The first Christians weren't hoping against hope for a resurrection - even the empty tomb just left them perplexed | Luke 24:1-12

People who were once close to God can end up so far from him that they think there’s no way back. But here we see God taking the initiative to bring his wandering servant back to him | Genesis 35:1-15

It's one step forward and two steps back for Jacob - with devastating consequences for his family | Genesis 34

Underneath all the unfamiliar names is a beautiful picture of God's people 'standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel' | Nehemiah 3

An unexpected transformation, unexpected failure, and God's grace all the way home | Genesis 33

‘If he had not cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” we would have howled out that hideous complaint in the lowest hell for ever’ - John Flavel | Mark 15:34

Our biggest need in life is to encounter God, a real encounter with God will leave us changed, and encountering the real God brings blessing | Genesis 32

To rebuild you need: the hand of God on you, to be ready to step out in faith, to be prepared for opposition | Nehemiah 2

The confidence in which he comes. the promises he claims and the action to which he commits. Though while Nehemiah is a great example in prayer, we are not him in this story - we are the sinful, helpless remnant in Jerusalem being prayed for in the throne room of the king | Nehemiah 1:8-11

As Nehemiah prays for revitalisation we see the God to whom he prays and the sin in which he shares | Nehemiah 1:5-7