In Nehemiah’s day, things in Jerusalem were bad. The walls were broken down and people were losing hope and losing faith. They had begun to wonder, “Is this all there is? Is this as good as it gets?” But something happened when Nehemiah named what was broken and decided to do something about it. Something happened when parents started fighting for their children. Something happened when the city realized that they could do more together: They inspired fresh faith and new hope and they changed how a generation saw God.

We’ve all heard the statement, “judge not.” It sounds right, even pious. But what if it isn’t as simple as that? What if it isn’t unchristian to judge, but a key part of what it means to follow Jesus?

God may give you more than you can handle. Your situation may hurt, seem hopeless, and be devastating. But in the midst of our worst moments God promises that in our weakness He is strong, becoming our source of strength against impossible odds and circumstances. Because of God, we can say it is well.

From Jiminy Cricket, to the ballads of the 1980’s, the idea that we should follow our hearts, our conscience, is common and even celebrated. While it makes for great music, it’s terrible life advice. Jesus offers a different way to live. A better way to live: Let love be your guide.

Everything happens for a reason. There is always a reason, but it isn’t always a good one. Regardless of what happens, or the reason why it happened, God is bigger than our circumstance. He has overcome the bad that happens, and the things that cause it, and works all things to good.

Have you ever worried about God’s will for your life — who you should marry, where you should go, what you should do? What if you make the wrong decision? Is it possible to be outside the will of God? God may not have a blueprint for your life, but He does have a game plan. If you walk in His ways, you’ll be in His will.

Forgiven doesn’t mean forgotten. It’s better than that. Forgiveness means the offending party doesn’t have to pay. It means loving richly those who have loved us poorly.

Faith isn’t magic. Faith is trust. Faith doesn’t ensure a happy ending. Faith changes our perspective. Faith may not change anything about what is going on around you, but it can change everything about you.

Jesus told a story about two men who built their homes on the coast. One man built his house on the sand believing that the foundations he built upon wouldn’t affect the life he was building. The other man built on a stone foundation believing that even though building on stone was more difficult it would protect the life he was building in the long run. One day a storm came and the man who built his house on the sand lost everything, but the man who built his house on a foundation of stone made it through with his home intact. The point Jesus was making is that what you believe matters. It will impact you today, tomorrow, and forever.

Discouragement! Have you ever felt it? Discouragement is a black fog, and it's universal — eventually everyone gets it. Often we open the door to discouragement when we outpace our life. Fatigue, unmet expectations, and personal disappointment can be the openings that allow discouragement to seep into our lives. But when all is quiet, we can hear the quiet whisper of God that re-centers us in reality. When we hear His whisper, we can refocus on Jesus. When He is not the center, discouragement is sure to follow.