Throughout the great effort to rebuild the ancient wall provided protection for Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced a continual assault of accusation, mockings, and distractions. This assault is not unlike what every believer faces regarding their important relationships or tasks. Accusation is one of the primary ways that the enemy uses to divide us or shut us down. He also wants to get us to participate with him and accusing others. Assuming what is going on in the heart and mind of another person is one way that the enemy tries to entangle us in partnering with him in The ministry of accusation.

Beginning a series from the book of Nehemiah, Matt shares some background about the journey of Israel, leading up to the 70 years of captivity in Babylon prophesied by Jeremiah. In addition to captivity, God also spoke to Jeremiah about a hope and a future for Israel beyond their captivity. Nehemiah stepped into the a part of the restoration of Israel after hearing of the condition of Jerusalem and it’s broken down walls. He is provoked to pray, to fast and to take action, leveraging his influence and position to embark on a life changing journey for many.

Inspired by God, forty authors over a 1500 year timeframe gave us the scriptures. And all along the way, thousands of unsung heroes protected, preserved and died for us to have a personal copy of the Bible in our own language. It may seem ordinary to hold a bible in our hands, but the journey of the word of God, preserved for us to illuminate our path, reveal truth, capture history, and become a diving board into knowing God personally, is extraordinary. In this message, Matt shares about the miracle of the scriptures, it’s power to bring clarity, and shows video clips of people in distant lands who are just receiving the Word in their own language for the first time.

Tracy Evans's message to the Awake congregation

In this message, Matt shares some thoughts and words about 2017 to include encouragement to not hold back, keep our love alive and to pray with confidence.

Often, the miraculous and the magnificent gets cloaked in the commonplace. God as a baby lying in a manger was the greatest example of this, but this happens regularly in our daily lives. That which seems to be common if often quite miraculous and if we have eyes to see and celebrate the wonderful wrapped in the common, our hearts will stay alive. During this season, we celebrate not who Jesus was, but who He is right now - with us, for us, in us. He’s alive and actively engaged in our daily lives.

What do you do when there is darkness all around and there seems to be no hope? Turn to God with a shout of praise. He will be your strength, your courage, and your invincible army.

Jonathan Helser's message to the Awake congregation.

Jonathan Helser's message to the Awake congregation.

Throughout the scriptures, it’s difficult to find many of those who follow and love God also being the same people who also thank Him. Whining and complaining have been unholy staples in the lives of far too many of us. Where thanksgiving is absent, complaints will abound, and so too in our time. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only a tithe of them returned to say “thanks.” The happiest, most joyful and clear thinking people on the planet are those who return to God often to thank Him for everything. “In everything give thanks” the scripture says and if we make thanksgiving our lifestyle, we will also find more joy in all we do and purpose in our difficulties.