God often brings us into new seasons, both in the natural realm and in the spiritual realm. Just as we enter autumn in the natural world, there's a fresh wind of a new season in the spirit. After going through challenging times like the pandemic that changed how we connect and worship, God is calling us back to our foundation.

Many people today live what Thomas Merton called a "counterfeit or superficial spiritual life." True spirituality isn't about image—it's about going to God's Word and applying it to our lives. When we take God at His Word and live it out, we experience the authenticity of being disciples of Jesus Christ.

The goal isn't religion or superficiality. It's not about impressing others. It's about pleasing the audience of one—God Himself.

Nehemiah's story provides essential lessons for us in this season. In Nehemiah 1:1-4, we read how Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem and the disgrace of his people. His response was profound:

"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept for some days. I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."

Nehemiah went beyond the normal routine of daily life. He stepped to another level of intensity to prepare himself to hear God's voice and move by God's Spirit. While thousands of people might look at circumstances and parrot the fear of the day, Nehemiah stood up in faith, praying, fasting, and aligning his heart with God's.

The story of Nehemiah is about rebuilding—beginning afresh upon a strong foundation. If you can look to a time when you were more on fire for Christ than you are today, it's time to rebuild, refresh, and renew upon that foundation.

Nehemiah was a layman, not a priest or prophet. His heart was burdened for the people. Similarly, we are called to be on mission, recognizing that we are in a mission field. We aren't meant to simply build numbers but to make a difference where God has placed us.

Nehemiah's first impulse was to pray. In Nehemiah 1:11, he prays:

"Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this, your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."

Nehemiah prayed for favor and opportunity. God placed him exactly where he needed to be for maximum effect—as cupbearer to the king. This position gave him access to request resources for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.

Similarly, we should see ourselves as assigned by God to where we are right now, with the people we're with, at the work we do, in the church we attend. Even if you think you're just passing through, God may have placed you there for a purpose greater than you realize.

The mission is clear: loving God authentically, growing together intentionally, and serving others sacrificially. These principles come from Jesus' two greatest commandments—to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and being, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We're called to be a family of faith, whether for decades or just a season. In this family, we rejoice in one another's triumphs and support each other through valleys. We pray for breakthroughs—financial, emotional, spiritual—for one another.

Together, we can impact:

• Our church family
• Our community
• Our world

We can't do this alone. We need each other to create ripple effects far beyond what any individual could accomplish.

With rebuilding comes a renewing of the mind. Romans 12:2 tells us:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

We must think biblically, seeing through God's lens and heart rather than being shaped by workplace pressures or headlines. God's will for us is good, pleasing, and perfect—we shouldn't fear it.

To be wise is to be discerning, perceptive, and obedient—to be a doer as well as a hearer. To be foolish is to hear and fail to do, to know and fail to implement.

Jesus said there are two kinds of builders: wise and unwise. As we build our personal lives and our church community, we must build wisely, seizing spiritual opportunities rather than frittering them away.

We're called to be partakers of the divine nature and to pursue this with diligence—constant effort and persevering attention. Our faith should be productive and effective, not dormant and hidden.

It's time to prioritize God's will, principles, and ways in our lives. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

The parable of the gold bags (talents) teaches us several key lessons:

• Each person is given a measure
• Each measure is on loan and belongs to the Master
• Each person is expected to put their measure to use
• The short-term results are in the hands of the steward
• The results are ultimately reviewed by the Master
• The key factor is faithfulness with what was loaned

We're called to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure—all on loan to us from God. Yet studies show only 13% of Christians in the U.S. come close to tithing, while 26% give nothing to the church.

Studies show that people who spend time in Scripture several days a week are four times more likely to give faithfully and generously. When God’s Word shapes our lives, it shapes how we live — and how we give.

In the Old Testament, the tithe was 10%. In the New Testament, giving is tied to the heart. 2 Corinthians 9 reminds us:

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Giving our first fruits places the rest of our life in proper order. It's an act of worship and a response to how God has blessed us.

As we enter this new season, God is calling us to rebuild our faith on a solid foundation. This week, consider these questions:

• In what areas of my life do I need to move beyond a superficial faith to authentic discipleship?
• Where has God strategically placed me to make an impact, and am I recognizing that assignment?
• Am I being a faithful steward of my time, talents, and resources? What one step can I take this week to improve my stewardship?
• How can I contribute to the mission of loving God, growing together, and serving others in my church community?

Take a step forward this week by identifying one area where you've been merely hearing God's Word but not doing it. Commit to obedience in that area, trusting that God's commands always lead to blessing. Don't just dabble in giving, serving, or loving—bring your first fruits to God and experience the blessing of full obedience.