Chapter 7 of Nehemiah is a long list of names, but those names are there for a reason. God gave the people a "Place to Call Home." God can take any mess and turn it back into "Home." This restoration takes a lifetime. Church HOME should be a place of safety, service, family, and worship. He has given us this home through our church family.

At the last supper, Jesus explained the key to the narrative of the entire Bible. He is the Passover Lamb. He is our salvation. Communion is an important way that we remember and reflect on the grace and mercy that was poured out on us at the cross. It is symbolic, but it is also sacred.

God is the Way Maker! He WILL accomplish His plans, and part of that plan is using the people that represent Him. Nehemiah knew God wanted to get the wall completed. God made the way, and Nehemiah was faithful to do the work. We are representatives of the Lord, Jesus, and we have a lot of work to do!

Life is full of "things." Jesus has a plan... an escape plan... As Jesus neared the cross, He predicted the destruction of the temple and told the disciples about the signs of the end time. He also told them about the rapture. He will someday come to rescue His people from "things!"

Nehemiah's enemies continued to come at him and attempted to lure him away or cause him to disobey God's law. He was able to resist the enemy. We must KNOW who are enemies are, and we must be in the Word of God to know how to discern the lies from our enemies if we are going to finish strong.

If change is going to be made or a problem arises, someone needs to be in the Word and filled with the spirit. Nehemiah faced an outcry from his own people. How he handled that was watched by the world. How do you do business? How do you handle conflict in your own family? The world is watching you, Follower of Christ.

Everything changes, so why are we so resistant to change. God brings changes by pruning away bad fruit, but He also prunes the branches that produce good fruit. What does God want to do new in your life this year? Allow the Holy Spirit to produce that change!

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, his three interaction sum up how you will interact with Satan your entire life. He will appeal to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Jesus faced these temptations using scripture. We need to face the temptations in our life just like our Savior.