The book of Lamentations is read as reflective mourning over the destruction of the temple and the devastation of Jerusalem. The temple, a symbol of God’s covenant, was destroyed. The people had abandoned their relationship with God, departed from His Word, and transferred their trust from God to political allies and the temple itself. When God’s people abandon Him and depart from His Word, tragedy follows.

Mark 10:17-22 is filled with encouragements, and it’s also incredibly challenging. It reveals some huge realities of our walk with Jesus. Jesus is asking us to treasure Him above anything else. Is the Gospel your greatest joy? Is Jesus your treasure?

Nehemiah 13 brings us to the end of Nehemiah's account, but the work of restoration and renewal is far from over. After leading the people in rebuilding the walls and renewing their commitment to God, Nehemiah returns from a trip to Persia to find the people falling back into old patterns of compromise. This final chapter highlights a sobering reality: our spiritual vitality requires constant diligence and perseverance. Nehemiah's response shows us that spiritual renewal isn't a one-time event—it demands ongoing reform and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Nehemiah 10-12 helps us see that our life's passion will determine the purpose of our life and the person we become.  What specifically about your person, purpose, or passion do you need to rededicate to the Lord today?

Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Nehemiah 9 echoes this showing that the Word of God leads to spiritual restoration, acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness, confessing failure and rebellion, and renewing commitment.

What comes to mind when you think of worship? In Nehemiah 7 and 8, we'll see that worship of God restores our spiritual vitality, raises leaders, reinforces identity, roots legacy, recalls truth, and revives community. Worship is the heartfelt expression of our remembrance of God's character and work.

In Nehemiah 6, we see Nehemiah facing intense opposition as he works to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. The enemy’s tactics shift from external force to subtle manipulation. The enemy’s goal is clear: to distract, discredit, and ultimately defeat Nehemiah. But Nehemiah’s responses offer a model for us in spiritual battles today. Spiritual battles can be exhausting and disorienting, but losing sight of who we are in God only amplifies the struggle. In this passage, we learn three critical ways not to lose ourselves in these battles.

We will have the privilege of hearing from our supported missionary from Senegal, Josh Bell, during our morning worship service. You won't want to miss hearing what God has laid on his heart to share with us!

William Gurnall wrote “We fear men so much because we fear God so little.” Do we fear God? Do we understand God's heart for justice? Do we trust in God's justice? Nehemiah chapter 5 shows us that God-fearing people accept the responsibility of confronting injustice and addressing sin, while doing so with courage and a commitment to righteousness.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah reminds us that spiritual opposition will reappear in different ways in each generation; we must expect it and by God’s grace overcome it.