In forgiveness, God gives us power to rise above evil and overcome evil with good. As we forgive, we are also blessed!
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The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details found within, and we now see many things that we missed before!
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“Can I really trust what the Bible says?” An increasing body of evidence says, “Yes!” But furthermore, are we willing to let God’s Word impact our lives?
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Pastor Chris Dodge has been preaching a series entitled, “Foreshadowings: Remarkable Glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament.” On the Third Day, the sixth in the series, shows how God uses even a seemingly inconsequential phrase to foreshadow the saving work of Christ.
Watch Foreshadowings: On the Third Day
Study Guide by Pastor Phil Bickel for Foreshadowings: On the Third Day
Watch the full series Foreshadowings: Remarkable Glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament
Romans 8 reveals that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave, lives in us! Listen as Pastor Kevin Schuessler, in a Call to Action, encourages us to “Ask the Holy Spirit to resurrect new thinking in our minds.”
Watch the Call to Action for On the Third Day
When you hear that greeting, do the Holidays feel more like “Ho-ho-ho Happy Holi-DAZE?”
During the weeks and days leading up to Christmas do you find yourself lacking excitement? Does the constant activity and gaiety around you feel overwhelming? Are shopping and planning making the season a blur? Inside are you experiencing dread, bitterness or even envy as you anticipate family get togethers? Many of us feel emotionally and physically exhausted and stress often feels a constant companion as the holidays approach. Heavy expectations, family dynamics, financial pressures and more can make the holidays feel like a crushing burden. Instead of “Happy Holidays” life feels extra difficult for many of us. So much to do, places to go, and people to entertain, etc. Is that what the holidays are for?
I believe God has something COMPLETELY different in mind for you and me, something rather wonderful. Instead of heaping on more expectations, He wants to be the One who gives to us. He has SO much to give, that we can’t even comprehend it all!
He says, –
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”…And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.’ —1 Corinthians 2:9,12. NLT
I believe our culture has turned this time of the year into “holidaze” for many of us. According to the UrbanDictionary.com, holidaze is a “term that defines the feelings of confusion and excitement people have between thanksgiving and Christmas; the blur one feels after/during shopping for gifts in crowded retail stores with heavy holiday traffic.” But God wants to make it a holiday, or holy day. (Check out Pastor Dodge’s teaching on “Holidays – Holy Days” http://www.awakeusnow.com/biblical-roots.html)
No one is holy except God, Himself. In fact, no one walked the planet that was holy except for Jesus, who was sinless and perfect. He came that we may have “life and life to the full,” while the enemy has come to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Jesus suffered and died for the express purpose of earning for us things too amazing for words:
This Holy One, Jesus, earned all of that for each one of us. In our broken, messed up state, we may receive it by faith, as a gift. A Christmas gift and what a gift! Right?
If that’s not enough, Jesus, before ascending to the right hand of the Father, left behind the Holy Spirit, to reside inside each of us. By simply believing in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit! And as this passage describes, THERE’S MORE. The Holy Spirit wants to give us what Jesus has earned for us – all the things we need to live this life:
So, this time of the year, what if we completely changed our focus from all the expectations placed on us, to receiving the Gift the Father has for us, the gift of Jesus and what He has earn for us? You are the Father’s beloved and precious dear one. Nothing would make Him happier than for you to receive the Gift He has for you.
How do you receive His gift? Don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will guide you. Just listen with your heart and receive.
Make this holiday a holy day and leave the holidaze behind! Receive the best Christmas gift ever, the Gift of the Holy One, Jesus. And then, receive some more! For He says to you – “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Happy Holy Days and Merry Christmas!
Nehemiah and the Jews living in Jerusalem resolved together to rebuild it’s walls. Soon after, there was enemy pushback by three characters.
“But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked. I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”” (Nehemiah 2:19-20 NLT)
Jerusalem had enemies. You could describe them as enemies of God, and any efforts God was doing among His people. Was it jealousy or envy. Was it simply disdain for the Jews, God’s chosen people, the people through whom God wanted to display His love? Or were these simply bullies? In any case, when they heard of the plan to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, they began mocking and accusing. That’s what God’s enemies do. Nehemiah replied not by getting defensive, but by declaring that this was God’s initiative. And that they were simply following His lead. Then Nehemiah shut them down, stating this was NOT up for discussion or a vote. He and they WERE going to rebuild the wall with God’s help, no matter what!
As we step into prayer for America, and seek to follow God’s invitation to pray for this country, our people, for the rebuilding of America’s spiritual walls, we too will encounter enemy push back. It may be subtle or blatant mockery, (ie – “what are you doing?” “Prayer is silly and worthless!” etc), or it may seem accidental/coincidental (ie – the appliances in your house all begin to break, etc.). As these taunts just bolstered Nehemiah and the Jews’ resolve, we too can be bolstered and encouraged by these attacks at us. Jesus, who experienced this enemy warfare more than anyone, which led ultimately to his death sentence on a cross, said, “in this world you will have trouble, but TAKE HEART, I have overcome the world” (emphasis mine, John 16:33). We CAN be encouraged that we too are following where God is leading, and in fact, potentially suffering for Jesus’ name. This is an honor indeed. Resolve now to pray for America, her future, and for her people, no matter what! And our Father who hears from heaven will reward you and me by taking our requests seriously and RESPONDING! The wall WILL be rebuilt!
It’s been a number of weeks since posting on Building a Prayer Wall. Let’s pick up where we left off.
As a recap – we are looking at America and building a spiritual “wall” for her through the lens of the book of Nehemiah and seeking to apply what God might be saying to US(A).
Nehemiah, at night, under the cover of darkness, scoped out the condition of Jerusalem’s wall. He had only received reports, so he assessed the damage himself. Now it was time to step out – in faith, and make a public decision. He brought Jerusalem’s leaders together for a meeting and this is his account.
“The city officials did not know I (Nehemiah) had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.” (Nehemiah 2:16-18 NLT)
This a key turning point in Nehemiah’s story. It’s commitment day! Nehemiah stepped out THREE TIMES by speaking up and committing.
What a great example of how God likes to work powerfully in and through people like Nehemiah! And also you and me! This account is in the Scriptures, not only for us to admire and be inspired by, but for God to provoke us, as well, to step out in faith toward Him. This is what I believe we are to do:
It doesn’t have to be complicated or arduous, just a simple step of faith. One person joining with another person to do our part in rebuilding America’s spiritual wall. So let’s pray! In Jesus’ Name!
Today is the launch of Building a Prayer Wall for America. We are inviting people from all around the country to build 
a “Wall of Prayer” for America: Followers of Jesus in every state committed to daily prayer to God for a spiritual Awakening in our nation.
What could the future of America look like if God’s people came together in prayer for her? We invite you to join us and others from across this great nation in rebuilding the foundation on which America was established. Let us commit to praying for an awakening, for revival, for healing. One nation, under God, built and rebuilt on Jesus the Foundation.
BUILD A WALL OF PRAYER! By Pastor Chris Dodge
Our nation, dearly loved by all, needs our prayers.
These 
are critical times. It has nothing to do with partisan politics or political parties. It has everything to do with turning the hearts of people back to God. God desires that His people look to Him and that people everywhere come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Only that can renew a nation and only that can change the future. So we invite you to join us in prayer for our country for the next 52 weeks.
WHAT IS A PRAYER WALL? By Pastor Kevin Schuessler
A prayer wall is a spiritual wall that is a barricade to evil and holds people inside its walls together! It is doing by prayer what Nehemiah did physically. Nehemiah and God’s people were in a broken-down state. The city wall around Jerusalem was in shambles, allowing Israel’s enemies the ability to keep its citizens in a defeated state.
Be part of praying for America. Join us and others from across America in praying for revival, a Great Awakening, for the people, for the church, for our nation and our nation’s leaders. Join us today in building a prayer wall for Amer
ica.
Available each week for 52 weeks:
Prayer points
Bible Reading
Devotional
There is no set date to start. Start when it works for you! Start with WEEK 1 and finish with WEEK 52.
Sign Up Here. Download Materials Here. View Pastor Dodge’s video invitation below and learn about the free resources available for individual and group pray-ers!
Does the Lord ever wake you up at night? The next time He has you up, spend a bit of time making an assessment of the damage done by the enemy. Just as in Nehemiah’s day, the damage is extensive. You won’t want to carry the assessment as a burden, but rather, take time to talk privately with the Lord about it.
“I (Nehemiah) went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.” (Nehemiah 2:11-16 NIV)
Why did Nehemiah go at night to assess the wall’s damage? He wanted to see first hand the condition of the wall and make his own assessment without influence. Right now in America, there are a lot of voices making their case for what America needs. We can take what we hear and come freely and privately to the Father. After asking for His heavenly wisdom and discernment, we can take what He gives us, and turn it into a prayer back to Him.
From your private prayer place, in the quiet of the night, when it’s just you and God…. it’s a great opportunity for assessing, seeking discernment and praying. “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
Very specific! Nehemiah was not caught “flat footed” when the king asked him what he needed. Nehemiah had carefully planned what they needed to rebuild Jerusalem’s demolished wall. What do we need to rebuild America’s spiritual wall? Be specific.
Jesus promises – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8 NIV). We have Jesus’ FULL permission to ask! Boldly and specifically!
“The king said to me (Nehemiah), “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.” (Nehemiah 2:4-9 NIV)
Pastor Chris Dodge begins a new series this Sunday, NEHEMIAH: Lessons in Wall Building. This week’s subtitle: “Situational Awareness” based on Nehemiah 1:1-11. Please join us in person at the Richfield High School in Richfield, MN at 9:30am CDT. Or join us via live/on demand webcast.
Let us pray: Lord, in order for America’s demolished spiritual wall to be rebuilt, we desperately need your Holy Spirit. We need people’s eyes to open so they might recognize You as the One and only God. We need people’s hearts to heal and be drawn back to you. We need the gods of our age to fail, to be destroyed and shown for the fakes they are. We need You to sweep through our land, so people can’t help but see and speak of Jesus – alive and present! In Jesus’ name. (As you continue in prayer, you can be even more specific!)
Awake Us Now 