Dr Harry Shields shares the first of two messages on dealing with disappointment, discouragement, and detours in life. In these times, we often wonder "Is God there? Is He working? Is this a waste?" Scripture reveals that God is never NOT there, and that he is working to accomplish His purposes even when it seems God is invisible.

Pastor Eric leads us through the story of Onesimus, a runaway slave, and his master, Philemon. Both had been changed by the gospel, which Paul teaches should also transform our relationships.

BEWARE OF THE RIP TIDE

* Tide of Complacency (VS. 4-9)
* Tide of Money and Possessions (VS. 10-14)
* Tide of Unfulfilled Commitements (VS. 15-22)
* Tide of Improper Relationships (VS. 23-29)

##Key Verse: Nehemiah 12:43
“And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” ESV

##The Dedication Ceremony
* Preparation
* Purification
* Planned

##Thanksgiving
* Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness in song

##Great Sacrifice
* Pocketbook
* Priorities
* Preferences
* Place

##Great Joy
* Source
* Strength
* Significance

##Big Idea
A freshly focused commitment is the first step toward faithfulness

##How to Set a Pattern of Faithfulness
1. Make it a Big Deal—take it seriously
2. Make it Yours—find a friend to encourage
3. Make a Clear Turn—from this, to that
4. Make it Specific—obedience is in the small stuff

My hunger for God grows as I go to SCRIPTURE…to SEE GOD…to SURRENDER in worship.

##Outline
1. Read God’s Word (vs 1-3)
2. React to God’s Word (vs 4-6)
3, Review God’s Word (vs 7-37)
4. Respond to God’s Word (vs 38)

## HEAR Journal - Engaging with God's Word

###Highlight
Write down 1-2 verses that stand out to you

###Explain
What is the author’s intended meaning in the context of the passage? 

###Application
What is the principle to live by today?

###Respond
How will I respond to the application in my relationships & situations this week?

Nehemiah rebuilt a wall in order to rebuild the people of God. As hard as that was, the real work was just beginning.

We respond to increased intimidation with increased resolve.

##Nehemiah 6–7 Outline
* Continue building (vs. 6:1-9)
* Continue pursuing holiness (vs. 6:10-14)
* Continue to the end (vs. 6:15-19)
* Continue with people (vs. 7:1-73)

The rebuilding is coming along fine, but internal conflict threatens to derail the project. Norm Hubbard takes us through Nehemiah 5 to help us see how God deals with the situation.

The Big Idea: Make the Most Important Thing, YOUR Most Important Thing

##Remember the Gospel
* Christ Died for our Sins
• He was Raised on the Third Day

##Make the Gospel YOUR Most Important Thing
1. Trust in Jesus.
2. Seek to Know & Walk with God.
3. Live life rooted in Eternity.