Our world is full of distractions! Distractions are a major weapon our enemy uses to distract us from our mission. A distraction is anything that deters you from finishing the work God started in you or through you.

When we begin making progress for God's Kingdom (in our lives and in our communities), we begin facing many obstacles that slow us down. Nehemiah teaches us that it is better to intentionally slow ourselves down to deal with these obstacles, rather than allowing them to remain and slow us down for years to come.

Whenever we begin making progress rebuilding our lives and our communities, we often experience attack. One of our enemy's favorite ways to attack is through ridicule--trash talk--that tears us down from within.

When rebuilding our lives, churches, and communities, we do not rebuild alone. We rebuild with the authority of our King and with the help of our team.

When our lives, our churches, and the world around us is broken by sin, how do we rebuild? In Nehemiah 1, we see that rebuilding does not begin with action, but with prayer and confession.

Valuing God's Word requires more than just reading it; we must internalize it. Internalizing the Word allows us to be obedient to the Word so that we can love God with all we are.

Mary was surprised at the announcement that she would be the mother of the Messiah, but she was also prepared. We prepare for the surprise day of Jesus' arrival by living in his favor and surrendering to his will.

Just as the Magi followed the signs to Jesus, God has given us many signs to follow about who he is and what he is doing. The cross and the empty tomb are signs that point us to the grace, love, and mission of God.

Fear is one of the most dangerous paths into sin. Fear causes us to look for other saviors and to compromise the values of our true Savior, Jesus.

King Ahab created an echo chamber for himself that cut off accountability and reinforced his blind spots. Echo chambers can be just as spiritually dangerous for us today, because they are often an overlooked path into sin.