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  Where Jesus is Lord

The development   of the soul and spirit  is  essential for a full life.   

Rally the Troops – Nehemiah 4

Every work of God starts out with a vision, a dream, and a desire to see God accomplish something new. Nehemiah was a man with a passion to work for God. He wanted to see the Jews to come into the blessing of God.  They had been a people of reproach and he wanted them to come to the place of rejoicing and fellowship with God again.  He wanted to build a testimony to the power and faithfulness of God. Each local church started this way. But sometimes we stop half way and sit on our past achievements. Not Nehemiah, he continued until the work was finished.  He was not marching time, not holding the fort, but progressing in the work of the Lord.  

The term Church sets us apart as a called out people set apart from all human institutions.  We are called according to God's purpose.  We are not a human organization, nr a result of ingenuity, nor the power of any earthly body of people. The Church Is not built by human works, or religious people, but Christ said, "I will build My Church." Mankind has nothing to do with the building of Christ's Church.  He cannot add to it or take away form it.  The Church has been called into existence by God Himself.  Weakness and failure in the Church are explained by the fact He has chosen to work through human agents.  When we succeed it is because of Him not us.  When we fail it is because of us not Him.  The main goal of the church is to let God work and build His kingdom as we obediently submit to His Word and His Spirit.  The Church is no accident but is a result of God's predetermined call (Ephesians 1:4-5, 11).  A local church must believe it is called of God and is no mere accident or reaction, but part of God predetermined plan.  He placed it locally for a testimony for Himself.

THE LORD'S WORK

A Wakeup Call. "Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the word of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58 ).  "The work of the Lord" is never described as being easy.  "Work and labour" in the verse carry the idea of working to the point of exhaustion.  We think we should be laid back and just let it happen.  We have an extreme idea of theology that it will happen any way; this is Oriental Fatalism, "Kay sera, Sera" whatever will be will be. Jesus said to work while it is yet day because the night will come in which no man shall work.  Paul said to Epaphroditus, "For the work of the Christ he was near death" (Philippians 2:30 ). The Christian life is not a party, although we are to have great joy within our hearts.  It is not for wimps but soldiers who will fight the good fight of faith.  It is not a play ground but a battle field. Christians have been called to do the Lord's work in the Lords way.  We are not chocolate soldiers sitting in w a window and met when three sun shines upon us.  So many believers just melt when the going gets tough.  The Almighty has given us the thrill and privilege of working for Him. 

MEN WITH VISION CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Neh. 1:1-3

Nehemiah enjoyed security and prestige as the king’s cupbearer, so there was no reason for him to ask about the needs of people hundreds of miles away.  But he loved God, and his cause, he loved Jerusalem and was concerned about the welfare of his people. It was a day of reproach for the people of God. Jerusalem was no longer beautiful and the Jews were no longer powerful.  But one man made the difference! Nehemiah led the Jews form great reproach to great rejoicing.  God is still seeking men and women to sacrifice to do His work.  Are you available?

OPPOSITION IN THE WORK

If you find a place without problems then there is nothing wrong, you are not needed there.  Paul stayed at Ephesus because God had opened a door there and there were many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9).  That is a good reason to stay in a place and serve the Lord.  Many of us leave but not Paul, he stayed, he couldn't leave the troops alone to fight the battle, and he got stuck in.  There were sexual perversions, paganism, demonism, vice, superstition, religious animosity, racism, hatred, idolatry.  Most people want tamer place, a place without problems. Paul went and taught the Word of God every day for 2 years (Acts 19:8-10).  Many were saved, idol work was affected, magical arts books were burned, the idol makers demonstrated against Paul (Acts 19:19 , 23-41).  Paul says they were at the end of their tether and in a desperate situation (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).  He faced death every day in such sever opposition. When we have no resources we must depend upon God, then we see the power and provision of God.  (2 Corinthians 4:10).  That is the excitement and adventure of our ministry.  Charging into battle and confronting the opposition in the power of Christ.  That is when God gives the victory. 

THE GOALS TO WORK FOR- THE FUTURE

If we do not know where we are going we will not know when we have arrived. We have direction and goals, they are to:- 1. Win souls to Christ; 2. Help them mature; 3. Help them to get involved in ministry; 4 Build up the saints, 5. Build strong families and prevent family break-ups; 6. We want to educate children in the things of God; 7. we want to find ways of effectively reaching this community for Christ. 8. Send out missionaries into the entire world. 

PRAYER, EXPLANATION AND PREPARATION

Nehemiah did not suddenly quit his job and hurry to Jerusalem.  He prayed and faithfully worked for four months, waiting to approach the king in the Lord's time.  Waiting can be much harder than working, but it is dangerous to rush ahead of God. 

First he prayed.  He spent time alone with God before the throne of grace.

Second he explained.  He had been planning his work carefully, so he was able to give the king satisfactory answers.  Prayer and concern are no t substitutes for clear thinking and adequate organisation.

Third he prepared.  Before enlisting the leaders, he became personally squinted with the needs.  Dedicated leaders are awake when others are asleep or inactive.  They see more in the darkness than what other see in the light. 

RECRUITING THE TEAM Nehemiah 2:18

 "They strengthened their hands for the work of the Lord."  They had a mind to work.  They put some effort into the Gods work. All the leaders recruited the rest.  We need to enlist and recruit others for the work of the Lord also. How? Relay the vision and invite others in commitment and involvement for the task.  Who does the work?  Some people are constructionists, helping to get the job done.  Others are destructionists, busy tearing things down.  A third group is made up of obstructionists who create problems for the people doing the work.  In which group are you? 

A) Help us build a team into one unit, one with one dream and no rivalry.

B) Commitment to achievement but at the same time realizing we all have different gifts and ways of manifesting them. 

C) Co-operation- the degree to which team progress depends upon mutual co-operation to the players and the willingness to work together.  

It means success for all even if apart is weak or fails.

1. Value each others role, dont compete, co-operate. Understand each others gifts. 

2. Trust each other and you will work in harmony. To withhold trust will affect confidence and future vision.  Paul and Barnabas had a problem of trust and so a division occurred (Acts 15:37 -40).  Trust was so important that these men decided to depart company because it was not apparent.  The rule is to trust people until they give you reason not to.  You do not always have to agree with each other, mutual trust creates an environment in which you can solve difficulties or understand each others gifts.  Leaders can gain trust by being genuine and open and also when another are permitted to have impute or give ideas.  It is good to ask for recommendations.   

3. All the team is part of the same Church vision.  It is not my ministry but our ministry, not my dream but our dream.  Let us learn to say "We”, "Our Goals", and what "We Do".  Let us spend time together and get to know one another rand fellowship together.   Eat together sometimes. Encourage one another in the Christian way. 

4. Communicate - Communication instructs, it avoids misunderstandings.  Communicate what you are doing, clearly.  Make sure everyone understands sit.  We are to understand how to build to rebuild.  We should believe it, inspire other s to get involved and do it.  Nehemiah inspired his people and convinced them they could do it.  They became enthusiastic, committed and motivated.  There was leadership, prayer, groups, and good communication.

FIND YOUR PLACE (Niche= nest) TODAY

Slot into a place.  Find out where you fit in.  You have a place in this church.  It is important for you to not only know the plan of God for your life, but where you fit in and also God's plan for our church.  It is of utmost importance to know and fulfill Gods will in your life.  God provided for us in eternity past, assets for us to function in your own niche or place.  These invisible assets give us many advantages and privileges in life.  He has called you and placed you in a certain place and a specific group of His people at a specific time in history to function at a great potential to serve Him. It has a place, a position suitable for you, your abilities and your gifts.  A nest is made out of many strands, hair, twigs, leaves, feathers.  Every strand makes capacity for life, contentment and spiritual fulfillment.  Contentment is a key word; your niche is in eight areas. 1. Social life; 2 Marriage; 3 Profession; 4; Academic life. 5. Job 6. Position. 7 Spiritual life. 8. Christian service.  

Understanding these will help you solve problems and carry through the complications of life and in all things be content (Philippians 4.11)  Having alive for God and holding fast and developing your faith will reinforce your place in service of the Lord.  Nehemiah was contented to find life's purpose; he found and functioned within his notice. 

DISCOURAGEMENT

It originated with people, unbelieving enemies (Neh. 2:19 ; 4:1-8) and w2as compounded by ridicule (4:1-4); mockery (vs 1-6); threats (7-9); conspiracy (7-10); rumour (11-12); fear (10-13). Sometimes God's own people bring opposition (6:1-0-13).  This is a test of your love and maturity.  Fear, failure, fatigue and frustration can bring discouragement. 

THE ANSWER 4:14

1. "Remember the Lord." In times of intense discouragement. Watch and pray.  Be aware of the enemies’ tactics and the Lords power. 

2. "Dont be afraid of them." do not be afraid of people, o failure or fear it.

3. "Fight for your brothers".  Your Christian family, your sons, your daughters, your wives, your marriages, your homes and family life.  Do not let the world or the devil take them form you.  

4. Focus on God, Dont let Satan trip you up or hinder you. 

5. Remember His awesome greatness in your times of difficulty.

God is for us, He is on or side.  He was for us in the past when He provided for our us.  He is for us in our present need.  He is for your future progress, "We are made more than conquerors" (Romans 8:35 -39).  Dont give up, dont quit, dont give in to the temptation to give up we will ultimately win.  If you have been beaten to the ground come back fighting, when you have been emotionally punched fight back.  Finish the race, the purpose God has called you for.  Allow time for healing and recovery.  Get right, forgive, and get on with the job.

ASK GOD FOR STRENGTH 6:9

Ask Him for the necessary strength to overcome hurt and discouragement.  Ask Him to make your soul and mind "strong in the Lord and the power of His might." Ask Him to give you boldness and courage (Psalm 138). 

God will strengthen you to do His businesses.  After Paul had been discouraged by friends abandoning him (2 Tim. 4:10 , 16) his enemies attacking him (14-15), he was in jail and his death immanent (vs. 6-7). .  He says, "But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and that the gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lions mouth" 

We should pray "O Lord give us strength, courage, boldness and wisdom to fight on, to advance, and to push the enemy back.  O Lord as we go fourth gives us people fit to fit the job, to do the task.  O Lord send us victorious against the enemy of mans soul. 

Children's Ministries