How do you deal with conflict? Do you throw up your fists and say, “bring it on!” Or do you run the other way, avoiding it at all costs? Pastor Richard teaches us in today's message, that God cares how we deal with conflict because He cares how we deal with each other. The world's way always says, “I'm right and you're wrong.” God's way say's, “I forgive you.” His way say's, “I love, and I will lay down my rights, to be reconciled with you.”

In Today's world, we're no strangers to conflict. We see it all around us, whether it's two nations at war with each other, or national politics, or a dispute among your own family. We all know conflict. In today's Message, Pastor Richard teaches us that as Christians, much conflict is avoided when we submit ourselves to the word of God. When we live under the authority of His word, we'll experience the unity, that only He can give us.

Well, God may not use your lunch to feed thousands of people, but He will do great things with what you do offer Him, no matter how small it may seem. Nehemiah’s story shows you that God is after your willingness to work. He wants you to give of yourself and your resources for the task He has for you. Pastor Richard urges you to ask the Lord to show you what part you can play in what He’s doing around you. He’ll use you in ways you can’t imagine!

Be on guard. It’s a standard warning throughout the Bible. This a call to be watchful because you have a spiritual enemy who wants to take you out. That’s the connection that Pastor Richard makes in today’s study. Nehemiah and the others stand against those who want to physically tear them down. One hand is rebuilding the wall, while the other holds a sword. You’ll learn the importance of spiritually being on guard while doing His work.

The older you get, the more you realize that most of your life comprises ordinary, everyday moments. It’s the phone calls, doctor’s visits, dishes, and bedtime routines. It’s building relationships and going to work. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to follow Nehemiah’s example and keep going, even when it’s hard and you’re tired. God is with you; He’ll give you what you need to move forward one step at a time.

I think we can all relate to what Pastor Richard is describing here. Sometimes it does seem like everything blows up as soon as you decide to do what the Lord put on your heart. That’s why today’s passage is so reassuring. It reminds you that you’re not the only one. Through Nehemiah’s story, God is encouraging you to press on. You’ll see how Nehemiah deals with opposition and how he keeps going even though it seems like the world is against him.

When Nehemiah got to Jerusalem, he found the walls around the city in disrepair. The people were vulnerable without that protection. So they began repairing what was damaged, working near their homes to shore things up. Today, Pastor Richard shares that you need to be doing the same. When you build up the body of believers that you’re a part of, you’re protecting those you love by investing in the spiritual health of your family and friends.

You’ve heard the saying about taking a village. Well, the truth is that God never intended us to go through life on our own. We’re wired to be part of a community. It’s really how we work best… how we’ll thrive the most. And you’ll see this in today’s passage. Nehemiah can’t do all the repairs on his own. He needs everyone to do their part to make things better. Pastor Richard reminds you that God is calling each of us to join in and work together.

Contrary to what Simon and Garfunkel may say, you are not a rock or an island. God created you to be in a community with others, growing and serving alongside each other. And you’ll see this in today’s passage too. Pastor Richard explains that God gave Nehemiah a vision, one he prayed about and pursued by himself. But then, he shared what the Lord had put on his heart with others, inviting them into the work of making that vision into reality.

The stage is set, and the pieces are all in place. Nehemiah has arrived in Jerusalem and is ready to get the lay of the land and check out the work that needs to be done. He’s ready to get started. But, as Pastor Richard shares today, that first step can feel like a huge hurdle. Can you relate to that? Have you put off doing things because you felt overwhelmed or underprepared? You’ll be reminded that God will be with you to do what He’s asked of you.