Peniel Pentecostal Holiness Church

3239 Rosebud Road Walnut Cove NC 27052
Pastor: Dr. Tim Nelson -  Church Office 336-591-36112
A Place To Encounter God Face To Face. Gen. 32:3

A Word From The Pastor Archives 2025
June 2025
 

"Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request?"   Nehemiah 2:4

Being able to take advantage of opportunities is about preparation.  Nehemiah began preparing for the task he would undertake from the time he heard the news about the brokenness of the people and city of Jerusalem.

He knew what he wanted to do, but he did not know when he might be able to take action regarding the burden he had for Jerusalem or if it would ever be possible, yet he prepared.  For four monthss, he prayed and planned, until the day the King of Babylon asked "For what doest thou make request?"  Nehemiah was able to take advantage of this oportunity because he was prepared.

We all have various opportunities to touch the lives of those struggling with brokenness.  Will you be ready to take advantage of the opportunity to share the love and grace of Christ?  Like Nehemiah, let us pray and plan, asking the Lord to help us to always be ready for the ministry opportunities that come our way.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"  Ecclesiates 3:1

The wisdom writer explains that every season of life has its own purpose and significance.  In each season of life, we can find meaning and fulfillment, even in the challenges we face. just as we can in moments of joy and prosperity.

In the midst of life's journeys, it is important to focus on the present moment and seek God's guidance, and learn to embrace every season with a spirit of hope and trust.  This verse reminds us that God is in control of all things, including the timing of events in our lives.

So even when we may not always understand why certain experiences occur, we can trust that God has a plan for us.  This verse is also a reminder that life is a journey, not a destination, and that God is with us every step of the way.  By embracing the rhythms of life and trusting in His plan, we can find purpose and meaning in every season.

"But the gate of the fountain repaired... [by Shallum], the ruler... built it, and covered it, and set up the doors therof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall...  ...unto the stairs that go down from the city of David."  Nehemiah 3:15

Nehemiah 3 tells the story of the work of repairing the gates and walls of Jerusalem that Nehemiah had been sent there to do.  It was a collaborative effort as most of the people in Jerusalem worked together.  All through this account you will find the phrase "next to him" worked so and so, and "next to them" worked others.  Notice also they worked near their home.  The important truth that emerges is that this is God's design for ministry.  God has placed us all strategically where He wants us to be.  Your neighborhood, office, or home is where your ministry should be.  That is why God put you there.  In John 15 Jesus said to His disciples that He had appointed them, and the word means "strategically placed them."  He had put them in the place where He wanted them to be.  Finally, each one completed his assigned task.  They kept on until they had finished the work.

Adapted from:  https://www.raystedman.org/daily-devotions/nehemiah/working-together

"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof:  for the people had a mind to work."  Nehemiah 4:6

Nehemiah realized his opposition posed a real and menacing threat.  In order to stay ready, Nehemiah had the people keep their swords close by at all times.  He took his enemy seriously and prepared people to defend themselves at a moment's notice.

Like those rebuilding the wall, we have a real enemy who wants to destroy God's work in us.  1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  The good news is we haven't been left defenseless.  We have the armor of God, and our sword is the Word of God (Eph 6:10-17, Heb 4:12).

Armed with the truth of the Bible, we can withstand Satan's lies and the self-doubt that plagues our minds.  With God's Word hidden in our hearts, we can avoid giving in to sin and step confidently into the future.  And like those building the wall, we must take our enemy seriously and have our sword at the ready and keep advancing the kingdom of our Lord.

Adapted from:  https://newspring.cc/devotionals/nehemiah-a-13-day-devotional/get-ready-for-battle

"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future ..."  Hebrews 11:20

Children are a blessing to their parents.  They are a wonderful gift from God.  Children also need blessing from their parents---and they need God's blessing above all.  God intended that faithful parents would be one of the main conduits of His blessing.  In Bible times it was common for fathers to pronounce God's blessing on their children.  That was an act of faith.

The first blessing parents pass along to their children is God's gift of life.  For Christians, bringing children into our troubled world is an act of faith.

Neither toys, money, words of encouragement, praise, love, nor even the parents' gifts of time and presence are the highest blessings parents can give their children.  The best blessing is for parents to help engrave on the hearts and minds of their children that they belong to God.

Remind your children of God's blessings promised to them in His Word.  Parents, grandparents---bless your children!

Adapted from:  https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/by-fiath-bless-your-children-2009-04-24