Nehemiah: Builders of the Wall

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In Nehemiah 2 we learned the importance of being patient and what action steps to take when moving forward with the call that God has placed in our heart. We also learned how to respond rightly to opposition.

Now on to Nehemiah 3. I have to admit, upon first glance I wasn't really excited about this chapter. It's basically an overview of who repaired what part of the wall. This gate was repaired by so and so. This section by so and so. Next to him was so and so, and so and so. You know, just the basic mundane building of a wall. Right....wrong! So wrong!

Man, I had to stop dead in my tracks. Isn't this exactly what was supposed to be happening! The people were fulfilling the call that God had placed in Nehemiah's heart. They were supposed to be building the wall section by section, gate by gate, side by side. Generations of family members, neighbors, friends, leaders, and priests helped to rebuild the wall. They were doing the "good work". The day-to-day grind of life using whatever skills they had.

The vision had been written and made plan for all to see and understand. Every great and powerful move of God, from rebuilding walls, planting churches, or leading a bible study requires work. There comes a time when we have to GET UP, STOP TALKING, STOP VISION CASTING, and START WORKING (SRT). Putting down beams one at a time using whatever skills and talents we've been blessed with. The "good work" may not  always be "glamorous" work or give us goose bumps, but it is part of the necessary work to carry out the plan of God. 

What are you supposed to be doing to help get God's "good work" done? What am I supposed to be doing to help get God's "good work" done? What is God asking us to do within our day-to-day grind that is going to help towards God's 'good work'. We have to remember that the vision that God has giving us is not ours alone. It is not going to get done by us alone. It isn't going to come to fruition by us alone. It's going to take the influence of God on our lives, to influence others, to see a need and be willing to get down in the trenches with us, doing whatever it takes, using whatever we have to get the work done. 

Check this out: In Nehemiah verse 15 we meet a guy by the name of Shallun. What's so special about him? Well I'm glad you're curious. The bible tells us that Shallun repairs the wall of the Pool of Siloam*. Fast forward to John 9:6 where Jesus is on the scene healing a blind man with mud made from saliva and dirt. Guess where Jesus told him to go wash it off; in the Pool of Siloam. We never know how the work we do today will impact the lives of others tomorrow. Let's go build some walls! 

Lord, help us to remember that we need you and each other as we take on the task of building the section of the wall that you've called us to build. In Jesus name, Amen.



 (SRT) = She Reads Truth an online community of women with a heart for God.
 *Pool of Siloam or Shelah= There are also other places in the bible where this pool is significant.

Nehemiah: Just Do It

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Nehemiah 2:9-20

In the first part of Nehemiah Ch 2, we learned the importance of patience and waiting on God’s timing. Today, let’s take a look at Nehemiah’s action steps as he prepares to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was careful not to share what God had given him to do with everyone right away. No one knew what he was up to when he reached Judah. He took some very crucial steps before exposing the plan God had placed in his heart.

1)    Nehemiah was inconspicuous (Neh 2:11-12). He was in Jerusalem 3 days before going out into the night with a few men. He did not draw attention to himself, he remained under the radar. We should hide the things of God in our hearts and wait for His perfect timing, sharing with only a few that are closest to us spiritually.

2)    Nehemiah conducted an inspection (Neh 2:13-15). He needed to see first hand what he was dealing with. He examined the ruined walls and gates. We should examine our motives, check ourselves, and deal with our own brokenness.

3)    Nehemiah then gathers the people of Jerusalem together. He reminded them of the shame and disgrace the ruined Jerusalem brought to their people and their need to rebuild (Neh 2:17).  We should repent, recognize that we are full of shame and disgrace and are ruined without Christ.

4)    Nehemiah told the people about the grace of God and how God’s grace led him to find favor with the king that supported his work. The people responded and agreed to help with re-building. Nehemiah gave them hope. So they began what the bible refers to as “ the good work”. We should embrace God’s forgiveness and grace. Move forward with the call of God on our lives with the people of God willing to help us succeed.

5)    Nehemiah faces and responds rightly to opposition (Neh 2:19-20). Nehemiah and his people were mocked and ridiculed. Tobiah and Sanballat, Nehemiah’s number one enemies led the charge. Just like Nehemiah when we are doing God’s work, the naysayers try to discourage us: “That will never work.” “Are you sure you heard from God?” “This is too much, you are way in over your head.” “You need to pray some more.” “What is that church up to now, what are they talking you into doing?” Let’s respond like Nehemiah: “The God of heaven will give us success. We are His servants and we will rebuild this wall (we will stand on His word). You have no share, no claim, or historic right to it (in other words- leave us alone, this is not your call, not your jurisdiction, not your inheritance, and no one asked you to share in the work to get it done!) We should rely on God when faced with adversity and be confident that He will strengthen us to complete the good work He has called us to do.

Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in your ability to help us succeed in the work you've called us to do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Nehemiah: Patience

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Nehemiah 2:1-8        
   
In Nehemiah 1, we learned that Nehemiah was in great distress over Jerusalem. He mourned for days and fasted, prayed, and confessed. 

Nehemiah was cup bearer to King Artaxerxes. As cup bearer, Nehemiah was responsible for tasting the wine before it was given to the king to ensure it had not been poisoned. Nehemiah had a job that put him in a unique position, he had access to the king. 

Nearly 4 months had passed since hearing of the news before Nehemiah encounters the king in Ch 2. The king senses that something isn't quite right with Nehemiah and asks "Why are you sad?" Now, as cup bearer it was important that Nehemiah have a pleasant demeanor in the presence of the king. But because of his grief, he was unable to pretend to be happy. Although Nehemiah was grieved and afraid, he responded boldly to the king. He realized that God had finally allowed for this moment to come. "May the king live forever!" "Why shouldn't I be sad when my hometown is buried in ruins and its gates destroyed by fire?" The king asks the million dollar question, "What is it that you want?" Nehemiah prayed before answering, "If it pleases you (If I please you), send me to Judah where my ancestors are buried so I can rebuild it." And BOOM...just like that, the king grants Nehemiah's request.  

Nehemiah was an ordinary servant who would do extraordinary things, but he did them by moving with God. Not running ahead but walking beside. Nehemiah's reliance on God is first displayed in this chapter by his willingness to wait. (SRT)

He was willing to wait on God's timing and not take matters in his own hands. Nehemiah waited 4 months before God moved on his behalf. Guess what Nehemiah was doing in the meantime....praying. Nehemiah was a man of prayer. How many times have we become impatience in our waiting? Let's learn to pray while we wait. Let's be resistant in our need to move ahead of God. What ever it is that we are asking God for, let's remember to pray and wait! 

Nehemiah's willingness to pray and wait put him in the very place God had prepared for him in advance. Ephesians 2:10 says,  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

Dear Lord, thank you for your words today. Help us to remember to pray while we wait. In Jesus name. Amen!

Yours Truly~Freedom

Nehemiah: Heart Broken

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Nehemiah 1:1-11

Nehemiah receives word that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates destroyed by fire. The people he loves- his fellow Israelites with whom he and his family go way back- are in great trouble and shame. (SRT)

The people of Israel are God's chosen people and the city of Jerusalem is the chosen city. To know that the walls and gates of the city had been destroyed was an embarrassment to the Jewish people and contrary to everything that God had promised. This once great and powerful nation had been weakened and exiled.

Nehemiah is heart broken. He weeps and mourns for days upon hearing this news. He fasted, prayed, confessed on their behalf. Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites as well as his own. He reminds God of his promise to redeem the Israelites if they are faithful and turn their hearts back towards Him.

Nehemiah responds with a compassionate heart towards his people. Even though he is about 1000 miles away, his heart breaks for the people he loves. Let’s follow Nehemiah’s example and pray for lost and hurting souls.

Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comforts or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see and love them. Move us. Break us. And build us back up for your glory. (SRT)

Yours Truly~Freedom

Getting Started

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My experience as a Christ follower comes with many ups and downs. I've had some "high, highs" and some low, lows". But through it all, I am convinced that God has proven to be faithful time and time again in my life. I have decided to document my handwritten journal entries as an addition to my blog over the next few weeks and months. This is my personal endeavor into the Word of God.

I am a part of an online community (since the summer of 2012) called She Reads Truth (SRT). This community has been a welcomed addition to my life as I dig deeper into God's Word. We have completed a study on the book of Nehemiah. While wrapping up the study with my online group, my church announced that we would be starting a message series called "Change Your World in 52 Days: The Story of Nehemiah". I've learned a lot about Nehemiah. His story has absolutely changed the way I view myself as a follower of Christ. I have gained great knowledge and valuable insight from studying Nehemiah's life. This old testament book and SRT has been my motivation to share my insight about the Word of God and ways it applies to our daily life. 

I will always try my best to give credit where credit is due. Most of what I write will be my very own thoughts, or applications from the bible, or revelation, all of which I hold up against the Word of God for truth and understanding. However, as I study the Word, I have also found helpful insight from other sources. This could range from pastors/church leaders, bible studies, bible commentaries, fellow Christ followers and life itself. Just the basic, ordinary day-to-day grind of life can offer valuable insight into who God is, how He loves, and how He is at work in our lives. 

Lord, today I pray that if what I have to say blesses anyone's life in any way that all glory be given to you. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Yours Truly~Freedom