LESSON: Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6-9, 13-15, 6:15
GOLDEN TEXT - "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 4:6).

PRACTICAL POINTS
1. Discouragement is one of our greatest enemies; we are wise not to listen to naysayers (Neh. 4:1-3).
2. Persistence in our service for God will take us farther than ability (vs.6).
3. We should expect opposition whenever we begin to do God's work (vss.7-8).
4. Prayer must accompany all our efforts for God (vs.9).
5. We will not fear our spiritual enemies when we properly fear our God (vss. 13-14).
6. Preparation, prayer, and vilgilance will overcome the efforts of our enemies (4:15; 6:15).
There is certainly nothing wrong with exhorting people to get involved in work for the Lord. But it is important that the work is being done willingly and gratfully. Too often church leaders, in understandable frustration over the inactivity they observe, try to motivate people through guilt and manipulation. This is not God's will, for he gives us a choice, without coercion or force. *AMEN*

Lord, we thank you for such an anointing on the sermon preached sunday inreference to becoming discouraged. It was amessgae for the ages, for we know all to well that when we become discouraged, we quit, give up on relationships, marriages, kids & family, jobs, but most importantly! we give up trusting You, O Lord, I was so moved and awakened by your message coming from this stand-in pastor. The young members , as well as the old, desparately needed to hear this message because we all to often give up as soon as we don't get the expected outcome as soon as possible. "I could go on and on, about your works O Lord, because I'm grateful, grateful, so gratful for your word....flowing from my heart, are the issues of my heart. I Love, adore, and trust in your written word. Bless you Lord from on high! In Jesus' name I bless you. *AMEN*