INTRODUCTION
When the world around us is a mess…
When our world is a mess…
When we’ve made a mess…
It seems like there’s little hope for a future, like it’s not worth working toward a brighter tomorrow.
But God…
You might be striving forward, but God is working backward – working all things for good. He’s doing something better in and through you than just “good enough.” You don’t have to keep striving. You can thrive! And if you thrive, your world will flourish. The best is yet to come!
In 444 BC, Nehemiah was comfortable, living in the palace, serving in the king’s court. But back home, things were a mess. And this news drove him to tears and to action. God gave him a burden to make a difference. He got involved. God gave him favor and strength, and he led his people to rebuild their city.
There are principles from the life and leadership of Nehemiah that you can apply personally in order to turn your striving into thriving. Discover that God’s best is yet to come, not just for you but for those around you.
WEEK ONE: WELCOME HOME SUNDAY
What is the one thing you would most like to change about the place where you live?
Growing up in the Hagerstown area, I so often heard people comment about how bad this area is. I’ve heard things like, “the people here are so backward,” thinking that our area can never progress or grow. I’ve heard that everyone here is just a hick or a country bumpkin, that racism is rampant and that it will never change, and the list go on and on. Maybe you have even thought or said some of those types of things. The reality is, there is probably some truth in every statement… but none of them are absolute or completely true all of the time. Every place has its problems, and unfortunately we too often focus on those problems instead of wondering what we can do to help change them for the better.
Nehemiah had gotten news that the city he had grown up in (Jerusalem) was devastated and destroyed. This understandably upset him. He was in captivity to a foreign power and didn’t have the ability to just go back and do something about the situation at home. But instead of focusing on what he couldn’t change, he decided to do what he could. He asked for permission to go back and rebuild Jerusalem.
What if we, instead of criticizing and complaining, took on the mindset of Nehemiah about the city we live in? What if instead of just seeing the massive problem, we set our mind to do what we can to see the change that we want to happen in our communities? This requires a heart shift, and that shift can only happen when we allow God to change our thinking. We should have a burden for our city or community, but that burden must become one that is fueled by God—fueled to see the community not just change but be transformed by the power of God and his Holy Spirit moving on the people. Only God has the power to heal our cities, but we can do our part to help it along.
Jeremiah 29:7 states, “And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (NLT) Begin by praying! Ask God to heal your community. Ask him to change the way you think about your city and your neighbors. Confess the sins and ask forgiveness for the part you have played in that. Then take action to do what you can to see your city changed for the glory of God. Let God show you what you should do. Let God develop a burden in you to see your community transformed by his power, but then commit to doing your part to see that transformation complete.
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, SEPTEMBER 16
Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 17
Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 18
Thursday, SEPTEMBER 19
Friday, SEPTEMBER 20
saturday, SEPTEMBER 21
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Think of some of the things that have been said about the city or community you live in. How have these things impacted the way you think about it? Has it impacted you positively or negatively? Why?
How might looking at your community through a positive eye impact the overall atmosphere and function of your community?
Nehemiah took his life into his hands asking the king to allow him to return to Jerusalem to rebuild it. How might taking a step to see your city or community “rebuilt” impact your life?
Nehemiah taking that step rallied a community to rebuild a city. How might you taking that step impact the people around you?
What are some practical things you can begin to do right now that could have lasting impact in changing and rebuilding your community?
WEEK TWO: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
What do you do when you encounter someone who is different or sees things differently than you do?
Recently my wife and I decided to host a community picnic for the neighbors who live close to us. We have lived in that community for 31 years and we have seen neighbors come and go. We thought it would be a good thing if we could bring the neighborhood together for a meal. So we gave invitations out to those who lived closest to us. On the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, sixteen of our neighbors (ranging in age from 3 years old to close to 80) showed up at our house. It was amazing to watch as people, who lived so close to each other but had never met, began to talk and get to know each other. By the time it was over, we were sharing phone numbers and email addresses so that we could begin looking out for each other and helping each other instead of just watching from across the road or over the fence.
Nehemiah faced opposition to rebuilding the city of Jerusalem, and it didn’t come from a foreign power or government. It came from people who were already living in the area. It came from people who probably should have been on board with seeing the area come back to life, but who instead felt threatened by what they supposed would happen. Immediately they began to try and discourage the workers, and they even got to the point of threatening them, trying to create disunity that would stop the work that was happening.
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus is being questioned by an expert in religious law who most likely was trying to trip Jesus up or to catch him in saying something that would dissuade people from following him. He asks Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers him with a question about the law. The man’s reply is basically that we need to love God with our entire being and love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus commends him for the answer… but the man doesn’t stop there. He then asks Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with the parable we know as the Good Samaritan, using the outsider and outcast in the story as the one who demonstrates true neighborly love.
How different would your community be if we all started seeing those around us as neighbors instead of nuisances? The people who came to our picnic were vastly different in age, hobbies, ideologies, and stages of life, but there was something that bound us together: community. I am sure that there were some that received the invitation who thought it was a good idea but had other things to do. I am sure there were some that received it and didn’t think it was a good idea or just didn’t want to be a part of the gathering. But we have personally already seen the benefits of “loving our neighbors” come back to bless us. Your step may not be a community picnic. Yours may not be helping someone along the side of the road. But each of us can do something! And what if that something is the one thing that changes and unifies your community? Let’s commit to becoming Jesus followers that love God and love people!
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, SEPTEMBER 23
Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 24
Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 25
Thursday, SEPTEMBER 26
Friday, SEPTEMBER 27
saturday, SEPTEMBER 28
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Read Matthew 22:35-39. This is known as the Great Commandment. In your own words, describe what that verse means for us today as Christians.
In a world where we can be separated by what we are known for, how can we be good neighbors to one another?
Unity and harmony are words we often hear when talking about a community coming together. Define both words, and discuss the differences and similarities (and how those two words can impact a community).
Could “loving our neighbors” really be the answer to changing the world (or at least your community)? Why or why not?
What are some practical steps you can take now that could impact and bring your community closer together by demonstrating God’s love?
WEEK THREE: HEAVEN’S GENEROSITY
“Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it.” 1 Peter 4:8-10 (MSG)
Mark and Huldah Buntain were longtime Assemblies of God missionaries in the country of India. Perhaps best known for founding a prominent hospital and feeding program in Calcutta, India, they became iconic symbols of the melding of gospel proclamation with works of compassion. Mark was once asked how they kept from getting overwhelmed by all the need around them. His response was profound. “We stay focused on what we can do, not what we can’t. We were never asked to play God, that’s his job. We can’t do everything, but that can’t be an excuse for doing nothing.”
No one has been more generous to us than God. He supplies our needs. He offers us mercy and grace that none of us deserve. He is compassionate toward us, and because of that great compassion he shows toward us, how can we do anything less when it comes to how we treat other people? Now I understand that we all live in a difficult financial time. Things cost more and inflation is rampant, but even in the middle of all of that, we should be the first to reflect and demonstrate God’s generosity. But this is about more than just finances.
That passage of scripture from 1 Peter 4:10 says it this way in the New Living Translation: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” In other words, God has given every one of us something to help people. It is now our responsibility to take whatever that is and use it. If it’s money, share it. If it’s time, give it. If it is a talent or ability, generously offer to help. Because that single act of compassion may be exactly what that other person needs to find their way to Jesus, and that is why the Church exists in the first place. Take a moment and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you personally. How do you need to respond to this, and what personal commitment do you need to make?
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, SEPTEMBER 30
Tuesday, OCTOBER 1
Wednesday, OCTOBER 2
Thursday, OCTOBER 3
Friday, OCTOBER 4
saturday, OCTOBER 5
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does being generous mean to you? Define generosity in your own words.
Read 1 Peter 4:8-10 in several translations of the Bible. How does reading these various interpretations affect how you might view that command?
Define the words compassion, sympathy, and empathy. Take a few minutes to discuss how they differ and how generosity works with each concept.
What are some ways that you can practically demonstrate God’s generosity to the people around you?
What impact do you believe demonstrating God’s generosity can have on your community?
WEEK FOUR: FIND FAMILY
We live in a time where, despite having countless ways to connect, many of us feel increasingly isolated and alone. Our world often encourages us to compete, compare, and measure our worth against others. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that everything—love, success, opportunities—is a limited resource, like a pie that must be divided. This scarcity mindset leads to a life of competition and fear, convincing us that someone else’s gain means our loss.
But this mindset couldn’t be further from the truth. God designed us for community, not competition. Just as the parts of our body work together in harmony, so are we meant to live in relationship with one another, each contributing our unique gifts and strengths. When we choose to support, encourage, and uplift each other, we build something far greater than anything we could achieve alone.
Take a moment to think about your closest relationships. How often do we, perhaps without realizing it, allow comparison to creep in? We might see others’ successes and feel envious or feel the need to one-up each other. This way of thinking divides us and keeps us from experiencing the full potential of what it means to live in true community.
Imagine what could happen if we shifted our focus. Instead of viewing relationships as transactional or competitive, we could see them as opportunities to reflect God’s love. God’s love isn’t limited; it doesn’t run out. When we’re filled with his love, it overflows into our interactions with others, creating authentic, meaningful connections. This overflow allows us to support each other in ways that are deeper and more fulfilling than any superficial bond.
The Bible tells us repeatedly that we are stronger together. A cord of three strands is not easily broken; where two or three gather in God’s name, he is there with them. These truths highlight the importance of unity and shared purpose. Living in community isn’t just about proximity; it’s about being united in heart and spirit, grounded in a common faith.
Being “better together” means more than just working alongside each other—it’s about embracing a mindset of generosity, sharing our lives, joys, and even our struggles. It means choosing to see the best in one another, supporting each other through challenges, and celebrating each other’s successes without envy or resentment. It’s about recognizing that God has placed each of us where we are, not to compete, but to collaborate, to build each other up, and to be a light in our communities.
God’s design for us is to live in connection, not in isolation. He created us for relationships where we can truly know and be known, where we can love and be loved. This is the essence of community—a space where we can grow together, learn from one another, and serve each other in love. When we lean into this, we find that life is richer, more meaningful, and filled with a sense of belonging that no amount of individual success can ever replace. We are better together when we embrace community and unity under God’s guidance.
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, OCTOBER 7
Tuesday, OCTOBER 8
Wednesday, OCTOBER 9
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Where in your life do you tend to view resources or love as limited? How does this perspective affect your relationships with others?
Reflect on a time when you felt the urge to compare or compete with others. What would it look like to shift that mindset toward collaboration and support?
How does your faith shape the way you approach relationships? In what ways can you deepen your connections with others through your faith?
What practical steps can you take to build or strengthen your sense of community? How can you help others feel more connected?
How can you actively contribute to a sense of togetherness in your church, family, or community? What role does God play in bringing people closer together?
WEEK FIVE: FIND FREEDOM
Do you ever feel stuck in life, as if something invisible is holding you back? Many of us turn to different things to cope with pain or discomfort—whether it’s loneliness, shame, or anxiety. Some find comfort in food, others in binge-watching shows, scrolling social media, or substances like alcohol. These serve as “band-aids” for deeper wounds, but they don’t heal us; they only mask the pain for a while.
Over time, we can become dependent on these habits, feeling like prisoners to our cravings and emotions. What started as a small coping mechanism can turn into a powerful force that controls us. No matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to break free.
These habits and addictions are symptoms of a deeper issue. We often make choices that trap us in cycles of guilt, shame, or self-destruction, believing we are in control. Yet these things end up controlling us. We become slaves to our own desires, fears, or need for approval.
We all tend to fill the emptiness inside with things that can never truly satisfy. When we rely on these “quick fixes,” we may feel better for a moment, but the underlying pain always returns—often stronger than before.
The good news is that there is a way out, a path to true freedom. It starts with recognizing that we can't break these chains on our own. Just as someone who is lost needs a guide, we need help beyond ourselves. This help comes from God, who sees us in our struggles and desires to set us free.
Imagine a prisoner sitting in a cell with the door wide open. The prisoner could walk out but stays because he doesn’t realize he is free. Many of us are like that prisoner, not realizing that a way out has already been provided. God offers freedom, not just from our habits or addictions, but from the root cause that keeps us trapped.
God’s love is the key to this freedom. He sees us in our mess and reaches out with compassion and grace. This love isn’t earned; it’s a gift. When we accept this love, we are given a new start and a chance to live differently. It’s like receiving a new map when lost… you suddenly see a way forward.
But freedom is not just a one-time event; it’s a journey. We are invited to live differently each day, guided by a relationship with God. This means surrendering control and trusting that God’s ways are better than ours. It’s like letting someone else drive because you trust that they know the way better than you do.
Living in freedom means making daily choices that align with the new life that God offers. Instead of turning to things that once enslaved us, we can turn to practices that bring us closer to the purpose and peace God has for us—things like seeking community, pursuing healthy habits, and deepening our relationship with God. Freedom also means knowing we’re not alone. God’s presence empowers us to resist old patterns and embrace new possibilities.
If you feel stuck, reach out for help. Share your struggles with a trusted friend or mentor. Find a support group where you can find accountability and encouragement. Remember, you don’t have to go through this journey alone.
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, OCTOBER 14
Tuesday, OCTOBER 15
Wednesday, OCTOBER 16
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What are some examples of things you have used to cope with pain or stress, and how have they affected your life?
How does recognizing that you can’t free yourself change how you approach your struggles?
What does freedom mean to you, and where do you most need it in your life right now?
In what ways can you begin to replace old habits with new, healthy ones that align with a life of freedom?
Who can you turn to for support and accountability as you seek to live in true freedom?
WEEK SIX: GO TELL IT
We’ve all heard someone use the phrase, “I’m on a mission!” Maybe you have even said it a time or two. Usually when someone uses this phrase, it is because they have singular focus to accomplish a task or to get a particular item they are looking for. The idea they are trying to convey is that this is the only thing they are trying to do at that moment, and nothing else really matters until they accomplish what they set out to do.
Just before Jesus ascended back to heaven, he told his followers to go and make disciples of all the nations. (Matthew 28:18) Today we refer to that passage of scripture as the Great Commission. In other words, Jesus was sharing his mission with his followers to continue it even after he was gone, with the understanding that this mission was an invitation for everyone who follows him. In Acts chapter 1, Jesus told us that when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will be his witnesses all over the world. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul wrote that we are Christ’s representatives and have been given the message of reconciliation. From these few scriptures, it is clear that if we are truly Jesus followers, then we are to be on that mission too.
Every one of us is on mission for Jesus. Some will be called to go to another country or land to proclaim the Gospel. We refer to these people as missionaries because of this calling, but the truth is that we are all missionaries to some place or to some people group. Most of us will not be asked by God to go to a foreign country, but he is asking us to go to the people we work with, go to school with, and hang out with on the weekend. God has strategically placed you right where you are with the people who are around you. Jesus commissioned you as his follower to share and show God’s love to them. It’s up to you to carry it out.
The Mission Impossible TV show and movies all started out with this phrase, “Your mission should you choose to accept it…” Ask God if there is a place that he wants to send you. Make a decision today to be on mission for Jesus right where you are planted. Romans 10 asks, how will they know unless someone tells them and how will someone tell them unless they are sent? Choose to live sent today, wherever that may be.
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, OCTOBER 21
Tuesday, OCTOBER 22
Wednesday, OCTOBER 23
Thursday, OCTOBER 24
Friday, OCTOBER 25
saturday, OCTOBER 26
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does the word “mission” mean to you?
Using that definition for mission, how does this impact your understanding of being on mission?
Each of us has been specifically placed by God in our mission field. How does that statement make you feel?
How should understanding that God has strategically placed us cause us to act or function in that mission field?
What are a couple of practical steps you can take right now to be more engaged with missions and to be on mission yourself?
WEEK SEVEN: WHAT’S NEXT
We often get caught up in living for today, prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term impact. We settle for the temporary comfort of the present, losing sight of how our actions affect future generations. We need to shift our focus from what we can get now to what we can give that will benefit those who come after us.
A young man once focused solely on building a successful career. He achieved wealth and fame, providing his family with every luxury imaginable. However, he neglected to leave them with a good example or a strong moral foundation. His choices created a legacy of material wealth but also one of spiritual emptiness, showing that without purpose, our pursuits can be shallow and fleeting.
This isn't just about those who live extravagantly. Many of us are content with merely surviving, distracted by entertainment and immediate pleasures. We often avoid risks, prioritize comfort, and neglect the bigger picture, rarely asking if our actions align with God's will or how they might impact others. We may think we’re leaving a legacy, but in reality, we’re simply existing.
Nehemiah provides a powerful example of living for a greater purpose. When he heard of the ruin in Jerusalem, he didn’t just lament the past; he took action. He rallied the people to rebuild the city walls, offering protection and security for future generations. Despite facing opposition, they completed the work because they were united in purpose and guided by their faith.
Nehemiah 12 recounts the dedication of the wall, listing many names—each person who contributed is acknowledged. This teaches us that lasting change requires the collective effort of individuals, each playing their part. In our lives, who would list us as someone who made a difference? Are we living in a way that positively impacts others? The dedication was not just about the physical wall but also about restoring spiritual focus. It was a celebration of community, unity, and faith in God’s provision. Through Nehemiah’s leadership, the people were not just rebuilding walls; they were rebuilding a legacy rooted in faith and purpose. They lived in a way that honored God and prepared the city for the future.
Through Christ, we have the power to change. Jesus offers us a new way of living that is not dominated by sin but driven by love, purpose, and eternal significance. By living in faith, we can impact our families, communities, and even generations to come.
BIBLE READING PLAN
Monday, OCTOBER 28
Tuesday, OCTOBER 29
Wednesday, OCTOBER 30
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does it mean to “live a legacy” rather than just leaving one?
In what areas of your life are you prioritizing temporary comfort over long-term impact?
How can we, like Nehemiah, rally our communities to focus on what matters most?
What “walls” in your life or community need rebuilding? How can you contribute?
How does your relationship with Christ shape your perspective on legacy and purpose?