Blog Layout
BUILDING IN TROUBLED TIMES
Kris Vallotton | Jun 10, 2020
How do we lead in a crisis? In this podcast, I teach from Nehemiah to give a blueprint with keys for building in troubled times. I want to encourage you today no matter what our world is facing, God is giving us hope and solutions!
BUILDING IN TROUBLED TIMES PODCAST NOTES
The book of Nehemiah is the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The walls and gates of Jerusalem were torn down for 114 years, and for 72 years the Israelites tried to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s prayer gives us a key for dealing with crisis:
“I said, ‘I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.’” Nehemiah 1:5-7
Nehemiah’s prayer is a great example of identificational repentance, when you put yourself in the place of those who have sinned and repent on behalf of the group you represent.
The attitude that leads you to your destiny is humbling yourself. Nehemiah ties the trouble with rebuilding Jerusalem to the sins of their forefathers. The key is to humble ourselves!
“My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Nehemiah’s identificational repentance is connected to his leadership. Part of being a great leader is taking responsibility for things that aren’t your fault. They might not be your fault, but they are your responsibility.
It’s important to note that Nehemiah asked permission from the king to leave, he didn’t just tell him he was leaving. You only have as much authority as you submit to.
We’ve been trained to recognize natural authority, but there’s also spiritual authority.
If you can’t actually survey the walls of your problem and be filled with hope, you don’t have faith. Part of faith is being able to look at the problem and admit the issues you’re facing!
Some of us are doing great things for God and we’re the only ones who don’t know it! When you tie what you’re doing to your assignment, it gives you courage.
Scripture:
Isaiah 60:18, Nehemiah chapters 1-4, 1 Peter 5:5, 2 Chronicles 7:14
In this clip from Bethel Leaders Advance from April 19th, 2018, at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, Kris Vallotton shares with leader’s about God’s heart disciple nations. He highlights the importance of God’s people to be a light on a hill and that the natural byproduct of his restoration and blessing of the Church is that it would heal and transform the cities and nations around us.
In this Father's Day sermon from June 18th, 2023, at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, Kris Vallotton shares an inspiring message on the importance of fatherhood and the role men carry as protectors, providers and promoters for their families and communities. He highlights the transformative impact fathers have in calling their children into purpose and shaping their destinies. Join us as we honor fathers and recognize the profound impact they have on shaping lives and futures.
In this message from June 23rd, 2019, at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, Kris Vallotton delivers a powerful sermon titled, "Becoming a Cultural Architect." Vallotton highlights the importance of shaping culture and the role we play as believers in this process. There is a war happening to shape the mindset of this generation and Kris reminds us to embrace our Isaiah 61 calling, to make disciples of nations and positively impact the culture around us.
