Day 2: For The Good Of Others

Then the king said to me, "What do you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may build it." And the king said unto me (the queen also sitting by him), “How long shall your journey be? And when will you return?" So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. (Neh. 2:4-6)

When Nehemiah mentioned his plan to the king, he received no guarantee that he would get to see things through to the end, or that he would get to enjoy the fruits of his labor in a rebuilt Jerusalem. He was a valuable member of the king’s court and the king wanted him to return to the palace. Nehemiah understood that his role in this fantastic project might be a very short-term one, maybe something that would only get the wheels rolling. There is no trace of disappointment or complaining, for his heart was content to serve the needs of others and make provision for their futures.

Lord, help us to keep the needs and the futures of others before our eyes as we labor
together to build what You are calling us to build!

Day 1: A Heart For The People

…I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant that is left of the captivity there in the province is in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” And it came to pass that when I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven… (Neh. 1:1-4)

For 2400 years, we have associated the name of Nehemiah with a project, and justly so. A recent Jerusalem Post article trumpeted the news about the discovery of Nehemiah’s Wall¹, strengthening the connection between the man and the wall in the minds of many. Ask even the casual Bible reader what Nehemiah is known for and… well, you know.

However, Nehemiah knew that any noble project is really about people. Projects unite people and call them to something bigger than themselves. Once completed, the finished work should serve their needs and continue to inspire.

Nehemiah’s Wall was a true people project, one that would serve many important purposes for the community. The wall was merely a means to an end; Nehemiah’s concern was for the welfare of the people. Their condition was what he asked about, and their beleaguered status made him weep. The wall was merely a way to restore them and propel them into God’s destiny. Only by building the wall could Nehemiah (and God) set them on the road to renewed prosperity, vision and hope. Nehemiah’s heart was never for the wall in and of itself; his heart was for God’s people and their welfare.

God, as we undertake to build help us to remember that this is a people project more than a building project. Use our hearts and our hands to build something that will bless and serve the people of God and the entire region for many generations to come.

---

1 Jerusalem Post article; accessed August 20, 2008.

52-day prayer devotional begins today!

Nehemiah tells the story of one of the most amazing building projects ever. God accelerated the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls so that more than a year's worth of work was finished in just 52 days!

Now Harvest Time is preparing to finish a journey that we began together almost 10 years ago. It is time to move forward with the construction of our Phase 2 building which was planned and approved when we bought our church property in 1999. Would you join us in prayer over the next 52 days?

We have prepared a 52-day devotional designed to help our congregation unite in prayer over:

• our walk with Him
• our faith
• our finances
• the ministries of our church
• the harvest in our region
• the Phase 2 building project

Please take a few minutes to read and pray along with us each day for the next 52 days. You can follow the devotional here or get a hard copy by calling the church at (203) 531-7778.

Fall classes launching at Harvest Time this week!

Fall will be here before you know it and our Tuesday adult discipleship and Wednesday family courses have launched!

Among the popular returning course offerings are The Alpha Course, the Cleansing Stream Seminar, and Financial Peace University. New offerings this fall include a parenting class from Dr. Gary Smalley called Homes of Honor, and Stepping Up, which is a study in the Psalms with noted author Beth Moore.

To see more and sign up now, please visit our special easy registration page at:

https://htchurch.backpackit.com/pub/1555649

For more complete information, please visit our main website at http://www.HTChurch.com or call us at (203) 531-7778.

Thanks!

Mission Convention 2008 coming this weekend

Nancy and some friends in Trinidad, 2006

This Weekend at Harvest Time: Missions Convention 2008!

Friday, June 20th 6:30pm: International Food Tasting
Vision Cast for Missions
Guest Speaker: Johan Boshoff
Children’s Program & Nursery


Saturday, June 21st: 8am Men’s Breakfast
Guest Speaker: Collins Isaidya


Saturday, June 21st: 10am Ladies Brunch
Guest Speaker: Dr. Sarah Gamble
Silent Auction: Coach Bag, Spa Treatments, Tickets to Sporting Events, and much, much more!


Sunday, June 22nd: 11:30am Annual Children’s Parade
Guest Speaker: Kevin Donaldson


Please RSVP to the Church for Food Events

Men's support group at Harvest Time

Harvest Time is now hosting a Men's 12 Step Purity Support Group. If you are struggling with issues of purity and desire support and accountability come join us on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30PM.

For additional information, please contact Mike Morris at (845) 803-4415.

Harvest Time on Facebook?

Yes, that's right. You can never accuse us of being behind the times! To see and become a fan of Harvest Time's new Facebook page, just click on the icon at the left. Hope to see you there!

Children’s Church Staff Meeting, May 10

Attention all Children’s Church teachers and those interested in joining the Children’s Church team, please join us on Saturday, May 10th for an important planning and curriculum meeting. We will meet in Room #106 from 9-11am. A light brunch will be included. Please RSVP to Brian & Sarah King or Pastors Steve & Caren. Thank you!

Easter Egg Hunt to be held on Saturday, March 22

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is coming up Saturday, March 22 from 10 AM to Noon at the church. We need volunteers to help out with crafts and activities, and provide baked goods. If you can help out or provide cakes, muffins or other brunch treats, please contact Pastor Caren. Baked goods can be dropped off on Good Friday evening or on the morning of the Hunt.

Flickr photo by katrinket; some rights reserved.

Women's worship and prayer tomorrow night at 8 PM

The Harvest Time ladies will be meeting for worship and prayer on the last Friday of each month from 8 PM to midnight.

Come on out tomorrow night and join us in prayer!