Lord Strengthen My Hands

Lord, Strengthen MY Hands - Nehemiah 6:1-9

INTRO: LOMA PRIETA AND TREASURE ISLAND

STRENGTHEN MY HANDS TO SERVE WHERE ASSIGNED - 1-3

E - vs 1-3; Nehemiah was invited to new opportunities. The wall was finished but not completely.

R - We need the LORD’S Strength to complete OUR ASSIGNMENT.

A - Physically Tired; Bored; and no fulfillment; doing the same thing.

God assigns people to specific positions of service; especially in the church. Naaman-2 Ki 5; Mordecai-for such a time as this-Esther 4

There is a BUFFET of opportunities presenting an invitation to leave your assignment.

BUT serving where you’re assigned is STEWARDSHIP. Parable of the Talents. MT 25

That’s why we must pray and make every effort to SERVE WHERE WE ARE ASSIGNED.

God is glorified with YOUR obedience; faithfulness; commitment.

STRENGTH MY HANDS TO STAND FOR TRUTH - 4-8

E - vs 4-8 - Sanballat sends an open letter of lies. In v 5 the open letter was so everyone could read it. OLD SCHOOL SOCIAL MEDIA. That would create gossip and foolish talk.

R - Why do we need our hands strengthened?

Strength is the ability to perform a  task or resist an opposing force. We are more familiar with physical strength. It takes physical strength for you to walk.

It takes spiritual strength to love, to be anxious for nothing, to rejoice always, etc.

It takes Spiritual strength to STAND FOR TRUTH in our every day Christian walk.

A - Lies about our work; character; leaders; are intended to deceive and distract.

Eve in the garden; Cain and Abel; Achan at Ai;

Jesus said the devil is the father of liars.

But the devil is not our father. God is our father. He He is the truth. He is the light.

The Lord wants to STRENGTHEN YOUR HANDS spiritually by the power of the Holy Spirit SO YOU WILL STAND FOR TRUTH.

STRENGTHEN MY HANDS TO STAY FOCUSED - 9

E - Nehemiah realized the enemy’s tactic;

R - the enemy thought “They’re too weak; too small in number; They won’t be able to fulfill their mission.”

You don’t know My God! He’s Able...

A - Stay Focused on YOUR FAITH; not FEAR. YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN.

Gal 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

1 Cor 15:58 “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is in vain.”

Stay focused on your ASSIGNMENT; not personal ACHIEVEMENT- Make Disciples.

John 15:16 “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit’

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

1 Peter 4:10 “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

CLOSE: LORD STRENGTHEN MY HANDS!

to SERVE WHERE I AM ASSIGNED...

STAND FOR TRUTH...

STAY FOCUSED...

PRAY for CrossRoads to fulfill God’s mission to reach the lost; help the hurting; and bring deliverance to the captives.