Nehemiah heard the bleak report out of Jerusalem and was stirred to patiently prepare for the moment when God, through his good hand, would grant his request to help his fellow Jews. While showing deference and honor to his earthly lord, Nehemiah waited and prepared, knowing that the final and ultimate answer would come from the Lord, God of Heaven.

As the book of Nehemiah opens, it does so with great pain and suffering. The report is heard that the beloved city of Jerusalem is once again forced to open shame, tarnishing the glory of God

Israel had sinned against their God, and as a result, God scattered them among the nations as He promised He would, should they rebel. After many years of painful exile under the hand of pagan kings, the Jews experienced a "2nd exodus", as "THEY" were freed to return to their beloved land of Jerusalem. Cyrus, King of Persia, heard from God and was stirred to release the Jews from captivity. Ezra

God loves His church! It is His glory made visible in this world. In fact, the goal of the church is to display the glory of God. We as a body are called to lift the gospel diamond high as we display supernatural love and supernatural forgiveness, in the context of supernatural community, for the world to see.

Jesus established His church and gives them the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Authority is given to Church to recognize what is a true confession, and, who is a true a confessor of the gospel. As the Church takes responsibility for its members and the members take responsibility for the Church, we grow in holiness, and, are a pure witness to the watching world around us

Jesus established His church—A New People—and set them apart to live according to His ways and standards. As confessors of the divinity and supremacy of Jesus, churches of all time and space stand as a Compelling Community before the surrounding nations. Wielding this God-given Kingdom representation, churches affirm, serve and protect their members until the Heavenly Kingdom assumes its final and lasting place on the New Earth.

From country clubs to fitness centers, our society is one full of contractual memberships. Upon Jesus establishing a new people, he created a covenantal body that is sealed by his blood; this body is the church. When postured to properly worship him and display the gospel in word and deed, local churches are enabled to shine brightly as a Compelling Community.

What does this unfolding drama of the Exodus and the larger unfolding drama of redemption have to do with educating our children? What does this story have to do with our sons and daughters? God doesn't have in mind a single generation, for his redemption of man is a generational plan.

Guiding the Next Generation doesn't only happen within the home. Shepherding children in ancient times was a national effort, and God also expects for his people today—the church—to rally around one another in these efforts. He's called us to the task and has equipped us, as well. Take a listen to see just how he's done it.

Our Journey to Joy will only heighten when our faith becomes sight. There is coming a day when saints of all time and space will not just enjoy the pleasures and bliss of the New Earth, but will see God face-to-face. This was the great hope of those ancient pilgrims and remains to be the hope of Christian pilgrims today. Take heart, pilgrim. Heaven is coming