"But thou art a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness."

Forgiveness says He holds no grudges, grace speaks of His favor for us, compassion, His heart of mercy for us, slow to anger, the ability to trust in Himself that He is working in even the toughest of situations, love and kindness are hallmarks of His feelings for those who are His. Receive today all he has for us.

Pastor Russell

"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry."

The faithfulness of the Lord has been shown throughout history. From captivity in Egypt, to the wilderness wandering, through a period of good and bad, He raised up judges to intervene, then captivity in Babylon, then miraculous freedom and back home to Jerusalem, He proved Himself faithful. How much more child of God, will He do on our behalf? From slavery and captivity, to freedom and liberty in Him. Let's not take lightly His kindness and mercy. 

Pastor Russell

"For every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

We have all had fathers, some good, some not present, others in and out, all the while, for His child, we have had a perfect heavenly Father. He is the source or giver of all that provides illumination, physical and spiritual, for the child of God. In Him is all wisdom, and He is worthy of all honor, glory and praise. 

Pastor Russell

“for the joy of the Lord is your strength“ 

A combination of joy, tempered with conviction and even condemnation came upon all who heard the word. Not that leaders desired to beat down with the word, but to emphasize God’s faithfulness towards them. The reminder of His faithfulness being our strength in all circumstances.

Pastor Russell

"The wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days."

The completion of the wall was no small task for the ragtag band of builders. Not much mention of any professional contractors or builders, but small pockets of families, community leaders and activists, skilled artisans such as gold jewelers, perfumers, priests and related ministers. Little did they know, that yes, the wall was completed, but this was only a jumping off point for the nation of Israel. Here, the foundation was affirmed in their beloved Jerusalem, the temple was again a focal point of worship, and more importantly, the people were surrounded by the protecting walls of the Lord.  The Lord would lead His people on, until this day, fulfilling His promises to them.

Pastor Russell

"For many in Judah were honor bound by oath to him because he was the son in law of Shecaniah......"

The enemy was so subtle to bring the children of Judah into compromise by marital relationships. Fear, threats, discouragement, or extortion wouldn't work. How about joing in through marriage? Oh, how nice the thoughts of innocent family harmony, yet the true intents were to be imbedded so deeply within the makeup and fabric of the society present was undeniable. To be bound may paint a picture of a binding so tightly as to not be able to break free from the encumbrance. The enemy can be so insidious as to bind, to hold in bondage the people of God.

Pastor Russell

"Can they revive the stones from the dusty ruble even the burned ones?"

This was the question asked by the enemies of God's people. The ruble and the stones could very well be representative of hearts and lives of people. Some in a state needing the Lord's touch and attention, some need rebuilding, others added to in stature and strength. No matter where we are at, God is at work in us, to do His will and His pleasure, as His work continues in all of us. 

Pastor Russell

"So we built the whole wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work."

Amidst all the harassment, threats and works of intimidation, the heart of the people would not be deterred. Putting aside all the challenges, they continued to press on in God's work. Unfettered by fear that may have been prevalent, the call to persevere resonated in the builder's heats and mind. Oh, if we too, worked at God's call for our lives, would it be possible that many, many more would be brought into His kingdom before His certain return.

Pastor Russell

• "Ananiah carried out repairs besides his house..." Nehemiah 3:23
• "Above the Horse Gate, the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house." Nehemiah 3:28
• "After them Zadok carried out repairs in front of his house." Nehemiah 3:29
• "After him, Meshulam the son of Berechiah carried out repairs in front of his own quarters." Nehemiah 3:30

What did these men have in common? Was it the luck of the draw, that they ended up working around their homes? Or was it that they had a vested interest in making sure the strength and integrity of their homes. More than likely, they had a longing that their families as well as their homes were well fortified in the Lord. You see they realized the value that God posed as He surrounded His people, not only with walls and gates, but within the homes which contained the precious treasure of His people.

"but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Pastor Russell

Then they said, "Let us arise and build." So they put their hands to the good work.

In chapter 3, we see the on-going work, as they repaired, and built on and on the wall and gates of Jerusalem. The word repair or repaired is repeated time and time again as the builders continued. Almost like the Lord, in His work of rebuilding lives that have been ravaged by sin and separation. He goes on in His work. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Pastor Russell

"My Servant will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities, because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors, yet He Himself poured our Himself for many, and interceded for the transgressors."

"For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Sheol; neither wilt Thou allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay."

Along with Jesus' crucifixion on the cross, came the joy of His forgiveness of the believer's sin, and It's in this hope of His resurrection, we place our hope in. He has defeated death.

Pastor Russell

"......because the good hand of God was on me....."

With heart and intentions right, even with difficulties and heart-breaking occurrences, the Lord is able to make the way right for his child. The example we have with Nehemiah is a good one, catching God's vision, and moving along with the Spirit in prayer and then action. We will see the results of the Lord's work.

Pastor Russell