S4.E22 - The Wall Completed

In this final episode from Season 4, Nehemiah 6:15-16, Pastor Daniel observes Nehemiah as he finishes the task God has given him—the wall is completed in a miraculous 52 days. It was a time to celebrate God’s goodness. No matter what season of life you are in, God will be faithful to help you accomplish what He has given you to do.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his thoughts about finishing well and how God works miracles through the faithfulness of preaching His Word.

QUOTES

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“Faithfulness to God is our first obligation in all that we are called to do in the service of the gospel.” - Laine H. Murray

“Spiritual advancement is measured by faithful obedience.” - Watchman Nee

“Reverent fear of God is the key to faithfulness in any situation.“ - Alan Redpath

“The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on Him never to lead us astray.” - Chuck Swindoll

“Faithfulness is our business; fruitfulness is an issue that we must be content to leave with God.” - J.I. Packer

S4.E21 - Living A Holy Life

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 6:10-14, Pastor Daniel talks about the high calling of living a holy life—to resist sin—and why it is critical to effective leadership. Nehemiah’s example shows us the way.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own experience with the importance as well as the struggle to live a holy life. You’ll be encouraged.

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“One of the dangers of living in a constant state of distraction is that we never go to the bottom of our pain, our sadness, our emptiness, which means we never find that rock-bottom place of the peace that passes understanding and rest ourselves there.” - Ruth Haley Barton

“The most dangerous distractions are the ones you love, but that don’t love you back.” - Warren Buffet

“A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hands of God. I am persuaded that I shall obtain the highest amount of present happiness, I shall do most for God's glory and the good of man, and I shall have the fullest reward in eternity, by maintaining a conscience always washed in Christ's blood, by being filled with the Holy Spirit at all times, and by attaining the most entire likeness to Christ in mind, will, and heart, that it is possible for a redeemed sinner to attain to in this world.” - Robert Murray McCheyne

“The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.” - A. W. Tozer

“When we pray for the Spirit's help...we will simply fall down at the Lord's feet in our weakness. There we will find the victory and power that comes from His love.” - Andrew Murray

“I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.” - Charles Spurgeon

S4.E20 - Dealing with Distractions

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 6, Pastor Daniel talks about how the enemy uses distractions to keep us from accomplishing the work God has called us to do. First, a definition: Distraction—a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. In today’s world of nonstop distractions, this is a lesson we all need to learn.

Pastor Joe Williams is back with Pastor’s Perspective on the discipline it takes to be focused and effective in leadership. How do we combat distractions? Know your calling, learn how to delegate and the power of saying no.

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“As leaders, we can often be distracted by what looks like an “opportunity.” - Craig Groeschel

“Having a biblically-based purpose is like holding a magnet. It motivates, directs, and pulls you around detours and through distractions…I should be concerned with being productive, not simply busy!” - David Kraft, Leaders Who Last

“People without clear vision are easily distracted, have a tendency to drift from one idea to another and often make foolish decisions that rob them of their dreams.” - Andy Stanley

“What gets scheduled gets done.” - Michael Hyatt, Leadership Coach

“We don’t drift into good directions. We discipline and prioritize ourselves there.” - Andy Stanley

“It takes a huge commitment to stay focused these days. There are so many moving parts that need our attention and an ever-changing landscape that must be navigated. I’ve never had to work harder to keep the main thing the main thing. We need the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.”  - Christine Caine

“The different between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.” - Warren Buffett

“Successful people do consistently what normal people occasionally”  - Craig Groeschel

S4.E19 - Be Generous

In this week’s episode from Nehemiah 5:14-19, Pastor Daniel answers the question: What does it look like to be a generous leader? Nehemiah sets the example here by being generous with his finances, his time and his words. Listen for practical ways to be generous in leadership.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams talks about how important it is to fear God over man and to please Him in our leadership. You have to answer to God. Trying to please man is a snare. How do we avoid abusing our authority? Some straight talk from Pastor Joe.

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“God made all of His creation to give. He made the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds, the earth, the plants to give. He also designed His supreme creation, man, to give. But fallen man is the most reluctant giver in all of God's creation.” - John MacArthur

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” - Corrie Ten Boom

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure & trouble with it. - Proverbs 15:16

“A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God’s.” - Tim Keller

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” - C.S. Lewis

“[God] wants you to have something far better than riches and gold, and that is helpless dependence upon Him.“ - Hudson Taylor (Missionary)

“For it is in giving that we receive.”  - St. Francis of Assisi

“In all of my years of service to my Lord, I have discovered a truth that has never failed and has never been compromised. That truth is that it is beyond the realm of possibilities that one has the ability to out-give God. Even if I give the whole of my worth to Him, He will find a way to give back to me much more than I gave.” - Charles Spurgeon

S4.E16 - Discouragement

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel talks about how Nehemiah and the people faced discouragement while they were building the wall. God has called us to work hard and it is hard work! Everyone faces opposition in fulfilling their ministry. Where do we find the strength to overcome it? Pastor Daniel will tell us in this episode.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams talks about his own battles with discouragement through the years and how he has learned. Discouragement is not unique to leadership, and we can help others as they face their own struggles in this life. God is an overcomer!

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“Before any great achievement, some measure of depression is very usual.” - Charles Spurgeon

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“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.’“ -Billy Graham

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I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. - Psalm 6:6

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“The Christian's chief occupational hazards are depression and discouragement.” - John Stott

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 "Every person who has grown to any degree of usefulness, every person who has grown to distinction, almost without exception has been a person who has risen by overcoming obstacles, by removing difficulties, by resolving that when he met discouragement he would not give up.” - Booker T. Washington

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Cast your burden on the LORD, and he shall sustain you. - Psalm 55:22

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 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. - Psalm 77:11

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My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. - James 5:19-20

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Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

S4.E15 - Opposition

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel addresses another hard topic in leadership—opposition. Sometimes we avoid these subjects, but God never does. He addresses reality head-on and we are wise if we learn from what He has to say. Nehemiah faced real opposition to God’s direct call in his life. Listen to what God has to teach us about it from Nehemiah 4.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams describes his own experience with opposition and how God has taught him personally to respond. It’s not fun, it’s not easy, but it’s real. “You’ve got to expect opposition. This is spiritual warfare, and Satan is not going to lay dead and do nothing and just let you preach the Word without him trying to stop you.” Buckle up.

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‘I have spent many years of my life in opposition, and I rather like the role.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

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“The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard at all times.” - Warren Wiersbe 

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When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. - Proverbs 10:19

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Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! - Psalm 43:1

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But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. - Titus 3:9

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“Paul did not call the believer to enter into spiritual warfare. He simply announced it as a fact: we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but (we do wrestle) against principalities and so forth. You are in a spiritual battle. If you are ignorant or ignore that fact, you probably aren’t winning the battle.” - David Guzik (referring to Ephesians 6:12)

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“The best way we can fight the devil is to walk in the Spirit (through prayer and action).” - Robert McMceyne

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“Be encouraged! Through Christ we can be victors over the forces of darkness not victims of their evil schemes.” - Chuck Swindoll

S4.E14 - Criticism

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel tackles the subject of criticism and how all of us as leaders will face it. The Bible does not shy away from hard topics like this. Nehemiah dealt with it himself. Criticism is just part of leading people and getting things done. God has called us as leaders to have an impact in this world. Some people won’t like that. As. leaders we need to expect criticism and be prepared to handle it, not avoid it. Pastor Daniel examines Nehemiah’s response to criticism and the tactics used by his enemies. We can learn from his example.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own experience with criticism in ministry. No one likes being criticized. Listen to the criticism and see if there is any weight to it. See if there is any truth to it. Learn from it and correct what may need corrected.

QUOTES

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“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do.” - Benjamin Franklin

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Criticism is: 

1) the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes 2) the act of expressing disapproval or noting the problems or faults of a person or thing

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“Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you'll never be criticized.” - Elbert Hubbard

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. - 1 Peter 4:12

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you  will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 

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“God had one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial.” - Charles Spurgeon

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“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” - Abraham Lincoln

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Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

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Shakespeare called ridicule “paper bullets to the brain.”

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“The things people say may hurt us, but they can never harm us, unless we let them get into our system and poison us.” -Warren Wiersbe 

S4.E13 - Don't Miss Out

In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 3, Pastor Daniel talks about those who did not help to build the wall. They were there. They could have helped, but they chose not to. God gives us the opportunity to join Him in the work He is doing here on earth. We can miss out on the work of God if we aren’t careful and do not put our hands to the plow. We know there is work to be done. Jesus said in Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Don’t miss out on what God has called you to do.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares about what to do when people don’t come to church to serve. Only a handful of people actually help and get involved. “We keep praying that God will move in people’s hearts and continue to make the needs known.” A look at one of the harder sides of ministry from someone who knows. 

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“Opportunity is missed by most people because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas Edison

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“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” - Henry Ford

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Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity…For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. - Psalm 133:1,3

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For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.

- 2 Timothy 4:10

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Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. - Proverbs 6:6-11

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Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.  

- Ephesians 5:15-18

S4.E12 - It Takes A Team

Pastor Daniel talks about how a great vision takes a great team to accomplish it. How you are serving Jesus and His church, matters. In Nehemiah 3 we see very clearly the importance of teamwork as Nehemiah joins together with many people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Working alongside others is God’s way of getting things done. This is His design and His plan. We see it throughout the entire Bible. Pastor Daniel highlights the many ways this chapter illustrates God’s wisdom and purpose in teamwork. God uses us where we are with what we have to give.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares what God has taught him about teamwork throughout his many years of ministry. God will show you the people He has called to be on your team. What about a difficult team? Pastor Joe will tell you. 

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“Not one of us is as good as all of us.”  - Pastor Bruce Zachary

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“It’s not that I’m so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.” Albert Einstein

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Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 40:10

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For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? - 1 Corinthians 12:12; 27-31

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“We had hundreds of thousands of people all dedicated to doing the perfect job, and I think they did about as well as anyone could ever have expected." - Neil Armstrong

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“Each of us has a unique opportunity to create something right where we are. It doesn’t require special authority or a fancy title or having the corner office…Jesus argues that the best leaders, (are) the ones who align with his vision for leadership, (who) will lead as servants who are aware of their responsibility and who answer to a higher calling.” - Clay Scroggins, How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge

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As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. - 1 Peter 4:10

S4.E11 - It Takes Work

S4.E11 - It Takes Work

Pastor Daniel talks about how great vision requires great work, from Nehemiah 3. In this chapter, Nehemiah and the people begin the actual physical work of rebuilding the walls around the city of Jerusalem. Praying, having vision, and planning must result in carrying out the work. By faith, we must be doers. We are blessed when we apply God’s word through our actions. Each person working on this project is listed by name in this chapter. God sees our work and acknowledges it. It matters to Him. Don’t give up!

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his thoughts on God’s design for His people to have a good work ethic. God is not going to do the work for us. He gives the vision, we do the work. It is not easy, but it is worth it. You never see the hand of God unless you keep going and move forward.

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Matt 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

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For God is not unjust so as to o overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. - Hebrews 6:10

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“Any interpretation of the Bible that limits God and encourages people to be lazy instead of busy in the ministry is a false interpretation and must be abandoned. If the Lord is to be pleased with us and glorified before an unbelieving world, we must hear His Word, believe it, and act upon it, no matter what the circumstances.” - Warren Wiersbe

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“A great many of people have got a false idea about the church. They have got an idea that the church is place to rest in…to get into a nicely cushioned pew, and contribute to the charities, listen to the minister, and do their share to keep the church out of bankruptcy, is all they want. The idea of work in the church — never enters their minds.” -DL Moody

S4.E1 - Let's Study Nehemiah Together

S4.E1 - Let's Study Nehemiah Together

Pastor Daniel is back with a whole new season, a new audio podcast format and a new segment called Pastor’s Perspective. This season will be a deep dive into the book of Nehemiah. With all that’s happened in the last couple years, it is a great time to look at how God taught Nehemiah how to be a leader in the midst of troubled times. Pastor Daniel will do a teaching segment on Nehemiah each lesson, followed by an in-depth conversation for Pastor’s Perspective with his father, Pastor Joe Williams. Pastor Joe has been a pastor in Tacoma, Washington for 40 years. He has great insights to share from his years of walking with the Lord.   Join us for this exciting new season.

Quotes

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J. Oswald Sanders said in his book Spiritual Leadership, “Nehemiah is one of the most inspiring  leaders in the Bible” (pg 163). 

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Tony Evans states that, “Nehemiah provides a study in great leadership” (pg 461).
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Chuck Smith always used to say “Blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken”
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“Methods are many, principles are few. Methods always change but principles never do.”

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In his book Pass Me a Brick, Chuck Swindoll said, “Nehemiah, although an ordinary man underneath, emerges as one of the most significant leaders in history. He was highly motivated to do a job for God that had many difficult circumstances surrounding it” (pg 4).