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I wish you peace and cooler temperatures this week. Looks like we may get a little reprieve this week: 99 degrees instead of 108! But the mornings are getting noticeably more comfortable. I won’t say cooler, but more comfortable. Stay inside as much as possible during these last days of summer. The air quality is not good, and the heat can make you very ill very quickly.
For the past several weeks, we have followed the story of Nehemiah—a leader whose courage reshaped an entire community. Nehemiah began far from home, serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. When he learned Jerusalem lay in ruins, his heart broke. That grief led him to prayer, and prayer led him to action. Even afraid, Nehemiah asked the king for help, surrendered his plans to God, and stepped boldly into leadership.
When he arrived in Jerusalem, Nehemiah assessed the damage himself. He gathered the people, shared a vision, and invited everyone to take part. Scripture tells us, “the people had a heart to work,” and together they rebuilt a 2.5‑mile wall in just 52 days. Courageous leadership doesn’t eliminate obstacles—it adapts, inspires, and finishes what it starts.
Today, our call is not to build a wall, but a bridge—a bridge between our congregation and the 44,000 neighbors who share the 76112 zip code. This richly diverse community includes thousands of children and seniors living below the poverty line. Hunger, limited resources, and daily challenges shape their lives. We cannot solve every need alone, but like Nehemiah’s people, we can take responsibility for our part of the wall.
We can strengthen our partnership with Bill J. Elliott Elementary, host meals for nearby streets, and work alongside the 33 churches in our zip code. Most importantly, we can deepen our own spiritual formation, building a strong bridge between ourselves and God—one that empowers us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.
For the people of Saint Matthew have a heart to work. Blessings to all, Mary
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Helping Is a Way to Lead
Have you ever helped someone without being asked?
Maybe you picked up something they dropped, sat with someone who was alone, or helped at home when you saw there was work to do.
That kind of helping is a way to lead.
In the story of Moses, several people saw someone who needed help and chose to act. Moses’ mother protected him. His sister watched over him. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and cared for him.
None of them did everything. Each person simply did what they could.
You can do that, too.
This week, look for one person who could use your help. You do not have to do something big. Just notice, be kind, and take the next step.
God can use your helping hands to make a difference.
Family Challenge
As a family, look for one way you can help someone together this week.
Talk About It
- When have you helped someone recently?
- Why can helping sometimes take courage?
- Who might need your help this week?
Read
Prayer
Dear God, Help me notice people who need a helping hand. Give me courage to be kind and to help when I can. Use my hands to share Your love. Amen.
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Watch the full service online by clicking here.
Scripture: Nehemiah 4:6
Courageous faith does not always begin with certainty. Sometimes it begins when we allow God to show us what matters, remain open to where the Spirit is leading, and trust that we do not have to carry the work alone. Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God can take concern, prayer, and a willing heart and turn them into faithful action.
The same is true for us. Following Christ draws our attention beyond ourselves and helps us see the people God has placed around us in a new way. We begin to notice neighbors, relationships, and opportunities that might otherwise be easy to overlook. Discipleship becomes more than what we believe. It becomes the way we listen, welcome, serve, and make room for others.
God has already moved toward us in love through Jesus Christ. We respond to that grace by becoming people willing to move toward one another. As we pray, grow together, and listen for God’s direction, may the Spirit give us courage for the work before us and hearts ready to participate in what God is already doing.
Take Time to Reflect
- How is Christ inviting you to move toward someone in love this week?
- What has God been bringing to your attention lately?
- Where might prayer be preparing you to take a faithful next step?
Tags: Nehemiah