Nehemiah 12:27-47 reminds us of how to celebrate our thankfulness as well as things to consider when we worship. The story of Nehemiah begins in chapter 1 when he was told by his kin that the wall in Jerusalem was very broken down. So, he prayed that God would help him go there and organize the rebuilding of the wall. Seeking permission from the king, since Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer, he asked and was granted to go attend to the task. By chapter 12, the wall has been reconstructed and the people are ready to celebrate, dedicate, and worship God. How does this story relate to us today?  There are four things to remember. 1) The purpose of worship – it is celebration, thanksgiving, and dedication; 2) The preparation for worship – being ready and there on time to fully participate; 3) The joy of worship – happily singing, music, praising God without fear of what others think; 4) The response of worship – leading to a true feeling of thankfulness, heartfelt and with gratitude and joy. You can feel and do these things when you come to church to worship the Lord. It can fill up your spiritual tank and keep you going all week long . . . until the next worship service. Join us, please!!! You’ll be glad you did!

In Ephesians 4:22-32 Paul gives us ways to take back our heart when we mess up and give even a little bit of it over to Satan. It’s hard to get rid of him! But there are three things that we need to do: 1) Repent, 2) Renew, and 3) Resist. Put off the old lifestyle – be done with it! Stop lying. God’s kingdom is built on truth. Don’t let the sun go down upon your anger. Steal no more, whether it be time, money, things, STOP IT! Clean up the words that come out of your mouth. NO MORE bad feelings towards others. In these 11 verses, we are given several life changes that we must adapt in order to take back our lives in the name of Jesus Christ. We are told in verse 24, “put on the new man (or woman) which after God is created.” Yes, we were all created in His image, but we stray. How do we get ourselves back to God? There are 4 things: 1. Prayer – daily and always; 2. God’s Word – read and truly meditate on it; 3. Effort – resist diligently…it’s not always easy; and 4. Consistency – today, tomorrow, and always. And, in verse 32, “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you."

If you have read about Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:1-19, you see an example of what can happen when Jesus interrupts our life. Anyone/Everyone can change! Saul was “out to get” those who dared to believe and follow “The Way” that this “Jesus Christ” proclaimed. It offended his religious belief system as a devout Jewish leader. But, on the road to Damascus, Saul had a very unique experience that “interrupted” his life. Through the blinding light, Saul knew he had seen the work of God. Asking Jesus what He wanted Saul to do, he received instructions. Saul followed those instructions and became a different man who would eventually affect even us today. Becoming “Paul”, he went on to lead the church, bringing millions of people, both Jew and Gentile, to “The Way” that he once persecuted. Through the Word as written in the New Testament, we are also given instructions as to what we are to do. By God’s grace, we are given an opportunity to have an encounter with Jesus Christ. Surrendering and submitting fully to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are guided from darkness to light and blindness to sight. As what happened to Saul, we receive a new purpose and a new family. Even the worst sinner can be saved . . . when Jesus interrupts your life.

In Matthew 21:12-16, we find Jesus going into the temple and overthrowing the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. He was “cleaning house” and healing those who came to him. They began praising him. The chief priests and scribes did not like it.  Always with the perfect answer, Jesus put them in their place by reminding them of the scriptures. The Old Testament built temples with the hands of men. The New Testament tells us that your body, not a building, is the temple of the Lord. God dwells in us. Jesus was sent by God to provide us with the perfect sacrifice and atonement of our sins. When Jesus moves in, he cleans house in order to make it fit for God. Every true believer will experience chastisement from God. He is our Father and wants us to glorify Him in all that we do, knowing when we have fallen short of His expectations. He sent us Jesus Christ as our savior and redeemer. Yes, discipline can hurt, but we must always know that our Father in Heaven loves us. Your temple should be a house of prayer and praising. Has Jesus moved into your house?

The Book of Daniel, Chapter 3 . . . It has never been easy to follow the Lord. In this chapter of Daniel, we read the story of the time that King Nebuchadnezzar learned how to respect the almighty power of the God of Israel when he put it to the test. Mankind’s sin began early in the book of Genesis. And, the Bible gives many examples of how every time that God gives us humans another change to start over and follow Him, we mess it up! Listen and learn the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego when they refused to bow down to the idol that the king had created to himself. When they were brought before the king, he gave them a second chance to worship him, but they refused. So, in a rage of anger, the king determined to make an example of them. They would be burned alive in the hottest fire that the furnace could stand, while bound in all their clothing. A fire so hot that they had to be lowered into it with ropes. Imagine his shock when the king saw 4 men walking around in the fire, and behold, one of them was like the Son of God! When he commanded them to come out of the fire, not one hair was singed nor were any of their clothes. They did not even smell of the fire! The king realized that their God was truly worthy and allowed that no one would ever be persecuted again for their trust in the God of Abraham. Do you fear man, or do you fear God? Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego give us a wonderful example of who we should fear and follow.  In God we trust no matter what!

Acts 5:17-42 . . . Continuing our reading of Acts chapter 5 verses 12 through 42. The amazing way that Jesus’ first apostles experienced the power of God should give us all comfort. They would not let anything stop them from proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. Much to the dismay and anger of the high priest and his council. Even prison bars could not stop the disciples. An angel of the Lord came and set them free, so they went straight to the temple and began preaching. When brought back to the high priest’s council, Peter and the other apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men,” and then they rebuked the council telling them that they had slain the Prince and Saviour of Israel. When it was all over, the priests reconsidered, fearing the rath of the people and of God if this was all true. So, the apostles left rejoicing and continued to preach and teach of Jesus Christ in the temple.

What does this mean for us? We need to fear the Lord much more than anyone in this world. The Gospel blesses those who humble themselves and take the message to others. Boldness and courage result in blessing, even when persecution escalates. The apostles never prayed for safety and comfort. They prayed for strength to endure and spread the Gospel to all the world. Can we be that strong in our faith? Blessed are you when men persecute you. Stand up and stand strong for Jesus Christ!

Acts 5:12-16 . . . Through chaos and confusion, the apostles persevered. In the area of Jerusalem, many people, the humble poor, the sick, and those in need of spiritual new life, came to be healed and to have unclean spirits come out of them. Many of them became believers. And although some did not join them, they respected Peter and John. Peter and John drew a crowd wherever they went and it made the Sadducees and their high priest angry. Have you ever experienced someone’s anger when trying to tell them about Jesus Christ?

Being a God-fearing Christian is not always an easy job. But, when we become focused on a Gospel-centered ministry, two things happen: opposition and blessing. In order to be blessed by God’s word we have to humble ourselves. The Gospel saves us, heals us, and sets us free. We come to Jesus as a beggar. Sin, sickness, and demon possession are the devil’s power. But there is NO power that is greater than Jesus Christ. We all struggle with things of this world. Our lives may seem crazy “but God” is in control of everything. Jesus did not follow a “business model” to select his disciples. Four fishermen, a zealot, a tax collector, and a traitor were among his chosen apostles. They were not perfect, and neither are we. But God calls everyone to become a believer and a minister. We can all learn to care about other’s needs before we tell them about Jesus. LOVE comes FIRST. You are all saved by the Grace of God who sent His only Son that your sins would be forgiven and that you may know eternal life with Him.  The results of a gospel-centered ministry?  Yes, it may be a challenge, but it is a closer walk with Jesus.

Acts 4:1-31 . . . It's about being BOLD.  Peter and John give us a wonderful example in these passages about how to boldly speak of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  They are filled with the Holy Spirit who gives them strength.  They are able to stand up to the rulers, elders, and scribes and literally "take them down" when they boldly proclaim to preach the gospel and heal in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  The Hebrew leaders were not happy with what they were doing and threatened them to NOT speak or teach in the name of Jesus.  But, being filled with the Holy Sprit, Peter and John did not let that deter them from their mission.  Acts 4:31, "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the Word of God with BOLDNESS." 

How does this passage speak to us?  We are living in a world where the opposition to God's Word is growing. We must be bold and have the courage to be obedient to God.  He will deal with the consequences of our boldness for Him.  Our boldness to stand up for Jesus Christ comes from the the same Holy Spirit that filled Peter and John.  Bold does not mean loud.  It means not worrying what others think and not hesitating to teach the Word of God to everyone.  Be BOLD and let the Holy Spirit fill you with the courage to speak the Word of God.  

Once again, after Jesus had spent the 40 days in the wilderness, Satan tries to tempt him.  This time, the devil takes Jesus to a pinnacle of the temple and tells him to jump off.  Satan even quotes the word of God by telling Jesus that "it is written" angels will bear Jesus up even if he dash his foot against a stone.  So, certainly they will not let him be hurt by jumping off the highest point of the temple.  Jesus responds with words from Deuteronomy 6:16, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."  Jesus gives us all the right words to say when we are tempted.  Everytime we are faced with temptation our future path, life, and family is determined.  Just because something seems like a good idea at the time, doesn't mean it is.  The devil is trying to make us not trust God.  Trusting, obeying, and staying in the will of God is the only way to resist temptation.  Faith is looking at God's Word and building your life according to His will.  Do you question God's work in your life?  Do you wonder if God can be trusted?  In Exodus 17:1-7, the people complained and wanted God to give them water.  They questioned if God was with them.  Moses was instructed by God to dash the rock with his rod and the water flowed.  God does not keep things secret.  If our hearts are full of ourselves, there is no room for God.  God does not force you to do anything.  In James we are told to resist the devil and draw near to God.  When you pray, are you asking for this or that, or are you asking for God's will to be done in your life?  God speaks loudest to those who are most surrendered to Him.. I call it "Surrender-ability".  Remember this:  God has called us to COOPERATE NOT MANIPULATE.  

In Matthew 4:3-4, we see the first temptation that Satan confronted Jesus with after 40 days in the wilderness.  Things to consider:  1) There is always more going on than you realize, 2) Your ability to withstand temptation has a lot to do with what you believe about God, 3) Temptation is a test of your faith, not just your ability to say "No".  Questions we ask:  Can God come through?  Will God come through?  Does God want to come through?  Does God even know that I need Him to come through?  Every need and desire were given to us by God, and God will always meet your needs.  When you are tempted, give it to God.  You are always going to be tempted.  When you are, do 3 things:  1) Wait a minute! 2) Trust God. 3) Wait on Him.  Always walk in the Spirit.  Remember, the only way to the next mountain top is through a valley.  Jesus will get you there.