Have you ever wondered how God can turn your brokenness into a masterpiece of reconciliation? The story of Nehemiah offers us a profound journey from ruins to restoration.

In the rubble of our lives, God sees potential for renewal. Just as Nehemiah surveyed Jerusalem’s broken walls, we must confront the damaged areas in our own hearts and relationships. “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). This stark reality calls us to action.

Like Nehemiah, we’re called to respond with resolve. He didn’t wait for others but proclaimed, “Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision” (Nehemiah 2:17). What task is God placing before you today?

As we step out in faith, we must be prepared to face opposition. When Nehemiah encountered mockery, he stood firm, praying, “Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads” (Nehemiah 4:4). Such challenges often confirm we’re on the right path.

Throughout this process, prayer remains our foundation. Nehemiah consistently turned to God: “O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant” (Nehemiah 1:11). Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purpose, strengthening us for the journey ahead.

As we rebuild, we discover God’s ultimate goal – reconciliation. “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14).

Here’s how God turns brokenness into a masterpiece. As we allow Him to rebuild our lives, He transforms our walls into bridges. Our restored hearts become channels of His reconciling love.

Friend, will you consider identifying one area in your life that needs reconstruction this week?

Do you remember the story of Moses and the burning bush?  When Moses saw the bush on fire and not being consumed, he wondered why the bush did not burn up.  As he walked toward the bush, the voice of God spoke to him.  When God identified Himself, “Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” (Ex 3:6)  I know this was a life-changing event for Moses.  He was not ignorant about God, yet never considered himself as a deliverer sent from God.   He underestimated his abilities to do what God was asking him to do.  However, Moses believed what God said to him, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (Ex 3:12)

Reassurance from God always strengthens our resolve.   So, how big, how large, how powerful is our God?  We, like Moses, always seem to need reassurance that God is with us.  In Exodus 33, Moses seeks the same reassurance from God that HE would go with him and the Israelites to the Promised Land.  Moses asked to see God’s glorious presence.

“¹⁹ The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh,before you.  For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. ²⁰ But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.” ²¹ The Lord continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. ²² As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”

Moses stood in a small crevice of a rock and God covered him with His hand.  That was a very large hand.  He felt the hand of God, the warmth and reassurance from the presence of God.  Moses witnessed what was most important and still important today: God’s goodness, His name and the promise that HE will show mercy and compassion to whomever He wants to.  We have received that promise.  GOD IS WITH US!

First, acknowledge that as God’s children, we all stumble and fall short of His glory at times. When we keep our sins hidden, guilt can crush our spirits, creating a chasm between us and our loving Father. Like David, we may feel the heavy hand of conviction pressing down upon us, sapping our strength (Psalm 32:3-4 ESV).

Second, take heart, for there is hope – a path to freedom from guilt. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV). By bringing our sins into the light and acknowledging our transgressions before God with a humble heart, we open ourselves to His transformative grace.

Third, embrace the truth that confessing our shortcomings takes courage and vulnerability, but as we uncover the truth, we invite God to cleanse us and restore our fellowship with Him. As we accept His forgiveness, the burden of guilt is lifted, and we can step forward into a new life of obedience and devotion, for “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV).

Friend, if you find yourself carrying the heavy burden of hidden sin, I encourage you to lay it down and embrace the glorious freedom that awaits you in Christ.

With the overwhelming and often intrusive influence of the world through our digital screens, it is easy to compromise our faith. What we need is an unshakeable faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Consider the following four steps we can observe from their lives.

Step 1: Choose to Stand

These young men, far from home and faced with the ultimatum of bowing to a golden statue or being cast into a fiery furnace, chose to stand firm in their faith.

Daniel 3:17–18 (ESV) ¹⁷ If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

They trusted in God’s plan, even when the outcome seemed bleak.

Step 2: Proclaim Your Allegiance

Like these brave men, we too are called to take a stand for our beliefs. When pressured to conform to society’s expectations, we must remember that our ultimate allegiance lies with God.

Daniel 3:28 (ESV) ²⁸ Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.

We must also proclaim the sovereignty and power of our God in the face of opposition. It’s not always easy, and the heat of the furnace may feel intense at times, but we can rest assured that God is with us every step of the way.

Step 3: Live as a Witness

Our faith is not just a private matter; it’s a powerful witness to those around us. By living out our convictions with boldness and grace, we can inspire others to seek the truth and find hope in Christ.

Daniel 3:29 (ESV) ²⁹ Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.”

Step 4: Trust in God’s Presence

Friend, would you consider taking a stand for your faith? Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who walked in the midst of the fire unscathed (Daniel 3:25), trust that God is with you, guiding and protecting you through every trial.

In a world where influence is measured by likes, followers, and shares, it’s easy to forget the true power of a life lived for God. The story of Daniel reminds us that genuine influence stems from a heart devoted to honesty, courage, and unwavering faith. Just like Daniel, who found favor in the eyes of kings and influenced an entire nation, we too can impact the world around us.

But it starts with a commitment to INTEGRITY. As Proverbs 11:3 (ESV) says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” When we choose to live with honesty, even in the face of opposition, our light begins to shine brightly.

COURAGE is another hallmark of a true influencer. Esther, a young Jewish woman, risked her life to save her people from destruction. She boldly declared, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16 ESV). Like Esther, when we stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, we inspire others to do the same.

But the foundation of lasting influence is a deep DEVOTION to God. David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote, “I have set the Lord always before me” (Psalm 16:8 ESV). When we make our relationship with God our top priority, everything else falls into place.

Friend, remember, your influence matters. As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 ESV). You never know how your life, lived for God, might change the world.

Mark 6:47-52, ⁴⁷Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on land. ⁴⁸He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn He went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, ⁴⁹but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, ⁵⁰because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

The Sea of Galilee is really a large lake that is about 650 feet above sea level, 150 feet deep and surrounded by hills. These physical features make it subject to sudden windstorms that would cause extremely high waves. Such storms were common on the Sea of Galilee, and I expect the disciples had probably experienced them before, but still I’m sure the storm was frightening.

The disciples must have been tired after rowing across the lake for over three miles in a storm in the middle of the night. I imagine the disciples were not only scared for their lives because of the strong wind and high waves, but also terrified from seeing a “ghost” walking on water!

As Christians, we often face spiritual and emotional storms in our lives. We often feel tired from whatever “strong wind” we are facing. We feel enveloped by the “high waves” we are facing in our surroundings, and we feel scared as we are tossed about like a small boat in the “big lake” of our situations.  And like Peter from Matthew chapter 14, our faith wavers when we struggle with just “straining at the oars” of life and focus on the “waves” of the difficult circumstances surrounding us at times.

Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the strong wind and high waves around him. The disciples were scared, but Jesus’ presence calmed their fears. Peter was afraid and sinking, but Jesus was there and reached out His hand. We may not walk on water, but we do walk through tough situations in our lives. To maintain your faith when your circumstances are difficult, keep your eyes on Jesus, see His hands reaching out for you, rather than your own inadequacies, and instead, “take courage” and trust that He is there for you!

When pain surrounds us, it’s tempting to hide our face and retreat into the shadows of despair. But even during our deepest sorrows, God beckons us to come to Him, to lament and grieve in His loving embrace.

You see, friend, God never promised us a life free from
suffering. In fact, Jesus himself warned us, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV). We live in a world where pain and heartache are all too common. But as children of God, we have a hope that transcends our earthly circumstances.

When we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear evil, for our Good Shepherd is with us (Psalm 23:4). He comforts us with His rod and staff, guiding us through the darkest of nights. And as we seek solace in His presence, we discover a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

But our journey doesn’t end there. As we receive comfort from God, we are called to extend that same comfort to others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that God “comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” We become bearers of hope’s light, sharing the love and compassion of Christ with those who are hurting.

And though the path may be difficult, we can trust in God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1), our anchor in the stormy seas of life. So let us cling to Him, knowing that one day, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

Friend, may you find strength in His unfailing love and grace, now and forevermore.

How many times have we lost our car keys?  We look all over until they are found, and most of the time they are right where we left them, maybe on the table or in our pants pocket. You know that when your cell phone gets misplaced you do not stop looking until it is found.

In Matthew 18 Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who has 100 sheep, and he loses one.  The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one sheep that was lost.  When he finds the lost sheep that went astray he rejoices more for that one than for the 99 that were not lost. 

“For the Son of Man is come to save those that are lost”.  Matt 18:11

In Matthew 25 Jesus also tells a parable about righteous and unrighteous people.  They both saw people who were hungry, and people who were thirsty, they also saw strangers, people who needed clothes, and who were in prison.  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying “Lord, when did we see thee hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw thee a stranger, and took you in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when we saw thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say, Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME.    Matt 25: 37-40.

Brothers and Sisters, we have an opportunity daily to answer the call of the two parables Jesus taught. Challenge yourself to leave the 99 (step out of your comfort zone) and invite that one lost soul who has been on your prayer list.  Maybe it’s a co-worker, neighbor or a family member.  Shouldn’t you be as concerned to find lost friends as you are to find that cell phone?  We can be like the righteous when we see our brother in need and invite him to the Master’s Side to Worship with us.

Now, have you lost anything lately?

Yes, but we know where you can find it.

Don’t you???

In our lives, much like the ancient temple, there comes a time when we must undertake a process of repair and renewal. Just as the faithful King Josiah heeded the call to restore the spiritual foundations of his time, we too must be guided by God’s Word and the whispers of His Spirit.

1. Focus on the Lord “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). By humbling ourselves before His truth, we invite conviction and transformation. Friend, what distractions or idols are competing for your focus, and how can you intentionally refocus on God’s Word?

2. Identify Areas in Need of Repair “Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had cleansed the land and the house, he sent…to repair the house of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 34:8). With honesty and courage, we must recognize the cracks and crevices in our spiritual life that require attention. Friend, what areas of your life need spiritual repair or renewal?

3. Expel Negative Influences “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22). Just as Josiah purged the land of idols, we must rid ourselves of anything that hinders our relationship with Christ. Friend, what specific sinful behaviors or mindsets do you need to actively remove from your life?

4. Embrace Humility and Reverence “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). With awe and obedience, we honor His presence that dwells within us. Friend, how can you cultivate a more humble and contrite spirit in your relationship with God?

5. Dedicate Your Life to Christ’s Lordship “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33). In this act of surrender, we find true renewal and purpose. Friend, what areas of your life are you still struggling to relinquish control over to God?

Repair His Church, restore His Word, my heart is truly stirred.

Renew my spirit, purge the sin, letting God’s light in, renewal to begin.