Fall 2024 - TOGETHER...for the Future

September 1, 2024:   Anchored and Aimed!

   Ezra 7:1-7; Nehemiah 1:1-3

Ezra and Nehemiah worked together for several years in Jerusalem. Ezra arrived first in 458 BC and Nehemiah followed in 445 BC. These two men led Israel to follow in the paths of re-building started by Zerubbabel years earlier. All three of these leaders led the People of God to remind themselves of the great heritage of their faith – and the need to face the horizons of a new future. So, they were anchored to their historic faith, but aimed at the future. As a church, or as a person, re-building for the future is exciting and challenging work. But – it is worth the effort!

Narrative Reading: Ezra 1-2

Together in Word: Matthew 7:24-27

As we contemplate how to build our lives towards the future, let’s reflect on the value of a strong foundation of faith. As Christians, we must anchor our lives in the truths God has already revealed to us. Consequently, our faith is both historic and futuristic. In other words, we are anchored in our historic faith first. As we begin our journey in reading through Ezra and Nehemiah and contemplate how to build for the future, let’s be reminded of the teachings of Jesus about building anything. In this closing section to the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord cautions us about negligence in choosing the foundation for our lives. Take some time this week to reflect on the foundation of your life. How seriously do you consider the value of God’s revealed truth? Are you building your life on the Solid Rock?

September 8, 2024:   Kneeology: The Priority of Prayer

   Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:1-11

Aiming towards a new future has proven to be a challenging endeavor throughout the history of the people of God. The task of building (or re-building) requires energy and endurance. When God beckons us towards a new horizon, we are to respond humbly in prayer. We don’t want to “get ahead” of Him! His presence, His provision, His guidance – all are necessary if we are going to be successful in the life He has planned for us. God’s people are at their best when they spend sufficient time on their knees before Him.

Narrative Reading: Ezra 3-4

Together in Word: Matthew 6:5-13

Both Ezra and Nehemiah were men of prayer. Their prayers recorded in their journals reveal a deep faith in God and a profound desire to know His direction for their lives. Their prayers also reveal a sincere humility in their relationship with God. We would do well to follow their example. In our focal passage this week, Jesus offers us instruction about prayer. He even has given us a model prayer to guide our efforts in prayer. Take time each day this week to pray through The Lord’s Prayer. Reflect on each phrase as you find yourself in God’s presence. Time spent in His presence in humility is never wasted!

September 15, 2024:  You Are Here!

   Ezra 3:1-6; Nehemiah 2:11-17a

The Book of Ezra records the re-building of the Temple in Jerusalem, while the Book of Nehemiah focuses on the re-building of the wall around Jerusalem. Both of these were tremendous undertakings by the people of God. Both endeavors required a time of honest assessment prior to construction. That is how it works. If we are going to build – we have to take some time to assess the reality of the situation. If you and I are going to work together to prepare the church for the future, we have to be honest about our current reality. If you are going to build your life for the future, you have to assess your own situation now.

Narrative Reading: Ezra 5-6

Together in Word: Haggai 1:1-11

The prophet Haggai prophesied in Jerusalem during the time of the first section of the Book of Ezra. It was 520 BC and the Jewish exiles had been back in Jerusalem for about 18 years. However, they had not begun the re-construction of the Temple. Haggai was about 70 years old, and God gave him a message for the people. It was time to consider their situation. Many of them had re-built their homes, but God’s house was not yet under construction. He challenged them to be honest about their reality and begin the work of re-building the Temple! For us this week, perhaps it is a time to think about what we are “building” during this season of our lives. How might God be speaking to you about your investment in His Kingdom’s work? Is it time to consider some adjustments to your life so that God’s work might be more prioritized?

September 22, 2024:  Planning and Zoning

   Ezra 5:1-2; Nehemiah 2:17-18

In the process of building for the future, there is an appropriate time for planning. Planning takes time, energy, and imagination. After an honest assessment, the information gathered now has to be organized and processed in the formulation of a plan. Zerubbabel led Israel in developing a plan for the new Temple and Nehemiah led in forming a plan for the reconstruction of the wall. As we build towards the future, we must give time for the Lord to guide us in formulating a plan for change and growth. He is the Divine Architect!

Narrative Reading: Ezra 7-8

Together in Word: Jeremiah 29:1-14

While many Jews were in exile in Babylon, God gave Jeremiah a prophetic message for them. Even though the situation seemed dire, God had a future planned for them. Jerusalem was destroyed, the Temple burned to the ground, and the wall around the city was broken down. However, God was done with His people! Ezra and Nehemiah tell the rest of the story! God delivered His people from exile and returned them to Jerusalem. He had plans for them. He has plans for you! As you contemplate the story of Israel, take some time to reflect this week on your own life. What is God planning for you? Is it time for you to make some changes to prepare for His future for you?

September 29, 2024:  Overcoming Obstacles

   Ezra 4:4-5; 5:3-5; Nehemiah 4:1-23

Building (or re-building) for the future is a challenging endeavor and obstacles are inevitable. In the Book of Ezra, there were those who opposed the re-construction of the Temple. In Nehemiah’s day, there were those who opposed the re-building of the wall around Jerusalem. In both instances, the leaders had to deal with and ultimately overcome those obstacles. We cannot expect our journeys to be smooth sailing all the time. In this message, we will address the inevitability of obstacles and how to deal with them.

Narrative Reading: Ezra 9-10

Together in Word: Haggai 1:12-2:9

Haggai prophesied to the people of Israel during the time of the re-building of the Temple recorded in the Book of Ezra. In our text this week, God spoke through Haggai to encourage the people to continue the good work of building. He promised to bless their efforts. As Israel faced the obstacles of their day, this word of encouragement was a welcome and refreshing message. As you face the obstacles in your life, bring those challenges to the Lord. Give Him a chance to speak to you, encourage you, and renew you in the midst of your challenges.

October 6, 2024:  Detoured by Distractions

 Nehemiah 6:1-16

As we have already learned, Nehemiah had to deal with opposition in his endeavor to re-build the wall around Jerusalem. These opponents used various tactics in their plan to thwart the work. In our text today, they sought to distract Nehemiah and divert his attention. This is a common challenge in the journey of building for the future. It is easy to be detoured by various distractions. We have to remain vigilant in our focus of building and restoration. We are to seek God’s direction, stay in tune with Him, follow His will, and refuse to be diverted.

Narrative Reading: Nehemiah 1-2

Together in Word: Matthew 6:25-34

I love this text! In the midst of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges His followers to stay focused on our pursuit of the Kingdom of God. As we seek to build for our future, it is tempting to get distracted by any number of pursuits. In this text, Jesus uses the example of focusing on and worrying about our basic needs being met. He challenges us to trust Him as we follow Him. Spend some time this week reflecting on your own pursuit of the Kingdom of God. Are you distracted right now? Is it time to renew your commitment to God’s Kingdom pursuits?

October 13, 2024:  How Firm a Foundation

 Nehemiah 8:1-6

After the wall was completed, Nehemiah and Ezra recognized the need for a solemn assembly of the people of God. At the onset of this meeting was the reading, hearing, and explanation of the Law. In other words, the Word of the Lord was at the heart of the new beginning of Israel. The people had returned from exile, rebuilt the Temple, and rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. All of this was for naught if they were not going to be faithful to God’s revelation of Himself. For us today, if we are going to find hope and life in our future, we must embrace the authority of the Word of God. It is the true and firm foundation of our lives.

Narrative Reading: Nehemiah 3-5

Together in Word: 2 Timothy 3:14-16

Ezra and Nehemiah led the people of God in a time of dedication and consecration. At the heart of this time was the acknowledgment of the authority of the Word of God. In our lives, as followers of Jesus, we must be engaged with the Word of God. We are to read, study, memorize, discuss, and meditate on God’s Word. This is God’s revealed truth to us. Are you regularly engaging God’s Word? Do you read daily? Do you study? How much Scripture have you memorized? Do you reflect on God’s Word? This week is a great time to renew your commitment to allowing God to shape your life through His Word.

October 20, 2024:  The Joy of the Lord

 Nehemiah 8:7-17

As the people of God gathered around the reading and explanation of the Word of God, they began to worship God! At first, the people responded with grief. However, Nehemiah and Ezra called them to move beyond any expressions of grief and experience the joy of the Lord! Nehemiah reminded them that the joy of the Lord is our strength! As we engage in building for the future, we need the joy of the Lord in our experience. God’s joy is deep and resilient. It transcends circumstances. God’s joy is connected to our relationship with Him. In this message, we will explore how to experience God’s joy in our journey of faith.

Narrative Reading: Nehemiah 6-9

Together in Word: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Habakkuk prophesied in Jerusalem some 140 years before Ezra arrived with exiles from Babylon. Habakkuk prophesied about the impending Babylonian invasion of Judah and the conquering of Jerusalem. However, in the midst of the challenging message of judgment, he shared incredible insights of faith that still resonate with us today. One of those insights is found in our text for this week. Habakkuk declares the depth of his faith when he testifies that he will find joy in his relationship with God in spite of his circumstances. What a message! As you reflect on your journey this week, how joyful are you? Where do you find your joy today? Look beyond your circumstances and discover true joy in the life offered to you by your Lord and Savior!

October 27, 2024:  Resilience: The Journey Continues

 Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah served as Governor of Jerusalem for 12 years. He returned to King Artaxerxes for a season. He then returned unexpectedly to Jerusalem. Unfortunately, many of the Jews in Jerusalem had begun abandoning their pledges made during Nehemiah’s tenure as Governor. They were not observing the Sabbath properly. Inappropriate accommodations were made in the Temple. Many Jews were intermarrying with pagan families. Nehemiah immediately addressed all of these ills and restored order to the city. Resiliency is necessary when we are building for the future. Changes required for an improved reality have to be monitored and maintained. This message will examine the need for diligence and resiliency as we forge ahead into the future God has for us.

Narrative Reading: Nehemiah 10-13

Together in Word: 1 Corinthians 15:58

The quality of endurance remains an admirable trait today. The Apostle Paul challenged the Corinthian Christians to demonstrate a resilient faith in their service to Christ. Nehemiah exhibited this quality in his leadership in Jerusalem some 500 years earlier. As we contemplate this text this week – and reflect on the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah, perhaps this is a week to re-commit ourselves to remaining steadfast in our faith. How resilient are you? How determined are you to continue to be faithful as God leads you into a new future?