Dennis R. Wiles First Baptist Arlington October 6, 2024  FALL 2024 Together . . . for the Future September 1 – November 2, 2024 Preaching Voice: Shepherd  Detoured by Distractions Nehemiah 6:1-16  CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Theme for 2024: Together  Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future  Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) -Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! -You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! -Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work! -Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles can be overcome!  CONTEXT: Nehemiah had led the people in the great re-building project of the reconstruction of the wall around Jerusalem and the installation of the gates in the wall. Nehemiah 6 records the potential distractions faced by Nehemiah and his dismissal of them to continue his tireless focus on the work. And ---- the wall was finally completed!  DISTRACTIONS-Fone -Fear -Focus -Frustration -Failure -Faith  FEAR – The re-building journey is often fraught with fear. We can move past our fears!  FOCUS – It is easy to have our attention diverted when we are re-building. Sometimes, we have to intentionally re-focus our attention to the task at hand.  FRUSTRATION – Re-building is not easy! Sometimes we are frustrated by what we deem to be lack of progress. We must move past our frustrations to keep progressing.  FAILURE – There may be minor setbacks and “failures” along the way. We can’t be deterred by a less than perfect journey.  FAITH – God is an expert at renovation, re-construction, restoration, and re-building. Let’s keep our eyes on Him and trust Him for His provision as we keep re-building.