This year, as in every year, we are called to join our Creator and our King in creating, renewing, restoring, and subduing until he comes again.

Maybe prayers that ask God to remember are really more about us remembering that God keeps his promises. I think that became Nehemiah’s issue.

Good leaders not only take on projects. They also develop the people that will lead when they have finished their assignments. The first step Nehemiah took was to appoint leaders for different functions to extend and continue the work of the city.

Instead of threats, they offered him kindness. But Nehemiah knew their overtures were really just another effort to distract him from the work God gave him.

Opposition from without was not the only problem Nehemiah faced. Just as dangerous were situations he found among his own people.

Too often today, if someone doesn’t like something another is doing, the response is to mock them or question their worth. That’s what Nehemiah’s opposition did, but it was not what he did. He chose to pray.

Once the question leads to action, the activity will grow. What will prompt your upcoming work? What will prompt someone to join you?

Nehemiah experienced what you will discover: When God calls you to restore and rebuild, you can be confident at least two things will happen.

God prompts, often where we don’t expect, sometimes before we even realize we need his help. Are you hoping to feel his nudge?

We have something in common with Nehemiah. Faced with falling walls, he found God’s strength to get busy rebuilding. Will we?

It’s the equivalent of “hello,” but maybe this year we can make it mean more.

We teach the next generation to praise God by the way we praise him in both the good and the bad days of our lives. How did that happen in 2021? How will it happen next year?

We celebrated his arrival, and Scripture tells us how to experience him with us every day. In it all, we can know that eternity has already begun.

What’s different after Christmas than before? Not much. And that’s exactly the point!

Did you miss God at Christmas? Relax, there’s still time, and he’s still right beside you, waiting.

Advent is not simply waiting to celebrate Christ’s birth. It is about anticipating his final return.

“You better watch out, you better not cry.” “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.” Hmmm . . . do these songs teach us the right message?

“O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” The apostle tells us how God will answer the prayer of Phillips Brooks.

I was wrestling with the deep message in two New Testament passages, when a text from my grandson showed me the simple reality.

I suspect every one of you is in possession of this gift, so my gift is simply a reminder of what you already have. I want us all to take full advantage of this amazing reality!