Day 1: Strengthening Your Relationships

Recap of the Sermon: Bold Role — To Boldly Go
In the To Boldly Go series, we’ve explored the themes of burden, bold requests, bold sacrifices, and bold confidence. This week, we focus on stepping into our bold role—understanding that each of us has a God-given part to play in building His kingdom.
The story of Nehemiah takes a significant turn in Nehemiah 3, often called the "Next To" chapter. This passage highlights how people from all walks of life—priests, perfume makers, goldsmiths, rulers, and even daughters—gathered together to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. The phrase “next to” is repeated 31 times, emphasizing the power of working together to strengthen and support one another in the mission God had placed before them.
The pastor reminded us that building God’s kingdom is not a solo effort. We need to stand next to one another in prayer, worship, service, and encouragement. Like Nehemiah, who went from being a cupbearer to a kingdom builder, we are all called to step out of our comfort zones and boldly step into what God is doing.

This week’s devotionals will focus on three key aspects of stepping into your bold role:
 1. Strengthening (HAZAQ) Your Relationships – Deepening our connection with God and others.
 2. Strengthening (HAZAQ) Your Leadership – Expanding our capacity to serve and lead.
 3. Strengthening (HAZAQ) What You Started – Staying committed to the work God has placed before us.
 4. Overcoming Fear to Step Into Your Role – Trusting God's power instead of shrinking back.
 5. Encouraging Others in Their Bold Role – Helping others step into their God-given purpose.

Let’s boldly step into our roles together!
 
Each of us has a role to play. Whether we are teachers, parents, students, business owners, or baristas—God calls us to boldly go. This week, we will explore how to take our next step in building His kingdom.

Day 1: Strengthening Your Relationships
Scripture:
Nehemiah 3:1-32 -
1 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding 
2 The men of Jericho built next to Eliashib,  
and next to them Zaccur built.
4 Next to them Meremoth, made repairs. 
Next to them Zadok made repairs. 
7 Next to them the repairs were done by Melatiah, Jadon , and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah,
and next to him Hananiah son of the perfumer made repairs. 
9 Next to them Rephaiah, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 

Reflection:
One of the most powerful themes in Nehemiah 3 is the repeated phrase “next to”. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was not a solo mission; it was a collective effort. People of all professions, backgrounds, and levels of skill came together, standing next to each other, working toward a shared goal.
This is a beautiful picture of how God designed the Church. We are not meant to pursue faith alone. Christianity is a community-driven journey where we strengthen, encourage, and build one another up. The pastor pointed out that we stand next to one another in many ways:
 • We worship next to one another.
 • We serve next to one another.
 • We pray next to one another.
 • We grieve and rejoice next to one another.
God has called each of us into relationships—first with Him and then with others. A strong relationship with God is built through prayer, worship, and time in His Word. Strong relationships with others are built through community, service, and encouragement.

Application:
Ask yourself:
 • Who are the people God has placed next to you in your faith journey?
 • How can you strengthen those relationships?
If you struggle to identify strong spiritual relationships, take a step this week—join a small group, serve in church, or invite someone to pray with you.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the people You have placed next to me. Help me to strengthen my relationships with You and with others. Show me ways I can encourage, support, and build up those around me. May I never walk alone in faith but always seek to stand next to my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Questions for Reflection:
1. Who is standing next to you in your faith journey, and how can you encourage them?
2. What steps can you take this week to build stronger relationships with God and others?