all their resources for this building project, and they're hungry. And so, he took from his food store that he had bought from Babylon, he and all the servants and all those that it took to haul all of that wood, they gave up their food. They helped feed the masses while this was going on. So, ministry was taking place in Israel while all of it was going on. [00:52:10] (34 seconds) #MinistryAmidstProvision

The buildings, the property are a demonstration of what God has done and what He is doing. Here at Asbury, I wish I could say this took 52 days, but you all know we had an extra six weeks here where we were out of this space. And there was plans even in April and May and the work started in May. So, while it took a little bit longer than 52 days, it's amazing in the midst of the summer, in between two heavy program seasons of the spring and the fall and ministry seasons in the spring and the fall. We were able to accomplish all of this. [00:53:10] (46 seconds) #GodsWorkInProgress

We were able to fulfill the vision that God has given to Asbury to enhance our worship, to be able to utilize this space in an even greater way now and for months and years to come. Praise be to God. Amen. God accomplishes great things for His kingdom through us. [00:53:56] (29 seconds) #VisionFulfilledByFaith

God accomplishes great things for His kingdom through us. Friends, as we close today, as we leave this place, may we take stock in what God has done. May we take stock in that God's provision that's allowed this to be done. May we take stock in that God's not finished yet, that there's so much more to do. [00:54:18] (27 seconds) #OfferingUpForHisGlory

Friends, as we close today, as we leave this place, may we take stock in what God has done. May we take stock in that God's provision that's allowed this to be done. May we take stock in that God's not finished yet, that there's so much more to do, not just in the spaces we have, so much more to do with our children's ministry, our preschool, our student ministry, so much more to do in our adult ministry, through our Bible studies, through Alpha, so much more to do through our community garden, through Habitat, through our relationship with Lynn Road Elementary, so much more to do in our ministry to Haiti, in our ministry with Rise Against Hunger, so much more to do to reach people for the glory of God's kingdom right here in our neighborhoods, in our homes, in Raleigh. [00:54:25] (64 seconds) #GratefulForGodsProvision

So today we celebrate. We thank God. We praise God for what He's done and what He's doing. And we look with great anticipation of the resources, of the time that you have and that I have, the resources you and I have, the generosity and the sacrifice that we have done and that we will do for God's glory. [00:55:29] (27 seconds) #RenewAndRefreshGodsGift

This is your house. This is your building. This is your church. And so we offer it up to you, Lord, for your glory. We pray it would be pleasing in your sight and pray that it would continue, Lord, to be a place where people can find relief, where they can find peace, where they can find salvation, and where they can live out their walk with you and to be encouraged and equipped to make a difference in your world. [00:57:14] (36 seconds)

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