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May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being — spirit, soul, and body — free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians. 5:23 (TEV)

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV)

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days, I set out by night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Serpent Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and re-entered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Nehemiah 2:11-16 (NIV)

• My God WORKS IN THE DARK.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him — but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians. 2:9-10 (NIV)

• Comfort means to FORTIFY WITH RENEWED STRENGTH.
You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace.…And they said, 'Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. Nehemiah. 2:17-18 (NIV/KJV)

For I know the plans I have for YOU,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

ACTION PLAN: The truths of God's Word are eternal. Copy Jeremiah 29:11 into your journal, and as you write it, personalize it. Consider how it changes the significance of the verse to your life. Thank God for his plans for you and ask that his will be done in your life.

In the City of the Soul…

• The walls are built out of THE RUBBLE OF THE PAST.
We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.    Romans 8:28 (NLT)

ACTION PLAN: Romans 8:28 tells us that God makes all things (good and bad) work together for our benefit. If this truth has changed your perspective on the broken rubble in your life, remember that God will often take our greatest hurt and make it into our greatest ministry. If you have not considered it before, look at the various ministries we have operating in our church and volunteer in one that is related to your deepest hurt. Visit our website to view the many opportunities we have to serve each other in the body of Christ here at Saddleback:www.Saddleback.com/ministry.

• The gates are built out of TIMBERS OF TRUTH.
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."                   John 8:32 (NIV)

Truths to Build Your Life On

Lie: You're worthless.
Truth: Jesus loves me and gave his life for me.    Galatians 2:20b

Lie: You're unforgivable.
Truth: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.      1 John 1:9

Lie: You will always be this way.
Truth: Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!   2 Corinthians 5:17

Lie: Who do you think you are?
Truth: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

Lie: It's hopeless.
Truth: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Philippians 1:6

Lie: You're useless.
Truth: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.          Philippians 4:13

Lie: God doesn't love you.
Truth: I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.                        Hebrews 13:5b

Lie: God doesn't care.
Truth: Cast all your care upon him for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5b (NIV)

• If it doesn't stand TRUE, don't let it THROUGH.

ACTION PLAN: Take your journal and turn to the last page. Copy the truths listed above into your journal (last page suggested so it can be readily referenced). Make it a practice to refer to these verses when you hear the lies the enemy of your soul uses to condemn you. Choose one of these timbers of truth to memorize.

• God will not DO IT WITHOUT ME; I cannot DO IT WITHOUT HIM.
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together — spirit, soul, and body — and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (MES)

Weekly Action Steps
We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com

We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him. Because of your faithful generosity, we have been able to provide food and supplies to over 600,000 people in Southern California during this COVID crisis. Give at saddleback.com/give.

We meet in small groups online to discuss what we have heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 83000, visit our website at www.saddleback.com/joingroup, or email smallgroup@saddleback.com.

To be baptized, email mYBAPTISM@saddleback.com.

Listen to our "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" podcasts from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn