Rise Up & Build: Opposed but Not Defeated
July 2, 2017
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Quotable: "...prayer is not a convenient device for removing life’s problems but a loving God’s provision for coping with them.” (Raymond Brown)

Questions to ponder: How are you or how have you have felt opposition in doing what God is calling you do? Which of the 5 lessons from Nehemiah do you need to apply?

Questions to ponder: In what ways and current circumstances might you need to be reminded to “remember the Lord”? What steps can you take to be held accountable for this?

Questions to ponder: Most often we read Nehemiah and side with the people of God, but what if we looked at the story from another point of view. For example, in what ways have you acted more like Sanballat, Tobiah, and others who opposed Nehemiah? In what ways are you or have you been tempted to oppose the work of God and create disunity?

Spiritual practice: Continue to pray for the people and ministries mentioned in today’s message who are experiencing opposition.

Prayer for the Week: Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.