Prayer Prompt: Saturday

As the weekend arrives, take some time to give thanks for the ways in which God has given us courage to face our fears...and for those gracious souls who have encouraged us when we’ve been “lower than a snake’s belly”! -- P/T

Prayer Prompt: Friday

Give thanks for those who defend us—our military and public safety professionals, and also the everyday people who have offered us protection in all sorts of situations.

Time for Some Historical Context: Thursday

Pray for those who have trouble dealing with fear, opposition, conflict or adversity.

Time for some historical context!

Nehemiah 4 is good evidence that human nature hasn’t changed much in the past 2,500 years.  Sanballat, governor of Samaria, is mad because Nehemiah is orchestrating the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s wall… so he makes fun of Jerusalem and its inhabitants.  Tobiah the Ammonite ruler, a prototypical bully’s sidekick, joins him: “any fox going up on [that wall] would break it down!”

Sanballat’s irritation reflects Samaria’s desire to establish control over Judah—a desire that had been eating away now at Samaria since the fall of Jerusalem over one hundred years before.  Remember, “Samaria” was also the “Kingdom of Israel.”  This was the territory of the northern tribes, the territory that split from not-so-good King Rehoboam, son of Solomon, back in 930 B.C.  Sanballat was a real threat, not just because of geography but because he could feasibly lay some claim to Judah.  The two lands were historically linked.

That said, Sanballat’s plan clearly wasn’t God’s plan.  We’ll see how all this plays out.  While Sanballat plotted and jeered, Nehemiah planned, and he prayed… and he faced adversity with strength.

Prayer Prompt and Next Week's Scripture: Wednesday

Fear of what others think; fear of being wrong; fear of looking foolish; fear of failure; fear of conflict...all these fears can stop us from getting important things done.  It’s understandable that people oppose change, especially when the status quo is comfortable and to their benefit!  But Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him...to face fear and let God’s power see us through!

It’s time to look ahead to next week’s Scripture readings!  We encourage you to begin reflecting upon the following readings.  We’ll focus upon these next Sunday.

Scripture readings for Sunday, August 4, 2013:

• Nehemiah 4:1-23
• Take a look at Romans 5:1-5 and/or James 1:2-4—we’ll spend time with one of these
• Take a look at Luke 4:1-13 and/or Luke 6: 20-26—ditto :-)

Prayer Prompt: Tuesday

Pray for those who are work for the common good, whether they be in churches, mission fields, government, private businesses, or social agencies.  Ask how we may faithfully respond to Micah 6:8:  “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” -- P/T

Prayer Prompt: Monday

What is your normal response to people who oppose you?  Do you back down, try to find a ‘middle road,’ or do you face them with ‘backbone’ and forge ahead?  Today, please pray for yourself and all those who are opposed when trying to follow God’s direction.  Pray for discernment in knowing God’s guidance and confidence in following it when it’s clear. -- P/T

Sunday Sermon

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