We are a community devoted to Knowing, Growing, and Showing.

The most important focus we have is Knowing God– the triune God consisting of the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We are all deeply in need of His presence in our lives. To this end, we try to incorporate His Holy Scriptures (the Bible) into our personal lives and in our services. The second point is that we are Growing Together. Knowing God is a challenging and ongoing process. We all encounter difficulties in life and struggle with doubts- and we need each other to make it through the highs and lows of life. Lastly, if we are authentically Knowing God and Growing Together, we will be Showing Christ in our community. When we experience the immeasurable love and grace of God, we cannot help but to share that with others. 

For more information, visit www.Mesquite.Church.

Mesquite Cumberland Presbyterian Church

This video is about Proverbs 29: 25-26 - July 29, 2018  Guest Pastor Wes McMillin

Proverbs 29: 25-26 - July 29, 2018  Guest Pastor Wes McMillin

Colossians 1:27-29 
27 To the Saints God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Colossians 1:27-29
27 To the Saints God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Hope: Colossians 1:27-29

3:1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. 
 
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 
 
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 
 
 If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? 
 
 
 Paul’s Religious Resume: 
 
1) 
 
2) 
 
3) 
 
4) 
 
5) 
 
6) 
 
 Our Religious Resume: 
 
 
If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. – CS Lewis, The Weight of Glory 
 
 Challenge: 
Prayer: 
I _________ to _________ ____________ ______ than an _______________, ____________ ______________ with the __________ _______ who _________ all things.

3:1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may ga

Philippians 3:1-11 Knowing Christ

We live in a world that is infatuated with power but desperate for love. 
 
Philippians 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 
 
2 Timothy 1:5 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 
 
 
 Timothy’s Spiritual Heritage 
 
The greatest influence in Timothy’s life: 
 
Significant influences in my life: 
 
1) 
 
2) 
 
3) 
 
 Three marks of Timothy’s faith: 
 
1) Genuine love for _____________. (2:20) 
 
2) Genuine love for _____________. (2:21) 
 
3) Genuine love for _____________. (2:22) 
 
 
 Femininity: a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with girls and women. 
 
Secular position on femininity: 
 
Scriptural position on femininity: 
 
 Challenge: Write a thank you note. Or text. Or email. Or call. Or coffee. 
 
I will send ____________ a(n)__________ today, thanking ____________ for their godly influence in my life.

We live in a world that is infatuated with power but desperate for love.

Philippians 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

2 Timothy 1:5 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”


  Timothy’s Spiritual Heritage

The greatest influence in Timothy’s life:

Significant influences in my life:

1) 

2) 

3)  

  Three marks of Timothy’s faith:

1)  Genuine love for _____________. (

Philippians 2:19-24 Legacy

The best is yet to come! Everything in your past God has orchestrated for you to know and serve Him more today. 
 
 The key to spiritual longevity is: 
 
 
Purpose of Philippians: Joy comes from our _______________ in ___________. 
 
 He who began a good work in _________ will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 
 
Translation: 
 
Are you living ___________, or ___________ conviction? 
 
When we are convicted God ______________, we can __________________. 
 
Three key effects from believing and internalizing this truth: 
 
1) 
 
2) 
 
3) 
 
 Challenge: Have a conversation over lunch. 
1) What “good works” has God begun in your life? 
 
 
 
2) What would you like Him to do now? 
 
 
 
3) Will you commit to praying for this in my life with me?

The best is yet to come! Everything in your past God has orchestrated for you to know and serve Him more today.

  The key to spiritual longevity is:


Purpose of Philippians: Joy comes from our _______________ in ___________.

  He who began a good work in _________ will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Translation:

Are you living ___________, or ___________ conviction?

When we are convicted God ______________, we can __________________.

Three key effects from believing and internalizing this truth:

1)

2)

3)

  Challenge: Have a conversation over lunch.
1) What “good works” has God begun in your life?



2) What would you like Him to do now?



3) Will you commit to praying for this in my life with me?

Philippians 1:1-11 Conviction

1. The Rich Man: The right man at the right time. 
 
17 Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.” 21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich. 
 
2. Little Children: The wrong kind of people at the wrong time 
 
13 Now people were bringing little children to him for him to touch, but the disciples scolded those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 After he took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed them. 
 
3. True Disciple: The wrong kind of people with the right attitude 
 
28 Peter began to speak to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you!” 29 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” 
 
 
Three Stories 
Three Characters 
Three Responses to Jesus 
 
True Disciples: 
Leave everything behind 
Follow Jesus 
“Truly, I say to you, there is no one who [leave everything], who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time” (v.29-30)

1. The Rich Man: The right man at the right time.

17 Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.” 21 As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.

2. Little Children: The wrong kind of people at the wrong time

13 Now people were bringing little children to him for him to touch, but the disciples scolded those wh

Depending on the Provider, Mark 10:13-31

Resolve: “To make a definite and serious decision to do something.” 
 
 Resolve in the face of D_____________________. 
Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me saying, “Come on! Let’s set up a time to meet together at Kephirim in the plain of Ono.” Now they intended to do me harm. – Nehemiah 6:2 
So I sent messengers to them saying, “I am engaged in an important work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work come to a halt when I leave it to come down to you?” They contacted me four times in this way, and I responded the same way each time. –Nehemiah 6:3-4 
Nehemiah responded to ___________________with ___________________. 
 
 Resolve in the face of D_____________________. 
“The fifth time that Sanballat sent his assistant to me in this way, he had an open letter in his hand…” –Nehemiah 6:5 
I sent word back to him, “We are not engaged in these activities you are describing. All of this is a figment of your imagination.” –Nehemiah 6:8 
Nehemiah responded to ___________________with ___________________. 
 
 Resolve in the face of D_____________________. 
He said, “Let’s set up a time to meet in the house of God, within the temple. Let’s close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. It will surely be at night that they will come to kill you.” –Nehemiah 6:10 
But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Would someone like me flee to the temple in order to save his life? I will not go!” –Nehemiah 6:11 
Nehemiah responded to ___________________with ___________________. 
 
 Challenge: What will you resolve to do this week? 
 
This week, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I resolve to honor God by:

Resolve: “To make a definite and serious decision to do something.”

  Resolve in the face of D_____________________.
Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me saying, “Come on! Let’s set up a time to meet together at Kephirim in the plain of Ono.” Now they intended to do me harm.                    – Nehemiah 6:2
So I sent messengers to them saying, “I am engaged in an important work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work come to a halt when I leave it to come down to you?” They contacted me four times in this way, and I responded the same way each time. –Nehemiah 6:3-4
Nehemiah responded to ___________________with ___________________.

  Resolve in the face of D_____________________.
“The fifth time that Sanballat sent his assistant to me in this way, he had an open letter in his hand…”  –Nehemiah 6:5
I sent word back to him, “We are not engaged in these activities you are describing. All of this is a figment of your imagination.”  –Nehemiah 6:8
Nehemiah responded to _______

Nehemiah 6:1-16: Resolve

Everything seemed against Nehemiah, but he was a man who had the fire of God in his soul; he had come to build the walls of Jerusalem. -D.L. Moody 
 
 Wrestling with _____________________ 
“What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they be left to themselves? Will they again offer sacrifice? Will they finish this in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones to life again from piles of dust?” – Sanballat, Nehemiah 4:2 
Questioning God’s: 
P__________________, P__________________, and P_________________ 
Responding with: 
P__________________, P__________________, and P_________________ 
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. –Nehemiah 4:6 
How do you build a wall? _____ ___________ at a ___________! 
 
 Wrestling with _____________________ 
“The strength of the laborers has failed! The debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall.” Our adversaries also boasted, “Before they are aware or anticipate anything, we will come in among them and kill them, and we will bring this work to a halt!” … Jews who were living near them came and warned us repeatedly about all the schemes they were plotting against us. – People of Judah, Nehemiah 4:10-12 
Three genuine threats to the people of Judah: 
1) ______________________________________ 
 
2) ______________________________________ 
 
3) ______________________________________ 
 
Nehemiah’s Response: 
“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” 
 – Nehemiah 4:14 
4) A change in P___________________! 
 
 Challenge: Lay a “brick” this week!

Everything seemed against Nehemiah, but he was a man who had the fire of God in his soul; he had come to build the walls of Jerusalem. -D.L. Moody

  Wrestling with _____________________
“What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they be left to themselves? Will they again offer sacrifice? Will they finish this in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones to life again from piles of dust?”   – Sanballat, Nehemiah 4:2
Questioning God’s:
P__________________, P__________________, and P_________________
Responding with: 
P__________________, P__________________, and P_________________
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. –Nehemiah 4:6
How do you build a wall? _____    ___________   at a  ___________!

  Wrestling with _____________________
“The strength of the laborers has failed! The debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall.” Our adversaries also boasted, “Before they are aware or anticipate anything, we 

Nehemiah 4:1-15: Resilience

It was a difficult task which he had before him, but he was not discouraged. That is what makes character. Men who can go into a hard field and succeed, they are the men we want. Any quantity of men are looking for easy places, but the world will never hear of them. We want men who are looking for hard places, who are willing to go into the darkest corners of the earth, and make those dark places bloom like gardens. They can do it if the Lord is with them. D. L. Moody, Men of the Bible, Nehemiah 
 
 The ___________________ of Nehemiah 
9 Then I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, and I presented to them the letters from the king. The king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard all this, they were very displeased that someone had come to seek benefit for the Israelites. 
 
 The ___________________ of Nehemiah 
 
11 So I came to Jerusalem. When I had been there for three days, 12 I got up during the night, along with a few men who were with me. But I did not tell anyone what my God was putting on my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no animals with me, except for the one I was riding. 13 I proceeded through the Valley Gate by night, in the direction of the Well of the Dragons and the Dung Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem that had been breached and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. 14 I passed on to the Gate of the Well and the King’s Pool, where there was not enough room for my animal to pass with me. 15 I continued up the valley during the night, inspecting the wall. Then I turned back and came to the Valley Gate, and so returned. 
 
 The ___________________ of Nehemiah 
 
16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had been doing, for up to this point I had not told any of the Jews or the priests or the nobles or the officials or the rest of the workers. 17 Then I said to them, “You see the problem that we have: Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned. Come on! Let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that this reproach will not continue.” 18 Then I related to them how the good hand of my God was on me and what the king had said to me. Then they replied, “Let’s begin rebuilding right away!” So they readied themselves for this good project. Ezra 4:1,4, and 24 
 
 
Challenge: 
 I will commit to be a part of the Rebuilding effort at MCPC through: 
 
_______________________________________________________________

It was a difficult task which he had before him, but he was not discouraged. That is what makes character. Men who can go into a hard field and succeed, they are the men we want. Any quantity of men are looking for easy places, but the world will never hear of them. We want men who are looking for hard places, who are willing to go into the darkest corners of the earth, and make those dark places bloom like gardens. They can do it if the Lord is with them.                                         D. L. Moody, Men of the Bible, Nehemiah

  The ___________________ of Nehemiah
9 Then I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, and I presented to them the letters from the king. The king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard all this, they were very displeased that someone had come to seek benefit for the Israelites.

  The ___________________ of Nehemiah

11 So I came to Jerusalem. When I had been there fo

Nehemiah 2:8-18: Rebuild

“This is what the past is for! Every experience 
God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is 
the perfect preparation for the future that only 
He can see.”  ―Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place 
 
“A goal without a plan, is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 
 
Jason Scott, February 21, 2016 
 
I. God moves through the _____________________ of His people. 
 
II. God moves through _____________________ for His people. 
 
III. God moves through ______________________________________ of His people. 
 
How will you be moved to reach the world for Christ? 
 
 
Link to video shown at the end: https://youtu.be/LwMkJVqGZxo 
 
Nehemiah Is Permitted to Go to Jerusalem 
2 Then in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought to me, I took the wine and gave it to the king. Previously I had not been depressed in the king’s presence. 2 So the king said to me, “Why do you appear to be depressed when you aren’t sick? What can this be other than sadness of heart?” This made me very fearful. 
 
3 I replied to the king, “O king, live forever! Why would I not appear dejected when the city with the graves of my ancestors lies desolate and its gates destroyed by fire?” 4 The king responded, “What is it you are seeking?” Then I quickly prayed to the God of heaven 5 and said to the king, “If the king is so inclined and if your servant has found favor in your sight, dispatch me to Judah, to the city with the graves of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it.” 6 Then the king, with his consort sitting beside him, replied, “How long would your trip take, and when would you return?” Since the king was amenable to dispatching me, I gave him a time. 7 I said to the king, “If the king is so inclined, let him give me letters for the governors of Trans-Euphrates that will enable me to travel safely until I reach Judah, 8 and a letter for Asaph the keeper of the king’s nature preserve, so that he will give me timber for beams for the gates of the fortress adjacent to the temple and for the city wall and for the house to which I go.” So the king granted me these requests, for the good hand of my God was on me.

“This is what the past is for! Every experience 
God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is 
the perfect preparation for the future that only 
He can see.”  ―Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place

“A goal without a plan, is just a wish.”  ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Jason Scott, February 21, 2016

I. God moves through the _____________________ of His people.

II. God moves through _____________________ for His people.

III. God moves through ______________________________________ of His people.

How will you be moved to reach the world for Christ?


Link to video shown at the end: https://youtu.be/LwMkJVqGZxo

Nehemiah Is Permitted to Go to Jerusalem
2 Then in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought to me, I took the wine and gave it to the king. Previously I had not been depressed in the king’s presence. 2 So the king said to me, “Why do you appear to be depressed when you aren’t sick? What can this be other than sadness of heart?” This 

Respond: Moved by God to Reach the World, Nehemiah 2:1-8

God placed Nehemiah in position to do something great. Where has God placed you? 
 
The videos we watched were: 
#1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51T3BX4-e60 
#2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYsAkjfXxzU 
 
 Remember God’s People 
1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa the citadel. 2 Hanani, who was one of my relatives, along with some of the men from Judah, came to me, and I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem. 
3 They said to me, “The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!” 4 When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:3-4 
 
 Remember God’s Promises 
5 Then I said, “Please, O Lord God of heaven, great and awesome God, who keeps his loving covenant with those who love him and obey his commandments, 6 may your ear be attentive and your eyes be open to hear the prayer of your servant that I am praying to you today throughout both day and night on behalf of your servants the Israelites. I am confessing the sins of the Israelites that we have committed against you—both I myself and my family have sinned. 7 We have behaved corruptly against you, not obeying the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Please recall the word you commanded your servant Moses: ‘If you act unfaithfully, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you repent and obey my commandments and do them, then even if your dispersed people are in the most remote location, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for my name to reside.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your mighty strength and by your powerful hand. 11 Please, O Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion to me in the presence of this man.” Nehemiah 1:5-11 
 
 Remember God’s Purpose for you. 
11 Now I was cupbearer for the king. Nehemiah 1:11 
 
 
Challenge: 
 Fill out a Church Ministry Analysis Packet and return by next Sunday! 
 Join the Renew Team by turning in a signed contract to Nathan.

God placed Nehemiah in position to do something great. Where has God placed you?

The videos we watched were:
#1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51T3BX4-e60
#2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYsAkjfXxzU

  Remember God’s People
1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa the citadel. 2 Hanani, who was one of my relatives, along with some of the men from Judah, came to me, and I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem.
3 They said to me, “The remnant that remains from the exile there in the province are experiencing considerable adversity and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem lies breached, and its gates have been burned down!” 4 When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.  Nehemiah 1:3-4

  Remember God’s Promises
5 Then I said, “Please, O Lord God of 

Remember: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Ezra 1:1 In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order to fulfill the Lord’s message spoken through Jeremiah, the Lord stirred the mind of King Cyrus of Persia. He disseminated a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom, announcing in a written edict the following: 
2 “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: 
“‘The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has instructed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.3 Anyone from his people among you (may his God be with him!) may go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and may build the temple of the Lord God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 Anyone who survives in any of those places where he is a resident foreigner must be helped by his neighbors with silver, gold, equipment, and animals, along with voluntary offerings for the temple of God which is in Jerusalem.’” 
The Exiles Prepare to Return to Jerusalem 
5 Then the leaders of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and the Levites—all those whose mind God had stirred—got ready to go up in order to build the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them with silver utensils, gold, equipment, animals, and expensive gifts, not to mention all the voluntary offerings. 
7 Then King Cyrus brought out the vessels of the Lord’s temple which Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem and had displayed in the temple of his gods. 8 King Cyrus of Persia entrusted them to Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the leader of the Judahite exiles. 
9 The inventory of these items was as follows: 
30 gold basins, 
1,000 silver basins, 
29 silver utensils, 
10 30 gold bowls, 
410 other silver bowls, 
and 1,000 other vessels. 
11 All these gold and silver vessels totaled 5,400. Sheshbazzar brought them all along when the captives were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem. 
 
Notes: 
 
 Can you relate with the Jewish Exiles this morning? If so, how? 
 
 
 
 
 What does your prayer life look like? 
 
 
 
 
 
 Will you commit to seeking the LORD with all your heart in 2016? 
 
 What would you like your prayer life to look like? 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeremiah 29:10-14 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Ezra 1:1  In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order to fulfill the Lord’s message spoken through Jeremiah, the Lord stirred the mind of King Cyrus of Persia. He disseminated a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom, announcing in a written edict the following:
2 “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia:
“‘The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has instructed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.3 Anyone from his people among you (may his God be with him!) may go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and may build the temple of the Lord God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 Anyone who survives in any of those places where he is a resident foreigner must be helped by his neighbors with silver, gold, equipment, and animals, along with voluntary offerings for the temple of God which is in Jerusalem.’”
The Exiles Prepare to Return to Jerusalem
5 Then the leaders of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and the Levit

Mesquite Cumberland Presbyterian Church Videos

Proverbs 29: 25-26 - July 29, 2018 Guest Pastor Wes McMillin