Have you ever prayed for God to fix a situation, only to realize He may be calling you to be part of the answer?

In today's episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack shares the second half of Pastor Nick's powerful message from Nehemiah. Nehemiah didn't stop at recognizing the brokenness around him. He took action, rallied others, and trusted God to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

This message challenges us to ask:

• What burden has God placed on our hearts?
• Where might God be calling us to step in and make a difference?
• How can we partner with God to bring hope, healing, and restoration?

As Pastor Nick reminds us: "Together with God, we can."

📖 Scripture References:

• Nehemiah 2-3
• 1 Peter 4:10-11

🏡 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org

🎙 Explore more podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcasthttps://shepnaz.org/media

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  #ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #PastorNick #PastorZack #ShepherdChurch #ChurchPodcast #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianLiving0:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack
  0:23 From Burden and Belief to Action
  0:44 Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem's Walls
  2:02 Nehemiah Calls the People to Rebuild
  2:50 What If God Wants to Work Through You?
  4:15 Identifying the Brokenness Around Us
  5:04 Complaining vs. Contributing
  6:26 Could You Be Part of the Answer?
  6:56 You Can't Fix Everything, But You Can Do Something
  8:00 God Invites Us to Participate
  8:54 A Community United in God's Work
  9:33 Together With God, We Can
  11:26 Leadership and Shared Responsibility
  12:00 God Works Through His People
  13:22 Using Your Gifts to Serve Others
  13:52 A Real-Life Example of Restoration
  15:06 God Has Positioned You for Purpose
  16:09 Burden, Belief, and Action
  16:35 Pastor Zack's Closing Takeaway
  

Have you ever felt burdened by the brokenness around you and wondered what God wants you to do about it?

In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack revisits a message from Pastor Nick exploring Nehemiah Chapter 2. Nehemiah was deeply burdened by the condition of Jerusalem, but he didn't stop at concern. Through prayer, trust, and complete dependence on God, he boldly stepped forward even when fear was real.

This episode reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is choosing to trust God in the middle of it. As God opened doors for Nehemiah, we see how God's favor, provision, and guidance can empower us to participate in His work of restoration.

Whether you're facing a difficult decision, carrying a burden for someone you love, or seeking the courage to follow God's leading, this message offers encouragement and hope.

📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8

🎙️ Hosted by Pastor Zack
⛪ Shepherd Church of the Nazarene | Gahanna, Ohio

🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org

🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and messages:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you:podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 If this episode encouraged you:

• Subscribe to the channel
• Like the video
• Share it with a friend
• Leave a comment: What burden has God placed on your heart, and how is He inviting you to trust Him?

#ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah #FaithOverFear #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #PastorNick #PastorZack #ShepherdChurch #TrustGod #ChristianEncouragement

00:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack
00:22 A Burden Becomes a Calling
00:48 Nehemiah's Heart for Jerusalem
01:40 Spiritual Brokenness Behind the Ruins
02:29 Being Burdened by Brokenness
03:29 Hope in God's Restoration
04:27 Can God Restore This Mess?
05:24 Nehemiah's Prayer for Favor
05:48 Enter King Artaxerxes
06:50 Fear in the Presence of Power
08:05 God's Favor and Provision
10:15 Why Does Your Face Look So Sad?
11:23 The Risk Nehemiah Faced
12:34 Nehemiah's Bold Request
13:23 The Gracious Hand of God
13:49 A Leader Who Relies on God
14:52 Boldness in the Midst of Fear
15:54 Moving from Prayer to Action
16:25 Faith That Leads to Action
16:48 Final Reflections and Challenge

Have you ever wondered if the best days are behind you?

In this Worship Wednesday episode, Pastor Zack explores a question many believers wrestle with: Have we peaked?Whether we look back on personal accomplishments, significant ministry moments, or the "good old days" of church life, it's easy to become trapped in nostalgia. Through Isaiah 43:18-19, we're reminded that while it's important to remember God's faithfulness, we must not lose sight of the new things He is doing right now.Join us as we begin a brand-new teaching series focused on healthy remembrance, spiritual growth, and confidently following God into the future.

📖 Scripture Reference:• Isaiah 43:18-19

🙏 About Shepherd Church:Shepherd Church of the Nazarene exists to help people know Jesus, grow in their faith, and impact their community with His love.

🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org

🎙️ Listen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media content:https://shepnaz.org/media

✉️ We'd love to hear from you!Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 If this episode encouraged you:• Subscribe to the channel• Like this video• Share it with a friend• Leave a comment: What is one way you've seen God working in your life recently?

#WorshipWednesday #ShepnazPodcast #PastorZack #ChristianPodcast #Isaiah43 #ChurchGrowth #FaithJourney #ChristianEncouragemen

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday

00:36 Introducing a New Teaching Series

00:57 Have We Peaked?

01:13 Pastor Zack's Weightlifting Story

02:01 Mountaintop Moments in Ministry and Music

02:43 Looking Back at the "Good Old Days"

03:37 The Danger of Living in the Past

04:18 What Made Those Moments Special?

05:22 God Is Still Moving Today

05:48 Isaiah 43:18-19

06:12 What "Forget the Former Things" Really Means

06:55 Healthy Remembrance vs. Harmful Nostalgia

07:22 Seeing What God Is Doing Next

07:55 Series Wrap-Up and Challenge

What happens when God places a burden on your heart and then opens the door to act?

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues his conversation with Pastor Rob about Nehemiah 2 and the remarkable moment when Nehemiah stands before the king. Discover how prayer, preparation, courage, and strategic faith positioned Nehemiah for a God-given opportunity that could have cost him everything.Pastor Rob explores the risks Nehemiah faced, why his preparation mattered, and how God often calls us to step forward in faith before we see the outcome. You'll also hear an encouraging challenge: If God asked you today, "What do you want?" would you be ready to answer?

This conversation will inspire you to trust God's provision, embrace your calling, and take the next faithful step He is placing before you.

📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 2

🎙️ Speakers:Pastor Zack & Pastor Rob

⛪ Shepherd Church of the NazareneLearn more about our church: https://shepnaz.org

🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and messages:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you:podcast@shepnaz.org

👍 If this episode encouraged you:• Subscribe to the channel• Like this video• Share it with a friend• Leave a comment below:What risk is God asking you to take right now?

#ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverFear #PrayerAndPreparation #PastorRob #PastorZack #ChurchLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianLiving

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Recap of Part 1

00:25 Nehemiah's Risk Before the King
01:26 Sharing the Burden
02:07 A Strategic Response to the King
03:46 "What Is It You Want?"
04:08 The Power of Arrow Prayers
05:15 Preparation Meets Opportunity
05:54 Why the Queen's Presence Mattered
07:01 A Carefully Timed Request
08:20 Asking for Protection and Provision
10:29 God's Hand at Work
11:15 Nehemiah's Calling and Burden
11:38 Comparing Nehemiah and Jesus
12:15 Approaching God with Confidence
13:25 God's Unlimited Provision
14:20 What Risk Is God Calling You to Take?
15:31 Are You Ready for God's Opportunity?
17:14 Discovering Your Calling and Burden
18:15 Moving Beyond Comfortable Christianity
19:10 Practical Challenge for Every Believer
19:43 Closing Thoughts

What happens when prayer turns into action?

In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Rob to continue exploring the story of Nehemiah. They discuss how Nehemiah spent months praying and preparing before stepping out in faith, why specific prayers matter, and how God often calls us to take risks that require trust and obedience. Together they unpack the difference between risk and danger, and how God prepares the way for those who faithfully follow His leading.

]In This Episode:

✅ The power of specific prayer
✅ Why prayer should lead to preparation
✅ Nehemiah's courageous conversation with the king
✅ The difference between risk and danger
✅ Walking in obedience even when the outcome is uncertainWhether you're facing a difficult decision, sensing God calling you into something new, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your faith, this conversation offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom.

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
🎙 More podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
🎥 Media resources: https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you: podcast@shepnaz.org

If this episode encouraged you, please:👍 Like
💬 Comment
📤 Share with a friend
🔔 Subscribe for more daily episodes from the Shepnaz Podcast00:00 Introduction
00:08 Pastor Zack Welcomes Pastor Rob
00:20 Returning to the Story of Nehemiah
01:58 Four Months of Prayer
03:36 Why Specific Prayers Matter
05:03 Prayer and Preparation Work Together
07:54 Nehemiah's Courageous Risk
08:31 Why Being Sad Before the King Was Dangerous
09:18 Comparing Nehemiah and Esther
10:44 When Doing Nothing Is the Bigger Risk
11:09 Five Elements of Risk
12:26 Risk vs. Danger
13:36 Trusting God When Taking Risks
14:49 God Working Behind the Scenes
15:30 Teaser for Tomorrow's Discussion
15:52 Applying Godly Risk in Our Lives
16:50 Closing

What makes the Shepnaz Upward Cheerleading program so special?

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Heather Grope and Susan Aleshire, the dedicated volunteers who lead Upward Cheerleading at Shepherd Church. They discuss how the program helps children develop confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, faith, and Christ-like character while having fun and building lasting friendships.

Whether your child is interested in cheerleading, you're looking for a volunteer opportunity, or you're simply passionate about investing in the next generation, this conversation is full of encouragement and inspiration.

In This Episode:

✅ What Upward Cheerleading looks like at Shepnaz
✅ How faith is integrated into practices and game days
✅ Helping children build confidence and leadership skills
✅ Why volunteers make all the difference
✅ Registration information and opportunities to coachLearn More

🌐 Church Information: https://shepnaz.org
🎙 More Episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
📺 Media Library: https://shepnaz.org/mediaContact Information

📧 Questions about Upward Cheerleading?

Contact Heather Grope at hgrope@shepnaz.org.

📧 Podcast feedback: podcast@shepnaz.org

If this episode encouraged you, please:👍 Like
✅ Subscribe
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend or family member

Thank you for supporting the ministry of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast
00:17 Meet Heather Grope & Susan Aleshire
01:24 How They Became Involved in Upward Cheerleading
02:46 The Power of Volunteers in Ministry
03:54 What to Expect from Upward Cheerleading
05:02 Opportunities to Coach and Volunteer
06:56 Faith and Spiritual Growth in Upward Sports
08:50 Stickers, Encouragement & Christ-Like Character
10:54 Real-Life Impact on Kids and Families
12:18 Developing Leadership and Confidence
13:52 Helping Shy Kids Thrive
15:29 Building Character Beyond Sports
17:17 How to Get Involved as a Coach
19:00 Registration Information
19:40 Encouragement for Families
20:18 Closing Thoughts

What makes Shepnaz Basketball and Cheerleading so much more than a sports league?In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with JR Judy, Lead Director of Shepnaz Basketball and Cheerleading, to talk about 35 years of ministry, community impact, faith-based sports, and exciting updates for the upcoming season.

Discover how Shepnaz Basketball is helping kids grow as athletes, teammates, and followers of Christ while creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout the Gahanna community. JR shares the vision behind the program, new registration updates, community outreach initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and an exciting Shepherd Basketball Night with the Cleveland Cavaliers!Whether you're a parent, coach, volunteer, or community member, this episode highlights how sports can be a powerful tool for helping people take their next step with Jesus.

Topics Include:

✅ 35 Years of Shepherd Basketball
✅ Upward Sports & Faith Development
✅ Registration Updates for the New Season
✅ Community Food, Hat & Coat Drives
✅ Cleveland Cavaliers Partnership Night
✅ Volunteer Opportunities
✅ Building Relationships Through Sports
✅ Helping Kids Grow On and Off the Court

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎙️ Listen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 Share your feedback or questions:podcast@shepnaz.org

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like💬 Leave a comment🔔 Subscribe↗️ Share with a friend

At Shepherd Church, we're passionate about helping people take their next step with Jesus.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Meet JR Judy
00:48 What Does the Lead Director of Shepnaz Basketball Do?
02:37 JR's Personal Journey Through Shepherd Basketball
05:51 What Is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading?
07:18 Faith Development Through Sports
09:35 Why Devotions Matter for Kids & Families
11:44 Helping People Take Their Next Step with Jesus
14:13 Registration Changes for the Upcoming Season
15:21 Updated Pricing & Value of the Program
17:04 New Opportunities for Fourth Grade Girls
17:58 Community Food Drive & Outreach Plans
18:40 New Hat, Coat & Winter Clothing Drive
22:57 Special Cleveland Cavaliers Night Announcement
25:26 Volunteer & Serving Opportunities
28:28 Building Community Through Basketball
29:35 The Best Moments of the Season
29:56 Registration Reminder & Contact Information
31:07 Final Encouragement & Closing

Welcome to this special Worship Wednesday edition of the Shepnaz Podcast with Pastor Zack! Recorded late at night from a cabin in Logan, Ohio, this episode is an authentic and unplanned time of worship, reflection, and encouragement. Pastor Zack shares his personal testimony of God's pursuit in his life, reflects on seasons of grief and struggle, and reminds us that God's love never stops reaching for us.

In this episode:

• A personal reflection on God's relentless love
• Testimony of redemption and transformation
• Encouragement for those walking through grief or difficult seasons
• Worship and reflection on the themes of "Reckless Love" and "Good Good Father"
• A reminder that God is still good, even when life doesn't make sense

👍 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to:Subscribe

Like this video

Share it with a friend

Leave a comment about how God has shown His faithfulness in your life

If you're struggling, searching, or simply need a moment to worship Jesus, this episode is for you.

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church: shepnaz.org

🎙️ More podcast episodes: shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media: shepnaz.org/media

📧 Have questions about faith or want to connect?

Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org

#WorshipWednesday #ChristianPodcast #ShepnazPodcast #GodsLove #FaithJourney #JesusChangesLives

00:00 Introduction from Logan, Ohio
00:53 A Late-Night Worship Session
02:11 Why Worship Matters in Difficult Moments
03:02 The Story Behind "Reckless Love"
04:16 Pastor Zack's Testimony of Redemption
06:31 God's Pursuing Love
07:22 Worship: Reckless Love
13:05 Reflection on God's Love
13:24 Grief, Loss & Trusting God
15:04 Why "Good Good Father" Matters
17:08 Remembering God's Goodness
17:53 Worship: Good Good Father
21:45 Final Encouragement & Invitation to Jesus
23:28 Connect With Shepherd Church