Harbor Rock Tabernacle

A strong spiritual attack believers constantly face is the undermining of our most loving and safe relationships--starting with the Lord, then with each other in marriage, family and church. As they rebuilt the wall, the Jewish people offset the external threat, but were hurt by internal conflict and dissension, and the work stopped for a bit. By refocusing them on the fear of the Lord and leading with integrity, Nehemiah got project back on track, and reminds us to review our hearts.  Video of this service is also available:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtESJ-Bs8do&t=3345s

All throughout His ministry, whether in direct teaching or parables or pointing to the cross, Jesus focused on the Kingdom of God. He said it was His purpose for being sent. But He wasn't just talking about a future kingdom...as the King. He brought it here, and invited us to live as subjects of His Kingdom. This requires forsaking the trappings of this life and giving ourselves fully to Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bls0CdDIKmI&t=1079s

As we live for the Lord and fulfill His calling, it is no surprise when we face significant spiritual opposition to our faith and faithfulness. Especially when we're criticized or accused, it's all too easy to slip into feelings of discouragement and defeat. Nehemiah and the people building the wall give us an example by modeling strength and resiliency, through calling on the Lord, clearing out the debris and staying focused on the work of the Lord.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMOJ3I5tMdA

Nehemiah 3 is a seemingly insignificant chapter of hard-to-pronounce names of people who rebuilt the wall in Jerusalem. But within it, there are powerful truths about building each other up, taking responsibility for the Body and the Lord's work, and repairing what is broken so there is personal and spiritual restoration. This starts in our homes, and continues as we labor alongside each other to bring glory to God.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdDOqxkv7oQ

It would have been easy for Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem and use the agency of his calling to take charge of the rebuild.  But his quiet approach to inspecting the wall speaks to his self-effacing character and desire to hear from, and be led by, the Lord.  As we serve the Lord, it's vital to guard against this temptation to make it about ourselves.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtDUAcYH9Lg

Nehemiah prayed and waited for four months for the opportunity to ask the king to return to Jerusalem. When the king asked why he was sad, Nehemiah made sure to praise the Lord and get His confirmation. Then, he was bold in his request, and his humility and humility convinced the king that this was right. But the Lord added two details that prove His plans and faithfulness are the catalyst for unfailing trust in Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhVxUbqS6EA

A familiar chair in a den has come to symbolize a place of brokenness. That is especially needed in times of spiritual attack or sadness about a situation. In Nehemiah's case, it was the deep personal pain that Jerusalem was still torn apart. So while in captivity in Persia, he came to the Lord with a broken heart and spirit, admitting the fact and consequences of sin, but also confident that the Lord is faithful to help the person who will humble themself before Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE2VIiaR3QU

Often temptation seems so outlandish that we dismiss it's threat. Peter learned that the hard way. After affirming Jesus as Messiah in a place known for false gods, Peter acted like an authority and admonished Jesus when He talked about His upcoming death and resurrection. Peter's action warns us to rebuke our pride and frustration and fear, and instead fully trust the Lord.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GsFTES1u9Y

As autumn begins, schedules, sleep and stress are all affected. The enemy tries to exploit that pressure by offering distorted substitutes for our calling, ministry responsibilities, relationships, work and reaction to warfare. Jesus offers us a powerful example of prioritizing daily time with the Lord, being refreshed and resetting our heart and mind to live out the fruit of the Spirit and faithfully serve Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGmcOAiKvlI&t=104s

It's such an inclination for us to compare ourselves to people and how we think our life should be...which breeds jealousy and discontentment and steals hope This is actually a spiritual issue, affecting our faith and maturity, so we need to avoid 5 snares to our confidence. Proverbs 4 gives us warning signs, which contrast to the tranquil heart and peace that comes from walking with full trust in the path of life.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf_Pis0ltnQ&t=4621s