No Christian ever plans on backsliding, that is, moving away from Christ. Yet it happens. The prophet Jeremiah even admitted, “Our backslidings are many” (Jeremiah 14:7). Sometimes, a city can be in shambles because the lives of its people are in shambles. Nehemiah left Jerusalem for a short time and returned to find the people had gone back to practicing their old ways. Let’s consider four mistakes they made and how to prevent them from happening to us.

I. Misplace Your Bible (vv. 1-3)

II. Misalign Your Companions (vv. 4-9)

III. Misarrange Your Priorities (vv. 10-22)

IV. Mismanage Your Family (vv. 23-24)

Talk with God: Prayerfully consider the people you turn to for encouragement and advice. Are you surrounding yourself with strong, healthy believers who will sharpen you (see Proverbs 27:17) and urge you to grow in your faith?

Talk with others: Ask a believing friend or mentor to hold you accountable to pray and spend time in the Word daily as you recommit to a habit or create a new one.

Talk with kids: How did Gideon test God’s words?

Last week we eavesdropped on the worship service of ancient Israel as they gathered to dedicate their city and their future to God. We noticed four characteristics of their worship: It was biblical, it was vocal, it was musical, and it was joyful. Today we continue with four more.

V. Their Worship Was Thankful (vv. 27, 31, 38, 46)

VI. Their Worship Was Communal (v. 43)

VII. Their Worship Was Powerful (vv. 42b, 43b)

VIII. Their Worship Was Physical (v. 43)

Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and thank the Lord for His provision and direction in your life.

Talk with others: Encourage a friend or family member who’s recently been struggling to continue faithfully in their walk through a difficult season.

Talk with kids: Who received the praise and glory for Israel’s victory over their enemies? Why?

“The whole you needs worship—and the part of you that will live forever needs it most,” wrote Robert McIntyre. Nehemiah chapter 12 describes the worship of God’s people who had gathered to dedicate the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This week and next week we will eavesdrop on their worship service and discover how we should worship when we assemble together.

I. Their Worship Was Biblical (v. 24)

II. Their Worship Was Vocal (vv. 27-30, 43)

III. Their Worship Was Musical (vv. 27b, 35-36, 41)

IV. Their Worship Was Joyful (vv. 27, 43)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that’s holding you back from authentic worship and a deeper relationship with Him.

Talk with others: Share your favorite worship album or playlist with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member this week.

Talk with kids: How is Jesus better than the judges in the story?

Jerusalem was not the most popular place to live. Most people preferred to live elsewhere—in outlying towns and villages. It was more expensive to be in the city, and safety was a big concern. In this section there are some vital but often-forgotten principles about God’s city, God’s people, and God’s work. Let’s glean some of these important lessons from the city planners.

I. All Places Are Significant; This Place Is Sacred (v. 1)

II. Projects Are Important; People Are More Important (vv. 3-36)

III. Ability Is Good; Availability Is Better (v. 2)

IV. Work Is Practical; Worship Is Vital (vv. 22-24)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for you to pour into His people this week.

Talk with others: Ask a mentor or trusted believer if they’ve noticed anything in your life that might hinder the Lord’s desire to work through you.

Talk with kids: How has Jesus defeated our enemies: sin and death?