In this chapter we see that the people are not fighting an external enemy but an enemy within - selfishness. Wealthy people were exploiting the poor in complete contradiction to their own law. God has a special concern for the poor, a concern we are also to have. Nehemiah's immediate response was one of anger but then he ponders the situation. He rebukes those who were taking advantage of the poor and disobeying God. Israel was to be an example to other nations but their witness of Jews selling other Jews into slavery was giving the wrong message. Nehemiah leads by example, not out of favour of people but for the favour of God. We need to be looking to the interest of others, not just ourselves. To do this we need to rely on Jesus and not try to do this in our own strength. How can we further God's kingdom if we are so wrapped up in our own selfish ways. Who's kingdom are you building? Who are you seeking first?

What does it mean to have genuine connections with each other, as a church, with the community and with God? Connections are important and we sometime don't realise this until that connection is lost, for example, a broken relationship with a family member. Adam and Eve lost their close relationship with God after they sinned and were expelled from the Garden of Eden. When we don't have a connection with God, we have a dead relationship with Him. When we reconnect with God, our relationship is alive in Him. Our relationship with God has the opportunity to be restored, but this can only be done through Jesus Christ. When God saves us and bring us to Himself he also brings us to each other. When we come together as a church, we do so to support each other, build each other up and help and care for each other. We are saved for a purpose - to do the work that God has called us to do. What is God's purpose and direction for you in your life and for your local church?

How can we guarantee to fail in our life. (1) look at the size of the task ahead of you; (2) look at yourself and your limited resource for the task; and (3) leave God out of the picture. Nehemiah had a major task ahead of him. He planned for success by first praying to God to seek His guidance. It was a test of his faith as he waited on God for an answer. When God did answer, it still required Nehemiah to step out in faith as he spoke to the king about going to Jerusalem to rebuild it. Faith is not stepping out blindly but stepping out where God wants you to go. Success in this world can be money, career or winning. Success for a Christian is doing God's will. When we are on the journey of God's will, we will face opposition. We need to stand firm against the devil's schemes. Are you waiting on God for His guidance and prepared to step out in faith when He asks you to? NO AUDIO THIS WEEK DUE TO TECHNICAL GLITCH

What does it cost to follow Jesus? The offer is free but it will come at a cost, although not in a bad way. We are encouraged to love and care for each other as we love ourself, but we are to love Jesus more. Jesus should be the first priority in our life. The cost of discipleship is a long life commitment to love and serve Jesus. As a Christian, every decision we make in our life should be filtered through Jesus. Is Jesus the first priority in your life?

The Christian life is about living our life for a higher call, that is, God's glory, His greatness and His kingdom. Our call in life is to serve God and He gives us gifts to enable us to achieve this. The New Testament does not give us a definitive list of these gifts from God. Everything we have has been given to us from God and we are to use these abilities and gifts for God's service. As Christians, God's ultimate to us all is one of salvation through His grace. The challenge for us is that we need to be living for God and not ourselves. We all have something to offer in using our gifts in service for God.