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It would have been easy for Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem and use the agency of his calling to take charge of the rebuild.  But his quiet approach to inspecting the wall speaks to his self-effacing character and desire to hear from, and be led by, the Lord.  As we serve the Lord, it's vital to guard against this temptation to make it about ourselves.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtDUAcYH9Lg

Nehemiah prayed and waited for four months for the opportunity to ask the king to return to Jerusalem. When the king asked why he was sad, Nehemiah made sure to praise the Lord and get His confirmation. Then, he was bold in his request, and his humility and humility convinced the king that this was right. But the Lord added two details that prove His plans and faithfulness are the catalyst for unfailing trust in Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhVxUbqS6EA

A familiar chair in a den has come to symbolize a place of brokenness. That is especially needed in times of spiritual attack or sadness about a situation. In Nehemiah's case, it was the deep personal pain that Jerusalem was still torn apart. So while in captivity in Persia, he came to the Lord with a broken heart and spirit, admitting the fact and consequences of sin, but also confident that the Lord is faithful to help the person who will humble themself before Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE2VIiaR3QU

Often temptation seems so outlandish that we dismiss it's threat. Peter learned that the hard way. After affirming Jesus as Messiah in a place known for false gods, Peter acted like an authority and admonished Jesus when He talked about His upcoming death and resurrection. Peter's action warns us to rebuke our pride and frustration and fear, and instead fully trust the Lord.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GsFTES1u9Y

As autumn begins, schedules, sleep and stress are all affected. The enemy tries to exploit that pressure by offering distorted substitutes for our calling, ministry responsibilities, relationships, work and reaction to warfare. Jesus offers us a powerful example of prioritizing daily time with the Lord, being refreshed and resetting our heart and mind to live out the fruit of the Spirit and faithfully serve Him.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGmcOAiKvlI&t=104s

It's such an inclination for us to compare ourselves to people and how we think our life should be...which breeds jealousy and discontentment and steals hope This is actually a spiritual issue, affecting our faith and maturity, so we need to avoid 5 snares to our confidence. Proverbs 4 gives us warning signs, which contrast to the tranquil heart and peace that comes from walking with full trust in the path of life.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf_Pis0ltnQ&t=4621s

While warning them about the ultimate consequences of sin, the Holy Spirit challenges Judah, (and us), to evaluate their impurity and to depart from it immediately. But He also offers great hope: That the Lord protects His people by both going before us and being our rear guard. This echoes Psalm 23, that His goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our life, giving us confidence in the times of storm--which was illustrated on a hike in Virginia.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrYWPK-r7h0&t=227s

We live in a time of noise, confusion and distortion of Truth--how much do we consume vs. keeping the wisdom of God's Word in our heart? We're called to guard our heart from the danger of spiritual corruption, because from it flows the springs of life. This Lord fills us with the power to overcome sin and walk in holiness, so we need to be disciplined in how we talk, how we trust and how we live.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Gkt3TdX6Y&t=3953s

As we look for clarity in discerning the will and leading of the Lord, how can we ensure that we're in position to hear Him, and are willing to obey without hesitation? Through multiple texts, we see that confessing sin thoroughly establishes the foundation, so we can be sacrificial with our plans, yielded and confident in the Lord's help, and content with whatever He knows is best for us.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT1SWvXxcc4&t=2008s

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we often look for clarity about His will and leading.  But there are foundational values--Conviction, Conscience, Character and Communication--that we also must be clear about, which give us certainty, confidence and an effective ministry.  Not only do we crave these in our own lives, but how we live them out has a tremendous impact on all those around us.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rruN8HgyL9I

HRT's missionaries in Kenya share the exciting work that the Lord is doing in their midst, and the fresh opportunities to impact the lives of children and families in Africa.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIkdUF-f0us&t=5s

After David's major sin, he was deeply broken, but counted on the zeal of the Lord to forgive and cleanse him, But that wasn't license to sin more, it was a reminder to be honest, humble and aggressive against further sin. Psalm 51 is an important call for us to have to approach with even the "little", everyday offenses that we may not take as seriously. The Lord wants to teach us wisdom, and we will learn that more as we ask Him to cleanse us, keep us close to Him and make us consistent.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYBK90XxCZE

What we say can either escalate or de-escalate a conversation and relationship, depending on our word choice, tone, attitude and body language. Are we refreshing--trying to promote truth, wisdom and calm, or depressing--wounding people and breaking their spirit? Instead of causing strife, we need to guard our mouths, and have a heart and mouth that advances righteousness.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfxMsIRdCPQ&t=5609s

After 40 years of living in the wilderness with his in-laws, Moses went back to Egypt and brought Israel out. Though his father in-law almost certainly has plenty of objections, he sensed the Lord's leading and yielded to it. When Moses came back with the people, he then spoke truth in love, challenging Moses to be wise in his actions. His faith, wisdom and boldness are an example of the powerful encouragement and influence we can have on others.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKPV86GdRIQ&t=3985s

Psalm 118 is the center chapter in the Bible, and is full of praise, thanks and victory as it points toward Jesus and the Gospel. Within it are 6 powerful truths that call believers to remember all that He has done in our lives--salvation, strength, righteousness, mighty things and even discipline. Our response can only be "joyful shouting", not only to show our unashamed gratitude, but also to lead others to know how wonderful the Lord is.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ntiv6jZoso