Encouragement for God’s people when “the strength of those who bear the burdens is failing.”  When “there is too much rubble” and “by ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”  (Nehemiah 4:10)

1.  KNOW WHOM TO FEAR

* “Do not rebel against the Lord and do not fear the people of the land. (Numbers 14:9)

* “Do not be in dread or afraid of them.”  (Deuteronomy 1:29)

* “You shall not be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.” (Deuteronomy 7:21)

2.  CONTEND

* “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” (2 Samuel 10:12)

* “Remember the Lord who is great and awesome an fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (Nehemiah 14:9)

* “Contend for the faith…For certain people have crept in unnoticed…ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:3-4)

3.  OUR CHARGE UNTIL CHRIST RETURNS

* “Engage in business until I come.” (Luke 19:13)

* “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning…you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:35, 40)

* “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

* “To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)

4.  OUR PROMISE

* “The gates of hell shall not prevail against [the Church].” (Matthew 16:18)

* “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. (Revelation 22:12)

[Painting: Rorschach for America by Lindsay Carron;

thank you to Dana Young for his verse compilation.]