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October 10, 2016
Standing Strong and Tall through Prayer - Nehemiah 1
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| Nehemiah was a man who lived on his knees. Whenever he needed guidance, strength, provision, or protection, his first response was prayer. Because of Nehemiah’s humble dependence, God was able to use him greatly to achieve His purposes.
This principle is still true for believers today. God can use us in the most awesome fashion if we'll seek Him and make ourselves available. He has a calling for each of us and doesn't want us wasting the opportunities He provides.
To follow Nehemiah's example of dependent prayer, we must first recognize God as the sovereign Ruler of the universe (v. 5). Although He's our loving Father and loyal Friend, we must never forget that He is also our high and exalted Creator whose holiness is beyond our comprehension. Never think of the Lord as "the man upstairs" or come into His presence in a frivolous manner.
To follow Nehemiah's example of dependent prayer, we must first recognize God as the sovereign Ruler of the universe (v. 5). Although He's our loving Father and loyal Friend, we must never forget that He is also our high and exalted Creator whose holiness is beyond our comprehension. Never think of the Lord as "the man upstairs" or come into His presence in a frivolous manner.
Because Nehemiah respected the awesome holiness of God, he approached Him with confession, admitting not only his sin, but his father's and Israel's as well (vv. 6-7). We cannot hide, deny, or cherish sin and expect the Lord to hear and answer our prayers. Purity of heart and the power of God are linked. We need the sensitivity to instantly recognize when we've strayed, and the willingness to deal with sin immediately.
The reason Nehemiah stood so tall and strong was not due to his natural abilities, but because he developed a relationship of dependency on the Lord through prayer. The same can be true for you. Don't rush into your day without taking time to enter God's throne room to seek His guidance.
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Current Sermon Series
As you scroll through your day, does it feel like everyone else has it all together? Someone always has the best job, cutest kid, or happiest relationship. We're pressured to measure up to other people's social media status updates and left with more #struggles.
This five-week series studies what it's like to live a Christ-focused life in a selfie-centered world. Topics include finding compassion, authenticity, relationships, contentment, and rest among all the pressures and distractions of social media.
Last Week:
With the rising of the perfect filtered picture, post, and whatnot for social media, authenticity goes out the window. We have to work at making ourselves authentic. The longer we wear the veil, the better the chance that the veil will cover the heart. .
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Lord willing, we are going to continue our series on #Struggles by looking into the topic of compassion.
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Upcoming Events
October 11, 2016 - Trustee's at 7 PM
October 13, 2016 - Men's Small Group at 7 PM at the church. Please read chapters 11-13.
October 19, 2016 - Quarterly Business Meeting at 7 PM.
October 22, 2016 - Fall Festival at 4 PM at the Hopper Homestead. More details to come. Hope to see you all there!
October 30, 2016 - Lord's Supper and Deacon's Fund Offering following the AM Worship Service
November 6, 2016 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
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